The
Pastors’ Message
Advent is a season of transitions: the start of a new liturgical year, the end of the calendar year, the anticipation of new life being born among us, and the expectation of the promises of God being glimpsed in the world.
This year is also a particular season of transition for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, as we celebrate and say goodbye to the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet and look with expectation to the coming of a new Interim Senior Pastor and Head of Staff in the weeks ahead.
In this moment of transition, we continue to be the church together, and as Associate Pastors for this congregation the season of Advent and Christmas is one filled with deep meaning.
Andy: Life in a congregation is to know one another well, but in a very particular context. I love the Advent and Christmas season in a congregation because it’s a chance to see one another slightly out of our usual element. Extended family in town, cozier sweaters, cheeriness and melancholy in equal measure: it all adds beautiful texture to the community and helps us see anew just how profound Jesus’ incarnation among us truly is.
Melanie: My favorite part of Advent is remembering the story together—that God’s love for the world is so great that God came to earth in human form to live and breathe and walk as one of us. I love that as a church, we celebrate with scripture and storytelling, music and memories, pageants and prayers. Although it can be a difficult time of year, too, if we can open our hearts and minds, we remember that new life springs forth in even the most difficult times.
Rachel: December is jam packed! There are concerts, special parties, gifts to purchase, and decorations to hang. It almost feels like a marathon as we sprint towards Christmas. Amid all that busyness, I am struck every year by the small holy moments that can be found. The deep breath as a candle is lit, the extra snuggles when a favorite book is pulled out to be read again, the pause when the last ornament is added to the tree, the group singalong when a favorite carol plays for the first time, the tear that comes reading a Christmas letter from a friend after a difficult year. Those moments are sacred surprises that remind me how holy and perfect the season is.
Rebecca: Christmas Eve is my very favorite day in the entire year to be a pastor. From whispering with sheep and their shepherds in the Chancel at the 4:30 p.m. service, to celebrating at the table at 8:30 p.m., to a return to our beloved 11:00 p.m. candlelit Lessons and Carols service, where I have to pinch myself to stay awake, it is a privilege to be a part of the beauty and intimacy of that night for a community of faith.
We know that each of you has your own favorite part of this holy season, and we look forward to celebrating it together with you this year!
Our New Parish Nurse
Colleeen Catania
Colleen has an MSN with experience in pediatric critical care and hospital operations. She is passionate about holistic health, fostering community, and using her clinical expertise to promote wellness through education and preventive care. Over the past 10 years, she has led various support groups and health initiatives in the community, reflecting her commitment to whole-person care beyond the clinical setting.
Outside of her role as Parish Nurse, Colleen enjoys spending time with her family – husband, John, and their daughters, Annie and Josephine, with baby number three arriving this December.
She also currently leads Fit4Mom, a local community that empowers moms to stay active and connected while including their children—modeling healthy living for the whole family from the very start.
Colleen remains deeply committed to serving our senior population with compassion and care, while also expanding her work to support young families— bridging generations through health, faith, and connection.
Explore Our Newly Redesigned Website!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website at www.bmpc.org ! The new site features a fresh look, improved navigation, and easier access to the latest news, events, and resources from our community. Whether you’re looking to stay connected, explore upcoming programs, or learn more about our mission, we invite you to visit and see what’s new!
Scan to see the website!
New Parish Nurse
With Gratitude to Agnes
Celebrating 13 Years of Faith, Friendship, and Ministry Together
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your gracious celebration of my retirement: the tributes, the lovely reception, the generous love offering, and many personal notes and expressions of gratitude. Larry and I feel so blessed to have been called to serve this wonderful congregation, to know and love you, and to have shared these last 13 years together. Deeply grateful for our time in Bryn Mawr, we step into our next chapter with joyful memories of our shared ministry.
