What Season Are You In?
There is great wisdom in the words of Ecclesiastes: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1). We readily accept there is a change of seasons in weather, though we like some better than others. We love the beauty of summer when the sun shines daily and the flowers are at their peak. We love the beginning of autumn when the beauty around us is transformed into a vibrant, new palette of colors. However, soon the trees are barren and the flowers have faded, and the cold, gray winter arrives. Though we may not like winter, we make it through knowing spring will arrive and the landscape will again be teeming with life.
it feels like winter because the things we cherished are no longer present in our lives. This is when life seems dark and drab, and life is difficult.
Faith tells us to trust God is at work and spring is coming. And as difficult as some seasons may be, we know God is present and preparing us for something new. Here is the thing about seasons: winter is never the end of the story. It is but a season we must pass through to get to spring.
“And as difficult as some seasons may be, we know God is present and preparing us for something new.”
The writer of Ecclesiastes is telling us that life is like this. As much as we would love to live in a perpetual spring or summer, there will also be times of winter. This is because we change, times change, jobs change, relationships change, our health changes, and we find ourselves in a different season of life. Sometimes it feels like autumn and we’re watching the things we love fall away. Sometimes
EASTER OFFERING 2024
There is still time for you to give to the Marble Easter Offering. The grants we distribute from your donations go to carefully vetted nonprofit organizations in response to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, and care for those needing the guardrails of social justice and empowerment. Learn more and give at MarbleChurch.org/easteroffering. We invite you to also consider giving a Marble Match to support the day-to-day work we do as a community. Any monies directed to the “Marble Match” should be clearly annotated. For those writing checks, you can write one check for both the Easter Offering and Marble. Please indicate in the memo how you want the amount divided.
Easter Offering Survey – Your participation enabled the Outreach Committee, chaired by Dr. Jeannette Aycock, to move the Easter Offering in new directions based on the feedback we received. Thank you! The results of the survey can be found at MarbleChurch.org/calendar.
I love what Virgil A. Kraft said, “Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” This echoes Jesus when he said, “with God all things are possible (19:26),” which means no matter what season we are in, spring is coming! Know that with God springtime will soon be here, and new and beautiful things will begin to show themselves in our lives!
FISCAL YEAR 2024 7-MONTH FINANCIAL UPDATE
We are extremely grateful for the strong congregant giving we are seeing this fiscal year and share our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is participating in giving to Marble. Thank you! On Tuesday, March 5, the 7-month financial results for Fiscal Year 2024 were released to the congregation by email. They cover July 2023 through January 2024. The results can be found at MarbleChurch.org on both the bottom of the homepage and the right side of the calendar page. In early May we will share the 9-month results for this fiscal year and have full confidence we will be able to end this year very strong with your help and the Spirit’s presence with us.
A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER THE POWER OF BEING CALLED BY NAME
Dr. J. Elise Brown
My parents chose unique names for each of my siblings. My older sister was named after both of my grandmothers – Mary Margaret. My younger sister was named Heather Enid as a bow to my father’s Scotch-Irish heritage. My brother was also given a name from my father’s heritage, Kirk, and his middle name was my mother’s maiden name, so he was called Kirk Moe.
My first name is Jo Ana, which was a combination of parts of both my parents’ names. My father’s name was Joseph and my mother’s middle name was Ann, so I became Jo Ana and my middle name was taken from one of my mother’s favorite classical pieces by Beethoven – Fur Elise. So, I became Jo Ana Elise.
“Mary,” that she knew Jesus was alive. He had risen from the dead, and he knew her.
Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). – John 20:15-16
“Jesus sees us and calls us by name…”
My first name was challenging from the get-go. My mother did not like it when it was misspelled or mispronounced. She would speak up to correct them when anyone called me Joanna, or Joanne. She didn’t like Joana, either. So, after many years of a mangled first name, I just started using Elise, although to this day some people call me Jo Ana.
Names are powerful. They become part of our identity, a uniqueness of who we are.
How powerful it must have been after the resurrection when sadness and confusion was all around that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and called her by name. She hadn’t recognized Jesus when she was at the tomb searching for his body. At first mistaken as the gardener, it was only until Jesus spoke her name,
HONORING SOMEONE SPECIAL
You may have noticed we have revitalized the practice at Marble of encouraging people to give a financial gift in honor of someone in your life, a special celebration (anniversary, graduation, wedding or other achievement) or as a memorial to acknowledge the passing of a loved one. You can find the Honoring Someone Special option on the dropdown menu in Realm, click on the “Give” button at the top of MarbleChurch.org to access, or contact Clay Hale (212-686-2770 or CHale@MarbleChurch.org). We are listing these special gifts every few months in the Sunday bulletins. This is a meaningful way to honor someone special in your life and support the ministry of Marble at the same time.
