From the Pastor
Why I Preach the Lectionary
You may have heard the word “lectionary” out of my mouth once and again when I talk about the readings from the Bible 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 plan of Bible readings used by most of the churches in the world. In some traditions, its use is mandatory; in others, such as our Presbyterian tradition, itÕs optional. The Common Lectionary is prepared by an international and ecumenical committee of scholars, preachers and church leaders, and normally assigns and 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 18 years ago. It was a practice I defended stubbornly, so this article is something of a confession of late conversion. The virtues of preaching from the lectionary were slow to dawn on me, but once visible, they shone clear. I would like to point you to them.
- Preaching from the lectionary means that I preach not only about the Bible readings I like, but also on readings that are challenging and difficult, passages I tended to avoid when I was choosing the readings each Sunday. It also means you, the congregation, are more likely to hear parts of the Bible that are a challenge to understand or obey. Preachers are human, and are as likely as most mortals to choose the path of least resistance. The lectionary disciplines both the preacher and the congregation to allow all of scripture to confront them, not just the passages that line up with the pastor’s or the church’s current theology.
- Preaching from the lectionary means that the Bible lessons you hear each week follow a pattern. The cycle begins with Advent, which means, for instance, that last December we began to read through Matthew’s Gospel. Over the next 10 months, you’ll hear much of that first gospel in church and really come to know it. Such structure is helpful in an age when many Christians do not know as much of Bible as they would like.
- Preaching from the lectionary means that the preacher is more likely to ground the sermon in the Bible. A sermon is not a general speech or an essay on a specific topic. A sermon is a preacher’s best effort to carry a reading from an ancient scripture across the centuries into the “now,” so as to meet, confront, engage, challenge and comfort modern people. It’s all too tempting for preachers to get a good idea, stumble on a gem of an illustration, or perhaps just get a “bee in the bonnet,” go to the Bible and find a text that backs it up, and then preach a sermon. But such a sermon begins not in an honest attempt to interpret scripture; rather, it begins with a point and then uses 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 will mean that the congregation is likely to get more of the preacher than Bible.
- I preach from the lectionary because it is a sign of the unity of the church. The same readings you hear at The Brick Church are probably being read in most of the churches in New York, the United States and across 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 that united. It also means if you run into Methodists or Roman Catholics at your favorite brunch spot after church, you can probably compare what your preachers said about the reading that morning. In addition, our congregation’s Church School curricula tend to follow the lectionary (although not always), which means that on most Sundays, your kids have studied the same Bible story you heard in church.
- I don’t preach the lectionary every Sunday. On some Sundays there are events in the life of the church or the larger community that need to be addressed from both the Bible and the sermon, and the 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.
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.
Special sacred music during Holy Week
Special sacred music is an integral part of our services during Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, March 16, the Chancel and Children’s choirs will present anthems representing Christ’s majestic entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m., the women’s voices of the Chancel Choir will present somber and meditative music for our service of Communion and Tenebrae. This service will feature works by Samuel Barber, Gabriel Faure, George Frederick Handel and Jean Langlais.
Our annual presentation of Sir John Stainer’s musical meditation “The Crucifixion” will be held on Good Friday, March 21, at 12:15 p.m. The Chancel Choir will be joined by soloists Philip Cutlip (baritone) and David Vanderwal (tenor). Keith S. Toth will conduct and K. Bryan Kirk will provide the organ accompaniment.
On Easter Sunday, March 23, at our 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services, the Chancel Choir, along with The Brick Church brass and percussion ensemble and organist Dr. John B. Herrington III, will present joyful and triumphant music for the Day of Resurrection. The prelude to these identical services will start 30 minutes before each service.
Foundation of Faith: Stewardship Update
The Stewardship Committee would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to the many members who have made their pledges toward the 2008 campaign. To date, we have received pledges equal to 86.5 percent of our campaign goal of $2.5 million.
Of the 471 pledges received at this writing, the vast majority have met or exceeded the request for a 6 percent increase above last yearÕs gift. The Committee is hopeful that the consistent support of our congregation will help us reach this vital goal.
