From the Pastor
Objectification
Over the summer, I read two remarkable books, neither of which I feel comfortable recommending to people. Both are historical novels set against the conflict between late-Medi­eval Christian (and Jewish) Europe and the Muslim Ottoman Empire. The first, The Bridge over the Drina, was written by a Bosnian Serb named Ivo Andric and won a Pulitzer Prize for literature some 20 yeas ago. It tells the tale of religiously-based conflict in the Balkans from the vantage point of a beautiful stone bridge built by the Ottoman emperor in the middle of the 16th Century.

The second book, a more recently published historical fiction epic, The Religion, was written by a British author named Tim Willocks. It is set during the great siege of Malta in 1560 by that same Ottoman emperor, about the same time his engineers were building the aforementioned lovely bridge in Bosnia. The title of the second book refers to the Knights of Malta, that order of warrior monks who had long harassed the Ottoman Empire from their island stronghold south of Sicily. Most historians think the siege of Malta was possibly the most ambitious in history although, at monumental cost of human life, it failed to take the island. Both books are stunningly violent. I found the descriptions of the violence practiced by human beings on other human beings in both books so troubling that I would simply skip pages. My guess is that the writers were simply attempting to tell the whole horrific truth because they believed kinder and gentler reading would simply not accurately represent historical fact.

The question both books raised was of course, “How can peo­ple do such things to other people?” An answer to that question came clearer last week when I read yet another book, The Shame Response to Rejection, by a member of our congregation, Dr. Herb Thomas. Essentially a book on psychology, Dr. Thomas observes, as he notes many others have, that in order to do cruel things to other human beings, people must de-humanize them, or better, “objectify,” them.

In the books I read this summer, the enemy did become some­thing other than human. The enemy was “Muslims” or “Chris­tian infidels.” It was “Jews” or “Turks,” “Serbs” or “Austrians,” not “people.” The lesson is one our world has yet to learn. Before you and I are anything “national,” “religious,” “ethnic,” or “ra­cial,” we are human beings. This is to say, as central to my iden­tity as my Christian faith may be, as close to the core American nationality may be, I am a human being first. And the same goes for all humanity—all are human beings first. Every other identity, however close to our being, is secondary. The alterna­tive to seeing yourself and others like this was only too painfully explored in the books I read over the summer.


—Michael L. Lindvall

Foundation of Faith
Stewardship 2008

“A core affirmation of the Christian faith is that when you place everything, everything, all or nothing, on the foundation of faith, you get it back, but not the same. You get it back transformed by the very act of yielding it and placing it on the foundation of faith.”
—Michael Lindvall’s sermon, September 9, 2007.

The Brick Church’s foundation of faith touches and supports us in many different ways, such as Sunday Morning Worship Services, Children and Youth Ministries, which serve over 300 children, Mission Outreach, Adult Education classes, the work of the Women’s Association, and church Fellowship, including summer barbeques, PrimeTimers events, the Strawberry Festival, and the Park Avenue Tree Lighting ceremony.

In case you missed the news earlier this year, The Brick Presbyterian Church community responded with incredible generosity to the 2007 Stewardship Campaign. It is with deep gratitude to the congregation for this outpouring of support that the Stewardship Committee has selected the theme of the 2008 Stewardship Campaign. This year’s theme, Foundation of Faith, was selected with the idea that this campaign builds on the wonderful generosity shown last year and emphasizes the central role our Church plays in our lives and in our community.

The 2008 Stewardship Goal is $2.5 million, up from last year’s Campaign total of $2.36 million. This modest increase is necessary in order to meet the traditional challenge of accommodating all that the Church does in an environment of constantly rising costs. The Brick Church’s ongoing careful management of spending allowed us to add several new initiatives and fully restore Mission Outreach this year, all while keeping total budget growth under 2 percent.

The Stewardship Committee has also set another important goal this year— to expand pledge participation across the congregation, with the ultimate objective of bringing every member into our formal pledge process, no matter how large or small the gift.

With Pledge Dedication Sunday approaching, we ask that you once again consider your financial commitment to The Brick Presbyterian Church and the vibrant community it supports.

Thank you for your generous support.

