I'm not convinced that the problem of simple answers is that simple. I'm not convinced, in part because almost everybody I talk to seems to lament everybody else wanting easy answers. Maybe I'm just moving in pointy-headed circles, but I rarely talk to people who admit that they themselves actually want easy answers. Nobody actually says that sound bites are a satisfactory method of discourse. It's always somebody else who wants their answers simple and couched in sound bites. Such a caveat offered, the reality is that people often do want their answers, if not downright simple, a little simpler than the questions allow, even if they are loathe to admit it.
A pair of fascinating episodes in the early history of the church offers a historical mirror reflecting this yearning for simple answers. These episodes took place about the same time — the latter half of the second century — and the startlingly brave response of the emerging great church casts an illuminating light on the persistent eagerness among many of us modern Christians for answers that are - if not mere sound bites - rather less nuanced and complex than the depth of the question allows.
Marcion, a lay theologian and later bishop of his own heterodox church, advanced ideas about Christian truth that proved to be immensely popular and enduring. In large measure, Marcion was all the rage because he offered a Biblical and theological construct tidier than that of emerging orthodoxy. Marcion simplified things by rejecting the Hebrew Scriptures and the complex portrait of God they offer. He used only the Gospel of Luke, naming it The Evangelion, and he probably even edited that gospel to purge it of connections to the Old Testament. The second part of his canon, The Apostolikon, consisted of the 10 letters of Paul minus the pastorals.
Paul was offered as the only of Jesus' early followers who understood his message rightly. That made things winsomely simpler! As scandalous to most Christians then as now, Marcion's truncated canon did, in fact, clear up any number of nettlesome complexities about Christian truth claims, especially the tensions rising from passages in the Hebrew Scriptues that cast God as vengeful and violent, as well as those caused by obvious differences among the four gospels in the way they tell the Jesus story.
Barely a generation later, a somewhat more orthodox teacher named Tatian offered a slightly more acceptable solution to the same gospel problem with his (in)famous Diatessaron, a too-neat harmony of the four canonical gospels that would long be popular, especially in the Syrian Church. Indeed, in the third and fourth centuries it seems to have been the standard church lectionary text in Syriac-speaking churches. Tatian's harmonized gospel was popular for much the same reason Marcionism would prove so intractable. Both made Christian truth simpler and saved Christians from the demanding work of thinking hard.
To its eternal credit, the church rejected the simplicities of Marcion and Tatian. The former was excommunicated in Rome in 144, and in the fifth century, the Bishop of Edassa ordered that all copies of the Diatessaron in churches be replaced by the four separate and problematically different gospels. The implication of these decisions is that the early church understood that the truth of the gospel was complex, multifaceted and better apprehended through multiple, even if sometimes apparently contradictory, witnesses. The suppression of Marcionism and Tatian's Diatessaron both represented defeats for simple truth and victories for deeper and more demanding understandings of that truth.
As Presbyterians nationally continue their sometimes rancorous and seemingly endless discussions about everything from Christology and Trinitarian vocabulary to the Book of Order and human sexuality, we do well to remember that the church has often had the courage to insist that the answers are just not that simple. Deep and lasting answers, the ones that weather the ages, are often complex, nuanced, demanding and sometimes even less than perfectly clear. After all, it's nothing less than the likes of God and the meaning of life we're talking about.
—Michael L. Lindvall
From the Pastor
It's Not So Simple/span>
One often hears comments, especially when the subject is politics or religion, suggesting that everybody these days wants “easy answers.” The conversation moves on to tongue clicking about modern America's supposed satisfaction with “sound bite” politics or head shaking about all the people out there who ostensibly want their religion simple.
