Chancel Choir Presents Faure's Requiem
On Sunday, March 2, at 4:00 p.m., the Chancel Choir and soloists under the direction of Minister of Music Keith S. Toth will present Gabriel Faure's "Requiem." International concert organist Stephen Tharp will provide the accompaniment on our acclaimed Anderson organ. In addition to the Requiem, the choir will present other works by Faure and Francis Poulenc. Admission for this concert will be $20 and childcare will be provided. We are grateful to an anonymous and generous Brick Church family for providing the funding for this service. For further information, contact Keith Toth at ext. 231 or ktoth@brickchurch.org.

Spotlight Series:
The Brick Church Seminary Program
Part I: About the Program
By Becca Davies
In response to a desire to contribute to the growth and development of future pastors and to support local seminaries, The Brick Church instituted an expanded Seminary Field Education Program in 2006, increasing the number of seminarians from one to three per year. A Session committee of members of the congregation was established to provide general oversight and guidance to the design and ongoing activities of the program. Since the Fall of 2006, a special gift of designated funds has enabled the church to offer internships to three students each year who have completed at least one of their three years of study at seminary. The purpose of the program is to offer the students a unique practical experience in the life of a large urban congregation like The Brick Church.

Throughout their year at The Brick Church, each seminarian has the opportunity to observe and/or participate in the full spectrum of activities that define our congregation. They experience firsthand leadership in worship, service through pastoral care, outreach activities, and teaching opportunities by working with the youth and leading bible studies and adult education classes. In addition, they gain insight into the management and administration of the Church by attending staff, Session and Deacon meetings. Furthermore, in a weekly colloquium, the students and pastoral staff explore the theological meaning of the students' experiences through their involvement in the life of the congregation.

From the beginning, it was clear that additional pastoral leadership would be needed to provide a meaningful and fully developed program for our students. The Brick Church was fortunate to have J. Oscar McCloud join us as coordinator for the seminary field education program. McCloud's extensive background in ministry includes serving as an Associate Pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian, running a theological fellowship program for seminary students, working in theological education and church administration, as well as acting as a mission executive with the Presbyterian Church.

Each year, candidates are recruited from local seminaries through contact with seminary field education offices. Students who are interested in our program are identified and interviewed on campus by our pastors. A second round of interviews is conducted at The Brick Church, so that candidates have the opportunity to meet with church officers. To date we have worked with six seminarians. This year, two students, Caroline Unzaga and Charles Kalmbach, have joined us from Princeton Theological Seminary. Our third student, Katy Moore, comes from Union Seminary.

The three students have very different backgrounds and experiences. Kalmbach comes to ministry from a long career in business and academia, Unzaga spent a year in South America as a volunteer for the Presbyterian Church and Moore went directly from undergraduate work at Brown University to Union Seminary. Each brings unique experiences and skills to the church community, and we hope that when you see these wonderful new additions to our congregation, you will introduce yourselves and get to know them.

Turning the Tides: A Natural Disaster Inspires an Unusual Anniversary Celebration for the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico
By Bill Richter
One of the privileges of working in world mission is seeing the many ways God is at work throughout the world. This fall we were witness to a most fitting celebration of the ministry of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico.

In November, the largest Presbyterian denomination in Mexico, la Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana de Mexico (The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico), celebrated its 60th anniversary. The 2-million-member church had planned a special meeting of the General Assembly in the town of Orizaba, Veracruz to celebrate. The staff of Puentes de Cristo was invited to this grand event, and we were looking forward to attending.

In early November, the Mexican state of Tabasco was hit with some of the worst flooding that the country has ever seen. Many of you surely heard on the news about the devastation in this state along the southern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Eighty percent of the state was flooded and more than 1 million people were affected by the flooding, either by being forced to flee their homes or by near total crop failures.

In the wake of what Mexican President Felipe Calder—n referred to as one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history, the General Assembly cancelled its anniversary celebration. The event was cancelled, not because the town of Orizaba had flooded, but because the church felt that its resources would be better spent in aiding the millions of people affected by the flooding. Churches were encouraged to take the resources that they would have used to send delegates to the celebration and use them to fund disaster relief in Tabasco.

This decision struck me as a powerful testimony of God at work through the church and of the church's prayerful commitment to discipleship. I realized that in my day-to-day life I often get caught up in the routine and, in doing so fail to hear God's call to action. How often in my own life, I wondered, do I turn away from those in need because there's something that "has to be done?" Through the tragedy of these floods and the actions of the church in response, we were reminded of the need to put our own lives aside and focus on God's work. This devastating disaster allowed the Church to renew its commitment to the call to show God's love to those in need and make a powerful statement about God to the community.

