It’s Official: Dedication Sunday, October 16
Special Guests, A New Anthem, Festive Reception

Last month, we unveiled our restored space and new organ in a homecoming service and celebration for church members in the sanctuary.  This month, we’ll share our joy with the public on Dedication Sunday, October 16.

Dedication Sunday marks an important event in the life of our church and the community.  Moreover, opening the doors of our newly restored sanctuary is symbolic of our commitment to reach beyond the walls of the church, through matching funds raised for mission in our community and around the world. 

We begin the day with a special festival service of worship at 11:00 a.m. – the public celebration of our new organ, restored sanctuary and mission outreach.   Key to the service will be a formal dedication of our new Casavant organ to Pastor Emeritus Dr. Herbert and Mrs. Mary Lou Anderson, in whose honor the organ was given.  The Brick Church Choir, under the direction of Keith Toth and accompanied by the new organ, will perform an anthem by Gerre Hancock, O Be Joyful in the Lord All Ye Lands, commissioned in memory of longtime Brick Church member and chorister Arden E. Bing. National and local church leaders and public officials will participate; invited guests will form a gala procession on Park Avenue leading into the sanctuary prior to the service.  The events will end with a festive picnic luncheon on Park Avenue, with delicious food and activities for children. Church members, friends and family are invited.  To secure a seat, consider arriving early.

Capital Campaign Outreach Committee Developing Grant Criteria
The Capital Campaign Outreach Committee (CCOC) has been working on criteria for distributing the $1.5 million raised for outreach in the recent capital campaign. The committee identified four areas of outreach: International Mission Outreach, which is chaired by Nell Kleinschmidt; Local Church Development, chaired by Margaret Tranbaugh; Local NYC Outreach, chaired by Sophie Kramer; and Seminary Education, chaired by Stewart Clifford. The CCOC expects to make a limited number of large grants as opposed to numerous small grants.

At present, the team is developing criteria for these projects and will present their work to Session for approval. In the meantime, they welcome thoughts and ideas from the congregation. Please feel free to contact any of the pastors, CCOC chair Christopher Mahan, subcommittee chairs listed above, members of the committee or send a note to Caitlin Sparks (csparks@brickchurch.org).

The Presidents’ Preaching Series
Over the next year-and-a half, the presidents of all of our Presbyterian Church (USA) seminaries will preach in the pulpit of The Brick Church. This unprecedented series of sermons is linked to the renovation of our sanctuary, the installation of a new pipe organ, and the decision to match each dollar raised for our renovation with a dollar for renewed mission commitment.

We feel that these events in the life of our congregation provide a fit context for Biblical and theological reflection about the future of the church. Our seminaries are the “jewels in our Presbyterian crown,” served by exceptionally able men and women. The Word they will individually and collectively bring will be important for our congregation, for the denomination, and perhaps for the larger church of Jesus Christ. The theme binding these sermons together is “Grounds for Hope.”

After worship, you will have the opportunity to meet each visiting president at a Sunday brunch, with a time for conversation, questions and answers. At the end of the series, the sermons will be printed in a single volume.

January 15, 2006
Samuel Calian, President
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

February 12, 2006
David Wallace, President
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary

March 12, 2006
Cynthia Campbell, President
McCormick Theological Seminary

April 30, 2006
Dean Thompson, President
Louisville Theological Seminary

May 21, 2006
Jeffrey Bullock, President
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

September 17, 2006
Barbara Wheeler, President
Auburn Theological Seminary

October 22, 2006
Laura Mendenhall, President
Columbia Theological Seminary

November 5, 2006
Iain Torrence, President
Princeton Theological Seminary

December 17, 2006
Theodore Wardlaw, President
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

The Inaugural Concert Series
A year-long series of concerts and services inaugurating our new Casavant organ will begin on Sunday afternoon, October 30 at 4:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir and soloists under the direction of Keith S. Toth will present the New York City premiere of Alfred Desenclos’ Requiem along with other works for organ and choir. The Brick Church’s assisting organist, Dr. John B. Herrington III, will be the organist for this service.

French composer Alfred Desenclos (1912-1971) composed the Requiem in 1963. His work is in the same Impressionist style as that of the famous requiem by Maurice Duruflé. The organ accompaniment is ideal for the sounds of our new Casavant organ. Admission is free for this service of remembrance and reflection in anticipation of All Saints Day on November 1.

