Touchpoint September October November 2023

...Here for You

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2023

The Marble Magazine

TOUCHPOINT

The Marble Magazine

Worship with Us page 8

Spotlight: Marble’s 169th Anniversary page 12

CYF Corner page 10

Engage — Help Others page 6

COVER: Sandy Diaz

Photo by Jay Johnson

Staff for this Issue

EDITOR: Karla Fritsch

PHOTOS: Dave Cross

Jisselle Tavarez Fernandez

Karla Fritsch

Jay Johnson

Siobhan Tull

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Beth Player-DiCicco

A Blueprint for Our Future

This September, I’m excited to begin a new sermon series, A Blueprint for Our Future. As I’ve been reflecting on Marble’s future, I’ve been contemplating how our Strategic Plan (MarbleChurch.org/strengthto-strength) is like a blueprint that shows us what is possible for our future. But it’s not just what we do that determines the difference we make in this world. It is also how we do it. This has prompted me to think about the biblical verse, “what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”(Micah 6:8). This pithy passage describes succinctly and profoundly how we are to show up in this world no matter what we do.

As I consider our future, I’m so thankful for the ways we have shown up in this world this past year.

We have done justice through helping immigrants in our neighborhood with clothing, food, and translation services; collaborating with Middle Church on getting out the vote in underrepresented areas; feeding the hungry with the CYF’s One Sandwich at a Time; helping underserved children with our Back-to-School Drive; and tutoring children weekly at P.S.30.

We have seen kindness in our relationships and community grow through intergenerational projects like the Back-to-School Drive, Easter Offering, and Santa Letters; children and youth are becoming more involved in Worship; a growing number of Small Groups formed; attendance at PrimeTime (55+) events is increasing (over 200 attended the Valentine’s mini-concert!).

Together, we walked humbly with our God knowing there is more to learn, more ways to grow, and more ways to serve. The 10:00 O’Clock Hour has helped us learn about mental health needs, food justice, emergency relief in war-torn areas, LGBTQ+ issues, homelessness and shelter needs, the refugee crisis, care of children in the developing world… and the list goes on.

I think these are the seeds showing us what God can do through Marble in the future.

God has brought Marble to this place for a reason. God has brought you here for a reason. Together, let’s live fully into who God is calling us to be because when we do, the impossible becomes possible (Matthew 19:26)!

FISCAL YEAR-END GIVING

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the response we received to the FY23 year-end giving request. With your help, and through the very diligent work of our staff, we were able to reduce the $171,000 deficit by almost $100,000. You will see the full financial results of FY23 when they are released to the congregation in late September. But, for now, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your responsiveness. This is a congregation that truly lives up to Jesus’ words that “nothing is impossible with God.” Thank you!

HONORING SOMEONE SPECIAL

In addition to regular gifts that support all we do at Marble, you can give a gift Honoring Someone Special. You can honor someone who has passed away or honor a special event like an anniversary or birthday. Or you can just honor someone special in your life for no reason at all! This is a special way to thank God for the people in your life through a special gift to Marble. Please donate at MarbleChurch.org (click on “Make a Donation” on bottom of any page) or contact Clay Hale (212686-2770, ext. 252 or CHale@MarbleChurch.org).

“…I’m so thankful for the ways we have shown up in this world this past year.

… these are the seeds showing us what God can do through Marble in the future.”

Dr. Michael Bos

Senior Minister

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER A HORIZON OF NEW POSSIBILITIES

By Dr. J. Elise Brown

A close friend of mine in Paris is a professional photographer. Her specialty is black and white photos, often with water fountains in the background and children running through them squealing with delight. A few years ago when she visited New York, she took a beautiful photo of the Brooklyn Bridge. A copy of it sits on my windowsill, right across from my at-home workstation. It shows the bridge during a rainstorm with only two brave people walking over it. They have stopped in the rain and seem to be very much in love!