Grace and Peace,
Our Church is Growing
BMPC Welcomes 30 New Members & 15 Children
#1
Stephanie & Charles Moleski; missing from photo is their son Luke
#2
Heather Duncan
#3
Ray & Terry Posey
#4
Jane & Todd Shissler with their daughter Chloe; missing is their other daughter Whitney
#5
Ann Wilson & Ike Jones
#6
Richard Ehelebe
#7
Johncarlo & Emily Pecorari with their son
Henry
#8
Elizabeth & Timothy Hoyt with their children Harrison & Juliette
#9
Devon Torchiana
#10
Steven Liu & Esther Chang
#11
Barbara Caldwell (member) & Andrew Stanhope
#12
Doug & Jen Boyd with their son Owen
#13
Dan & Ann (member) Maskarinec with their children Josie, Adeline & Clara
#14
Charles & Rebecca Everett with their children Colin, Lydia, & Felicity
Missing from photos: Kristen Hayden Torrisi
Joan Holmes
Madison & Steven Mathews with their son Luca
Audrey Wilson
Let’s extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our BMPC family! We’re grateful you’ve joined our community of faith and look forward to growing, worshiping, and serving together.
A Voice That Connects
Lawana Scales on Faith, Music, & Inclusion
When Lawana Scales first walked through the doors of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in 2010, she knew almost immediately she had found something special. “It just felt right,” she recalls. “The music was great, the format of the service and the ministry were lovely, and it felt welcoming.”
Before arriving at BMPC, Lawana had spent three decades at another congregation that eventually dwindled from 500 members to just a handful. As the community dispersed, she began looking for a new church that reflected both her faith and her love of music. “I visited a few places,” she says, “but when I came here, people came up to me, said hello and welcome. I thought, ‘This really feels right.’ And so, I ended up joining.”
Music has always been central to Lawana’s life. A gifted vocalist since childhood, she began competing in singing competitions at age six and eventually performed alongside legendary artists such as Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, and Paul Anka. “It was exhilarating,” she says. “Singing at that level is like being on a roller coaster—you just hold on and enjoy it.” Her stories include performing at the Spectrum, the Meadowlands, and the Academy of Music—and once mistaking a young Celine Dion for an intern before sharing a stage with her years later.
At BMPC, Lawana found a musical home in the Sanctuary Choir, where she has sung for nearly fifteen
years under the direction of Jeffrey Brillhart. “Music brings people together,” she reflects. “It transcends everything.” Her favorite choral works include Missa Gaia and To Be Certain of the Dawn, pieces she describes as deeply spiritual and transformative. Beyond the choir loft, Lawana has traveled with the choir on tours to Germany, the American South, and the Middle East—each trip filled with meaningful moments. “Petra was unforgettable,” she says of the group’s visit to Jordan. “We met a tour guide who shared personal stories. It gave us a whole other perspective.” In New Orleans, she recalls singing a solo at the Musicians’ Village, a community built for artists after Hurricane Katrina. “That was very special.”
Lawana also serves on BMPC’s Music and Fine Arts Council and the Anti-Racism Committee, drawing on her professional experience as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging educator for Child Guidance Resource Center and NBC. “There’s a lot of interest, which is very good. People are open to learning more about being inclusive,” she says.
For new members, she offers this encouragement: “There’s something for everyone here. Look at what is available and think about what your interests are, and then just go out and seek what you want to do… and learn. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved and feel welcome.”
Rally Day Recap
We Kicked the Season Off Right!
On Sunday, September 7, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church welcomed hundreds of members back for the start of a new program year at our annual Rally Day. The morning was filled with energy, excitement, and the promise of a year of growth, learning, and fellowship.
Each ministry area was eager to share what members could look forward to this year—new classes, study and fellowship groups, social events, symposiums, special worship
services, concerts, exhibits, and so much more. With offerings for all ages, there was truly something for everyone.
Attendees enjoyed exploring the Ministry Fair, sampling nacho boats and delectable desserts, and watching children delight in face painting, balloon art, and lively clown entertainment. Members also had the chance to update their information in preparation for the upcoming online church directory
and to sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Liz Ellis, Director of Engagement, and to the Congregational Life Council whose thoughtful planning ensured a delicious menu and smooth kitchen operations. Rally Day was a beautiful reminder of the vibrancy, generosity, and shared spirit that make our church community so special.
Rainbow Reindeer Games
Sunday, December 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Gymnasium & Front Lawn
Get ready to sleigh! Middle and high school youth (grades 6–12) are invited to an epic morning of festive fun at our annual Rainbow Reindeer Games. Come hungry for pizza, ready for laughter, and dressed for messy indoor and outdoor play. Bring a friend—or two—and join the holiday mayhem. It’s the most fun you’ll have this side of the North Pole!
