From the Pastor
Our Session’s Worship Committee recently voted to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. It is a decision I wholeheartedly support and I want to tell you why. Even though there is some tradition of including the Sacrament on Easter at Brick, it will be more central this year than it has been recently. Most Christians understand why Communion is celebrated on Maundy Thursday, a service during which Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples is recalled. The liturgical mood at that Thursday service is obviously and appropriately somber, remembering as it does betrayal and impending death.

But the Sacrament of Holy Communion is not essentially a remembrance of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. It is also (even more so) an enactment of the presence of the Living Christ with us in our lives and in the life of the Church. And this is of course, precisely what Easter is all about. The liturgical mood of the Sacrament on Easter is accordingly anything but somber; rather it is resonantly joyful and singularly empowering. The Sacrament becomes, as the ancient words of the communion liturgy have it, “the joyful feast of the people of God.”

Some theologians have speculated that one reason why many Protestants have celebrated the Sacrament relatively infrequently is that their experience has been anything but celebrative. Even though they took Communion on Sunday (remember, every Sunday is a “little Easter”), the mood of the liturgy echoed Maundy Thursday —not Easter Sunday. The Sacrament emphasized the unworthiness of the disciples and the questions of self-examination that their betrayals raise. In time, Communion came to be associated with experiences of pain, loss, guilt, and even defeat, and was quite naturally relegated to occasional status.

So come to worship on Easter Sunday, April 16, at 9:00 or 11:00 a.m., and be prepared for both “alleluias” and a joyful celebration of the living and empowering presence of Jesus Christ. —Michael L. Lindvall

Congregational Dinner and Annual Meetings: An Evening of Celebration
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. —First Corinthians 12:4-7

On Wednesday, May 3, join us at the Congregational Dinner and Annual Meetings of The Brick Church. We will celebrate the depth and breadth of our ministry together as we look back on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

We will have the opportunity to thank our outgoing officers (Deacons, Elders, and Trustees) for their faithful service to the church and elect new officers to lead us in the days ahead. Our Nominating Committee has worked diligently to create a slate of nominated officers who will serve this congregation with faithfulness and distinction. The congregation will vote on this slate following dinner.

This year has been full of exciting changes at The Brick Church: we have a full, permanent pastoral staff for the first time in many years; we have a beautifully restored sanctuary and a brand new organ. We have much to celebrate and much to discuss as we look forward to the future of The Brick Church.

Join us for this evening of wonderful food, conversation and celebration. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception on the Youth Floor, followed by a gourmet buffet dinner ($20) and the Annual Meetings of The Brick Church. RSVP to the reception desk, 212-289-4400, by noon on Monday, May 1.

By Order of the Session and the Board of Trustees
of The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, the Annual Meetings of the Congregation and Corporation will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, in Watson Hall, The Brick Presbyterian Church, 1140 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10128, beginning at 8:00 p.m. These meetings are called for the following purposes: to elect Elders to succeed: Gloria E. Altherr, William S. Eakins, Christopher P. Mahan, Kent McKamy, Helen B. Pennoyer, Frederic S. Sater, Susan P. Webb-Dreyfus and Sabina Wu; to elect Deacons to succeed Patrick D. Barrett, Ann Dunham, Mimi K. Hah, Robert P. Kellas, Sylvester F. Miniter, David W. Morgan, Thea K. Obstler, Barbara H. Scott and Duncan M. Webb; to elect Trustees to succeed Cornelia W. Clifford, Susan F. Geisenheimer, Linda A. Simpson and E. Deane Turner; to elect an All-Church Nominating Committee (five members); to receive annual reports and to transact other business as may come before the meetings.
—Ellsworth G. Stanton III, Clerk of Session

Stengård in Concert
On April 9 at 4:00 p.m., Johan Stengård, one of Europe’s leading saxophonists, will be in concert at The Brick Presbyterian Church. Stengård’s program will include both popular and sacred music reflective of his broad interests and personal spirituality. He has performed with musicians including ABBA, Michael Bolton, Lena Horn, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Stengård often accompanies the King and Queen of Sweden on state visits and was recently invited to perform as the honored artist at the retirement of the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden. He will participate in a smaller way in the music at the morning worship service on April 9 as well. Many Brick Church members will recall his spirited musical participation in Michael Lindvall’s Service of Installation several years ago. There will be no charge for admission, but a free-will offering will be received to help cover expenses.