If you have not yet made your pledge to the 2008 Campaign, we hope you will consider doing so at your earliest convenience. If you need a pledge card or additional information, please contact Tanisha Carrell.
Lenten Reflections: An Artistic Presentation by David Wilson
Lent is a season for reflection, confession and spiritual discipline. These practices are intended to turn our attention toward GodÕs call in our lives and the gift of new life in Christ. Those who observe such practices in Lent prepare themselves for a joyful celebration of Easter.
This Palm Sunday, March 16, come to Adult Education at 10:00 a.m. in the Living Room for a reflective, beautiful multimedia presentation by artist and Brick Church Elder David Wilson. Wilson’s presentation will be built around the theme of Easter and will include visual art as well as music and silence. His work will inspire reflection on the journey of Lent and the joy of Easter. All adults are welcome to this special event.
Spotlight Series:
The Brick Church Seminary Program
Part II: Meet Union Seminary’s Katy Moore
By Katy Moore
I am in my second year at Union Theological Seminary, where I am in the Master of Divinity program with a focus in Theology and Arts. My particular academic interest centers on the relationship between the spiritual realm and the physical realm, and how the incarnation of Christ prompts us to express our faith in the visible Sacraments, our worship spaces and other visual arts. Christian beliefs about Jesus being both human and divine can give us a framework to think about the ways that the Divine is present in human communities and in physical forms. I am pursuing a career as an ordained Presbyterian minister, and am especially interested in community mission work and working with children and youth.
At The Brick Church, I am participating in worship fairly regularly, working with the Confirmation class, helping plan the Day of Discipleship with the Mission Outreach Committee and participating in other programs as my school schedule allows. At my home church, I have been involved with several youth mission trips around the United States, which is something I would love to continue, possibly with The Brick Church youth on this summer’s mission trip.
I grew up in Wilmington, Del., not far from Philadelphia. For most of my life, we belonged to the Concord Presbyterian Church, where I was very active in everything from choirs to youth group to participating in worship as a lector. I also attended Wilmington Friends School, a small Quaker K-12 school in Alapocas, Del. The combination of a Quaker education and a Presbyterian church community meant that I was surrounded with religion in a very non-threatening way that allowed me to explore and discover my own beliefs for myself.
I continued to explore, religiously and academically, and during college at Brown University, I got involved with the interfaith community on campus. The community began to come together when people of faith from many different backgrounds started talking about the work they did with different social service and activist groups in the city. Many of us organized around economic justice issues in Providence, forming partnerships with people on all sides, including both homeless and formerly homeless individuals and families, and the lobbyists working on their behalf. I came away with the realization that faith is not just something you do at church on Sunday; rather, when Jesus calls us to love the poor and oppressed as we love ourselves, this is a lifelong — and weeklong — commitment.
As I meet people from many different walks of life, I have been struck by the number of people in my generation who have strong spiritual beliefs, but are reluctant to get involved with any church. They have many different reasons, but generally they do not believe that established churches have anything to offer them. I see a great need for religious leaders who are willing and able to reach out to young people, and who can make faith relevant for their lives. I hope to engage many of these people who feel left out of organized religion, especially through social justice work, community fellowship and a variety of worship experiences.
I was led to Brick Presbyterian in part because it is a large church with many diverse opportunities for involvement and leadership, which has certainly been the case. I am also interested personally in bridging the gap between the privileged, mainly white communities in which I grew up, and the poorer, racially–mixed activist communities that have been so formative on my own faith journey. What does it mean to preach a gospel that can truly speak to all people?
While I’m in school, I live on Union’s campus in Morningside Heights with my partner Jesse and our rescued pit bull puppy, Wila. Jesse has a background in International Business Management, and is planning to pursue an MPA in Environmental Policy in order to act as an environmental consultant to small businesses.
A Second Place for a Second Chance
The Women’s Prison Association seeks a second Sunflower House with help from a Brick Church Capital Campaign grant.
By Sara Jenoure and Michael Schrieber
In 2004, the Women’s Prison Association (WPA) launched Sunflower House, a self–governing, self–sustaining housing model for women ready to live in a more independent setting. WPA’s leadership and response to the opportunities and challenges inherent in running this type of house motivated the residents to work together to create a positive shared home environment, identify appropriate levels of support, and exercise self-determination, innovation and productive interaction in the house and in the larger community.
