2024: The Turning Point
As I reflect on 2024, I believe this is the year that marks our turning point. Over the past five years, our board, staff and volunteers have been working hard to rethink and rebuild ministry as things shifted during a pandemic. While doing this, we have had to address a significant reduction in financial support from Collegiate, as well as a reduction in physical space. The diplomatic side of me wants to say, “these were not easy times,” but that would be an understatement. It’s been more work and stress than any of us imagined.
What is also clear is God has been with us through it all. In 2024, we moved from dealing with a difficult patch that impacted our present to seeing the beauty of the present and the great potential we have for the future.
The promise of Isaiah 41:10 has become a reality in our community:
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
It has been through your commitment, contributions, and love of Christ expressed through Marble that we have made significant steps to a sustainable future. In this report you’ll see many of the exciting things we did this past year. There is one new area of focus that is especially exciting: working with the Rose Castle Foundation to learn how to be a reconciling community in the world. In a society so divided and filled with contempt for “the other side,” there is a need for our faith to guide us in how we can bridge the divide and a better future.
This past year we also launched the volunteer platform on our website. I want to thank the increasing number of people stepping forward to volunteer at and through Marble. It is the use of your gifts and passions that will unleash the potential of our beloved church.
In so many ways, the dust of our past is settling so we can see our future more clearly. As we move forward together, “May grace and peace be ours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2).
Dr.
Michael Bos Senior Minister
Dear People of Marble,
2024 has been a banner year for Marble, in large part because of the faithfulness of this vibrant congregation and the sustaining presence of God-with-us. You have helped us navigate through a time of true challenge as we worked through the second year with no appropriations from the Collegiate Church Corporation. Yet, with your help and the grace of God, we ended the fiscal year with income over expenses of $218,000 and have just one more year to get to the 5% draw on the endowment. Our stepdown strategy for the endowment draw has worked, and we are poised to enter 2025 with great hope and anticipation of the day when we are fully financially stable.
In addition to the strides we have made in shoring up Marble’s financial sustainability, we have seen continued strengthening of the in-person congregation. You may have noticed stronger attendance on Sundays and our live stream numbers continue to be healthy. We had live streamers from 72 countries and 50 states during 2024. This is a unique aspect of Marble which we value and do not take for granted; we serve as the congregation for people across the country and around the world, many who cannot find a local congregation that meets their spiritual needs.
Now we begin to build back in both programs and staffing. In November 2024, we were thrilled to have all five choirs back in action and fully staffed for the first time since March 2020. The addition of Joel Esher and Carl Ellis, III to our music staff has enhanced and grown the Music Ministry, a vital element of our liturgical and spiritual life. Michael T. C. Hey continues to provide stellar music leadership of the growing Music Ministry.
The Marble Staff is truly the greatest team we could wish for. We are so blessed by their dedication and good spirit as we have navigated a lot of changes together.
We are also very focused on our sacred property, ensuring every space we have continues to be maintained at the highest standards. We are now responsible for our property and will work to build a Sacred Property Fund to ensure we can fund necessary building needs in the future.
We share this 2024 Annual Report with you in confidence and hope for what God is doing in our midst, and with great anticipation for 2025.
Dr. J. Elise Brown Executive Minister
We cannot ensure success, but we can deserve it. - John Adams
These words echoed in my mind throughout 2024 as your Marble Board did its work. There are no guarantees of success — but thoughtfulness, hard work, and faith are tools by which we ensure we can deserve it when it comes.
2024 has been an extraordinarily successful year for Marble. Our leadership has invited you to walk with us every step of the way — keeping you meaningfully informed via forums held on January 28, June 9, and November 3 (available at MarbleChurch.org/Watch, following each date’s recorded service). They are a record of concrete accomplishment — of fiscal discipline, careful planning, and prayerful action.
We have come far since the initial impact of the Collegiate Church’s financial crisis. There is much to celebrate — but Marble must continue responsibly stewarding our endowment and enhancing revenue, to fund programming, ministries, and operational needs into the future.
Marble continues to responsibly reduce the endowment draw to align with best practices, and has conducted a thorough investigation into the viability of a capital campaign with input from many of you. In 2024, your leadership also charted a successful course to greater legal and financial protections within the Collegiate Church system, ensuring your generous gifts are safer than ever.