Capital Campaign Grant Gives Jan Hus a Facelift
For many years, The Brick Church has partnered with its neighbor Presbyterian church, Jan Hus, to serve the homeless and poor. This partnership was recently strengthened by a grant of $73,000 from The Brick Church Capital Campaign Outreach Committee. Jan Hus Church, with a congregation of about 30, runs an active six-story Neighborhood House in the heart of Yorkville that is home to many vital community programs. For many years, the congregation dreamed of doing building upgrades but lacked the financial resources to set the ball in motion. “The Brick Church grant has been an answer to prayer,” Jan Hus pastor, Moira Ahearne, said.
Funding from the grant has enabled Jan Hus to repaint its sanctuary for the first time in 40 years, and repair the central stained glass window in the narthex. The Neighborhood House lobby, through which several hundred people pass a day, also received a facelift as a result of the grant. The lobby now boasts a new floor, paint job and lighting, as well as a renovated bathroom. New accents were also brought in to “bring the sacred into the everyday life of the lobby,” Rev. Ahearne said. One lobby wall contains an image of the cross, while another hosts the famous quote of Czech reformer Jan Hus: “Truth Prevails.”
The most ambitious part of the project is the renovation of the Jan Hus Playhouse Theater to increase rental income and revitalize the presence of the arts and theater as a vehicle for outreach. The congregation plans to rebuild the stage floor, improve the sound and lighting, and upgrade electrical system. An unexpected glitch slowed the project down considerably, but the church is optimistic that the renovations will be well on the way in 2008. When that phase of the renovation is complete, Jan Hus looks forward to inviting The Brick Church congregation to a celebration of the rededication of the space to the glory of God and a recommitment to continue to serve our community together for years to come.
The Brick Church Welcomes its First Sacred Music Intern
As a result of a newly formed partnership between The Brick Church and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Oberlin student Christopher Howerter will be joining The Brick Church for the month of January as its first Sacred Music Intern. Howerter, a Bachelor of Music candidate in organ performance and native of Emmaus, Pa., has won several major organ competitions and is one of the youngest people to receive the Service Playing Certificate of the American Guild of Organists.
“We look forward to this addition to our music ministry and also to having Christopher share his talents with us in January,” said Keith Toth, Minister of Music.
The internship program, which is the first joint venture between Oberlin and The Brick Church, will provide a current Oberlin Conservatory student with a month-long, intensive training session in sacred music at The Brick Church. The student intern will work side-by-side with Keith Toth and Amanda Smith, and take part in all aspects of the music ministry at The Brick Church.
Putting a Face on Immigration Law
Brick Church Missionary Bill Richter reflects on his experiences at an immigration community meeting near the Texas-Mexico border.
Several weeks ago, Puentes de Cristo worked together with several other Presbyterian nonprofit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas to sponsor a forum on immigration and border issues. The meeting was well attended by members of Mission Presbytery (the Presbytery that makes up most of Southern Texas) as well as people from the community. We heard from different community leaders about the proposal to build a wall along the Texas-Mexico border. We heard concerns over the cost of building the wall, over the disruptions of the lives of people living near the river, and about the potentially devastating impacts on the rich ecosystem of the Rio Grande River Delta. But in some ways, the most memorable speaker was a young woman of 22, whom Ill refer to as Bianca.
Bianca had come to the United States from Mexico with her parents when she was 7 years old and had grown up and gone to elementary school, junior high and high school in the border town of Mission ever since. She did very well in school and admitted that she &ldqwuo;was always kind of a nerd,” in that she loved to study. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, a town about 15 miles north of the border. Again, she thrived in school, majoring in business while also being a member of a service-based sorority. Now, Bianca is in the position thats familiar to all recent graduates: deciding what to do next.
