eRecord [may 2008]

From the Pastor
Serving Communion

We currently serve Holy Communion in two different ways at The Brick Church. Some Sundays, the Sacrament is served to worshipers as they sit in their pews. Trays of cut bread and small cups are passed by Elders or Deacons to communicants in their places, who then pass these elements to their fellow worshipers. Many other Sunday mornings, the Sacrament is served by intinction, where Communicants leave their pews and come to the front of the sanctuary to receive bread and dip (“intinct”) it in a common cup. Our use of these two traditional means of serving the Sacrament of Holy Communion is a classic compromise on the part of our Worship and Music Committee. Quite simply, some worshipers prefer one method; some find the other more meaningful.

Although these two methods are traditional in the larger Christian Church, neither is the historically preferred method of serving the Sacrament in either our Reformed tradition or at The Brick Church. Perhaps the earliest preferred method of serving Communion in Reformed or Presbyterian churches was to arrange for worshipers to circle a common table, either in small groups gathering in turn at the front of the church or, as was common in the American colonial period, at long tables set down an aisle in church or even outdoors. The symbol behind gathering around a table was, of course, the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. At The Brick Church, I am told, there was a long tradition of inviting communicants to come forward and kneel in groups at the “communion rails” at the front of the Sanctuary or Chapel. The act of kneeling is, of course, a powerful symbolic gesture of humility before God. Interestingly, The Brick Church is the only Presbyterian building in which I have ever seen such communion rails, since they are architectural features more common in Lutheran and Episcopal churches.

Both of the ways we are now serving communion have their unique emblematic power. When the elements are brought to people sitting in their places, it symbolizes the truth that God “finds us” and “comes to us” where we are, “in our places” as it were. When we rise and come forward for the Sacrament, that movement is emblematic of the truth that we are called to respond to God, to “rise up and go.” Both methods are theologically appropriate, and our use of both at The Brick Church is simply a sign of the fact that each is meaningful and powerful to different worshipers in slightly different ways.

Finally, it is probably important to note that the way in which communion is served in churches is closely related to the frequency with which it is served. The colonial tradition of gathering worshipers around tables obviously took a very long time and involved much shuffling of furniture, something congregations might assent to when the Sacrament was celebrated but once or twice a year, as was then the case. One of our two current practices, that of pew communion, makes the service somewhat longer, and involves a great deal of preparation and a large of number of servers. Therefore, generally speaking, as congregations like The Brick Church move to more frequent communion, they also shift to methods of serving it, such as intinction, that take a little less time in the service and demand less preparation.

Many of you have voiced your preference for one way of serving Communion over another. Please be assured that both I and your Worship and Music Committee are listening, and that we continue to explore ways new and old to make our worship life meaningful to all.

—Michael L. Lindvall

Brick Church Concert Season 2007 - 2008
By Keith Toth The 2007-2008 Brick Church concert series was both active and extremely successful. We presented recitals on our Anderson organ by internationally acclaimed artists Stephen Tharp and Cherry Rhodes, as well as by Christopher Howerter, our first Sacred Music Intern.

In addition to our annually scheduled choral events, such as the Candlelight Carol Service and Stainer’s The Crucifixion, the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Keith S. Toth, presented two special concerts.

Last November, the choir presented a service of Great Hymns of our Faith. This March, the choir and soloists presented a concert featuring Gabriel Faure’s Requiem along with other works by Faure, Franck and Poulenc. This concert was very well attended by both Brick Church members and those from outside our community. Congratulations and thanks also go to Brick Church member Robert McDuffie, who played violin during the Requiem.

Brick Church members should note that these special services and concerts are not part of the annual Brick Church music budget. We are very grateful to an anonymous Brick Church family for sponsoring the two choral concerts this season and for sponsoring last season‘s presentation of Durufle’s Requiem. This family has graciously agreed to sponsor two more concerts — More Great Hymns of the Faith and a concert of English choral music, both of which are currently being planned for the fall.

In addition, all of our organ recitals have been underwritten by another anonymous Brick Church family to whom we are very grateful. Their generosity allowed us to provide wonderful music and showcase our world-renowned Anderson organ.

The Brick Church is truly blessed to have such magnificent “angels” for our music program.

