What we Believe

Cedar Lake Seven Men’s Gospel Choir

More Light Presbyterians

Bryn Mawr Church
Worships JoyfullyCreates CommunitySeeks to be InclusiveEncourages the Spiritual JourneyServes Humanity through Christ's ExampleExpresses God's Love

Worships Joyfully
Our most important activity is Sunday worship, centered on the hearing of Scripture and its interpretation, the sharing of personal and community concerns during prayer time, and the enjoyment of lively music. We seek to worship authentically, focused on the the
purpose of worship rather than the strict adherence to a rigid choreography. Everyone sings from the heart, and musical leadership is provided by a large choir, or by the Cedar Lake Seven, a men's gospel group that has become an outreach of the church.

Creates Community  [Return to Top]
We are a small neighborhood centered church with approximately one hundred members As a small church, we enjoy a close sense of community.  Revival began as a small group of families committed to the church and to personal spiritual development. This has continued as growth brings us more diverse gifts and experiences.

We welcome children as members of the community of faith, and we encourage them to be involved in the life of the church to the fullest degree of their interests and attention spans. A fussing infant in worship is a powerful reminder of the new life and growth to which we are all called by Christ.

We are spiritually diverse and accepting of multiple social and theological points of view.  We take responsibility for leadership and management of our church affairs.  The congregation is socially and politically conscious.  We are modest, casual in attire and approach to liturgy but rigorous in our demand for a thoughtful, progressive spiritual home.

Seeks to be Inclusive [Return to Top]
All church activities are planned with wheelchair  accessibility in mind.  We are currently exploring what it will take to install an elevator in our two-story building to make use of the entire building.

The church is a member of More Light Presbyterians. Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Encourages the Spiritual Journey [Return to Top]
Our members come from diverse religious backgrounds, and a diversity of beliefs and approaches to God thrives within the church community. While Biblical preaching
and teaching are highly valued, we believe that Scripture must be interpreted in the light of the cultural context in which it was produced, just as it must be applied to our particular cultural context. For some of us, as for many in our society, past experience with a narrow and oppressive interpretation of the Bible has created a strong disaffection for Biblical teaching. Our challenge is to remain sympathetic to this kind of experience while retaining the radical and liberating message of Jesus, as well as not missing the message of God's steadfast love that pervades the entire Bible.

Christian Education activities for children and youth involve the hearing of Bible stories and related art projects for all ages, while adult Christian Ed programs are offered on selected topics of interest, led by the pastor, members, or invited guests. 

 

Serves Humanity through Christ's Example [Return to Top]
We take Jesus as our model for living, particularly in his embracing of all people, including the outcasts of his culture. We seek to follow his model of inclusivity and valuing of all people. Individual members have strong convictions about issues such as celebrating the ministries of our GLBT sisters and brothers, peacemaking, environmentalism, consumerism, and the economic differences that pervade our society.

Expresses God's Love [Return to Top]
Our growing sense of mission to the world beyond our doors includes our support of St. Anne's Place, a nearby shelter for homeless women and their children.  Once a month the church provides the evening meal, and members read to the children.  Through a Presbytery grant we have provided supplies for their on-site store and books for the resident families.

 

_____________________________________________________________

© 2004-2008 Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church