For Such a Time… From Rev. Douglas T. King

   

The Brick Presbyterian Church
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 29, 2020
11 a.m. Online Service of Worship
 
A Message From The Rev. Douglas T. King
 
Dear Friends in Christ,
    
In the book of Esther, the Jewish people are facing a grave threat. In order for them to be saved, Queen Esther must intervene. Her cousin Mordecai urges her to take action to ensure the well-being of her people. The phrase he uses to encourage her to act is “for such a time as this…” This phrase has often been invoked by people of faith to respond to care for others in times of crisis. We continue to be grateful for your support of each other and the church during this time. Please see our need for volunteers later in this email.
 
We look forward to joining you via livestream this Sunday. We are blessed to have student minister Jacob Kennedy preaching. As with our service last Sunday, we needed to record segments of this service at different times in different places. Please join us this Sunday by clicking HERE. Please join us after the service for a livestream chat by clicking the “comment” button at the top right of the livestream.
 
If you can help, we need you. If you would like to volunteer, please email Chanel Robertson, Interim Coordinator for Mission and Ministries, at crobertson@brickchurch.org. If you need help, please email me at dking@brickchurch.org and we will be in touch with you.
 
We are grateful for the church and school leaders and staff who are working hard to sustain our efforts in this time. We are also deeply grateful to those who are sending contributions to help the church financially while we worship in a virtual space. Your gifts help to sustain our church and our mission partners, who are so busy in this time of crisis. If you would like to provide your offering, please click HERE.
 
Please keep those affected by this situation around the world in your prayers. As in all times, we put our trust in Jesus Christ and are grateful that we have been called together into this community of faith. As always, please contact me with any concerns or questions you may have.
 
Grace and Peace,
 
The Rev. Douglas T. King
Senior Associate Minister, Acting Head of Staff
 
Faith In Action
 
To volunteer, email Chanel Robertson at crobertson@brickchurch.org.
 
1) Help call members to check in, make sure they are okay, remind everyone about Sunday livestream worship and offer church assistance (technical or other);
 
2) Bolster our Prayer Partners Team to pray with individuals in need of support (member and non-member);
 
3) Offer technical assistance to those who may have difficulty accessing our online and virtual programming;
 
4) Send cards and letters of support (to homebound and to hospitals)
 
Program Leadership Projects (ongoing)
 
  • The Church and School are donating available medical supplies
  • Virtual and at-home Sunday Church School for families at home
  • Virtual Adult Education
  • Virtual Confirmation Class
  • Small-group fellowship for youth and adults
  • Social Media Prayers and Devotions
  • Women’s Association Tender Loving Care
 
For a list of how to help in the city, or find financial resources during this time, please click HERE.
·      
Faith Formation
 
At-home Sunday Church School
This week, as we return to Sunday Church School, all families will receive materials from their teachers. The Children’s Ministry Committee will provide grade-appropriate virtual Sunday School at the appropriate time.
 
Virtual Children’s Story Time, Thursdays at 11 a.m.
For children under 5 years old, Kiah Baxter, Director of Children’s Ministries, will begin a Zoom story time next week. Meeting information will be included in our Tuesday email and emailed to families in advance.
 
The Story of Esther
For those who are interested in sharing the story of Esther mentioned by Rev. King above, a link to the Veggie Tales story of Esther “The Girl Who Became Queen” can be found here: VIDEO LINK.
 
Easter Flowers
The beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday are made possible by your donations to the Women’s Association Flower Fund. Donate flowers “in memory of a loved one” or “to honor” someone you appreciate. If we are unable to have flowers in the sanctuary on Easter, we will list names as submitted and then celebrate with flowers when we can return to public worship. Donations are accepted online and the deadline for submissions will be Sunday, April 5. For information contact Shannon Froehlich in the Women’s Association office.
 
These programs are only possible with your contributions.
Please click HERE to give online. #divineconnections #brickchurchnyc