Report on Peace, Unity, Purity: Discussion on April 26
In 2001, the General Assembly formed a Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church “to lead the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity in and for the 21st century.” This coming June, the Task Force will present its final report to the 218th General Assembly. The report suggests ways for the church to address the controversial issues that have been causing conflict. 

What does this report say?  What do you want to know about it?  What do you have to say about it?  Come and learn, and join a discussion with friends and colleagues from The Brick Church and from our sister churches in the New York Presbytery on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. at The Brick Church. Auburn Seminary is co-sponsoring the program.

The scheduled panelists are Task Force members Rev. Jose Luis Torres-Milan of the Third Presbyterian Church in Aguadilla, PR, and Barbara Wheeler, President of Auburn Theological Seminary. For further information, contact Doug King.

Time To Submit Officer Nominations
“As a deacon, it is an honor to serve and work with people in this church as well as others in our community. I have experienced a growth in fellowship and warm friendship amongst all.”

The All-Church Nominating Committee (ACNC) continues to ask the congregation to nominate elders, deacons and trustees through mid April.

Here’s what to look for when considering fellow worshippers, committee members, or friends as potential officers. Commitment to the church includes regular attendance at worship, participation in Church activities, financial support, and church leadership. Personal Characteristics are mature judgment, willingness to learn and to work well with others, ability to complete projects, and openness to new ideas. The last set of criteria is Other Qualifications such as leadership ability, time and willingness to serve, and service in outside organizations.

Capital Campaign Outreach Committee Update
The Capital Campaign Outreach Committee is still determining how The Brick Church should use the $1.5 million that has been earmarked for four areas: Seminary Education, local outreach, and the Joining Hearts and Hands campaign’s efforts in international mission and local church redevelopment. You have already read about the Seminary Education grants that will support the work of student ministers at The Brick Church and a Religious Leadership program at Auburn Seminary. Below are the updates from other subcommittees.

Grant to Pasos de Fe Project
In January, the Session approved a $60,000 grant to support The Presbyterian Border Ministries project entitled Pasos de Fe (Steps of Faith), located in El Paso and Juarez, Mexico. The mission helps support Presbyterian congregations from Juarez to Chihuahua, the state capital, in projects ranging from developing health programs to constructing facilities. This particular grant is unique in that it formalizes Brick’s relationship with the Border Ministries by supporting mission workers Todd and Tricia Reinschmidt, who host, organize and facilitate visits of mission teams from the US. In fact, The Brick Church is considering a youth mission trip to the area in the future. We are researching a variety of other missions for funding as well.

Update on New York City Local Outreach
The New York City Local Outreach Committee (NYCLO) has just completed the first part of its 2-phase process to award a total of $700,000 to four to six organizations in Manhattan. By January 9, 2006, we had received 50 applications, eight of which were from organizations that The Brick Church has not previously funded. Most requests are for either $100,000 or $150,000 to support projects whose budgets range from $100,000 - $513,000.
In January and February, the committee reviewed applications and narrowed the list to a dozen programs, based on the Ten Basic Criteria mailed to each organization (see the list at www.brickchurch.org). The 12 programs under consideration include five in the category of Basic Needs (homelessness/food pantry), five Youth, one Faith/Church and one Elderly.
The second phase requires more detailed information about the organization and the particular program to be funded. These forms are due March 31, 2006. During April and May, committee members will visit these organizations and will make final decisions in late May or early June.

Update on Local Church Redevelopment
The local church outreach subcommittee has established a dialogue with pastors and lay leaders, and grant applications will be received and evaluated through early spring. It has been exciting to learn of our sister churches’ visions and dreams. These congregations need our support to paint sanctuaries, create food pantries and complete other worthwhile projects. Sharing our resources will make a significant difference in improving the strength and vitality of these congregations.

Ellsworth Stanton Honored
On Friday, March 3, numerous friends of Ellsworth George Stanton III gathered to celebrate the occasion of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, conferring upon him the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).

Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
Dates for this month: April 7 and 21
Join high school and 8th grade youth as we cook and serve dinner to people who live at Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter’s 81st Street residence. We have a great time together and help people in an important way. Youth can receive Community Service credit for volunteering with the Friday Night Dinner Program. Meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen. We will be finished by 7:45 p.m.

5th and 6th Grade Pioneers Meet On May 7
The Pioneers meet about once a month for fun, dinner, and a service project together. All events occur from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Watson Hall, with check-in and payment in the Garden Room. Each event costs $15, if you did not pay for the whole season up front. If you need a registration form, please contact Caitlin Sparks at csparks@brickchurch.org. You may drop forms off at the church or bring them to an event. Your friends need forms, too. We hope to see you there!.

April 9 Palm Sunday Processional
All children are invited to participate in the Palm Sunday Processional on April 9. Children and parents should gather on the Youth Floor before the church service at 10:40 a.m. to receive palms and instructions. This is a fun family tradition here at The Brick Church that celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during Holy Week.

Youth Mission Trip to Maine
The Youth Mission Trip to Maine is open to all students currently in 8th-12th grades. The trip is June 19-23, and our work site is the East Parish Housing Inc. in Industry, Maine. We will be staying in dorms at The University of Maine at Farmington. Cost is $500, and scholarships are available. Registration Forms were mailed in March and are due on April 2!

Those who attend can look forward to:

- Riding an Amtrak train with friends from NYC to Maine
- Meeting people who have committed their lives to helping others
- Acquiring new skills like roofing and building walls
- Helping people in need to repair their homes
- Experiencing quiet times alone with God
- Having crazy fun times with new and old friends
- Getting to know adult leaders Christy Lang, Michael Lindvall, Len Carrell, and others
- Sleeping in a college dorm room
- Discovering which of your friends talk in their sleep
- Learning what your friends think about important topics
- Talking with your pastors about life with God
- Whitewater rafting
- Taking a train with friends from Maine back to NYC
- Being amazed at how great it feels to serve God and help people

Come join us!

Children’s Choirs at Brick Church
Spotlight on: Junior Choir
The Junior Choir is Brick Church’s choir for children in first and second grade, as well as Kindergarten children who are 6 years old. The Junior Choir meets on Tuesday afternoons, and sings several times per season in Sunday worship services. This choir comprises about 20 enthusiastic children who love to sing and play.

When the children enter choir, their first job is to place a colored sticker on the attendance chart to mark their presence. By this point in the year, they have added a lot of stickers! It is fun to see how many weeks of choir have taken place this year. Our choir rehearsals begin with warm-ups to develop the voice and the ear. The children learn to sing with a released and rounded tone, and they learn to listen for blending and pitch-matching in their ensemble. We also work on developing music literacy using the Kodaly method. The children
are learning intervals and rhythmic values through activities and games. Next in rehearsal, the children are led in focused work on hymns, service music, and anthems to be sung in Sunday worship.

Children can also rehearse their music at home with our new sound-file addition to the choir webpage on the Brick Church webpage. To hear their rehearsal sound-files, click http://www.brickchurch.org/Worship/MinistryOfMusic.

We always find time for a fun activity, such as a game (musical tic-tac-toe or “concentration” are favorites). Right now, we are preparing for our Spring Musical, “Oh Jonah,” as our fun activity. The children can’t wait to perform it for you!

Brick Church’s Spring Musical, “Oh Jonah!”
On Sunday, May 7, at 4:30 p.m. in Watson Hall, the children of The Brick Church will present a fully-staged musical which tells the story of the Prophet Jonah. This is more than just a story about a whale swallowing a human. It’s a story about us. It’s a tale involving responsibility, repentance, listening for the word of God in our lives, accepting people who are different from us, and believing that there is mercy and compassion for all who turn toward God – serious thoughts, but told with a sense of humor and wonderful singing! We hope that you will join us for this memorable afternoon, highlighting the energy and talents of many of the children at Brick Church. Childcare will be provided for children ages 4 and younger. For more information, contact Amanda Smith at 212-289-4400 x229 or asmith@brickchurch.org.