Share the Power of Brick Church Sermons
Over the Christmas holidays, did you visit friends or family who have never been to The Brick Church? Share the power of Brick Church's sermons with them. Pick up a copy of the sermon collection, Encores from the Pulpit, from the narthex or the rack across from the Parish House reception desk, or contact Communications Coordinator Melissa Morgan. Alternatively, you can email the pdf file found on the Church's website.

Stewardship Campaign 2008: Foundation of Faith
Your very generous response to the 2008 Stewardship Campaign continues with strength and dedication. At this writing nearly 60 percent of all pledges received have increased by more than 13 percent over last year's pledge.

The importance of increasing our yearly support has been described in letters, Record articles and Minutes for Mission during this campaign. Our needs, as part of The Brick Church community, include providing for worship, Christian Education, maintaining our physical plant and funding our outreach and benevolence activities. These needs can only be met through the increasingly generous stewardship contributions made by each and every member of our congregation.

We are now in the later stages of the 2008 Stewardship Campaign. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to take care of this important aspect of your responsibility to The Brick Church. To reach our goal of $2.5 million we ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your 2008 pledge by 6 percent. You can submit your pledge to Tanisha Carrell by mail, phone (212-289-4400 x230), or fax (646-672-2198). For those who have already pledged, thank you again. For those who have yet to do so, thank you in advance for supporting The Brick Church.

Gramins "Rocks" The Brick Church to Benefit the Homeless
New York City is experiencing an amazing economic resurgence, of which many of our families are the beneficiaries. At the same time, you've probably noticed in your daily routine that homelessness is still very much an intractable problem right in our community. That's why The Brick Church's Deacons are hosting a concert for families and their young children. Mama Rocks! for the Homeless, starring our own Ashley Gramins, will take place on Thursday, March 6 at 4:00 p.m. in Watson Hall. Gramins is a folk-rock musician with a "clear, soothing voice" (Hamptons Magazine), and whose new CD by the same title was described by Urban Baby as being "as appealing to adults as to kids."

Proceeds from the Mama Rocks! concert will benefit Jan Hus, a mission outreach partner of the church. Jan Hus Presbyterian Church has a long history in New York City and as an advocate for disenfranchised members of the community. Its Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program (HOAP) provides a variety of direct services to those in need from a weekly dinner program and pantry services, to counseling, referrals, and emergency grants. HOAP also works in coalition with other organizations to mobilize and advocate for a change in policies that affect the low-income, poor and homeless populations of New York City.

Tickets for Mama Rocks! are available online by clicking here. If you are interested in volunteering at the concert or would like more information on Jan Hus, please contact Kerri Devine, Ashley Gramins or Joyce Giuffra.

Brick Church Outreach Programs:
Spotlight on Search and Care
Search and Care was founded in 1972 with the mission of identifying isolated, frail older adults and helping them live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes and community. A privately funded, not-for-profit, non-sectarian agency, Search and Care coordinates services and provides support through personalized Care Management. Our collaborative team of professional social workers, volunteers and student interns (social work, occupational therapy, and nursing) provide a wide range of comprehensive, cost-effective services to meet each individual's needs.

In recent years, Search and Care's staff and board members recognized a need to re-invigorate the "search" aspect of the agency's mission, considering that one in eight residents living between East 86th Street and East 96th Street are 65 or older. The Brick Church had the insight to also recognize this need for more community outreach and funded a full-time MSW outreach worker through the Capital Campaign. The overall goal of the new position was to ensure that zip code 10128 remains an elder-friendly environment. Julie Chapnick, LMSW, started in this position in October 2006 with her focus being to identify and serve more at-risk older adults living in the community. But the big question was how to accomplish this.

The primary function of the position became introducing and reintroducing the agency, its services and new programs that our community colleagues might have been unaware of otherwise. Informational and educational meetings about Search and Care were arranged with neighborhood notables such as faith-based organizations, senior housing staff, medical professionals, pharmacists, the community board's political officials, civic workers, banks and local merchants such as grocers, diners and stores. Additionally, by developing relationships in the community, the outreach social worker recruited "sentinels" from within these organizations to act as the agency's "eyes and ears." Many dedicated "sentinels," such as Brick Church members Ann Darmstaetter, Karen Fang and Elizabeth Sevener, convene for quarterly meetings. The result of this effort has been a greatly expanded referral stream, with the agency receiving inquiries and referrals from a larger range of people and places. The first year's goal for outreach was to connect 30 new clients to services, and as the year ends the organization is actually nearing 40 new clients a direct result of these fresh outreach efforts. Throughout the year, it has become apparent that ongoing grassroots outreach is necessary to maintain a constant presence in the neighborhoods Search and Care serves.

