Month: January 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I come to the close of my time among you, my heart is filled with gratitude—gratitude for the 43 years we have shared, for the faith we have practiced together, and for the countless moments of grace that have shaped my ministry and my life.

It has been one of the great privileges of my calling to walk with you through seasons of joy and sorrow, growth and challenge, celebration and quiet faithfulness. Together we have prayed, sung, mourned, rejoiced, learned, and served. In doing so, you have taught me more about God’s love, patience, humor, and hope than I could ever express.

I am deeply thankful for your trust, your kindness, and your generosity of spirit. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives, for allowing me to serve you, and for forgiving me when I fell short. I leave enriched by your stories, strengthened by your faith, and forever changed by our shared journey.

As I step into retirement, I do so with confidence in the future of this congregation. I am incredibly grateful to my amazing colleagues in the Music and Fine Arts Program — James Kealey, who will take over the reins; Tori Fisher, who is one of the most gifted people I have ever worked with; and Daniel Carroll, my brilliant student and organ scholar. I am grateful to the entire church staff — our amazing pastors, support staff, and facilities crew. With this remarkable team, God’s work at BMPC continues, and with their leadership, I know you will move forward with courage, compassion, and ever-deepening faith.

Please know that I carry you with me—in prayer, in memory, and in deep affection. Though my role is changing, my gratitude and love for you remain.

May God bless you and keep you, now and always.

Jeffrey Brillhart

If I asked ten people for their favorite part of the Advent and Christmas season, no doubt I’d receive ten different replies. Likewise, if I asked those same people the same question next year, I might even get a different response from the same person. Therein lies the beauty of the season; the same story is told each year anew. It perpetually feels alive, fresh, and just as exciting as it did last year.  

I wonder what the memorable part of this year, from the mystery of Advent to the glow of Christmas Eve, was for you? Perhaps it was seeing a child experience the magic of the story during Wee Christmas, or maybe it was hearing a retelling of the story at the Christmas Concert or the return of Nine Lessons & Carols. Could it have been in the quiet stillness of the Service of the Longest Night, or whilst eating too many cookies at Carols & Cocoa?  You might have found it during the inspiring sermons and meditations offered, or maybe it was during a regular meeting or group gathering. Was it during Silent Night, bathed in candlelight on Christmas Eve, in a full Sanctuary adorned with the most wonderful garland, wreaths, poinsettias, and trees?  

Steeped in mystery, wonder, and awe, I witnessed profound moments of hope, peace, joy, and love during my first Advent and Christmas season at BMPC. I was fortunate to see the people of this church come together, united in love for this church, its people, and the message to the world outside – proclaiming the news of Christ’s birth. May we, in 2026 and beyond, continue to be so bold and spirit-filled, and, in the midst of the world around us, remain ever faithful to this most Holy story. What moments will be with you next Christmas? I can’t wait to find out.