I am proud of this work and of the individuals I am privileged to work with on your behalf. We have listened to, responded to, and protected our community. We will continue to give our time, talent, and treasure to secure our community’s future. We hope you’ll join us in that good work. What we build together is infinitely stronger than what we can build alone.
God alone will determine our success in 2025, but be assured: Marble’s leadership, staff, and volunteers continue working faithfully to ensure our church can deserve it.
Gratefully,
Matthew Morse Elder & Board Chair
All Choirs Are Back & In Full Swing
For the first time since COVID, all of our choirs are back in action. This includes the hiring of Joel Esher as the Director of the Children’s & Youth Choirs, and Carl Ellis, III as the Interim Director of the Marble Community Gospel Choir. We’ve also welcomed the return of our volunteer choirs, including the Summer Choir and the Marble Festival Choir. With these additions to The Marble Choir, we are now fully staffed and ready to continue growing.
Fall Festival
On October 27, the CYF collaborated with All-Church Events for Marble’s Fall Festival, where both kids and adults enjoyed games, prizes, arts & crafts, and a fun costume parade in the Sanctuary at the end of Worship. The highlight of the event was the assembly of Thanksgiving bags for those in need, a meaningful way to give back as a community.
Blessing of the Animals
Pets, photos and stuffed animals were blessed on 5th Avenue for our annual Blessing of the Animals on October 13 after Worship. We even had a special visit from NYPD Mounted Police and K-9 units!
Pride
For the third year in a row, sections of the AIDS Quilt from the National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco hung in the Sanctuary throughout June. This year the panels honored pioneers of the LGBTQ+ New York nightlife. On Pride Sunday, we also tied ribbons on the fence in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family.
Christmas Highlights
This Christmas season was filled with joy and festive events. Highlights included Merry, Merry Marble , where congregants decorated trees for the homebound and enjoyed a special visit from Santa. We also saw the return of our Caroling on 5th , spreading Christmas cheer to our neighbors, the CYF pageant, and, of course, our Advent Concert, Through the Eyes of Gabriel , that featured the beautiful sounds of The Marble Choir, Marble Festival Choir, and Marble Community Gospel Choir. It was a season to remember!
Rose Castle
In October, 24 people from Marble visited the Rose Castle Foundation in the Lake District of the UK, near the border between England and Scotland. The fully renovated Castle is 800 years old and now houses the Rose Castle Foundation sponsored in part by the Anglican Church. Together we learned the 12 Habits of a Reconciler – Curiosity, Generosity, Hospitality, Creativity, Stewardship, Lament, Forgiveness, Empathy, Vulnerability, Humility, Gratitude and Hope. Through learning and sharing sessions, the group deepened our commitment to being people of reconciliation and hope amidst the divisions we experience in our country, families and society.
John Pavlovitz and Jim Wallis
We were fortunate to welcome guest preachers John Pavlovitz and Jim Wallis to Marble this year. Both speakers inspired us to be leaders in the church, emphasizing a strong message of inclusivity and love. Following their visits, Small Groups were formed around their books to deepen our commitment to this mission.
Ministry by the Numbers
Marble’s Ministry Engagement
Worship In Person Attendance for 2024
Total 12,660
923 11,318
Sunday Worship An increase of 44% from 2023
Non-Sundays
Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Christmas Eve
14,000 likes, an 800% increase from 2023
75,462 Streaming for 2024
Total Streaming Viewers
1,472
Average Weekly Views
40,441
Live Views Vimeo & Facebook
35,022
Non-Live Views
Downloads, Live Stream & Vimeo archive
72
Total Countries Reached
Members Adherents
Non-members
1,625 3,126 1,501 13 7
90,000 to 100,000
Back-to-School Drive
Through Marble’s Back-to-School Drive, congregants provided and filled over 375 backpacks with school supplies to equip New York City children from low income homes for the school year. Supplies went to Housing Plus, P.S.30, Icahn House Shelter, and Osborne Association.
Operation Santa Letters
Filled with the Christmas spirit, Marble congregants purchased Christmas gifts for 280 children to spread love and help make their Santa Christmas morning wishes come true. Gifts were given to children in need at Icahn House Shelter, Osborne Association, and Housing Plus.