What I love about the photo is the expansiveness of it. As I look across the bridge, I see another horizon emerging on the other side. The sky is wide. The narrow width of the bridge opens up into a beautiful, inviting and compelling horizon. Yes, it is raining, and the pathway is wet. But there is a wideness to the photo, a horizon of new possibilities and adventures that await the brave walkers.

Autumn is like that for me. We walk through the summer months, which are beautiful and sometimes “lazy,” but there is always a new church year, with new energy and programs, waiting on the other side of it. We have the chance to start over or do some-

thing new. We have the chance to try something again that didn’t quite go the way we hoped for before. We can hold onto beloved traditions and feel comforted by the familiarity of singing an old hymn or seeing an old friend we have known for many years.

Sometimes we might not realize the “tunnels” our lives are being lived in until we see a broad, wide, fresh horizon ahead of us. Sometimes we might not realize the sameness of our habits and routines until we look up and see there is another way, a different path, something “more” that is calling us to travel upon it.

As we move toward the fall season and the start of a new program year for the church, I hope you can find joy and comfort in both the old and the new, the familiar and the brandnew adventure. Try something new this coming year. Commit to meeting some of the new people who have been coming to Marble in the last few years. Take comfort in the core values of Marble that will never change – warmth, acceptance, radical hospitality, diversity, love for God and one another.

Who knows what you might discover as you step into a new horizon?

JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY!

MarbleChurch.org), on Sundays talk to someone wearing a red carnation or visit MarbleChurch.org/ engage/join/become-a-member.

New Member Orientation

Sunday, October 1, 12:00pm-1:30pm

(Peale Parlor & Zoom)

Reception of New Members during Worship*

Sunday, October 15, 11:00am

Are you searching for a place to belong, to connect with others, and to grow in your faith? We welcome you for who you are, wherever you are on your faith journey. We’d love to have you join us! To learn more, contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@

*must fill out an application and attend orientation session to participate

Dr. J. Elise Brown Executive Minister

“I hope you can find joy and comfort in both the old and the new…”

Kim Sebastian-Ryan Director of Membership & Connecting Siobhan Tull Program Leader for Online Community Email us: KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or STull@MarbleChurch.org

CONNECTING WITH KIM & SIOBHAN

As we write this, we can hardly believe the summer is almost over. Where did it go? We hope it went to wonderful vacations and time spent with family and friends, or quiet time to relax and enjoy the warmth of the sunny days. However you spent the long lazy days of summer – we hope they were filled with joy or renewal or both! Because… do you know what time it is? It’s almost fall and that means – time to start a brand-new church year! Time to gather at Marble in worship and song, in learning and serving, and in the joy of seeing and connecting with each other. It’s time to come back whether in person or online to this beloved place we call home.

In the Marble Spotlight

COFFEE HOUR

Sundays | 12:15-1:15pm

Join us after Worship in the Labyrinth Room (downstairs) for a great opportunity to make new friends, greet old friends, learn about upcoming programs and give back. Stay tuned to the Sunday bulletin and MarbleChurch.org for more details about these Special Coffee Hours and our Engage & Build Series

Engage & Build Series Begins!

Welcome Back & Build-a-Backpack

September 10

Passport to the Fall Open House & Multi-Ministry Mixer

September 17

Reclaim the Vote Volunteer Opportunity & Multi-Ministry Mixer

September 24

Fall Festival with Costumes, Food & Fun and Engage & Build Thanksgiving Bags

October 29

Friendsgiving Harvest Buffet & Multi-Ministry Mixer

November 12

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN

Wednesdays, September 20, October 18

November 8 | 1:00-2:00pm

For more events, please see pages 11 & 12.

We gather on Zoom for an opportunity to connect, deepen relationships, and enjoy beautiful virtual walks together. Generally meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Stay tuned for more details.