—The Stewardship Committee

Great Hymns of the Faith Service
On Sunday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. we will celebrate the great hymns of the Ang­lo-Celtic tradition in a special service of music. The Chancel Choir and members of the Children’s Choirs, under the direction of Keith S. Toth and Amanda Page Smith, will present choral selections based upon famous hymns. The congregation, accompanied by our glorious Anderson or­gan, will also participate in singing some of our most cherished hymns. Senior Minister Michael Lindvall and Minister of Mu­sic Keith Toth will present spoken program notes on the hymns. Admission will not be charged for this service but a free-will offering will be received. 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.

Our Anderson Organ Now on CD
American concert organist Stephen Tharp has just released a CD that was recorded on our Anderson organ. This CD, pro­duced by the JAV label, is the first com­mercially available recording of our ac­claimed Casavant Frères organ. On this CD, Mr. Tharp plays virtuosic organ works by Guilmant, Hakim, Jongen, Latry and Tournemire. Copies are for sale for $20 at the Parish House recep­tion desk.

Have You Heard the News?
Brick Church Day of Discipleship is April 19, 2008
Our first ever Day of Discipleship will be held next spring on April 19, 2008 as a day of service for the congregation to gather in faith and to serve God and the community. It will be a great day of fellowship for the church and we hope you will mark your calendars for this wonderful opportunity. Please stay tuned for more details to follow in future issues of The Record.

Brick Church’s Amanda Page Smith becomes a Certified Clinician with the Chorister’s Guild
 The Brick Church’s Director of Children’s Music Ministries, Amanda Page Smith, recent­ly completed an elite study program to become a one of the first Certified Clinicians with the Choristers Guild, the leading organization in the United States for children’s music in the church. The certification was the culmination of a year of study, conferences and professional enrichment, and also served as recognition of her role in the design and implementation of a curriculum that the Choristers Guild will use to train other children’s choir leaders from around the country.

In 2006, Amanda was selected by the Choristers Guild as one of five outstanding children’s choir leaders from across the country. As part of her selection, she received an all-expenses paid year of study funded by the Lilly Foundation and the Calvin Institute for Renewed Worship, and the opportunity to work, alongside the other four participants and two nationally known scholars, to create the new Choristers Guild curriculum.

“Her contributions to this endeavor were evident not only in her considerable musical and pedagogical skills, but also in her collaborative gifts, willingness to learn and deep spiritual life,” Choristers Guild Executive Director Jim Rindelaub said, in a letter to Senior Minister Michael Lindvall regarding Amanda’s participation in the program.

As a result of her experience, Amanda returned to The Brick Church this fall with new ideas for The Brick Church’s already-thriving music program, and a new perspective on children’s role in worship.

“I learned a great deal about exciting ways to more fully include children in the worship life of the church through music,” Amanda said. “The children’s choirs at The Brick Church are leading worship in meaningful ways: in addition to singing anthems, they are leading worship through sung psalms, through sung scripture readings and with sung prayers. They are studying worship in weekly choir rehearsals so that they can be confident and well-prepared leaders of worship on Sunday mornings.”

Through her connections from this program, Amanda is now also leading workshops for children’s choir directors across the country, where she is able to share her experience with The Brick Church music program and the exciting growth it has experi­enced.

Amanda will be directing the Junior and Youth Choirs in worship on Sunday, November 4, and will lead the Youth and Hand Bell Choirs in the hymn concert at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4. The Cherub Choir will sing in worship November 18.

Brick Church Welcomes Patti Coyle
As a result of the overwhelming response to the children’s choir program, the church has added a new staff member to assist Amanda Page Smith in directing one of the church’s five children’s choirs. Patti Coyle, the new Chil­dren’s Choir Assistant, comes to The Brick Church from her position as the Drama Teacher at the Sacred Heart School, where she created and devel­oped the school’s creative drama program and suc­cessfully directed several plays.

She brings her musical the­ater background to the church’s music program, and will be as­sisting in the teaching of the Cherub Choir (pre-K), as a third section has been added this year to accommodate the 68 pre-kindergarten students who enrolled in choir this fall.

“We are celebrating the growth of the Cherub Choir, and we are thrilled to be able to offer a third section with the assistance of Patti Coyle,” said Amanda Smith, director of Children’s Music. “She brings to The Brick Church a wealth of experience as a teacher, sing­er, actor and Christian educa­tor.”

Patti holds a master’s degree in educational theater and a bachelor’s degree in music. She is certified to teach drama in the New York Public School System and bases her teaching on a self-described “strong be­lief in the power of arts educa­tion to engage children…while educating the whole child.”

