Neighborhood Nights Tackle Intelligent Design & Science on February 28
One of the last century’s hottest debates is back on the front pages: the conflict between advocates of “intelligent design and creationism” and “traditional Darwinian evolution” on the other.

On Tuesday evening, February 28, Michael Lindvall, our senior minister, will discuss the issue and explore his own position, in what is sure to be a magnetic event for Brick Church members and visitors.

One aspect of the debate is what can and should be taught in our nation’s public schools; it’s a fiercely contested controversy. Regardless of which side you take, or if you find yourself on the fence, you will want to hear Michael’s take on the subject. The discussion is open to everyone, Brick Church member or not. So be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about this intriguing discussion, which will be followed by a question and answer session.
As background information, you might want to check out the websites of some of our nation’s leading publications (The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, The New Yorker, US News & World Report, The Economist, etc.), which have carried recent articles on the issue. You could also rent the well-known film (Inherit The Wind) about the Scopes Trial, featuring the classic debate between Williams Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow.

Come to the Living Room on the third floor of the old Parish House at 62 East 92nd Street at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 28 for the second in this year’s series of Neighborhood Nights. There is no charge, and light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP to Helen Phillips by Friday, February 24. Call her at 212-289-4400 ext. 230 or email hphillips@brickchurch.org.

From the Pastor
In its two millennia, the church has consistently reminded itself that it should be properly called the “holy, catholic, and “apostolic” church. You hear this phrase every time we baptize a baby on Sunday morning: “This child is now received into the ‘holy, catholic, and apostolic church.’ ”

The church is called to be and dares to call itself “holy,” not in the judgmental sense of “holier than thou,” but in the older sense of “related to God,” and therefore sacred and mysterious, impassioned about the holy things that God is passionate about, namely love, mercy, and truth. The church struggles to be holy; it is never perfectly holy, and in fact it has occasionally been anything but holy.

I sometimes imagine I hear a moment of quizzical hesitation as Presbyterians hear and say the words “catholic church” when saying the Apostles’ Creed. I’ve had several queries from Protestants who were under the impression that being Protestant meant that they were not catholic. But the term really belongs to the whole church. Catholic means “universal,” that is, “of all places, classes and nations of people.” The word has sometimes been controversial among Protestants because the Roman Catholic Church has (more by default than intent) almost expropriated it. The distinction between catholic in this older sense, and Catholic in the sense of Roman Catholic is shown by how the word is spelled. When it refers to the universal church, catholic begins with a small “c.” When it refers to the particular church loyal to the Bishop of Rome, it begins with a capital “C.”

As a Protestant who understands himself as a member of the catholic (universal, world-wide, and inter-ethnic) church, I make the point clear (at least to myself) by not calling Roman Catholics “Catholics,” but always “Roman Catholics.” Catholic is a very good and a very old word, and it would be a mistake to yield it to the Roman Catholic part of the catholic church. As is true with “holy,” the whole truth is that though the church struggles to be catholic, it is never perfectly so. It has, in fact, all too often been narrow in its vision of itself, particularistic, even chauvinistic, and elitist.

Likewise, “apostolic” is another ancient adjective long used to describe the church. It is an affirmation of historical connection through time, just as “catholic” affirms the church’s present connectedness across the boundaries of geography, culture and denomination. “Apostolic” declares that our faith is not something made up by and for our time alone, but that our present faith is in continuity with the faith of the first followers of Jesus, the apostles.

For you and me to stubbornly affirm that the church we love is (or at least ought to be) “holy, catholic and apostolic” will mean that we’ll have to swim upstream, linguistically speaking, battling the common but parochial uses of each of these ancient words, and daring to claim them as ours. But then, these days Christians do a lot of upstream swimming.
—Michael Lindvall

New Facilities Manager
Please welcome Jim Stewart, our new Facilities Manager, who joined The Brick Church family on January 8, 2006. Jim has had a long career in Facilities Management and comes to us after many years experience at Chemical Bank Branch Facilities, Emigrant Savings Bank, and most recently as Director of Engineering at SOHO Grand/Tribeca Hotels in New York. Among Jim’s many certifications are New York University BOMA RPA Certification, New York State Certification in Building Construction, Certifiate in Air Conditioning and Maintenance procedures. Jim’s licenses include NYC Fire Department Refrigeration Systems Operator License, NYC Fire Safety Director, EPA Freon Certification, and NYC Standpipe/Sprinkler System. Jim is looking forward to working with the Brick Church family. He says “teambuilding creates great rewards.”

