OUR MINISTRIES
Our Music Program
Led by our talented Music Director Mitchell Patton, our adult choir (SATB) sings during the regular worship services from September through May. To prepare our music, the choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday mornings (8:30 - 9 a.m.). The choir welcomes all those interested in singing to the glory of God.
The Session
In the Presbyterian tradition, the Session is the governing board that oversees all of Bryn Mawr’s ministries and property. The Session is comprised of nine ruling elders, each of whom is elected by the congregation, and the pastor who serves as the moderator. The Session meets monthly throughout the year. Each elder chairs one or more committees, which carry out the mission and ministry of the church.
The Cottage Grove Food Pantry
Bryn Mawr coordinates and houses the Cottage Grove Food Pantry. The pantry is supplied with food from organized food drives and contributions from schools, organizations, churches, individuals, businesses and special events. The residents and businesses of Cottage Grove and the surrounding community generously provide monetary donations as well. The food pantry is supported by helpful and compassionate volunteers who: assist clients, sort and shelve food, clean and maintain the pantry areas, take inventory, receive contributions, make presentations, send acknowledgements, fill baskets, purchase and transport groceries, and much more.
The Cottage Grove Food Pantry is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. (and by appointment) to eligible persons who reside in the Village or Township of Cottage Grove. In 2023, almost 200 client families were served, including about 280 individual clients. The pantry also provided holiday baskets to about 75 families on Easter, Summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Deacons
Bryn Mawr’s Board of Deacons consists of nine ordained deacons who are each elected by the congregation. The deacons are caregivers and sometimes the first responders to members of the congregation or community with special needs. The deacons meet monthly throughout the year to determine how best to minister to those in need. They visit the homebound and hospitalized and accompany the pastor to serve communion to them. They send cards to those who are sick or hospitalized, to families who have lost loved ones, to those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or other milestone events, and they send thanks to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. They provide transportation to those in need of it, either for worship services or for the occasional appointment. They plan periodic social events, such as cookie parties and breakfast fellowships, for all who can attend. They maintain the weekly prayer list, which is included in the church’s electronic newsletter. They provide prayer shawls or capes, reminding those who face particularly difficult situations that they are wrapped in the love and prayers of the entire Bryn Mawr family.
Luke House
On the third Wednesday of each month, Bryn Mawr partners with St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cottage Grove to provide an evening meal for the Community Meal Program at Luke House, located on Ingersoll Street in Madison, Wisconsin. The Community Meal Program enables people to serve alongside members of their churches and to live out their faith. Our meal includes spaghetti, bread, salad, milk, fruit and dessert. Providing the food for the meal is a group effort. Some people provide food and then come to Luke House to prepare, serve and share the meal. Others participate by regularly providing a meal item. The volunteers who provide, prepare and serve the food at Luke House also sit down and share the meal with the people who come to eat.
Community Garden
The Bryn Mawr Community Garden is located in the back yard of our church. Its mission is to offer space to area residents to garden and to share in community together as fellow gardeners. It is not, however, a requirement to be a resident of the Cottage Grove village or township. There are currently open plots ready to be reserved for 2024. Email or call us, and we will connect you with our garden coordinator.