Adult Education Bible Studies: Journeying Through Lent
Coinciding with the church’s season of Lent, Rick Bold, our Princeton Seminary Student Minister, is offering a series of classes to help participants understand and experience this important period of preparation for Easter. The series will focus on exploring Jesus’ final days and his passion as recorded in Mark’s gospel. The series will also include teaching about the history and meaning of Lent and some of the distinctive piety associated with this season. Classes will be offered through April 9. Please contact Rick Bold for more information: rbold@brickchurch.org.
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Anderson Library

Forgive For Good Workshop
The Brick Church will host a workshop retreat with Dr. Fred Luskin on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8. Dr. Luskin’s work combines lecture with a hands-on approach to the ancient tradition of forgiveness, a tradition in which Jesus stands. Participants will explore forgiveness with the goal of reducing hurt and helplessness, letting go of anger, and increasing confidence and hope as they learn how to release unwanted hurts and grudges.

Dr. Fred Luskin holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University. He is involved in numerous projects to promote and study the effectiveness of forgiveness, including the Stanford-Northern Ireland HOPE Project, the Stanford Forgiveness Project, and the Stanford Center on Conflict and Negotiation. He is helping to create a Forgiveness Center at Ground Zero in New York City.

Put this opportunity on your calendar so that you do not miss hearing Dr. Luskin. The cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple, payable to The Brick Church. Scholarships are available.
Friday, April 7, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

The Apostle Paul and His Letters
The Apostle Paul’s letters, making up a majority of the books of the New Testament, formed Christian theology and practice in substantial and lasting ways. In this 3-week series, Brick Church member and Union Seminary student Todd Aydelotte will teach about Paul’s life and letters and the Apostle’s influence on the Christian and Reformed traditions. Todd’s interest in Paul’s writings is sure to be contagious.
Sunday April 2, 9 & 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Literature, The Poetic Imagination, and Faith
Marilyn Chandler McEntyre is known for her engaging, sensitive teaching and her explorations of the mutual influence of faith and literature. She will be our guest teacher for a two-day retreat and a Sunday morning class at the end of April.

Dr. McEntyre received her Ph.D. in comparative literature from Princeton University and is now on the faculty of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. McEntyre has written extensively and received a number of teaching awards and honors. Two of her books are collections of poetry that reflect on paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer. (Because of her commitment to teaching, her love of words and art, and her thoughtful approach to faith, Dr. McEntyre also happens to be a personal hero of Associate Pastor Christy Lang.)

The cost for the retreat is $15 per person or $20 per couple, payable to The Brick Church. Scholarships are available. The Sunday morning class is free.
Friday, April 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., (lunch following)
Sunday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God
(But Were Afraid to Ask)
Author Eric Metaxas joins us at The Brick Church during the 10:00 a.m. Adult Education hour to discuss his witty, thoughtful, and informative 2005 book Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask).
Sunday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.

The Genesis Plan:
7 Proven Principles for Spending Your Time Wisely
Author Susie Case visits The Brick Church to discuss how her recent book uses the Genesis creation story as a springboard for examining how well we plan our time and lives. Both parents and professionals have found The Genesis Plan to be the tool they’ve needed to sort out the competing demands on their schedules.
Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carnegie Room

Sheik Ahmed Dewidar on Islam
During our Faith Traditions class this winter, Sheik Ahmed Dewidar was unable to come speak because of the February blizzard. He will be present on Sunday, June 4 in the Carnegie Room to discuss Islam in New York City. Dr. Dewidar is known for his moderation and accessibility, and we are most honored to host him.
Sunday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carnegie Room

Spring Food Drive for the Yorkville Common Pantry
The Brick Church congregation will gather food to help fill the shelves of the Yorkville Common Pantry on Sunday, April 30. Bags will be distributed during morning worship on Sunday, April 23, and collected the following Sunday. If you are making out a shopping list, please add these items for the pantry: tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter, dry red or black beans, and canned fruit with little or no sugar added.

Help a Baby in Need!
Donate new or nearly-new items for babies and toddlers

Bring new or nearly-new clothing, books, toys, and other essential items for babies and toddlers (newborn to age 3 only) to The Brick Church and The Brick Church School’s collection drive for Room To Grow.

Please clearly mark items for Room To Grow and put them in the donation box in the Garden Room from Sunday, May 7 through Sunday, May 21.

