From the Pastor
You may have heard the work “lectionary” out of my mouth once and again when I talk about the readings from the Bible that we hear on Sunday mornings. It is a word that my computer’s Spell Check does not know, which probably means it’s unfamiliar enough to merit a definition before I tell you why I use it. A lectionary is a book or system of readings. As the term is used in church, it usually means the Common Lectionary, a system of Bible readings, not only for each Sunday, but for each day of the year.

The Common Lectionary is used by most of the churches in the world; in some traditions, its use is mandatory; in others, such as our Presbyterian tradition, it is optional for each congregation. The Common Lectionary is prepared by an international and ecumenical committee of scholars, preachers and church leaders, and normally assigns an Old Testament lesson, a Psalm, a Gospel lesson, and a reading from one of Epistles (letters) of the New Testament for each Sunday. It moves in a three-year cycle, which means if you’re in church every Sunday for three years and all the lessons are read, you’ll hear much, if not most of the Bible!

The alternative to the lectionary is for the preacher to choose the readings for each Sunday, which is what I did until about eight or ten years ago. It was a practice I defended quite stubbornly, so this article is something of a confession of a late conversion. The virtues of preaching from the lectionary were slow to become apparent to me, but once visible, they were quite clear. I would like to point them out to you.

1. Preaching from the lectionary means that I preach not only the readings I like, but also the readings that are challenging and difficult, passages I tended to avoid when I was choosing the readings on my own each Sunday. It also means that you, the congregation, are more likely to hear some parts of the Bible that are a challenge to understand or to obey. Preachers are human and are as likely as most mortals to choose the path of least resistance. The lectionary disciplines preacher and congregation to allow much more scripture to confront them, not just those passages that line up with the pastor’s or the church’s current theology.

2. Preaching from the lectionary means that the Bible lessons you hear read week after week will follow a pattern. The lectionary readings tend to move through whole books of the Bible in order: first chapter to last. Right now, for instance, the gospel passages for most every Sunday are from Mark, though we’ll hear a series from John just before and after Easter. Over the next ten months, you will get a faithful overview of the Second Gospel. Such structure is helpful in a time when so many Christians do not know as much of Bible as they would like.

3. Preaching from the lectionary means that the preacher is more likely to ground the sermon in the Bible reading, which is where every sermon should start. A sermon is not a speech or an essay on a “topic.” A sermon is a preacher’s best effort to enable a reading from an ancient book to meet, confront, engage, and challenge or comfort modern people. It’s all too tempting for preacher to get a good idea, or a gem of an illustration, or perhaps just a “bee in the bonnet,” go to the Bible and find a text that seems to back it up, and then preach a sermon that began not in an honest attempt to interpret that scripture, but rather to make a point and use the Bible as ammunition. I know this because I have done it! In truth, it’s not always altogether wrong to move backwards into a sermon, but week after week, it means that the congregation is likely to get more preacher than Bible.

4. I preach from the lectionary because it is a sign of the unity of the church. The same reading or readings you hear at Brick are probably being read in most of the churches in New York, the United States, indeed the world, that Sunday morning. Such a harmony of words is a powerful expression of the unity of a church that often looks more divided than united. It also means that if you run into some Methodists or Roman Catholics at brunch after church, you can probably compare what the preachers said about the same reading that morning! Our Sunday School curriculum also tends to follow the lectionary (not always), which means that on many Sundays, your kids studied the same Bible story you heard in church.

I don’t preach the lectionary every Sunday. Some Sundays, there are events in the life of the church or of the larger community that need to be addressed from both the Bible and the sermon, and the official lectionary readings are simply not related to the challenge at hand. We don’t often read every lectionary passage each Sunday. They are not always related to each other and, taken together, would often be too long for our service. I preach from the lectionary because I love the Bible, the whole of it, and I long to be led, challenged, comforted and discomforted by the Word it presents. —Michael L. Lindvall

Brick Church Seminarians
Takako Terino: Lifelong Passion for Social Justice
One of three Brick Church members who are also seminary students, Takako Terino is currently working on her Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary in New York. She agreed to share her journey with The Record.

When did you first think about going to seminary?
When I was baptized at age 15, I realized that my life was going to be in service to God. I was raised in Japan in the Protestant church. My mother, grandmother, and a woman pastor gave me a strong faith foundation. This pastor was a pioneer in two ways. Of course Christians in Japan are a tiny minority. And women in positions of authority are also very rare. At that time, I thought of my service in secular terms rather than in the ministry. I wanted to do faith-based social justice work like my mother.