Annual Meetings of the Congregation and Corporation
By Order of the Session and The Board of Trustees of The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, the Annual Meetings of the Congregation and Corporation will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in Watson Hall, The Brick Presbyterian Church, 1140 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10128, beginning at 8:00 p.m. These meetings are called for the following purposes: to elect Elders to succeed Leon A. Allen, Jr., William S. Crutchfield, III, J. Preston Davis, Christina M. Foxley, Christopher M. Mason, Susan E. Michaelson, Margaret A. Raub and Joseph G. Sauvage; to elect Deacons to succeed Maya-Christina Arcos, John T. Bressler, Len T. Carrell, Kerri E. Devine, Bryce MacDonald, Peter J. Manning, Jo Sochi and Jaqueline M. Worth; to elect Trustees to succeed Donald G. Allison, Frances G. Laserson, Richard H. Stowe and Mario J. Verdolini, Jr.; to elect an All-Church Nominating Committee (5 persons); to receive annual reports, and to transact other business as may come before the meetings.
—Ellsworth G. Stanton III, Clerk of Session

An Evening of Celebration on May 7
“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” —I Corinthians 12:4-7

On Wednesday, May 7, join us at the Congregational Dinner and Annual Meetings of The Brick Church. We will celebrate the depth and breadth of our ministry together as we look back on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

We will have the opportunity to thank our outgoing deacons, elders and trustees for their faithful service to the church, and to elect new officers to lead us in the days ahead. Our Nominating Committee has worked diligently to create a slate of nominated officers who will serve this congregation with faithfulness and distinction. The congregation will vote on this slate following dinner.

The evening will begin with a reception on the Youth Floor at 6:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner created by our own in-house member-chefs. The Annual Meetings will begin at 8:00 p.m. and last one hour.

We ask members to pay $25 per person at the door for a wonderful evening of fellowship and church business. Please click here to RSVP.

A Week of Work, A Lifetime of Impact
Rice University students used spring break to make a difference.
By Bill Richter
It had truly been a long day. The group gathered together in this hardscrabble Reynosa neighborhood after lunch seemed to have the tired yet fulfilled feeling that follows hard but meaningful work.

Also contributing to this feeling was the fact that we’d just finished a delicious lunch that was flavored, the cooks joked, with the dust kicked up by strong westerly winds.

The group comprised students from Rice University, Puentes de Cristo staff and residents of the neighborhood. The Rice group certainly had that feeling, after spending the morning building simple cinderblock houses with families who were working towards owning a more dignified home. So too did the residents of the neighborhood, who had arrived at the worksites early and patiently taught the Rice students the basics of home construction in Mexico. I imagine that the people who prepared a lunch felt tired and satisfied as well, having ground corn, chopped firewood and prepared tamales to feed 40 people.

It had been a good week. Substantial progress had been made on a number of homes and, more importantly, we’d grown closer to one another through our work. It was now time to say goodbyes, and many participants shared their gratitude for the chance to work together, for the hospitality, and for the helping hand with the construction projects, but one comment in particular stood out to me.

A young mother remarked, (to paraphrase) “poor people don’t have a chance to visit other countries or get to know other cultures, so that’s why we’re so glad you’ve come. Now we have friends from the United States, even from Hong Kong! You could have gone to South Padre Island (a popular resort in Texas, not far from Reynosa) or to Cancun, but instead you came here to be with us, and we’re very thankful!”

Her comment reminded me that although we often get caught up in the material work that we are doing in volunteer projects, the most important, most lasting experiences often come during those moments when we put down the hammers and offer the gift of friendship to one another.

In those moments, we were able to get past the language and economic barriers that separate us, and begin to explore the common ground that we share as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Brick Church is Going Green
Part II: What the Administration and Staff are Doing to Improve the Church’s “Going Green” Effort on a Daily Basis
By Louis Hornick II, Laila Al-Askari and James Stewart
The Brick Church staff is committed to going green. We have made several large-scale changes to the building to improve our energy efficiency, but we also are making smaller changes to our daily operations in order to reduce our waste.