Room To Grow is a non-profit organization that helps NYC children born into poverty during their critical first three years of life. Parents visit this agency every three months to receive clothing, books, toys and other essential items for their growing baby, free of charge. In addition to the material necessities, parents receive developmental information, parental guidance and support.

You can help ensure that these children have the high-quality, basic necessities every child deserves by picking out the best from your own child’s outgrown items or by taking a trip to your neighborhood toy or children’s clothing store.
Room To Grow accepts the following items in new or truly excellent condition (please, no stained or worn-looking clothing and no toys that are dirty or missing pieces):

Clothing (sizes newborn to 4T)
Baby carriers (such as Snugglies)
Toys (no stuffed animals)
Sippy cups/bottles/nipples (new only)
Videos/music tapes
Baby monitors
Books (in excellent condition)
Diaper bags
Blankets and bedding
Baby proofing items

Questions? Call Mimi Hah at 212-717-9126 or Jackie Hennessey at 212-289-0177. To learn more about Room To Grow, check out its website: www.roomtogrow.org.

All donations are tax deductible, so please leave your name and address in the bag with your donation if you would like to receive a receipt from Room to Grow.

Brick Church Day
at The Museum of The City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York has kindly offered Brick Church members free admission to the Museum on Sunday, April 23. Come to worship that morning and then join us for a day of fun and learning.

The Museum will also offer a 25% discount on membership and a 10% discount at the Museum Shop that day. To obtain free admission and use the discounts, just show your Order of Worship or say that you are a Brick Church member.

The Museum embraces the past, present and future of New York City and has exhibits that will appeal to all ages, including children. Timescapes, a 22-minute multimedia film portrait of New York narrated by Stanley Tucci, is especially interesting. Everyone will find something of unique interest and hopefully with fine weather, a beautiful stroll down Fifth Avenue will complement the afternoon.

For those of you who cannot make it, please call Sylvia Hemingway at 212- 534-1672 ext. 3382 and she will make arrangements for you to come in free at another time. The Museum of the City of New York is located at 103rd Street and Fifth Avenue and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day except Mondays.

The Great Saunter
See New York at 3 M.P.H.
On May 6, a group of Brick Church members, ranging from Young Adults to Primetimers, will join the Great Saunter, a group of several hundred walkers who will circumnavigate Manhattan Island. This walk is led by Shorewalkers, a not-for-profit group that has sponsored recreational walks exploring the New York metropolitan region since 1982. We will gather at the South Street Seaport for a 7:00 a.m. departure to begin an exploration of the island’s 32 mile shoreline and will visit more than 20 parks and promenades, view fabulous skylines, and journey through the northern hills and forests of Manhattan.

The 21st annual walk starts at the Seaport, curves around the Battery & Castle Clinton and follows the newly developed Hudson River Park up to the George Washington Bridge and into Inwood Park, where we will break for lunch. You may bring lunch from home or purchase lunch at Fairway Market which is directly on our route. The walkers then wend their way down the East Side to Heartland Brewery at the Seaport for a celebratory beverage of your choice. There are numerous rest stops built into the schedule and you are encouraged to complete individual sections (especially the scenic West Side) if you do not feel up to the entire walk. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and see our beautiful city at the leisurely pace of 3 miles per hour. Learn more at the Shorewalkers’ website: www.shorewalkers.org.

For more information, please contact Christopher Allen, Christopher.L.Allen@gmail.com or 917-371-9089.

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
Easter Family Tea on April 10
Children under 5 years old – along with their parents, grandparents and other family members – will hop down the bunny trail Monday, April 10, to our Easter Family Tea Party. This lighthearted family fellowship event, which takes place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., will include festive food and children’s entertainment. It should be a fun and memorable afternoon for partygoers of all ages. The cost is $25 per family. Watch for your invitation.

Easter Flowers
The beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary both at Christmas and Easter are made possible by your generous donations. If you’ve been meaning to make a contribution, please contact the Women’s Association office. Flowers can be given in memory of a loved one who has passed away or in appreciation of someone in your life or the life of the church or community whom you simply wish to acknowledge or honor.

