Our Doors Are Open
We are worshipping in our sanctuary once again. Every Sunday we listen to the compelling musical partnership of our choir and the new organ. Two new associate pastors have joined us and are helping to reopen our front doors to members of our congregation and our community. Reopening our doors – and keeping them open wide – is the theme of this year’s stewardship campaign.

With Pledge Dedication Sunday rapidly approaching, we ask you prayerfully to consider your financial commitment to The Brick Presbyterian Church. During the worship service, each of you will be invited to come forward with your completed pledge card. Your participation is a vital part of your role as an active church member.

As you know, the annual stewardship campaign provides the funds that allow our church to operate and grow. The Brick Church community’s financial needs include paying our ministers and staff, providing for worship and Christian education, maintaining the physical plant, and funding the many outreach and benevolence activities of our community of faith. These needs can only be met through the stewardship contributions of our congregation.

The stewardship goal this year is $1.9 million. Another goal is for each Brick Church family to pledge during the stewardship campaign. Participation rates have increased over the last few years. You can make this number 100 percent.

Unfortunately, achieving our stewardship goal of $1.9 million will still not eliminate our budget deficit. For some years our Church has run an unsustainable operating deficit which requires an unhealthy drawdown of our endowment to balance income and expenses. This excessive drawdown of the endowment is eroding our Church’s financial foundation.

As you review your stewardship pledge for the coming year, please consider the following facts. The average Presbyterian household contributes 3% of its household income to the church. The cost per household to support and maintain Brick Church was $4,625 in 2005. Therefore, the Stewardship Committee asks each member to increase his or her pledge by at least 5%, or more, if possible.

Please help put The Brick Church on a firm financial foundation by pledging generously. We look to each other for a continued demonstration of the active, loving and charitable spirit that exemplifies the Brick Church community.
—The 2005-2006 Stewardship Committee

From the Pastor
Beginning this month on November 13, The Brick Church will host an extraordinary, indeed unprecedented, preaching series. Each month over the next year-and-a-half, the presidents of every one of our Presbyterian Church (USA) seminaries will preach a sermon from our pulpit. Each sermon will reflect on a common theme, “Grounds for Hope.” Though the sermons will be based on different Biblical texts, this shared thematic strand was selected to weave the sermons together so that they would speak to the pressing issue of hope in an age that often despairs of the future. At the end of the series in December 2006, the sermons will be bound and published.

There are ten theological institutions related to our Presbyterian Church (USA) and two more that are related to us “by covenant agreement.” Our Presbyterian emphasis on a reasonable faith and the importance of education, especially for ministers, has led to the development of exceptional theological schools.

Though most students at our seminaries are Presbyterian, these schools train church leaders from many other church traditions as well. Most seminary graduates become ministers, but not all. Some choose other areas of secular or church leadership, especially teaching. The most common degree selected by students is a three-year masters program called the “MDiv.,” or Master of Divinity.

Our seminaries are currently led by a talented group of men and women, all of them scholar-pastors and fine preachers. The first two sermons in the series will be preached this year.

On November 13, President Louis Weeks of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, will preach. Four weeks later, the preacher will be President Philip Butin of San Francisco Theological Seminary. Following each of these services, there will be a light brunch on the third floor of the Parish House. That space limits the number at each brunch, so reservations are needed. If you would like to attend brunch with President Louis Weeks on November 13 at 12:30 p.m., please contact Thea Luria at church by phone (212-289-4400) or email (tluria@brickchurch.org).
—Michael Lindvall

The Presidents’ Preaching Series is made possible by a generous
grant from the William Ross Reid Wilson Memorial Fund.

Remembering Denny Bing
In the 1960’s Arden Ellsworth Bing, better known to us as Denny, was introduced to The Brick Church by my mother, Carolyn P. Brown, who was a Brick Church staff member for many years. He was particularly fond of the Chapel of the Reformed Faith which was modeled after the Wren Chapel at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where Denny went to college.