On Monday evening, November 7 at 8:00 p.m., world renowned Dutch concert organist and recording artist Ben van Oosten will give the opening recital on our new organ. More information on this concert will appear in the November Record. General admission tickets at $20 are available for this concert by contacting Keith Toth in the Music Office (212-289-4400, ext. 231). Seating will be limited to 500. For more information on the inaugural concert series, please visit the Brick Church website.

Sunday, October 30, 2005 — 4:00 p.m.
A Choral concert with the Chancel Choir and organ performing Alfred Desenclos’ Requiem mass and other works for choir and organ. Keith S. Toth, conductor; John B. Herrington III, organist.
monday, november 7, 2005 — 8:00 p.m.
Gala Opening Organ Recital – Dutch concert organist Ben van Oosten.

Monday, November 28, 2005 — 8:00 p.m.
French-American concert organist Lynne Davis in recital.

Sunday, December 11, 2005 — 4:00 p.m.
Candlelight Carol Service featuring organ, choir, other instruments. Keith S. Toth, conductor; John B. Herrington III, organist.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 — 8:00 p.m.
Two celebrated Québec organists, Jean-Guy Proulx and Jacquelin Rochette, in a joint recital.

Sunday, February 29 and Monday, February 20, 2006
American Guild of Organists’ Presidents’ Day Convocation “A Symposium on the Organ Music of Louis Vierne” – lectures and concert featuring the Brick Church Casavant Organ; Ben van Oosten (The Hague), organist; Jean Galard (St-Médard, Paris and Beauvais Cathedral), organist; Brigitte de Leersnyder (Paris), lecturer.

Monday, March 6, 2006 — 8:00 p.m.
American concert organist Stephen Tharp in recital.

Good Friday, April 14, 2006 — 12:15 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
Sir John Stainer’s The Crucifixion featuring choir, organ and guest soloists. Keith S. Toth, conductor; K. Bryan Kirk, organist. Evening presentation of Marcel Dupré’s Stations of the Cross for narrator(s) and organ featuring Keith S. Toth, John B. Herrington III and other guest organists.

Monday, May 8, 2006 — 8:00 p.m.
British concert organist Jane Parker-Smith in recital.

Sunday, November 5, 2006 — 4:00 p.m.
Concluding recital by Keith S. Toth and John B. Herrington III.

Christy Lang To Be Installed and Ordained On Oct. 23
The congregation of the Brick Presbyterian Church is invited to attend a Service of Ordination and Installation for Christiane Lang, the new Associate Pastor of Education and Discipleship. The service will take place in the Sanctuary on Sunday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Come celebrate this joyous and important event
in the life of The Brick Church.

PCUSA Task Force Says Stay Together Despite Conflicts
The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church has issued a report calling for the denomination to stay together while deep disagreement over issues like the ordination of gay and lesbian persons remains. The Task Force’s mandate from the General Assembly was “to lead the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity in and for the 21st century.” For more information, please visit the Church’s website, www.pcusa.org.

From the Pastor
When a new session committee began meeting late last winter to plan events to mark the renovation of our sanctuary, installation of the organ, and the new mission initiatives that parallel these two “brick and mortar” initiatives, they struggled to name themselves - but not for long. In no time, they simply chose the word that everyone was using to describe what they hoped to plan: celebration. The Celebration Committee it was! This issue of the Record outlines what they’ve planned in some detail. Let me sum up those plans in a nutshell and offer a few notes about what I think they mean. A summary…

Dedication Sunday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m. with special guests, a new choral anthem commissioned for the day and a celebrative reception on south-bound Park Avenue after worship. We will dedicate the new Casavant organ to the glory of God and in honor of The Reverend Herbert and Mary Lou Anderson, whose 22-year ministry at The Brick Church touched so many lives and brought dramatic growth and renewed vitality. We will also dedicate the renovated sanctuary, gardens and Garden Room as well as the $1,500,000 that has been raised for new mission in New York City, the nation, and the wider world.

A singular preaching series that will see eleven presidents of Presbyterian Theological Seminaries preach at The Brick Church over the next 15 months. To the best of my knowledge, this series of sermons is a first. Our seminaries have been called the “crown jewels” of the Presbyterian Church, and their presidents are superb preachers. Each president will preach around a common theme, “Grounds for Hope.” We plan to publish these sermons in a single volume at the end of the series.

