2025 Fall Messenger

THE MINISTRY OF the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

FALL 2025

01. Pastor’s Final Message

02. Agnes’s Legacy

08. Pastor Updates

10. New Staff

12. New & Active Members

14. Theologian in Residence

16. Congregational Life & VBC

18. Youth

20. Visual Arts @ BMPC

22. Fall Concert Season

24. Church Life Updates

A Season Concludes

When I first began to discern a call to ministry as a teenager actively involved in my home church, I could not have imagined that I would ever serve as senior pastor of a church like Bryn Mawr Presbyterian. Even though Presbyterians began ordaining women in 1956, women pastors were not readily accepted into congregational leadership in the decades following. When I was about to graduate from seminary in 1986, I was interviewed by a search committee that admitted, at the end of a full day together, they had no intention of calling a woman pastor but had been instructed by the presbytery to consider at least one before they could extend a call to a man. The stories I could tell of the sexism I and my women colleagues have faced are legion, but I have always tried not to let those prejudices interfere with my sense of call to love God and neighbor by serving the church.

I am grateful that over these last four decades, the Spirit has moved the church to be more open to a wide range of leadership based on giftedness rather than gender, orientation, or racial and ethnic differences. I count the long and formative ministries of pastors David Watermulder and Gene Bay, who led BMPC to value the inclusion of all people in leadership, as paving the way for my call to serve this historic congregation. Congregations like this one have been blessed with visionary leaders open to the winds of God’s spirit, bringing change as the arc of God’s creation bends toward increased equality and justice.

As BMPC moves toward my retirement at the end of October and into a season of pastoral transition, one of my prayers for this congregation is that you continue to be open to the winds of the Spirit, which bring change – refreshing, unexpected, vital, visionary, and God-given transformation.

In the coming weeks, through September and October, I will be preaching about God’s call to us to be the church in and for the world. My hope is that by gathering around particular sacred texts, we will hear a word of holy wisdom to guide and nurture this congregation into this new season with hope, excitement, and spiritual openness to change. I am profoundly grateful for the bold and unexpected call BMPC extended to me thirteen years ago to be your pastor, and now we turn in trust that God is already beginning to prepare this church for a new chapter of faithfulness to Jesus Christ, which no one can yet fathom or imagine.

Grace and Peace,

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

A Legacy of Strength and Vision:

Celebrating the Ministry of the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

When the Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet accepted the call to serve as Head Pastor of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church more than a decade ago, she brought with her a depth of pastoral experience, a commitment to mission, and a quiet strength that would guide the church through a critical season of healing and growth.

“I have thrived at mission-oriented, progressive congregations,” Agnes reflects. “And by progressive I mean outwardly focused—caring about the work of the church in the world. Bryn Mawr had a long, distinguished history of living the gospel in the community and in the world. That’s part of what attracted me.”

Agnes arrived at a time when BMPC was emerging from a long interim period and facing real challenges. “The church had become somewhat fractured during a difficult pastoral transition and had suffered some conflict within, which resulted in the loss of some members and financial stability.” Rather than rushing in with bold new initiatives, she chose to listen. For more than a year, she met with members and lay leaders, offering space for healing. “I made a conscious decision… just to listen and not take sides in what had been perceived as the controversy. I asked those I met with two questions: What should I pay attention to, and where do

you believe God is calling BMPC? I think that helped the church move forward with hope and possibility. The truth is the congregation was ready and eager for a new chapter when I arrived.”

Agnes is perhaps best known for her preaching, which has been a steady source of inspiration and spiritual grounding throughout her tenure. Rooted deeply in biblical texts, her sermons consistently encourage growth in faith, offer hope in times of uncertainty, and nurture a deepened sense of

discipleship. With a calm presence and theological clarity, Agnes has helped the congregation listen more closely for God’s voice in Scripture and in their own lives. As member Lindsay Johnson notes, “Through her preaching and pastoral prayers in all settings, Agnes has brought to BMPC both spiritual and corporate leadership, emphasizing always the centrality of the theological perspective in our decision-making.”

Agnes is the first woman to serve as Senior Pastor at BMPC, a fact she acknowledged without letting it define her ministry. “At the time, [BMPC] was one of few large churches in the denomination with a female head of staff,” she recalls. “But I didn’t focus on that. I’ve always just tried to do my job the best I could, knowing I was in a non-traditional role for women in leadership, and that change is hard for some people.”