Denny participated actively in the church’s music programs. He served as cast member and eventually directed some of the musical comedies then presented at the church. Denny also sang in the chancel choir under Charles Lee and Keith Toth, and played in the bell choir.

He was an enthusiastic worker in the Cooks Who Care program and helped out in the kitchen for many of the church’s breakfasts, lunches, dinners and social events.

Denny died suddenly on June 1, 2002. Many of his friends and members of The Brick Church, listed to the right, contributed to the commissioning of Dr. Hancock’s Anthem.
—Peter H. Brown

About the Composer
Gerre Hancock was commissioned to write a new anthem for organ and choir, Jubilate Deo, in memory of Arden Ellsworth Bing. Hancock was the Organist and Master of Choristers at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, in New York City for more than thirty years. He retired from that position in 2004. Gerre and his wife Judith, also an organist, are currently on the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Hancock developed the men and boys choir of St. Thomas Church into one of the finest ensembles of that kind in the world. He is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost improvisers on the organ. In addition, he has composed a large body of works for choir, organ, and other instruments. Dr. Hancock completed his Jubilate Deo in September 2005. Brick Church’s Chancel Choir under the direction of Keith S. Toth and accompanied by organist Dr. John B. Herrington III gave the premiere performance during the worship service on October 16.

The Anthem for Denny Bing was Made Possible by the Generosity of These Donors

CELEBRATION
It's Official: Dedication Sunday, October Sunday
Sunday, October 16, was an important milestone in the life of the church. Together with local and church officials and special guests, members of Brick Church gathered to celebrate our rich history, restored sanctuary and renewed commitment to mission work both locally and around the world. The festive and formal event included the much-anticipated dedication of our new Casavant organ in recognition of the dedicated ministry of Dr. Herbert B. Anderson, who was Senior Pastor from 1978 to 2001, and his wife Mrs. Mary Lou Anderson. A sumptuous picnic and children’s activities rounded out the day.

Dedication Sunday marked the official launch of our year-long Celebration, which includes:

- The Sanctuary Restoration, undertaken to return the interior of our church to its original glory
- The installation and official dedication of our new Casavant Organ
- Our year-long Celebration Music Series, which kicks off on November 7 (See below)
- Our year-long Celebration Pulpit Series, featuring invited guests preaching under the theme, “Grounds for Hope.”

In conjunction with the event, a “mini-coffee table book” was created to commemorate the church restoration. In it, readers will find photographs of architectural details of the church and its various parts – from the gilded columns and cherubs of the sanctuary, to the stained glass of the chapel, to the ironwork doors in the Anderson library – as well as interesting facts about church history. Designed by Jon Hecht in conjunction with the Celebration Committee, Art & Architecture of the Brick Church is now available at the front desk.

The Seminary Sub-Committee consisting of Stewart B. Clifford, Frances G. Laserson and Margaret H. Tranbaugh met a number of times over the summer and consulted with the pastors on these decisions.

The PTS endowment will help support one seminary student each church year (September-May) as he or she completes the field work requirement for the M.Div. degree. A portion of the income will fund program administration. The endowment will be managed by the Brick Church Finance Committee.

Typically, students between the second and third year of seminary do field work at a church, hospital, shelter or other location where pastoral care is given. Students work closely with pastors and other church staff and gain real world experience in ministering to congregants as well as learning about the day to day operations of a church.

Since all of our clergy are graduates of PTS, the committee considered its field study program a primary source of applicants for the Brick Church stipend. Seminary President Ian Torrance enthusiastically helped structure the program to meet PTS field requirements. While we expect our first student to come from Princeton, the Senior Pastor will select each year’s recipient, who does not have to be a PTS student.

