Friday Night Dinner Program for Youth
The Brick Church hosts a meal every Friday evening for residents of the 81st St. 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. Rev. Christy Lang and other adults help the youth prepare the meal in Watson Hall Kitchen.

The final youth FNDP night of the year is a barbecue in the Garden on June 6. Students do not need to arrive until 6:15 p.m. on that date. Please contact Georgia Meeter if you can help on the 6th. For more information, go to the FNDP page.

Pray for The Brick Church High School Mission Trip
Please keep Brick Church youth and leaders in your prayers as they depart for Starks, Maine to do service work in partnership with the East Parish Housing Ministry. Please pray for traveling mercies, joy in community, safety in work and play, and that the youth and their leaders would come to know more about each other and God through their trip.

Face to Face / Faith to Faith Applications Are Available
Face to Face / Faith to Faith is a year–long multifaith leadership program that brings together a group of 16– to 18ndash;yearndash;olds from around the world to talk about world issues. The program begins with a summer intensive from June 29 to July 13 and continues with trips to Northern Ireland, South Africa and the Middle East. For information or to apply for this program, visit the Auburn Seminary website or click here to email the program coordinator.

Brick Church Welcomes 21 New Confirmands
On Sunday, May 4, 21 eighth grade students were confirmed into active membership in The Brick Church. Their confirmation followed a year of meeting together, worshipping, discussing the Bible and other topics, and serving the communiy. Congratulations to and blessings upon this year's Confirmands. Many thanks to all those sponsors, parents, staff, and volunteers who helped make this year a success.

Each year, the Confirmands receive a Bible verse as a gift from their congregation. This year, the Confirmation class sponsors and staff met together to choose verses for each student.

Lindsay Elmlinger: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

Christopher von Turk: “Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13

Connor Huff: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Emily German: “So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” – 1 John 4:16

Ethan Cain: “Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” – Psalm 119:1

James Brisotti: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Woodworth Winmill: “With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.” – Psalm 119:10

James Fisch: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” – Matthew 7:7

Sterling Sipp: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Tommy Walker: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

Olivia Drusin: “[Wisdom] is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” – Proverbs 3:18

Will McDuffie: “Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people.” – Proverbs 3:3-4

Katherine Miller: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:4-5

Scott Chapin: “You are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.” – Romans 8:9

Peter Samson: “...be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Lily Lynch: “Although you have not seen Jesus Christ, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy...” – 1 Peter 1:8-9

Steven-Louis Webb Dreyfus: “Émake every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.” – 2 Peter 1:5-7

Grace Mermel: “You are the light of the world. . .let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14, 16

Eliza Doyle: “I hereby command you: be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Austin Gray: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” – James 3:13

Henry Samson: “I lift my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2

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.

Mom’s Morning Out
Moms, their babies, and children ages 2 and younger will continue to meet every Tuesday through July 29. Come anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for fellowship, conversation and play. If you have a child 2 years old or younger, contact the Women’s Association office to learn more about this fun program.

Fun and Fellowship in Summer
The intergenerational fellowship lunches, sponsored by the Women's Association, will continue through summer, except for August. If you have an hour for lighthearted laughter, or are looking to connect with someone new from the church, please plan to come to the Parish House Living Room on Thursday, June 12 and/or Thursday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m. The atmosphere is casual, but the lunches are warm and memorable. All women are invited. Contact the Women’s Association office for more information.

Brick Church Fair Family Ads
It is never too early to capture the perfect snapshot of your family for The Brick Church Fair Program Guide. Summer vacations provide a perfect backdrop for family photos, so set one aside! The deadline for discounted prices ($200 for a full-page ad, or $125 for a half page ad) is August 1. For information, please contact Co-Chairs Virginia Apple, Mettrie Lari, Brooke Ooten, Ashley Reid or Lauren Stahl, or call the Women’s Association office.

Save the Date: Fall Fling is Sept. 19
If you find you’re already filling in your family’s fall schedule for classes and activities, please save September 19 for our festive Fall Fling in The Brick Church Garden. Fall Fling is a great way to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we return from summer. For more information or if you would like to help on this committee, contact the Women’s Association office.

Fall Retreat at Holmes is Oct. 24-26
You are invited to come for a weekend of relaxation, reflection, fellowship and worship in an intimate setting, surrounded by stunning fall colors. All are welcome to The Brick Church Fall Retreat, including children, young adults, families and PrimeTimers. This year’s theme is Peace I Give To You.

On Friday, October 24, Brick Church members and friends will assemble at the Presbyterian Center at Holmes (55 miles north of New York City). Holmes is a 550–acre camp and conference center surrounded by forests, lakes, cliffs, trails and wetlands in the lower Hudson River Valley. The camp’s location provides a beautiful view of the area and the spectacular change of colors in the fall.

The retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening and finishes with lunch on Sunday. Sunday morning will include a time of intergenerational worship that has been a highlight of the retreat for the past two years.

This year’s adult speakers will be our own Brick Church clergy. Michael Lindvall, Doug King and Christy Lang will each lead the group in Bible study and discussion. During adult times, the children and youth will have their own activities, planned and led by Georgia Meeter, Christy Lang and our seminary student ministers. Families and friends can spend free time together in the afternoon, during which they can participate in activities for the whole church family.

Registration forms will arrive in the mail in early summer. Forms with payment are due by September 21 to The Brick Church, attn. Caitlin Sparks. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Christy Lang.