Instead, Agnes focused on working with the Personnel Committee to re-envision the staff BMPC needed to fulfill the church’s mission faithfully. “People tell me I’ve built the best staff the church has ever had,” she says. “I don’t need that to be validated, but I am proud of the team we built—people who don’t need to be micromanaged but strengthen the congregational life of the church and our discipleship in the world.” Her staff leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Lindsay Johnson continues, “With good humor girded up by her

strength in her convictions yet bringing an open mind, Agnes possesses a keen ability to find the gifts in her staff and a diverse group of lay leaders… to work toward prayerful resolution of issues.”

One of the major milestones of Agnes’s tenure was leading the congregation through the This Time, This Place capital campaign. Originally aiming for $17.5 million, the campaign ultimately raised more than $21 million—plus additional gifts still to come in wills and bequests. “The education building was built in the ’30s and had never been renovated,” she says. “There was a lot of deferred maintenance, but we renewed the Education Building, the Ministries Center, and added the Atrium to make the campus more welcoming, more accessible, and better suited to our missional needs.”

Longtime member Scott Renninger puts it plainly, “Through her leadership in the This Time, This Place capital campaign and the 150th Anniversary envisioning process, Agnes leaves us with a better spiritual understanding and a more secure financial position to understand and implement where God is calling BMPC in ministry and mission, to respond to the communities around us, and to engage in faithful discourse about difficult societal issues.”

Agnes’s leadership extended beyond the congregation into the wider community. As Nancy Wolcott put it, “Agnes arrived with tremendous grace, strong preaching, tender pastoral care, and the skills of a CEO. She built an extraordinary team, each of whom she mentors to prepare them for future calls. And as a bonus, we got Larry too—a man full of generosity, kindness, and good humor.”

Agnes and Larry have cherished their time in the Northeast. “I’m a Southerner. I never imagined I would live in the Northeast, but we’ve loved this community, its culture, and the church’s relationship to the greater Philadelphia area.”

Looking back, Agnes says, “I feel like the work God called me to do, I’ve done. The church was in a fragile situation. It’s now financially healthy, with strong programming, excellent staff, and more people engaged in mission. It’s been a privilege to serve a congregation with extraordinary resources—not just financial, but human—and a deep commitment to living the gospel.”

As she prepares to retire, Agnes leaves behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and deep faith. “What I take away are the extraordinary relationships,” she says. “With staff, with members, with leaders in the community. That’s the best thing you can say about any church.”

Thank you, Agnes, for guiding BMPC with grace, wisdom, and a steady hand. Your ministry has transformed us—and your legacy will guide us into the future with hope.

I feel like the work God called me to do, I’ve done. -Agnes W.

With Gratitude for Larry Arney

A

Quiet Presence, A Profound Impact

While the Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet has served as Head Pastor with wisdom, grace, and leadership, her journey at BMPC would not have been possible without the steadfast support of her husband, Larry Arney.

“I couldn’t have had the career I’ve had in ministry if Larry hadn’t been willing to pick up and move with me when I got called,” Agnes reflects. “His support made it possible for me to serve here for these 13 years.”

An architect by training, Larry transitioned from high-profile commercial projects to nonprofit housing development, eventually serving as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta—where he and Agnes first met through their shared involvement in the organization. Since moving to Bryn Mawr, Larry has worked in the real estate division of Project HOME, overseeing building and renovation projects that provide housing for formerly homeless individuals.

At BMPC, Larry has been a consistent presence: serving on the Outreach and Communications Committees, a regular in worship, and a supportive companion on choir tours and a caring friend among many members of the congregation. A choir member at past churches, his thoughtful decision to sit in the pews has helped him connect more broadly with this congregation.

In Agnes’s words, “In his own way, he’s been part of the pastoral care I’ve offered to the church—showing up, building relationships, and sharing his kindness, deep commitments to outreach, and good humor.”

We are deeply grateful to Larry for his faithfulness, his warmth, and his wholehearted support of both Agnes and our church family. What a gift he has been to BMPC.

Join Us As We Bid Farewell to Agnes

On Sunday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., our congregation will gather for the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet’s final worship service as Senior Pastor of BMPC. This special day will honor her 13 years of faithful leadership, pastoral care, and vision for our church.

Following worship, we invite everyone to a reception of celebration, where we will share grateful tributes, present a love offering, and send Agnes and her husband, Larry, off to North Carolina with love and appreciation.