A second grant of $100,000 will go to Auburn Seminary in New York City to support its Center for the Study of Theological Education. Brick Church has had a long and close association with Auburn, and our pastors will work with the Seminary on the Center program. The Center will act as consultant/advisor to the 300 graduate seminaries serving several hundred thousand congregations in the USA. The Center will address crucial needs and concerns from fiscal management to governance and restructuring – even merging of congregations. Auburn Seminary received a $3 million grant from the Lilly Foundation, $1 million of which was contingent on Auburn obtaining matching funds. Our pledge will help Auburn fulfill the Lilly challenge.

A Reflection on Homecoming Sunday

Home, of course, is any place to worship God, but this home was truly resplendent. We followed the piper in reverential silence up the stairs and into the restored sanctuary. It was only appropriate that we erupted with a hymn of praise, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” And as I took it all in – the massive Casavant organ, the gilded neo-Georgian columns, the sun breaking through the windows – I couldn’t help but think of the slogan that so inspired us, “Restore, Rejoice, Reach Out.”

The capital campaign, raised entirely by our own congregation, was never just about this home, our lovingly restored sanctuary. The campaign was also about the home outside. Fifty percent, or $1.5 million, of the money raised is dedicated to mission outreach. Now there is a good reason to rejoice.
—Todd J. Aydelotte

Get Your Brick Church Note Cards Now
In time for Christmas giving or for your own use, the first Brick Church note cards are available for sale. The cover reproduces a full-color painting of the restored sanctuary by artist Theodore Colebrook. A box of eight cards and envelopes costs $12. Look for them at Coffee Hours and at the Fair.

ADULT EDUCATION
New Adult Education Opportunity: Central Passages of the Bible
If you have ever wanted a clearer understanding of basic Christian beliefs and where they originate, or if you would like to delve deeper into the details of familiar Bible passages, consider joining a new Bible study class in November and January. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and will be repeated on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Reformed theologian John Leith describes the Bible as “the church’s memory, inspired by the Holy Spirit, of those events that are the foundation of the Christian life in history.” With that view in mind, our Seminary Student Minister, Rick Bold, will lead a series of classes exploring some of the central passages of the Bible. The classes will consider both the background and context of these classic Scriptural texts and how they ground our Christian faith and life.
All classes will be held in the 6th floor Conference Room. The November schedule is listed below. For more information, please contact Seminary Intern Rick Bold at rbold@brickchurch.org.

I. Creation (Genesis 1-2)
November 6 – 10:00-10:40 a.m.
November 8 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.

II. Prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18)
November 13 – 10:00-10:40 a.m.
November 15 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.

III. The Ten Commandments and Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 5-6)
November 20 – 10:00-10:40 a.m.
November 22 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.

IV. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
November 27 – 10:00-10:40 a.m.
November 29 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Our Church History series on the Reformation continues this month on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Carnegie Room. On November 6, Rev. Christiane Lang will discuss the lives and theological contributions of John Calvin and John Knox, and on November 13,
Rev. Michael Lindvall will teach on Protestant innovations in worship. Come listen and discuss!
Coffee and tea available.

Come Learn the Bible at the Adult Education Retreat on January 20-21
Join us for the Winter Adult Education Retreat, which will be taught by Pastor Michael Lindvall and Associate Pastor Christy Lang. The class is entitled Learning Our Story: A Walk Through the Bible. The Retreat will occur on Friday, January 20 from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. and on January 21 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday lunch will be included and childcare will be available. The cost is $20 (scholarships available). For more information, contact Christy Lang at 212-289-4400 ext. 247 or
clang@brickchurch.org.

OUTREACH
Behind the Scenes at Rosie & Harry’s Christmas Party
It was my first year as a Deacon and I was really excited about the ministry assigned to me, Rosie and Harry’s, practically a Brick Church institution. Considering that the Christmas Party was in its 17th year, I thought everything would run smoothly.

Our first major step was to pick up toys from a generous donor, Bobby Brown. He hosts a Christmas party every year at Chelsea Piers and invites thousands of people. Everyone must bring a gift for a child. The next morning, charities pick up the gifts. This sounded simple enough.

