Adult Education

April 7 – Bach’s B Minor Mass
Matthew Robertson, BHPC’s Director of Music, will shed light on Bach’s B Minor Mass, its composition, practical considerations regarding performance, and insight into “what makes it great.” Back began writing the music that would become part of his B Minor Mass exactly 300 years ago. He would continue to labor for the next quarter century, until near his death, on this work that would never be performed during his lifetime. What he completed stands as a unique testament to the power of human achievement, and one that has, since its composition, often been described as the single finest piece of music in the Western classical canon (This is a change from previous program announcements!).

April 14 – Building on Climate Progress in the Face of Mounting Challenge
Long-time Bradley Hills member, Bob Deans is Director of Strategic Engagement for the National Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group with more than 3 million supporters nationwide. Over the past three years, the United States has taken its strongest climate action ever, positioning the country to cut greenhouse gas emissions 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. With greater federal, state, and corporate ambition, we can cut those emissions in half by then, as the science says we must to avert catastrophic climate change. At the same time, we just wrapped up the hottest year on record. Dangerous heat waves put two-thirds of the country at risk. Drought dropped the Mississippi River to its lowest level ever measured. And wildfires burned enough land across Canada to cover the state of Oklahoma. With a crisis this urgent, and the job not yet done, what’s at stake in the months ahead as voters assess questions of national leadership, and how do we raise our voices to appeal for progress and change?

April 21 – Saving the Planet with Resources from Space
Long-time Bradley Hills member, and recent space traveler, Clint Kelly will be providing exciting details about saving the planet with resources from space. The environmental consequences associated with extraction and processing will limit the transition to solar and wind power from fossil fuels. In the meantime, electricity is needed to reduce poverty in less developed economies and slow population growth. But there is a place where the sun always shines and where baseload energy could be taken and made available to raise the quality of life in these less developed areas such as sub-Saharan Africa.

April 28 – Equal Creation, Equal Rights: The 100 Years Struggle for Constitutional Equality in the U.S.
Bradley Hills member Allyson McKinney Timm, founder of Justice Revival and an expert on the front lines of the ERA movement, will explain about why this reform matters more than ever today–for women and LGBTQ+ citizens. If we are all equal in dignity and worth before our Creator, do we not also deserve equal respect under the law? The Equal Rights Amendment would make this vision a reality by enshrining gender equality in the U.S. Constitution. The ERA is closer than ever to being rightfully recognized as the 28th Amendment, and people of faith have a critical opportunity to help get it over the finish line–securing equality for generations of Americans to come.

Previews of May 5 & May 12

May 5 – Brian Ellison of the Covenant Network

May 12 – Jean Dudek Presents: The Scent of Bright Light
We will hear about and discuss BHPC community member Jean Dudek’s new book, The Scent of Bright Light. It’s historical fiction, retelling the biblical story of Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar (Genesis 12-23). Sarah tells her story through the lens of her relationship with Hagar, whom she loves and raises like a daughter. You can purchase Jean’s book through Amazon or order a copy direction from the publisher, Wipf and Stock (use coupon code CONF40 and save 40% on the publisher’s website). Copies will also be available for sale at church. You do not have to read the book to participate in the Adult Ed session.

Email Judith Fried

Friends Club | Office Manager

Email Jessica Ruffin

Friends Club | Activities Coordinator

Email Rosanna Howard

Temporary Director of Christian Education

Email Pastor David

Stay connected!

Sign up for our weekly emails.

Bulletin Available Soon

Opportunities for Families & Children

We offer special children’s programming during the 10:30 a.m. worship services:

Nursery Care is available for infants to 3-year-olds during the services by experienced caregivers who ensure a loving and secure environment for our youngest ones.

Church School is offered for children who are at least 3 years old through 5^th grade following the Children’s Message of the 10:30 a.m. service. It is a vibrant place for our little ones to learn, play, and explore through God throughout the year. Children are escorted to the upper-level classrooms where they split into age appropriate classes during the program year. Club 3-4-5 (3^rd – 5^th grade), Godly Play for 1^st– 2^nd grade, and Godly Play for Preschool and Kindergarten. All children engage in Bible stories, lessons, projects, games, arts and crafts, and friendship-building.

Family Connections gatherings happen throughout the year and are a great opportunity to get to know other church members with young children. We host catered Family Connectional Lunches, Trunk or Treat, Advent Tree Lighting, the Children’s Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, family picnics, and more.