You may contribute to the love offering by sending a check made out to BMPC marked “Agnes Love Offering” by October 12 or give online at onrealm.org/ bmpc/give/pastor

You are also invited to help us create a photo slideshow by emailing your favorite photos of Agnes to communications@bmpc.org

Well done, good and faithful servant -Matthew 25:23

Welcoming the Rev. Melanie Hardison

BMPC’s New Associate Pastor for Congregational Care

With deep gratitude and joyful anticipation, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church welcomes the Rev. Melanie Hardison as our new Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. Melanie was presented by the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee at the Congregational Meeting on July 13, and the congregation unanimously approved her call.

A lifelong Presbyterian with a passion for pastoral care, mental health, and end-of-life ministry, Melanie brings to BMPC a rich and varied background. Most recently, she served as Pastor for Pastoral Care at Village Presbyterian Church in Kansas, leading

a dynamic, multi-layered care ministry within a congregation of 4,800 members. Her work has also included service as a hospital chaplain, a marriage and family therapist, and a national staff member of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Melanie’s journey to ministry reflects a deep and abiding faith. She was ordained as a deacon at 16, as an elder at 25, and as a Minister of Word and Sacrament at 42. Her warm presence and steady leadership are grounded in theological depth, life experience, and a deep trust in the Spirit’s guidance.

“With gratitude and joy, I am deeply honored to be called as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Throughout these months of conversation and discernment with the APNC, the guidance of the Holy Spirit has felt strong and clear, nudging us ever deeper into conversation and community. I am excited to join you in ministry, and I trust the Spirit to continue moving in powerful and inspiring ways as we seek to be faithful to what God will yet call us to be and do.

One of the core beliefs guiding my ministry is that together, and with God’s help, we can do bold and courageous things. Whether that is accompanying one another in vulnerability, holding space for grief, celebrating in joy, or discerning a new way forward, I believe that God meets us where we are with grace and love. My heart is full of hope and gratitude for this call. I look forward to serving among you, learning alongside you, and growing with you.”

The Rev. Andy Greenhow Associate Pastor for Youth and Family Ministry

On June 29, the congregation joyfully approved the call of Andy Greenhow as our new Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families. We invite you to celebrate his installation on Sunday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

A native of West Chester, PA, Andy grew up at Wayne Presbyterian Church. After college, he spent two years in New Orleans helping rebuild homes post-Katrina—an experience that sparked his call to ministry. While attending seminary, Andy became deeply involved at Broad Street Ministry, serving a worshiping community rooted in hospitality

and care for vulnerable adults. Andy later held leadership roles at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he continued to walk alongside students as they discerned their vocations. He brings a passion for working with young people and those navigating seasons of transition, and doing so from a trauma-informed perspective.

Andy is married to the Rev. Dr. Karen Rohrer, associate academic dean at Princeton Seminary. We are thrilled to welcome them and their rescue dog, Polly Pocket, into the BMPC community.

Search Committee Update

In June, the Session elected an Interim Senior Pastor Search Committee to find the pastoral leadership who will guide us through this next season of transition with the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet this fall. The Search committee is CoModerated by Elders Keith Brinks and Sarah Gunther and also includes Emily Cieri, Susan Bravo, Meg Holdsworth and Bill Bosch.

Already this summer the Interim Search Committee has been in conversation with leaders in the denomination and potential candidates, held conversations with staff and church leaders to reflect on the ideal candidate for this role, and begun receiving applications for the position. The goal is to have an Interim Pastor in place in the weeks following Agnes’ departure. Throughout this entire season of transition, you can find updates on the process on our newly redesigned website – www.bmpc.org. You can also reach out to members of the search committee with questions.

Thank You, Rev. Dr. Kirby Lawrence Hill Interim Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

With deep appreciation, we give thanks for the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Kirby Lawrence Hill, who has served as Interim Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Senior Adults for the past two years. During a time of transition and change, Kirby brought steady leadership, thoughtful preaching, and a deep well of pastoral compassion. He guided the Care Team with grace, helping sustain strong support for members facing illness, loss, or life challenges, and continued the important work of visitation and connection with older

BMPC Staff Updates

Liz Gullotti

Weekday School Director

We are excited to welcome Liz Gullotti as our new Director of the Weekday School. Liz brings more than 11 years of experience as a preschool director, having built a preschool from the ground up at her parish. Her references praised her ability to build schoolwide community, support and develop staff, and oversee the administration of a complex and growing school. As an educator, she has experience both in the classroom as a teacher and supporting students and families

through early intervention and special education.