Approximately two years ago, WPA began its quest to find a property for sale in East New York where it could replicate the Sunflower House model. This investment would give WPA full control over the site and add to its organizational stability. The Brick Church’s Capital Campaign contributed a $100,000 grant to WPA’s acquisition fund. The search, however, raised some long–term challenges during a Brooklyn boom in new housing construction that significantly raised housing prices prior to the sub-prime mortgage collapse.
Finding a suitable and reasonably priced property in a community with a lack of quality housing stock was more difficult than initially imagined. With the assistance of an interagency task force convened by the New York City Departments of Correction and Homeless Services, WPA was given an entree to approach the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for assistance in finding city-owned properties that fit its criteria.
HPD offered a short list of properties, two of which appeared to be promising. Upon inspection, one was unworkable, so WPA pursued the other with some rigor. The second property had potential for rebuilding, but the projected cost of construction ultimately made this site economically infeasible. HPD is aware of and supportive of WPA’s continued interest in identifying a property for replicating Sunflower House.
The ongoing sub-prime mortgage collapse has had profound effects on the East New York community. The neighborhood was one of the most seriously impacted in the city by the sharp decline in house sales precipitated by the collapse. Now that home prices are falling in the area, WPA believes it might be easier to find an appropriate and affordable property in the community. It hopes that its presence in East New York will continue to offer a measure of stability and support for a community that has been deeply affected by this and many other crises.
The Brick Church continues to support and encourage WPA’s family and reunification work and has hosted the WPA children and parents at the 2006 and 2007 Deacons’ Outreach Christmas Parties. The congregation’s commitment to its outreach ministry has been instrumental in bringing this organization and other communities together in partnerships that reinforce faith, devotion to justice and love of neighbors.
WPA welcomes and relies on volunteers. Volunteer opportunities at WPA range from helping with one–day events to working as part of longer–term projects such as tutoring or participating in our Women Care mentoring program. For information about other volunteer opportunities at WPA, please contact Danielle Coscia.
Sara Hurst Jenoure is the Brick Church Liaison for the Capital Campaign Outreach Grant to WPA. Additional information is available at WPA’s web site.
From Finance to Fun: Michael Lindvall and The Trustees Mix Things Up at the Annual Christmas Luncheon
The Board of Trustees is known for providing prudent oversight of the Church’s finances and wellbeing, but it also welcomes and enjoys opportunities for fun and good food. The annual Trustee Christmas Luncheon, held in the Carnegie Room, is a classic example.
The president of the board and the senior minister, as master chefs, prepare and serve a homemade lunch to rival many an upscale restaurant. The setting, camaraderie and outstanding menu renew the senses and fortify the Trustees to prepare for the end of year financial results and the next year’s strategic planning. This year, “Master Chef” Michael Lindvall prepared a hot basil, spinach and prosciutto salad that was a culinary triumph.
The Trustees are a 12–person board charged with managing the Corporation of the Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, which was chartered in 1809. The Trustees are elected by the congregation from among its members and are responsible for maintaining the buildings and grounds, the endowment funds and the fiscal wellbeing of the church. Each year, four members are chosen to serve three–year terms; two such terms may be served consecutively.
In addition to monthly meetings, all members serve on various committees designed to address specific areas of concern to the Corporation, and which may also include other church members with expertise in relevant areas. Committees include Building and Grounds, Audit, Investment, Insurance and Law. The Trustees also have representatives on the Stewardship and Personnel Committees of the Session, the Joint Finance Committee and the All-Church Nominating Committee.
The Current Board of Trustees is as follows: Fran Laserson, president; Mario J. Verdolini, vice president and secretary; Roger W. Miller, treasurer; Donald G. Allison, Frances G. Laserson, Richard H. Stowe and Mario J. Verdolini, Jr., Class of 2008; William S. Eakins, Jr., Louis Hornick II, Sara Hurst Jenoure and Margaret H. Tranbaugh, Class of 2009; Horace I. Crary, Jr., Carole Foxley, Louisa J. Palmer and Don M. Wilson III, Class of 2010.
