Welcome to Brick Church Within stewardship lies the secret to Christian success. In the world, one becomes successful by inventing something, by making significant money, or by becoming popular - finding acclaim from the world - and that is how we achieve success. But success in the Christian world comes through devoted stewardship. Click here to read more about our new ministry theme, “Faith in Action” from Senior Minister Thomas Evans. We are a community growing in love for God, one another, and the world. Please join us! SU N DAY Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Sanctuary 1140 Park Avenue New York, NY 10128 11 NOV The 82nd Brick Church Fair November 11-13 Entrance on Park Avenue at 91st Street Watson Hall 62 East 92nd Street New York, NY 10128 16 NOV Pledge Dedication Sunday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Sanctuary 1140 Park Avenue New York, NY 10128 23 NOV Cantata Sunday: Carissimi’s Jephte 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Sanctuary 1140 Park Avenue New York, NY 10128 07 DEC Park Avenue Tree Lighting 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Sanctuary Steps 1140 Park Avenue New York, NY 10128 Announcements Audition for Disney's Mary Poppins Audition for Disney's Mary Poppins! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO AUDITION Join us for a SUPER (califragilisticexpialidocious) show at the Brick Church Community Theater. Calling adults, children, caregivers, and families to perform in this beloved classic musical. Auditions for Mary Poppins are being held on Saturday, December 6th from 12-5pm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to take part in a cross generational experience and play a role in our community's story. Step (bac 5 days ago Welcome Rev. Beth Putney! Rev. Beth Putney joins Brick Church as Interim Associate Minister, supporting Youth, General Pastoral, and Deacon Ministries. She comes to us from Pasadena, California, where she served as the inaugural Jeff & Lynn O’Grady Pastoral Resident for Theology and Culture at San Marino Community Church. The interdisciplinary nature of that residency deepened her understanding of ministry as an intergenerational calling. Rev. Putney is eager to journey with our congregation and to co Oct 27 Pickleball at The Brick Church Join us in Watson Hall for fun and fellowship on the court! Sessions are offered for all levels: Beginner & Intermediate on Mondays (4:00–6:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM–12:00 PM), Advanced play on Mondays (6:00–8:00 PM), and a Church Members-only session with instruction for beginners on Thursdays (4:00–5:30 PM). Oct 24 Prayer Shawl Ministry - Volunteers Needed With God’s helping hands, our Prayer Shawl Ministry has lovingly created more than 700 shawls since its inception — over 50 just this... Oct 8 Share Your Feedback: APNC Discussion Forums The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) is eager to hear more from Brick members as we review Brick's current ministry and seek... Oct 7 Audition for the Christmas Pageant! Children 3-years-old through 7th grade are invited to celebrate Advent and Christmas by participating in the Brick Church... Oct 6 New York Common Pantry: Turkey Drive Brick Church and NY Common Pantry are working together to feed New York families this Thanksgiving. Your support is crucial! We are... Oct 5 Submit the Names of Loved Ones to be Honored on All Saints' Day Join us for Sunday Worship as we observe All Saints' Day on November 2 ! In this special service, we will remember and honor those who... Oct 4 Welcome Emily Abelson! Emily Abelson is a lifelong member of the Brick Presbyterian Church, whose earliest memories center Brick Church as the place her family... Oct 2 1 2 3 4 5 Brick Links Login Watch Calendar Join Give We can't wait to greet you! 1/7 Learn More

Featured Events Women's Bible Study (Weekly) Thu, Sep 11 The Session Room More info Learn more Men's Bible Study (Weekly) Thu, Sep 18 The Session Room More info Learn more High School Youth Group (Monthly) Sun, Oct 05 Anderson Library More info Learn more Tuesday Night Dinner Party (Weekly) Tue, Oct 07 The Brick Presbyterian Church More info Learn more The 82nd Brick Church Fair Tue, Nov 11 Watson Hall More info Learn more Breakfast Discussion with Elder Pam Dickson Thorpe Wed, Nov 12 Carnegie Room More info Learn more Mahjong for Ministries Wed, Nov 12 Third Floor Living Room More info Learn more Single Malt Scotch with Rev. Dr. Tom Evans Wed, Nov 12 Senior Pastor's Office More info Learn more Photo with Santa Thu, Nov 13 Watson Hall More info Learn more Faith Journey: Hearing the Call to Ministry above the Noise of the World Sun, Nov 16 Third Floor Living Room More info Learn more Pledge Dedication Sunday Sun, Nov 16 The Sanctuary More info Learn more Pioneers Youth Group Sun, Nov 16 Carnegie Room More info Learn more From K-Pop to K-Prison Sun, Nov 23 Third Floor Living Room More info Learn more Cantata Sunday: Carissimi’s Jephte Sun, Nov 23 The Sanctuary More info Learn more Christmas Cheer at The Manse Wed, Dec 03 The Manse More info Learn more Resounding Joy: Advent in Song and Scripture Sun, Dec 07 Third Floor Living Room More info Learn more Lighting of the Creche Sun, Dec 07 The Garden More info Learn more Hot Cocoa Social Sun, Dec 07 Watson Hall More info Learn more Load More