Easter is a time when we are reminded in the most poignant way possible that Jesus is one who calls us by name. Jesus sees us, even when we don’t see him or recognize him. Jesus moves toward us, even when we have moved far, far away. Jesus keeps searching for us, even when we feel the most lost. Jesus sees us and calls us by name – you are seen, you are loved, you are not alone.
At some point in the future, Jesus will call our names again when we meet him at the heavenly gates and join the great company of saints who have gone before us. I look forward to that special day when I will hear Jesus call my name.
Until then, may you know that a Risen Christ walks alongside of you and is with you at the very moment when you feel all is lost, when sadness and confusion are all around. Listen for your name. Hear it being spoken from the One who overcame death and every manner of suffering FOR YOU, _______ (insert your name here).
JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY!
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! New Member Orientations are offered at various times throughout the year. To learn more, contact Kim SebastianRyan (KRyan@ MarbleChurch. org), on Sundays talk to someone wearing a red carnation or visit MarbleChurch. org/become-amember.
Dr. J. Elise Brown Executive Minister
CONNECTING AT MARBLE
By Kim Sebastian-RyanSpringtime is here and I’m so glad, aren’t you?
Easter Sunday, longer days, and the beautiful colors of budding trees and flowers all beckon us toward a new season. For me, spring brings a new energy and a sense of excitement after the quieter more reflective season of winter and Lent. It also brings questions of “What to do next?” During one of Dr. Bos’ recent sermons, he asked “What new things does God want to birth in your life?” Seems perfect for spring and yet, that can be a complicated question that takes time to answer. However, it can be an exciting question to explore, especially in springtime. One way to do that is to seek out more opportunities to connect. Connect more deeply with God, with yourself, and with others. Maybe it’s time to take a chance and get involved in something new at Marble.
In the Marble Spotlight
WALK THE LABYRINTH
Wednesdays, April 3 & 17, May 1 & 15 5:00-6:30pm
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
SIP & SELF CARE COFFEE HOUR
Sunday, April 7 | 12:15-1:15pm
Enjoy a fun, creative Coffee Hour where we’ll explore the importance of self-care through the imaginative world of watercolor painting. Marcie Doll will be our guide as we create our own unique masterpieces, even if we’ve never painted before. This will be a wonderful time of coffee, tea, cookies, connecting, and creating. Materials provided. This painting party is for all ages – everyone is invited!
SPRING PRAYER INTREAT
Historic Prayers of the Church
Sunday, April 7 | 12:30-1:30pm, in person Thursday, April 11 | 12:30-1:30pm, on Zoom
The Marble Prayer Ministries invite you to join Dr. Elise Brown as she helps us explore the power and depth of important prayers of our church. There is also time to reflect and write our own prayers. Please register at MarbleChurch.org either for the in-person session or Zoom. Questions? Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).
Whether you join us locally or online, I encourage you to read through this edition of Touchpoint, visit MarbleChurch.org and make a commitment to get involved. You can join me monthly for Online Tea Time, Baleta McKenzie for one of her wonderful PrimeTime programs, Dr. Julie Faith Parker for Bible Study, or one of the many Small Groups or special programs sponsored by our incredible program ministries – GIFTS: LGBTQ+, Women’s, Children Youth & Families, Marble Monthly Meet-Up, Music and more. There is so much to choose from. Now’s the time! I encourage you to try it. You’ll be so glad you did. If I can help you find something, please let me know. I hope to see you at Marble or online soon!
MUSIC AT MIDDAY
Wednesdays, April 10 & 24, May 1 | 12:00-12:30pm
Give yourself a midday break to enjoy the incredible sounds of the Marble pipe organ during these 30-minute performances. Free admission. Learn more about the talented organists at MarbleChurch.org.
April 10 – Samuel Gaskin, keyboardist and improviser, now living in Paris
April 24 – Michael T. C. Hey, Marble’s Director of Music
May 1 – Janet Yieh, Director of Music at Church of the Heavenly Rest, NYC
IMPROVISATION RECITAL WITH JASON ROBERTS
Monday, April 15 | 7:00pm
Renowned improviser and NYCAGO Chapter member
Jason Roberts offers an evening of improvisations in a variety of styles. Invite your friends! Free and open to all. Sanctuary and live streamed. Sponsored by the NYC chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Reception follows.
