It is clear to B.J., Hannah Ruth, and me that God has brought us to a church that is eager to make us a part of its family. This December, as we embark on the holidays together, as we celebrate God’s ability to do new things amongst us, we are—each of us—called to remember that Advent is a time of new things. The season of Advent is a period of waiting, anticipation, and expectation, and yet, on one hand, much of my anticipation has passed. The waiting has ended, and our new life together has begun.

 

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is an intriguing novel about a little boy named Peekay growing up in Africa with everyone and everything against him. Despite being bullied and having no one for support, Peekay fights to survive and does not allow anyone to break his spirit. With a little inspiration from a stranger...

On Christmas Eve at the 4 p.m. Christmas Pageant and at the 11 p.m. Communion service, the deacons will be continuing the tradition of collecting White Gifts. Congregants are asked to bring toys for the East Harlem Urban Center and new white t-shirts and socks for the Jan Hus Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program. Please wrap donations in white paper and label them with a description of contents. Gifts will be placed in the chancel at the Pageant and in the Narthex at the Communion service. Please join us in this generous tradition of The Brick Church and help make a difference for those in need this winter. For information, contact Doug King.

All members of the Brick Church family are invited to an evening of Christmas cheer at the home of Michael and Terri Lindvall, 17 East 89th Street, on Tuesday evening Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This warm, festive event has grown to be a much-anticipated Christmas tradition among the Brick Church community. Cocktails and heavy hors d'œuvres will be served.

 

What is Annual Stewardship?  The commitment from each member to support the church with cash contributions for the year ahead. This enables the church to meet its budget.  It supports the ministries and operations of The Brick Church, all of the programs in which members participate, the more than 40 outreach programs in our community and around the world, and the operation and maintenance of our church. Approximately 60 percent of The Brick Church budget is funded by these annual stewardship pledges.

 

What is Planned Giving? Typically, a planned gift may range from a current gift, to a direct bequest in your will, to using a gift vehicle such as a donor-advised fund, a charitable gift annuity, or a charitable trust. Each of these vehicles can channel funds to the Brick Church endowment.  Any gift other than a Stewardship pledge may be designated as a planned gift.

For the season of Advent, Adult Education will host a three-part series entitled “Advent, a Time of Waiting.” Advent which means “the coming of something momentous” is a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.  

 

Traditionally, the theme of teachings during Advent is to prepare for the second coming of Christ by commemorating his first coming at Christmas. To follow this tradition at The Brick Church, on Sundays Dec. 4, 11 and 18, the Brick Church seminarians will lead a series that focuses on the season of Advent through the eyes of faithful individuals who waited.  

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 group explores and discusses the Biblical text and its meaning for our lives, and we get to know one another in the process.

 

 

 

 

A Special Thank You to the Fair Volunteers
 The Women’s Association would like to extend its warmest appreciation to each and every member and friend that volunteered at this year’s Brick Church Christmas Fair. Thank you for your time, ideas, commitment and energy. The fair was an outstanding success in many ways. Friends and family members participating in holiday shopping for a cause make the Fair a unique event, and the proceeds benefit women and children in nearby communities.