Vacation Bible School is designed for kids ages 4 through rising fifth graders and is held every -August. Our passionate staff lead the children through fun-filled activities, games, stories, music, crafts, outdoor recreation, and more!

Worship Workshop offers second graders and their parents and caregivers an opportunity to experience a special month of exploration and learning, delving into the beauty of worship and belonging to our faith community through baptism and communion. Together, we dive into the significance of the order of worship and liturgy. Upon completion, children receive their very own copy of the Presbyterian (USA) Hymnal, marking their enriching journey of faith and worship.

Bible Workshop offers third graders and their parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn about the Bible and how we can use it in our daily lives. Together, we explore the history and structure of the Bible, making scripture accessible to third graders and their families. Most importantly, we learn about how the Bible can help us come closer to God. Upon completion, children receive their very own Bible from the church, marking this enriching journey of faith and scripture.

View the Children’s Ministry calendar here.

Click here to read BHPC’s Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy.

Opportunities in Earth Care & Property Management

Property Management: The Property Management Lay Ministry (PMLM) is responsible for aligning all property and earth care efforts to continuously improve and maintain the building user experience. We are responsible for the brainstorming, planning, and execution of projects that keep our building safe and functional. We are sincerely indebted to our building staff for all they do on a daily basis to ensure our community has a clean and hospitable environment to call home.

Earth Care Council: Bradley Hills embraces the biblical and General Assembly charge to care for God’s creation. The Earth Care Council is an independent committee that was set up to help improve and maintain the adopted “Earth Care Pledge” from the PC(USA) to improve the church’s environmental posture. We have been a certified PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation since 2011. The Earth Care Council works to restore God’s Creation by:

Reducing the carbon footprint of our building by more than 50% in the last 10 years.
Commissioning a professional energy audit with thermographic imagery and prioritized recommendations.
Our Facilities Manager successfully completed a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Implementing protocols for recycling and the use of non-toxic products.
Applying and receiving funding from the Presbytery, PEPCO, and Montgomery County to implement energy-efficient improvements.
Installing energy-efficient light fixtures, controls, and bulbs.
Replacing outdated HVAC equipment with energy-efficient modules and installing computerized controls, including occupancy sensors.
Replacing mid-century single-pane windows with double-pane insulated windows.
Installing a new insulated roof design to support solar panels.
In 2022 we installed solar panels that supply 90% of our electrical needs.

Landscape Initiative: BHPC has over six beautiful acres of land that always needs a little TLC. Recently, we were able to execute a new landscape design that reinvigorated our gardens and flower beds. We are often seen throughout the week watering, weeding, and pruning to keep the gardens looking healthy and beautiful. We prioritize native plantings and maintain sensitive care for our landscaping. After having to remove several dead trees from the property, volunteers from the Landscape Committee and the church staff planted 36 trees on the grounds in the spring of 2023. We have installed rain and butterfly gardens and continue to encourage outdoor worship and connections with God. Don’t have a lot of time to help out? Twice a year we also ask the community to join us for a “Fall Call” and a “Spring Fling” as we prepare the grounds for the coming seasons by raking up the fallen leaves, removing brush, and taking care of our landscape.

Make a Bold Witness: Nearly 20 years ago, PC(USA)’s General Assembly recognized the urgent need to address climate change by passing a resolution asking all Presbyterians to “make a bold witness by aspiring to lead carbon neutral lives.” Carbon neutrality requires us to reduce energy consumption that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and purchase carbon offsets to compensate for carbon emissions that we cannot eliminate. You can make a bold witness by recycling, making your home and lifestyle more energy efficient, reducing your carbon footprint, and helping to create a more sustainable future. Click here for resources to help you get started.

We encourage creation stewardship, offer Adult Education classes on environmental issues, incorporate earth care in our Church School, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Mission projects curricula, and challenge our congregation to lead more carbon neutral lives. Click the button below if you are interested in getting involved in Earth Care & Property Management initiatives.

Email Matthew Robertson

Director of Music

Email Liz Sobrino

Director of BHPC Nursery School

Email Elizabeth Bullock

Director of Communications & Administrative Ministries

Email Farid Beltran

Facilities Manager

Email Jan Spencer

Director of Financial Ministries

Email Pastor Denise

Pastor Denise, BHPC’s Associate Pastor, is a liaison for the care and support of the Bradley Hills congregation. If you would like to speak with Pastor Denise regarding a Care & Support matter or a pastoral issue, all are welcome to contact her.