Register to attend at bit.ly/RainbowRG2025
Contact MaryRichards@bmpc.org for more information.
Scan to register!
Youth & Young Adult Pilgrimage to Taizé
Saturday, July 10 – Monday, July 20 | Taizé, France
Experience a journey of faith, community, and reflection in the heart of France. Current youth (ages 15 and older) and young adults (ages 20–30) are invited to join this transformative Pilgrimage to Taizé, where thousands gather each summer for prayer, song, and connection across cultures.
Discover the beauty of simplicity, deepen your spirituality, and form lasting friendships on this unforgettable adventure. Register by Wednesday, December 31.
Youth: bit.ly/YouthTaize2026
Young Adults: bit.ly/YoungAdultTaize
Contact AndyGreenhow@bmpc.org for more information.
Scan to register!
A Joyful Installation for the Rev. Andy Greenhow
On Saturday, September 21, the Chapel was filled with members, friends, and family who gathered to celebrate the installation of the Rev. Andy Greenhow as Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families. The service marked a joyful milestone in both Andy’s ministry and the life of the congregation.
The Rev. Dr. Vincent Kolb, honorably retired, and a longtime friend of Andy’s from their shared years in Pittsburgh, preached a sermon entitled “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” Reflecting on vocation and the call to ministry in times of urgent need, Vincent’s message struck a personal chord with Andy. “Vincent’s preaching always surprises me,” Andy said. “What started as a sermon about vocation became an embodiment of his own: to share the fire that was shut up in his bones as the grandson of undocumented immigrants.”
Music played a significant role in the service. Ross Bellenoit and the Rev. John Francis O’Mara, friends of Andy’s from Broad Street Ministry, sang Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will,” accompanied by James Kealey on the chapel organ. “The interplay of John Francis’ guitar and James Kealey on the chapel organ was extraordinary,” Andy noted. “I was so grateful for James’ vision and willingness to try something new.” Kat La and James also led a Taizé song in anticipation of the youth and young adult pilgrimage to Taizé in 2026.
The youth of the congregation were well-represented in leadership. Lowell Hoffman offered the Assurance of Pardon. Lindsay Collett delivered a memorable Charge to the Newly Installed, using the “Ten Steps to Ensure a Good Time at an Amusement Park” as a creative framework for guiding Andy in his ministry. Her charge balanced humor with insight, highlighting the joy, adventure, and responsibility of serving a faith community. Peter McConnell charged the congregation to walk with youth as they wrestle with big questions. “It was extraordinary to see our youth – Lindsay, Peter, and
Lowell– leading the people in worship, and I was so impressed with them. Their leadership confirmed my strong belief that I’m pretty lucky to be their pastor!”
Reflecting on the day, Andy said, “I have always loved mixed company and seeing all these people from various places in my vocation journey was a dream come true.” He added, “An installation is an opportunity to see what the Holy Ghost is doing. The congregation, the individual, and the Presbytery all gather to rejoice that they are seeing the same thing by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Andy also expressed gratitude to BMPC’s leadership: “I’m delighted the APNC was willing to consider my candidacy from the interim position, and I’m looking forward to a long and fruitful ministry among the young people of this church and their families.”
The installation service was a powerful affirmation of Andy’s call and a vibrant reminder of BMPC’s ongoing commitment to nurture faith at every age and stage of life.
Upcoming Date
January 11
The Weekday School Expands!
Now Educating Children from Two Years Through PreK
We are excited to announce that the Weekday School has received its provisional license from the state, a significant milestone that allows us to expand our mission and welcome to younger learners.
With this license in hand, we opened the doors to our newest classroom: the Acorn Class, designed especially for young 2 year olds. We are thrilled to welcome 11 bright, curious children as our very first Acorns class, along with three dedicated teachers who are already creating a space filled with warmth, wonder, and discovery.
This was a team effort with the faculty and staff working together to meet requirements, but also to imagine how our school can best serve our community and the students in our care. We cannot wait to see how our Acorns will grow.
The Weekday School is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year! Families are invited to apply online at bmpc.org/WeekdaySchool or contact our Director, Liz Gullotti, at weekdayschool@bmpc.org. We would love to welcome you into our community, where children learn, grow, and thrive every day.