Music to remember will be part of Brick Church’s life for the next year. Keith Toth and the Celebration Committee have planned an extraordinary series of concerts and special worship services that will see the world’s greatest concert organists playing at Brick Church, a new anthem presented and several venerable Brick Church traditions enlivened by our new organ.

A few notes…
First, in the late 1940’s, Paul Wolfe and Clarence Dickinson, Senior Minister and Minister of Music of The Brick Church respectively, co-authored an extraordinary little monograph that underscored the importance of BOTH preaching and music in the life of the church. What our Celebration Committee has planned for the next year affirms that dual emphasis and balance between these two central aspects of worship in the Reformed tradition.

Secondly, the $1,500,000 in new mission funds that match funds for Brick Church’s renovation is a clear declaration that a church is not just a glorious building, great music and memorable preaching. What the church does inside those walls must have integrity with what it does for the world outside those walls. This is especially true for a congregation with resources like ours.

Finally, staid Presbyterians notwithstanding, celebration is a fit, even biblical activity. When Jesus preached, he most often used parables, short and pithy stories rooted in day-to-day life. His parables most often used three kinds of metaphors from first-century life: agriculture, financial transactions, and parties of various kinds. So, how fit it is to celebrate the goodness of God, the sweetness of life together as a church, and the good work God has given us to do.
—Michael Lindvall

As Budget Time Approaches...
The Joint Committee on Finance of the Trustees and the Session has the job of watching over the annual budget at Brick Church. As we said in a Record article last month, we are becoming increasingly concerned that our sources of income have not been growing as fast as our expenses.
Last month, we took a look at each source of the Church’s annual income – Contributions, Endowment and the Day School. The main message was that we have come to rely too heavily on the endowment, at a time when the markets have not been providing strong returns. This month, we will look at the recent trends in expenses.

Here is a history of the Brick Church’s annual operating expenses over the last five years, together with our budgeted expenses for this year. (These expenses exclude both the direct expenses of the Day School, which are covered by its tuition and other revenues, and the expenses of the Women’s Association, which are covered by the annual Fair.)

The first thing to mention is that we have been keeping expenses under pretty good control. From 2000 to 2005, we averaged yearly growth of a little under 4%, right in line with our growth rate in membership and only slightly ahead of the 2.5% inflation rate.

When you dig a little deeper, you find that a large proportion of the increase in expenses is in the “non-controllable” categories – including particularly fuel costs and insurance. We have 75,000 square feet of space to heat and cool, and while we manage our energy usage carefully, the rise in prices has taken a big toll. Our insurance costs have more than doubled since 2000 – an increase of over $80,000. Pension costs have also risen substantially, reflecting the higher cost of purchasing annuities for retiring employees in a period of low interest rates.

There has also, of course, been continued growth in our ministry, particularly for youth and young adults, together with an increasingly active Christian Education program. We have maintained support for our budget for Mission Outreach, through the work of the Board of Deacons and the Grants Committee, although we have been forced to restrain the growth in that budget to about 1.5% per year.

As you can see, when we prepared the budget for 2005 we were able to hold total expenses essentially even with 2004. We did this by tightening down in a number of areas, including mailing the Record at third-class rather than first-class rates. In a few weeks, we will have a clearer picture of the budget we will need for 2006, but it is unlikely that we will be able to repeat such a modest increase. With the contribution from the endowment already stretched to the limit, we need to ask and pray for the continued support of our generous congregation to help us bring our income up to meet our expenses.
—Joint Committee on Finance of the Trustees and the Session

Wednesday Morning Services
The Wednesday Morning Communion Service will resume on October 5, and continue every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Reformed Faith. All are welcome to attend this thirty minute service of worship and to stay for a light breakfast in the Dining Room of the Old Parish House immediately afterward.

Yorkville Common Pantry & The Brick Church:
Feeding the Hungry for Over a Decade

Brick Church volunteer Ed Macgrath was at the Yorkville Common Pantry when the preschoolers came to fill grocery bags. This group had collected and donated dollars to the Pantry Program, and their reward was to assemble grocery bags. But there were a few obstacles: the children were about as tall as the tables where food was stacked, they couldn’t read the grocery lists, and they tended to pull out cans from the bottom of tall stacks. Pandemonium ensued. Nonetheless, each child managed to fill a food bag.