Our former associate pastor, Krystin Granberg, and devoted church member Gladys Spongberg were veterans at gift-gathering. As we drove up to Chelsea Piers at 9:00 a.m., Krystin shouted, “Oh no, we’re late!” She leaped out of the car and literally climbed a dwindling mountain of toys. Gladys was quick to follow and they stuffed toys into giant green bags at a feverish pace. Krystin looked disappointed with what they found. Our disappointment soon turned to joy when Bobby appeared with several bags that he had already put aside for Brick Church. It was an enlighting experience that showed me how hard others were working for this ministry’s success.

The next big step was buying the food. Deacon Barbara Scott and I went to Costco one evening and arrived at the parish house at 9:00 p.m. with a carload of food. But no one answered the bell: somehow our door-opening arrangement had fallen apart. An hour later, we both realized there was only one person left to call: Michael Lindvall. We hesitated, but it was getting late and the ice cream was melting. Fortunately, Michael was at home and awake. He graciously came over and let us in.

When the big day arrived, I was sure all our obstacles were behind us. Feeling confident about the plans in place, I was shocked when I heard that my fellow deacon had an emergency work situation and would not be able to attend. Now I was facing disaster.

Fortunately, a dedicated perennial volunteer for Rosie and Harry’s, Katie Couric, arrived at the same moment. She saw need written all over my face and stepped up her involvement, managing the flow of children and dealing with the Christmas music.

Trying to catch my breath, I stepped onto the balcony to oversee the event unfolding before me. Magic was in the air and I saw a young child with a smile as bright as the sun. It was a moment of revelation for me. This was what I was here for, this was what really mattered. Everything else would, one way or another, fall into place. It was the Lord’s way of telling me that it was a celebration of His love, a love that always finds its way through any obstacle.

I invite you all to volunteer and participate in the magic and revelation that is the Rosie and Harry’s Christmas party. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
—Maria de Rossi

18th Annual Christmas Party for Rosie & Harry’s Place
On Saturday, December 10, 2005, The Brick Church will host the 18th annual Christmas Party for the families of Rosie and Harry’s Place. The Christmas Party is one of the most popular and successful Deacon ministries.

Here’s what you can do:
- Help with activities on the day of the party, Saturday, December 10, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Unpack gifts and set up shopping malls on the day before the party, Friday, December 9
- Donate new gift items for infants through 18 years
- Donate new gift items that would be appreciated by adults, particularly household or personal care items
- Bring Christmas decorations to decorate the live trees
- Join the kitchen crew in serving a delicious lunch
- Last but not least... help us clean up!

Look for volunteer forms in the Advent Mailing and at front desk. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Maria de’Rossi (212-427-9447, mderossi@mrmpartners.com). If you have questions regarding donations, please contact Barbara Scott (212-987-5601, bscott@nightingale.org). Gift donations marked Rosie and Harry’s can be left at the Parish House desk.

Help Teens Through Craft Projects
Throughout November, Brick Church volunteers will do arts and crafts projects with the teen-aged girls who live at Inwood House. This agency provides vulnerable, pregnant teens with prenatal care and counseling, classes in parenting and nutrition and the opportunity to continue their high school education.

Most of the projects are fun and easy, requiring no particular artistic talent or skills. If you are not talented, your company will be welcome anyway. The girls enjoy the camaraderie of creating something tangible with friends, take great pride in what they complete, and welcome the friendly, supportive and nurturing attitude of the Brick Church volunteers. The importance of providing role models for these young girls in crisis cannot be underestimated.

Do you know how to crochet or knit? Can you run a simple sewing machine? Your skills are in particular demand when we lead the highly popular crocheting and sewing projects. Sessions run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A tentative schedule for the Fall Session follows:

November 1 Crocheting Baby Blankets
November 8 Bookshelves or Bulletin Boards
November 15 Basics of Sewing
November 22 Decorative Pillows
November 29 Candles

Please contact Deacon Thea Obstler at 212-427-4551 or by email at tobstler@nyc.rr.com for more information, or feel free to show up at Inwood House, 320 East 82nd Street between First and Second Avenue. You may come for one session or return every week. All help is welcomed and appreciated.