CALENDAR
Advent & Christmas
Check out all we have to offer this Advent and Christmas season
AGM Opening Market
11:15 a.m., Congregational Hall
Second Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m., Chapel
10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
Thanksgiving Pancake
Breakfast
8:30 a.m., Congregational Hall
Prologue to Epilogue: Class
11:15 a.m., Congregational Hall more info. on pg. 13
Advent Labyrinth Walk
Open daily during Advent, Chapel
First Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m., Chapel 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed Live Nativity & Advent Workshop 4:00 p.m., Front Lawn
12:00 p.m., Sanctuary more info. on pg. 20
12:00 p.m., Sanctuary more info. on pg. 20
Third Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m., Chapel
10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
Reindeer
Rainbow Games
11:00 a.m., Gymnasium & Front Lawn more info. on pg. 7
Weekday School Pageant
10:30 a.m., Sanctuary
Wee Christmas 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Prologue to Epilogue: Concert 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary more info. on pg. 13
Longest Night Labyrinth Walk 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Candlelit on the Front Lawn Weather Permitting Longest Night Service 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
12:00 p.m., Sanctuary more info. on pg. 20
Longest Night
17 17
Fourth
Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m., Chapel
10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Dec. Dec.
11:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Harpsichord Recital
12:00 p.m., Sanctuary more info. on pg. 20
First
Sunday of Christmas
No 8:00 a.m. Chapel Service 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
Family Service with Nativity Tableau
4:30 p.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
Second
Sunday of Christmas
No 8:00 a.m. Chapel Service 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
Christmas Eve Service with Communion
8:30 p.m., Sanctuary and livestreamed
21 24 23 28 24 24
Jan. 05
Prologue to Epilogue: BMPC Christmas Concert & Class
Adult Education Class : Sunday, Dec. 7, 11:15 a.m. | Congregational Hall
Concert : Sunday, Dec. 14, 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
There are many ways to tell the Advent and Christmas story—through art, plays, hymns, and poetry, to name a few. But how does one share the most wellknown story of all time? On Sunday, December 7, James Kealey, Co-director of Music & Fine Arts will explore the musical selections and texts in this year’s Christmas concert, uncovering the theological and emotional threads woven through the season’s beloved works. Then on Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m.,
Candlelight Lessons & Carols on Christmas Eve
various musical ensembles will present it through choral music. Though Prologues and Epilogues are more common in literature, they offer a fitting framework for this concert. The centerpiece, Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, guides the unfolding of the story. Choral anthems—both old and new—along with congregational carols recount the Prophecy, the Annunciation, the Birth, the Magi’s visit, and the joyous celebration that follows.
Wed., Dec. 24, 11:00 p.m., Sanctuary
After several years of not gathering for worship late in the evening on Christmas Eve, the church will once again offer a candlelit service of Lessons and Carols at 11:00 p.m. This service will move us through scripture readings that tell the broad story of God’s love for the world and the incarnation of the Christ Child. While this service will begin at 11:00 p.m., pre-service music will start at 10:30 p.m. Please also note that this service will not be livestreamed.
Advent Giving to Mission
A New Look to Mission
For more than 30 years, the Advent Gift Market (AGM) has been a beloved BMPC tradition. This year, it receives a fresh name and renewed focus: Advent Giving to Mission. The new name more clearly reflects BMPC’s mission priorities and highlights how deeply mission is woven into the life of our church.
Each year, thousands of dollars are directed to BMPC’s 55 Mission Partners through grants, in-kind gifts, and countless volunteer hours. Advent Giving to Mission continues this legacy by offering donors the chance to designate how their contributions will support specific agencies and projects that BMPC partners with throughout the year.
The process is simple: after reviewing the catalog, donors may select the projects they wish to support. Gifts can also be made in honor of family, friends, or colleagues. Special notification cards are available to share with loved ones, letting them know a gift has been made in their honor and describing the mission project chosen. These cards can be included in holiday greetings, adding a meaningful dimension to the season of giving.
Beginning November 16, tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.BrynMawrAGM.com or by scanning the QR code provided in the catalog or on the TV screens in the Ministry Center.