Liz has been working with our interim director team, Kim Black and Judy Potter, to learn the specifics of the Weekday School and is excited to begin her work at BMPC. She will help oversee official licensing and the development of a new program for younger twos, starting this fall. We look forward to Liz’s tenure and this next chapter for the BMPC Weekday School.

members of our congregation. Kirby also partnered with the Senior Adult Council to offer opportunities for fellowship and spiritual enrichment, ensuring that senior adults remained engaged and valued within our church. In addition to his worship leadership and oversight of the Deacons, Kirby faithfully taught the Thursday Discussion Group and the Men’s Group, offering space for reflection and connection. We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him blessings in the season ahead.

Jennifer Teller

Program Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry

We are excited to welcome Jennifer to the BMPC staff as our new Program Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry. With more than 20 years of experience in education—including middle school, elementary, and most recently, early intervention—she brings deep knowledge and a warm, adventurous spirit to her work with children and families. Jennifer grew up in Wayne and now lives in Broomall with her husband, their five-year-old son, and their Yorkie, Wrigley. She is passionate about

reading, traveling, and exploring new experiences. Her love of language and culture has been shaped by her Italian heritage and time living overseas—last summer, she returned to her family’s hometown near Naples with her son for the first time. Although she hadn’t been seeking a new role, a conversation with the Rev. Rachel Pedersen opened the door to something unexpected and meaningful. “It just clicked,” Jennifer says. “I got excited to be a part of something that felt really special.” We’re so glad she’s here!

Welcome to BMPC

James Kealey

Co-Director of Music and Fine Arts

We are delighted to welcome James Kealey as BMPC’s new Co-Director of Music and Fine Arts. A gifted organist and church musician, James joins us from Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, where he led both adult and children’s choirs. He will work alongside Jeffrey Brillhart, sharing leadership of our music and fine arts program and taking the lead in revitalizing our children and youth music ministry. Originally from Great Britain, James has performed internationally and was awarded First Prize and the Audience Prize at the 2022 American Guild of

Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. Outside of music, James is an avid walker, a casual social runner, and an aviation enthusiast—his childhood dream was to become a pilot, and he recently began taking flying lessons, which he hopes to continue locally. James’s fiancé, Alden—who, James jokes, is the better cook—remains in Rochester for now with their cat, Novena. James shares, “It brings me immense joy to be called as your CoDirector of Music & Fine Arts… I look forward to getting to know each of you in the years to come.”

BMPC New Members

Celebrating New Faces in Our Church Family

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, BMPC had the joy of welcoming a new group of members into our congregation.

Before worship, new members and church leaders gathered for a welcome breakfast—a time for conversation, connection, and community-building. Later that morning, during the 10:00 a.m. service, Clerk of Session Dottie Bowen led the formal reception of members as part of a meaningful moment in worship.

These individuals recently completed a membership class where they explored what it means to be part of the BMPC community—learning about our ministries, our mission, and the many ways to get involved.

We’re grateful for the energy and spirit they bring, and we look forward to walking in faith together. If you see a new face in worship or around campus, be sure to say hello and offer a warm welcome!

(1) Sarah and Nate Bulthuis with their kids Anneke and Willem, (2) Amanda Hauns, (3) Trey and Tara Runkle with their daughters Kennedy and Sloane (4) Rosemarie Trainer (5) Andrew and Gabby Wasmuth their son Miles (6) John and Becky Lindeman (7) Joshua and Brooke Luo with their kids Evelyn and Isaiah (8) Michelle Davis (9) Ross and Kirstyn Kelly with their daughters Palmer and Kendall (10) Joan and Jim Durham. Not pictured: Julie and Deacon Golderer; Christopher Henry and Dustin Flannery with children Alexander and Quinn.

Spotlight on Sheila Rohrer

If you ask Sheila how she came to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, she won’t begin with a date—she’s not sure exactly when she joined—but with a feeling. “It was something like 25 years ago,” she says. “Keith and Becky Brinks invited us to Advent Vespers. We sat up in the choir loft. Jeff Wilbur sang ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’—I still get goosebumps remembering the sound of his voice.” That plaintive solo struck something deep in Sheila. “It was so different,” she says. “So moving.”

Becky later invited Sheila to Y-Group, and not long after that, Sheila joined the church. It wasn’t a simple decision. She and her husband, Henry, were both from deeply rooted Catholic families. But after experiencing the quiet care of BMPC members following a miscarriage—food delivered, notes left, people they hardly knew showing up with compassion—Sheila realized, “This is what I think church is supposed to be.”

Sheila’s involvement in church life grew as her children did. She led Y-Group for a year, taught Sunday school, and helped run Vacation Bible Camp. She even worked

part-time at BMPC in family ministries. She served as a deacon for six years and participated in committees on adult education, family ministries, and served on pastor nominating committees. “The neat thing,” Sheila says, “is that the opportunities to serve evolved as my life evolved.”