Jim and his wife Carol have a son, Travis, who is a senior in high school. Jim’s hobbies include boating, fishing, and woodworking.

Jim’s office is located behind the reception desk and you may reach him at extension 236 or via e-mail at jstewart@brickchurch.org.

International Organ Symposium to be held at The Brick Church
Over the Presidents’ Day weekend (February 19-20), the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will host an international organ symposium on the organ music of Louis Vierne. Vierne (1870-1937) was the organist of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral from 1900 until his death. This two-day symposium was planned specifically to highlight Brick Church’s new Anderson organ (Casavant Freres op. 3837). In addition to lectures and masterclasses by scholars of international repute, two feature recitals will be performed on the Brick Church organ. Michel Bouvard, professor of organ at the Paris Conservatoire and organist of the Basilica of St-Sernin in Toulouse, will perform at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19. Jean Galard, organist of Paris’ St-Medard church and also organist of Beauvais Cathedral, will perform on Monday, February 20 at 4:15 p.m. Admission will be charged for all events. For further information contact Keith Toth at ktoth@brickchurch.org or visit the NYC-AGO website at www.nycago.org.

The Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
Date for this month: February 3
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.

We will meet on February 3 at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen and be finished by 8:00 p.m.

Communion Orientation Class
Our first Communion Orientation class for 1st and 2nd Grade students and their parents occurred on November 20. We had a lively discussion and practiced the actions involved in Communion. Associate Pastor Christy Lang and member Julia Dunn co-led this class to help prepare children to participate in the Lord’s Supper with greater understanding. Repeat classes will be offered again on February 5 and March 12 at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Caitlin Sparks if you would like to attend this free class with your child.

5th And 6th Grade Pioneers Meet on February 12
In January, the Pioneers went ice skating at Wollman Rink. Look in your mailbox for information on our next fun event!

The total charge for the season of 6 events is $75 per student. If you would like to pay at the door for a single event, the cost is $15 per event. If you bring a friend who is not from Brick Church, the cost for the friend is only $10.

Our chaperones are parents who serve on the Pioneers Committee, as well as two other parents of Pioneer students per event. When you register your 5th or 6th grade student, you agree to come and chaperone at least twice during the year. It’s great fun!

All events occur from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Watson Hall, with check-in and payment in the Garden Room. The Pioneers will meet on February 12, March 5, and May 7.

If you need a registration form, please contact Caitlin Sparks. You may drop forms off at the church or bring them to an event. Your friends need forms, too.

Come on the Youth Ski Trip!
All 6th-12th Grade youth are invited to come on the Youth Ski Trip to Camelback Mountain on Saturday, February 11. This is one of the best social events of the year. We meet early in the morning and take a bus up to the slopes together, ski all day, and arrive back home at 9:30 p.m. Registration forms and information came in the mail in early January. This is an interchurch event, so your friends from other churches on the Upper East Side will also be there.

Senior High Fellowship Meets on February 15
9th-12th grade students are invited to meet for fellowship, dinner and casual discussion on Wednesday, February 15. Pastor Christy Lang will be present. We met in December for a beautiful Christmas brunch with friends home from boarding school and will meet a few more times this year. Bring your friends and come hang out together. Check the Sunday bulletin for location this month. Questions? Contact Buddy Crutchfield at 212-877-6622.