COFFEE HOUR
Sundays | 12:15-1:15pm
Join us after Worship in the Labyrinth Room (downstairs) for a wonderful 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 details about our upcoming Special Outreach Coffee Hours.
ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM
Generally, Third Wednesday of Month 1:00-2:00pm
We gather on Zoom for an opportunity to connect, deepen relationships, and enjoy beautiful virtual walks together. Stay tuned to the bulletin, announcements and MarbleChurch.org for dates, details and to register.
CHANGING OURSELVES, CHANGING OUR WORLD
Thursday, April 18 | 6:15-7:30pm
And God said…to everything that has breath of life, I have given every green plant for food… – Genesis 1:29-30
Honor yourself and our beautiful Mother Earth by participating in this important conversation focusing on how a plant-based diet benefits both ourselves and our world. Our special guests are Sierra Hollowell, Policy Analyst, NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy (MOFP), Lianna Levine
Reisner, MSOD, Co-Founder & Network Director, Plant Power Metro New York, Rosemasry Lopez, MS, RDN, CDN, Registered Dietitian, Lifestyle Medicine Program, NYC, Lashawn “Suga Ray” Marston, Transformational Speaker & Coach, Philanthropist, Visionary, World Healer. Register at MarbleChurch.org
SPECIAL SMALL GROUPS
A GUIDE TO CONFIDENT LIVING
Thursdays, April 25 – May 16 | 12:30pm
Dr. Elise Brown leads an online discussion of another of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s books, A Guide to Confident Living. Register at MarbleChurch.org
DANIEL: WAY MORE THAN A LION TAMER
Tuesdays, June 4, 11 & 18 | 5:30-6:30pm
Join Dr. Julie Faith Parker on Zoom as she teaches on the biblical book of Daniel. Marble is also planning a day trip to Sight & Sound Theatre in PA on June 21 to see their production of Daniel and Dr. Parker’s study will better prepare us for the experience. Register for both events at MarbleChurch.org.
SPECIAL SUNDAY GUESTS
REV. JIM WALLIS
May 19
We welcome Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, who preaches at 11:00am Worship and has a book signing with Q&A for his most recent book, The False White Gospel, in the Sanctuary immediately following Worship. sojo.net/biography/jim-wallis
REV. JOHN PAVLOVITZ
June 16
Rev. John Pavlovitz returns during Pride Month to lead the 10:00 O’Clock Hour and preach at 11:00am Worship. He shares his most recent projects and the ongoing work he is doing to further the full inclusion of all people in the body of Christ and as a reflection of the Gospel of Jesus. johnpavlovitz.com/about/
SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
June Sunday TBD | 12:30-2:00pm
Celebrate the creativity of our Marble artists in this program highlighting music, dance, film, poetry, plays and fine art including paintings and photography. Sponsored by The Arts Ministry. In the Labyrinth Room. For details, stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org
SUMMER CHOIR
Michael Hey invites all singers to join him for his new summer volunteer choir to participate in Worship on one Sunday in June, July and August. Sing when you’re able. If you’re interested, please contact Michael (MHey@MarbleChurch.org).
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH AND A CELEBRATION FOR THE ENTIRE CHURCH!
Our GIFTS Ministry that supports LGBTQ+ persons, their families and allies, leads Marble’s annual Pride celebration, including our breakfast on Sunday, June 30. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for details.
FREEDOM RISING CONFERENCE
Friday, April 26Sunday, April 28
We welcome Middle Collegiate Church’s Freedom Rising Conference to Marble. Details at MiddleChurch. org. On Sunday, April 28, Dr. Jacqui Lewis will preach at a special Worship.
MOMENTS & MEMORIES
The CYF had a very fun and busy winter!
Our kids and youth told the story of Christmas in a meaningful and lively pageant – which included a very special animal “dance break” in the manger where the congregation danced along. 28 children and youth (and three parents) acted in the pageant and reminded us all – no matter what our fun traditions are during the holidays, our favorite part of Christmas is always hearing the story of Jesus’ birth.
Sunday School teacher Oanfa Quan led her 2nd-6th Grade class in a special fundraiser making handmarbleized Christmas ornaments and selling them at the Artists’ Boutique. They raised $375, and the class decided to make Christmas goodie bags for those in need and help fill next year’s Thanksgiving bags.
The CYF kids and youth participated in Marble’s Vision Board Event and had a great time having lunch with the Marble community, seeing the New Year as a blank canvas and envisioning their hopes and intentions for the future.