For more information about Search and Care's services or the outreach initiatives, please contact Julie Chapnick or Deacon Ann Darmstaetter and view the Search and Care website.

Client Vignette:
Ms. S was referred by a Sentinel (a rep. from her housing management) after she failed to pay her rent. With no family and limited social supports, Ms. S is increasingly more dependent on her building's staff who clearly go beyond their job descriptions to assist her. Search and Care's outreach social worker called Ms. S, and at the initial home visit, observed Ms. S as being somewhat confused and forgetful, but clearly resilient and wanting to maintain her independence. S&C's outreach worker assisted Ms. S with bill paying and discussed ways in which we could help using the agency's budget assistance service. An assessment revealed that Ms. S would benefit from home-delivered meals and an evaluation from a medical professional. Ms. S being fiercely independent and resistant to assistance, wished to maintain her autonomy and declined suggested services. Developing a trusting relationship between Ms. S and her worker alleviated the extra responsibilities of her building staff and allowed Ms. S to maintain control, deciding when she was ready to accept services. She is currently seen by the home visiting nurse practitioner who is monitoring her high blood pressure and she receives Meals-on-Wheels daily.

Mrs. G no longer felt safe walking outside unaccompanied. Search and Care matched her with a volunteer who escorts her on weekly walks to the local Starbucks where they enjoy coffee, conversation, and split one piece of marble cake. Search and Care provided the companionship, socialization, and escorted strolls Mrs. G was seeking.

Youth Needed to Read Scripture in Worship on Family Sundays
Children and youth in the third grade and older are invited to serve as Scripture readers on Family Sundays. Parents of readers will receive the biblical text in advance via e-mail so that the readers can prepare at home. If your child is comfortable reading aloud and is interested in leading worship in this way, please e-mail Thea Luria, Assistant to the Senior Minister. Be sure to include the readers name, age and grade in your e-mail.

Pioneers and Fireside Club: Feb. 3 is Skating Night!
Let's go ice skating! If you are a fifth, sixth or seventh grade student, plan ahead to join The Brick Church Pioneers for an ice skating trip to Wollman Rink in Central Park. We will gather at 5:00 p.m. at The Brick Church and go from there; we will return to the church at 7:00 p.m. Friends are always invited. The total charge for the season of five events is $75 per student. If your fifth, sixth or seventh grade student brings a friend who is not from The Brick Church, the cost for the friend is only $10. You should have received a registration form in the mail. If you have not received a form, please contact Caitlin Sparks. You may drop registrations off at the church or bring them to an event. We hope to see you there!

Eighth Grade Confirmation Class Continues
Eighth Grade Confirmation Class meets Feb. 3, 10 and 24 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and learning. Confirmation students need to participate in two Friday Night Dinner Program events. Our FNDP nights this month are Feb. 1 and 15. Also, registration forms for the life-changing and fun June Mission Trip to Maine are due on Feb. 10. Questions? Contact Christy Lang.

Youth Mission Trip Registrations Due February 10
For: All current 8th-12th grade students
Dates: June 16-20, 2008
Work Site: East Parish Housing Inc., Industry, Maine
Housing: The University of Maine at Farmington
Cost: $580 Registration Due on February 10
Brick Church students in eighth through 12th grade are invited to participate in this year's Mission to Maine. We take trains to rural Maine, repair homes for people, learn about each other and God, eat and sleep on a college campus, and go whitewater rafting. Many students have said it is the highlight of their summer and return year after year. The trip is led by Rev. Christy Lang and other adults from The Brick Church. This year's trip is expected to fill up fast, so remember to turn your form in soon! We hope you can come.

Founded more than 85 years ago, the Women’s Association supports and encourages fellowship among church members while providing vital support to a host of worthwhile community organizations that serve women and children.

Intergenerational Fellowship Lunches
Thursday, February 14, 2008, 12:30pm, Living Room
One of the many historical roots of Valentine's Day is the Feast of Lupercalia, a tribute paid by the ancient Romans on Feb. 14 of each year to Juno, the goddess of women and relationships. How appropriate then that we celebrate Valentine's Day this year with a Women's Association Fellowship Lunch!