Master Chef Michael Lindvall’s Hot Basil, Spinach & Prosciutto Salad
Wash and dry appropriate amount of salad greens: 1/2 baby spinach leaves and 1/2 whole trimmed fresh basil leaves. Toss together with a generous amount of shaved and/or grated Parmesan cheese and pepper (no salt).
In a large shallow pan, brown a fair amount of nice, lean prosciutto that you’ve sliced into ribbons about 1/4 inch wide with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
When the prosciutto is getting a little crispy, add a handful or two of pine nuts and brown them over lowered heat. (Watch them closely as they brown very suddenly and will burn in a flash!)
Toss the warm olive oil, prosciutto and pine nuts with the greens and Parmesan, place on plates and add more shaved Parmesan. Yum!
Enjoy!
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.
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.
April Series: American Christianity
By Christy Lang
- Have you ever wondered why America is called a “Christian Nation”?
- Have you considered why Americans overwhelmingly believe in some kind of God, while the number is much lower among Europeans?
- Have you wondered where fundamentalism came from, and how “evangelical” came to be equated with “conservative?”
- Have you ever noticed that Americans tend to equate democracy with Christianity?
In April, Adult Education will host a series called “American Christianity: How Did We Get Here?” Each week, we will hear from a speaker about an historical development in American Christianity. All are welcome.
The American Jesus
April 6, 10:00 a.m.
Ellen H. Clark serves as an Elder at The Brick Church, teaches sixth and seventh grade Sunday School, and studies Biblical Greek and New Testament part-time at The General Theological Seminary. She also practices finance, corporate and securities law full time and has published several articles in her practice area. Clark received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Brown University. She and her husband, Andre-Louis Clemot, have two daughters, Annabelle and Amelie.
The First Great Awakening and the Great American Evangelists
April 13, 10:00 a.m.
Joshua Ziefle received a B.A. in history from Houghton College and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the field of American Church History. His dissertation research will focus on the charismatic movement in postwar America. In addition to broader expertise in American religious history, Zeifle has scholarly interests in issues of faith and politics, immigration and 20th century Europe. A New Jersey native, he is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and is currently serving his third year as minister to youth at Nassau Christian Center in Princeton.
The Fundamentalist–Modernist Debate and the Rise of Theological Liberalism
April 20, 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Gary Dorrien is Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. An Episcopal priest, he was previously the Parfet Distinguished Professor at Kalamazoo College, where he taught for 18 years and served as Dean of Stetson Chapel. He is the author of 12 books and approximately 150 articles that range across the fields of ethics, social theory, theology, philosophy, politics and history. These works have been praised repeatedly for their ‘intellectual creativity,’ ‘immense erudition’ and ‘stylish prose.’ Reviewers have said that Dorrien’s books on American theological liberalism are the definitive works in the field.
American Thinking, Values, Democracy and the Evolution of Christianity
April 27, 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Daisy Machado, Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary, is a native of Cuba. She was raised in New York, lived in Texas for 20 years, and served as Academic Dean of Lexington Theological Seminary for two years. She holds a B.A. from Brooklyn College, an M.S.W. from Hunter College School of Social Work, an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from University of Chicago. She was the first U.S. Latina ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1981 in the Northeast Region.
We hope you will join us for this provocative and fascinating series.
Dealing Faithfully with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that afflicts 24 million people worldwide and is the most common cause of dementia. While the ultimate cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, the pain of this disease has become very familiar to millions of people who suffer from it or who walk with loved ones through the difficult journey of illness.
The process can be even harder for people of faith if they do not see their prayers for healing answered or if they wonder where God is in the midst of suffering. Faith can also be a great source of comfort and support, especially if a community of faith comes around those who stand in need.
This May, Adult Education at The Brick Church will host a two-day seminar called Dealing Faithfully with Alzheimer’s. The seminar is open to anyone — people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, family members, friends, caretakers and anyone who simply wants more information.