However, Bianca's options are different from those of her classmates: she is considered an illegal immigrant. Although her parents came to the United States without a visa, they have, over the course of the years, secured legal permanent residency in the United States and continue to be upstanding, tax-paying residents of Texas. They could, in theory, petition for residency for Bianca on the basis of the family relationship, but that process could take years and could require her to return to Mexico (away from her family and friends) while her case was being reviewed. Bianca had hung all hopes for her future on the D.R.E.A.M. act, part of the immigration reform bill passed by the United States Senate that would allow young people who had come to the United States as young children to petition for permanent residency upon the completion of two years of college or two years of service in the armed forces. Unfortunately, though, the Senate bill was never reconciled with the bill introduced in the House of Representatives, and thousands of talented young people like Bianca who grew up in the United States are in a state of limbo. She isnt authorized to work in the United States, so any job that she might be able to find in the informal employment sector certainly wouldnt allow her to put her hard-earned bachelors degree to use. Returning to Mexico hardly seems like a possibility either. Bianca left when she was 7, and hasnt been back since. Aside from a few distant relatives, she has little connection to the country of her birth - her family, her friends and her childhood memories are all in the United States.
Thoughtful people will disagree on how our immigration laws should be changed, and this is not a question with any easy answers. As Christians, however, I believe we are always called to seek justice within our society. God reminds the Israelites of their obligation to be kind and just towards foreigners when laying out the Mosaic law in Leviticus 19:33,34: 'When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.'
While it can certainly be dangerous to casually apply scripture to our lives without careful thought, I think it is clear that God always requires love from us and that God always forbids oppression. God reminds the Israelites to remember that they too were aliens; likewise, many of us need not examine our family tree to find ancestors who were aliens in a foreign land, driven here by great hardship at home. Let us continue to pray that our leaders can find ways to act justly towards those foreigners who reside among us, especially those like Bianca, who have invested so much in the country they call home.
Stewardship Campaign 2008: Building the Foundation of Faith
Pledge Dedication Sunday is always a special occasion for The Brick Presbyterian Church. It highlights the commitment of our community, long-time members and new members alike, to our beautiful church and to the wonderful services it provides in the larger community '— truly 'building the foundation of faith' in Gods work. The most recent Pledge Sunday, November 18th, 2007, was no different.
Many members extended pledges, raising more than half of our 2008 campaign goal of $2.5 million. Moreover, more than two-thirds of those who pledged raised their commitment from their previous years pledge. Overall participation rates were also higher than they were in the previous year.
To all those who helped build the foundation of faith this year, thank you for rising readily to the challenge.
If you have not yet made your 2008 pledge, please consider doing so as soon as possible. Your generosity will help us to reach our goal of a modest 6 percent growth relative to last years campaign. More importantly, it will allow our church to continue with such initiatives as restoring church and community benevolences to historical levels, reducing endowment drawdown to a sustainable 5 percent rate, and supporting adult and youth classes, all while significantly increasing the operating efficiency of our church.
Please contact Tanisha Carrell with your pledge by phone at 212-289-4400, ext. 230, by fax at 646-672-2198, by e-mail at tcarrell@brickchurch.org, or by sending in your pledge card.
Takako Terino Recieves Faithful Servant Award
The Brick Church's own Takako Terino received the 'Faithful Servant Award' from Presbyterian Welcome on Tuesday, November 27th at the Rutgers Presbyterian Church. Takako was selected for the award because of her exemplary work in helping Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people feel welcome and included in the life of churches in the Presbytery of New York City.
Mark Your Calendar; Make a Difference
The Brick Church's Day of Discipleship will be April 8, 2007
The Brick Presbyterian Church will be continuing its long, friendly relationship with the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) by joining forces for the Day of Discipleship on April 19, 2008. Brick Church volunteers will plant flowers, plants, vegetables and ivy on the rooftop of the NCS's 81st Street Single Occupancy Shelter. We will work together with NCS residents to create a beautiful garden oasis in the middle of New York City. While the adult volunteers are busy gardening, the children will also be busy at work in the NCS kitchen preparing delightful pastries for NCS's weekly Saturday afternoon tea. The baking workshop will be lead by a gourmet chef (the NCS resident social worker) who was trained at La Sorbonne in Paris. Between the baking and gardening, the Day of Discipleship will be a 'Martha Stewart' day for the entire family. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate. No gardening or baking skills required. We look forward to your participation in the Day of Discipleship!