Here’s what we have been doing to show our commitment to Going Green: Reduce paper use through electronic communication. We reviewed all paper production to determine if e–mail or web–posting could reduce printing costs and paper requirements. As a result, we made the following changes:

Annual Report: Printed Annual report copies 0nly for the meeting and made the document available on the web.
Membership Directory: Printed membership directories only for seniors without e-mail addresses. All other members received the directory via e-mail.
Budget Package: Sent the annual budget package only via e-mail.
Audit Report: Printed only the essential copies of the audit report and circulated the report via e-mail.

Purchasing
We purchase Energy Star equipment and buy items in bulk whenever possible.

Energy Curtailment
The Brick Church participates in the Energy Curtailment Specialists Program, which asks users to curb use during high peak demands and purchases back unused electric energy based on monitored use. During the past year the church received $7,675 through this program — the cost of one fill for our boiler!

Recycling
The Brick Church has distributed recycling bins for paper in all offices. Aluminum can-recycling receptacles are located in the third floor kitchen and in Watson Hall. Staff re-use paper for drafts, faxing, and printing of calendars. Paper, computers, glass and cardboard are all placed curbside in accordance with the city collection regulations.

Our Neighbors
The Brick Church will participate in NYSAIS school program for going green. Facility Manager Jim Stewart will attend the Going Green kick-off meeting on February 20, which is also part of the NYSAIS mission.

Church and School Participation
Both church and school directors and staff met to kick off a green initiative to determine how other changes may help reduce our impact on the environment.

WISH LIST FOR THE FUTURE:
The Brick Church will continue its going green initiative by investigating the following:

Water Filtration System: We are conducting a study to consider how to reduce use of water bottles with the current water cooler systems
Coffee Initiative: The Congregational Fellowship Committee has elected a sub-committee to consider how our churchÕs coffee purchases might be less damaging to the earth and more helpful to coffee growers and children in coffee-growing regions.
Plastics: We are investigating ways to reduce use of plastic goods wherever possible.

We are making a difference!

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 women’s group in studying women in Luke and Acts. The women’s study meets at two separate times on Thursdays to accommodate women’s diverse schedules: 9:15 a.m. and again at 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 I Corinthians. Please click here for more information.

May Series: Family and Faith
By Christy Lang
Children are God’s gift, and raising children is hard, holy work. The Brick Church is a place burgeoning with families with children, and the church already offers many activities for parents and children. However, the church is seeking to increase the number of opportunities for parents to learn about faithful parenting in encouraging and empowering settings.

In that spirit, Adult Education will offer a three–week series in May that will cover three important topics: building faith at home, talking with kids about sex, and adolescence and faith. This series is open to all who wish to attend, including grandparents, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders and concerned adults.

Childcare is provided free of charge, but because this series may draw larger numbers of parents than usual, we ask for childcare RSVPs so we can schedule sitters appropriately. Please contact Caitlin Sparks if you need childcare.

On May 4, at 10:00 a.m., Dr. Gordon and Rev. Nancy Mikoski will will talk about Building Faith at Home. The Mikoskis live in Princeton, N.J. with their three children, Peter, Charissa and Anna, who range in age from 14 to 5. They met in seminary and were married in 1987.

Originally from California, Nancy has been a Presbyterian minister for nearly 20 years. She served as associate pastor in Grosse Pointe, Mich. and also in Atlanta. Currently, she is on the staff of the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, N.J., and provides leadership for the Presbytery of New Brunswick as its vice- moderator. She has extensive experience with children, youth, mission outreach and educational ministry.

Gordon grew up in Washington state and has been a Presbyterian minister for one month less than Nancy. He also served as associate pastor in Grosse Pointe before returning to graduate school at Emory University in Atlanta. He currently serves as assistant professor of Christian education at Princeton Theological Seminary and is known for his thoughtful, practical application of Christian educational theory to the nurture of faith in children and families. He is also the co-moderator of the Presbytery of New BrunswickÕs Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

On May 11, Mieke Vandersall from Presbyterian Welcome, will speak on How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex. She will lead a general discussion that will include insights on how to discuss sex in an inclusive and thoughtful way that respects children’s sensitivities and regards human sexuality as a gift of God to be cared for wisely.

