From the Pastor
Over the decades Brick Church has often served as a host congregation for student ministers: students preparing for the ministry who serve on a part-time basis even as they pursue seminary education. The Presbyterian Church requires that future ministers complete three years of post-graduate education at an approved seminary. In addition, most seminaries and Presbyteries require that students gain practical “hands-on” experience in a church, a hospital chaplaincy, or at some other site of supervised service. Most recently, Brick has been a field education site for three seminary students, one in each of the last three years.

A recent gift to the Brick Church has established the Clifford Endowment for Seminary Education. This very generous gift will now enable us to become a field education site for three seminary students each year. In addition to supporting the students’ stipends, the fund will also support the work of a part-time program coordinator who will assist me and the other ministers of Brick Church in supervision of our students. The students, the coordinator and the Brick Church ministers will meet weekly as a small learning community to reflect on ministry, especially in relationship to students’ seminary course work. These student ministers will be at Brick 10 to 12 hours each week from September through May, probably on Wednesdays and Sundays. Students will be recruited from seminaries within commuting distance, most likely Princeton and perhaps Union.

Student ministers are not technically employees. They are paid only a modest stipend and travel expenses. Through they will surely bring much to the life of the Brick Church as they lead worship, teach classes, visit, and assist in committee work, the role of the church, both its staff and members, is to mentor these men and women in Christian ministry as they gain essential experience in the real life of a real church. I believe Brick is well-suited to this role. We are a supportive congregation with a wide variety of diverse programs and ministries. Personally, I am thrilled at the prospect of working with these students in the years to come. I believe they will bring so much to us, and that we in turn have so much to offer them.
—Michael Lindvall

First Neighborhood Night Explores
Jewish/Christian “Second Cousins”
“Jews and Christians: Theological Second Cousins” was the topic Michael Lindvall discussed at the first “Neighborhood Night” of the church year, hosted by the New Members/Evangelism Committee on Tuesday night, November 29. Some 38 members and nonmembers gathered in the Living Room to hear Michael’s presentation and participate in a lively 25-minute question and answer period.

Michael pointed out that Jews and Christians worship the same God; share much of the Scripture; both worship the God of the covenant, a covenant into which Christians understand they have been engrafted; share the tradition of weekly Sabbath and corporate worship; and share a reverence for Torah, or Law.

Jews and Christians have different but parallel affirmations. Both have a salvation narrative with one central event (Exodus for Jews and Resurrection for Christians) as well as a specific sign of covenantal membership (circumcision for Jews & baptism for Christians). In addition, both celebrate a symbolic meal remembering the mercy and a saving act of God (Passover/Seder for Jews and Holy Communion for Christians). Both worship traditions include many parallel features (corporate confession, the reading of Scripture and its explication, the singing of hymns/Psalms). Finally, both traditions understand God as transcendent, but nonetheless self-disclosing, though in two distinct ways.

Where Jews and Christians differ is that while Jews understand Torah to be the central means by which God speaks to humans and through which humans respond, Christians believe Jesus to be the central means by whom God speaks to humans and through whom humans respond. This affirmation leads Christians to canonize the Christian Scriptures (New Testament), and informs the often overemphasized dichotomy between “law” (for Jews) and “grace” (for Christians). Other distinctions are that Judaism is essentially a familial or “inherited” faith, while Christianity is a “missionary” faith, expanding to include many ethnic groups. Finally, while both groups are monotheists, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity nuances monotheism in a way that Jews would not.

Michael concluded by pointing out The Brick Church’s recent written dissent from the Presbyterian Church USA’s 2004 “divestment resolution” and a new Brick Church Overture (passed by the New York Presbytery) recommending positive investment in activities that will bring the Israeli, West Bank and Gaza communities peacefully together.

Two more “Neighborhood Nights” will take place, one in February or March, the other in May. Watch for times and dates and plan to invite your friends (including and especially nonmembers) to these stimulating evenings.

Do You Have a Will?

Is it time for a New Year’s resolution to get your will done? Yes, if you don’t have one. Is it time for a New Year’s resolution to update your will? Maybe.

The Brick Church has prepared an important booklet titled “In Other’s Hands.” It is a terrific reference when dealing with estate planning issues. Please call or email Helen Phillips for a copy at 212-289-4400, ext. 230 or hphillips@brickchurch.org.

And, as you consider your estate plans, please do consider a planned gift for Brick Church. Any Pastor or member of the Planned Giving Committee would be pleased to answer questions.

Stewardship Campaign 2006: Our Doors are Open

If you have not made your 2006 pledge, it is important to do so as soon as possible, remaining mindful of the operating deficit and the need to increase over last year by at least 5%.

Please contact Helen Phillips with your pledge by phone 212-289-4400, ext. 230, by fax 646-672-2198, by email, hphillips@brickchurch.org, or by sending in your pledge card.

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.