Our youngest students (Pre-K through 1st Graders) started the year learning about the Fruit of the Spirit, reading Maybe God Is Like That, Too and making trees full of fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Sarah and the Youth Group led a very successful CYF event, Build a Bagged Lunch. Families arrived at church with materials 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!
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.
And, during Lent, the CYF had TWO fundraisers for the Easter Offering. They collected spare change during Sunday School (in their Change for Change program), and they made and sold Easter baskets from recycled materials – filled with goodies donated by the CYF grown-ups. They collected $56.62 in spare change and made $600 selling their baskets in Coffee Hour... for a total of $656.62!
Upcoming Highlights
April 14 & May 19 – Children’s Message in Worship
June 2 – CYF participates in Worship, including our High School Graduate Blessing
June 23 – CYF school year ends
June 30 – CYF Summer programming starts
Reflections from the Editor
By Karla FritschThe day after Christmas I felt totally knocked off track when I was surprised with a difficult health diagnosis. As I tried to process the news, I got honest with myself that I had already been off track in certain areas of my life. Trying to think positively, I considered that maybe one of the gifts in this diagnosis was that it knocked me so much further off track, that now I had been given the opportunity to find a new and better track. Maybe I had been feeling off track in my life because through my personal growth I had developed “new wheels” and those wheels were never meant to fit on that old track. I hadn’t thought about that before.
As I prepared for surgery and put plans in place for my recovery, I decided to stay in a hotel for a couple weeks to have an accessible shower and more space than in my tiny studio. I got excited when I decided to make that time a personal retreat and a time to hit reset. I started collecting “re” words to act on: renewal, reclaim, recreate, recharge, rediscover…
Now, here I am almost two months after surgery, and don’t feel I’m doing well on that reset. Recovery has left me more exhausted, and although I didn’t expect everything to be perfect, I had hoped that by now I’d feel like a train clacking steadily down the new track. I thought about my memories of trains and train tracks from childhood – listening to the sound of the freight trains on the move and my walking on the stretch of tracks a few blocks from my house. I thought I could connect to those memories to help me feel more forward movement now.
Then other memories popped into my head of the two summers in high school I worked for the Story County Youth Conversation Corp. Part of the job was clearing paths in parks, lining them with railroad ties and also using railroad ties to build steps or retaining walls. That made me think, maybe my new “track” isn’t supposed to be rigid metal and perfectly lined up rows of railroad ties. Maybe now I’m creating a new path. Maybe I’m building it one railroad tie at a time
– and railroad ties are heavy, so I need time, patience and help to put them in place. Like most paths in the woods, maybe my new path will have twists and turns, sometimes around obstacles and other times to see a special view.
At first when I thought about the park paths lined with railroad ties, I started to romanticize it a bit. I think I can accept that my path will not be straight, that it’ll take effort and time to create – yet I forgot that like in YCC, after we had the railroad ties and mulch in place, the path still had to be maintained. Weeds would need to be pulled, mulch would need to be replaced, railroad ties would need to be repositioned… It wasn’t all forward movement. Why, oh why, do I keep thinking in my own life that it’s supposed to be “one and done”?!
And, of course, each part of a path can be different, not all are lined with railroad ties. Some have mulch, some gravel, some are level, some need wooden planks and bridges to go over low-lying areas and water. I don’t remember judging any of the paths I’ve walked in Acadia National Park and I can enjoy the journey, experience the beauty, the peace and even go with the flow when there are surprises. I hope as I shift how I look at this “reset path” I can do better at not judging myself or the life path I’m creating. Day-byday, step-by-step, moment-by-moment, I can make my way and I can also keep collecting all the “re” words I want – repetition, reaffirm, resilient… and reflect on everything I encounter around each bend.
We congratulate Mamie McIndoe, Deacon and longtime Marble member, who will be honored by HousingPlus at their Good Person Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 9. She will be honored alongside Bonnie Bach for their longstanding work together as volunteers, Board members and steadfast supporters and advocates of HousingPlus. Collectively, they have helped raise nearly $1.5 Million to support HousingPlus’
critical work through the veterans’ program, children’s services, holiday meals and gifts — an area particularly special to Mamie and in which Marble has been very involved. To learn more or make a gift in honor of Mamie, please visit bit.y/2024goodperson. You may also contact The JFM Group at HousingPlus@thejfmgroup.com or 212-921-9070, ext. 11.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
11AM
April, May, June 2024
Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister, preaching
What’s Changed?