Join friends new and old for our Valentine Day Fellowship Lunch in the Carnegie Room. Continuing through the spring on the second Thursday of each month, these spirited gatherings provide an opportunity for intergenerational fellowship, storytelling, and wisdom-sharing. No two lunches are ever the same. Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet and celebrate your fellow female congregants of all ages! If you want to help with food or set-up contact the Women's Association office.

Lenten Lecture
Tuesday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 11,
9am – Coffee; 9:30am – Lecture
Save the date for the Women's Association 2008 Lenten Lecture given by Michael Lindvall. These insightful, thought-provoking sessions (formerly known as the Women's Association Bible Study) with The Brick Church's Senior Pastor are always well-attended and provide nourishment for both the mind and the soul. Watch for your postcard with more details.

Women's Association Outreach:
Carter Burden Center for the Aging
As one of the more than 10 community philanthropic organizations supported by the Women's Association, the Carter Burden Center for the Aging provides a much needed and cherished service to our community's elderly residents. Through a wide range of volunteer programs and direct social services, the Center is dedicated to supporting the efforts of older residents to remain in their homes living independently, safely and with dignity.

Founded in the early 1970s to support residents of Manhattan's Upper East Side, the Center has today grown to a community of 40 full-time professionals and more than 1,200 volunteers, who in turn support thousands of individuals each year. A diverse range of activities includes support and discussion groups; affinity programs related to ethnic and cultural heritage; assistance with money management and financial planning; computer training; crime and abuse prevention programs; luncheon, social and cultural outing clubs; and programs and services related to special medical conditions and needs.

The involvement of the Women's Association focuses on their Intergenerational Training and Service Program. This program recruits young people who volunteer to assist their older neighbors. Their work involves preparing and delivering holiday cookies or a holiday meal, providing entertainment throughout the year at their senior center. In addition a core student group are involved in the Telephoning Reassurance program, in which each students calls one senior one to three times a week, or the Friendly Visiting program in which they visit a senior is his or her home, or Shopping Assistance, which involves getting a grocery list and bringing back the groceries. Young people in these programs learn to give and share, about growing older and surviving. The seniors benefit greatly from their attention. The Women's Association is proud to be supporting this very worthwhile program at the Burden Center.

A.J. Jacobs, Author of "The Year of Living Biblically" To Speak
PrimeTimers invites all Brick Church adults and friends to hear author A. J. Jacobs speak about his recently published book, The Year of Living Biblically, One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Brick Church. Reviewed in The New York Times and referred to by The Rev. Christy Lang in a recent sermon, the book and its author promise to stimulate thought and conversation about our theology and interpretation of the Bible. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the author speaking from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. RSVP by completing a reservation form available at the Front Desk or by sending an email to RSVP@brickchurch.org.

Primetimers: A.J. Jacobs, Author of 'The Year of Living Biblically' To Speak
On Tuesday, Feb. 12, PrimeTimers will host A. J. Jacobs, who will be speaking about his recently-published book, The Year of Living Biblically, One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. Reviewed in The New York Times and referenced in a recent sermon by The Rev. Christy Lang, the book and its author promise to stimulate thought and conversation about our theology and interpretation of the Bible.

A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Brick Church and the author will speak from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please call the Front Desk at 212-289-4400 or send an e-mail to RSVP@brickchurch.org to let us know you will be attending this fascinating event.

Book Club January Selection
The Brick Church Book Club will read He Knew He Was Right, by Anthony Trollope, for their February meeting. The discussion will be hosted by Sandy Gooder at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4. RSVP to Sandy at 212-410-9690.

Share a Special Treat with your 'Valentine Sweet'
Come out to support your Brick Bombers Softball Team at our Third Annual Valentine's Day Bake Sale. We hope to finally get new shirts and cover our yearly fees with your support. Please join us Sunday, Feb. 10, in Watson Hall during coffee hour and be tempted by our pies, cupcakes, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, and many other tasty treats to share with your 'Valentine Sweet.'

Thinking about Retirement? What's Your Dream? How One Man Retired only to Sail around the World for 10 years!
After a successful 36-year career at Proctor & Gamble as an engineer, Robert (Bob) Ashton retired in 1989 and decided to fulfill his dream of sailing around the world. After purchasing his 40-foot boat, Chandelle, he set out on a trip that would require 10 years to complete and challenge him and his crew to harrowing storms at sea and other difficulties that were made worthwhile by the rich adventures he experienced. On Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m,, PrimeTimers invites all Brick Church adults and friends to join Bob as he takes us on a witty one-hour tale of adventure and fun, exploring the world of remote islands and native people most of us will never see or meet. His recently published book, This Old Man and the Sea, which describes his trip, will also be available. RSVP by completing a reservation form available at the Front Desk or by sending an email to RSVP@brickchurch.org.