Did you maintain your interest in social justice?
Absolutely. It’s based on my experience in a religious minority in Japan and working with people of different backgrounds and convictions here. I want to become ordained and work with people who are marginalized or hurt within the church – people for whom the church has not been a safe place.

What was your next step?
I left Japan for a Christian education in the U.S. – both boarding school and college. I’d been to a bible camp in California and felt that my spiritual home was here. It must have been hard for my parents to send me so far away. But they were very supportive and sacrificed much for me to pursue my dream.

Did you prepare for the ministry in college?
No, I majored in humanities and German, with a minor in philosophy. But after graduation, I got an internship with the Fellowship of Reconciliation, an ecumenical peace and social justice organization. Unfortunately it was unpaid. Then I began my career as a translator for law firms. However, the more time I spent in legal work, the more I wanted to do something faith-based.

How did your experience at The Brick Church influence your decision?
Two things really confirmed my direction: being a Deacon and getting involved with Presbyterian Welcome, which is a special agency of the Presbytery comprising churches in the city, including Brick, that work to eliminate discriminatory practices within our denomination based on sexual and gender orientation. I worked with the pastors and people at the seminaries and realized that just being spiritual wasn’t enough for me; I felt I needed theological integrity as I apply my faith in my work.

Was there a single moment of insight or inspiration?
It was in the winter of 2003. After the holidays, I just knew that I would start seminary in the fall. It was the right time personally, spiritually and for my family.

What’s the application process like?
Union Seminary asks for your academic transcript, a statement of faith, and references. In a separate process, Presbyterians who feel a call to the ministry become “inquirers” through their church, are approved by Presbytery, and come “under care” of their session while at seminary.

How long is the program?
Union’s Master of Divinity program takes 3 years, full-time. Right now I’m working full-time and going to school part-time. Since Union doesn’t have weekend classes, there’s a lot of juggling with work. I’ve been going for 2 years and am about a third of the way through. This fall I may try to take a full class load along with work. That way I could finish faster and would also be eligible for a partial grant.

How are you finding the seminary experience?
It’s very worthwhile. Unlike undergrad school, it’s a spiritual as well as academic and intellectual exercise. Union forces you to deconstruct your faith, but only to reconstruct it so it is on a stronger foundation, and the professors are both challenging and supportive. They are concerned with our faith journeys.

Officer Nominations This Spring
“It is satisfying and humbling to fill one of the oldest offices in the Christian church. As a Presbyterian elder, on whom the whole authority of the church rests, the sense of responsibility to God and to fellow parishioners is strong. On us much depends; from us much is expected.”

“Serving as a deacon has brought an increasing number of people into my life. If I just came to worship here and did not get involved, I would have never had such wonderful relationships, ones that I feel could last a lifetime.”

As these quotes show, serving as an officer of The Brick Church is a rewarding experience on many levels. The All-Church Nominating Committee (ACNC) continues to ask the congregation to nominate elders, deacons and trustees through mid April.

Please prayerfully consider nominating fellow worshippers, committee members, or friends as potential officers. The criteria are commitment to the church including regular attendance at Sunday worship and characteristics such as dedication, good judgment and the ability to work well with others.

Stewardship Campaign 2006: Our Doors are Open

Pledge today...

to help keep them wide open. The Brick Church is a vital and vibrant institution in our community but it needs your support to stay that way.

While 66% of the pledges represent very generous increases, just under 60% of our membership has pledged so far. We need your help to fill the $200,000 gap and reach our goal of $1,900,000.

We urge everyone to pledge. No amount is too small or too big. Contact Helen Phillips at 212-289-4400 Ext. 230 or hphillips@brickchurch.org.

Organ Virtuoso Stephen Tharp in Recital
American-born organ virtuoso Stephen Tharp will perform the next recital in the year-long inaugural recital series of our Anderson Organ on Monday, March 6, at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Tharp is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading concert organists. His performances are electrifying and have been hailed by critics and audiences alike. For his Brick Church recital on our Casavant organ, Stephen will perform works by Berveiller, Franck, Hakim, Jongen, Reger, and Thalben-Ball. General admission tickets ($20) are available at the Reception Desk or at the door the night of the concert. For further information, please visit the Brick Church website or contact Minister of Music Keith S. Toth.

Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
Dates for this month: March 3 and 17
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. Senior High youth are scheduled for March 3, and 8th grade youth for March 17. Meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen. We will be finished by 7:45 p.m.

Communion Orientation Class
The Brick Church is offering a Communion Orientation class three times this year for 1st and 2nd Grade students and their parents. Associate Pastor Christy Lang and member Julia Dunn co-lead this class to help prepare children to participate in the Lord’s Supper with greater understanding. The last opportunity to attend this class is March 12 at 9:30 a.m. at The Brick Church. Parents and children attend together. Please contact Caitlin Sparks to register for this free class with your child.