Christmas Arrives Early in Watson Hall at the Deacons Outreach Christmas Party
Even with the many days of preparations that keep Santa and his helpers incredibly busy around Christmas time, he was still able to join us in Watson Hall on December 8th to help with the Annual Deacons Outreach Christmas Party. It was a wonderful day of celebration as The Brick Church hosted families from the Womens Prison Association. Our guests enjoyed lunch, made a variety of crafts, danced, and had the opporunity to choose Christmas gifts for each other from a 'shopping mall' of donated gifts. A good time was had by all! Stay tuned for the Feburary Record article that will lift up with appreciation the many participants and volunteers who continue to make this event truly exemplary of the meaning of Christmas.
High School Group to “Go Green” by Recycling Computers and Parts
Recycling and going green are important topics today as we seek to eliminate unnecessary waste and to conserve energy. Today's youth can be leaders in this movement, and they will be decision makers in the future as we continue to face environmental concerns.
A dilemma in our computer age is how to properly dispose of a computer and electronic devices. It can be particularly difficult for city dwellers to take electronic equipment to special collection sites.
As an outreach and stewardship project, Brick Church high school students are invited to the January High School Luncheon Sunday January 27, 2008, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Dining Room, which will include an introduction to the process of recycling home electronics. Plans will be ongoing to arrange a local collection of computers and other eligible electronics which will be taken to a New York City collection point for recycling. Please do not drop off any equipment at church at this time. Adults who would like to contribute their guidance about recycling are invited to join this project.
High school students and adults interested in this new venture will help the project be a great success. Please contact Georgia Meeter if you would like to participate.
Midweek Bible Studies
The Brick Church holds Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies intended to help members and friends learn more about the Bible; no expertise is necessary. The group explores and discusses the Biblical text and its meaning for our lives. All are welcome!
Women’s Bible Study
Thursdays, 9:15 am or 6:45 p.m., The Session Room
Rev. Christy Lang leads the womens study. This group is studying women in Luke and Acts. The womens study meets at two separate times on Thursdays, to accommodate diverse schedules: 9:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. The two times cover identical material. Please contact Christy Lang if you are interested in joining. The study will resume Jan. 10.
Men’s Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:45 a.m., The Session Room
Men are invited to join a breakfast Bible study led by Rev. Michael Lindvall that meets on Thursdays from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. All men, members and friends of the church alike, are invited to join in a study of the Gospel of Matthew. Each week the group will focus on a passage from the First Gospel and examine its meaning for the lives of modern Christians. Please visit www.brickchurch.org/Education/AdultEducation.html for more information. The study is on break for the holidays and will resume Jan. 3.
The Apostle Paul
10:00 a.m., Living Room
January 6, 2008: Paul, Slavery and Freedom
Led by Rev. Michael L. Lindvall
Paul wrote, 'For freedom Christ has set us free...do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.' (Gal 5:1).
He also wrote, 'Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling.' (Eph 5:1).
Did Paul condone slavery?
January 13, 2008: Paul and Judaism
Led by Todd J. Aydelotte
Paul wrote, 'I myself am an Israelite, a descendent of Abraham' (Rom 11:1)
Paul also wrote, 'There is no distinction between Jew and Greek' (Rom 10:12).
What did Paul think about Judaism?
January 27, 2008: Paul and Women
Led by Rev. Christiane M. Lang
Paul wrote, 'There is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.' (Gal 3:28),
Paul also wrote, 'It is shameful for a woman to speak in church.'
(1 Cor 14:35).
Was Paul Sexist?
Speaker and Author Susan Yates to speak at The Brick Church
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., acclaimed author and speaker Susan Yates will speak at The Brick Church about her book, And Then I Had Teenagers: Encouragement for Parents of Teens and Pre-teens.