Confirmation Class Continues
Confirmation Class continues in February for our 8th grade students. This month, our meetings will occur on February 5, 12, and 26 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. We will hear from guest speakers Doug King and Michael Ellis, and we will cover the topics of the Church’s mission in the world, the history of the Presbyterian Church, and the governing system of the Presbyterian Church. We are blessed to have a group of dedicated Confirmation Sponsors in class with us, facilitating discussion and building relationships with students.

Confirmation students need to do 10 hours of Community Service for class. They can fulfill this requirement by volunteering with Sunday School, helping with the Friday Night Dinner Program, joining the Order of St. Paul (led by Ellsworth Stanton), or helping out at church or in the city in other ways.

Adult Education Bible Studies
Rick Bold’s thoughtful Bible Study series continues in February. The Brick Church is fortunate to have Rick serving this year as our Intern from Princeton Theological Seminary. He leads discussion at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings and 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. Questions? Contact Rick Bold at 212-289-4400, ext. 272 or rbold@brickchurch.org.
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Anderson Library
Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the Anderson Library

God and Gotham Continues on February 5
The Christian Education and Church and Society Committees are co-sponsoring an educational series in January and February. God and Gotham explores the history of Presbyterian involvement in controversial events in the City of New York. Historian Edwin G. Burrows, author of Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898, is a key speaker in the series. Come to the 10:00 a.m. Sunday education hour on February 5 to learn and discuss. Questions? Contact Christy Lang or Doug King at dking@brickchurch.org.
Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m.

Faith Traditions
New York City is one of the most religiously diverse places in the world, and we all rub shoulders with neighbors who believe and practice in ways unfamiliar to us. In this four-week series, The Brick Church will hear from representatives and practitioners of other religious traditions in New York City. A Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim Imam, and a Buddhist Priest will all address us and share about their faith traditions. On the fourth week, Ms. Katharine Henderson, Director of the Face-to-Face, Faith-to-Faith program of Auburn Seminary, will speak about the program and about inter-religious dialogue in New York City.
Sunday, February 12, 26 & March 5, 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Forgive For Good Workshop Retreat
The Brick Church is honored to 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 the topic of 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 the Co-Director of the Stanford-Northern Ireland HOPE Project, an ongoing series of workshops and research projects that investigate the effectiveness of his forgiveness methods on the victims of political violence. He served as the Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, the largest research project to date on the training and measurement of a forgiveness intervention. He currently works as a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Center on Conflict and Negotiation and 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. He is much in demand as a speaker, and the Brick Church is fortunate to host him. 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, 10:00 a.m.

Literature, the Poetic Imagination, and Faith Retreat
Marilyn Chandler McEntyre is known for her engaging, sensitive teaching and her explorations of the mutual influence of faith and literature. The Brick Church is most honored to have Dr. McEntyre as our guest teacher this spring for a two-day retreat and a Sunday morning class. (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.)

Dr. McEntyre received her Ph.D. in comparative literature from Princeton University. She taught literature at Mills College and the College of New Jersey before joining the faculty of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. McEntyre has written three books, edited three collections of essays and poetry, and published widely in periodicals in literature and in medical humanities, and she has received a number of teaching awards and honors. She delivered the prestigious Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2004, where she was very well received. Two of her books are collections of poetry that reflect on paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer, demonstrating her interest in interdisciplinary work.

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. (followed by lunch)
Sunday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.

Gratitude for the Rosie and Harry’s Christmas Party
Excerpts from dozens of thank you notes from the attendees of this year’s party:
“Watson Hall looked magical, with the lights, the toys, the festive music, the great food, the marvelous crafts, the fun, and all the love and joy. The parents were overjoyed with the ‘store’ that you and the Brick Church members created for them, and the kids had a great time…”
“Thank you for the presents that me and my family received. I enjoyed the arts and crafts, also the prizes. The food was delicious and the party was great. God bless all of you…”