Siobhan and I are so looking forward to welcoming you into this new fall season. A season filled with so many new opportunities and beloved old favorites. We can’t wait for you to see what’s in store. So, we invite you to take some time and really look through this edition of Touchpoint. Find new ways to participate and engage with one another from Small Groups to Bible Studies, hands-on outreach events, to the Blessing of the Animals, to virtual Tea Time walks, to our new Fall Festival. There are so many ways to be involved. Join us for any or all of them. We’re excited and we hope to see you there!

EVE ISN’T EVIL

Wednesday, September 27

Celebrate Dr. Julie Faith Parker’s new book, Eve Isn’t Evil: Feminist Readings of the Bible to Upend Our Assumptions. All invited for dinner, discussion and a book signing, Dinner, 6:00pm ($25); Program, 7:00pm, also on Zoom. Register at MarbleChurch. org. Books will be available for purchase that evening at the discounted price of $20.

HALLOWTIDE SERVICE

Wednesday, November 1 | 6:15pm

During this Hallowtide season, we pause to honor and remember all those whom we have lost, especially in the past year. In the Sanctuary.

WALK THE LABYRINTH

Wednesdays, September 13 & 27

October 11 & 25, November 8 | 5:00-7:00pm

Feed your spirit with this walking meditation. A facilitator will be available to help guide you and answer questions, while allowing you the space to walk in your own way, at your own pace. Note, dates subject to change, please call to confirm. Learn more about the Labyrinth at MarbleChurch. org/engage/labyrinth.

GOD MADE OTHER PLANS

By Dr. Julie Faith Parker

On June 2, 1996, I had a dream that forever changed my life.

I woke up the next day and knew I had to become a professor of the Hebrew Bible. At the time, I was working part-time as the Protestant Chaplain at Hofstra University. But mostly, I was at home raising two pre-school children. Ordained in the United Methodist Church at 26 years old, I had already figured out the career piece of my life. After a few years in this chaplaincy position, I’d return to pastoral ministry when my kids were in school. But God (as She often does) made other plans.

I never doubted the dream and the next semester I started learning Hebrew. I didn’t know an aleph from a bet (first two letters of the Hebrew alpha-bet!). I felt like a young mother who decides to become a doctor and has never studied chemistry—it’s a long road! The studies were intense, as I commuted back and forth between Larchmont (in Westchester County, where my husband was the senior pastor of the Presbyterian church) and New Haven. In addition to Hebrew, I also learned Akkadian, Aramaic, Syriac, Ugaritic, and strengthened my skills in Greek, Latin, German, French, and Spanish. (I have also studied modern Hebrew; Bible is surprisingly a linguistic field.) After thirteen years, three more master’s degrees (after my M.Div.), and a Ph.D., I reached the goal God had set for me.

Since then, I have taught Bible in multiple settings, including at the college (Colby) and university

(Fordham) levels. But mostly, my career as a professor has been in theological graduate schools (Yale Divinity School, Andover Newton Theological School, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, General Theological Seminary, and New York Theological Seminary, where I taught students incarcerated in Sing Sing Prison). Being an Old Testament professor enables me to contribute to the life of the church by educating future church leaders and sharing my passion for the Hebrew Scriptures, which were Jesus’ sacred texts.

Now as Biblical Scholar in Residence at Marble, I feel led to help bridge the distance between the academy and the church. So much of what scholars learn and teach remains only in academic circles. Yet I passionately believe that the ways we read the Bible matter. People in our congregations are highly intelligent, deeply curious Bible learners who want—and need—to understand Scripture. Along with my position at Marble, I am also a Visiting Scholar at Union Theological Seminary (where Dr. Elise Brown and I studied for our Master of Divinity degrees together years ago!). God has brought me full circle—engaged simultaneously in congregational and academic life. And for that I am so grateful.

I hope you will join me this year during the 10:00 O’Clock Hour for my series, Scriptural Revelations I look forward to getting to know you in our shared God-led journey of learning and faith!