We also invite you to the Opening Market Festival on November 23 in Congregational Hall, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Representatives from church councils and charitable organizations will be present to share stories of the vital work they are doing. On Sundays throughout Advent, donations can also be made in person in the Atrium following the 10:00 a.m. service.
Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first-time participant, your generosity is needed more than ever. Through Advent Giving to Mission, we can extend Christ’s love to neighbors near and far. Join us in giving the gifts of hope, compassion, and joy this Advent season.
Christmas Flower Donations
Each Christmas, our Sanctuary is beautifully decorated with flowers generously donated by members and friends. Gifts may be made in memory or honor of loved ones, or in celebration of special occasions such as marriages, retirements, births, or baptisms. These donations enhance our Christmas Eve worship and support our year-round floral ministry through the Deacons’ flower deliveries. To participate, complete the form at bit.ly/BMPCChristmasFlowers by Sunday, November 30.
Christmas Angels
Bringing Joy through Gemma Services
Gemma Services touches the lives of thousands of youth and families each year through education, mental health care in residential and community settings, foster family care, adoption and permanency services, and prevention programs. At Christmastime, our community helps spread holiday joy by providing gifts and gift cards for children and families served by Gemma. Learn more at www.gemmaservices.org
Because of the generosity of friends like you, parents like Ms. Johnson—a single mother of three who works tirelessly to provide for her family—can give their children holiday gifts they would otherwise be unable to afford. Your support also brightens the season for children like Michael, a ten-year-old in Gemma’s Residential Treatment Program who has faced significant trauma and will spend the holidays at Gemma rather than with his family.
You can help create joyful holiday memories!
• A toy you provide means a child will have a present to unwrap with excitement on Christmas morning.
• A gift card you donate allows a family to choose the perfect gift for their child or purchase a holiday meal.
• Most importantly, your generosity reminds every child and every family that they matter.
How to Give by December 5
Gemma has created a BMPC-specific Amazon Wish List: bit.ly/BMPCchristmas. Each child’s name appears in small print under the item description. You may choose one gift or all three for a child, and items will ship directly to Gemma. Please include “from BMPC” in the gift message so your gift reaches the intended child.
Gift cards are also a wonderful way to help. The most useful are $25 cards to Amazon, ShopRite, Target, Visa, or Walmart.
This year marks my 25th—and final—year coordinating Christmas Angels. Coordinating this ministry has brought me immense joy, and now it’s time to pass the baton. If you are interested in serving as the coordinator beginning next year, please get in touch with me at bmpc.xmas.angels@gmail.com
Thank you for helping make this Christmas truly special.
With gratitude & blessings, Betty Wu
Behind the Camera
Meet the BMPC’s Livestreamers
Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., members and friends of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church gather in the Sanctuary for worship—but for those tuning in from home, it’s Ian Gundry and Tiffany Teich who make the service possible. As BMPC’s livestream team, they bring the service to life online, ensuring that the music, sermon, and prayers reach the congregation wherever they are.
Ian has been livestreaming at BMPC for nearly three years. “It will be three years this Easter,” he notes, reflecting on his time behind the camera. His journey to BMPC began with a simple online posting—though he initially misread the church’s name and thought it was in “Bryn Athyn,” right down the street from where he lives. “It’s not that bad of a drive, though, especially on Sunday,” he laughs.
Livestreaming comes naturally to Ian. “I’ve always wanted to be a technical director,” he says. “I’ve done broadcasting, television, and field work over the last almost 20 years. Every place is a little different, but I pick it up quickly.” His previous experience included building a studio with the same equipment BMPC uses, which meant he could jump right in. Still, he admits, “Running into technical problems is always the hardest…getting it right 100% of the time is not always easy, especially when you’re just one person.”
Tiffany Teich has been running BMPC’s services for almost two years. Like Ian, she studied live production at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where she focused on audio, video, and lighting for live broadcasts, television, and concerts. Tiffany discovered BMPC through a casual job search, seeking new challenges beyond her previous audio work at Canaan Baptist Church. “I was interested in the video side of things, and this was my main AV gig,” she says.
For Tiffany, the job is as rewarding as it is challenging. “It can be a lot at once,” she explains. “You have to be very good at multitasking. In a typical live broadcast, you have multiple people operating the cameras, directing, and managing video. Here, it’s just Ian or me doing all three.” Still, she finds joy in the work. “I love finding cool camera angles and capturing an aesthetically pleasing service for people. It’s fun, and I really enjoy it.”
