10 a.m.: Adult Education. On Sundays from late September through May, all are invited to classes that explore the Bible and examine theological and spiritual issues and their relevance to our lives today.
11 a.m.: Worship Service. The congregation gathers for worship in the Sanctuary. Christian worship usually includes the four movements that shape worship at The Brick Church: "The Gathering," "The Word," "The Response," and "The Sending."
The Gathering. The congregation is "gathered" by a Call to Worship and opening Hymn of Praise during which the choir and worship leaders process into the church. Such a processional, led by the cross, is a symbol of our common movement deeper into the presence of God through worship. The congregation next offers a unison Prayer of Confession in which we acknowledge our humanity, indeed our sinfulness. A worship leader then speaks words assuring worshippers of God's grace and forgiveness in response to honest confession.
The Word. One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read each Sunday, usually by a reader who is a member of the congregation, a sign that the Bible belongs not to the clergy, but to the whole church. At Brick Church, Sunday Scripture readings generally follow the Common Lectionary, an ecumenical cycle of suggested Bible readings. The Children's Message and Sermon that follow aim to bring the eternal truth of Scripture to bear in our time and place and to apply that truth to the particular challenges of modern life.
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On the first Sunday of each month and on most special days in the Christian calendar, the Sacrament of Holy Communion is observed. All Christians, regardless of their church or denominational affiliation, who would but humbly put their trust in Christ are invited to participate. We believe that the Sacrament was initiated by Jesus Christ on the last night of his earthly life, and in keeping it as he commanded, we not only remember his life, death and resurrection, but celebrate his living presence, a presence that nourishes our souls just as food nourishes our bodies.
The Response. Worshippers respond to the gift of the word in the sung praise of the anthem and by the offering of our time, talents, and resources to the work and mission outreach of Christ's church.
The Sending. At the conclusion of the service of worship, the congregation is "sent out" with a Recessional Hymn and a Charge and Benediction to bear the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the world.
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During the Service, Sunday Church School is offered for children from babies through seventh grade.
- Sunday Church School begins at 11:00 a.m. for children 3 and younger.
- Students from age 4 through seventh grade leave the worship service after the Children's Message and are escorted to their Sunday Church School classes.
After the service, all are invited to Coffee Hour, an opportunity for fellowship held immediately following the Sunday Service. Coffee Hour takes place in the Garden when the weather permits and in Watson Hall when the weather forces us indoors.