BMPC Pastor's Column

Our son Owen started his senior year of college just a few weeks ago. When he first left for school four years ago, I was a little worried, as all parents are, that it might take a while for him to find his “people.” So, we gave him the advice that most parents give, encouraging him to go to everything he could during those first few weeks. Accept every invitation to try something out. If they teased a free T-shirt, be there to get one. And for sure, BE at the activity fair in those early days of the fall semester so you can wander among the clubs and groups and see where you might fit.

That first semester, Owen went to the Wooster activity fair and left signed up with an audition to join the college’s tenor/bass a cappella group – Merry Kuween of Skots. Wooster is the “Fighting Scots,” which the name is a play on, and with six different creatively named a cappella groups on campus, I don’t ask questions.

This Sunday at BMPC, we will be hosting our own annual version of a campus activity fair – our Rally Day Ministry Fair in the gym following our 10 a.m. worship service. Every year you hear me encourage you to stop by the tables staffed by volunteers from all of our different and thriving ministry areas to find a new place of connection. And this year is no exception. Just like I have told Owen to be there to find his people, that is my advice for you all as well.

Here are just a few things that you might connect to this Sunday –

Stop by the Music and Fine Arts table and offer yourself as an usher for one of the wonderful concerts scheduled for this next year.

Visit the Children and Family Ministries table to learn more about what it means that members of the church will pray for over 500 children in our congregation this year.

Swing by the Youth Ministry Table to sign up to referee Minute to Win It activities at this December’s Rainbow Reindeer Games.

Pop over to the Caring Ministries Table to get information about making soup that can be taken by staff and Deacons to members during illness or recovery.

Say hello at the Adult Education table and sign up as a volunteer in Converse Library helping with reshelving books in our adult collection.

Spend some time at the Mission table assembling a personal care kit for this winter’s code blue shelter while you hear about our eight different mission committees.

Drop in at the Senior Adult table to learn more about the trips, programs and fellowship opportunities on the calendar for this next program year.

Make you way over to the Congregational Life table to learn more about being in a Connection Group.

This is just a snapshot of the ways that you can find to connect to the mission and ministry of our church in this next year, and by no means exhaustive.

Four years ago, we told Owen to show up, try something new, and trust that somewhere along the way he might find his people. I believe the church works much the same way. God often meets us through one another, in unexpected places and ordinary invitations. So come wander, wonder, and see where God might be calling you to belong.

“Help me, God. I cannot find my shoes, and I’m worried I might be lost, too. But you know where I am. Help me. Amen”

It is a sweet prayer shared with me years and years ago, with a handwritten note that added something like, “If you can find your shoes, feel free to include something else that seems to have gone missing.” Over the years, I have come back to this prayer at different moments, offering it to different people with different kinds of worries. I have smiled when a parent reported a child saying it in relation to a “pet” worm they had left outside the day before. My heart has broken when someone asked if they could substitute “joy” for shoes. The answer, of course, was, “yes.”

Shoes, keys, homework, a water bottle, patience, peace, hope, time…. We all have moments when something seems to have gone missing. Sometimes when those things are missing, our world suddenly feels out of order. When a young child is separated from their parents, I’ll be asked if I know where their parents are, worried that somehow they have been lost. Despite our best attempts to explain where the sanctuary is or to show on a clock when a meeting will be over, they are looking and waiting, still a little worried that either they or their parents have gone missing.

I appreciate the acknowledgment in the prayer that when things feel overwhelming or out of order, it’s easy to feel lost ourselves. There are days when I read through the news and find myself returning to this prayer, worried that the things I hold most dear seem to have evaporated. I sometimes have to say, “I cannot see your justice, I do not see any mercy, I worry that kindness has been lost.” I offer that prayer and have to acknowledge that I also feel adrift when the world seems devoid of those same things.

But repeating the promise “you know where I am” doesn’t try to soothe away the discomfort or the anger or the fear or the hurt; it reminds me that even in a place where I feel lost, God is indeed present, because nothing is lost to God.

So as a new school year begins and keys, lunches, patience, rest, confidence, and a few pairs of shoes seem to go missing, may you be reminded that God is with you, and those missing things can indeed be found again.

An Exciting New Year in Youth Ministry

We’ve had a fantastic summer in BMPC’s youth ministry: a transformative pilgrimage to Taizé, France, and a joy-filled week at the Montreat Summer Youth Conference in the mountains of western North Carolina. Now school is back — or almost back — for all of us. The end of summer is always a little bittersweet, but there’s plenty to be excited about in the year ahead!

