Heading to Babylon

A few weeks ago, I was enthusiastically sharing information about our upcoming VBC (June 22-26).  I was deep into the daily reflection questions, plans for decorating, and the eternal question about snacks, when my friend interrupted me.

“Wait, did I hear you correctly? You’re taking the students to Babylon? Isn’t Babylon supposed to be bad!?!”

Indeed, from their rise as a neighboring empire to their eventual conquest of the land to their New Testament role as a stand-in for everything bad and ominous, Babylon was often shown as counter to what God wanted.  Babylon was the anti-Jerusalem; it was not a place you wanted to go, and going there was dangerous.  And yet, God’s people spent a generation in Babylon.  It was there that the prophet Jeremiah told them to plant gardens and pray for the peace of the city.  It was there that Isaiah had his visions of a desert and a people restored.  It was in Babylon that young people taken into exile found a place to practice their faith.

This year, we are going to Babylon.  Not because it is easy, or because it will be fun to build some replica Ishtar Gates, but because we want every child to know that God is with them. Through the story of Daniel and his friends, we will help children understand that God is with them when they go to new places (willingly or not). God stands with them when they face dangers like Shadrach, Misrach, and Abednego. God stays through the night when you are alone and surrounded by lions like Daniel.  And God is there when you step up to lead in new ways.

We are ready to welcome 150 children into our church to explore and experience God’s close and loving presence.  If you would like to join us, we are looking for volunteers who can help the week of (June 22-26), but also in the weeks leading up to prepping projects, praying for students, and helping to transform the church into an ancient city.

You can sign up here to volunteer.

P.S. You don’t even need to read cuneiform!

For the Beauty of the Earth, Sing, Oh Sing Today.

On April 22, 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin and youth activist Dennis Hayes held the first ‘Earth Day,’ inspiring over 20 million Americans to educate themselves on the harms of pollution and the need to protect the environment. From these grassroots(!) efforts, Earth Day has spread globally, as we continue to learn the best ways to protect the planet entrusted to our care. We might also think of the Earth as a living being, one in constant conversation with its inhabitants; we might even call her Mother Earth, or “Gaia.” 

In the 1980s, the Dean of The Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC, held a series of talks on ecology, faith, and the environment – often with a call to action or finding collective efforts to ease the crisis of climate change. Through a series of “Artists-in-Residence” programs, Paul Winter, a saxophonist, and his band were given a platform for creating sacred and secular events in the Cathedral. Partnering with the Organist of the Cathedral, Paul Halley, a fruitful friendship and future collaboration was born, and, at the request of the Dean, the work “Missa Gaia” came into being. For the Church (with a capital C), Masses have formed part of the worship of Christianity for centuries, and throughout that time, the musical material on which a Mass is based has changed; from plainchant to popular songs of the time, to… whale and wolf noises (in this case!). “Missa Gaia” is an incredible work; it pays homage to Mother Earth and all creatures who inhabit it through the blurring of sacred and secular lines. 

I invite you to attend various events this Sunday, April 19, as we honor and celebrate the Earth: 

8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Worship Services will focus on Earth Day.

11:15 a.m. Adult Ed Class in Fullerton Room (led by me) will explore the spiritual and thematic threads found in this seminal musical work.

3:00 p.m. Meet and Greet in the Court with creatures and animals from our watershed, in partnership with Riverbend.

4:00 p.m. Concert in the Sanctuary featuring this work, and others with jazz orchestra and video projections.

5:30 p.m. Reception in the Court, where you can enjoy the current incredible Gallery Exhibit, “Gaia: In Reverence to Earth,” including inspiring works of five local artists. 

I hope you’ll consider joining us this weekend and leave inspired to further our shared work of caring for this planet, so generations upon generations can enjoy the riches contained within. 

Bring Your Questions!

There is much that I admire about life at BMPC: its vibrant worship and mission efforts, stellar educational opportunities for all ages, and a willingness to tackle the most challenging issues of the day, special times of fellowship, faithful officers, a beautiful campus, and an incredible staff. Each of those aspects of our shared life is visible and a source of pride for you and a cause of joy for me as your Interim Senior Pastor.  