Our Relationships
APRIL 7
Our Possibilities
APRIL 14
Magnifying Mary
APRIL 21
Dr. Julie Faith Parker, preaching
Toward the Matter of Wholeness
APRIL 28
Dr. Jacqui Lewis, preaching
Special service with Middle Church as part of their Freedom Rising Conference
NYC Street Closings —
Please plan ahead for your time at Marble. For details, visit www.nyc.gov/events/ index or call 311
You Are Enough
MAY 5
Rev. Susanah Wade, preaching
Growing in Faith
JUNE 2
Living Life Backwards
Begin with the End
MAY 12
Asian American/Pacific Islander Focused Worship
Change Is Coming
MAY 19
Pentecost
Rev. Jim Wallis, preaching
Know the Limitations
MAY 26
Faith
What Are We Building?
JUNE 9
What New Things Are Growing?
JUNE 23
JUNE 16
Rev. John Pavlovitz, preaching
Room for All
JUNE 30
Pride Sunday
10:00 O’Clock Hour
SUNDAYS AT 10AM
SCRIPTURAL REVELATIONS: Surprising Insights on Familiar Bible Stories
Dr. Julie Faith Parker, Marble’s Biblical Scholar in Residence, continues her series as we focus on the Ancestor Stories.
Jacob and Rachel: A True Biblical Romance? Sunday, April 7
Leah and Rachel: Are Sisters Doing It for Themselves?
Sunday, April 14
Jacob, Laban and Esau: Sheep, Gods and Wealth Sunday, May 5
Dinah and Shechem: Reader Discretion Advised Sunday, May 19
Joseph: Beyond the Technicolor Dreamcoat Sunday, June 2
Joseph: From Prison to Power to Peace Sunday, June 9
REV. KIRSTY DEPREE
Sunday, April 21
Rev. Kirsty DePree, currently Chaplain at University of Vermont Medical Center and former Marble Associate Minister, helps us reflect on how we plant seeds of compassion as we care for ourselves, our community and the world.
DR. NATHAN JÉRÉMIE-BRINK
Sunday, May 12
Nathan Jérémie-Brink, Ph.D., the L. Russell Feakes Assistant Professor of the History of Global Christianity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, explores the life and songs of John Jea, a formerly enslaved preacher and songwriter.
REV. JOHN PAVLOVITZ
Sunday, June 16
John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, and activist from North Carolina. He is a 25-year veteran in the trenches of local church ministry and committed to equality, diversity, and justice. He also preaches at 11:00am Worship.
KALEIDOSCOPE MINISTRIES
Sunday, June 23
We welcome back a representative from Kaleidoscope Ministries, an organization that cultivates Christian communities in which LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and neighbors are honored, dignified, and championed.
Prayer Circle
SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM
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.
Please note, 10:00 O’Clock Hour classes will continue in July & August.
Small Groups
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.
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
Being part of a Small Group is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble. For two upcoming special groups led by Dr. Elise Brown and Dr. Julie Faith Parker, see page 5. For more groups, details and to register, visit MarbleChurch.org.
Walk the Labyrinth
For upcoming Labyrinth walks, see page 4. Learn more about the Labyrinth at MarbleChurch.org/ labyrinth.
Rev. Kirsty DePree
LABYRINTH ROOM ART INSTALLATION
Have you noticed the addition of the new permanent artwork hanging inside the Labyrinth Room? After much discussion, the decision was made to hang photos of Labyrinths from around the world – including cobblestones in a field in Letonia, a woman walking a labyrinth on the Mediterranean coastline, several from Chartres Cathedral in Paris, plus a handmade oak finger labyrinth. Marble’s inlaid labyrinth is based on the Chartres Cathedral floor labyrinth dating from the thirteenth century. Thank you to the staff committee: John McHugh, Rick Harper, Karla Hendrick, Brian Hampton, Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Mario Sprouse and Dr. Elise Brown.
Engage – Help Others
Learn about ways you can be of service to others at Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, visit MarbleChurch.org/volunteer, or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).
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. 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).
Marble Fights Hunger — We encourage you to bring canned/bottled food whenever you come to Marble. Donations benefit various organizations including Icahn House. Drop-off bins are in the 5th Ave Narthex and 29th St Prayer Room. Monetary donations also welcome. We’ll also have more opportunities to learn about the important topic of food insecurity.
Pastoral Care for the Congregation We want to reach out to people we have not seen for a while and ask the congregation to help us with this effort. Sometimes we find out about members or friends of the congregation suffering from challenges after they have been struggling for a long time. 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).