First up:

Rita’s! On Wednesday, September 2, at 5:30 p.m., I’m buying Rita’s for any youth in grades 6–12 who want to come celebrate the start of the year. Come meet me at the Rita’s in Bryn Mawr for one last summer treat — and a chance to kick off a great year together.

And there’s even more coming:

We’re expanding our ongoing mission opportunities for young people, because serving others shouldn’t be something we do only for one week each summer. We’ll visit Gemma Services on October 4, November 1, and throughout the year to spend time with vulnerable young people living in Gemma’s residential programs. BMPC youth don’t need to arrive with special skills or a perfect plan. They can simply show up, make friends, and share their gifts through sports, academics, the arts, and — most importantly — their willingness to be themselves.

We’re continuing our gender-based programs for 6th–9th graders, creating space for candid conversations about the messages we receive — especially online — about what it means to be masculine or feminine. Burgers & Root Beers and Matcha & Mahjong are opportunities to have some fun, be ourselves, and talk honestly with caring adults about the pressures young people are navigating. The first gathering is October 5.

Something new on Wednesday nights. Starting September 16, we’re launching a new weekly fellowship program for 4th–7th graders. This is a chance for young people in late elementary and middle school to have fun, learn, grow, and build community together as they make the transition from children’s ministry to youth ministry.

At the same time, Student Serve is getting a new focus for 8th–12th graders. We’ll ask big questions, dig deeper into Scripture and theology, and explore what it means to grow as leaders — not just in the church, but in the world around us.

It’s going to be a great year in youth ministry. Yes, saying goodbye to summer is a bummer. But there’s a lot to look forward to. See you at Rita’s on September 2 — and at all the great things to come!

This month I had the joy of spending a week of continuing education at Ghost Ranch, a former dude ranch, now a Presbyterian conference center about an hour south of Santa Fe. Ghost Ranch is an awe-inspiring location known not just for its Presbyterian history, but as a site of historically significant paleontological discoveries and artistic inspiration. Georgia Okeefe herself lived at the Ranch starting in the 1930s.

The conference itself was incredibly life-giving, and the connections and conversations I made with clergy from a wide range of generations and Christian traditions were refreshing. But the landscape was what really captivated me. I kept taking the same photos over and over again, hoping that maybe the next one would be able to capture the overwhelming beauty of the mountains and surrounding mesa. One evening, a friend and I took the chairs from our guest room out into the middle of a field to stargaze and be overwhelmed by a clear glimpse of the Milky Way.

One of the most famous mountains viewed from Ghost Ranch is Cerro Pedernal, which means “flint mountain.” The architects who thoughtfully designed the main lecture space at Ghost Ranch ensured that there was a clear view of Pedernal behind each of our keynote speakers and preachers. I will confess that mostly while I was listening to the presentations, I was looking at the mountain.

Okeefe herself is said to have painted Pedernal at least 29 times. I wonder if, like me with my iPhone, she kept trying to capture the overwhelming beauty of the mountain that can’t be fully captured in film or in oil.  The quote commonly attributed to Okeefe in reference to Pedernal is, “God told me if I painted it enough, I could have it.”

It is no wonder the Psalmists found both beauty and divinity in the vision of a mountain –
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

My prayer as we near the end of summer is that you too have found a place to experience the beauty of God’s creation—something so remarkable that it defies being captured in a photo. But also, that the summer has offered a time of quiet and retreat, a time of reconnecting with friends old and new, a time to give thanks for the blessings of this life in the midst of its challenges.

May we lift our eyes to God’s glory revealed in the world around us and remember again the One from whom our help comes and our calling to be stewards of God’s beautiful creation. And may we carry that sense of wonder, gratitude, and renewal with us into the season ahead.

“Georgia O’Keeffe – Red Hills with Pedernal, White Clouds [1936]” by Gandalf’s Gallery, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

During a stretch of time marked by vacations and other travels, it’s likely you have lost track of where things stand at BMPC in its process of preparing for a new Senior Pastor. Thus, let me get you up to speed on the latest news.

The Mission Study Task Force has been working diligently. That team of six Bryn Mawr members developed a survey that 494 people completed—an excellent result—and now are busy distilling the information you offered.

Along with some basic demographic details offered about age, length of time as a member, and whether or not one has a child under the age of 18 at home, the survey answers share many terrific insights. Individuals revealed how they are currently participating in church life, what feeds them spiritually, and the traits they most want in the next Senior Pastor. Respondents shared perceptions as to how well BMPC is living out seven facets of ministry and how important those same strengths and values are to the individual completing the survey.

In addition to quantifying those results, the Task Force is working to pull together a description of the congregation’s history and membership trends, financial health, and the communities from which BMPC draws. All of those pieces will comprise the Mission Study that is produced, providing an introduction of the church to candidates and helpful insights for a Pastor Nominating Committee that will seek the right person as your next Senior Pastor.