“To me, there is nothing sweet­er than the sound of children singing and having a chance to express themselves,” Patti said. “In addition, the enjoyment and spiritual lift the congre­gation will feel from hearing the sound of 65 young voices in praise will be something to behold!”

Brick Builders:
New Projects, Big Impact
On October 14th, Brick Church members joined a large group of volunteers from churches all over the city for the Habitat Building on Faith 2007 weekend. This event helped launch New York Habitat’s first large-scale build­ing, and opens an exciting new chapter in the history of Habitat for Humanity–New York City. This new project will house 41 New York families in need, which is dou­ble the number of homes we produce in a typical year. Rising on a vacant lot in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, this project is located at Atlantic Avenue, Eastern Park­way and Sherlock Place. It includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in three four-story buildings. Eleven ground-floor residences will be handicapped-adaptable. Designed by Dattner Architects in a con­temporary brick style, these new homes will provide much-needed affordable housing for working residents of the community. The project is being constructed with healthy and environmentally friendly materials and will strive to meet strict LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) stan­dards. Energy-efficient building methods will enable future Habitat homeowners to save up to 30 percent on their energy bills.

The Brick Builders are also considering a church/school renovation project in Harlem that will require a large number of volun­teers over several weekends. Our next Habitat build is Saturday, November 10th. To sign up contact Bryce MacDonald, Keith Scott Morton, or Glenn Wittpenn.

Experience the Real Meaning of Christmas at the 20th Annual Deacon Outreach Christmas Party
Join us as once again The Brick Church community extends a warm welcome to the families of the Women’s Prison Asso­ciation. On December 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Watson Hall will be buzzing with holiday cheer as families are reunited for a Christmas party unlike any other. Pitching in is half the fun when you help set up shopping malls, booths for arts and crafts, entertainment and, of course gift wrapping! Experience firsthand the real meaning of Christmas by hosting families working hard to reunite and re-enter society.

Here are some ways you can play Santa this year:

  • Help us connect with retailers for do­nations of surplus home or personal care items.
  • Donate NEW gifts appropriate for kids/teens, such as sporting goods, games and clothes.
  • Donate gift certificates to accessible re­tail stores. (Old Navy was a hit last year.)
  • Volunteer to help with activities the day of event. (Saturday, December 8, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
  • Volunteer to help the day before with set up of shopping malls. (Friday, December 7, from 9:30 a.m.)
  • Give us a hand with clean up at 3 p.m.

For more information contact Deacons Pam Ferguson, Neda Navab or Glenn Wittpenn. Volunteer forms are available at the Parish House front desk. Gifts can be dropped off unwrapped at the Deacon’s Christmas Party Box in the Garden room of the Parish House.

Let's Make Sure Everyone Can Share in the Thanksgiving Feast
The Yorkville Common Pantry is once again sponsoring a turkey drive to pro­vide families in need with all that is nec­essary for a Thanksgiving meal. Their goal is to help 1,500 families this year. Every donation of $25 will ensure that a family has a turkey. This year a generous Brick Church family has offered to match every donation by Brick Church members to this very worth cause. This means that for every turkey you donate, a second one will be donated as well.

Our combined generosity can give many families a full table around which to gather and remem­ber their blessings. Checks can be made out to The Brick Church with the des­ignation, YCP Turkey Drive. If you have any questions about this important effort, please contact Rev. Doug King.

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
The Women’s Bible Study is led by Rev. Christy Lang and is offered at two different times on Thursdays, to accommodate busy schedules. This year, the group is exploring the major themes of the Gospel of Luke, and then moving on to the women of Luke and Acts.

Men’s Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:45 a.m., The Session Room
The Men’s Bible Study is led by Rev. Michael Lindvall. Breakfast is offered, and all men are welcome. This fall, the men are reading a book togeth­er and pairing it with Scripture readings. They are reading The Dawkins Delusion? Atheist Fun­damentalism and the Denial of the Divine by Alis­ter McGrath and Joanna Collicutt McGrath.

Christians and the Middle East
10:00 a.m., Living Room
November 4-18, 2007

Christianity’s relationship to the Middle East has been complicated over the centuries, and today that is no less true. Come hear three different speakers share their own experiences of being Christian in the Middle East, and discuss how Presbyterians today can work toward peace and justice for all people.

November 4
Princeton Theological Seminary Student Group
In June 2007, students and a professor from PTS visited the moderate Islamic country of Oman to engage in inter-religious dialogue. Come hear about their journey and their discoveries.