Contact the Executive Director of Friends Club

Ways to Give to BHPC

Gifts Online

Online giving is through Realm, BHPC’s secure virtual connection tool. Through Realm, you can direct your gift to a specific fund, specify any giving amount, choose whether to make a “one-time” or recurring gift, and choose whether to give via a Debit/Credit card or an Automated Clearing House (ACH) bank transaction. You will also be offered the opportunity to add to your gift to cover the processing costs incurred by the church.

There are 3 methods to access Realm for online giving:

-Use the GIVE NOW button on the top right corner of the church website.
-Log into Realm from the Realm app or from your computer.
-Text “BHPC” to 73256 and follow the link.

Gifts By Check

If you attend worship in person, you can place your gift in the offering plate. Alternatively, you can mail a check to the church or use your bank’s automated bill payment service to mail one-time or recurring checks to the church. For all checks, please indicate any special designations in the memo field. Gifts without a designation will be directed to general giving.

Checks should be made payable to “Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church” and mailed to:

Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church
Attn: Jan Spencer
6601 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817

Gifts of Securities

The church welcomes gifts of appreciated securities (e.g. stocks, bonds). For information on transferring securities to BHPC’s brokerage account for immediate sale, please contact Jan Spencer, Director of Financial Ministries, in the church office at (301)365-2850, or by email.

We recommend that you seek the advice of your broker, accountant or other qualified financial professional before making a gift of securities.

Prayer Request

Opportunities in Music

The Chancel Choir sings each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. worship service during the program year (September to May), as well as for special services throughout the church year. The choir consists of volunteer singers who are supplemented by a professional quartet of section leaders. Our repertoire includes a wide variety of liturgical music, from English choral anthems and Renaissance polyphony (in Latin) to Gospel music and spirituals. Rehearsals are usually held on Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Lantern Chorale is open to all youth in grades 6 to 12. The youth in this choir are exposed to many of the world’s best composers, learn music theory, sight-singing, how to use their voice effectively, as well as teamwork skills. The choir sings during worship services about once a month and rehearses on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the program year.

The Alleluia Singers is open to children in Kindergarten to 5th grade. This choir is a wonderful way to expose children to music, develop basic knowledge of music and of the voice and have a wonderful time. The choir sings approximately every six weeks in worship services and rehearses in the Choir Room after the 10:30 a.m. service for 30 to 45 minutes.

The Cherub Choir invites our youngest congregants (ages 3 to 7) to make a joyful noise! We sing, dance, and learn to have fun lifting our voices in praise and worship. The Cherub Choir practices on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:30 a.m. service for 30 minutes in the Choir Room. Parents and caregivers are welcome to drop off their little ones or stick around for those singers who might need a little more support.

The Bradley Ringers are a handbell choir offering music that delights all ages. They offer music a number of times per year, using a three-octave set of Schulmerich English handbells. The Bradley Ringers typically play in the balcony, where the music rings out over the congregation. The Bradley Ringers rehearse once before they play in worship. No auditions are required, but individuals need to have the ability to read music. The choir rehearses intermittently in the Sanctuary.

The Intergenerational Choir is a summer choir open to all individuals from 5th grade to adults that offers their musical gifts a few times during summer worship. Choir participants arrive an hour before the summer service to rehearse a beautiful but uncomplicated piece then sing it in worship. This choir is perfect for those who cannot commit to a regularly rehearsing choir but still enjoys the act of leading worship through music. Watch for announcements in the summer on when the Intergenerational Choir is called for summer worship.

Friends of Music is a dedicated group of people who donate their time and financial gifts to support the Bradley Hills Concert Series. Concerts sponsored by FOM are supported solely through suggested donations and admission costs collected at all events, as well as the gracious financial contributions and volunteer efforts of FOM. FOM actively welcomes new members to its activities. Click Here to learn more about the Bradley Hills Concert Series. (link to BHPC Concert Series page).