For details about Dr. Parker’s Bible Studies, please see page 9 and MarbleChurch.org. Also, join Dr. Parker on September 27 for her book signing, Eve Isn’t Evil.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Sunday, October 8 | After Worship

We look forward to our special Blessing of the Animals directly after 11:00am Worship, in front of the church on Fifth Avenue.We encourage children to bring their favorite stuffed animals! Photos can also be blessed if your pet doesn’t travel well.

The Sanctuary will be pet free, so if you are allergic or not a fan of our furry friends don’t be alarmed. All pet lovers are welcome to watch the 11:00am service with their animals in the Labyrinth Room (downstairs)

Dr. Julie Faith Parker Biblical Scholar in Residence

A DELIGHTFUL WHIRLWIND OF CHANGE

By Michael T. C. Hey

Summer is widely considered to be a time of rest and relaxation. To the contrary, it’s been a delightful whirlwind of change for me! For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m the new Director of Music. I’d like to take a moment to share a little about myself with a focus on my years on Fifth Avenue.

I received two degrees from The Juilliard School. For five years, I served as organist at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. In 2014, I was enlisted as a concert organist with Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists and appointed Associate Director of Music and Organist of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where I served for about eight and a half years. I hold deep gratitude for my time at the cathedral, during which I had the privilege of making music for occasions like Pope Francis’ visit in 2015 and Cardinal Egan’s funeral, often with opera stars like Renée Fleming and Isabel Leonard.

My last official Sunday at the cathedral was June 4, when I blasted the organ for four services. The next Sunday – June 11 – was my first official Sunday morning at Marble, a day I will never forget. While I played the piano and organ, I could hear the congregation singing from the pews, making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Congregational singing is not a given at every church, and Marble is blessed to do it with gusto. I was impressed by how eloquent the spoken word was at Worship, and by how fellowship continued after the service at Coffee Hour. It cemented for me how special Marble is, and how fortunate I am to be part of this loving and affirming faith community. At Worship the following Sunday was the

Engage – Help Others

Learn about ways you can be of service to others at Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, visit MarbleChurch.org/engage/volunteer or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

Back-to-School Drive — Help children and teens from low-income families head back to school with everything they need to start the year off right. Please purchase new school supplies and leave in bins in the 5th Ave Narthex or 29th St Prayer Room. For ideas, visit MarbleChurch.org/give/back-to-schooldrive. Monetary donations also welcome. Join us on Sunday, September 10 after Worship for our Builda-Backpack event.

Prayer Shawl Ministry — Join us as we gather for prayer and creating together to knit or crochet prayer shawls for members who are ill or homebound.

official welcome to me, my wife, Christiana, and our one-yearold daughter, Jasmine. On the Chancel, in front of the congregation, we were presented with gifts. Jasmine was offered a stuffed lamb, and it has remained one of her favorite toys ever since (she often picks it up and says, “Bah!”)

As of this writing, I only have ten Sunday services under my belt at Marble. I made it a point this summer to feature many choristers from The Marble Choir by having them sing solos or duets in Worship. Soon, I’ll be meeting the full choir for the first time in preparation for its first Sunday back this season on September 10. I plan to reinstate the volunteer choir in 2024, so stay tuned if you might be interested in participating.

Most of all, I look forward to the journey. Everything about Marble is new to me right now, from the nuances to the seemingly obvious, from who’s who to musical styles. There’s no guidebook about what the music should be or will be after today, so all I can say is stay tuned, we’re in for an exhilarating ride! To borrow the name of the wonderful PrimeTime season finale from June, which sums up my sentiment perfectly… The Best Is Yet to Come!

All levels welcome. First Mondays on Zoom, 5:006:00pm; third Mondays in person, 1:00-2:00pm. Dates subject to change, confirm with Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). Please note, no meeting September 4

Marble Fights Hunger

In addition to our regular request to bring canned/bottled food whenever you come to Marble, in November we will be focusing more on learning about and helping to end food insecurity. On average, 1.5 million New York City residents, 1 in 4 of which are children, live in households facing food insecurity. We’ll have two 10:00 O’Clock Hours on the topic and hope you’ll increase your giving of non-perishable food items. Drop-off bins will be in the 5th Ave Narthex and at 29th St. Monetary donations also welcome.