Read Sermons & Prayers Love One Another John 13:34–35 Near the end of the Last Supper, after Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet, he tells them, “ Love one another as I have loved you .” The Greek word here, allelon , means “one-anothering.” This word appears over a hundred times in the New Testament. Jesus tells us to: Wash one another’s feet. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Do not judge one another. Be at peace with one another. Build up one another. Be devoted to one another. All this is to be done in the Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans 3 days ago 3 min read Servants in Action John 13:1-9 Jesus is facing the most difficult time of His life. The religious authorities have not only rejected His interpretation of the Scriptures but have viewed Him as a fundamental threat to their power. The people have seen His miracles, but John tells us they did not believe Him, and even the ones that did refused to profess it openly for fear of retribution. He knows not only will one of His disciples betray Him, but the others will scatter, and His most trusted d Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 30 5 min read Worship in the Presbyterian Tradition: A Holy Priesthood I Peter 2:1-10 We are a holy priesthood, Peter tells us. An extremely lofty honorific which we are sure does not fit us. In fact, I imagine we simply dismiss this statement out of hand. Peter is wrong. There is nothing especially holy about any of us compared to anyone else in this world, and certainly you and I are not performing priestly, cultic duties. Mesopotamian ancient priests would sacrifice a sheep and take a close look at its liver to reveal God’s will. The oracle Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 24 5 min read Worship in the Presbyterian Tradition: The Majesty of Music Revelation 4:1-11 During seminary, Wendy and I spent one summer in Tupper Lake, New York, where I served as an intern at a country... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 10 7 min read Worship the Presbyterian Way “Worship the Lord with gladness” - Psalm 100:2a The Book of Order tells us that Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise, honor,... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 6 4 min read Worship in the Presbyterian Tradition: The Word of God Isaiah 6:1-8 W 1.1001 Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the Triune God. Christian worship... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 6 7 min read Faith in Action Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Oct 1 2 min read Faith and Other Religions Romans 2:12-16 This morning, we will explore the view of other religions from a Presbyterian perspective. Presbyterians have a... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Sep 26 7 min read Faith and Society I Peter 3:8-15 They say religion and politics are topics best avoided. And surely, at times, this is wise advice. In fact, when Wendy... Sermons & Prayers Rev. Dr. Thomas Evans Sep 18 6 min read 1 2 3 4 5 More Transcripts

John 13:34–35 ​Near the end of the Last Supper, after Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet, he tells them, “ Love one another as I have loved you .” The Greek word here,  allelon , means “one-anothering.” This word appears over a hundred times in the New Testament. Jesus tells us to: Wash one another’s feet. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Do not judge one another. Be at peace with one another. Build up one another. Be devoted to one another. All this is to be done in the same manner that Jesus has done for us. “One-anothering” is the quintessence of our stewardship theme  Faith in Action , and it is our mission here at Brick Church. It gives biblical meaning to our two primary initiatives as a congregation: To be a  spiritual home for all people , and To be a  beacon of hope. These are not simply something that we dispense as if we’re handing out goodies at Halloween. No, this fuses our community with other communities. It creates a bond bythe power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives us an impossible task: “ Love one another as I have loved you .” We know we can’t do it, but because of the gift of Kamauru Johnson and Ruben Nuño, we can make a more faithful attempt. I met Kamauru last year, and when he unfolded his vision for Summer Steps, I was in awe because, perhaps without even realizing it, he articulated exactly Jesus’ call. Summer Steps has been an incredible program whose mission is to help equip children to attend some of the greatest schools in the world that are found here in New York City. But largely, this has been a mission to these children and their families. But his vision—the goal is to create community through this program, to forge relationships between Brick and these families, to help make them a part of us, and so we have expanded the table of love and fellowship. No longer will this be a program to a group of children; rather, we will forge deeper community across cultures—in other words, “one-anothering.” Ruben