Engage – More Upcoming Events
For the most up-to-date information, more events and details, visit MarbleChurch.org.
ARTS MINISTRY
We meet most Mondays at 6:30pm via Zoom for a time of fellowship, nurturing, and exploration into Biblical themes helping artists use their God-given gifts, talents, and skills. For professional and nonprofessional artists. Works of Arts Ministry members are featured in our Art Exhibits: Behold! I Make All Things New! (Eastertide), 3rd Annual AAPI (May), Filled with the Spirit (Pentecost) – view on the Wall of Inspiration, Hope and Healing outside the Labyrinth Room and at MarbleChurch.org/arts. Contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org) or Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org).
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
First Saturday of Month | 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 on Zoom. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).
GIFTS: LGBTQ+ FELLOWSHIP
Once again, the whole Marble Community joins us to celebrate Pride during June with worship, small groups and special programs. Festivities culminate on Pride Sunday, June 30, including our Pride Breakfast. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for details.
MARBLE MONTHLY MEET-UP
All are invited to join us for a time of fellowship, fun, and invigorating conversations as we explore new topics and new themes each month. Lite bites, and beverages on us. Generally, meets fourth Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm at Marble. Watch for details about our April and May events in the bulletins, eblasts and at MarbleChurch.org. Hope you can join us!
PRIMETIME (55+)
Enjoy Music at Midday on Wednesday, April 24, 12:00-12:30pm, with a performance on the pipe organ by our own Michael T. C. Hey, followed by lunch ($20, pre-register). Join us in person and on Zoom on Wednesday, June 12, for lunch ($20, pre-register) at 12:00pm, followed by Gary Thompson & friends performing Count Your Blessings. We also travel to Pennsylvania on Friday, June 21, for Sight & Sound Theatre’s production of Daniel. Register at MarbleChurch.org.
Questions? Contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@ MarbleChurch.org).
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Register now for our Retreat: Navigating the Waters of Change, May 31-June 2. Dr. Julie Faith Parker is our keynote speaker, along with Nina H. Frost, Rev. Kirsty DePree, Rev. Susanah Wade, Dr. Elise Brown, musician Ana Hernández, and members of the Marble Women’s Leadership Team. This time of fellowship, reflection, and renewal will be at Wisdom House in Connecticut. Space limited. For more details and to register, visit MarbleChurch. org. Also, on April 18 we host Changing Ourselves, Changing Our World; see page 5. Questions? Please contact Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@ MarbleChurch.org).
10:00 O’Clock Hour, Prayer Circle & Small Groups
For information, please see Spiritual Growth and Education on page 9
If you need assistance registering online for an event, please don’t hesitate to ask On Sundays, visit the Welcome Table during during Coffee Hour, or call/visit our receptionist.
THE LAST WORD
The peace of our souls does not have to rise and fall with unpredictable people or situations. Our feelings will shift, of course. People do affect us. But the peace of our souls is tethered to all that God is. And though we can’t predict His specific plans, the fact that God will work everything for good is a completely predictable promise.
— Lysa Terkeurst
MARBLE’S HISTORY FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH THE OPEN-AIR PULPIT
In May of 1924, the Open-Air Pulpit began. A platform was erected just outside of the entrance at the corner of 29th Street and Fifth Avenue. Every weekday at the Noon hour a gospel message was delivered to those passing by who would stop to listen. The services were conducted in cooperation with the Greater New York Federation of Churches. Thirty-five ministers from around the city, including the Marble ministers, brought their messages to the pulpit, each preaching for a week at a time. According to church records as many as 30,000 people were in attendance during the course of a week with more than 8,000 copies of the scripture distributed in six languages. Parishioner William Groll remembered this as “no typical street corner
preaching. The clergymen gave a simple message; no hellfire and damnation, but a simple plea for a better life...conducted with the dignity of a formal church service.”
SUNDAY SANCTUARY TOURS
Please join us to learn more about Marble’s rich history, fascinating architecture, and beautiful windows. Discover little-known church facts, fun anecdotes, and explore seldom-seen church areas. Led by a trained guide, a tour is also a wonderful, informal way to introduce family and friends to Marble. Tours are generally on the fourth Sunday of the month. Stay tuned as dates are subject to change. Meet in the center aisle immediately following 11:00am Worship.
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
Much has changed in the 100 years since the Open-Air Pulpit, yet Marble’s ministry outside on 5th Avenue continues – including our Carol Sing this past December and our Annual Water Table for Pride.