Behind all of those realities is another dynamic that isn’t as obvious, but essential even so: the financial health of this church. The Bryn Mawr church is blessed by the generosity of believers from the present and past, along with the faithful stewardship of those gifts by BMPC members and staff. As a team, they work diligently year-round to manage and draw from those resources in well-considered ways that undergird our diverse ministries. It is a complex system that, even with my full-time presence on campus and undergraduate degree in Economics, has taken time to understand. I suspect the same is true for many of you as well.    

As part of the class I led in February to learn about this church, the suggestion was made for a time when the congregation could come together and ask their questions about the financial life of BMPC. Sunday, April 12, at 11:15 is an opportunity to do just that. 

Gathering in Congregational Hall, I will facilitate a time where you can inquire about anything regarding the financial life of BMPC. What is our church’s total operating budget, and how is it allocated? How is the budget set and funded? What are the latest stewardship numbers for 2026 and trends of giving in this congregation? What is the current value of the BMPC Foundation, and what amount from it is used to support the church budget? Given such deep resources, are the gifts of current members to fund the ministries here really needed?

At the meeting, such questions and more will be fielded by individuals who are directly involved with the finances of our church. If there are any questions that stump that team, such queries will be researched afterward with our Director of Finance, Sarah Miciek, and an answer will be provided soon thereafter. On that morning, we will also have paper copies of the 2025 Annual Report available for you. In addition to summaries of the church’s finances, its pages include accounts of our diverse ministries, membership statistics, and much more.

I hope you can join us for this informative and transparent look at the finances of our church. If you are unable to be present that morning, pass on your questions to me, and I will have someone who knows the answer get in touch with you.

 In the meantime, and beyond, know of my ongoing gratitude to God for the privilege of serving you in this time of preparing the landscape for your next Senior Pastor. May the joy of Easter continue to shape your heart and home and this body of believers.

An Observation of the Triduum

In these final days before we witness the Resurrection, perhaps we enter the most traumatic part of the church year. From the betrayal of Maundy Thursday to the terror and heartache of Good Friday, to the joyful feast on Sunday morning, I invite you, as much as you are able, to sit with Christ in these three days. The Triduum (translated as “three days”) is not an easy thing to endure in the moment, though two millennia later, we’re fortunate to see how it ends. 

This Good Friday, I invite you to a special service in the Sanctuary at 7:30 p.m., where a service of Worship will be presented, featuring Arvo Pärt’s haunting Passio, sung by the Chamber Singers, accompanied by a small chamber orchestra. Composed in 1982, this seventy-minute work recounts the Gospel of John (chapters 18 and 19), sung in Latin, and employs a particularly unique style of composition. Tintinnabuli was first ‘invented’ in the late 1970s by Pärt himself, and this work, Passio, uses it to its greatest extent. In essence, two vocal lines work together; one by stepwise motion, the other by small or large leaps. The resulting effect is both dissonant and consonant. Beyond this, rhythm and orchestration are treated carefully throughout, creating an almost trance–like quality to the work. 

Pärt choral scoring for this work is interesting, too; Jesus (sung by a bass) and Pilate (sung by a tenor) sing solos throughout the piece, while a quartet narrates the story (the Evangelist Chorus), in addition to the “Coro,” the “Crowd Choruses” punctuating the story with short outbursts throughout.  

What is our role here? I believe our role is to sit, listen, observe, wait, and watch. This powerful work speaks to the heart of our Christian life in a profound way, heightening the pain and anguish of the day ahead, all while preparing for the resplendence on Easter morn. 

Hearing the Story Again

A few years ago, I was working on a resource to help students visualize the gospels in new ways. In a moment of weakness, I started to categorize how many verses each of the Gospel accounts dedicate to different parts of Jesus’ story: 24% on teaching, 10% spent on parables, 11% on healing stories, 3% calling disciples, 4% on resurrection stories, and 5% on “other.” While I was intrigued to learn that more than 1% is dedicated to Jesus foretelling his death, I was struck by the fact that 30% of the Gospel’s witness focus on the events of Holy Week—more than any other section of scripture. Scholars estimate that Jesus spent around 3 years in active ministry, by time alone, Holy Week represents less than 1% of Jesus’ ministry. Or to be more accurate, .64% of his ministry becomes the central narrative of our faith and one of only a few stories we return to each and every year.