Michael T. C. Hey Director of Music

Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch

At this age, I didn’t expect to be playing with dolls. Well, I’m not really playing, but am trying to be playful as I explore my life in terms of the layers of Matryoshka dolls. At first, I had a lot of judgment about the outer layers, represented by remnants of decades of depression and bad habits. My goal was all about taking off those layers, the ways I hide the best parts of myself, and make it all about getting to that inner child that represents who I believe God created me to be.

To help me visualize peeling away the layers, I bought a set of nesting dolls painted in traditional Ukrainian costumes. I carefully unscrewed the top doll to expose the next one, then hit a snag – it was very hard to open to get to the next doll and harder yet to get to the next. I thought, isn’t that just like life, often it’s so much harder than you expect. I wanted to give up but kept at it. Not dissimilar to many of the challenges in my life. So often I have to refer to my mug, “nevertheless, she persisted.” Eventually, I got all the dolls out and lined up next to each other.

I was a bit surprised that the actual dolls didn’t match the symbolism I was assigning to them. Each doll has a beautiful painted design – every one with its own appeal. If I carry that into the comparison to my life, that means I shouldn’t attack any of my layers as “bad”. Each part of me has brought its own lessons, its own blessings, its own growth. Of course,

that doesn’t mean there aren’t layers that need to be stripped away and parts that need to be healed.

Without the dolls before me, I could only see from the inside out and couldn’t see all the beauty and gifts, even in the pain. I think that’s one reason why God brings symbols, stories and certain people into our lives – to give us different perspectives and reminders. My counselor keeps encouraging me to explore things with curiosity not criticism. On one of my recent walks, I gained another neighborhood cheerleader when a man walking by checked if I was OK as I sat on a wall to take a break. I told him I was fine and we talked briefly about the flowers that we both stop to appreciate each time we go by. As he walked away, he said, “nothing is insignificant”. I took that as a Divine message that even peeling away only a sliver of a layer that needs healing matters – the aim is consistency, daily noticings, daily gratitude, daily action, daily forgiveness… Unfortunately, I often miss that mark.

Life is made up of so many layers for each of us – layers of personality, of protection, of experiences, of talents, fears, joys… layers of done and undone. God knows all of them and loves us whether we’re putting layers on, taking layers off, or just trying to understand them.

No matter if I’m reflecting on the positive or seemingly negative layers – the most important thing to remember is God has been there beside me through all of them and when I’m overwhelmed, tired of what I’ve created or uninspired to create better, I can nest myself and all of my layers in God’s loving arms.

PASTORAL CARE FOR THE CONGREGATION

We want to reach out to members of the Marble Community we have not seen for a while and ask you to help us with this effort. If you know someone from Marble who has become homebound, is suffering from illness or could benefit from a pastoral call from a Marble minister, please let us know by contacting Judy Tulin, Pastoral Care Coordinator (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). We sometimes find out about members suffering from challenges after they have been struggling for a long time. We are here for the congregation and want to help in every way we can. Thanks, in advance, for your partnership in offering strong, responsive pastoral care to the Marble congregation.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

SUNDAY WORSHIP

11AM

September

October

November 2023

The Faith to Face Hardships

SEPTEMBER 3

A Blueprint for Our Future

Do Justice

SEPTEMBER 10

Love Kindness

SEPTEMBER 17

Walk Humbly

SEPTEMBER 24

Living with Hope

Why Hope?

OCTOBER 15

How Can I Have Hope?

OCTOBER 22

Offering Hope

OCTOBER 29

A Generous Life

Generous Living

NOVEMBER 5

All Saints’ Sunday

Generous Giving

NOVEMBER 12

Generous Loving

NOVEMBER 19

NYC Street Closings —

Please plan ahead for your time at Marble. For details, visit www1.nyc.gov/ events/ or call 311.