Worship and Music: Mrs. Mannerly
Dear Mrs. Mannerly,
On Sunday mornings, I go to church (the Brick one on Park Ave). Everyone looks so pressed and dressed, and I'm always warmly greeted at the door. A nice man leads me to a pew, and I sit and bask in the beautiful serene sanctuary. The fist note is struck on the magnificent organ and inevitably it happens a lively (and loud) greeting is exchanged by my neighbors and an intense conversation ensues on the price of the brownstone down the street. Then, out of the corner of my eye a 5-year-old streak of red velvet noisily clatters down the aisle, her mother charging after in hot pursuit, yelling for her to stop. The organ trills somewhere distantly and the cacophony rises drowning it out completely as the church fills. A figure looms behind me; is that really the smell of Starbucks?! Mercifully, the Call to Worship begins the service and a rousing Hymn restores my spiritual equilibrium, but inevitably the rustle of lozenge wrappers, the wail of a baby in need of feeding and the slurp of frappuccino distract me beyond redemption.
What has happened to civility, respect and simple good manners? Am I doomed to grumpy Sundays?
Yours,
Perplexed in Pew

Dear Perplexed,
Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. You are not alone in your annoyance with the noise level in The Brick Church sanctuary during service. We liken ourselves to good hosts at The Brick Church, in that we want everyone and all to come and enjoy our amazing sermons, music, fellowship opportunities and children's programs. Although we encourage everyone to come and feel at home, we respectfully request that members be more considerate during service in respect to the noise level. Young children can be taken to childcare or can stay with their parents in the chapel to hear the sermon. Food and drink are, and have always been, a no-no in the sanctuary, and with the recent renovations, we should be especially mindful of the no food or drink policy.
I hope my response helps to raise awareness in The Brick Church community so we can all fully enjoy our worshipping experience together!
Warmly,
Mrs. Mannerly

Membership Meetings in January
Five times per year, The Brick Church hosts a series of Membership Meetings where neighbors, visitors and members of The Brick Church can learn about Christian faith and worship, the Presbyterian tradition and the history and life of The Brick Church. Those wishing to join The Brick Church must attend all four meetings in the series. Visitors are invited to attend the series as a way to learn more about The Brick Church and current members are encouraged to join these sessions as a way to show visitors that we are a faith community that seeks to learn and grow together.

Please contact Tanisha Carrell if you plan to attend the January meetings, or if you need more information. Childcare is available for all the Sunday meetings and upon request for the Saturday orientation.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
The Christian Faith
Sunday, February 24 at 9:50 a.m. or Thursday, February 28 at 6:45 p.m.
This meeting is led by Rev. Michael Lindvall, who will explore the basic beliefs and biblical background of the Christian faith. It is offered at two different times to accommodate busy schedules.

Christian Worship
Sunday, March 2 at 12:45 p.m.
This meeting is led by Rev. Michael Lindvall and Minister of Music Keith Toth. They will discuss Christian worship, as well as the theology and order of worship in Presbyterian churches.

The Presbyterian Tradition
Tuesday, March 4 at 6:45 p.m. or Thursday, March 6 at 6:45 p.m.
This meeting is led by Rev. Christy Lang, who will explore the Christian denominations, focusing on the origins, history and current marks of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is offered at two different times to accommodate busy schedules.

The Meaning of Membership
Saturday, March 8
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This meeting is led by ministers, staff, and church members. Participants will learn about one another, about the history of The Brick Church, and about opportunities for involvement at the church.

Received into Membership
Sunday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Those who have attended all four Membership Meetings and wish to join will meet with church elders before the service. During the service, they will come forward together to answer membership questions. The congregation welcomes them during the service and afterward at a special coffee hour.

The Young Adults Group is for members and visitors in their 20s and 30s who strive to serve others while creating lasting friendships within the Brick Church community.

Young Adults Chat & Chew
On the second Sunday of every month, we meet for a casual brunch after worship. On occasion, we will invite a pastor to lead a discussion on a topic of our choosing.

Join us for the next Chat & Chew on Sunday, Feb. 11. Well meet at Coffee Hour immediately following worship, and then head to Michael Lindvall's study.

Information about the speaker and topic of discussion will be announced on the Young Adults page of the Brick Church website. No need to RSVP.