Friday, May 9: Play
On Friday evening, May 9, at 8:00 p.m., actress and playwright Valerie Smith, a professor at Messiah College who performed at The Brick Church last year, will present her one–woman play called Between Two Chairs. Her play, which she has presented at Touchstone Theater in Bethlehem, Pa., explores the experience of a woman who is raising her small son while caring for her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. After the play, we will enjoy a discussion with Smith.
Saturday, May 10: Seminar
On Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m., Carol Wehrheim will lead us in a seminar on caregiving and Alzheimer’s disease. Wehrheim is a well–known Presbyterian church educator and writer who nurtures faith through writing and editing, especially for children and families. In 2001, she was chosen by the national Association of Presbyterian Church Educators for the prestigious Educator of the Year award. Wehrheim cared for her husband after he was diagnosed with AlzheimerÕs until his death. She later created a curriculum for The Thoughtful Christian that she designed to help adult Christians explore and answer questions about caring for people with Alzheimer’s, both as individuals and as church communities. Wehrheim is the author of Getting It Together and Giving Together, both published by Westminster John Knox Press. She has also served as a writer and editor for many Presbyterian and interdenominational church curricula; in fact, she had a significant role in creating both sets of curriculum used at The Brick Church in its Sunday School program. She lives in Princeton, N.J., where she is on the sixth grade teaching team at Nassau Presbyterian Church.
The Christian Education Committee hopes that you will join us for this important seminar and invite others to come along as well.
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.
Fish Banks Swim to Church for Palm Sunday
Each year, Sunday Church School students receive colorful fish banks for their One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Children are asked to return their fish banks on Palm Sunday, March 16, in the church service in the Sanctuary. They may also return their banks after Spring Break by bringing them to Sunday School. Extra banks are at the front desk.
This is the 60th year of the One Great Hour of Sharing, and the offering remains a vital and evolving part of the Presbyterian mission. The children learn that as we share our resources, lives are changed. Over the years, the mission has been the same: we walk toward recovery with those whose lives have been shattered by disaster, and we stand with communities facing the slower crises of hunger, disease, unemployment and environmental degradation. In sharing resources with people in need around the world, we witness God’s love in action in their lives and feel it moving in our own.
The children have heard about the remarkable ways their gifts can help people. A gift of $10 can help start a small Moringa tree nursery with 10 seedlings; $20 can help a Haitian villager purchase a pair of goats which can help support his family with milk and offspring; $65 can buy a treadle pump to help a farmer irrigate fields; $350 can provide emergency shelter and food to a homeless youth for an entire year.
Please help make our fish nets overflow so that we can help many people. Thank you for your generous support.
Palm Sunday Processional
On March 16, Palm Sunday, we will hold our traditional Palm Sunday processional in the 11:00 a.m. worship service. If you and your children would like to participate, come to the Chapel of The Reformed Faith at 10:40 a.m. to receive Palms and practice our music. We will then lead the processional down the center aisle of the Sanctuary. Infants in arms are also welcome.
Souper Bowl Victory
The 2008 Souper Bowl Collection at The Brick Church “scored high,” raising $1,645 Ñmore than double the amount received last year. The Souper Bowl is a youth-led effort across the nation to raise money to feed hungry people. Since 1990, this effort has raised more than $41 million for local soup kitchens and food banks. On Super Bowl Sunday, the 2008 Confirmands collected donations in soup pots for the Yorkville Common Pantry. During their confirmation class, the students met Carolann Johns, Executive Director of the Yorkville Common Pantry, who shared about the purpose and scope of YCPÕs efforts. Many thanks to all who contributed; it makes a difference in the lives of many New Yorkers.
Pioneers and Fireside Club:The Brick Church Oscars are March 2
Back in January, fifth through seventh grade students at Brick Church made music videos in full costume and makeup, with choreography. On Sunday, March 2, we will hold our big, fancy awards ceremony. Each music group will receive an award and we will watch the videos we made. Adults will be present to hand out hors d’oeuvres and sparkling drinks, and we will also have special entertainment by students and adults. Students are encouraged to dress up for this event, but casual is also okay. Prepare to have fun!