Get Involved in Racial Justice

More About Racial Justice

In 2022, the Task Force evolved into the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee which seeks specific outcomes in the following areas:

Education to the Congregation

The Racial Justice Coordinating Committee works to educate the congregation on the racial history connected to the community, the state of Maryland, and the national racial history of the United States. Some of the education goals for the congregation are:

Educate the congregation about racial history in our community: visiting local museums in Maryland and Washington D.C.; create enthusiasm for participation in racial justice supported mission projects; form relationships with people who aspire to the common goal of addressing racial injustice.
Educate the congregation about racial history on a state level: Maryland’s history as a plantation state and racial justice heroes from Maryland.
Educate the congregation about racial history on a national level: understanding the Civil Rights Movement and its implications for today’s issues regarding policing, incarceration, voting rights/suppression, disparities in education and healthcare; gain awareness of the struggle of African Americans and of how their stories and the American story are inseparable.
Gain a collective sense of responsibility for addressing racial injustice.

Diversity of Staff and Membership

People of all races, backgrounds, and cultures are welcome at Bradley Hills. We advocate this by:

Support in the nomination and employment of a racially diverse staff.
Recruitment of guest musicians, soloists, and speakers of color.
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that welcomes diversity in our congregation.
Increase in cultural diversity in music and liturgy in worship.
Embrace all cultures and heritages within the congregation in celebration of events and holidays.

External Partnerships

BHPC partners with several organizations, churches and churches to increase racial justice awareness and responsibility through education and mission opportunities.

Union Presbyterian Seminary: BHPC sponsors a seminarian person of color by subsidizing seminary costs and welcoming them to participate in leading a worship service and giving a presentation on what they have learned and accomplished at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Howard University Seminary: BHPC has previously recruited POC interns to include a more diverse perspective in leadership roles and approaches to worship.
Faith Presbyterian Church: In an effort to help those in need in the Anacostia community of Washington D.C., Bradley Hills has partnered with Faith Presbyterian to help volunteer in several mission efforts including the EDEN Community Garden, efforts for Patterson Elementary School, and the Feeding Families program.
National Capital Presbytery: BHPC supports NCP’s Black Presbyterians United initiative that provides a greater understanding and response to challenges that Black Presbyterians are facing in the D.C. metro area. Participation in BPU events, publicized articles, and ways to financially support BPU are made available to the BHPC congregation.
Interwoven Congregations: Interwoven Congregations is a nonprofit engaged with the Presbytery by providing facilitated racial justice dialogues between predominantly white and predominantly POC congregations. BHPC financially supports this mission with annual disbursements of funds distributed by the Mission Coordination Lay Ministry.

Advocacy

Racial Justice Coordinating Committee: We are always seeking new members to join the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee who want to actively participate in education, advocacy, and helping us achieve our goals. We seek input on educational outings, updating resources, and other ways to promote racial justice in our church and community. Click the button below if you are interested in getting involved in racial justice.

Ways to Advocate for Racial Justice:

Join the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee.
Get involved in the racial justice mission opportunities.
Give a financial gift or specified donation to a racial justice organization.
Support the annual Juneteenth celebration and other racial justice events.
Attend educational events and outings sponsored by the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee.

BHPC Events & Outings Sponsored by the Racial Justice Coordinating Committee

Adult Education Sessions on racial justice, racial history, and community outreach including, The Life of Josiah Henson, Relations Between Black American Christians & Indian Civil Rights Activists, Resolutions on Racism, and The Three Reported Lynchings in Montgomery County.
Museum & Park Outings that educate us on racial history and events including the Josiah Henson Museum and Park and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Events that encourage the BHPC congregation to support racial justice efforts within the community including the annual Juneteenth celebration and the fundraising events and efforts to restore the Scotland AME Zion Church and Community Center on Seven Locks Road.

Racial Justice Resources:

Get Involved in Mission

Learn More About Mission Opportunities

Be sure to watch for Mission Opportunities on the announcements page or through the weekly emails and BHX newsletter.

Opportunities in Mission: Hands-On Support

We are blessed to have so many hands-on mission opportunities at Bradley Hills, from Angel Gift Tree to Youth Mission Trips. View all seasonal and year-round missions under our Serving Others opportunities.

Mission Coordination Lay Ministry is always open to new ideas on how we can support our local community. Please contact our MCLM through the Get Involved in Mission form if you are interested in being a part of a mission or have an idea for a new opportunity.