PrimeTimers Summer Barbecue
Join PrimeTimers for the Summer Barbecue, to be held in the Parish House Garden (in the Garden Room, if it rains), on Thursday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. Come celebrate a year of fellowship and help to continue the good times by sharing a delicious meal, including barbecued steak and chicken. Also, become more involved and bring your suggestions for next year’s social and service events. The cost is only $20 for all you can eat. Look for the flier with registration form coming your way by email and snail mail. Information and registration forms are also available at the Parish House Front Desk.

Book Club June Selection
The Brick Church Book Club will read Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan, for the June meeting, which will be hosted on Monday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m. by Gloria Plaut. RSVP to Gloria at 212-737-9278.

Book Club Summer Selection
The Brick Church Book Club’s summer reading is Edith Wharton, by Hermione Lee. The discussion will be at 8:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the home of Jo Bressler. RSVP to Jo at 212-860-4028.

Sunday School Teachers Needed for Fall
The Brick Church has a thriving Sunday School Program that serves children and youth and that, in turn, helps those children and youth serve their church and community.

If you love children and would be willing to lead a lesson at least once per month while working with a group of committed volunteers in your class, consider being a Sunday Church School teacher next year.

For more information, or to volunteer yourself or your friends for this important ministry, please contact SCS Committee Chairs Carol Quinn and Helen Lynch, or contact Brick Church staff members Georgia Meeter or Rev. Christy Lang.

Who May Teach?
Church members may teach, including high school students who are active members of the church. You do not have to be a parent to teach, but all parents whose children participate in the program are asked to consider teaching or substituting.

How Does the Teaching Work?
Each Sunday School class is taught over the course of the year by a team of teachers who serve as pairs on a rotating schedule. Teachers lead class with their teaching partner about once per month, assist once per month, and attend worship on other Sundays. All classes for children ages 3 and older follow curriculum that provides lessons and activities for each Sunday. The Brick Church provides all resources and supplies.

When is the Teacher Training Meeting?
Teacher training will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. At the beginning of each school year, we meet to discuss the year and to provide training in how to use the curriculum and teach effectively. Teaching teams meet and plan ahead together with their calendars.

When does Sunday School start?
Sunday School begins on Sept. 21, 2008, which is the third Sunday of September.

Register Your Child for the 2008–2009 Children’s Choirs
Enrollment forms are now available for the 2008 - 2009 Children's Choir season, which begins in September. Please pick up a form across from the reception desk and return it soon. The Brick Church has choirs for children from age 4 through high school. For more information, or if you have questions about the choir program at The Brick Church, please contact Amanda Page Smith, the director of children’s music ministries.

Congregational Fellowship Women's Barbecues
Please reserve Thursday, June 12, for the first of two Women’s Summer BBQs in the Garden. All female Brick Church members age 21 and older are welcome, along with additional friends and family.

The evening will begin with appetizers at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dessert. The cost is $25.00. The second date is Thursday, July 17th.

If you would like to volunteer to help or need additional information, please contact Shannon Froehlich or Lucy Cary.

Strawberry Festival and All-Church Picnic
On Sunday June 1, directly following worship, the annual Brick Church Strawberry Festival and All Church Picnic will take place on 92nd Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Each year, the Strawberry Festival and All Church Picnic count among the congregation’s favorite annual events with its fun atmosphere and great food. Feel free to dress casually and proceed directly to the festival after worship.

This promises to be a terrific family event so please come out after the service and enjoy live music; great food (hot dogs, soft drinks, strawberry shortcake with ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream); and conversation with friends and neighbors.

Tickets for the Strawberry Festival desserts are $5 at the door or $4 if purchased in advance. Tickets will be available on the Sundays May 18 and 25. The Strawberry Festival also needs volunteers to hull strawberries on Friday, May 30, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; to bake cakes on Saturday, May 31; and to be waiters at the event on Sunday, June 1.

For information about the Strawberry Festival, contact Don Spongberg or Rob Kellas.

The Brick Church 'Bags' New Going Green Efforts
It takes creativity and determination to spot opportunities to ‘go green’ by saving resources and recycling. This summer, The Brick Church is introducing a new ‘going green’ idea: saving shopping bags and dropping them off at church. This isn’t about helping them be born again, but all great bags deserve a second chance to be useful.

Bags are just bags everywhere else, but for someone new to the city, it is amazing to see the eye catching array of merchants’ shopping bags. They can be a plethora of different styles from stunning to sensational, from shiny to subdued.

Some bags, after carrying the goods home, take on a second life for errands, like coming to The Brick Church carrying supplies for meetings and ‘eating events,’ but most are simply discarded. They depart this life stuffed in the clear recycling bags that line New York City sidewalks. The bags that are saved might be reincarnated as book covers, chair webbing or a curious hot dog ingredient. Some even get lucky and come back as designer belts.

This summer, bags have another calling. Like New Yorkers, city bags should head to the country this summer. The organizers of a mission fundraising country barn tag sale need as many bags as possible to package their goods. Bags of all shapes, sizes and colors are needed. Please drop off like-new bags at the church front desk so that they can be brought to the country this summer. Email Georgia Meeter with any questions about this recycling opportunity.

After recycling your bags, bag up city stress and enjoy some country time yourself, so that you will come back refreshed for the wide variey of new and exciting opportunities of the fall season at The Brick Church.

The Brick Bombers Softball Season Begins
The season is officially underway! We will be playing in Central Park’s North Meadow either at field #1 or #9. We look forward to many of you coming to play or cheer throughout the season. The schedule is below. Please contact AnnMarie Carlson or Amy Johnson with any questions.