The total charge for the Pioneers / Seventh Grade 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 still need a form, please contact Caitlin Sparks. You may drop registrations off at the church or bring them to an event. Your friends need forms, too. We hope to see you there!
Eighth Grade Confirmation Class Meets March 2 and 9
Eighth Grade Confirmation Class meets on March 2 and 9 and will then take a two-week break for Spring Break. We meet at 12:30-2:30 p.m. for lunch and learning. Confirmation students need to participate in two Friday Night Dinner Program events. Our FNDP night this month is March 7.
Youth Mission Trip Registrations Are Due
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
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 want to return year after year. Forms were due Feb. 10, so turn yours in soon! We hope you can come.
FNDP: Blending ingredients for a good time
By Georgia Meeter
Pictures tell it all! Brick Church youth and their friends have a great time cooking for the Friday Night Dinner Program. Cooking together blends many great ingredients: Courage to do what you might not have done before (measure, cut and mix food, including vegetables you might not like); cooperation to do dishes (even those pans that need some extra scrubbing), and camaraderie as you enjoy laughing and working with other students (even if you are a little shy).
One more important ingredient of FNDP meals is caring for our guests. The youth learn that our guests love to come and eat with us. Yes, the food is great, but the social time together is the caring that fills them up as well. The students soon realize the fascinating range of conversation to be enjoyed with the people from the 81st Street Residence of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter. Life at one time became difficult for each guest, and all of them have stories to tell. We are glad to share a meal and much more with them.
If you or your student would like to join us on the first and third Fridays of each month, please contact Georgia Meeter. We would also appreciate a few more adult volunteers who can assist wth the program on a rotating schedule.
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.
Helen Watson Buckner Scholarship Program
The Brick Church Women’s Association funds a scholarship program to assist Brick Church members and staff with financial aid for education. The Scholarships provide assistance mostly for college and graduate-level tuitions; however, some are available for high school.
Every applicant is considered and all information is kept confidential. Completed applications must be returned to the Women’s Association Office by May 1. Individuals currently receiving a grant must reapply.
Application forms are available from the Women’s Association office. Call 289-4400, ext. 244, or e-mail Carol Ann Mercer. For more information, call Scholarship Committee Chairs Becca Davies (212-831-6454) or Helen Pennoyer (212-360-7544).
Believing or Doing: What Matters More?
Tuesday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 11,
9am – Coffee; 9:30am – Lecture
As previewed in February, please join us for a special Women’s Association twoÐpart Lenten lecture and discussion hosted by Rev. Michael Lindvall that will serve as our Lenten Bible Study. “Believing or Doing: What Matters More” is the topic of this month’s discussion. Rev. Lindvall will lead a thought–provoking exploration of this spiritual and philosophical question, based on the Gospel of Matthew.
Open your mind and heart as you participate in this insightful and enlightening consideration of spiritual worship and the role it plays in our daily lives. Coffee and goodies will be served at 9:00 a.m. and the program will start at 9:30 a.m.
Decorate the Sanctuary with an Easter Flower Fund Donation
The beautiful flowers and decorations in the Sanctuary both at Christmas and Easter are made possible by your generous donations at this time of year to the Women’s Association Easter Flower Fund. You may make a donation to the fund for flowers on Easter Sunday in memory of a loved one or to honor someone in your life you appreciate. You can also simply make a donation to support decorating the Sanctuary during holidays. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Carol Ann Mercer in the Women’s Association office. Donations must be received before March 17 in order to have names listed in the Easter Bulletin.
Believing or Doing: What Matters More?
Saturday, March 8, 2008
9am – Noon, The Garden Room
In anticipation of the official arrival of spring later this month, get a head start on spring cleaning, organizing and streamlining. On March 8, the Women’s Association will appreciatively accept your contributions of second–hand clothes, toys, books, household items and other treasures.
These items will be resold at our Spring Rummage Sale to residents in neighboring communities who greatly appreciate the opportunity to purchase quality, low–cost goods for their homes and families.
Rummage Sale proceeds benefit the Women’s Association Outreach programs, which in turn benefit disadvantaged individuals. For more information or to volunteer your time, please contact Cynthia Coulson, Helen Pennoyer or The Women’s Association Office.