Opportunities in Mission: Financial Support

This is a current list of our Mission partners supported by Bradley Hills’ operating budget. Click on each partner to learn more about them:

Action in Montgomery
Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, Palestine
Asia Pacific American Legal Resource Center
Bethesda Cares
Bethesda Help
Community Reach of Montgomery County
Dennis Avenue Health Center (Montgomery County Public Health Clinic)
Denominational (Presbyterian) Mission
Faith Presbyterian Church
Forman Christian College
Friends Club
GenOUT Chorus
Interfaith Power & Light of DC, MD, & NoVA
Interfaith Works
Montgomery Hospice
So Others Might Eat

BHPC’s Alternative Giving Program offers a wide variety of vetted organizations which one can make donations during the Advent season in honor of loved ones, friends, or colleagues, as an alternative to the traditional form of gift-giving at Christmas. Watch for announcements on the website, weekly emails, and BHX newsletter for information as we get closer to Advent.

Opportunities for Supportive Engagement of Mission Ministries:

Join the Mission Council: Dedicating your time and support of mission through planning mission events, liaising with mission partner organizations, deciding on how to allocate church funds, and keeping the congregation informed is a big reason why BHPC is able to support so many different mission projects and organizations. If you feel led to serve on the Mission Council, please let us know by clicking on the “Get Involved in Mission” button below.

Engage in Conversation: You can always show your support by coming to mission sponsored events that engage people in learning and sharing about what these missions have accomplished.

New Story Leadership (NSL) Event, sponsored annually by ICPC, is co-hosted by BHPC and our interfaith partners, Bethesda Jewish Congregation and Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center. Each summer NSL sponsors ten young adult delegates from Israel and Palestine to come to Washington D.C. for seven weeks to learn, live, and work together. These young adults then come to BHPC and present their personal stories and hopes for affecting peace and change in the Middle East.

Mission Oriented Adult Education Sessions are mission sponsored talks that happen a few times a year in the Adult Education class during the program year. Each talk or presentation is related to particular mission partners and projects that we want to encourage Adult Education participants to learn about and get involved in. Look for these sessions on the Adult Education session schedule.

Get Involved in a Connectional Group

Opportunities for Connection:

Coffee Hour: Looking for a time to get to know your fellow congregants in a casual setting? Coffee Hours are after every service (9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.) in the Gathering Space outside of Covenant Hall. Grab some coffee, a few snacks, and enjoy the fellowship and conversation with friends. Coffee Hour hosts are set up alphabetically by volunteers’ last names. The Coffee Hour coordinator will remind you when its your turn to bring the snacks!

Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee: The Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee (ICPC) was formed in 2002 upon completion of Covenant Hall, what ICPC refers to as “a place of prayer” for members of BHPC, the Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC), and the Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center (MIIC). ICPC is composed of members of these three congregations. The committee seeks to nurture connections among our congregants throughout the year through joint services, projects, and interfaith activities including, the Interfaith worship service held every fall, the Interfaith Picnic held every spring, Iftar – Breaking of the Fast during Ramadan, Authors Among Us, Pulpit Exchange, New Story Leadership Presentations, joint service projects, and raising awareness in support of change on a local, national, and international level. ICPC invites anyone to join in conceiving, planning, and executing events that nurture connections among BHPC, BJC, and MIIC and advance our shared interests.

Book Group: BHPC’s Book Group welcomes all those who like to read and discuss books to any meeting. We read an eclectic mix of both fiction and nonfiction as recommended by the Book Group participants. We like books that illustrate the lives of people that are different from our own, showcase a current topic, illustrate great writing, or inform us about outlook. Check the BHX, church bulletins, and weekly emails for dates, times, and book selections. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings, whether you have read the book or not.

Family Connections gatherings happen throughout the year and are a great opportunity to get to know other church members with young children. We host catered Family Connectional Lunches, Trunk or Treat, Advent Tree Lighting, the Children’s Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, family picnics, and more.

Open Nesters: The Open Nesters is a support/social group of parents of adult or nearly adult children. Once a month the Open Nesters gather in a volunteer host’s home for a potluck dinner and fellowship.

Outreach Lay Ministry: The Outreach & New Member Lay Ministry supports church growth by (a) reaching out to the community and encouraging people to visit, (b) supporting the congregation in identifying and welcoming visitors, (c) connecting new and potential members to ministry opportunities, and (d) cross ministry collaboration for effective membership outreach and engagement. Successful outreach depends on all of us! You can help support this ministry by inviting friends and family to worship services and events, liking and sharing the BHPC Facebook posts, and being sure to greet those you do not know on Sundays. The Outreach Lay Ministry is always looking for new members to join us!