Thanksgiving Bag Food Drive
Congregants provided Thanksgiving trimmings and assembled over 300 Thanksgiving bags for families at Housing Plus, Icahn House Shelter, and Osborne Association.
Easter Offering Outreach
100% of the money collected from our yearly Easter Offering goes to carefully-vetted organizations in the United States and abroad. Through the generosity of over 500 donors, $140,609 was raised and divided amongst 17 nonprofits working to help alleviate needs in the areas of education, health, housing, hunger, social justice and empowerment, and peace and reconciliation. Organizations include Blanton Peale Counseling Center, Housing Plus (housing and homelessness), Partnership to End Human Trafficking, Search and Care (elderly), Kaleidoscope Ministries (LGBTQ Ministries), Holy Apostles Food Pantry, MES/Mould Empower Serve in South Africa (social services for children), and Al Amana Center in Oman (peacebuilding & reconciliation).
Coats and Cold Weather Accessories Drive
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, congregants donated coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other helpful items. The 350+ items collected went to migrants (men, women and children) who are supported by Project Hospitality on Staten Island.
Authors of Color Book Exchange
In honor of Black History Month, over 50 congregants had the opportunity to exchange books by authors of color, and engage in conversation about material from various books, films and art. Children were given books written by authors of diverse backgrounds.
P.S.30 Tutoring
Marble volunteers continued to provide over 30 hours of weekly tutoring online to students at P.S.30 in Harlem.
Stephen Ministry
Marble continues to provide Christ-centered care in one-on-one confidential Stephen Ministry relationships. Congregants who have completed 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training support church members by walking alongside them with compassionate care, offering a listening ear for life’s challenges including loneliness, grief, divorce, job loss, and other issues. Over the last 13+ years, we have trained over 110 Stephen Ministers and Leaders.
Marble Fights Hunger
Congregants donated over 2000 non-perishable food items throughout the year that go to a nearby neighborhood women’s shelter. This is part of our focused effort of giving back in gratitude.
Sip and Self-Care Painting Party
Sipping coffee, tea and infused water, and munching on light snacks, congregants engaged in a fun, creative painting experience. 42 people explored their inner Rembrandt while appreciating the importance of self-care through the imaginative world of watercolor painting. Online congregant and former Board member, Marcie Doll was our guide as we created our own unique masterpieces.
Dear Marble Congregation, We are pleased to share with you the results for Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024).
Highlights from Fiscal Year 2024:
1. Congregant Revenue through pledges was strong. We received $1,297,682 in pledge giving which represented an increase of $15,450 over the budget of $1,282,232. This also represents an increase in pledge giving of $1,273,515 in Fiscal Year 2023.
2. Christmas Offering was strong with $34,569 received against a budget of $20,000, representing an increase of $14,569 over the budget and a doubling of the Christmas Offering from 2023 when we received $17,042.
3. The bulk of the deficit in total Congregant Revenue comes from decreased Easter Offering and Disaster Relief Funds (see next two points).
4. In Fiscal Year 2023, we received $197,515 for the Easter Offering. In Fiscal Year 2024, we budgeted $200,000 but only received $140,609 representing a shortfall of $59,391. All monies received for the Easter Offering were distributed to the organizations vetted and selected by the Marble Outreach Committee; no monies received for the Easter Offering were retained by Marble.
5. We had no significant disasters in Fiscal Year 2024 so that line is low. We received $1,036 against a budget of $30,000, representing a shortfall of $28,964 from what was budgeted.
Of significant note, we took $106,981 less than budgeted in our endowment draw ($1,997,422 budgeted versus $1,890,441 actuals). Congregant and Program Revenue generated enough cash on hand for us to not need to draw more from the endowment.
On the Expense side we are pleased to note every department prudently managed their budgets so most came in under budget for FY24. This was mostly due to open staff positions that were filled late in the fiscal year and the continued cost-savings and cost-containment efforts on the part of each staff member.