NOVEMBER 26

Rev. Susanah Wade, preaching

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister, preaching

World Communion Sunday OCTOBER 1

Dr. Elise Brown, preaching

Healing Deep Divisions OCTOBER 8

Dr. Michael Bos in Conversation with David Ford & Sarah Snyder

10:00 O’Clock Hour

SUNDAYS AT 10AM

SCRIPTURAL REVELATIONS: Surprising Insights on Familiar Bible Stories

This year, Dr. Julie Faith Parker will lead us in a series offering insights on beloved biblical stories that may surprise and even astound you. Bringing knowledge of the biblical world and its historical context, as well as understanding from the original Hebrew and Greek, Dr. Parker’s series seeks to broaden and enrich your understanding of Scripture. Classes will often reflect themes of the church and calendar year. Come learn fascinating aspects of the Sunday School stories you’ve always/ never known!

The Mother of All Living and the Earth Creature: Eve and Adam Revisited

Sunday, September 10

Cain and Abel: Sibling Rivalry Turned Deadly

Sunday, September 17

Noah and the Ark: Children’s Story or Horror Story?

Sunday, October 1

The First Creation Story and the Bible beyond the Binary

Sunday, October 15

From Faith to Infinity and Beyond with Dr. Douglas Mohrmann

Sunday, November 12

The Tower of Babel – Are We Babbling Still?

Sunday, November 26

Prayer Circle

SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM

Join us for this weekly time of prayer and music. The Circle is always open - all you need is a willing heart. We meet in the Children’s Chapel (2nd floor, access via elevator/ stairs off 29th St Lobby) or on Zoom. Please note, not meeting September 3

Afternoon Prayer

TUESDAYS AT 4:00PM

Wind down your day with a brief time of sharing and prayer. Join us via Zoom or by phone. Get link at MarbleChurch.org

YOM KIPPUR, THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Sunday, September 24

Rev. Barbara Crafton, Episcopal priest, author and former spiritual teacher at Marble.

ROSE CASTLE FOUNDATION

Sunday, October 8

David Ford and Canon Sarah Snyder who also join Dr. Bos at 11:00am Worship.

HOLY HOSPITALITY – GOD’S CALL TO WELCOMING OTHERS

Sunday, October 22

Rev. Liz Testa, Coordinator for Women’s Transformation and Leadership, Reformed Church in America, and former Marble Minister.

VISITING THE PRISONER...AND OFFERING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Sunday, October 29

David Stubbs, Western Theological Seminary, and Richard Ray, Hope College

CHILDREN & FOOD INSECURITY

Sunday, November 5

Rachel Levine, from Nazareth Housing which runs Louise’s Pantry

FOOD AND GENEROSITY

Sunday, November 19

The Campaign Against Hunger

Small Groups

Being part of a Small Group is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble. For details and to register, visit MarbleChurch.org

Recognizing & Embracing the Holy Spirit’s Influence in Our Daily Life

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 12:30-1:30pm

Join Dr. Elise Brown on Zoom.

Explore the Topic of Faith & Feminism – Stay tuned for information on this online book study group.

10:00 O’Clock HourJoin us in person in the Labyrinth Room or live stream. Check the website for details. If you miss a session or want to see it again, view at MarbleChurch.org/Watch.

Dr. Julie Faith Parker

Rev. Barbara Crafton

Sarah Snyder David Ford

Richard Ray David Stubbs

Rev. Liz Testa

CYF CORNER A FAMILY STATE OF MIND

By Brian Hampton

I’m still very close with my group of best friends I met in high school. We’ve been a part of each other’s lives for as long as I can remember. This summer, we’ve been trying to do what seems to be the impossible. We’ve been trying to arrange our schedules for a vacation trip. It has been, literally, a “trip.” UGH. To find the same set of dates, the same budget, the same location, and the length of the trip has been impossible. However, through all the texts back and forth (sometimes arguing and sometimes joking), I have hope – because the one thing we can all agree on is: we want to be together. We want to make this happen. Why? Because we are family.