Two Quebec Organists Perform Next Inaugural Recital
On Tuesday evening, January 24, at 7:00 p.m., distinguished Quebec organists Jean-Guy Proulx and Jacquelin Rochette will perform the next recital on our inaugural organ recital series. Messrs. Proulx and Rochette will perform works by César Franck, Alexandre Guilmant, and Charles-Marie Widor. Jean-Guy Proulx is professor of music at the Conservatory in Quebec City and is the titular organist of the Casavant organ at the Cathedral in Rimouski, Quebec. Jacquelin Rochette is the Tonal Director of Casavant Frères in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the builders of our acclaimed Sanctuary organ. General admission tickets ($20) for this recital are available from the Reception Desk or at the door the evening of the recital. For further information contact Keith S. Toth at ext. 231.

The Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
Dates for this month: January 6 and 20
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.

High School youth take the lead on the first Friday of every month (January 6), and 8th graders volunteer on the third Friday of every month (January 20). Please meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen. We will be finished by 8:00 p.m.

1st, 2nd Graders Learn About Communion
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. Classes will be offered again on February 5 and March 12 at 9:30 a.m. at The Brick Church. Please contact Caitlin Sparks if you would like to attend this free class with your child.

5th-6th Grade Pioneers Ice Skating Trip January 8
On Sunday, January 8, 2006, the Pioneers will meet in the Living Room at The Brick Church at 12:30 p.m. to eat pizza and then go to Wollman Rink for ice skating. We will return to The Brick Church by 3:30 p.m.

Pioneers need to bring $15 to cover admission, skate rental, and lunch (does not include $10 locker rental at the rink or snack money; bring extra money if you want to rent a locker or buy snacks there). If you have already paid for the whole season of Pioneers events, you do not need to pay. Bring also your MetroCard (for transportation, warm clothes and good socks for skating. If you own skates, you can bring them.

A permission form will come in the mail. Return your completed permission slip to Caitlin Sparks, no later than Thursday, January 5. If you want to bring a friend, pick up an extra permission slip at the front desk. If you have not already turned in your regular Pioneers permission form, you will need to submit this as well. Members Mead Cain and Preston Davis are leading this event.

Senior High Fellowship Meets on January 18
9th-12th grade students are invited for dinner and casual discussion on Wednesday, January 18. Pastor Christy Lang will be present. Last time we met, we had a great time eating, reading a Christmas story, and talking about where all the Christian denominations came from and how they are related. This month, we will talk about other events we might want to do together 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.

Youth to Ski at Camelback In February
All 6th-12th graders are invited to join 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. Check your mailbox in late December for registration forms and information on meeting times and cost. This is an interchurch event, so your friends from other churches on the Upper East Side will also be there.

Adult Education Bible Studies Resume January 8
Rick Bold’s thoughtful Bible Study series will begin again in January. The Brick Church is fortunate to have Rick serving this year as our Intern from Princeton Theological Seminary. In response to feedback from church members, his weekday Bible Study will now meet at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, so that parents or caretakers of preschoolers may attend. 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

Adult Education Winter Retreat
Learning Our Story: A Walk Through the Bible
Pastors Michael Lindvall and Christy Lang will teach “Learning Our Story: A Walk Through the Bible.” If you have never read the Bible carefully or wish to gain a more coherent understanding of Bible’s story, come join us for this informative, interactive class.
Friday, January 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 21, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (followed by lunch)

God and Gotham
The Christian Education and Church and Society Committees will co-sponsor an educational series in January and February. God and Gotham will explore the history of church involvement in controversial events in the City of New York. Historian Edwin G. Burroughs, author of Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898, will open the series. For more information, contact Christy Lang or Doug King at dking@brickchurch.org.
Sunday, January 22, 29 & 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.

The St. James Partnership Annual Halloween Party
Pumpkin painting, face painting, and spooky storytelling, not to mention the candy. How else would you want to spend a late October Saturday in the park? St. Nicholas Park, to be precise. One of Brick Church’s more recent missions is our partnership with the St. James Presbyterian Church up at 141st Street and St. Nicholas Ave. On October 29, Brick Church volunteers teamed up with the St. James community to host a day full of fun and activities. When the kids from around the neighborhood noticed the festivities and “the painting,” they seemed to appear from around every corner. We had Young Adults, Primetimers, Pastors and tons of ...KIDS! Oh, yeah and Pumpkins too!
Please contact the following Deacons, because there are many opportunities for volunteers with the St. James Partnership. Patrick Barrett (patrickdbarrett@cs.com), Barbara Scott (bscott@nightingale.org), Elizabeth Green (elizabeth.green1@att.net), or Len Carrell (ltandc2@gmail.com).

Habitat for Humanity Work Day
Our last Habitat work day was on October 15 in Jamaica, Queens. Thanks to all who came and installed wood flooring. For some of us it was our very first such experience. This Jamaica site is now complete. Future sites include Marcus Garvey Blvd. and Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn, and 703 E. 156 St. in the Bronx.

On Saturday, January 14 (Martin Luther King Day Weekend), Habitat has a kickoff work day at a new site to mark the beginning of a new year. Brick Church would like to welcome you to these opportunities and encourage your participation. To volunteer, please contact Stefan Kruger (stefan.kruger@citigroup.com), Len Carrell (ltandc2@gmail.com), or Don Spongberg (dspongberg@SpencerTrask.com).

