Update from BSA Troop 181

Posted By Debbie Bellew 21 days ago

BSA Troop 181 meets weekly, focusing on American Business merit badge, rank advancement, and preparing for camping trips. Service activities like planting flowers and Eagle projects are also part of their activities.

Book Recommendation - What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most

Posted By Marjorie Smink 23 days ago

Pastor Martin Thielen's book explores Christian beliefs, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing essential tenets. It offers a clear and compassionate perspective, encouraging readers to engage thoughtfully with faith.

CYEC Update

Posted By Janelle Larson & Kristine Adams 24 days ago

We set a goal to raise $750 to start a new food pantry at the CYEC in Kenya. Our Special Easter Offering collected $766.

Nursery School Update For May 2023

Posted By Jane Harris 26 days ago

It seems it was only yesterday that we welcomed our children into school, the year has flown by!

A Message to Berwyn From Music Director John Lewis

Posted By John Lewis one month ago

I want to thank you for all of the support you’ve given me over these past two years at Berwyn UMC. It has been my greatest joy to lead you in music for the greater glory of God. Hearing your voices, in both song and conversation, has enabled me to...

Farwell to Music Director John Lewis

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge one month ago

With gratitude and sadness, we announce that our talented music director, John Lewis, will be leaving our church to pursue a new opportunity at Newtown United Methodist. John has served our church for the past year and a half, and during this time, he has enriched our worship and strengthened...

Time For a Season of Reflection, Prayer & Fasting

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge 3 months ago

As we enter the time of Lent, we enter a time of reflection and spiritual discipline practiced by Christians worldwide. It is the 40-day season leading up to Easter and is often marked with fasting, prayer, and self-reflection. It allows us to deepen our spiritual lives and grow our relationship...

Chorus is Relaunching

Posted By John Lewis 3 months ago

Adult Choir is relaunching with a new rehearsal day and time.

Scout Toop 181 Update

Posted By Debbie Bellew 3 months ago

Many thanks to Berwyn United Methodist for hosting our troop meetings.

Book Recommendation - Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd

Posted By Marjorie Smink 3 months ago

The stories and essays in this book are the result of that request.

BUMNS February Update

Posted By Jane Harris 3 months ago

Our rooms and hallways will be filled with red and pink heart projects. We encourage the children to think about being good friends and to be kind to each other. Our 5-day children are encouraged to do kind deeds in February and beyond.

February 2023 Food Pantry Update

Posted By Krstine Adams 3 months ago

Berwyn UMC’s food pantry is open and running strong. The Pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays for members of our community to come and “shop” from our pantry room.

UMCOR Responds to Earthquakes in Southern Turkey and Northwest Syria

Posted By UMCOR 3 months ago

View a video from UMCOR showing the impact of the earthquake and where they are already supporting disaster response work.

What about the United Methodist Split?

Posted 4 months ago

Many of the people of Berwyn UMC have been asking questions about the state of the United Methodist Church, its stance on scripture, grace, human sexuality, and its commitment to Christ. This article has a youtube playlist of videos helping answer the question of Why be United Methodist, Do...

Book Recommendation - I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

Posted By Marjorie Smink 4 months ago

This book provides an intimate view of her life - growing up Black, Christian, and female in White America. She shows how White America’s claim to embrace “diversity” often falls short of its mission.

A Message From the Lay Leader

Posted By Amy Dodds 4 months ago

We hold tight to the friendships we have fostered through BUMC. The people of BUMC gift my family with love and care and have helped to raise our children in faith when grandparents and extended family are many miles away. We continue to be closely connected with those we love...

Communion Committee Help Needed

Posted By Stephanie Borelly 4 months ago

The Communion Committee is in dire need of more volunteers.

Food Pantry Update

Posted By Claudia Genuardi 4 months ago

The Food Pantry has taken a big jump forward since we began. I want to offer my gratitude to all of the volunteers that are making it work so well

The Power to Resist Temptation

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge 4 months ago

Dealing with temptation can be difficult, but it is essential for achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. Temptation can come in many forms, from unhealthy food to procrastination, and it can be easy to give in and fall back into bad habits. However, we can learn to manage...

Making Discpleship a Priority in the New Year

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge 4 months ago

As we begin a new year, it’s a natural time for reflection and resolution-making. However, our faith is one area of life often overlooked when it comes to goal-setting. On January 1st, we had a Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service, an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to God and renew our...

BUMNS January Update

Posted By Jane Harris 4 months ago

The Nursery School wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

BUMNS December 2022 Update

Posted By Jane Harris 5 months ago

December is upon us and 2022 is nearly over! The weather may be grey and cold but it is always bright and warm at nursery school. The hallways are filled with colorful holiday projects that the children have worked so hard on.