Certain services stand out for both Ian and Tiffany. Ian recalls Tenebrae: The Passion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Good Friday, where he meticulously mapped every camera cue to make the livestream seamless. “When Jeff [Brillhart] said the production blew him away, I thought, ‘I must have done something right.’” Tiffany fondly remembers livestreaming author Matthew Desmond, whose talk left a lasting impression on her. “It was very moving, and I learned a lot. A few months later, he was on The Daily Show, and I thought, ‘I did a livestream for that guy!’”
Outside the cameras, Ian’s life is full of family and fun. He and his wife have a son who is about to turn one, and their home includes two dogs—Mac, a Norwegian Lundehund, and Moby, a lovable mutt who once met the singer Moby. Tiffany has a cat named Pepper and loves music, playing guitar, and recording beats with friends.
Ian and Tiffany bring both skill and heart to BMPC’s online worship services. For those joining remotely, their work ensures that no one misses a moment of the congregation’s life together.
Building a Culture of Welcome
BMPC Leaders Learn to Recognize & Respond to Microaggressions
As our church continues to live into our commitment to Belonging and Inclusion, as endorsed by the BMPC Session in the spring of 2024, our Boards, Councils and Committees are setting goals and objectives to help equip the leaders of the church in doing this work together. This September, at an afternoon training for over 75 folks, the Rev. Dr. Cody Sanders of Luther Seminary led us in conversations around the problem of microaggressions in the life of the church. Much of our past Anti-Racism work has focused on the historical and systemic problems of racism and discrimination, but this training for Elders, Deacons, Committee leaders, Ushers, and church staff focused on the interpersonal ways that we often make people feel unwelcome in our church.
Scholar Derald Wing Sue defines microaggressions as “brief, everyday exchanges” that send demeaning messages based on a person’s group identity. They can be verbal, behavioral, or environmental, subtly expressing hostility or insult related to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, ability, ethnicity, national heritage, or religion. Their harm often lies in their invisibility—most occur unintentionally and without conscious awareness.
In our afternoon together, members shared their reflections on the overt messages that we hope we are sending to the community and visitors – a celebration of diversity, a broad welcome of all people, and a priority for inclusion. But then on the flip side, we lifted up all of the subtle and unintentional ways that we communicate the opposite to those we would want to become a part of our community – the language we use around people and families, the unspoken dress codes for Sunday morning worship, and the lack of access to accessible entrances or seating.
Participants spent time in table conversations around the ways that we can feel empowered to step into conversations when we witness microaggressive behavior –asking clarifying questions, correcting the statements or behavior of our fellow church members, or bringing concerns to one of the pastors.
While our conversations that afternoon were just a first step towards our church behaving in generous and welcoming ways, it was an important moment to name the obligations that we all have to do the work of belonging and inclusion together as leaders of the Church.
Bryn Mawr Gives Love!
Stewardship
2026
In a time of conflict and contentiousness, our congregation has made a commitment to “walk in love, as Christ loved us” – Ephesians 5:2. This commitment is demonstrated by our Sunday school teachers who share God’s love with our children each week. It is evident in our boisterous youth summer trips. It is realized every day when our caring ministries lift the spirits of our friends and neighbors. It is fulfilled when we and our mission partners serve others in our community and around the world. Inspired by our two great commandments - to love our God with all our heart and soul and mind and to love our neighbor - Bryn Mawr Gives Love!
One of the highlights of our 10:00 a.m. service is the Children’s Moment. Children run to the Rev. Rachel Pedersen to receive her lesson with excitement and a sense of anticipation. With joy and grace, Rachel engages the children with a story of faith and hope. At the end of the Children’s Moment, as the congregation sings, the children race down the center aisle as they make their way to the Education Building for Sunday school classes. Their energy is like a warm wave of love that washes over the sanctuary. It’s a very special moment in the life of our church, a moment of promise for the future, animated by the spirit of love. It is one of many experiences in the life of our church where we come together as a faith community to embrace and express God’s love. It is emblematic of the power that comes from sharing our love as a community.