5th and 6th Grade Pioneers Meet On March 5
The Pioneers meet about once a month for fun, dinner, and a service project together. All events occur from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Watson Hall, with check-in and payment in the Garden Room. Each event costs $15, if you did not pay for the whole season up front.

Signing Up for Pioneers
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. We hope to see you there!

Confirmation Class Continues
Confirmation Class continues in March for our 8th grade students. This month, our meetings will occur on March 5 and 12 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. We will hear from guest speakers Rick Bold and Michael Ellis, and we will cover the topic of discipleship and prepare for Youth Sunday. 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.

Palm Sunday Procession
On Sunday, April 9, all Brick Church children are invited to participate in the Palm Sunday Procession into the Sanctuary during morning worship. This is a beloved tradition in many churches, celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Children ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and infants in arms are welcome. More information will be available in April. Contact Rev. Christy Lang with questions, 212-289-4400, ext. 247.

Children’s Choirs at Brick Church
Spotlight on: Cherub Choir
The Cherub Choir is Brick Church’s youngest choir, with nearly 50 members ages four and five. Cherub Choir meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons. Because of its large membership, the choir rehearses in two sections, one at 3:00 p.m. and one at 3:30 p.m. We begin our rehearsals with percussive vocal echoes and sirens, focusing on producing a beautiful tone. Then we work on pitch matching and listening skills, by “passing” a single pitch around our circle of singers.

After warm-ups, the choristers are ready for a variety of activities that follow. In some rehearsals we learn bible stories or elements of the liturgy and we practice songs and hymns that relate to them. Some days we play instruments (including xylophones, metalophones, glockenspiels, and other percussion instruments), or bounce an enormous multi-colored “stretchy band” while listening to recordings of songs and hymns.

In every rehearsal we prepare for the anthem that we will sing in worship. The children are currently rehearsing the folk hymn, Wherever I May Wander, which they will sing at the 11:00 a.m. service of worship on Sunday, May 7. Each rehearsal ends with a prayer. The singers of Cherub Choir could tell you that choir is not finished until we pray! One of our regular prayers is: Dear God, thank you for giving us voices to whisper, to speak, to shout, and to sing your praise! Amen.

If you’d like to register your child for next year’s Cherub Choir, keep an eye out for 2006-2007 registration forms, which will be available in May. Children must be four years old by November 1.

The combined children’s choirs at The Brick Church involve nearly 100 children, ages four through thirteen. To learn more about the choirs at The Brick Church, visit the Music Ministries page at www.brickchurch.org, or call Amanda Page Smith, Director of Children’s Music Ministries at 212-289-4400 x229.

Adult Education Bible Studies: Journeying Through Lent
Coinciding with the church’s season of Lent, Rick Bold, our Princeton Seminary Student Minister, will offer a series of classes to help participants understand and experience this important period of preparation for Easter. The series will explore Jesus’ final days and his passion as recorded in Mark’s gospel as well as the history and meaning of Lent. Classes will be offered every from March 5 through April 9. Please contact Rick Bold for more information: rbold@brickchurch.org.
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Anderson Library

Faith Traditions Series Continues on March 5 and 12
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 hears from practitioners of other religious traditions in New York City. Sybil Taylor and Howard Thoreson will speak on Zen Buddhism on March 5, and Katharine Henderson, Director of the Face-to-Face, Faith-to-Faith program of Auburn Seminary on March 12.
Sunday, March 5 & 12 at 10:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God and Gotham Series: What You Didn’t Know About NY Churches
The first home of The Brick Church, then called the “New Presbyterian Meeting” was in a rough, remote area – Beekman and Nassau Streets, the present-day location of Park Row. Our neighbors in 1767 were taverns, a British army barracks, the jail and poorhouse, and worshippers had to dodge herds of pigs in the streets. In the first presentation of the God and Gotham series on January 22, Edwin G. Burrows, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gotham, painted a vivid picture of church communities in early New York.

On January 29, the speaker was Rev. Eugene S. Callender of St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem. He discussed the Dutch and British slave trade and the evolution of Black worship in New York. As the city expanded, Black churches moved from Greenwich Village to Hell’s Kitchen and eventually to Harlem. St. James was founded by Black graduates of Lincoln University, a Presbyterian school. Today St. James aims to broaden educational opportunities and build strong families in its neighborhood, a mission that has attracted numerous Brick Church volunteers.