We were able to accrue $75,000 from the FY24 operating surplus, primarily to repair the main chiller in the church building that failed last summer. Remember, we are now responsible for the expenses related to our sacred property (formerly paid for by Collegiate Church Corporation) so creating an ongoing building fund to keep our property in excellent condition will be a priority going forward.
Even with the reduced endowment draw and accrual of funds for building repairs, we ended FY24 with a surplus of $218,358
Of note in the FY25 budget, the congregant revenue line ($1,733, 000) will be larger than the endowment draw line ($1,728,772) for the first time since the funding from the Collegiate Church Corporation ceased in 2021. This is the direction we will continue to go in as we move toward full financial sustainability.
Thank you for your continued support of Marble. We are deeply grateful to God for you.
Dr. J. Elise Brown Executive Minister
Renier van Aswegen Elder & Treasurer
Marble Operating Results
Gifts from the People of Marble
FY24 Pledge Giving: $1,297,682
FY24 Easter Offering: $140,609
Expenses (by department)
(Easter Offering distribution of $140,609 is included)
Adult Formation, Membership, Hospitality and Program Groups
Media and Communications (Live Streaming)
Caring for Our Staff – Finance and HR Benefits (Denominational Dues of $135,824 included for FY25 budget)
Caring for Our Sacred Property, Facilities and Events
Expenses
Income Over Expenses / (Deficit)
Advertising & Marketing
We are dedicated to expanding our reach and connecting with the broader community, ensuring that the vibrant activities and events at Marble Church are known far and wide. Through a strategic mix of targeted paid advertising and cultivating strong relationships with the press, Stan Williams and team have been able to feature our events in prominent publications such as AM New York, AARP, and on TV stations like NY1. One of our most powerful moments of outreach came when we turned the destructive act of someone tearing down our Pride banner into a compelling message of inclusivity, unity, and love. This story resonated deeply, garnering widespread attention from major news outlets including CBS News, NBC News, Yahoo News, MSN.com, and many others, amplifying our message to an incredibly broad audience.
Here is a snapshot of our coverage:
AARP featured our events 13 times in 2024. 1 Million Daily Visitors (Earned Editorials).
came to the church three times to feature events.
750,000 Weekly Viewers (Earned Editorial). Each segment ran multiple times over multiple days,
Home Movie Screening by Marble Member Scott Roberts
Covering AIDS Quilt hung in our Sanctuary
Social Media
We have made significant strides in enhancing our social media presence, diversifying our content and increasing the frequency of our posts. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant, engaged community that extends far beyond Sunday services. Jisselle Fernandez creates new and interesting content, shares upcoming events with our followers and uses paid features to help boost programs outside of our community. From her efforts, we’ve expanded our reach on all platforms (see page 11) and built a dynamic, interactive space where people can connect and stay informed.
2024 was an exciting and inspiring year for the Children, Youth & Families Ministry. It was packed full of wonderful Sunday School classes & Youth Group lessons, heartfelt involvement in Worship and all-church events, inspiring service projects, lots of encouragement and support (even beyond high school graduation), relationship-building, and fun. Marble’s CYF shines as a ministry of inclusion, acceptance, kindness, love, and friendship – while always taking thought-provoking stops on the faith journeys of our children and youth. Not only do the children and youth continue to be a joy to the Marble Community, but they’re an awesome hope for the future. Here are some highlights of the 2024 year.
January
The CYF kids and youth participated in Marble’s Vision Board Event and had a great time having lunch with the Marble Community and seeing the New Year as a blank canvas and envisioning their hopes and intentions for the future. Youth Director Sarah Sanou and the Youth Group led a very successful CYF event, Build-a-Bagged-Lunch. Families arrived at church with food to make bagged lunches (sandwich, granola bar, and juice box) that were immediately delivered to The Bowery Mission to give to New Yorkers in need. 119 bags in total were made and donated.
February
For Valentine’s Day, the Youth Group had a super successful bake sale – raising $600 for both Marble’s CYF and UNICEF to help children affected by war.
March
We had two fundraisers for the Easter Offering. CYF collected spare change during Sunday School (in their Change for Change program), and sold Easter baskets they made from recycled materials. They collected $56.62 in spare change and made $600 selling their baskets at Coffee Hour… for a total of $656.62!