Yorkville Common Pantry – Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
“It’s a gift to be able to help others,” one mother said as her daughter handed over $15 to fund a turkey for a Yorkville Common Pantry family. This donation, combined with many others from our congregation, provided 325 turkeys in 2004.

Watch for the Yorkville Common Pantry donation table at coffee hours on November 13 and 20. Both cash and checks are welcome.

Pantry staples for November are: canned meat and fish, cranberry sauce, canned yams and vegetables, stuffing, marshmallows and jello. Just place the food in the Yorkville Common Pantry collection box near the steps leading to the Anderson Library off the Garden Room. Many thanks for your generous donations to the Fall Harvest Food Drive.

To give hands-on assistance, come volunteer at the Pantry, located at 8 East 109th Street, on the following days:

Saturday, November 19 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Pack grocery bags
Monday, November 21 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Hand out turkeys
Thursday, November 24, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. — Serve Thanksgiving dinner to over 100 people

For more information call the Yorkville Common Pantry Deacons, Willie Carter at 212-534-0425, or Beth Green at 212-427-2834.

Habitat Volunteers Build "Homes in a Box"
On Tuesday, September 27, Brick Church volunteers participated in “Operation Home Delivery.” This project, sponsored by NBC News “Today,” Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music Group, is assembling homes for victims of the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes. During the week of September 26, Rockefeller Plaza was transformed into “Humanity Plaza,” a construction site where volunteers built homes for displaced families literally around the clock. These “Homes in a Box” were then crated and shipped to the Gulf Coast where families, volunteers and builders will rebuild the homes. Brick continues to work with Habitat for Humanity on projects in our area. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Don Spongberg (dspongberg@SpencerTrask.com), Stefan Kruger (stefan.kruger@citigroup.com) or Len Carrell (ltandc2@gmail.com).

BRICK KIDS
Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth November 4 and 18
Please 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 also receive Community Service credit for volunteering with the Friday Night Dinner Program. High School youth take the lead on the first Friday of every month (November 4), and 8th graders volunteer on the third Friday of every month (November 18). Please meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen. We will be finished by 8:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Christy Lang at 212-289-4400 ext. 247 or clang@brickchurch.org.

5th and 6th Grade Pioneers
Fifth and 6th grade students are invited to join the Brick Church Pioneers. Their first event was on October 2, and they will gather on five more Sundays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Brick Church for two hours of fun, fellowship, dinner, and a service project. Bring your friends.

Save these dates: November 6, Harry Potter mystery and fun; January 8, theme TBD; February 12, theme TBD; March 5, Spring Fever; and May 7, theme TBD.

The total charge for the season of 6 events is $75 per student. If you would like to pay at the door for a single event, the cost is $15 per event. If you bring a friend who is not from Brick Church, the cost for the friend is only $10. You check in and pay in the Garden Room, and the events happen in Watson Hall.

Chaperones are needed for each event. Our chaperones are parents who serve on the Pioneers Committee, as well as two other parents of Pioneer students per event. When you register your 5th or 6th grade student, you agree to come and chaperone at least twice during the year. It’s great fun!

You should have received registration forms in the mail. If you still need forms, please contact Caitlin Sparks at csparks@brickchurch.org. 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! Questions? Contact Christy Lang at clang@brickchurch.org or 212-289-4400 ext. 247.

7th Grade Youth Group
All 7th grade students are invited to join the Brick Church 7th grade youth group. The group had its first meeting on October 2, 2005, and will gather on five more Sundays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Carnegie Room and Living Room for 2 hours of fun, fellowship, dinner, and a service project. Friends from school and the neighborhood are always invited.

Here are the dates: November 6, January 8, February 12, March 5, and May 7.