Today, Sheila chairs BMPC’s Community Forum, a public speaker series that brings engaging and thought-

provoking voices to the church. The forum, endowed by the Middleton family in honor of Herbert Middleton, Jr., doesn’t shy away from complex issues—climate change, poverty, criminal justice—but always seeks to encourage curiosity over partisanship. “We’re not here to push an agenda,” Sheila explains. “We’re here to ask deeper questions and challenge surface-level thinking.”

Sheila’s leadership emphasizes collaboration. “It’s really a group effort,” she says. “Committee members bring ideas, help with publicity, and reach out to local schools and community groups. The most important thing is being curious and engaged.”

Some of the most memorable speakers for Sheila have been those who’ve endured great hardship and responded with humility and grace. She recalls Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. “He had every reason to choose bitterness, but he chose love and compassion. It made me realize how much I take for granted.”

Whether leading a committee or simply being present for others, Sheila returns often to a core truth: church is about community and care. She remembers sitting in the pews after a serious injury, realizing how the BMPC community had stepped in to care for her young children, bring meals, and simply show up. “We were in a free fall—and we were caught,” she says. “Not because we asked for help, but because that’s what this community does. That’s what church is meant to be.”

Theologian in Residence

B Is For Banquet: An Alphabet Of Scripture Stories For Sunday School Dropouts (And Others)

Saturday, November 8

9:30 a.m. - Light Brunch

10:00 a.m. - Another Look at Some (Notorious) Women: Vashti, Tamar, and Lot’s Wife

Sunday, November 9

10:00 a.m. - Preaching

11:15 a.m. - Another Look at Jesus: Growing Up, Telling Stories, and Walking on Water

Anna Carter Florence is the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and holds degrees from Yale University (BA) and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv and PhD). Before joining the Columbia faculty in 1998, Anna served as an associate pastor for youth and young adults at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.

Anna’s books include Preaching as Testimony, Inscribing the Word, Rehearsing Scripture: Discovering God’s Word in Community (based on her 2012 Lyman Beecher Lectures on Preaching at Yale Divinity School), and A is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture (2023).

Anna’s research focuses on testimony, preaching pedagogies, and creative strategies for communities to engage and encounter the biblical text for our present context. She is a frequent preacher and teacher in the U.S. and abroad, which gives her plenty of opportunities to do what makes her happiest: sitting around a table with a group of people, a large passage of Scripture, and a substantial block of time to dive into it.

“Whenever Anna Carter Florence and passages of scripture are brought into close range, electricity arcs from one to the other, bringing insight and creativity.”

-Thomas G. Long

Rehearsing Scripture (Class)

Mon. Oct. 20, 27, and Nov. 3, 7:00 p.m. Witherspoon Room.

In her book, Rehearsing Scripture, Dr. Anna Carter Florence invites readers into a dynamic, participatory approach to reading the Bible, to engage Scripture with curiosity, imagination, and community. This threeweek class, led by the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick and Dr. Joshua Yoder, will draw upon these techniques for reading scripture with one another, as we look forward to Anna’s time with us in November. Contact JenniferMcArthur@bmpc.org to register for the class. No book required.

Sundays, September 28 & October 5

Peace & Global Witness Offering: Embracing Christ’s

Call to Peace

Each fall, we invite you to support the Peace & Global Witness Offering—a tangible way to live out Jesus’ invitation to “seek peace at all times, in all ways.” This offering has deep roots in the broader Presbyterian Peacemaking Program initiated in 1980 and has served since as a denomination wide opportunity to address conflict and injustice. The offering grew from the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s advocacy, beginning in the 1940s, to the annual Peace

& Global Witness Offering in the early 1980s. Its purpose is clear: to promote Christ’s peace by engaging with systems of violence and oppression— locally, regionally, and globally.

Gifts to this offering empower congregations and the broader church to foster reconciliation, support refugees, combat gender based violence, and address inequality—from veteran outreach funded by small congregations to education on gender violence, from anti-gun violence programs to school and family interventions.

Twenty-five percent of all of your gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering stay here in our community helping to support the work of our Peacemaking Committee. This includes supporting organizations like Mothers in Charge, a community activist and support organization working directly with women (mothers and grandmothers) who have lost their children to gun violence here in Philadelphia. As Presbyterians, we confess that peace is both gift and calling. Through this offering, we embody Christ’s peace—not merely in thought or words, but in committed action.