April
The Youth had their muchloved Lock-In , where they had the church to themselves for a fun, friendship-building, overnight sleepover.
June
The CYF participated in cutting enough ribbons to shower the church’s fence with all the colors of the rainbow to celebrate Pride Month and the love, inclusion, and acceptance of Marble. CYF also celebrated the students’ completion of their school year (including three high graduates: Cara Giardina, Harry McSween, and Ben Niewood.) Harry and Ben also joined Dr. Bos in a conversational sermon, A Conversation with Our Youth.
July
11 Scholarships were awarded for our CYF alumni continuing their education in colleges and universities. Those scholars were: James Banks, Felica Jennings-Brown, Amanda Crewey, Cara Giardina, Juliete Licata, Harry McSween, Walker McSween, Sofia Licata, Ben Niewood, Ella Niewood, and Fred Lee Whitfield, Jr.
September
We began the school year with a blessing of our new and returning students and teachers in Worship, began a new Confirmation Class, had a fun party with group games, and welcomed our new Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs, Joel Esher.
November
October
We had our second annual all-church Fall Festival: made Thanksgiving bags for those in need, played spooky games, created lots of arts and crafts, and had a costume parade down the aisles at the end of Worship.
Gratitude Sunday was the triumphant return of our Children’s & Youth Choir when they sang three times in Worship, including Joni Mitchell’s The Circle Game.
December
The 2nd-6th Grade Class (led by Oanfa Quan) had a Bake Sale, raising $240 to make goodie bags to accompany the Merry, Merry Marble Christmas trees and wreaths for our Marble members who were homebound for the holidays and/or settling into new housing. At the end of the year, they told the story of Christmas in their annual pageant, The Christmas Journey, written by Brian Hampton and Sister Carol Perry, directed by Sarah Sanou, with musical direction by Joel Esher. It featured the acting talents of 27 CYF kids and youth, three CYF parents, and one Sunday School teacher.
Arts Ministry 2024 welcomed the 44th year of the Arts Ministry which began the year exploring the theme All Good Gifts—The Art of Receiving and ended its year with the Fall launch of the theme Achieving Your Highest Artistic Vision. Weekly meetings continued, alternating between the Fellowship of Professional Artists and the Peer Support Group, while the Producer’s Club met once monthly. Program highlights include the annual Arts Festival, Artists’ Boutique, end-ofyear and Christmas parties, and the workshop Waiting Is an Action Step created and facilitated by Mario E. Sprouse. This year also saw several event debuts: the monthly Artist Meet ‘n Eat, the Artist Salon (this year in celebration of Black History Month), and a collaboration for Gun Violence Awareness Month presenting Chris Danuser’s film Pap’s Manifesto in Marble’s Movies that Matter series. Nine art exhibits opened in person on the Wall of Hope, Inspiration, and Healing as well as online, each of which were seen by countless people in person and 70+ viewers online.
GIFTS: LGBTQ+
GIFTS, Marble’s LGBTQ+ Ministry, continues to create innovative programming that engages our congregation and our surrounding community. Pride 2024 was our major effort this year, beginning with a special organ concert that paid tribute to panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt that hung in the Sanctuary throughout June. GIFTS hosted multiple Pride gatherings, including a well-received screening of Letters Home and a sold-out Pride Sunday breakfast. After Pride Sunday Worship, we brought back the popular water tables, where the congregation socialized in front of Marble and served hundreds of cups of water for thirsty folks waiting to march. We continued to nourish our relationship with Kaleidoscope Ministries, an Easter Offering recipient, and at the end of December we joined forces with them to prepare, cook and serve a hot meal to 70 LGBTQ+ homeless youth and young adults who are participants of New Alternatives.
PrimeTime(55+)
PrimeTime members gather monthly for lunch, enjoying celebrations, entertainment, and fellowship. This year, members also took trips to the theater, including a visit to Hell’s Kitchen, the Sight & Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania to see Daniel, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The annual Merry, Merry Marble Christmas Tree decorating event saw 75 participants from multiple generations. The beautifully decorated trees were then donated to our homebound members. Additionally, PrimeTime launched its Summer Newsletter, News From The Pews, edited by Valerie Doll. The newsletter became a hit, featuring highlights, activities, and photos from the summer season with the PrimeTimers.