November 11
Rev. Beth Pyles
In 2005, Beth Pyles moved to Iraq to serve as a peaceful Christian presence and an advocate for Iraqi people seeking missing family members. Though she had returned home, she returned to Iraq to help when four peace activists were kidnapped. She escorted the body of Tom Fox home to the U.S. Come hear Beth speak about her time there and how faith informs her life.

November 18
Christians in Lebanon
40 peercent of the citizens of Lebanon are Christian, and around 75 percent of Diaspora Lebanese are Christian. Come hear about Christianity in Lebanon and the experience of Lebanese Christians in the United States. Speaker to be announced.

 

 

The Brick Church Christmas Pageant is Approaching
Children of The Brick Church are invited to celebrate Advent and Christmas by participating in the 2007 Brick Church Christmas Pageant. The pageant is an oppor­tunity for children to offer worship leadership in a sacred and festive way. Because so many children are involved in this program, we ask parents to volunteer with prepa­ration and production. Our scheduled rehearsals help children feel confident in their roles as leaders in the pageant, so their attendance is important.

Information and registration forms were sent out in the mail in October. Please re­turn registration forms to The Brick Church, attention Caitlin Sparks, by Sunday, De­cember 2. We look forward to spending time with the children of the Brick Church at this year’s Christmas Pageant. Thank you for your help and support in making this a memorable experience for the children and the whole congregation.

Grace and Peace,

Christy Lang, Associate Pastor of Education and Discipleship
Georgia Meeter, Coordinator for Children’s and Youth Ministries
Amanda Smith, Director of Children’s Music Ministries

Ornament Making on November 17
Every year during the Advent season, the children of The Brick Church make beautiful, creative ornaments to decorate the tall tree that stands in the Sanctuary throughout Advent.

The children make angels, stars, doves and other festive designs and decorate them with paint and feathers. They also work together to create a huge, shining star for the top of the tree.

So that the ornaments will be ready for Advent, we always prepare them in No­vember. On Saturday, November 17, chil­dren and their parents are invited to come to The Brick Church for a special morning of creating Christmas ornaments. Snacks will be served and we will join in singing songs together.

Come to the Youth Floor between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to make ornaments, enjoy time with friends and prepare an Advent gift for the whole congregation.

BRICK CHURCH YOUTH
Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
The Brick Church hosts a meal every Friday evening for residents of the 81st Street Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter community.

Brick Church youth in eighth through 12th grades have the opportunity to cook together, meet these friends of The Brick Church and receive community service credit. Christy Lang, Georgia Meeter and other adults help the youth to prepare the meal. The November youth nights for FNDP are Fridays, Novem­ber 2 and 16. Cooking begins at 5:00 p.m. in Watson Hall Kitchen. Clean-up finishes and pingpong begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.brickchurch.org.

Youth Scripture Readers Needed
Children and youth in the third grade and up 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 and include the name, age and grade of your reader.

November 4 is Pumpkin Night for Pioneers
All fifth and sixth grade stu­dents are invited to join the Brick Church Pioneers for pumpkin craziness on Sunday evening fellowship on Novem­ber 4, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Watson Hall at The Brick Church. Friends from school or home are always invited, even if new to The Brick Church. The Pio­neers get together for fun and fellowship. Parent volunteers help run the evening, and Coach Rice from St. Bernard’s school leads group games.

The cost is $15 or $90 for the entire season of six events. Friends pay only $10 per event. You can download registration forms at www.brickchurch.org or email Caitlin Sparks You may drop forms off at the church or bring them to the first event. We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Georgia Meeter.

Back to the Future with the Seventh Grade Fireside Club
On November 4, it’s Back to the Future Night with the seventh grade Fireside Club! The seventh graders meet by the fireplace in Rev. Mi­chael Lindvall’s office. Come ready for fun, games, prizes for the best retro or futuristic costume, and great discus­sions. Friends from school and the neighborhood are al­ways invited.

The cost is $15, or $90 for the whole season of six events. Friends pay only $10 per event. You can download reg­istration forms at www.brickchurch.org or email Caitlin Sparks.

You may drop forms off at the church or bring them to the first event. Your friends need forms, too, but they can sign up at the door. We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Georgia Meeter.

Confirmation Class Continues
Confirmation is a time to go deep — deeper in faith, in understanding and in friend­ships.