You can give using the envelopes provided in the pew racks this fall, or by giving online atonrealm.org/bmpc/give/peace

There’s a Seat for You at the Table:

Wednesday Night Dinners at BMPC

Each Wednesday evening, the aroma of a warm meal and the sound of friendly conversation fill Congregational Hall as members, friends, and neighbors gather for Wednesday Night Dinner. From 5:30–7:00 p.m., the space becomes more than just a dining room— it transforms into a place of connection, hospitality, and belonging.

Dinners are $12 for adults and $5 for youth, and all are welcome—whether you’re heading to a children’s or youth program, attending a committee meeting, or simply seeking a midweek moment of fellowship.

This weekly gathering is more than a convenience; it’s a cherished rhythm in the life of our church. Around the table, relationships are formed and deepened. Conversations flow across generations. And newcomers find a warm welcome in an easy, relaxed setting.

As Liz Ellis, our new Director of Engagement, shared, “It was so nice to become part of such a warm and welcoming community where I could meet BMPC friends in a relaxed setting. Being new to a programming role, it gave me a real chance to connect and get to know people on a more personal level.”

Wednesday Night Dinners begin September 10 and continue throughout the program year. Weekly menus are posted in advance and can be found on our website. Whether you’re a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we invite you to join us. Come for the food, stay for the conversation—and discover the gift of community. There’s always a seat for you at the table.

Vacation Bible Camp

And It Was Good

147 children, 73 volunteers, 100 foam balls, 5,000 building straws, five content experts, 300 paper towel rolls, 200 kazoos, three days of heat warnings, eight pounds of bird seed, five pop rockets, 10 caterpillars, two turtles, and one ferret named Stewart. When you combine all these elements, what do you make?

One incredible week of camp. This year, our campers explored God’s very good creation through stories, songs, experiments, games, and more.

Our amazing volunteers shared their knowledge, passion, creativity, and care, forming a community that surrounded each camper and gave them space to experience God’s goodness and welcome. It is a community effort! It takes everyone working together to make camp possible. It wouldn’t happen without those of you who collected magazines and jars, the team that made sure

the decorations were just right, our incredible youth volunteers who spent the afternoon resetting spaces, those of you who kept us in your prayers, and a church that provided its space and resources to support this wonderful ministry.

It is humbling to stand in front of a room full of children and share the unfolding story of God’s love, seeing them hold that story as their own. In the quiet moments as we joined with generations of Christians before us, singing “All Creatures of our God and King,” the church was filled with joyful and holy Alleluias, praising a creator who made all things good.

Don’t worry. We’re already starting to imagine what’s next for June of 2026. We’re thinking lions, a furnace, a long trip, and a very present God. I wonder where we might be headed next.

~the Rev. Rachel Pedersen

Youth Experience Faith in Action in Charlotte

On July 9, middle and high school students, accompanied by three adult leaders, embarked on a weeklong mission trip to Charlotte, NC, through CROSS Missions, a ministry of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Each day was filled with hands-on service opportunities, ranging from tending community gardens and supporting residents in permanent supportive housing to making art with women in recovery and playing games with immigrant and refugee children. Youth also learned about the impact of hostile architecture on people experiencing homelessness and spent time with adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities in enrichment programs.

CROSS Missions follows an “actionreflection” model, encouraging youth to engage in meaningful service during the day and reflect on those experiences through worship, prayer, and theological discussion in the morning and evening. This year’s theme, “Mountains, Valleys, Plains,” invited youth to consider where God appears—not just in the highs and lows of life, but in the ordinary moments, too.

Colin Stoltz shared,

“Charlotte was a wonderful place with many opportunities to meet and help people who are different than me and see their perspectives on life, and overall I felt like it brought me a lot closer to God.”

Throughout the week, youth were reminded by those they served that their presence and efforts were making a real difference. And while that was certainly true, the lasting impact of

trips like these is often felt most deeply by the youth themselves. They left Charlotte with a broader sense of where and how God is present in the world—even in places that may be hard to imagine. And when they face challenges in their own lives, they’ll carry with them a deeper trust that God meets us in every place and season.

The spirit of this action-reflection model will continue in 2026 with a pilgrimage to the ecumenical monastic community of Taizé in France. From July 10–20, youth aged 15 and older will join thousands of young people from around the world for a unique experience of worship, service, and spiritual growth, including praying three times a day with the Taizé brothers and other pilgrims.