The Task Force is hoping to present its results to the Session in September. After approval, it will go to the Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Commission on Ministry. That group could endorse our Mission Study within a week’s time. Approval by that regional council also includes permission for the BMPC Nominating Committee to start the process of forming a Pastor Nominating Committee. The PNC could be elected by the congregation this fall.

As an aside, the Nominating Committee is eager now to hear your suggestions for members to consider electing as Deacons, Ruling Elders, and Trustees. It is not yet time to pass on recommendations for the PNC. Once we have received permission from the Commission on Ministry, we will then seek your ideas for that pastoral search team.

Then, on Sunday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m., there will be a gathering led by members of the Mission Study Task Force. In that moment, you can see the document they have prepared. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process and the Mission Study that resulted. That meeting also concludes the work of the task force.

I encourage your continued prayers for that team as they continue to engage in this vital work on your behalf. If you have questions or concerns about this time of transition, please raise them with me. In the meantime, know that like you, I eagerly await the completion of the Mission Study and discovering what it has to say about us as a body of faith.

Last Sunday was an incredible reminder of how many people come together to make Children’s Ministry possible at BMPC. As I watched our students filter out of the sanctuary to head to their summer Sunday school classroom, I knew that they were being met by a loving team of volunteers who were ready to squeeze lemons, answer important questions, and help our students engage in mission in a new way. I also recognized many of you who have been praying for those same students throughout the year, watching as they passed by on their way to their classroom. Out on the front lawn, I watched as you engaged with our students as they asked you for money, taking their request seriously, and honoring their hard work. I also knew that a few years ago, when one of our families was facing a new cancer diagnosis, you were there with meals and offers of support. I saw you greet children by name, having met them during Vacation Bible Camp or when you jumped in as an emergency volunteer one Sunday morning.

Children’s Ministry is a team sport, and we have an incredible team at BMPC! It is not defined by a particular skill set, but by a common calling to encourage and nurture our children as they grow in faith.

As you consider the year ahead, I wonder if you might be interested in joining? Sometimes this ministry area is a little sticky and a little noisy, but it is filled with joy, grace, and hope. There are many different ways you can support children at BMPC—that might be as a regular volunteer or stepping in with an occasional project. You might have time on Sunday morning or be able to give time throughout the week. If you’re interested, look at the options below, fill out our interest form, or simply ask. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Children’s Ministry Volunteer Interest Form:
Supporting Children’s Ministry at BMPC! – Fill out form

Here’s a Description of Different Volunteer Opportunities: 

Sunday Morning Opportunities

• Sunday Morning Greeting (Sundays 9:45-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:15 a.m.)
  Help welcome families to church and assist with Family Fellowship (i.e., you help serve ALL the cookies). Greeters ideally volunteer once a month.
• Sunday Morning Classroom Volunteer (Sundays 9:50-11:00 a.m.)
  Volunteer with a particular classroom as either a lead teacher—presenting the lesson—or as a helper assisting in a classroom. Lead teachers typically volunteer 2-3 times a month and classroom helpers 1-2 times a month.
• Emergency Volunteers (Sundays)
  Occasional colds, unexpected tournaments, or a last-minute flat tire can stop a volunteer. We have a list of emergency volunteers whom we contact in case of an emergency to help fill in when a regular teacher is unavailable.

Special Events and Programs

• Choristers and Junior Choristers (Wednesdays 4:50-6:00 p.m.)
  Sign up to assist with Jr. Choristers (PreK-1st grade) or with choristers (2nd-5th grade) on Wednesday afternoons. Volunteers typically volunteer 2 times a month during the program year.
• 4th-7th Grade Wednesday Fellowship (Wednesdays 6:45-8:00 p.m.)
  Join our 4th-7th graders as they build community, explore faith, and have a blast during a Wednesday night fellowship program. This is a new program; we hope volunteers can join 1-2 times a month.
• Mission Projects (Occasional Throughout the year)
  Often Sunday after church or on Saturdays, we try to provide opportunities
• Special Events Advent Workshop and Live Nativity (Dec. 6th)
  Help families step into the mystery of Advent through special projects, characters, and a few visiting animals!
• Special Events Vacation Bible Camp (June 21-26, 2027)
• Special Events Fellowship Events (throughout the year)
  Help with movie nights, caroling, Quizzo, and more.