I’m a member of SAG-AFTRA. And if you’ve seen the news, you know there is a strike. I’ve been picketing once a week. Every time I go, I see something different. I see high levels of energy. I see low levels. I see laughing. I see fear and anxiety. But we always smile and nod and thank each other for coming. Sometimes someone brings water bottles. Sometimes, there’s snacks. One time, I even met one of my CYF parents, Sue, and we stood together side by side! But whatever is happening that day, we all walk in a circle, hold our signs high and chant together. Why? Because we are family.

I’m the Director of Children, Youth, and Families here at Marble. And, every Sunday this summer (during our time together during Worship) it has been different. Some Sundays we’ve had a small group of

kids, sometimes a large group. We’ve spent time with kids we’ve never met, and sometimes we’ve seen someone we haven’t seen in a long time. Sometimes we split into groups – other times, we all feel like being together. We talk and catch up. Sometimes we’re happy. Sometimes we’ve had a bad week. But, when we’re together, we love and appreciate every minute of whatever happens. Why? Because we are family.

As we approach this upcoming program year, I look forward to the children, youth, and families continuing to be part of ALL the activities at Marble – with all of you amazing people. Of course, when it comes to kids and teens, they do enjoy having time alone with their peers – but they also LOVE spending time with all of you. Why? Because you are cool! And welcoming! And you show such love to them! Is it always the same experience? No. Because that’s life. Sometimes we’re celebrating, sometimes we’re concerned, sometimes cranky, sometimes over-the-moon with happiness. And sometimes we just want to be quiet and eat ice cream in the corner. But, whatever it is, whatever we do, we are not alone.

So, here’s to a great year of all of us being together at Marble… and being in a family state of mind!

SUNDAYS WITH CYF

New season begins September 10!

Sunday School, Youth Group & Childcare — Infant/Toddler childcare: 11:00am-12:30pm, (when possible, for staffing purposes, please contact Brian a week in advance). Pre-K – 6th Grade Classes:

10:00am 7th-12th

Grade attend 11:00am Worship, followed by Youth Group until 1:00pm

All children and youth welcome to join us any time! Register at MarbleChurch.org/engage/cyf or contact CYF Director Brian Hampton (BHampton@ MarbleChurch.org).

Brian Hampton Director of Children, Youth & Families Ministry

Engage – More Upcoming Events

For the most up-to-date information, more events and details, visit MarbleChurch.org.

ARTS MINISTRY

All are welcome to attend weekly meetings as we explore this year’s theme, All Good Gifts: The Art of Receiving. Professional and non-professional work by all Marble folks welcome for submission for upcoming art exhibits: 9/11 Exhibit, September 10 - 27; Autumn Surprise! Exhibit, October 1 - November 27, both on the Wall of Inspiration, Hope and Healing outside the Labyrinth Room and online at MarbleChurch.org/ engage/arts-ministry. The Pop-Up Gallery (online only), Hot Fun in the Summertime, runs through September 8. Archives of previous exhibits also available. For more information, contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org) or Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org).

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Saturdays, September 9, October 7 & November 4 1:00-3:00pm

Caregiving presents considerable challenges: physical, emotional, and economic. Each meeting provides confidential, facilitated conversation offering guidance, healing, and hope. Learn how to balance your life and be a Caregiver with new strength and vitality. Led by Rev. Marion Gambardella. For Zoom link or more information, contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

CHAIR YOGA

Every Thursday beginning September 14 10:00-10:45am

Center yourself physically and spiritually with this beginner-friendly time of gentle movement. Join us via Zoom; link at MarbleChurch.org. Questions? Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org). Please note, no meeting November 23.