Vandersall was born and raised in the Midwest and received her B.A. in Anthropology from The College of Wooster. She arrived in New York City in 1998 and began working with the international human rights organization The National Labor Committee. Called back to serve the Presbyterian Church, she became the coordinator for the Presbyterian feminist organization Voices of Sophia.

From the beginning of her time in New York City, Vandersall was actively engaged in Presbyterian Welcome, serving as secretary, co-moderator and later as interim coordinator. When hired as coordinator, Vandersall and Presbyterian Welcome approached the New York City Presbytery to validate the ministry, and was ordained into the position in August 2004.

Lastly, on May 18, Dr. Robert Dykstra will speak on Adolescence and Faith. Dykstra is professor of pastoral theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he earned both M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees. A native of Minnesota, he is a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and an ordained Presbyterian minister.

He served for a number of years as a minister, youth minister, hospital chaplain and pastoral counselor. His academic interests include pastoral care and counseling, contemporary psychoanalytic theory and developmental psychology, pastoral preaching, and the integration of biblical and theological precepts with contemporary research in the human sciences.

He is the author of Counseling Troubled Youth; Discovering a Sermon: Personal Pastoral Preaching; Images of Pastoral Care: Classic Readings; and Losers, Loners, and Rebels: The Spiritual Struggles of Boys.

He and his wife, Molly, who is also a Presbyterian minister, live in Princeton, N.J. with their daughters, Eleanor and Annie.

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, May 10 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 Alzheimer’s 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.

Kent McKamy’s U.S. Drive Again: This time with pictures
On May 27, 2007, Brick Church elder Kent McKamy left New York in a minivan to drive into the United States. He returned to New York on Labor Day, Sept. 3. Why?

“In 1983, I read a book entitled Blue Highways and couldn’t get it out of my mind,” McKamy said. “It was written by a man who set out to drive throughout the southeastern part of the United States, taking only what he called &'squo;blue’ highways, those roads that on old maps were colored blue, whereas the main roads and highways were always red. The idea of driving across the country using only county and state roads, was too powerful a dream for me to resist. Twenty-four years later, the dream finally came true.”

On Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m., Kent McKamy will take you on his cross-country trip again, this time with pictures! On Feb. 26, McKamy gave a presentation to approximately 65 people at The Brick Church, but due to technical difficulties, he was not able to show any of the spectacular sights he photographed. The technical problems have now been resolved, so all are invited to see some of our nation’s wonders, and hear McKamy’s personal observations.

He promises to show less than 1 percent of the more than 4,200 photographs he took along the way, but for those who want to see more, he created a blog for his trip so you can preview his journey, personal observations and pictures: www.kentsusdrive.typepad.com.

“I know the idea of just taking off for three months is a little bizarre, but what I learned about our country and about myself is something I’ll always be grateful for,” McKamy said. Come hear his stories and see his photographs from around the world at this engaging and inspiring evening.

Youth Scripture Readers Needed for
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.

Turn in Your Form for the Summer Mission to Maine
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

Brick Church students in eighth through 12th grade are invited to participate in this year’s Mission to Maine. We take trains to rural Maine, repair homes for people, learn about each other and God, eat and sleep on a college campus, and go whitewater rafting. Many students have said it is the highlight of their summer, and they return year after year.

Rev. Christy Lang leads this trip, along with other fun adults from The Brick Church. This year’s trip is expected to fill up fast, so check your calendar and turn your form in soon! We hope you can come.

Palm Sunday Multi-Age Craft A Success
By Christy Lang On Sunday, March 16, children age 4 through seventh grade gathered together in Watson Hall during Sunday School to create Easter-themed crafts that could be taken home or given away to others in our community. Georgia Meeter worked with parent volunteers to prepare a number of stations where children could work on their projects. The children strung fruit-loop necklaces, made watercolor paintings, baked pretzels in the kitchen, made tissue-paper flowers and butterflies, created palm-front crosses, and colored, among other things.

You may have smelled the pretzels when you came down for coffee hour and, if you were lucky, you got to taste one.

The goal of this time was to provide a multi-age activity in which children could help one another and celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter by making gifts for others.

Thanks to Georgia for her organization of this project and to the many adult volunteers who made it work.

Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
The Brick Church hosts a meal every Friday evening for residents of the 81st St. 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. Rev. Christy Lang and other adults help the youth prepare the meal in Watson Hall Kitchen.