Nurturing and Encouraging

• Prayer Partners (throughout the year)
  Pray for a small group of students throughout the year. We are currently looking for an additional 8 prayer partners to ensure that all 527 children on our rolls have someone praying for them throughout the year. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/PrayerPartner2026
• New Life Casseroles and Deliveries (occasionally)
  Help make casseroles and deliver to families welcoming a new child or a family facing an unexpected emergency. We make casseroles quarterly and deliver as needed.

Setting Children and Volunteers Up for Success

• Powell Memorial Library Volunteer
  Help log new books and reshelve our collection of children’s books. You can schedule the best time that works for you.
• Classroom or Event Preparation
  Do you love cutting through lamination? Organizing crayons? Dividing Legos? A team of dedicated volunteers gives their time setting up, prepping, and setting everything in motion for our students to thrive!

It is Tuesday, and I am sitting on the floor of the church in the Taizé community, huddled around an outlet with James and Kat. The choir is practicing across the room; some young people are in small groups; others are in the church, trying – unsuccessfully – to beat the 100-degree heat; and still others are doing who knows what with new friends from all over the world. While riding the train from Paris on Sunday, I texted the group to ask for volunteers to write a reflection for each day of our time in Taizé. Here is some of what they said:

Sunday
Upon our arrival in Paris, we immediately adopted the French culture and prepared a mindset for Taizé. One train and a bus ride away, we arrived in Taizé full of anticipation and excitement. We spent the first few hours familiarizing ourselves, settling in, and meeting new people before going into our first worship. We all had a phenomenal first experience at the church, with new knowledge and curiosity.

Monday
It was so fulfilling to experience the village and everything that comes with it. Being able to participate in the choir for the evening prayer service and learn new songs in new languages I had never heard before is such a cool experience. I also met a bunch of new faces in my small group from countries such as Sweden, Cambodia, and Germany. It is so cool that the village is run on pilgrims just like us who are coming to learn more about themselves and who want to experience Christ in a new and different way.

The community is bound together by the Holy Spirit. I have met friends from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and even a Midwestern American. In our morning Bible study, new perspectives are provided through friends from other countries. We are all here by the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God.

Tuesday
The first few days in Taizé were exactly what I expected. The work is hard but fulfilling for the community, and the food is minimal but enough to get you by. I came on my own for personal reasons, seeking answers to a personal matter. I was able to find what I needed with the help and support of my peers. As I look back, this journey will mean a lot to me and something I will never forget.

Wednesday
Taizé is full of wonder and hope. Today in Taizé, I especially enjoyed being in choir, with its ever-changing variety of music: French, Polish, German, Arabic, Spanish, Latin, etc. It is unlike anything else I’ve experienced, stretching between countries and continents while reaching them as easily as it is for my hand to flip the page to the next song. I went to see the creek and the cows, which were very serene, and it was lovely to find silence for a moment, but also to come back to Taizé’s constant buzz of energy in the center, where people gather for meals. By the end of the night, after evening worship, there was a much later informal song group where people gathered around in the church at night and sang in a circle, and it was a really magical way to end the night with a sense of quiet belonging and knowing even between people with whom I hadn’t exchanged names.

***

Today is Thursday. In a moment, some of us will leave for a cultural exchange (read: we will cheer on the riders in the Tour de France) while others will remain and complete afternoon tasks. When you read this, we will likely be in evening worship in a strange and beautiful space illuminated by candles, contributing our voices to the singing, and listening together for God’s voice in the silence.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers. God is doing amazing things with the young people of this church.

Tomorrow evening, eight high school youth, nine young adults, James Kealey, Kathy La, and I will fly to Paris for the first leg of a pilgrimage. On Saturday, we will see some of the sights of Paris, and then on Sunday, we’ll get on a train, then a bus, and then we’ll take a short walk, all of which will eventually lead us to the community at Taizé.

For most of this century, Taizé has been shorthand for a particular kind of music – repetitive chants, easy to sing, in different languages, that end when the Spirit says so. But since the 1940s, Taizé, the place, the village in rural France, the ecumenical abbey, has been a place of pilgrimage for generations of young people. Since Brother Roger founded the abbey after World War II, young people have flocked from all over the world to find experiences of peace, silence, joy, and companionship in worship and among the community of pilgrims that gathers there. Brother Roger died in 2005, but the community has only grown.

The group met last night over Zoom to do final preparations. Some words about how we’re feeling were excited, nervous, ecstatic, curious, and looking forward to the stories. Keep us in your prayers as we travel and as these young people encounter God in new ways, as they make new friends, as they are challenged by stillness and quiet, and as they reflect on their own vocations and where God is calling them to next.

Watch this space next week for a dispatch from the pilgrims on the trip. I will also bring stories back on July 26 in worship. Thank you for accompanying us with your prayers as we go!