When I start a Bible story, there is a moment, just a few words in, when a child will squint and give me a wary look asking, “Haven’t you told this story before?” or declares, “I’ve heard this story already.” There’s an implied question, wondering if, indeed, this story is worth a repeat; if it’s worth their time and attention. I was taught long ago, to answer the question, with a shrug “I don’t know, maybe you’ll hear it in a new way.” Some of our students accept this challenge, while others continue skeptical. When I gave this challenge a few weeks ago, a student conspiratorially told their neighbor, “It’s probably another story about God’s love.” Indeed this old story that takes up so much of the Gospels, is the story of God’s love. But can we hear it in a new way? Can it speak to us this year? Can we hold it with the same care that made the Gospel writers spend 1 out of every 3 words trying to capture these seven days?

Maybe you have an answer to those questions. Maybe you’re looking for one. Maybe you know which part of the story will speak to you this year. Or maybe you’re ready to be surprised by the possibilities. Will it be the bright green palm fronds waving, or music giving voice to ancient words, or times of prayer, or the sign of bread breaking, or the solemnity of a cross on Friday at noon, or the cool of an early morning or the blast of brass and the bright white of an easter Lilly? I wonder How will you hear the story this year? I wonder how God will speak in new ways through ancient words? I wonder how you will see the story of God’s love poured out?

As you prepare for Holy Week, the 1st and 2nd graders are excited to share their work. Panels will be hanging in the atrium. Each panel tells one story from Holy Week. The projects are cooperative and process driven—look for the explanations to accompany each image.

A Message from Mr. Rogers

On my PC(USA) calendar, Friday of this week is noted as Mr. Rogers Day. I’m not sure how widespread such an observance is, but it got me thinking about him even so. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood began airing when I was in fourth grade, and it stopped before our children were old enough to watch, so I don’t have firsthand memories of the program that many of you do. I’m of the generation that might think first of Eddie Murphy’s parody on Saturday Night Live, known as “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood.” Yet the more I have learned about Mr. Rogers, the more I come to appreciate the person behind the TV show.

Some of you might recall that Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister. I once read that a regret he had was not keeping up with the original Biblical languages. While the same fading of skills is true for me, I don’t share his sense of remorse! Others will remember his oft-repeated counsel that whenever there is tragedy, to look for the helpers; those individuals who step in to assist. Both quotes tell us important things about the man.

A few years ago, a journalist named Tim Madigan was assigned the task of writing about Fred Rogers. Madigan recalls thinking it would simply be a fluff piece about a TV personality. What emerged, though, was a wonderful friendship that endured until Rogers’ death in 2003. Madigan wrote a book about the experience, describing, among other things, how Rogers helped the journalist repair his marriage and reclaim a life of faith. Each of the letters Fred wrote to him ended with the letters IPOY, which stood for “I’m proud of you.”

In one chapter, he shares a handwritten note from Rogers after Madigan received the Knight Rider Batten medal for excellence and humanity in journalism.

“That speech of yours,” Fred said, “is so eloquent, so human. I’m exceedingly impressed and moved. What I wrote down as I listened was ‘We’re journalists, not stenographers. We have a duty to let our outrage show through when we come across injustice. We need to let our compassion show through for other people’s suffering, and we need to let our awe show through at the glory of life. We have as much responsibility to celebrate life and the goodness of it as we do to root out evil.’ All I could think of as I heard you speak those truly magnificent sentences was, ‘That sounds like a 20thCentury Jesus talking.’” (Madigan, Tim. I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers).

 As we wind down our observance of Lent, I pass on that comment from Reverend Rogers, or Mr. Rogers, or Fred, to you. Adding that it sounds like a good description to me of our calling as 21st-century disciples of Jesus Christ, too.

Reflections on an installation (and register for Montreat, please)

When this date for the pastor’s column first came up, I wanted to write about why youth should register for the Montreat Summer Youth Conference, the deadline for which is this Sunday. And they should do that! But I’m calling an audible. Melanie Hardison is being installed this Sunday at 4:00 p.m., and I want to tell you what it means to be installed as a pastor from my perspective as the last person to be installed as a pastor at BMPC.

From one perspective, the installation of a pastor is a bit of administrivia, the fulfilling of all righteousness with our partners in the Presbytery of Philadelphia. And sure, that’s true. There is nothing innate that changes as a result of a pastoral installation – my work with youth wasn’t different before and after my installation. It formalizes a thing that’s already true and, in that way, it’s easy to dismiss.