This trip marks the next step in a newly approved four-year mission cycle. In oddnumbered years, youth will participate in domestic mission trips; in even-numbered years, they will alternate between international service trips and spiritual pilgrimages. By the time they graduate, youth will have experienced a wide range of mission opportunities that nurture both hands-on service and deep reflection.

A Busy Fall of Youth Programming

September

Sept. 10 – Student Serve Begins - Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m.

Small group time to dig deeper into faith and build strong friendships.

Topic previews: The Bible’s origins, Free Will and Predestination, Mary Magdalene

Sept. 14 – Youth Kickoff @ 10:00 a.m. Games, community, and a look ahead at the year (including summer trips!)

For youth and parents

Starting Sept. 14 – Weekly Youth Gathering Sundays @ 10:00 a.m.

Ongoing time for community, worship, and spiritual growth.

Sept. 21 – Installation of the Rev. Andy Greenhow @ 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate this new season in Youth Ministry at BMPC!

October

Oct. 12 – Positive Parenting Series @ 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Topic: The Pillars of Positive Parenting.

Parents meet with experts; youth gather for parallel fun & discussion.

November

Nov. 9 – Positive Parenting Series @ 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Topic: Technology and Positive Parenting.

Youth Activity: Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag

Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast @ 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Hosted by the youth—bring your appetite and your thanks!

December

Dec. 14 – Rainbow Reindeer Games @ 11:00 a.m.

Holiday cheer with wild, festive fun!

Alice Dustin’s Flora and Fauna: An Intimate Conversation Through Paint

This fall, Ardmore-based artist Alice Dustin invites you to experience Flora and Fauna, a deeply personal collection of small oil portraits that reflect her enduring connection to the natural world. Painted on 6-inch-square panels using the alla prima technique— completed in a single, wet-on-wet session—these works offer more than visual charm; they capture quiet moments of connection between artist and subject.

arranged and painted small floral scenes that brought her peace.

Though she planned to create 19 still lifes—one for each number in COVID-19—she ended up with 44. These works, along with playful paintings inspired by her husband’s childhood Noah’s Ark toy, round out the exhibit with warmth and hope.

At the heart of the exhibition is a series of animal portraits. Some depict Dustin’s own pets, others were encountered on farms or imagined entirely—but all share a gaze that feels strikingly present. “As I painted them, I felt we were communicating,” she explains. “Sometimes I was simply observing, but many looked back at me—and now at you.”

These intimate studies carry a quiet political message. Created in response to the environmental crisis, they highlight the threats animals face from habitat loss and climate change. A portion of sales will support climate action organizations—an effort Dustin hopes will raise awareness and inspire change. “These creatures have no say in what their environment becomes,” she says. “We must do better.”

A second group of works emerged during the early days of the pandemic. While sewing over 500 face masks for her community, Dustin turned to painting for comfort and renewal. Using materials on hand, she

“This collection represents one of the most meaningful paths I’ve followed as an artist,” Dustin reflects. “It’s about painting what’s real and allowing that quiet conversation between me, the subject, and the paint to unfold.”

You’re invited to experience Flora and Fauna in person at two special events:

Sneak Preview

Sunday, September 7, 11:15 a.m., Gallery

Be among the first to view this heartfelt collection. Take time with the paintings, reflect on their meaning, and enjoy a quiet moment of connection.

Gallery Talk with Alice Dustin

Sunday, September 14 at 11:15 a.m., Gallery

Join Alice in the gallery as she shares insights into the creation of Flora and Fauna, her alla prima painting process, and the stories behind her subjects. Learn how art, nature, and compassion come together in her work.

AboutThe Artist

Alice Dustin has lived in Ardmore for over 50 years. A longtime art educator, she taught oil painting at Main Line School Night for over 20 years and now teaches drawing at Waverly Heights. Her award-winning work has been shown across the East Coast and in France, earning recognition from the Woodmere Art Museum, Fleisher Art Memorial, and other regional art organizations.

To view more of her work, visit www.alicedustin.com or follow her on

Instagram: @alice_dustin1

Introducing the Bryn Mawr Choristers

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is proud to present an exciting new musical opportunity for children and youth: The Bryn Mawr Choristers. Building on our long tradition of inspiring and inclusive music programming, this new initiative invites young people— from Pre-K through 12th grade—to grow in faith, friendship, and musical skill.

