We hold this yearly event, especially for children up to 5 years old, in order to learn about the origin of St. Nicholas, hear the story of Jesus’ birth, and get a special visit from St. Nicholas himself! It’s a great afternoon of storytelling and crafts for younger children. This year, the party will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Living Room and the Carnegie Room on the Third Floor of the Parish House.
Crèche Lighting and Advent Festival – Dec. 8
On the same day as the Park Avenue Tree Lighting, we teach our children about the season of Advent. At 10:45 a.m. in the Garden, we light the crèche to commemorate the beginning of the Advent season. During worship, children in the four-year-old class through fifth grade will gather in Watson Hall for Advent-themed games, crafts, and activities. The infants, toddlers, three-year-olds, and sixth and seventh grade will have regular SCS on this Sunday with Advent activities provided.
Pastor Nominating Committee Update
Pastor Nominating Committee Update
The work of your Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) continues to move steadily forward. We have received Personal Information Forms (PIFs) from all around the country, and internationally, and simultaneously have been given names of many potential candidates by Brick Church members, as well as a wide group of Presbyterian leaders and pastors. These have all been very carefully reviewed, as we see who might be a good fit for us. We have reviewed over 100 individuals, and are now evaluating a subset of these candidates in much greater detail. We are having numerous phone conversations, listening to sermons, reading articles/papers/blogs, and thoroughly researching this next round of possibilities. We continue to work conscientiously and carefully, and are very excited by the overwhelming and positive response to our search. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Park Avenue Tree Lighting – Dec. 8
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 (Note: the Tree Lighting is the 2nd Sunday of December this year due to the late Thanksgiving weekend)
Join us for the 75th Annual Tree Lighting and Carol Sing! The whole community is invited to gather in front of the church steps on Park Avenue at 91st Street at 6:30 p.m., where Rev. Dr. Kimberly Clayton will share words of remembrance and celebration and all will join in a rousing Carol Sing led by Brick Church’s Minister of Music, Keith S. Tóth.
Tree Lighting Social Hour – Dec. 8
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 (Note: the Tree Lighting Social Hour is the 2nd Sunday of December this year due to the late Thanksgiving weekend)
Members are invited to enjoy fellowship and goodies before the annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting event. Please plan to join us in Watson Hall for an hour of hot cocoa, cookies and festive nibbles before heading out to the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Christmas Cheer Party – Dec. 10
Tuesday, Dec.10, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As your calendar begins to fill during the busy holiday season, be sure to reserve the date of the Christmas Cheer Party. The Christmas Cheer Party is one of the warmest, most spirited fellowship events of the year. Staff Contact: Renée D. Alston.
Deacon Family Christmas Party Outreach Event – Dec. 14
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 at the Brick Church, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Brick Church Deacons will host their 32nd annual Christmas Party for the children and families from the Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, a non-profit that focuses on needs of children and low income families, for a fun-filled day of games, music, arts and crafts and food, as well as “shopping” in the ever-popular adult and children’s malls. We are seeking gift donations and volunteers. Click here for more details.
Service of Lessons and Carols – Dec. 15
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Join us in the candlelit elegance of The Brick Church’s sanctuary for our annual lessons and carols service featuring the professional voices of the Brick Church Choir under the direction of Keith S. Tóth. You will not want to miss this special musical event, a Brick Church tradition that has delighted so many for decades. Admission is free. Childcare is available with an R.S.V.P. Childcare of the number and ages of children. Staff Contact: Keith Tóth
Christmas Eve Family Service and Christmas Pageant – Dec. 24
Held in the Sanctuary at 4 p.m. this year on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Children 4-years-old through 7th grade are invited to celebrate Advent and Christmas by participating in the 2019 Brick Church Christmas Pageant. To participate in one of the many roles offered, please register online. We welcome older youth to help with lighting and staging. Registration forms are due Monday, Dec. 2. Casting is decided on a first come basis (whomever sends in their registration first) with older children receiving preference.
Pageant Rehearsal Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Rehearsal I – All Participants
Sunday, Dec. 22, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Rehearsal II – 3rd grade and up
Sunday, Dec. 24, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Final Rehearsal – All Participants
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4:00 p.m. – Pageant – time change from previous year.
Christmas Services at The Brick Church
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
A Christmas Eve service of worship is held in the Sanctuary at 10 p.m. on the night before Christmas. Special prelude music for brass quintet, percussion, organ and choir begins at 9:30 p.m. The service includes a sermon, the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and a ceremony of candles, symbolizing the gift of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and our opportunity to bear that light into the world.
Christmas Day
A service of worship will be held in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. The service includes a sermon and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Members of the Chancel Choir present special choral music during this service.