Preschoolers are not the only group volunteers. Mennonites play a big role at YCP. Every Thursday and Friday, they offer a 10 minute Bible-based meditation before the hot breakfast. And, as Ed can attest, the gathered volunteers find more in common than their hourly contributions.

In 1982, The Brick Presbyterian Church joined other East Side churches and synagogues as founding sponsors of the Yorkville Common Pantry, located at 8 East 109th Street. With sponsors’ continuous support, YCP has become the largest neighborhood-based provider of emergency food in New York City. It distributes over 1 million meals annually. Some recipients of food packages, hot meals, or shelter are homeless, but many are from working low-income families. YCP serves them in innovative ways.
The Pantry Program distributes meals to 600 families on Thursdays and Saturdays. One third of the Pantry clients are senior citizens, many with dependent grandchildren.

Beyond the Pantry Program, YCP operates hot breakfast, soup kitchen, and shelter programs. In 2003, YCP began the 24/7 Program, the first of its kind in NYC and only the second of its kind in the country. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it provides over 2000 emergency meals each week to people from across New York’s boroughs.

The Brick Church has pioneered successful programs such as the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, the Vegetable of the Month cooking class sponsored by the Women’s Association, and a Brick Church Day School Thanksgiving Food Drive. As a member of the Brick Church community, you have many opportunities to personally help the Yorkville Common Pantry feed the hungry.

It’s Easy to Get Involved
October 30 Fall Harvest Food Drive — Pick up Food Donation Bags on Sundays during October. Bring back the filled bags for presentation during October 30 worship.

Thanksgiving Turkey Drive — Donate money during November Coffee Hours to buy turkeys for families in need.

Give of yourself — Pre-pack bags: Every Thursday and Saturday, with some opportunities on other days. Distribute bags: Thursdays or Saturdays. Office Helping Hands: Make your own schedule.

You can volunteer individually or with a group/friends/family, and can tailor the time commitment to suit your schedule. Some members volunteer each week while others join groups such as the Primetimers on a quarterly basis. In addition, YCP is not far away. Take any Madison Avenue bus to 109th Street, and walk toward Fifth Avenue. People in our neighborhood are hungry. YCP is nearby, and it is flexible. Your involvement will help fill a fundamental human need.

Deacons: Willie Carter 212-534-0425
Beth Green 212-427-2834

Church Mouse Program Returns
If you have a student who will be away at boarding school this year, you are invited to sign him or her up for the Church Mouse Program. These students will receive anonymous small gifts and notes from church members, reminding them that The Brick Church cares for them.

We also need members to serve as Church Mice. They will be paired with students away at school. This ministry is a great opportunity for your whole family, including children, to get involved in showing the love of Christ to one another.

To register your student for this wonderful, free program—or to register yourself or your family as a Church Mouse—please contact Chris Curtin-Barnes at ccurtin@nydailynews.com or David Wagener at david@wagenercapital.com.

Give a Pint to Save a Life!
Mark your calendars now. The Brick Presbyterian Church’s Fall Blood Drive will be held on October 23 in Watson Hall from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

To be eligible, blood donors must be between 17 and 75, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, must not have spent 3 months or more in the United Kingdom between 1980-1996, and must not have spent 5 years or more in Europe since 1980. In addition, a photo ID is required.

If you are eligible to donate, please do so now. Please encourage others to join us on Sunday, October 23. For further information please contact Deacons Rob Kellas (212-270-3560) or Todd Aydelotte (212-759-7132).

New Member Classes in October
Interested in learning more about the Christian faith, the Presbyterian Church, and the Brick Church? Come participate in our three-part membership classes, which will be offered periodically throughout the year at the Brick Church. Please contact Helen Phillips (212-289-4400, ext. 230) if you plan to attend, or simply for more information. Childcare is available for all the Sunday classes and upon request for the Thursday classes and the Saturday orientation. The Christian Faith: Thursday, October 13 at 6:45 p.m. The Presbyterian Tradition: Thursday, October 20 at 6:45 p.m. or Saturday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m. The Meaning of Membership: Saturday, October 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Received into Membership: Sunday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Family Sundays Begin in October
The Sunday Church School and Worship Committees are pleased to announce that this year the Brick Church will celebrate Family Sunday on the first Sunday of each month. On Family Sundays, 1st through 8th graders are invited to remain in church with their families for the entire worship service. Children four years old through Kindergarten age may leave the service for Sunday School after the Children’s Message. Childcare for younger children and infants will be available for the whole service. Our first Family Sunday will be October 2.