This month’s youth nights for FNDP are Fridays, May 2 and 16. Please arrive at 5:00 p.m. and go to Watson Hall. We are finished by 7:45 p.m. We are also looking for adults who would like to join us on the first and third Fridays of each month. Please contact Georgia Meeter if you are interested. A few more adults who can assist on a rotating schedule would be very helpful.

Confirmation Day is May 4
By Christy Lang
This year, 21 students will be confirmed into active membership at The Brick Church. These students have all completed the Confirmation process by attending classes after church on Sundays, studying the Bible and completing homework, helping with the Friday Night Dinner Program, assisting on the Day of Discipleship, and writing personal statements on faith and membership. In addition, they prepared and led the entire Youth Sunday service on April 27. Finally, they have been voted upon by the Session of The Brick Church.

This year’s Confirmands are James R. Brisotti, Ethan Cain, Scott Wilson Chapin, Eliza Lu Doyle, Olivia M. Drusin, Steven-Louis Webb-Dreyfus, Lindsay James Elmlinger, James R. Fisch, Emily Clare German, Austin E. Gray, Connor Blake Huff, Lily Lynch, William Robert McDuffie III, Grace Camilla York Mermel, Katherine deGreffin Miller, Henry Stringer Samson, Peter Dale Samson, Elizabeth Sterling Sipp, Christopher von Turk, Thomas B. Walker IV and Woodworth Bell Winmill. They have been a joy to get to know.

Once these students are confirmed, they are considered active members of the church. Please think of ways to include them in the life of this congregation such as inviting them to serve on committees, asking for their thoughts and extending them invitations to join in projects.

I would specifically like to thank Ben Lindvall, Lauren and Scott Van Hoy, Georgia Meeter and Katy Moore, who served as adult sponsors this year. They facilitated small groups, got to know the students, led them in Bible study, and consistently demonstrated that they care about youth at The Brick Church. I am especially thankful for the leadership of Amanda Smith this year; her creativity and giftedness brought music alive during class times. Thanks also to the staff and seminarians who assisted by organizing and teaching classes: Georgia Meeter (who helped keep class much more organized than in the past), Michael Lindvall, Doug King, Keith Toth, Charles Kalmbach, and Caroline Unzaga. Their leadership made Confirmation possible.

Finally, I am grateful to the parents of this year’s Confirmands for bringing their children to church, encouraging them along the way, reminding them of assignments and providing lunch for us week after week. You were a great blessing. Thank you!

All-Youth Six Flags Trip
Get ready to scream your head off (in a good way). On Saturday, May 31, all youth in sixth through 12th grade are invited to come on an end-of-year trip to Six Flags Theme Park in New Jersey.

We will travel with the same group that goes on the Ski Trip. Students from Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, Church of the Heavenly Rest, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and other Upper East Side churches all gather together for one big, fun outing. Christy Lang and other Brick Church adults will lead The Brick Church contingent. The group will depart from St. James’Episcopal Church at 865 Madison Ave at 9:00 a.m. and will return there in the evening. We will travel by coach bus, as we do on the ski trip.

The cost is $85 with registration, if your form is turned in on or before May 4. If registration and payment are received after May 4, the cost is $130 (we lose the group rate after that date), so be sure to turn your forms in on time! Registration forms went out in the mail in April and are also available at the Parish House front desk.

This will be a fantastic way to end the year and kick off the summer season. Sign up and invite your friends to come too.

Questions? Contact Caitlin Sparks.

May 2008 Children's Choir Schedule
DATE	TIME	EVENT
Sunday, May 4	10:00 a.m.	Junior and Youth Choirs meet to practice before singing in 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Tuesday, May 6		Cherub Choir I and II, Carol Choir and Junior Choir rehearse as usual
Wednesday, May 7	2:45-3:10 p.m.	Cherub Choir III rehearses as usual
Sunday, May 11	10:30 a.m.	Cherub Choir meets to rehearse before singing in 11:00 a.m. worship; No Youth Choir.
Tuesday, May 13		Cherub Choir I and II end of the year parties. Carol and Junior Choirs rehearse as usual.
Wednesday, May 14	2:45-3:10 p.m.	Cherub Choir III party
Sunday, May 4	9:30-10:00 a.m. 10-11:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 2:00-3:00 p.m.	Hand Bell Choir Youth Choir Rehearsal Lunch for K-8 choirs and outreach concert at Neighborhood Coaltion for Shelter. End of the year choir party (K-7 and Hand Bell choirs)

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.