Confirmation Classes have begun for eighth grade students. Classes occur on designated Sunday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Room. This month, classes will oc­cur on November 4, 11 and 18. We will explore the following topics: God as Creator, God as Covenant Maker and God with us in Jesus Christ. Con­firmation students need to serve at the Friday Night Din­ner Program twice. The dates for the FNDP this month are November 2 and 16. Contact Christy Lang with questions.

The Brick Church Cares for Students Away at School
Imagine you are away at school for the first time, ner­vous about making friends, finding your classes and pass­ing the next exam and feeling very far from home. Suddenly a package is delivered to your mailbox. You open it and find popcorn, hot cocoa packets, an article about something back home, a gift certificate for a local coffee shop and a note from a church member who was thinking of you.

The Church Mouse program came to The Brick Church sev­eral years ago through mem­bers who had experienced it at another church. Many students who have grown up at The Brick Church go away to school in ninth grade and most go to college. The Brick Church reaches out to these students through the Church Mouse Program.

The Church Mouse program pairs caring adults or families with students away at school. Church Mice send students some kind of communication at least four times per school year, mailing notes, care pack­ages and reminders that the church cares about them.

In the past, communica­tion has been anonymous. This year, in an effort to fos­ter healthy relationships with young people, Mice have the option of identifying them­selves to their students in the hope that warm associations will develop that that will ben­efit both students and adults for years to come.

If you or your family mem­bers are interested in sup­porting students in this way, email Chris Curtin-Barnes or call 212-369-5998.

HIGH SCHOOL
High School Group Launches New Programs
The exciting goal to launch a new Brick Church High School Youth Program is now underway. Going Places is the ac­tion theme for ’07-08. Look for the Going Places brochure, recently mailed to Brick Church students in ninth through 12th grades, to learn about upcoming events. The variety of events allows students to match their schedules with their interests. Contact Georgia Meeter to RSVP for all events.

Parent support is needed! Please mark the family calendar to keep event dates open. Please also sign up to chaperone. Finally, forward us the updated email ad­dress of your student, including students at boarding schools. The aim is to keep all students informed and to plan gather­ings when boarding school students are at home. Go to www.brickchurch.org for more infor­mation on high school ministries at The Brick Church.

The high school group’s Going Places theme highlights students’ ability to go places in their lives with social, spiritual and service–oriented events both in and out of the church community.

Going Places within The Brick Church community:

Monthly Sunday Lunches: Starting No­vember 18, join your friends once a month for lunch after church. Catch up, discuss ideas, build friendships, and network to prepare upcoming events. The next lun­cheon is Sunday, November 18, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Friday Night Dinner Program: Serve people, serve God, serve food! On the first and third Fridays of the month, we gather to cook and share a meal with residents of the 81st Street Coalition for Shelter. This month’s dates are November 2 and 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in Watson Hall Kitchen.

Bible Study: Looking for a place to go deeper in faith? Brick Church students are joining in a Bible Study linked with FOCUS every Thursday night at a home on Park Avenue. Contact Georgia Meeter to find out more.

Going Places outside the city:

High School Retreat: November 30-De­cember 1, 2007: “Justice: Not Just Us!” is the theme for a great overnight opportu­nity for students in the 9th -12th grades. Experience recreation, teambuilding and fun with students from the Presbyteries of Hudson River, Long Island and New York City. Discussions will be about sharing our God-given talents and showing kindness.

The retreat will be held at the Nune­maker Center in Holmes, N.Y., a ski-lodge facility with fireplaces, bunks, and great recreation. We will meet at the church on Friday at 5:00 p.m. to travel together to Holmes and will return to the church to­gether at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The fee is $50.00 per person, which includes Satur­day breakfast and lunch, one night’s lodg­ing and fun, faith-filled programming.

Register immediately with payment made out to The Brick Presbyterian Church. Email Georgia Meeter for a regis­tration form if you did not receive one.

Ski Trip: On January 26, 2008, come for total adventure for beginners to black dia­mond skiers! Mark your calendars now.

Six Flags Water Park: Saturday, May 31, 2008, we will travel to Six Flags to scream our heads off. Mark your calendars now.

Maine Mission Trip: This year’s trip will be Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20. The trip includes times with friends, re­flection and discussion, hard work on people’s homes, and whitewater rafting! Go to www.brickchurch.org for more information.

Women's Association

Founded more than 85 years ago, the Women’s Association supports and encourages fellowship among church members while providing vital support to a host of worthwhile community organizations that serve women and children.