Private Tour at the Morgan Library and Museum
PrimeTimers invite all Brick Church adults and friends to join them in a “Highlights” and “behind the scenes” tour at the Morgan Library and Museum, located at 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street. The tour will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m. The group will see “Mr. Morgan’s Library,” as it was known in his lifetime, designed by Charles McKim, as well as visit the highly acclaimed current exhibitions. At 4:45 p.m., the group will have the unusual privilege of “going behind the scenes” with Brick Church member Peggy Ellis, Director of Conservation at the Morgan Library and Museum, to learn how it preserves and protects beautiful works of art and rare books.
Reservations and advance ticket purchase are necessary, and can be made by completing a reservation form at the Front Desk and returning it with your check to The Brick Church. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors ages 65 and older.
Officer Nominations Needed
The important process of identifying those whom God is calling to be leaders in our church has started and your involvement is crucial. From now through the end of March, the All-Church Nominating Committee is asking the congregation to recommend candidates for the offices of elder, deacon and trustee and for members of next year’s nominating committee.
Please prayerfully consider recommending fellow worshippers, committee members or friends for these important positions in the church. The nominating committee asks you to consider criteria such as commitment to the church, regular Sunday worship attendance, time and willingness to serve, and personal characteristics such as ability to work with others, good judgment and dedication. You can find recommendation forms at the parish house reception desk or fill out the form by clicking here.
Book Club March Selection
The Brick Church Book Club will read Pere Goriot, by Honore de Balzac for their March meeting. Claire Bosee will host the discussion at 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 3. Please RSVP to Claire at 212-288-3394.
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.
Consider Teaching Sunday School
The Brick Church has a thriving Sunday School Program that serves children and youth and that, in turn, helps those children and youth serve their church and community.
If you love children and would be willing to lead a lesson at least once per month while working with a group of committed volunteers in your class, consider being a Sunday Church School teacher next year.
For more information, or to volunteer yourself or your friends for this important ministry, please contact SCS Committee Chairs Carol Quinn and Helen Lynch, or contact Brick Church staff members Georgia Meeter or Rev. Christy Lang.
Who May Teach?
Church members may teach, including high school students who are active members of the church. You do not have to be a parent to teach, but all parents whose children participate in the program are asked to consider teaching or substituting.
How Does the Teaching Work?
Each Sunday School class is taught over the course of the year by a team of teachers who serve as pairs on a rotating schedule. Teachers lead class with their teaching partner about once per month, assist once per month, and attend worship on other Sundays. All classes for children ages 3 and older follow curriculum that provides lessons and activities for each Sunday. The Brick Church provides all resources and supplies.
When is the Teacher Training Meeting?
Teacher training will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. At the beginning of each school year, we meet to discuss the year and to provide training in how to use the curriculum and teach effectively. Teaching teams meet and plan ahead together with their calendars.
When does Sunday School start?
Sunday School begins on Sept. 21, 2008, which is the third Sunday of September.
Brick Church Family Festival is Tuesday, May 27
Please save the date for the Second Annual Brick Family Festival on Tuesday, May 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens amusement park at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This event for Brick Church School families, incoming families, alumni and friends will celebrate the end of the school year with music, magic, face–painting, games and thrilling rides for all ages.
A raffle featuring exciting prizes is also a part of this year’s festivities. With each ticket purchased you have the opportunity to win trips, parties and tickets to various exciting sporting events.
The festival provides vital support for student scholarships and services not covered by the tuition at The Brick Church School. Tickets will be available to purchase for $60 for adults and $40 for children. Look for more information regarding tickets for attendance and the raffle in the invitation early this spring.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact one of the Family Festival co-chairs: Angela Clofine, Tracey Huff, or Sally Young.
The Next Membership Meetings will be in May
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 May 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, May 4 at 9:50 a.m.
or Thursday, May 8 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, May 4 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, May 13 at 6:45 p.m. or Thursday, March 15 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, May 17
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, May 18 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, March 9. 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.
For a pdf version of the March calendar, please click here. [152 kb]