Get Involved in a Spiritual Group

Opportunities for Spiritual Connection:

Bible Study is an engagement in discussion about scripture in upcoming worship services. Join one of our pastors in a spirited discussion and deep dive into the text on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. during the program year and intermittently during the summer. Both discussion participants and listeners are welcome. Watch for announcements on the website, weekly emails, and BHXs for updates on Bible Study sessions.

Small Groups are small lay-led groups that provide people with the opportunity to explore new spiritual practices, engage in stimulating discussions on relevant topics with great conversation partners, meet new people, and provide fellowship in a small group setting (8 to 10 people). BHPC has two regularly scheduled small group opportunities each year with options to meet in-person or via Zoom. Lenten Small Groups meet during the six weeks of the Lenten season and Fall Small Groups meet for four weeks during the fall (typically during the month of October). Recent small group themes include compassion, sabbath, and prayer. Keep an eye out for announcements on the website, weekly emails, and BHXs about upcoming small group opportunities.

Centering Prayer is a Christian-based spiritual practice where we surrender ourselves in silence in order to open our hearts to the transformative presence and action of God in our lives. This is an in-person practice to pray and meditate together as a community during the seasons of Advent and Lent. To learn more about Centering Prayer contact Pastor Denise.

The Prayer Labyrinth is designed as a journey or experience for anyone to walk and pray with God. Unlike mazes which can be confusing and lead to dead ends, the labyrinth is designed with only one path that leads to and from the center. Praying (or walking) the labyrinth has been used as a spiritual practice for centuries within the Christian faith. Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion explains, “A ‘typical’ labyrinth experience involves preparing oneself at the threshold, following the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out of the threshold, and then responding to the experience.” Traditionally, the congregation is invited to meet at the labyrinth for the Congregational Labyrinth Walk on the first Sunday of Advent. The BHPC Labyrinth is available to the community during times when there are not worship services or Nursery School is not in session.

How Do I Get Involved

Opportunities for Youth

We offer Youth Group after Sunday morning worship services from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. as well as numerous special events throughout the year.

Youth Group is open to youth in grades 6 to 12. Youth are invited to share lunch together and hang out in the youth lounge where we play games, foster friendship-building and connection, and engage our faith with creativity and play.

Lantern Chorale is our youth choir that meets from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays and is open to all youth in grades 6 to 12. For more information on the Lantern Chorale, click here. [link to music pop-up section]

Youth Connect gatherings happen immediately after Lantern Chorale on Thursday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Youth and their adult leaders share dinner and go deep with questions about faith, God, and scripture. This is not some boring Bible study. We create art projects and worship banners, we engage with drama skits and games, and we share about our lives with one another. Youth Connect is a great way to find a deeper sense of belonging and connection.

Youth Sunday happens once a year, normally in the early spring. The Youth Group spends a few weeks planning and then leads an entire worship service for the congregation. The youth choose all the hymns and songs, write all the prayers and liturgy, and lead the congregation in worship. In place of a sermon, high school juniors and seniors offer reflections on their faith journeys with the congregation.

Summer Trips are planned for every June and July. Our middle schoolers go to Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg, VA where they do a mission trip for two days and enjoy a summer camp experience for four days. There are two trips for high schoolers. In June, high schoolers go on a mission trip where they engage in service projects and broaden their understanding of God’s work in the world. In July, high schoolers go to Montreat, a Presbyterian retreat center in the western mountains of North Carolina, where they enjoy the Youth Conference fully of games, dancing, rock-hopping, hiking, worship, and more. To inquire about a summer trip, contact Matt Nabinger.

Fundraiser Events happen throughout the year to lower the cost of the Summer Trips. These events include the Chili Cook-Off in early December, chocolate sales at Christmas, and the Pancake Lunch in the spring. Every fundraiser event also helps us build community and friendships throughout the church congregation as an intergenerational community of faith.

Confirmation meets for 5 classes in the early fall and 5 classes in the winter, with a short break in between. Confirmation is open to any youth in 8^th grade as well as any high schoolers who have not yet been confirmed. During Confirmation, youth learn about the Trinity, the Church, the Bible, and other important Christian teachings through the lens of curiosity and openness. Upon completion, participants create an Expression of Faith to express what their faith looks like right now, knowing it will continue to grow and evolve. Those wishing to be confirmed are welcomed as active members of the Church during a special Sunday morning worship service.