THE BRICK CHURCH FAIR
The 64th Annual Brick Church Fair has arrived. Whether you’re a new mem­ber or a long-time Fair supporter, you’ll love the fellowship, merriment and holi­day spirit pervading this year’s Christ­mas Fair. We’ll be decking the halls and garlanding the balconies of Watson Hall from November 13th-15th. Join us!
Fair proceeds benefit the Women’s Association Outreach Programs, which support needy women, children and the elderly in our neighboring communities. Please volunteer your time and talents, shop for a good cause, and welcome your neighbors, friends and families to do the same. Here’s a preview of this year’s highlights:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Opening Night Party
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $10 admission
Enjoy an elegant evening of gastro­nomic delights and literary insights at this year’s Opening Night Party. Cele­brate with old friends and make new ones as you get into the holiday spirit. Savor delicious homemade hors d’oeuvres.

Hobnob with acclaimed authors, who will be on hand to share insights and au­tographed copies of their latest bestsell­ers. Rejoice in the festive, fabulous music of Steven Smith. And, in keeping with a new Christmas Fair tradition, partake in a cooking demonstration by noted local chef and Brick Church member Katie Brown and other celebrity chefs.

Don’t forget to stock up on homemade meatballs and chili from Brick’s own ‘ce­lebrity’ chefs and enjoy your delicious pur­chases throughout the holiday season.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Shop for a Cause
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Family Night
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. $5 admission
Calling all elves, large and small – wel­come the holiday season with your whole family. Arrive early to order your per­sonalized stationery at Brick’s Personal Papers booth – 50 percent of proceeds directly benefit the Outreach Fund. You will also find great gifts for family, friends and your little ones at our many Brick­booths – from Under the Tree to Holiday Decorating, Gift Boxes to Wool Basket. Enjoy the carol sing-along and have pho­tos taken with Santa as he makes his first East Coast appearance.

Don’t forgot to stop by the Fair’s Bistro and enjoy a dinner of Reindeer Nuggets and appetizing grown-up treats. Before you leave, stop by the Great Wrap-Up booth and pick up some wrapping pa­per – remember all purchases benefit the Outreach programs and you are definite­ly shopping for a good cause!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Festive Holiday Coffee and Shop for a Cause
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Famous for their spirit of community and hospitality, Brick families love the oppor­tunity to celebrate together and share, especially during the Holiday season. As a result, over the past 64 years the Brick Church Fair has grown in size, becom­ing a loved destination for finding just the right gift for just the right person. Time and time again, retail vendors have sought out the Brick Church Fair as a prime venue to reach shoppers while giv­ing back. Long-time fairgoers appreciate the high quality merchandise they have come to expect at the Fair and save their Christmas shopping just for the occasion, recognizing a significant portion of their shopping proceeds will benefit the orga­nizations supported by the Women’s As­sociation Outreach Programs. More than 30 independent vendors will be on hand selling children’s clothes, jewelry, wom­en’s and men’s accessories and an endless array of gift items. Thursday is the day our annual Raffle winners will be drawn, so plan to purchase a book of tickets and take your chances. See you at the Fair!

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT OF ALL? TIME
 What makes the Brick Church Fair truly special is the spirit of community it cre­ates. This is due to the many volunteers who bring it all together. If you have not yet signed up to help, please contact Car­ol Ann Mercer or one of the 2007 Fair Chairs – Maryellen Cundey, Stacie Kal­lenberg, Leslie Weiss and Stephanie Wu. Don’t miss this opportunity to partici­pate in a highlight of the Brick Church holiday season.

Advent Potluck Supper:
December 2nd
The Advent Potluck Supper, a cherished and long-standing tradition at The Brick Church, will take place in Watson Hall at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, the first Sunday of Advent. The Potluck Supper directly follows the Children’s Service of the Lighting of the Creche and leads to the Park Avenue Carol Sing and Tree Lighting. All are welcome; we ask only that you make a reservation and bring a food contribution. Call the church at 212-289-4400 or look for the flier in the upcoming Advent mailing to make a reservation. Watson Hall seats only 250, so please reserve your spot early.

Food contributions are important. Those with last names from A – H, please bring an entrée, from I – P, a salad, and from Q – Z, a dessert. Please bring your food contribution, in a disposable container and sufficient for a group twice the size of your party, to the church on December 2nd between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.Volunteers for cooking, set-up, and serving are very welcome! To volunteer, please call Pat Allen at 212-535-0459, Joan Podell at 212-722-7690, or Christie Winmill at 212-876-3375, or email Christie Winmill.