Plant Positive Fellowship
Since 2020, the Plant Positive Fellowship has grown into a thriving group in support of more plant-based eating for our health and for the Earth. 10-20 of us join monthly online discussions to inform and support a path toward more plants on our plates and less animal and ultra-processed foods. Speakers have included Mary Starrs Boyle, a founding member, Fran Costigan, vegan pastry chef, Lynn Diamond, Plant Powered Metro NY (PPMNY) staff, Patrycja SlebodaSobolev, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, and breast oncologist Dr. Neil Iyengar.
Women’s Ministry
2024 saw a full year of in-person and online programming as MWM transitioned from their Spring theme Navigating the Waters of Change to Fall’s Reflecting God’s Love in One Another. Some highlights include the journaling mini-retreat, Navigating the Waters of Change with Nina Frost, How to Save, Grow, and Protect Your Money Wisely with Brenda Walker, an online book study on Dr. Julie Faith Parker’s book Eve Isn’t Evil, an autumn excursion through Central Park’s Mall and Literary Walk, a visit to the NY Historical Society’s Women’s Work special exhibit, an Earth Day workshop, Changing Ourselves, Changing Our World, an online Small Group with guest Rev. Barbara Crafton exploring her book, The Courage to Grow Old, our popular annual retreat at the beautiful Wisdom House in Connecticut, a moving and meaningful Hallowtide service on All Saints’ Day, plus Lenten and Advent Blogs viewed daily by 100,000 people worldwide. The year concluded in joyful community at our Zoom Christmas party.
Small Groups
This treasured ministry had a strong year with 13 groups and 1495 participants. Dr. Elise Brown led two groups on Zoom focused on Dr. Peale’s books. 216 joined for The Power of Positive Thinking and 161 attended A Guide to Confident Living. Dr. Michael Bos led 114 people on Zoom exploring Unpacking Islam, weaving in his personal experiences living in Oman.
Prayer Ministries
Marble continues to be a community that prays together in many ways including the weekly Sunday Prayer Circle, in person and on Zoom, and Tuesday Afternoon Prayers on Zoom, the twice-monthly Prayer Shawl Ministry, plus our annual Good Friday Prayer Vigil. The Labyrinth was open for prayerful walks one Wednesday a month, with a special workshop on February 11, How to Walk the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool, and this fall we hosted a group of 40 people from the United Nations. The Marble Prayer Ministry Team and the Growing Deeper Strategic Plan Task Force also hosted Partners in Prayer at Pentecost, an online gathering on May 31.
Notable Mentions
Biblical Scholar in Residence:
Dr. Julie Faith Parker
In the spring of 2024, Dr. Parker continued our study of the ancestor stories in Genesis; in the fall we studied Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Every class included cutting-edge biblical scholarship, a PowerPoint presentation, and close attention to the Hebrew text. Additional elements like film clips, hands-on activities, skits, artwork, Bible snacks, and lively conversation keep participants engaged and the energy high.
The participants in the 10:00 O’Clock Hour Bible studies have impressive knowledge about the Bible’s first five books. Ask any one of them what the word “Genesis” means (not really “beginning”) and how it relates to the book’s 50 chapters! Dr. Julie Faith Parker is delighted to have the room full, both in person and online, as our Bible study continues to be a vibrant Sunday morning community.
10:00 O’Clock Hour
Our 10:00 O’Clock Hour keeps getting stronger. Dr. Michael Bos led an Intro to Islam, Dr. Elise Brown shared her Reflections from the Camino, and Rev. Susanah Wade joined them for 3-part series Starting Points and Anticipation and Expectation. We explored Faith and Music with Michael T. C. Hey and Dr. Brown; Spiritual Self-Care with Jeannette Aycock; Summer of Gratitude with Carla Illiescu & Mamie McIndoe; and Managing the Creative Spirit with Mario Sprouse. We also had sessions with former staff members Dr. Shari Brink, Rev. Kirsty DePree and Rev. Liz Testa, as well as guests Gihane Jérémie-Brink, Ph.D., Dr. Nathan Jérémie-Brink, Dr. Kimberly George, Dr. Micah McCreary, Rev. John Pavlovitz and more.