Spring Boutique
The 2006 Fair season kicks off with our Spring Boutique sale on April 19 and 20 on the third floor of the Parish House. The Spring Boutique – a preview offering from select fair vendors whose merchandise includes women and children’s clothing, jewelry, linens and gifts – is always a big draw. Shoppers are welcome Wednesday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday the 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As with all of the Fair activities, proceeds go to outreach programs for women and children in East Harlem.

Donation Day: Saturday, April 8
The Rummage Sale: April 28 and 29
Brick is known for its fabulous rummage sales. The time has come to clean out your closets and bring us your best, salable items for those who may need them most.

We’re looking for books, videos/DVDs, toys, gently worn clothing, baby items such as strollers, and more. Items in good condition will be received on Saturday, April 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Following Donation Day, our Spring Rummage Sale will take place Friday, April 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please spread the word to both potential shoppers and volunteers. Help make this year’s Rummage sale another big contributor to the Fair’s bottom line – and an important service to the community. To volunteer, contact camercer@brickchurch.org.

Helen Watson Buckner Scholarship Program
The Brick Church Women’s Association funds a scholarship program to assist Brick Church members and staff with financial aid for education. The Scholarships are for assistance mostly for college and graduate level tuitions; however, some are available for high school.

Every applicant is considered and all information is kept confidential. Deadline for completed applications to be returned to the Women’s Association Office is May 1, and you must reapply if you have been receiving a grant.

Application forms are available from the Women’s Association office. Call 289-4400, ex 244, or camercer@brickchurch.org. For more information call Scholarship Committee chairs Becca Davies at 212-831-6454 or Helen Pennoyer at 212-360-7544.

Save the Dates
- Intergenerational Fellowship Luncheon, Wednesday April 12, at 12:00 p.m. Bring a dish and make a connection.
- Women’s Association Annual Meeting & Luncheon, Wednesday, May 10. Celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved together and what’s ahead. All are welcome. Watch for your invitation.

PrimeTimers
Save the Date: Cabaret on April 27
Mark the date on your calendars now for one of the PrimeTimer’s most popular events...an evening of cabaret with Linda Fields (Kent McKamy’s wife), Anthony Santelmo, Jr., and Diana Templeton. These three New York cabaret and Broadway stars will perform favorites by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerry Herman, Kander and Ebb and other top composers. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at Central Presbyterian Church, 64th St. and Park Ave. Food and refreshments will be served. The cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. More details will come later.

A Gift of Life: Emergency Defibrillator at The Brick Church
The Brick Church and School has put into place the ultimate benefits package: a Heart Safe Workplace program. The aim of this program is to make early defibrillation immediately available in cardiac emergencies. Through a generous gift of life from the Saladini Family, The Brick Church now has an emergency defibrillator which is located at the reception desk.

On February 13, 2006, all Brick Church School teachers and some of the Church staff were trained in the use of the LifePak automated external defibrillator. Training is available to any individual who would like to participate in this important program.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime. It is usually caused by an electrical malfunction that makes the heart quiver ineffectively in an abnormal rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. CPR is not enough. It is a temporary measure that helps maintain blood flow to the brain. A lifesaving pulse of electricity, defibrillation, is the only treatment and must be delivered quickly to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

In case of a cardiac emergency
1. Dail “0” to contact the reception desk to initiate the Emergency Code.
2. Reception staff will alert sextons to bring LifePak to needed location and will call 911 for help.
3. First Responder will initiate cardiac response in accordance to LifePak audio instructions.

If you wish to joing this lifesaving initiatiave please contact Laila Al-Askari at 212 289-4400 x257 or via e-mail at lal-askari@brickchurch.org for training.

Wanted: Volunteer Hosts for Congregational Dinner
On May 3, The Brick Church will hold the Congregational Dinner and Annual Meetings. The committee is looking for volunteers to replenish hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, clear dinner dishes and serve dessert. If you’d like to put your hosting skills to good use, please call Joan Podell at 212-722-7690 or email JLWPod@aol.com.

Save the Date:
Brick Church Strawberry Festival - May 24, 2006
The largest Strawberry Festival in New York
also needs volunteers:
Monday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. – Hull strawberries
Tuesday, May 23, 6:00 p.m. – Bake shortcake
Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 p.m. – Assist at the Festival
To volunteer for any of these dates, please email Don Spongberg at DSpongberg@SpencerTrask.com.