Family Sunday will allow children to regularly experience the whole worship life of the church. We selected the first Sunday of each month because this timing enables children to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and to witness the Sacrament of Baptism. We want to give children the opportunity to learn the hymns, prayers, creeds, and stories of this family of faith and to experience the liturgical patterns of worship that enact our faith. We also believe that children have special gifts to offer in the worship life of the church, and we hope that Family Sundays will allow them to participate in worship leadership in new ways.

Family Sundays in 2005-2006 take place on the following dates: October 2, November 6, December 4, January 1, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4.

BRICK KIDS
Wanted: Scripture Readers in Third Grade and Up
Children and youth in the third grade and up are invited to serve as Scripture readers on Family Sundays, which will begin in October. Parents of readers will receive the Biblical text in advance via email 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 email Christy Lang at clang@brickchurch.org and include the name, age, and grade of your reader.

Pioneers is a Blast for 5th & 6th Graders
If you are a 5th or 6th grader or know someone who is, consider getting involved with The Brick Church Pioneers this year. Starting on October 2, the Pioneers will gather on designated Sundays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Brick Church for 2 hours of fun, fellowship, dinner, and a service project.

Led by Coach Rice of St. Bernard’s fame, we will play games and then say a prayer and eat dinner at 6:00 p.m. Afterwards we’ll complete a service project. For example, last year we made a beautiful stewardship poster, created cards for the Florence Nightingale Center on Third Avenue, and put together care packages for the Asian disaster relief effort. The evening will close with a hilarious send-off such as musical chairs or a human pyramid.

Our chaperones are parents who serve on the Pioneers Committee, as well as two other parents of Pioneer students. Here are the dates for Pioneers events for the 2005-2006 year: October 2, November 6, January 8, February 12, March 5 and May 7. We hope to see you there! Bring a 5th or 6th Grade friend.
Questions? Contact Christy Lang at clang@brickchurch.org.

Seventh Graders Gather
All 7th graders are invited to be a part of The Brick Church’s fun, lively 7th Grade Group. Our first meeting will happen at The Brick Church on Sunday, October 2 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Come with your friends and be prepared to have a great time. Keep your eyes open for more details on this program. For more information, contact David Wagener at david@wagenercapital.com.

Confirmation Class for 8th graders Begins Sunday, October 30
Confirmation Class is for 8th graders who want to explore the Christian faith, learn more about The Brick Church, and grow in faith with their friends. Classes begin on October 30 and continue through April 9. Confirmation Sunday is May 7.

Registration forms were mailed out in late August and are due September 25. If you have not signed up yet, please do so as soon as possible. Caitlin Sparks (csparks@brickchurch.org or 212-289-4400 x240) has additional forms. Please direct questions about the program to Christy Lang, 212-289-4400 x247.

Confirmation Classes will be held in the 6th Floor Classroom from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on the following dates:
October 30; November 6, 13, and 20; December 4; January 8, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12; April 9.

Other Confirmation events:
Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.: Confirmation students presented to Session
Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m.: Youth Sunday Rehearsal
Sunday, April 23, 10:00 a.m.: Youth Sunday
Sunday, April 30, after church: NYC CROP WALK
Sunday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.: Confirmation Sunday

Friday Night Dinner Program Returns
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. This is a great time to spend with friends and to serve people and God.

High School youth take the lead on the first Friday of every month (October 7), and 8th graders volunteer on the third Friday of every month (October 21). Please meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Watson Hall Kitchen. We will be finished by 8:00 p.m. Questions about youth involvement in the Friday Night Dinner Program? Contact Christy Lang at 212-289-4400 x247 or clang@brickchurch.org.

Brick Church School Admission
If your child will be three years old by November 1, 2006, and you are interested in applying to The Brick Church School for admission in September 2006, please call 212-289-5683 for more information.

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.