But I do think there is something special that happens at these services. At my installation in September, my dear friends Vincent Kolb and John Francis came to preach and to sing. They got to meet you all, and you all got to meet them. The installation commission was made up of diverse people from the Presbytery, from my own vocational life, and from this congregation. This mashup of places, spaces, and times led to a sense that we were really finally getting to know each other. The initial awkwardness of mixed company gave way to small-world moments, personality insights, and a-ha realizations about why we are the way we are and why we are such a good match for each other.

Don’t go to Melanie’s installation service this Sunday because you think something magical will happen or because you think you should. Go because it will help you see who she is and how she will be your Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. Go because you’ll see how connected we are and how small the world is. Go to see what makes this such a remarkable community.

Also, youth, please register for Montreat by Sunday. Pretty please!

Hope Amidst Grief

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). All of us carry heavy burdens from time to time. Even though we feel these burdens internally, we are not meant to carry them alone.

This year’s Caring Ministries Spring Symposium, this Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, explores how grief shapes our inner lives, our relationships, and our shared world. In addition to viewing the documentary Voices of Grief as a group, a panel of clinicians and faith leaders will explore various types of grief: personal, societal, ambiguous, and anticipatory. Panelists include:

Emilee Duckworth, MSW, LCSW, has a private therapy practice in West Chester specializing in grief and loss, chronic pain and illnesses, anxiety, and life transitions
Carla Levins, LCSW, FT, serves as a bereavement specialist and therapist with both children and adults at Peter’s Place in Radnor
Rev. Beth Toler, Th.D., M.Div., LMFT, an ordained Baptist minister, has a private practice and serves in our Middleton Counseling Center
Rev. Melanie Hardison, M.Div., MAMFT, serves as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at BMPC

Following the panel, there will be a chance to gather in small groups, with the panelists rotating among the groups. We will conclude at 12:00 noon with a group blessing.

For those who need a break or a quiet place to process at any point in the morning, space will be set aside in the Converse House Parlor. Additionally, the BMPC Chapel will be available for prayer and reflection after the Symposium and throughout the season of Lent.

Our Caring Ministries team looks forward to shining a light of hope on the universal experience of loss and grief. Registration is encouraged, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Lent is an Adventure 

I remember early in my ministry sharing the story of Jesus in the Wilderness. We looked through famous paintings of Jesus in the wilderness, and several of the students seemed surprised by the doleful expression and crouching Jesus. “Shouldn’t he be exploring?”

In their mind, the idea of spending 40 days in the wilderness was an invitation to climb rocks, chase lizards, find hidden water sources, build forts, and more. They heard the 40 days as an adventure.  That response has stayed with me. What if, in between debates with the devil, Jesus was practicing his bouldering skills on some of the rocks or sketching out a giant pattern in the sand? What if Jesus spent just a few of those 960 hours imagining the Israelites crossing the same space on their way to the promised land or praying by stacking one stone on top of the other?

This year in children’s ministry, we are inviting our families to explore their faith during Lent: to run through the wilderness, to search for God in surprising places, to practice and build new skills. We invite you to join us on this adventure. All of our children have received Lenten Passports filled with ideas and activities for families to complete together. You can learn more about our passports by watching our How to Use Your Lenten Passport video. If you’re looking for a few Lenten Adventures of your own, consider one of the following:

  • Pack meals for neighbors on Saturday, March 14
  • Join a Sunday morning class
There are just 768 hours left!  Happy exploring!

Fruits of Silence

As an undergraduate in London, I was required to attend several performances each semester that I was not a part of. It could be the musical theatre ensemble on campus putting on a new production, or it could be the London Symphony Orchestra premiering a new symphonic work. In any case, I was always inspired by hearing and seeing the flourishing of music from peers to professionals. From unfamiliar repertoire, or a different interpretation, to new styles of singing and playing, there was always much to learn and much to admire. 

We here at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church are fortunate to welcome the Westminster Symphonic Choir to our Sanctuary on Sunday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m., as they present a program entitled “Fruits of Silence,” conducted by the Grammy award-winning conductor, Donald Nally. The program of “father and mother” pieces will include works by the famed French twentieth-century composer, Maurice Duruflé; music by Igor Stravinsky, one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music; the prolific living Latvian composer, Pēteris Vasks; Johannes Brahms, whose Requiem the Sanctuary Choir sang just a couple of years back, alongside contemporary works.  

Come and be inspired by this elite group of students, as they take on incredible repertoire, both old and new, ringing out in the vastness of our Sanctuary.