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Pastors’ Column

photo showing part of a bible.

Each week one of our pastors or staff members writes a column observing what is going on in our congregation, the Church and the world, and offering reflections on the Christian life and faith. Through this series of columns, we hope to connect your and our story to the enduring story of Christ; to offer pastoral reflections on our ongoing congregational life and mission; to report on news of the Presbyterian Church and Church universal; and to invite further reflection and deeper discipleship. We welcome your comments and suggestions. In other words, our words here are an invitation to continue the conversation.

Johnsonburg 2022

The Rev. Leigh DeVries

Some of my favorite memories from my adolescence revolve around summer camp trips with my church’s youth ministry program. I remember sitting around campfires, singing silly songs, learning about Jesus, and getting to know the people I was with in brand new ways. My teen years were punctuated by adventures with other young people to places I’d rarely, if ever, been so I could get to know God, myself, and my neighbor a little better. I pray at some point in your life that you’ve had similar experiences – going somewhere different with people you may or may not love yet and learning to see God in a new way.

Coming to the Rescue

The Rev. Franklyn C. Pottorff

Last Sunday evening a 20-year-old man, carrying a rifle and multiple rounds of ammunition, opened fire indiscriminately inside the Greenwood Park Mall and in 15 seconds killed three people before being stopped. The Greenwood Park Mall is in my wife’s hometown, only six minutes from her childhood home, and only 25 minutes from mine. It is a grand shopping center we have visited countless times.

Staying Afloat with Prayer

The Rev. Brian K. Ballard

I am a beach person. The mixture of sun, sand, and the seashore lifts my spirit and renews my body. It is a balm I reach for every summer, a place I go to replenish myself for the year ahead.

BMPC Summer Carillon Concert Series

Edward Landin Senn

From what I have seen and heard in the news, flying anywhere this summer is a little crazy! There seem to be a lot of rules to help make trips (be they for work or pleasure) a success. Here are just a few examples…

VBC 2022

The Rev. Rachel Pedersen

Last week BMPC welcomed 80 children and over 60 volunteers to a week of learning, serving, and fun at our annual Vacation Bible Camp. If you just drove past on Montgomery Avenue you might have noticed the green fencing marking our games area or maybe an exuberant group of children playing on the front lawn. For me the beauty of camp is found in the details:

Traveling Mercies

Jeffrey Brillhart

After two postponements, 45 BMPC members and friends in the community will finally depart for the Middle East this Sunday afternoon. In several Messenger articles and pastors columns, and in two public forums, I have written and spoken about this pilgrimage. Today, I simply want to provide you with a prayer calendar, a daily scripture reading, and several travelers’ names, so that you might include them in your daily prayers. I also encourage you to explore the tour itinerary which is available online. I also have included links to websites for our choir sponsors and venues within this calendar. 

Johnsonburg Camp Day

The Rev. Leigh DeVries

On Saturday, June 25 the BMPC Youth Ministry will take a group of middle schoolers to Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center. We'll have a day of fun, fellowship and play while giving our younger Youth members a taste of BMPC Youth Camp. This summer, BMPC Youth Camp is happening from July 31 to August 5, and we can't wait to take our middle schoolers and high schoolers to Johnsonburg again!