GIFTS: LGBTQ+ FELLOWSHIP OUTING

Saturday, September 30 | 4:00pm

All invited to join GIFTS for a concert of City Park by Arthur Russell who was an American composer, cellist, producer, and singer who died of AIDS-related illness in 1992 at the age of 40. At the NYC AIDS Memorial on 7th Avenue. For details and free tickets, visit nycaidsmemorial.org/citypark. Questions? Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

PRIMETIME (55+)

Various Wednesdays | 12:00pm

September 13, we gather in person for lunch ($20; please pre-register) followed by 1:00pm program on Zoom with Sister Carol Perry, who was Marble’s beloved Bible Scholar for over thirty years. Thanksgiving Lunch November 15, ($30; please pre-register) followed by 1:00pm program with Michael Hey, Marble’s new Director of Music. Register at MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

WINGS & WISDOM

Thursday, September 28 | 6:30-8:00pm

Pub Theology is back with a brand-new twist and name: Wings & Wisdom. All are invited to join us as we kick off this opportunity for fellowship, fun and invigorating conversations – with a side of buffalo wings on us. Held offsite at John Doe’s near Marble with special guest Michael Hey. We look forward to seeing you there. Plan is to meet fourth Thursday of each month. Stay tuned to the bulletins, announcements, and e-blasts for details.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY HIGH LINE GUIDED TOUR

Saturday, October 21

Hear the story behind New York City’s park in the sky and experience an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and landscape. Elevators are available to reach the park. All are welcome. For more details and to register visit MarbleChurch.org.

If you need assistance registering online for an event, please don’t hesitate to ask On Sundays, visit the Welcome Table during Coffee Hour, or call/visit our receptionist.

THE LAST WORD

Our freedom lies in remaining open continuously, not only to life’s changes but also to the divine light within us and others — Peter Santos

10:00

O’Clock Hour, Prayer Circle & Small Groups

For information, please see Spiritual Growth and Education on page 9

Sister Carol Perry

WEBCAST SCHEDULE

Visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook

Sundays

10:00 O’Clock Hour 11:00am – Worship

Sermon Podcasts: Subscribe at MarbleChurch.org

Marble Collegiate Church

1 West 29th Street (at Fifth Ave) New York, New York 10001

212-686-2770

MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

MARBLE’S HISTORY FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH HAPPY 169TH ANNIVERSARY Marble

Collegiate Church

Wednesday, October 11, 1854 – Wednesday, October 11, 2023

At a time when incandescent light did not exist, when Central Park had yet to be designed, over three

decades before the Statue of Liberty was unveiled or the doors of Ellis Island opened, when Fifth Avenue was still a dirt road and the city limits ended at 23rd Street — the doors of this church opened to the public. For 169 years Marble has stood witness to many things and remained a beacon of hope and faith to New York City, as well as to the rest of the world. It is truly an honor to be a part of this living legacy.

Stay tuned for upcoming issues of Touchpoint as we highlight some little-known historic pieces visible to this day in the Sanctuary. Have you ever looked closely at what’s around you?

SUNDAY SANCTUARY TOURS RETURN

Our popular guided Church Tours are back! Please join us to learn more about Marble’s rich history, fascinating architecture, and beautiful windows. Discover little-known church facts and fun anecdotes, and explore seldom-seen church areas. Led by a trained guide, a tour is also a wonderful, informal way to introduce your family and friends to Marble. Tours will be held on the fourth Sunday of the month, stay tuned to announcements and bulletins in case of changes. Meet in the center aisle immediately following 11:00am Worship.

Tour dates:

Sunday, September 24

Sunday, October 22

Sunday, November 26

Have you ever thought about who planted the trees around Marble? This article was from The Marble Chimes newsletter, March 1975.

OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK

Sunday, October 22 | 1:00-4:00pm

Marble is proud to be a part of this annual citywide event. Open House New York (ohny.org) is a celebration of the city’s history, culture, and architecture. So, bring a friend and come explore Marble – from the spire to the details of the interior, featuring beautiful stained-glass windows, Marble is a city landmark worth exploring. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available.

Samler Farmhouse at Broadway and 29th St with Marble Church in the background, circa 1780s. Marble’s Sancutary in white, 1856.