Let us Break Bread Together: Friday Night Dinner Program
Great hours! Good company! The Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (“NCS”) Residence is a single-residence building which houses people who have come through the Coalition’s Shelter Program. Formerly homeless, the residents maintain themselves, but, like all of us, need some support and tender loving care. The Brick Church currently hosts a weekly Friday Night Dinner Program in Watson Hall. This dinner program is a joint effort of the Board of Deacons and the Youth Group. The Youth Group cooks and serves dinner on the first and third Fridays of each month. On the second and fourth (and fifth, when necessary) Fridays of each month, all members of Brick, families or singles, interested in participating are welcome to join us as Brick Church Hosts.

Each week Brick Church Hosts will plan the dinner menu, purchase and cook the food to be served, and enjoy a meal with the residents of NCS in Watson Hall. The hosts come between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to prepare the meal, and our guests from NCS arrive at 6:30 p.m.

Friday Night Dinner Program provides the residents of NCS an opportunity to leave the residence and have social interaction with the outside world. The time commitment is just one Friday evening. Friday Night Dinners allow Brick families to participate in an outreach activity together. It allows children young and old to experience positive social interaction and volunteer work in our community. This is a fulfilling way to spend a Friday evening and help a great cause - the prevention of homelessness and despair in our community.
For more information, call or email Deacons Willie Carter at 212-534-0425, Mimi Hah at 212-717-9126 or mhah@nyc.rr.com, or Sylvester Miniter at sylvester.miniter@durhamcapital.com.

Women’s Association
Monthly Fellowship Luncheons continue in 2006
When describing the monthly intergenerational fellowship luncheons, Isabel Cunningham puts it perfectly: “Talking with people from different generations is the best part.” Isabel should know. A long-time member and former elder of the church, in addition to being a Women’s Association board member, she reserves a regular seat at the table for these monthly lunches, sponsored by the Women’s Association. She describes the events as extremely informal, “a nice change of pace” she says.What keeps her coming? If not the simple, but delicious food, it’s the atmosphere. “Absolutely welcoming and wonderful for all involved.” If you’re looking for a warmhearted gathering of friends, to brighten your day or someone else’s, join us for lunch! You’ll be glad you did.
The Women’s Association’s monthly intergenerational fellowship luncheons continue in 2006 on the following dates: January 11, February 8, March 8, April 19, May 10, June 14, July 12 and August 9.

Save the Date
for The Women’s Association annual Winter Bible Study, led by Michael Lindvall on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for coffee and breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Watch for your postcard!

The Fair’s Winter Dinner Dance
Friday, February 10 at The Metropolitan Club
The Brick Church Fair’s winter dinner dance and silent auction have been a tradition since 1952. We will wrap up the 2005 Fair and thank the Fair chairs along with welcoming the chairs of the 2006 Fair. The evening is a fund-raiser for the Women’s Association outreach and scholarship grants. Funds raised through the silent auction are all earmarked for the non-profit organizations serving women, children and the elderly in Harlem and the surrounding Brick neighborhood that receive grants from the Women’s Association, and for the Helen Watson Buckner Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for Brick members.

Dinner Dance co-chair Tracey Huff says new members in particular find the evening a terrific way to meet friends and enjoy the fellowship. “New member tables are being organized...we encourage members, new and old to come, there will be lots of fun tables to put you at.” The dance is also co-chaired this year by Brenda DePaola and Jackie Hennessey. The silent auction is chaired by Betsy Cox, Diane Chachas, Liz Ehrlich and Leslie Weiss. If you can help with the auction or for more information on the dinner dance, please contact the Women’s Association office.

If you’ve got winter fever, come join us on February 10 for a memorable evening with friends and help support our outreach and scholarship programs.

PrimeTimers
Fra Angelico Exhibit
Join a David Wilson art tour. The first major exhibition in this country of the work of Fra Angelico is currently showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On January 21, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., David Wilson, artist and Brick Church Elder, will lead PrimeTimers on a tour he calls “Fra Angelico: The Angelic Painter.” Save the date and watch for reservation details. Questions? Ask Anita Burns, 212-828-1208 or anitab0710@hotmail.com.

Grief Recovery Program
Grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss and change, whether from death, divorce, or loss of health, career, hopes or relationships. The nine-session Grief Recovery Program will guide those who want to resolve these issues and move beyond grief to a richer life. The program is affiliated with and endorsed by The Grief Recovery Institute and Sunrise at Midnight. Sessions begin on Monday, January 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Brick Church, and run through March 6. For more information, call Deacon Chris Randall at 212-534-0707.

The Brick Church Book Club January Selection
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott for their January meeting, which will be hosted by Ellen Baldwin at her home at 60 East 96th Street on Monday, January 9, at 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Ellen at 212-831-2615.

New Member Classes in January
For people interested in exploring membership, The Brick Church offers a series of classes in January. The next classes will take place in March. 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.