Nuño has been a colleague and friend ever since I came to New York City, and his incredible creativity and passion for communities of deepest need have inspired me and inspired our church members. He has inspired us to put our faith in action because that small congregation, Church of the Living Hope, has been a beacon of hope for decades and decades in the manner that we aspire to. If we want to do as Jesus has done for other people, then we want to listen and learn from Ruben and Church of the Living Hope. This is the essence of the gospel. It is not simply about doing good. It is about growing our spirits to more reflect the Spirit of Christ. And so, when we turn our mission work into relationship work—the work of growing our friendships—we not only help put food in someone’s stomach, we help put Jesus in our souls. The very nature of God is multifaceted. God cannot be understood or known from just one perspective. In the Christian faith, we say that God is Trinitarian: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And when we say that God is love, we mean that this loving relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has existed from all eternity. You and I and our culture have one amazing and profound picture of this loving God, but it is only a piece—it is only a part. And when we forge connections with Church of the Living Hope, with the community of Summer Steps, we see and encounter more of God. We become immeasurably enriched by the character, the wisdom, the intelligence, and the uniqueness of the children and the parents of Summer Steps and the congregation of Church of the Living Hope. By putting our faith into action, we discover more and more what it is to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Amen.

Audition for Disney's Mary Poppins! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO AUDITION Join us for a SUPER (califragilisticexpialidocious) show at the Brick Church Community Theater. Calling adults, children, caregivers, and families to perform in this beloved classic musical.   Auditions for Mary Poppins are being held on Saturday, December 6th from 12-5pm.  Don't miss this unique opportunity to take part in a cross generational experience and play a role in our community's story. Step (back) in time with us to early Edwardian London for a jolly holiday with Mary!   *Stay tuned for special cameos from our Church and Day School community!   Please note that a Performance Fee is required at the time of casting. The fee covers cost of costume(s) and all show week meals. Scholarships available.   $250: Adults and Youth Ensemble $150: Ages 4-6, Penguins   If you have any questions or are unable to attend the audition date, please email our Director, Courtney Edwards at courtneymatsonedwards@gmail.com and Assistant Director, Molly Revenson at mollyrevenson@gmail.com .   All rehearsals will be held at Brick Presbyterian Church located at 62 E 92nd Street.    Audition Dates:  Saturday, December 6th: 12-1:30pm - Ages 4-13 Saturday, December 6th: 2-5pm - Adults and Age 14+ Friday, December 12th: 5:30-8:30pm: Callbacks for Principal Roles   Performance Dates:  Thursday, April 30th at 6pm (Preview) Friday, May 1st at 6pm  Saturday, May 2nd at 2pm Saturday, May 2nd at 6pm  Sunday, May 3rd at 2pm

John 13:1-9 ​Jesus is facing the most difficult time of His life. The religious authorities have not only rejected His interpretation of the Scriptures but have viewed Him as a fundamental threat to their power. The people have seen His miracles, but John tells us they did not believe Him, and even the ones that did refused to profess it openly for fear of retribution.  He knows not only will one of His disciples betray Him, but the others will scatter, and His most trusted disciple, Peter, will deny Him. Yet, He feels the need to be close to His disciples. So, He gathers them for a meal to share some final instructions, but also something much more. There are hard truths for the disciples to hear, but there is a deep tenderness in Jesus’ words. Despite everything Jesus faces, in this moment He demonstrates the core of the heart of God. And it is not something anyone expected. “ I no longer call you servants, but friends… no one has more love than this than to lay his life down for his friends. ” But he does not stop there. He becomes the servant. Jesus rises from the table, takes off His outer garment, and puts on a towel. This is the manner of dress for a servant of the time, a slave even. And then He proceeds to wash their feet, each of them one by one. He wants to be close to them. He’s literally kneeling at their feet, scrubbing the dirt, the grime, and the feces off. And at the same time He’s trying to teach them something—that doing the small things with care makes a difference. When I was a lad I served a term As office boy to an attorney's firm. I cleaned the windows And I swept the floor And I polished up the handle Of the big front door [CHORUS] He polished up The handle of the big front door. I polished up the handle so carefully, That now I am the ruler Of the Queen's Navy. Gilbert and Sullivan, like Jesus, knew that humble service done with excellence can produce far, outsized results. Servanthood