Gratitude Sunday, In Person & Online
Gratitude in Action was our theme as we gathered November 17 for Gratitude Sunday’s Worship with special music by The Marble Choir, the Marble Community Gospel Choir and the Children’s & Youth Choirs. An in-person reception followed in the Labyrinth Room and our online celebration on Sunday, November 24 included a performance by Michael T. C. Hey and interview with Marble member Ted Gregory. We are deeply grateful to the Marble Community for embracing gratitude not just as a feeling, but as a readiness to return the kindness and blessings we have received.
A Milestone Birthday
Marble turned 170 this year!
Open House New York with Organ Concert
Many new people were able to hear our amazing pipe organ when Michael T. C. Hey had a special concert during our participation in the annual Open House New York on October 20.
Michael and other organists also showed off their talents and our beautiful pipe organ during our free Music at Midday performances on various Wednesdays at noon.
Pop Culture Trivia Brunch
In May, Marble hosted a lively Pop Culture Trivia Brunch for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Four teams competed for prizes while enjoying lunch and making new friends. The event, led by Brian Hampton and Olivia St. Peter, supported Marble’s Growing with 20s and 30s initiative.
Labyrinth Room Art Installation
Photos of Labyrinths were hung on the walls of the Labyrinth Room to inspire and connect the walkers of our inlaid labyrinth to others from around the world. The permanent art includes cobblestones in a field in Letonia, a woman walking a labyrinth on the Mediterranean coastline, several from Chartres Cathedral in Paris, and a handmade oak finger labyrinth. Thanks to the staff committee: John McHugh, Rick Harper, Karla Hendrick, Brian Hampton, Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Mario Sprouse & Dr. Elise Brown.
Volunteer Form
In an effort to empower our congregation, we launched our Volunteer Initiative, designed to connect individuals with a variety of opportunities to support the church’s mission. These include, service and outreach, hospitality, administrative roles, and leadership positions, among others. We are excited to implement this initiative and look forward to seeing how it strengthens our community and mission.
Ministers
Dr. Michael Bos
Senior Minister
Dr. J. Elise Brown
Executive Minister
Rev. Susanah Wade
Associate Minister
Program Leaders
Dr. Julie Faith Parker
Biblical Scholar in Residence
Michael T. C. Hey Director of Music
Christina Morano Keiser Director of Media & Communication
Kim Sebastian-Ryan Director of Membership & Connecting
Brian Hampton Director of CYF Ministry
Staff
Virgilio Belen
Maintenance
Carl Arnez Ellis, III
Interim Director of Marble Community Gospel Choir
Joel Esher
Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs
Daniel Finegold
Production Assistant
Kristopher Fisher Custodian
Karla Fritsch
Publications Manager
Nick Giardina
Media Production Specialist
Clay Hale
Development, Database, & Receivable Specialist
Joshua Hansen
Maintenance
Rick Harper Events & Space Usage Manager
Karla Hendrick Program Coordinator
Daphne Kim Director of Human Resources
Greg Lum Art Director
Board of Elders & Deacons
Matthew Morse Elder & Chair
Barbara Sagan Elder & Vice Chair
Renier van Aswegen Elder & Treasurer
Kathy Weida Elder & Secretary
Larry Schafer Elder & Church Master
Jeannette Aycock Deacon
Richard Davis Deacon
Tim Lee Deacon
Mamie McIndoe Deacon
Abigail Shue Deacon
Iyana Titus Deacon
Brenda W. Walker Elder
John McHugh
Property Manager
Baleta M. McKenzie
Director of PrimeTime & Small Group Ministries
Zoila Perez
Receptionist
Yvette Rosario
Receptionist
Maritza Sanchez
Accounts Payable Specialist
Sarah Sanou
Youth Director
Mario Sprouse
Arts Coordinator
Gary Thompson
Wedding Coordinator
Mike Thurlow
Executive Assistant
Judy Tulin Coordinator of Pastoral Care
Jerry Williams
Maintenance
John E. Rorer, II Elder Emeritus
Greg Walker Elder Emeritus
This Annual Report was created by MediaCom:
Christina Morano Keiser
Greg Lum
Karla Fritsch
Nick Giardina