At 6:15 p.m, when the supper concludes, all adjourn to Park Avenue in front of the church steps for words of remembrance and celebration from Michael Lindvall and a rousing Carol Sing with our community. We invite you to make the Potluck Sup­per a part of your celebration of the Advent season.

Turkey Dinner in Watson Hall:
The Jericho Project Thanksgiving
On Monday, Nov. 5, Watson Hall will be the site of The Jericho Project’s annual Thanksgiving dinner and awards cer­emony for its residents and recent graduates. A nationally rec­ognized leader of the supportive housing movement, Jericho has had astounding success helping formerly homeless men and women finish their education, get meaningful jobs, re-unite with their families and return to independent living. Jericho’s boardmembers and their families, including members of The Brick Church, carve the turkeys, serve meals and wait on tables. The highlight of the evening is an awards ceremony recogniz­ing the individual achievements of selected Jericho residents. If your family is interested in participating, please contact Ian Devine.

Book Club November Selection
The Brick Church Book Club has chosen Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen for their November meeting, which will be hosted by Jean Lumbard at 8 p.m. Monday, November 5. Please RSVP to Jean at 212-996-4484

Membership Meetings in October
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 (212-289-4400, ext. 230) if you plan to attend the November 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, November 4 at 9:50 a.m. or Thursday, November 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, November 11 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, November 13 at 6:45 p.m. or Thursday, November 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, November 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, November 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.

Wanted: Boys of All Ages who are Interested in Fun and Challenging Activities

Would you like to have fun doing such things as camping, hiking and learn­ing how to use a knife and ax safely? Would you like to learn how to build fires, go rappelling, and go whitewa­ter rafting?

Would you like to learn leadership by actually leading other boys? Would you like to learn first aid so you can save lives and take care of cuts, sprains and other common in­juries?

As a boy scout, you will have these opportunities and participate in many other challenging activities that are not only fun, but will also help you develop the inde­pendence and self-confidence that will help you as you grow from a boy into a man. The experience will also provide the opportunity to form new friendships, many of which will last for the rest of your lives. All of this takes place in a program planned and led by the boy leaders (with adult supervision) that allows the troop to do things that boys like and want to do.

If any of this sounds interesting to you, check out Troop 662 of the Boy Scouts and come down and see us at one of our weekly meetings. Our troop is made up of students from the public, parochial and pri­vate schools on the East Side. Troop Meetings are held on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall at The Brick Presbyte­rian Church, located at 62 East 92nd Street. Parents may also contact Kevin Ryan, the Troop Committee Chairman at 212-426-5777.

In addition to Troop Meetings, there is a campout or other activity once a month.

There is another long term benefit to scouting. Every college admissions office wants to know what activi­ties and organizations that you participate in. They also ask if you held any leadership positions or attained any awards. Several Troop 662 members have been able to list ‘Eagle Scout’ on their col­lege applications, which helps them stand out in the crowd. Three scouts will earn their Eagle Scout rank this year.

Upcoming Events
October 10th –12th:Weekend Campout at Alpine Scout Camp
November 9th -11th: Weekend Campout at Clear Lake Scout Camp
November 17th: Advancement Court of Honor
December 1st: Day Hike

YOUNG ADULTS

Chat and Chew
 On the second Sunday of every month we gather for a light brunch and casual discussion after worship. Through out the year these discussions can take on many forms, including discussion of a passage of scripture, a topic relevant to today’s society. On occasion, we invite a pastor to lead discussion on a topic of our choosing. Join us for our second Chat & Chew on Sunday, November 11. We’ll meet at Coffee Hour, immediately following Worship, and then head to the 6th Floor Conference Room. Information about the topic of discussion will be announced on the Young Adults page of the Brick Church website. No need to RSVP.

Advent Cocktail Party
Sunday, December 2, 4:30 p.m.The Brick Church Dining Room
All Young Adult friends, neighbors and members of The Brick Church are invited to our Fifth An­nual Young Adults Advent Potluck Cocktail Party. Please RSVP to youngadults@brickchurch.org and note in your reply what appetizer or dessert you plan on sharing with the group. Following the recep­tion, we will gather with all the revelers outside for the annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting and Carol Sing.

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