Inwood House Arts and Crafts Projects
Inwood House is a leader in teen pregnancy prevention, youth development and family support. Their programs seek to help young girls take charge of their lives and become healthy and self reliant adults. In support of their efforts, Brick Church volunteers provide fun and friendship to pregnant teenage girls living in their residential facility by conducting weekly classes in arts and crafts.This past Fall, Brick Church members and friends helped 17 girls learn to crochet baby blankets, make candles, decorate picture frames, and create fleece blankets. Volunteers included Ann Darmstaetter, Rosiland Drisko, Andrea Escorcia, Ruth Hoffman, Erin Kane, Stacie Kallenberg, Terry Knight, Gail Newell, Arlene Nisbet, Katie Rawdon, Jennifer Reed, Catherine Rowland, Anne Marie Quast, Angela Zachary, and Christine Zellmer. Our projects are simple, varied and fun. The volunteers and girls alike leave every session with a feeling of accomplishment having created something beautiful and useful.

A tentative schedule for upcoming projects follows, but please remember that no particular arts experience or skills are necessary. The girls appreciate our help and encouragement even if we aren’t skilled in crafts. Classes are conducted every Tuesday at 320 East 82nd Street from 6:45-8:00 p.m.

February 7: Build/Paint Bookshelves
February 14: Flower Baskets for Valentines Day
February 21: School Break for Presidents Day
February 28: Painting Boxes

Volunteers may come on a regular basis (every week), or just every so often (for a particular craft like sewing or crocheting). Volunteers who develop a friendship with the girls may also visit them in the hospital and bring them small gifts when give birth to their babies.

Please contact Deacon Thea Obstler 212-427-4551 or tobstler@nyc.rr.com for more information.

Semiannual Blood Drive to Take Place on February 26
New York blood banks are rationing supplies because donations are falling short of the city’s blood needs by 25%. Mark your calendars now and help ease the shortage. The Brick Presbyterian Church’s semiannual blood drive will be held on Sunday, February 26 in Watson Hall from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
New blood donor guidelines designed to safeguard the health of the blood supply have eliminated much of our community’s blood supply, formerly imported from Europe. Yet local demand for blood is on the rise.

To be eligible, blood donors must be between 17 and 75 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors must not have spent time adding up to 3 months or more in the United Kingdom between 1980-1996, and must not have spent time adding up to 5 years or more in Europe since 1980.

If you are eligible to donate, it is all the more important that you do so, now. If you are not eligible, but know others who are, please encourage them to join us on Sunday, February 26. Please note that a Photo ID is required.

For further information please contact Deacons Rob Kellas at 212-270-3560 or Todd Aydelotte at 212-759-7132.

PrimeTimers:
Dingle and Dingle Salute Irving Berlin
On Sunday February 12, Brick Church members David and Susan Dingle will perform a cabaret celebrating Irving Berlin, beloved American songwriter. The Dingles will highlight Berlin’s contributions with songs and stories about his music. Dinner will be served. Mark your calendars for February 12 at 5:00 p.m. Watch for the PrimeTimer flyer with details. To confirm reservations, call or email Anita Burns (212-828-1208; anitab0710@hotmail.com) or Gayle Johnson (212-877-6214; Gaylecliff@aol.com).

Young Adults: Taste Wine, Chocolate and Cheese with Young Adults
The Young Adults Committee of The Brick Church would like to invite you to a Valentine’s Day themed Wine, Gourmet Chocolate and Cheese Tasting event on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Living and Dining Rooms of the Brick Church Parish House. All members and friends of The Brick Church are welcome. The cost for this event is $20. Please RSVP no later than Monday, February 13, to Christina Foxley at christinafoxley@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, please contact Christina or Jason McKamy at jcloudm@aol.com. We hope to see you on Wednesday, February 15.

Young Adults Serve The Hungry at The Bowery Mission
Three times a day, the Mission swings open its doors to offer meals, shelter, showers and clothing to desperate people living on the street. Homeless men are then challenged to enter a six-to-nine month residential program to experience the beginning of permanent change. Seminars, computer classes, job training and Bible studies help up to 62 men at a time break destructive habits and prepare to rejoin society. The Bowery Mission Career Center offers each man complete services from remedial reading to GED certification, to MS Office certificates, and from skills assessment to career planning.