is the call for all who follow Jesus. But it is a particular kind of servanthood, that of a steward. A steward is a servant who has been given a responsibility; historically, over another’s household. For example, Eliezer was the steward, the one in charge, of all the wealth of Abraham’s household. And Abraham was very wealthy. But Eliezer’s effectiveness did not only impact Abraham. Abraham was the father of a nation; he was responsible for an extended family that depended upon his household running well. Abraham’s reputation, the people Abraham loved, and the prospering of his descendants were all placed in the hands of his steward. To do this effectively, Eliezer would need to know Abraham’s priorities and personality. It’s not only being an effective manager of assets, though it is that, but a representative of Abraham himself. The nature of his interactions with the community reflects on Abraham, not only by dealing with them honestly and fairly, but by treating them with dignity and respect. You are God’s steward, and the responsibility goes far beyond the offering plate. It requires putting our faith into action. Especially in the times in which we find ourselves now.  Russell Moore, the editor in chief of  Christianity Today , was a prominent leader in evangelical circles but moved away from leadership because he believes Christianity is in a crisis. He describes a series of conversations he had with pastors who quoted Jesus’ call to humble service in the  Sermon on the Mount . “ What was alarming to me is that in most of these scenarios, when the pastor would say,  ‘I’m literally quoting Jesus Christ,’  the response would not be,  ‘I apologize.’  The response would be,  ‘Yes, but that doesn’t work anymore. That’s weak,’” Moore said. “ When we get to the point where the teachings of Jesus himself are seen as subversive to us, then we’re in a crisis. ” Faith requires action. But not just any action—action that follows the way of Jesus; action that is a good steward of Jesus’ reputation. This necessitates, with no exceptions, humble service to those in greatest need. James’ epistle gives us pointed instruction, What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “ Go in peace; stay warm and well fed ,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? This year’s stewardship theme, “ Faith in Action ,” is meant to actualize washing each other’s feet—namely, the willingness to kneel before others in loving service. I want you to know I am very proud of the staff here at Brick Presbyterian Church. They truly exhibit this humble servanthood. Without exaggeration, I can honestly say each and every day I come into this building I see one or more staff putting their own ego on the back burner. This can take the form of willingly staying longer to do work outside of their job description to help an event succeed. I have seen staff take time from their busy jobs to offer a compassionate listening ear to someone off the street just as much as a prominent church member. I have seen staff work diligently on a project only to have instructions changed at the last moment, needing to redo that work. But they do so graciously because they want this church to reflect God’s love and welcome. It is humbling to see this type of devotion. Not all of them, by any means, are Christians. But know this, they represent Jesus’ love as much as anyone. We know that God is love. But it’s rather shocking, the kind of love that is in God’s heart—that of a humble servant, who seeks no credit, who counts no favors. No task is too menial or debasing for God. Jesus offers a counterpoint to the entire way we believe the world works. And this is exceedingly good news for me and you and all those who desperately want to emulate our Lord. The path of humility is the path to true happiness. The world gives us the impression that accruing greater power and wealth is desirable because there is something alluring and wonderful about being waited on. And I must admit I do enjoy eating at fine restaurants with attentive waiters wanting to make the exquisite dish fit my tastes perfectly. But Jesus shows us that it is even more wonderful to be the one waiting on the table, or to be washing the feet. He declares that there is a different path to happiness than success. After he washes the disciples’ feet he tells them, “ For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you… you are blessed if you do them .” That word translated as “blessed” simply means “happy.” You will be happy if you serve others as Jesus did. All Saints’ Sunday is a powerful day, when we remember those we love in the last year that have passed on from this life to the next. We also have this chance at funeral services. But sometimes one of our saints passes away and we never have a chance to truly remember their contribution. And we need to remember the saints not because they’re perfect but because they are family, and they have shown us how to put our faith into action by serving those whom society would just as well ignore. These are precisely the people Jesus calls us to love with action. I have asked your fellow church member, Paul Mercurio, to help us remember one of these saints. Amen.