Mark a Memory
Ever wonder where the beautiful flowers at Sunday service come from? The Women’s Association sponsors The Brick Church’s tradition of offering flowers at Sunday Worship. Members can donate flowers in memory of a loved ones or to celebrate a baptism, confirmation, birthday or significant anniversary. If you would like to mark an important milestone in this way, please contact Carol Ann Mercer in the Women’s Association office.

Rummage Sale October 21 & 22
The Brick Church Fair’s Fall Rummage Sale is upon us. An important part of Fair Season, the rummage sale offers values to Brick members and our neighbors alike. Please spread the word to interested shoppers. Volunteers are also needed to set up on Thursday, October 20, and to work 1-2 hour shifts on Friday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please contact Carol Edwards at cedwards@estee.com to help or call the Women’s Association office.

The Brick Church Fair: Spirit, Service, Fun!
The Brick Church Fair has been part of Brick for 63 years and, says member Margery Hawks, co-chair of the Fair’s Gift Box committee, “a place where everybody gets together and has fun at something you love doing.” Mrs. Hawks should know. She’s been volunteering at the Fair for over 35 years! For both longstanding and new fair supporters and volunteers, it’s nearly that time of year again. The 63rd Annual Brick Church Fair, sponsored by the Women’s Association, will take place from November 15 through November 17.

Women’s Association volunteers, along with high-quality vendors, will offer a broad range of goods and gifts for the holidays, Proceeds from the fair support the Women’s Association’s outreach to organizations serving women, children and the elderly in Yorkville and East Harlem.

The three-day fair attracts more than 1,000 shoppers. It will be co-chaired this year by Alison Brown, Anna Caspersen, Silsbee Philo and Maria Wildermuth. The festive Opening Night kick-off is on Tuesday, November 15. Santa stops by for pictures on Wednesday, which is Family Night. Finally, it’s a Holiday Creative Coffee time on Thursday, November 17, when talented Brick members show us how to make the holidays more fun. Fair Co-chair Maria Wildermuth says, “The Brick Church Fair offers not only an extraordinary opportunity for fellowship and holiday merriment, but more important, a chance to impact our community in a significant and lasting way.” Whether you have an hour to give, a day, or are looking for a new way to connect with friends and community, join a Fair committee. You are also invited to shop and bring your friends. For more information, or to join the fun, contact Carol Ann Mercer, Fair Coordinator at Brick Church at 212-289-4400 ext. 244.

Time to Start Thinking About Christmas Cards!
You can support the Fair’s Outreach fund by ordering your Christmas cards, gift enclosure cards, holiday party invitations and personalized gifts through the Personal Papers Committee. Visit the Pre-holiday Stationery Sale on Sunday, October 23, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.; Tuesday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information email Janet Ley at janetley@earthlink.net or call the Women’s Association office.

COMMUNITY LIFE
Heartbreaker Ends Bombers’ Winning Season
They say that baseball “is a game of inches,” but in our league it could be a few feet.
The Brick Bombers were geared up for the Championship Game on Sunday, August 28. Most of our original cast was there for the match up against Broadway Presbyterian Church. A few team members could not play, and they were truly missed. We started off by winning the coin toss and claiming home field advantage, but challenges began in the first inning. By the fourth inning, the Brick Bombers were turning it on, the score was 13-9 Broadway over Brick, with three good innings of the game left to play. After battling back and keeping it close, the Bombers entered the bottom of the last inning trailing 17-11. With a tremendous amount of heart and a little hustle, we were able to score 3 runs. Then, with runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs, the tying run came to the plate. The final out was recorded on a hard hit liner to shortstop and our season came to an end. We retired as the East Side Champions of the 2005 Presbyterian Church Softball League.

The 2005 Brick Bombers were an interesting mix of Brick Church members and loyal visitors who were convinced at coffee hour that this would be a fun Sunday afternoon activity. We would like to recognize this year’s Most Valuable Player, Michael Davis, and the Most Improved Player, AnnMarie Carlson. We hope that next season will bring some new prospects who are ready to continue our winning ways. Thanks to everyone who came out to play and contributed to a wonderful season full of fellowship and team spirit! See you next year!

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).

The Brick Church Book Club — October Discussion
The Brick Church Book Club will read The Weight of Water, by Anita Shreve, for the October meeting, which will be at the home of Claire Bosee, 160 East 84th Street, on Monday, October 3, at 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Claire at 212-288-3394.