The final speaker, Dr. Stephen F. Brumberg of Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center, explored on February 5 the link between churches, education and immigrants. Nearly all instruction in colonial times and the early 19th century was provided by Protestant churches. Some schools were fee-based, with charges for a quarter term ranging from $.25 to around $200. Philanthropists also started free schools for the poor. From the 1830s, Irish and German immigration greatly added to the number of school-aged children and created a demand for Catholic education. Tax-supported public education began in 1842 with the creation of the New York City Board of Education.

Outreach Opportunity:
Share Your Skills: Lead Computer Training
Although the Rosie and Harry’s Place residence has closed, the A-B-C organization still offers programs to help formerly homeless people transition back into the work force. One such program is computer-training classes held at a 126th street facility called ECHO Park. This six-week program, created by Brick Church members, is for adults and young adults, particularly mothers who have had little education or technical training.

If you have basic computer skills to share, we would be delighted to train you as a volunteer teacher or class assistant. Keep in mind that this is a basic computer class, so do not be apprehensive about your skill level. Brick Church volunteers will also be involved in an employment readiness class, which will include Resume Writing, Interview Preparation, and Professional Clothing Drives for job training recipients.

Be a part of a program that teaches people vital skills needed in the new millennium, by donating used computers or your time. Please contact Deacon Christopher Randall (Work: 212-534-0707).

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
The Women’s Association Scholarship Program
The Women’s Association funds the Helen Buckner Watson Scholarship program to assist students with financial aid for their college and graduate level education. These grants are available for Brick Church members and staff.
To apply, please complete an application by May 1, 2006. Applications are available at the Women’s Association office and need to be returned to the office by May 1. If you have been receiving a grant, you must reapply. Every applicant is considered and all information is kept confidential. For application forms, please call Carol Ann Mercer at 212-289-4400, ext. 244. For questions, please call Scholarship Committee chairs Becca Davies at 212-831-6454 or Helen Pennoyer at 212-360-7544.

Lenten Bible Study: The Whole Bible in 4 Hours!
It may sound like a too-good-to-be-true infomercial, but its actually this year’s Lenten Bible Study, led by Michael Lindvall. Whether you’ve never read the bible, have only a passing familiarity from your days in Sunday School, or are an avid reader wishing to gain a deeper understanding, please join us for an enlightening exercise. This two-part series, “The WHOLE Bible in 4 Hours,” takes place at 9:00 a.m on Tuesday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 14. Watch for your postcard with more details. Call the Women’s Association office to reserve a spot, or for more information call Nancy Sipp or Arden Stephenson.

SAVE THE DATE: Family Easter Tea Party on Monday, April 10
If you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews under the age of 5, bring them to the sweetest party for Easter. Hop on down the bunny trail (a.k.a. the Parish House Living Room), on Monday, April 10 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be there, along with treats, baskets, fun and fellowship. Watch for your invitation or RSVP to the Women’s Association office at 212-289-4400, ext. 244 or camercer@brickchurch.org. Or you may contact one of the chairs, Karen Aotani, Lucinda Bhavsar, Paige Rustum or Stephanie Wu.

Monthly Intergenerational Fellowship Luncheons: Connecting Across Generations
Our monthly Fellowship Luncheons continue through the spring and summer. Spend an hour having lunch and reconnecting with old friends or making new ones. Join these warm and casual luncheons on March 8, April 12, May 10 (annual luncheon), June 14 and July 12 (not in August). Please RSVP to the Women’s Association office.

PrimeTimers
Farewell Party for Pam and Alan Thackrey
Save the Date Sunday, March 12 at 5 P.M.
Brick Church members Pam and Alan Thackrey are returning to England this spring, and we want to give them a festive send-off . Please join other PrimeTimers for a farewell cocktail party on March 12 to wish them bon voyage and safe passage. We’ll miss the Thackreys. Alan and Pam have been a welcome addition to the Brick Church family and tireless contributors to the creation and development of PrimeTimers. They have coordinated many PrimeTimer, fellowship and mission activities. Details about the party will follow in a PrimeTimers flyer.

Leadership Council Meeting
Save the Date Sunday, March 26
The third bi-monthly PrimeTimers Leadership Council meeting will be held on Sunday, March 26. Whether you are already on the PrimeTimer’s list or not, you are invited to join the leadership and help to mold the future of PrimeTimers. The meeting will take place on the third floor of the parish house immediately after coffee hour.

The Brick Church Book Club March Selection
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen to read Close Range: Wyoming Stories, by Annie Proulx, for their March meeting. It will take place at 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, at the home of Gorman Reilly, 1070 Park Avenue. Please RSVP to 212-831-7062.

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