The 2026 stewardship campaign is our opportunity to ensure that our ministries and programs continue to bring God’s love to our congregation and to the many communities that rely on our support. We are fortunate to receive financial support from the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation to cover some of our expenses, yet your generosity remains instrumental to this work. By far, the largest portion of our budget comes from annual pledges and contributions from members of the congregation. Pledges – a promise of support for the coming year – are particularly important. Pledges are a foundational element of our discipleship and make it possible for our church to create an annual budget for the upcoming year. If you have never made a pledge we invite you to consider a pledge this year. Please know that your support is more important than the size of your pledge. You may make a pledge by returning the pledge card you received at home, dropping a pledge card in the offering plate during worship or by pledging online at www.bmpc.org/love.
With gratitude,
Elliot Dee and David Reiner Co-Chairs, BMPC Stewardship Committee
Choristers
Young Voices in Worship
On Sunday, October 19, we heard the Choristers sing in Worship for the first time this season. As these young musicians don the red robes of their predecessors, we’re reminded of the rich legacy of children’s music in this sacred space. At BMPC, opportunities for singing, music making, worship education, and friendship are all part of the experience.
With ensembles for children from Pre-K through high school, the Choristers program offers every child—regardless of experience or ability—a chance to be part of something special. Each Wednesday, more than 40 children gather to learn songs and anthems, grow in musical skill, and, for grades 2–5, receive free group piano lessons in our state-of-the-art Piano Lab.
We are grateful for this unique moment to share the gift of music and build on our past as we look toward the future.
Tuesdays @ Noon Advent Harpsichord Recital Series
This December, join us on Tuesdays at noon in the Sanctuary for a series of free harpsichord performances - a midweek musical pause to enrich your Advent journey.
Dec. 2
John Walthausen
Dec. 9
Silvanio Reis
The series showcases BMPC’s historic Robert Hauptfuhrer Memorial Harpsichord, built in 1966 by William Dowd and modeled after a French Taskin double.
Dec. 16
Jeffrey Brillhart
Dec. 23
Gabriel Benton
Come for a half hour and let the delicate tones of the harpsichord carry you into the beauty of the season. These events are free and open to all. For more information, contact ToriFisher@bmpc.org
Journeys by Richard Ranck
January 4 Through February 22, Gallery
This winter, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is delighted to host Journeys, a new exhibition by Philadelphia painter and sculptor Richard Ranck, on view in the Ministries Center Gallery from January 4 through February 22.
For more than forty years, Ranck has been creating art that feels alive in the moment. His paintings and sculptures reflect an openness to change, a love of materials, and a willingness to let the work itself guide the process. Whether on canvas or in three-dimensional form, his pieces blur the lines between categories and invite us to slow down and notice texture, surface, and transformation.
About Richard Ranck
Ranck studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania. Over the decades, he has developed an artistic approach he describes as “divesting knowledge” - letting go of rigid control so that art can emerge more intuitively. He draws inspiration from a wide range of traditions, including Aboriginal art, which encourage him to explore abstraction and process in fresh ways.
His work has been shown across the Philadelphia region and beyond and is included in private and public collections such as the Woodmere Art Museum. What ties it all together is a deep curiosity about how art can surprise us, transform us, and connect us to something larger.
What You’ll Experience
At Journeys, you’ll find art that is less about telling a story and more about creating an encounter. Each piece reveals its own history in layers, textures, and marks, offering a chance to reflect on both the process of making and the experience of seeing.
The exhibition is free and open to the public during gallery hours. We hope you’ll stop by, take some time with the work, and let it take you on a journey of your own.
The Messenger
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #127, Issue #4, is published quarterly by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Southeastern, Pennsylvania and additional offices.
Postmaster: Send Address Changes To The Messenger
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Christmas Eve Schedule
4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service with Nativity Tableau, Sanctuary and Livestreamed at www.bmpc.org/live
8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with Communion, Sanctuary and Livestreamed at www.bmpc.org/live
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Lessons and Carols Service, Sanctuary
Inclement Weather Policy
If the church closes due to inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, notice will be provided on our website, www.bmpc.org, on our social media channels, and with a recorded message at our main church phone number: 610-525-2821. Decisions to cancel scheduled BMPC programs will be made by the person in charge of the ministry area. For information, contact the person in charge.