The total charge for the season of 6 events is $75 per student. Checks may be made out to The Brick Presbyterian Church and left at the front desk, care of Caitlin Sparks. You may also pay at the door. Friends who are not from Brick Church come for free!

You should have received registration forms in the mail. If not, please contact Caitlin Sparks at csparks@brickchurch.org. You may drop them off at the church or bring them to an event.

We look forward to a great year! Questions? Contact Christy Lang at clang@brickchurch.org or 212-289-4400 ext. 247.

Confirmation Class
Confirmation Classes have begun for 8th grade students. This month, classes will occur on November 6, 13, and 20 from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. in the 6th floor conference room. 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. Please contact Christy Lang at clang@brickchurch.org or 212-289-4400 ext. 247 with questions.

New Sunday Church School Schedule: More Variety in Children’s Worship
The Sunday Church School Committee, the Worship Committee, and the Pastoral Staff want children to have a richer worship experience, learn about Presbyterian worship, and join their own families in worshipping God. To these ends, The Brick Church is introducing three innovations.

Family Sundays will be celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Children in the 1st grade and above will remain in worship with their families for the entire service. Younger children will go their usual places: infants and toddlers to child care, 2 and 3 year olds to their classrooms at 11:00, and 4 year olds through Kindergarten to classes after the Children’s Message.

The revised order of worship places the Children’s Message about halfway through the service, later than previously.

A special Chapel Service will take place several times a year for 3rd through 7th graders. Instead of going to their classrooms, older children will lead a worship service for younger children with a pastor and their teachers.

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION was created more than 80 years ago to encourage fellowship among church members and to provide vital support through outreach to a host of worthwhile community organizations serving women and children.

The Brick Church Fair
The 62nd Annual Brick Church Fair is almost here. Whether you’re a new member or a long-time Fair supporter, you’ll love the fellowship, merriment and the chance to get in the holiday shopping spirit—when this year’s Fair takes place on November 15, 16 and 17. The Fair proceeds go to the Women’s Association Outreach Programs which support women, children and the elderly in East Harlem and Yorkville. So shop and/or volunteer at the Fair, and tell your neighbors, friends and family. Whether you’re browsing the aisles for that special gift or enjoying fellowship with friends, here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Tuesday, November 15
Opening Night Party
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $10 admission
Join old friends and make new ones at the Fair’s traditionally festive Opening Night Party. First, pick up the Fair Program Guide. The committee, chaired by Karen Aotani, Stephanie Wu and Sally Young, sold 100 ads! Don’t miss the Great Wrap-Up booth, chaired by Lisa Borter, Ann Clairmont, Heather Davies, Jill Lampe and Susan Hays Stern…the best wrapping papers and ribbons go early here. Sample delicious hors d’oeuvres homemade by the Opening Night Party committee of Betsy Cox, Lizzie Robertshaw and Anne Schack; listen to festive music by Stephen Smith; and have books autographed by our visiting authors. Jamee Gregory will be there with her book “New York Apartments” and Reverend Michael Lindvall will join us with his books on tapes, along with Karen Quinn, author of “The Ivy Chronicles,” and others. Before you head home, pick up some home cooked chicken burritos or pumpkin bread from our own chefs, Saskia Evans, Aline Shapiro, Betsy Pick, Brenda dePaola and others at the Au Gourmet booth. The Fair continues on…