Mom’s Morning Out
Mom’s Morning Out is a longstanding tradition for Brick Church mothers and their children aged 6 months to 2.5 years. Swing by on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a morning of giggles, wiggles, rolls, and jumps as our youngest congregants get to know each other in the warmth and safety of the Third Floor playroom. For mothers, this is a great opportunity to share experiences and wisdom. All members are welcome. For more information, please contact Leslie Heaney, Pamela Ryckman or the Women’s Association Office.

Women's Association Annual Meeting and Luncheon
Wednesday, May 14, 12:00 p.m.
The Third Floor of The Parish House
Please join us to celebrate the tremendous success of the 2007-2008 Women’s Association program year and the 2007 Fair and learn whatÕs in store for 2008-2009. All members of the Women’s Association Ñ meaning all female members of The Brick Church Ñ are invited to this important annual meeting. The event serves as an opportunity to thank the leadership that contributed so much to 2007-2008, while we will also install our incoming leadership. It is also a great way to learn how to get involved with the Women’s Association while enjoying the festivities, food, and fellowship of fellow congregants. Everyone, new members and old members are welcomed! Please keep an eye out for your invitation.

Buy Your Personal Papers Now
Spring is the perfect time to update your stationery collection, as well as to find that perfect invitation or personalized gift for warm weather social events. The Fair’s knowledgeable Personal Papers Committee is available to meet at your convenience in the W.A. Office to assist with your stationery needs.

Members of the Committee visit the National Stationery Show at the Javits Center each year to ensure a fresh, inspired collection for The Brick Church family and friends. The boutique currently offers 19 lines, carefully edited to ensure a balance of beautiful, premium quality collections across a range of prices and formats.

Most importantly, while prices are consistent with the “boutique up the street,” 50 percent of each purchase directly benefits the Women’s Association’s Outreach programs. Please contact one of the Co-Chairs – VeVe Brown, Alison Cihra, Leslie Heaney, Janet Ley, Elizabeth Sevener, Christy Swartz, Stephanie Vartughian or McDowell Winn – or the Women’s Association office for more information or to arrange an appointment.

PrimeTimers Guided Tour of the United Nations and Luncheon in the Delegates Dining Room
Brick Church Member Linda Stoddart, director of the Dag Hammarskjold Library at the United Nations, has invited Brick Church adults and friends to join her in a guided tour of the United Nations on Tuesday, May 20, beginning at 12:00 p.m. sharp. The tour will be followed by an optional luncheon in the Delegates Dining Room.

Participants should arrive at the Visitors Entrance Gate at First Avenue and 46th Street by 11:30 a.m. in order to pass through security (bring photo ID) and meet others for the tour in the U.N.Õs main lobby. A guide will then take the group into some of the main conference rooms of the U.N. General Assembly and the Library.

Advance reservations and purchase of U.N. tour tickets ($13.50 for adults; $9.00 for seniors) are required. Reservations for the buffet luncheon are also necessary, but its cost ($25.00 plus any drinks) can be paid at the luncheon. To make your reservation, please complete the reservation form located at the Parish House front desk and return it with your check to The Brick Church by May 12.

Book Club May Selection
The Brick Church Book Club will read When A Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa,, by Peter Godwin, for their May meeting. Sandy Gooder will host the discussion at 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 5. Please RSVP to Sandy at 212-410-9690.

Book Club June Selection
The Brick Church Book Club will read Saving Fish From Drowning,,by Amy Tan, for the June meeting, which will be hosted on Monday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m. by Gloria Plaut. RSVP to Gloria at 212-737-9278.

Sunday School Teachers Needed for Fall
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.

Membership Meetings 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.

Women’s Prison Association honors The Brick Church
Every year, the Women’s Prison Association & Home honors organizations and individuals in the community who commit their time and energy to addressing the needs of the women WPA serves. On June 4, at WPA’s annual benefit dinner, the organization will be presenting an award to The Brick Church.