Save the Date:
Brick Church School Family Festival - May 31, 2006
From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, the Brick Church School will host a festival at Victorian Gardens amusement park at Wollman Rink in Central Park. The event will feature unlimited rides, magic show, games, face painting, exciting raffle prizes (including a trip to Hawaii) and refreshments. The rain date is Thursday, June 1. Ticket prices are $60 for adults and $40 for children. To attend and/or support the event, please contact Vivian Chambers, Co-Chair, at vbchambers@aol.com or 646-251-2426.

Softball & Life
by Len Carrell

Not long ago, the lady from the Presbytery who started the softball league asked me, “ What are some of the positive things that happened to you or your church because of softball?”

To answer this, I have to go back to our first year. It was very difficult to organize the Brick Church “team” our first season. I can go on record to say that Brick forfeited more games than we played. But last season was quite a turnaround. Not only did the team make it to the Championship Game, but we truly achieved the spirit of fellowship. When new members joined Brick Church in February, two of them brought to mind our first game of summer 2005.

I had spent about a month trying desperately to recruit team members for the upcoming season, randomly walking up to suited gentlemen at coffee hour asking about their interests in outdoor sporting activities. “ Hey, there! Do you like to play baseball?” Well, I received quite a few reactions, mostly those appropriate for someone carrying a deadly disease. In the end, Brick Church produced a great team and my family gained new friends.

Our first game was against Broadway Presbyterian Church, whom we would go on to play in the Championship Game. We were playing miserably. The score was 25 - 3 in the 4th inning or something like that. I was pitching, on the mound with a front row seat to our team’s first loss of the season. As a pop fly went straight up in the air, I was determined to make “the out” and change the momentum of the game. (Even though this play was truly for the 3rd baseman to make.) My heroism was reaching its pinnacle when I suddenly collided with another hero in action. Our efforts resulted in two more runs scoring. When I finally stood up again, I looked at hero #2 and realized it was a young guy I had recruited the week before. He and his wife had just come to Brick for the very first time “to check things out.” I had approached them rather selfishly about softball, but also noticed that our daughters were about the same age.

After that first game it was tough to get Scott back for more. He kept telling me stories of his daughter saying to him, “ You get hit by that guy and your hat come off and you go boom.” I kept saying to Tanisha, my wife, “I don’t think I should be putting this team together.” Well, Scott and his wife Christina have become very good friends and are now new members. Our daughters have been obsessed with each other since they met and their new son is our next cleanup hitter for sure.

This is only one chapter of the softball story, from only one person. To begin your softball experience, come to the Softball Barbeque on April 26. To learn more about the barbeque or the team, please contact Len Carrell at ltandc2@gmail.com.

The Brick Church Book Club April Selection
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen Gilead, by Marilynne Robertson, for their April reading. The discussion is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the home of Claire Bosee, 160 East 84th Street. Please RSVP to Claire at 212-288-3394.

New Member Meetings in May
For people interested in exploring membership, The Brick Church offers a series of meetings in May. The next classes will take place in October. To accommodate busy schedules, classes on The Christian Faith and The Presbyterian Tradition are held on both Thursday evenings and on weekends.

Sessions on The Christian Faith and The Presbyterian Tradition provide excellent grounding in our basic beliefs, traditions, and differences. Pastors Michael Lindvall or Christiane Lang lead these discussions in an informal environment. A Saturday orientation, The Meaning of Membership, led by Rev. Lindvall and members of the congregation, focuses on Brick Church and provides an overview of our many activities, events, and programs. Attendance at all three classes is required for membership.

Please contact Helen Phillips (212-289-4400, ext. 230) if you plan to attend, or simply for more information. Childcare is available for all the Sunday classes and upon request for the Saturday orientation.

The Christian Faith
Thursday, May 11 at 6:45 p.m. or
Sunday, May 14 at 9:50 a.m.

The Presbyterian Tradition
Thursday, May 18 at 6:45 p.m. or
Saturday, May 20 at 12:10 p.m.

The Meaning of Membership
Saturday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Please contact Helen Phillips (212-289-4400, ext. 230) if you plan to attend, or simply for more information. Childcare is available for all the Sunday classes and upon request for the Saturday orientation.