Book Recommendation - Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff...and It’s All Small Stuff

Posted By Marjorie Smink 5 months ago

Do little things in life drive you crazy? Author and consultant on stress and happiness, Richard Carlson, suggests ways to calm yourself in your hurried, stress-filled life.

Tax-Advantaged Ways of Giving

Posted 6 months ago

Stewardship For the Global Community

Posted By Steve Cherry 6 months ago

Paul Maina, an Oxford colleague of Janelle Larson, is in the states on break from his work as director of the Children & Youth Empowerment Center [CYEC] in Kenya. He spoke to the Every Topic Considered [ETC} Class on November 20th. You’ll recall that Berwyn UMC has partnered with him...

Scout Troop 181 December 2022 Update

Posted By Debbie Bellew 6 months ago

This past month has been a busy one for Scouts BSA Troop 181, we camped at the Hawk Mountain Scout reservation on the Appalachian Trail, worked together on an Eagle Scout project (pictured) to rebuild steps at the Field of Dreams for the Berwyn Paoli Area Little League, and conducted...

Christmas Notes from Pastor Kevin

Posted By Pastor Kevin 6 months ago

Let's be honest. The idea of adding anything new to an already busy schedule is terrifying, borderline sitting in the corner of my office rocking terrifying. However, suppose your season is just as busy, but you want to focus on the hopeful waiting of advent and the celebration of Christ's...

Transparency and Open Communication Are Key

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge 6 months ago

This month we held the first of what I hope to be many Town Hall style meetings. At them, we shared a snapshot of the church’s finances, talked about the potential sale of some of our property, and how I approach church ministry. One of the meetings used ZOOM, and...

Trunk or Treat Was a Hit Again This Year!

Posted By Kristine Adams 6 months ago

Once again, Berwyn UMC put on a fantastic family community event. We had a steady stream of families the whole two hours. Pastor Kevin set up a QR code for parents to fill out a form to win a door prize—how many pumpkin candies in the jar? We received about...

Troop 181 November 2022 Update

Posted 6 months ago

Scouts BSA Troop 181 held its annual recruiting campout at BUMC on October 8-9. The weather was chilly but clear and Scouts and guests enjoyed archery, a barbecue, and tent camping on the grass. All had a great time and appreciated BUMC’s wonderful grounds and gracious church hosts.

Nursery School Update for November 2022

Posted 6 months ago

Our classrooms will soon be decorated with turkeys and pumpkin pies and descriptions of what the children are thankful for.

Book Recommendation - Jesus and His World

Posted By Marjorie Smink 6 months ago

What was the village of Nazareth really like in the time of Jesus? What do we know through archeology about the ruling priests who condemned Jesus to die? This book is a useful starting point for evaluating often ignored sources and their impact on our comprehension of the historical Jesus.

A Time of Recovery, Challenge and Opportunity

Posted By John Paylor 6 months ago

The whole world was thrown into turmoil in 2018 with the outbreak of the Covid virus. Fear and paralysis gripped entire populations as people cowered before this unknown threat. Governments and institutions imposed lockdowns in efforts to protect their citizens from infection, and life began a slowdown as individuals were...

You are God's Masterpiece

Posted By Pastor Kevin Rutledge 8 months ago

As we move forward in ministry together, we must find a way to recapture what it means to be God's masterpiece for the purpose of good works, just like Abram and his descendants being a blessing to bless others. The hope for the future of Berwyn United Methodist Church rests...

Stewardship and You

Posted By Steve Cherry 8 months ago

There are three ways people support the church. Through making and fulfilling pledges, through one-time gifts toward projects, and through planned giving to leave a legacy. Each gift enables the church to accomplish our God-given mission.

A Note From Your Lay Leader

Posted By Amy Dodds 8 months ago

During this time of great change in nature, I offer to you a reminder to take the time to rest but forge forward in our work together, to not grow weary, and to revel in the beauty GOD has put in your life today.

Book Recommendation - The Language of Science and Faith

Posted By Marjorie Smink 8 months ago

This book will become a classic for those who read it with an open mind and are willing to wrestle with questions about the relationship of modern science with the Christian faith.

Member Highlight - Debbie Nemetz

Posted 8 months ago

Thank you to Debbie Nemetz, who served as the lead counter for many years and is now stepping down.

Member Highlight - John Paylor Esq

Posted 8 months ago

Thank you to John Paylor for his service on the Leadership Team and as Church Treasurer

Nursery School Update for October 2022

Posted 8 months ago

We are excited that our youngest friends have an artificial surface to play on now; it can be used in all weathers now. Please look at all the happy faces in the ‘First day at BUMNS’ photos on the notice board inside the entrance to the nursery school.

Troop 181 October 2022 Update

Posted 8 months ago

October 2022 update from Boy Scout Troop 181.