Yates is the author of 10 books and speaks nationally and internationally on marriage and family. You wont want to miss this opportunity to gain insights, encouragement and humor about raising Christian teens today.
Yates is brought to The Brick Church by New York City
FOCUS, which is the Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools. A number of Brick Church families are involved with FOCUS.
For further information on FOCUS and its programs, visit the FOCUS website.
To RSVP for this event, please contact Georgia Meeter.
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.
Make a Band and Rock On with Pioneers and The Fireside Club
Calling all rock stars! Fifth, sixth and seventh grade students will join together for Making the Band night on Sunday, January 13. Come from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to The Brick Church for dinner and a music-video production experience like youve never seen. Friends from school and the neighborhood are always invited. The total charge for the season of five events is $75 per student. If your student brings a friend who is not from The Brick Church, the cost for the friend is only $10. You should have received registration forms 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 will Resume Meeting January 6
Confirmation Class resumes Jan. 6. In January, we will study the following topics: Jesus death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit and the Trinity, and Baptism. Confirmation students need to participate in two Friday Night Dinner Program events in the course of the year. Our FNDP nights this month are Jan. 4 and 18. Also, registration forms for the June Mission Trip to Maine will go home in January and are due on Feb. 10. Dont miss this great opportunity to serve others! Questions? Contact Christy Lang.
Friday Night Dinner Program: Jan. 4 and 18
The Brick Church hosts a meal every Friday evening for residents of the 81st Street Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter community. Brick Church youth in eighth through 12th grades have the opportunity to cook together, meet these friends of The Brick Church and receive community service credit. The January youth nights for FNDP are Fridays, Jan. 4 and 18. Cooking begins at 5:00 p.m. in Watson Hall Kitchen. Clean-up finishes and pingpong begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information check out the church website.
Time to Hit the Slopes: The Brick Church Youth Ski Trip is January 26
On Saturday, January 26, Sixth through 12th grader students are invited to join us on the annual ski trip to Camelback Mountain. This is one of the best events of the year; dont miss it! We meet at 7:00 a.m. at The Brick Church and take a bus to the mountain to ski or snowboard all day, eat in the lodge and drink hot chocolate. We will return home by 8:30 p.m. Other churches join us on this adventure. Registration forms went out in the mail and are due on January 13; be sure to return them before the trip fills up. Questions? Contact Christy Lang.
High School Mission to Maine
Youth Mission Trip Registrations Due February 10
Read about last years trip!
On Sunday, June 17, 2006, four high school students and their adult sponsors gathered on the sidewalk at The Brick Church early in the morning. We took cabs to La Guardia Airport, where we boarded a plane to Portland, Maine. There we picked up our rental van and drove to rural Farmington. After we moved into the dorms at the University of Maine in Farmington, we spent time exploring the small town of Farmington, getting soaked in a rainstorm and enjoying time together before the work began. We even went for a dip in a very cold mountain lake. In the evening, we started our weeklong Bible study on the practical book of James.
Over the next two days, we worked really hard with the East Parish Housing Ministry. We were helping a family with four children whose 30-year- old mother had been diagnosed with lupus. In order to help her get in and out of her house once she is wheelchair-bound, we had to tear out an old deck and build a new one. Another group would follow us by installing a ramp for her.
Each day we worked, the family talked with us, brought us lemonade and made us a surprise barbecue lunch. The oldest daughter made small presents for all of us and won our hearts. In the evenings we ate dinner in the universitys cafeteria, enjoyed our much-needed showers and rest time, and met together to reflect on the day. We also spent solo time each day with a book called 'Soul Tending,' which helped us think about Gods presence in our lives and Gods call to serve people.
On Thursday morning we drove out into the mountains to go whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River. It was a cold, rainy day and we were freezing, but it was also fun. That night we ate dinner together at a restaurant in Farmington. On Friday, we visited a thrift store and bought bizarre costumes for each of us to wear on the way home. Then we drove to Winslow State Park near Portland, to enjoy some time on a beach and to reflect on the week individually and together. We all noticed that we were extremely grateful for all the surprises and gifts that had come our way over the week, and especially for the gift of new friendships and a close-knit group.
