Pastors’ Column

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.

2023 Youth Sunday & Souper Bowl of Caring

The Rev. Leigh DeVries February 9, 2023

This coming Sunday is precious in the church's calendar year – Youth Sunday and the Souper Bowl of Caring! It is the one Sunday a year when our youth lead every part of the service. From ushering to preaching, each part of the service is led by a teenager. This service is one of the ways that Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church communicates its profound value and respect for the young in our congregation, recognizing their ability and potential in worship leadership. We hope you can be here for this special service!

“Just Stop”

The Rev. Brian K. Ballard February 2, 2023

Research indicates that 80 percent of people ditch their New Year’s resolutions by February. The hopes and promises which abounded just a few short weeks ago have dissolved during the first month of the new year.

Teamwork

Jeffrey Brillhart January 25, 2023

This Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2:00 p.m., Laura Ward and I will present a two-piano concert. I first met Laura in 1996 when she served as rehearsal pianist for the Sanctuary Choir’s preparations for Verdi’s “Requiem.” From the first notes she played I felt a strong musical connection! Years later we formed a two-piano team, making our debut concert at BMPC.

The Gift of Church Ministry

The Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet January 19, 2023

This coming Sunday’s Congregational Meeting is called after the 10:00 a.m. worship service for the purpose of acting on changes in the Pastor’s Terms of Call and to elect persons to serve in important leadership roles. The Nominating Committee will put before the congregation names of persons who have agreed to serve as Ruling Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and At-Large Members of the Nominating Committee for the coming year.

Interfaith Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

The Rev Rebecca Kirkpatrick January 10, 2023

For the first time in three years we will be gathering in person for an interfaith celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And for the first time in recent memory, that celebration will take place as a part of a Friday evening Shabbat service hosted by Beth David Congregation in Gladwyne. This allows for an incredibly helpful reminder that the fight for justice and civil rights is, of course, not an exclusively Christian one.

2023: Envisioning a Year of Celebration!

The Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet January 5, 2023

On January 13, 1873, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church was officially organized at a meeting of the Presbytery of Chester. Sixteen members comprised the new congregation, including 13 women and three men. Of course, two of the men were promptly elected as the first elders! Presbyterians had been gathering at Temperance Hall on Lancaster Pike to worship before the official church charter was signed, and they continued worshiping there until arrangements could be made for a more permanent location for the new church. The congregation purchased the current plot of land from the Pennsylvania Railroad in May 1873 for $2,500 and began planning for the construction of the first Sanctuary.

Through the Coming Year

The Rev. Brian Ballard December 27, 2022

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a week of evaluation for me. I look back at the year that has been, celebrating accomplishments, analyzing struggles, assessing what worked well and what did not. I look ahead to the 52 weeks on the horizon, plotting out new hopes and rhythms. It is a week of anticipation and reflection that I look forward to each year.