By now all of you know Erin Keys’s exciting news. She has been accepted into Princeton Theological Seminary’s highly-regarded Ph.D. program, a demanding course of study that will prepare her to teach others to do the very educational work she does so well. This is the quintessential “bittersweet” news. It is “sweet” for two reasons. First, it’s sweet news in that it enables Christy to be obedient to her unfolding sense of call to serve God and the church of Jesus Christ in a new and very important way. Secondly, it is sweet news because it will ultimately enable Christy to share her remarkable talents and her deeply intelligent faith with the whole church. Her news is “bitter” for us, however, for the obvious reason: we as a congregation will lose her inspiring leadership and valued presence among us.

Each month, one of the ministers will note some of the books that he or she has recently read. Inclusion on the list does not imply endorsement; the hope is that you will find your own reading informed by this column.  This month, Erin Keys shares her picks.

By Robert Appleby
On two consecutive Saturdays in March, Brick Church volunteers spackled and painted several rooms at the Jan Hus Presbyterian Church and Neighborhood House. Spearheaded by Brick Church Elder Stefan Kruger (a trained Habitat for Humanity group leader) and supported by the deacons, this project was the first of hopefully several renovation and refurbishment efforts to be conducted at Jan Hus. This is the latest chapter in The Brick Church’s growing relationship with our sister congregation.

Jan Hus has a long history of outreach to the most disenfranchised members of our community. Its Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program provides direct services to those in need, including a weekly dinner program, pantry services, clothing and toiletries, counseling, referrals, and emergency grants. The program also offers access to computers, phones, fax machines, and photocopiers and currently receives mail for more than 500 people who would not otherwise have a mailing address.

By Order of the Session and the Board of Trustees of The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, the Annual Meetings of the Congregation and Corporation will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2010, in Watson Hall, The Brick Presbyterian Church, 1140 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10128, beginning at 8 p.m.

On Wednesday, May 5, join us at the Congregational Dinner and Annual Meetings of The Brick Church. We will celebrate the depth and breadth of our ministry together as we look back on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. We will have the opportunity to thank our outgoing deacons, elders and trustees for their faithful service to the church, and to elect new officers to lead us in the days ahead. Our Nominating Committee has worked diligently to create a slate of nominated officers who will serve this congregation with faithfulness and distinction. The congregation will vote on this slate following dinner. The evening will begin with a reception on the Youth Floor at 6:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner created by our own in-house member-chefs. The Annual Meetings will begin at 8 p.m. and last one hour. We ask members to pay $25 per person at the door for a wonderful evening of fellowship and church business. R.S.V.P. by email to RSVP@brickchurch.org.

SCS Schedule, Food Drive, Fish Banks, and more!

Mission Work Days, BEANBAG, FNDP and more!

This spring, Adult Education at The Brick Church will host a six-week series on Christianity and Sexuality. The goal is to open an honest conversation about the ways that our faith and Christian tradition inform and are informed by our views of sex and sexuality. We want to ask and talk about hard questions: What does the Bible say about sex, sexuality, and gender? How might Christians be expected to interpret Biblical texts about sexuality today? How have Christians in the past understood sex and sexuality, and how has that impacted where we find ourselves today? Are the sexuality debates in our culture today rooted in theology and the Bible, or in cultural standards foreign to the faith? What is happening in the Presbyterian Church with regard to the sexuality debates? How can parents talk with their kids about sex and sexuality from a Christian perspective that is open and honest? Is there such a thing as “the Christian perspective” on sexuality, or is it more a matter of many perspectives?

All are welcome to join the men’s and women’s Bible studies. These studies are intended to help members and friends learn more about the Bible, and no expertise is necessary. The groups explore and discuss the Biblical text and its meaning for our lives, and we get to know one another in the process. Participants for both men’s and women’s studies are encouraged to bring their own Bibles, though Bibles will be available at the meetings.  This month the Men's Study is featuring a new book and hosting a retreat!

YCP Toiletries Drive, PrimeTimers Long Island Tour, Book Club, Membership and more!

Annual Meeting, Children's Storefront Volunteer Program, and more!

“It was the best day I ever had,” announced a tired but pleased 4-year-old participant in the Day of Discipleship.  She had just completed a busy morning working on projects to help others.  Many of us left that day with a similar sense of satisfaction.  On the morning of May 2nd of last year, more than 150 Brick Church members gathered to serve our neighbors in need.  In the process, we learned together, laughed together and grew in faithfulness together.