Come join us as we feed the homeless at the Bowery Mission on Thursday, February 2, and Thursday, February 23. Contact Doug Stowe, doug.stowe@gmail.com, for more information.

Brunch after Worship
All Young Adult members and visitors are welcome to join us in the Dining Room of the Parish House for brunch after worship on Sunday, February 26. We will invite one of the pastors to lead us in a discussion of a topic of our choosing. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jen Corbett, jcorbett@ccapr.com, or Laurin Howell, labhowell@aol.com.

Up Close: The Brick Church Women’s Association
This month’s column focuses on the broad mission and activities of the Women’s Association, which has been an essential part of Brick’s community-building efforts both within and outside the church since 1920. The mission of the Women’s Association is three-part:
1. To promote friendship, fellowship and spiritual growth within the Church
2. To provide financial outreach and scholarship funds to those in need
3. To provide services and support to the Church

All women members of Brick Church are automatically members of the Women’s Association. Members work within a committee structure to address each aspect of the organization’s mission. Any woman in the church may volunteer for these committees.

The Women’s Association committees provide a wide range of services to the Church. Chancel Committee volunteers regularly prepare communion. The Garden Committe tends the gardens surrounding the Church. Hospitality Committee volunteers pour coffee on Sundays during Coffee Hour, and Tender-Loving-Care volunteers help members in temporary distress. The Women’s Association also sponsors the Mom’s Morning Out program for new mothers and their infant and toddler-age children every Tuesday morning. We also arrange for the sanctuary flowers on Sundays, Christmas and Easter. With the support of Pastors Lindvall, Doug King and Christy Lang, the Women’s Association also provides a bible study program twice a year to members as an extension of the church’s own adult education offering.

According to Anne Schack, President of the Women’s Association, “Many members are aware of our fellowship activities, the events which help bring a great spirit of community and friendship to the church. But we’re even more proud of the important work we do behind the scenes to support the church and surrounding community.”

Carol Ann Mercer, longtime staff coordinator of the Women’s Association, says that committee work schedules are as varied and flexible as possible, in order to accommodate members’ different schedules. Active member and volunteer Sally Young echoes the sentiment. “With the Women’s Association, your level of involvement can be any that you choose. There are times I dive in and times I scale back. Either way, I love making new friends while, at the same time, helping the community.”

The Brick Church Fair -- comprising the Children’s Fair, the Christmas Fair and the Dinner Dance -- is the core activity of the Women’s Association. A Brick Church tradition, the Fair combines fellowship and fundraising and receives tremendous support. As it has since its founding 62 years ago, the Fair raises 100% of the funds which the Women’s Association uses for outreach efforts to worthwhile community organizations serving women and families. This year, the Women’s Association will make grants of more than $70,000 to outreach programs as well as scholarship grants.

Beyond the fair, to encourage fellowship, the Special Events Committees organize regular events as well as special gatherings. Long-standing favorites such as the Fellowship Luncheons, Fall Fling, Christmas Tea & Sherry and the Family Easter Tea Party draw women from all backgrounds and generations.
Whether for the Fair, Chancel, or some other activity, Women’s Association members find friendship and meaning in the work they do year-round. “I continue to meet some of the most lovely and talented women through my involvement in the Women’s Association, which remains rewarding after many years,” says Women’s Association Board Secretary, Tracy Warner.

Anne Schack sums it up. “We are a vital part of the church. Yet our vitality lies in the continued involvement of our members. Everyone is welcome and important.”

For more information on how you can become a more active part of the Women’s Association, stop by Carol Ann Mercer’s office on the 2nd floor of the Parish House or contact her at 212-289-4400 x 244, camercer@brickchurch.org.

The Brick Church Book Club February Selection
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen to read Runaway, Stories by Alice Munro, for their February meeting. It will take place at 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, at the home of Claire Bosee, 160 East 84th Street. Please RSVP to Claire at 212-288-3394.