Wednesday, November 16 (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Family Night
from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. $5 admission
Come early and order your personalized stationery from Brick’s Personal Papers booth. You’ll find great gifts as well as Christmas cards … co-chairs Amanda Heath, Julia Dunn, Cindy Ketchum, Janet Ley, Jayne Napier, Katrina Parkhill, Melissa Rhodes and Pamela Ryckman,will help you order a personalized gift that family and friends will love. Then stop at Brick’s Gift Box booth, chaired by Margery Hawks and Hobby Hobson. This booth has been a part of the Fair for over 35 years! They sell exquisite covered boxes, calendars and gifts items, all made by their committee of Brick members. At 4:00 p.m. we prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus and our traditional Family Night begins. Preston Davis, Kerri Devine, Liz Roddy and Matsie Walsh have organized an evening of fun for the whole family. Have your children’s photo taken with Santa, join with your children in our sing-along, have dinner in the Bistro, where Tish Burton, Gail Newell, Irene Bramble, Pat Allen and others have prepared special kids’ meals and delicious homemade dinners and lunches. Before you leave stop by another Brick booth, Under the Tree, for that stocking stuffer or special gift for the little ones in your life. Co-chairs Constance Dalvito, Paige Rustum, Shannon Henderson and Liz Erhlich have spent the summer looking for those special gifts for your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews. And the Fair continues…

Thursday, November 17 (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Holiday Creative Coffee
from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. $5 admission
Find your inner Martha at the second annual Holiday Creative Coffee. Taste homemade baked goods with your morning cup of coffee while you learn how to make advent calendars, place and note cards and tree ornaments. Brick members Jackie Hennessey, Miori Li, Saskia Evans, Terri Lindvall and others can show you how-- or if they look too good to be true, take them home instead. If you’re looking for books, our famous Bookshelf committee sells new and used books of all kinds. It’s chaired by Irma Kochenthal, Margaret Fox, Peter Poor and Mary Nolte. And if you’re looking for some handmade Christmas decorations, ornaments and a special doll house, don’t miss Holiday Decorating. Chaired by Diantha Bowling, Joan Podell and Gladys Spongberg, this committee works all year long and creates charming decorations for your home. Last but not least don’t forget to shop at our over 25 vendors who will be selling children’s clothes, jewelry, women’s and men’s accessories, and lots of gift items. Vendors include regulars Emily Lacey, Frances Wood and The Linen Shop, and many new ones.

That’s it for this year! Join us for the fun and if you want to volunteer to be part of this great event contact the Women’s Association office at 212-289-4400 ext. 244 or email camercer@brickchurch.org. Don’t miss it, and remember it’s all about supporting our Outreach Programs! We would like to thank all those who helped make the October Rummage Sale a big success! We can’t name everyone here but special thanks to Carol Edwards, Lee Ann Alexandriakis, Bonnie Caputo, Sherin Gobran, Debbie Kopinski, Erin Kane, Eleanor Peterkin, Mia Schlappi and Michelle Wiltshire-Clement. See you at the Fair!

COMMUNITY LIFE
Save Paper, Subscribe to eBrick
The church is seeking to lower postage expenses. At the same time, many members would like to cut down on the mail they receive. The solution? Send your email address to The Brick Church and receive flyers and reminders electronically. In addition, look for an announcement this fall about the eRecord.

If you’ve already given Brick Church your email address, please make sure that it is current — our “bounce-back” rate is higher than we’d like. Send email addresses to Helen Phillips at hphillips@brickchurch.org, fax to 646-672-2198 or call 212-289-4400, ext. 230.

Tapes Ministry Now on CD, Too
Even if you’re overwhelmed by back-to-town or back- to-school tasks, you can keep up with worship services at The Brick Church through the tapes ministry.  Just call the Parish House reception desk to subscribe for the quarter ($40) or for specific services ($4 each).

New Member Classes in November
Christian Faith: Thursday, November 10 at 6:45 p.m. or Sunday, November 13 at 9:50 a.m. The Presbyterian Tradition: Thursday, November 17 at 6:45 p.m. or Saturday, November 19 at 12:00 p.m.
The Meaning of Membership: Saturday, November 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Received into Membership: Sunday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m.

The Brick Church Book Club — November Discussion
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen to read The Rule of Four, by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason, for their November meeting. Jo Bressler will host the discussion at her home at 175 East 94th Street, on Monday evening, November 7, at 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Jo at 212-860-4028.