Get Involved in Youth

Opportunities for Serving Others

Smart Sacks: Smart Sacks is a family-friendly serving opportunity that occurs right after the 10:30 am service in the Lounge to pack sacks of food for families with children in Montgomery County Public Schools who are food insecure. All food is donated by Manna, and volunteers from the church deliver the sacks to designated pick-up locations for the families.

Visiting Team: If you are looking for a way to serve Christ and build relationships, the Visiting Team may be a good fit for you. In conjunction with pastoral care offered by BHPC’s clergy staff and Deacons, our Visiting Team provides monthly visits to members of the congregation to provide caring support, Christian fellowship, and a nurturing relationship to those in need. At its core, the BHPC Visiting Team is a ministry of presence for those they visit. We meet monthly for training on topics such as “How to be Present,” “Protecting Privacy,” and “Managing Challenging Situations.” We also provide mutual support to each other as we navigate the journey of being a visitor to those in need of connection as a means of showing Christ’s love in the world. You are welcome to attend a meeting to investigate the Visiting Team without any obligation, or you can talk with Pastor Denise to learn more.

Angel Gift Tree: This is a Bradley Hills program that starts in November and goes through the first Sunday of Advent. All are invited to sign up to purchase gifts for specific children whose families are served by Dennis Avenue Health Center (Montgomery County) or a local nonprofit, the Women’s Collective. After the gifts are collected, the Youth of BHPC host a gift-wrapping party to wrap all the presents that were purchased for these children.

Becky’s House: Run by Interfaith Works, Becky’s House is a long-term shelter in Rockville for senior and disabled women who would otherwise be homeless. A member from Bradley Hills provides dinner on the second Monday of each month. Volunteers can sign up to cook and deliver dinner to the eight residents. This is a great opportunity for a family or group of friends to take on a one-time project that makes a difference in our community.

The Coat Drive: A yearly fall mission project at BHPC, the Coat Drive provides coats to children and their families from Arcola Elementary School in Silver Spring. Those who would like to purchase a coat for a child or family member in need can sign up online or in person during Sunday Coffee Hours to purchase or donate children’s winter coats. Volunteers are always welcome to take the extra step to help organize the Coat Drive, take purchase and sign-up requests, and pack and transport the coats to Arcola Elementary School.

Feeding Families: In partnership with Faith Presbyterian Church, BHPC congregants can volunteer to pack and distribute bags of groceries to residents of the Anacostia community in D.C. on a Saturday morning. Click here to sign up.

The Interfaith Refugee Project: This project is a joint initiative with our interfaith partners, Bethesda Jewish Congregation, and several Muslim congregations, to support and co-sponsor refugee families from Afghanistan since 2016. We help to locate, furnish, and subsidize rent for apartments and provide wrap-around services such as support for transportation, education, mentoring, financial literacy, and navigating immigration issues and our Social Services system.

Natural Disaster Kits: Assembled by Bradley Hills during our “Lenten Day of Service” for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Following a Sunday worship service during the season of Lent, all gather to assemble hygiene kits, school supply kits, and emergency clean-up kits for communities struck by natural disasters. BHPC follows the kit guidelines set by Church World Service, an ecumenical organization that distributes the kits wherever needed in the U.S. or abroad.

The School Supplies Event: In partnership with Faith Presbyterian Church, volunteers come out on one summer Saturday to help assemble hundreds of school supply packs at Faith Presbyterian for students at Patterson Elementary School in Anacostia, D.C.

So Others Might Eat: BHPC’s SOME team cooks and serves breakfast to the homeless once a month at the SOME locations in D.C.

Thanksgiving Baskets: BHPC congregants are asked in October to purchase non-perishable foods and gift cards for perishables that are packed by the Bradley Hills Youth and given to low-income families so that they may enjoy the season with their families as well.

Youth Mission Trips: A wonderful way for the youth to contribute to communities in need, Youth Mission Trips provide teaching opportunities that allow participants to learn together about justice and peace while developing new skills, new relationships, and mutual respect for those in different situations. Each trip requires AT LEAST two chaperones per trip, or the trip is canceled. Volunteers do not have to have a child in youth to chaperone these trips. This is a great way to contribute to outlying communities and get to know our younger partners in ministry.

Get Involved

Serving Others

Families and Children

Youth

Spiritual Groups

Connectional Groups

Adult Education

Mission

Racial Justice

Music & Choirs

Earth Care & Property Management