That evening, after waiting several extra hours in the airport because of storms, we boarded the plane back to New York. We arrived home in costume, exhausted, happy, and thankful for all that God did in and through us over the course of the week. Thanks to the students and adults who participated, to parents who entrusted their children to us, and to all who prayed for us. Remember to mark your calendar for the 2008 trip!
—Rev. Christy Lang
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.
The Brick Church Fair Winter Dinner Dance
Don your dancing shoes and festive attire for the culminating event of the Fair season! Please join your fellow congregants on Friday, Jan. 25, for an elegant soiree to celebrate our church family and to thank the Fair chairs and volunteers that made the 2007 Fair such an extraordinary success.
The event is hosted at Manhattan's famed Metropolitan Club on the corner of 60th Street and Central Park. Highlights include cocktails, a sumptuous dinner and dancing. Dont forget the highly anticipated Silent Auction — a storied tradition and opportunity to bid on an exceptional array of luxury items and experiences, including international trips and once-in-a-lifetime events.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Women's Association Outreach Programs, whose grants help fund organizations for women, children and the elderly in the nearby Yorkville and East Harlem neighborhoods.
For information about serving on the committees, please contact Dinner Dance Co-Chairs Lucinda Bhavsar and Paige Rustum or Silent Auction Co-Chairs Kerri Devine, Elizabeth Miller, Neda Navab and Sally Young.
Last year, more than 300 Brick Church members attended this evening of celebration and fellowship, so be sure to mark your calendars and make arrangements early.
Watch for your invitation or contact Carol Ann Mercer at the Women's Association office for more information.
Primetimers:New York Philharmonic Open Rehearsal
PrimeTimers invites all Brick Church adults and friends to watch the fascinating process of a New York Philharmonic open rehearsal on Wednesday, Jan. 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Avery Fisher Hall. The program will consist of Schumanns Piano Concerto and Bruckners Symphony No. 6, under the baton of celebrated conductor Riccardo Muti, and with Radu Lupu on piano.
Tickets should be purchased ahead of time by calling the Box Office (212-875-5655) or by going in person to the Box Office. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and tickets can be purchased that morning.
PrimeTimers and friends will meet in the lobby of Avery Fisher Hall at 9:15 a.m. and, following the rehearsal, enjoy lunch at Rosa Mexicano. RSVP by calling the Front Desk (212-289-4400) or 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 Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, for their January meeting. The discussion will be hosted by Gorman Reilly at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7. RSVP to Gorman at 212-831-7062.
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.'
Interested in Boy Scouts? Troop 662 Wants YOU
Boy Scout Troop 662, which is sponsored by The Brick Presbyterian Church, meets Wednesday evenings in Watson Hall at 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts provides challenging activities that are fun and help boys to develop the independence and self-confidence needed to grow as a person. Working together on various projects helps the boys make new friendships, many of which will last a lifetime.
All of this takes place in a program planned and led by the boys (with adult supervision). The Scouts have monthly activities such as campouts to work on skills and advancement requirements.
Please feel free to come visit one of our meetings. Fourth and fifth grade boys can join the Webelos program and graduate to Boy Scouts, which is for boys ages 11 through 18.
If you or your son would like additional information about Boy Scouts, or would like to join Troop 662, please contact Kevin Ryan of the troop committee at (212) 426-5777.
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, January 13 at 9:50 a.m.
or Thursday, January 17 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, January 13 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, Januray 22 at 6:45 p.m. or Thursday, January 24 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, January 26
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, January 27 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 Jan. 13. Well meet at Coffee Hour immediately following worship, and then head to Michael Lindvalls 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.
For a pdf version of the January calendar, please click here. [152 kb]