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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.

Celebrating Brian K. Ballard’s Ordination

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

Whenever we celebrate the Ordination and Installation of elders, deacons or pastors, we are called to give answers to the constitutional questions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). These questions begin by asking affirmations of faith about trusting Jesus Christ and believing in God as revealed in the three persons of the Trinity. They cover accepting the Scriptures as authoritative, the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as our guide, and if we will abide by the governance of our denomination.

Making Promises

The Rev. Rachel Pedersen

Do we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ promise to guide and nurture them by word and deed, with love and prayer, encouraging them to know and to follow Christ and to be a faithful member of Christ’s church?

All Families Blessed

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

All the families of the earth shall be blessed…

During this summer, our extended family celebrated the birth of my three great-nephews. Adding up to 12 little cousins in that generation, our son James quipped, “The Norfleet clan is growing exponentially!” What brings me great joy is this new generation also adds beautiful diversity to the Norfleet family tree.

The Slow Work of God

Leigh DeVries

There are some days I wake up, drink my morning coffee, and I am rip-raring-ready for the day — ready to take on the world!

Renovations Underway

The Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick

About three years into serving at my previous congregation in Indiana, the church started a major renovation. Its goals were similar to the goals we have for our renovations at BMPC:

  • Better accessibility for all members of the church.
  • Better gathering and fellowship spaces so the WHOLE church could be together.
  • Improved classrooms and meeting rooms for children and adults.
  • New entrances that truly communicated a warm welcome to the larger community.

The Rev. Crawford Brubaker

The Rev. Crawford Brubaker

The Rev. Crawford Brubaker has long been a “PK,” a pastor’s kid. The son of former BMPC associate pastor, the Rev. Pattie Kitchen, he first came to our church as a 10 year old in 1993. Along with his younger siblings, Ben and Elizabeth, he spent the next 12 years immersed in the busy life of our congregation.

M. Courtenay Willcox

M. Coutenay Willcox

M. Courtenay Willcox lives out her life's priorities of family, faith and environmental concerns in her activities and involvements. A recent graduate of United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, she received a Master of Divinity degree in May. As a cradle Presbyterian, Courtenay is a former Moderator of the Presbytery of Philadelphia and served on the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry. She has preached in more than 30 local congregations as a Commisioned Ruling Elder in this Presbytery.