The Choristers program offers:

• Free group piano lessons

• Vocal training and singing instruction

• Worship education

• A nurturing space for fellowship and fun

Three age-based ensembles ensure a place for everyone:

• Junior Choristers (PreK–1st Grade)

• Choristers (2nd–5th Grade)

• Senior Choristers (6th–12th Grade)

Join us for a special kick-off event: Be a Chorister for the Day Sunday, September 21 | Following 10:00 a.m. Worship

All are welcome—BMPC members and community friends alike!

Register today or reach out to James Kealey, Co-Director of Music and Fine Arts, at jameskealey@bmpc.org

BMPC Fall Concert Season

A Year of Music, Meaning, and Community

We’re pleased to announce the 2025-2026 BMPC Concert Season, offering a broad array of sacred music, community performances, and unique musical experiences for all ages. Whether you enjoy the grandeur of the organ, the quiet beauty of chamber music, or the joyful traditions of seasonal worship, this year’s series offers something to stir the soul.

Concert Series Highlights

Chapel Piano Rededication Concert

Sunday, October 19, 2:00 p.m., Chapel

Celebrate the restoration of our 1926 Steinway piano with an afternoon of beautiful music in an intimate setting.

Silent Film with Organ: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Friday, October 31, 8:00 p.m., Chapel

Experience this 1923 silent classic with live, improvised organ

All Saints Sunday

Sunday, November 2, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary

A moving service of remembrance with reflective choral and instrumental music.

Lyric Fest: Biography in Music

Saturday, October 4, 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary

Winaretta Singer Polignac

Join Us @ BMPC

Daniel Carroll BMPC’s New Organ Scholar

This fall, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church welcomes Daniel Carroll as its Organ Scholar, a position he holds through the Curtis Institute of Music. As part of his conservatory training, Daniel is placed in an active church music setting to gain professional experience in service playing, choral accompaniment, and worship leadership.

At BMPC, Daniel plays the organ on select Sundays, contributes to special concerts and liturgical services, and works closely with the church’s music directors and choirs. His role as Organ Scholar reflects both his outstanding musicianship and the Curtis Institute’s commitment to pairing students

organ until much later, it proved to be what he enjoys doing most.

In 2025, he won first prize in the prestigious Taylor Competition, sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He also advanced to the St. Alban’s International Competition in Organ Improvisation this past July, becoming one of the youngest competitors to receive that honor. A superb improviser, Daniel will provide the musical soundtrack to the film Hunchback of Notre Dame on October 31 at 8:00 p.m. in BMPC’s Chapel.

Most events are free and open to all. For full details, visit bmpc.org. Come and be part of a vibrant season of music at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church - where music deepens faith, builds community, and lifts the spirit.

Church Life Updates

Rally Day

September 7

Sunday, September 8, 11:00 a.m., Ministries Center.

Kick off the new program year with food, fellowship, and fun for all ages! Enjoy a ministries fair, activities, and a chance to connect. Bring a friend—everyone is welcome!

Volunteers Needed for This Winter’s Code Blue Shelter

For the third winter in a row, we will partner with neighboring congregations to provide a cold weather shelter for unhoused men in our local community from November through March. BMPC will once again host for the month of January 2026. Volunteers are needed to fill two shifts each night when the real-feel temperature is 32° or below. The shelter has space for five adult men who are sleeping outside in our community.

Opening Shift 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Closing Shift 1:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.

Volunteers are also needed to help with regular set-ups, laundry, and food shopping. To receive detailed information about signing up to host at the shelter, please get in touch with JenniferMcArthur@bmpc.org

Together we can be a place of welcome and warmth for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Blessing of the Animals

October 5

Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m., Front Lawn.

Join us for this joyful outdoor worship service with singing, scripture, prayers, and individual blessings offered for each companion animal. All pets are welcome—on a leash or in a carrier—as we give thanks for the animals who share our lives.

Be Scam Smart:

Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Messages

Phishing scams are, unfortunately, becoming more common. Recently, individuals posing as “Pastor Agnes” or church staff have attempted to contact members via text and email, requesting items such as gift cards or asking recipients to review and sign financial documents. These messages were not from the church, and we want to remind everyone to remain cautious.

But scams aren’t limited to BMPC. Any message—whether by text or email—that requests money, gift cards, passwords, or other personal information should raise a red flag. BMPC will never make such requests, and the same is true for reputable institutions, such as your bank, utility companies, PennDOT, or the U.S. Postal Service.

If you receive a suspicious message:

• Do not click any links or respond.

• Do not share personal information.

• Contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know to be legitimate.

Staying vigilant helps protect not just you, but the entire community. When in doubt, pause and verify before taking any action.

The Messenger

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

625 Montgomery Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #127, Issue #3, 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