“We are thrilled to present the Sarah Powell Huntington Leadership Award to The Brick Presbyterian Church in recognition of its congregation’s vision, compassion and initiative,” WPA leadership wrote in a letter to the organization’s supporters. “Brick’s commitment to public welfare and social justice is exemplified by its active involvement in many areas where our neighbors need help, including homelessness and housing, food pantries, HIV/AIDS, elderly services, and youth and family services.”

The Brick Church has been an enthusiastic and consistent supporter of WPA for many years, with increased personal and financial involvement over the last few years. For the past two years, The Brick Church has provided Christmas and Easter celebrations for the families at WPA’s Sarah Powell Huntington House, in addition to providing grants to WPA as a whole. Last year, The Brick Church gave WPA a grant of $100,000 for the purchase of a building for a self-governing, self-sustaining permanent residence for women ready to live in a more independent setting.

Like The Brick Church, Women’s Prison Association, which was founded in 1844, is a venerable New York City institution. The two organizations have a long history of serving the New York City community both separately and in partnership with one another.

With the ongoing annual support of Brick Church, WPA provides services to over 2,500 women and 300 children annually, helping women re-enter the community, reunite with their children, secure permanent housing and find employment.

Teen singers wanted for a new Brick Church high school choir
The Brick Church is currently exploring the possibility of a new choir for singers in eighth through 12th grade. The choir would be co-directed by Keith S. Toth and Amanda Page Smith.

“Our vision is for this choir to sing in worship both with the Chancel Choir and as a separate ensemble,” Toth said.

Rehearsal times, repertoire and number of performances will be determined based upon the interest in this choir.

The choir will provide students with the opportunity to develop music skills such as sight-reading, fine listening and adult vocal techniques. Social activities will also be explored. High school choir members do not need a world-class solo voice to participate - just an interest in singing great music with others.

For information or to sign-up, please contact Keith or Amanda.

Congregational Fellowship Women's Barbecues
Please reserve Thursday, June 12, for the first of two Women’s Summer BBQs in the Garden. All female Brick Church members age 21 and older are welcome, along with additional friends and family.

The evening will begin with appetizers at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dessert. The cost is $25.00. The second date is Thursday, July 17th.

If you would like to volunteer to help or need additional information, please contact Shannon Froehlich or Lucy Cary.

Strawberry Festival and All-Church Picnic
On Sunday June 1, directly following worship, the annual Brick Church Strawberry Festival and All Church Picnic will take place on 92nd Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Each year, the Strawberry Festival and All Church Picnic count among the congregation’s favorite annual events with its fun atmosphere and great food. Feel free to dress casually and proceed directly to the festival after worship.

This promises to be a terrific family event so please come out after the service and enjoy live music; great food (hot dogs, soft drinks, strawberry shortcake with ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream); and conversation with friends and neighbors.

Tickets for the Strawberry Festival desserts are $5 at the door or $4 if purchased in advance. Tickets will be available on the Sundays May 18 and 25. The Strawberry Festival also needs volunteers to hull strawberries on Friday, May 30, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; to bake cakes on Saturday, May 31; and to be waiters at the event on Sunday, June 1.

For information about the Strawberry Festival, contact Don Spongberg or Rob Kellas.

Three Cheers for The Brick Church High School Group
High school students are still collecting old cell phones. Please drop them off at the front desk. This is just one of the many projects the students have done this year, and we applaud the high school students who found their niche this year by coming to the luncheons, cooking with FNDP, helping with Sunday Church School, or participating in other activities like going green that strengthen both the church and the high school group itself.

Brick Church students are incredibly busy with many creative interests and academic demands, sports, music and friends. Their busy schedules leave little time for eating and sleeping, let alone time for youth events at church.

The youth committee is working to meet this challenge for the fall. If you have ideas, please contact Georgia Meeter.

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 a casual brunch and discussion following worship on Sunday, May 11. We’ll meet at Coffee Hour and then head together to Michael Lindvall’s Study on the fourth floor. No need to RSVP.

For a pdf version of The Record, please click here. [1.1 mb]
For a pdf version of the May calendar, please click here. [152 kb]