Touchpoint December 2020 January 2021

DECEMBER 2020 & JANUARY 2021

TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine

MarbleChurch.org

Worship with Us pg. 8

Spotlight:

CYF Corner pg. 5

pages 4 & 12

Advent & Christmas Concert, NBC-TV Special & more

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Marble Matters

It Is Time to Move Closer

The pandemic has caused us to socially distance were also moving closer to one another and being ourselves from one another, and this has been drawn into community—a community in which they incredibly difficult because we were made to live in could experience the light and love of God in tangible community. What makes it even harder is when times ways. When we look at the nativity scene, it reminds are tough, our instincts tell us to move closer to one us that to move closer to Jesus is to move closer to another. We move in to embrace, hug, and reassure one another, and when we do, we find strength for one another that everything today and hope for the future. is going to be OK. Part of the “…to move closer to Now is the time for us to stress of the pandemic is that move closer to Jesus and to we haven’t been able to move Jesus is to move closer one another. Though we cancloser to one another during a to one another…” not be in physical proximity to difficult period in our lives. each other, there are so many I think it is time to move closer, and I don’t mean ways to participate in Marble’s ministries so we can we should stop practicing social distancing. It is time move closer to God and one another. Together, let’s to realize we need to move closer to the things that make this a time when we move closer to our faith matter most and to move closer to the things we and to our community. In the coming year, these are need most in this moment. the things that will matter most and we will need The Christmas nativity scene points us to this. It is the most. And as we move closer, we will discover an image of people moving closer to what was most that we can make it through whatever we face. The Christmas nativity scene reminds us of this! important and what was most needed during the difficult times in which they lived. The nativity repOur family wishes you a very Merry Christmas and resents how people were drawn, one by one, to the a Blessed New Year! hope found in this newborn child, Jesus, and so they moved closer to him so they could take in the light and love of God found in him. And as they moved closer to Jesus, they looked around and found they

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Rick Harper Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

YOU MAY BE WONDERING This Dec/Jan Touchpoint is the second issue we have printed and mailed to everyone on the Marble mailing list. In this era of Covid-19 when we can’t be together in person, it is an extra way for us to connect. If you don’t want to keep your printed copy, please share it to let others know about our amazing community. We will not be printing all our upcoming issues, so if you haven’t already signed up to receive it via email, please do so under “Email Sign Up” on the homepage at MarbleChurch.org (that’s also where you can sign up for the weekly eblast and others). Of course, current and old issues of Touchpoint are always available online.

HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGED? If you’ve recently relocated, permanently or temporarily, or if your email address changed, please let us know. We want to stay connected with you!

Sign into onrealm.org/marblechurch to update your information or contact the Business Office, 212-686-2770.

HERE TO HELP Have you been participating in programs with us over the phone and want to try video but don’t know where to start? Or have you been participating but have some challenges due to new technology?

We are here for you! If you need assistance getting connected, please reach out to Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org), or Clay Hale (CHale@ MarbleChurch.org), who will be happy to help. There are no silly questions, just support and care.

Marble Matters

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER COME, LORD JESUS

By Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. tion together, continuing to offer ministries of all sorts For many of us, 2020 cannot end soon enough.

Let’s admit it – this has been a difficult year. We have to people online. We will welcome all who come into the doors of our church with the “one-of-a kind” faced challenges as a city, nation and world in 2020 that created the perfect storm of anxiety, unrest, loss, Marble welcome and continue to offer that same welcome in virtual spaces. anger, grief and uncertainty. We will never forget 2020. It has made a profound As we move toward impact on our lives.

Christmas and the turning of the This has also been a year when “…God chose to break page to 2021, let’s remember that God chose to break into a world of Marble has had to examine our into a world of complete uncertainty and unrest, ministry recognizing that, through complete uncertainty to touch down in human form this pandemic and the necessary as Immanuel, God with us. God shift to offering everything online, and unrest, to touch chose to take on human flesh in we have extended our community down in human form order that God might feel the pain even further and wider than it of human life, walk the same jourwas before, even though Marble as Immanuel, neys of challenges and show us a has had a global ministry for God with us.” better way of living. decades and a strong livestreaming community for many years.

At every turn, Jesus was doing the unexpected and impossible, shaking up What does it mean for us as a community to think the accepted status quo and moving people to whole of our ministry as being both a physical “place” on the new ways of thinking, being and loving one another. corner of 29th and 5th Avenue in Manhattan where We journey with the magi to a manger that is filled people gather to worship and experience in-person with wonder, hope and possibility.

And we will jourfellowship and an online community made up of ney with Jesus from that manger on a path that will people from around the world who might never step change and transform the world.

Our ministry continfoot in our physical building but who have become ues to be a place of hope and transformation because important participants in our congregation, some even of all Jesus has taught us, and continues to teach us. becoming members?

So whether you are reading this in physical copy These are not new questions, but we have been in the comfort of your home, or scrolling through moved this year to ponder this reality and expand our Touchpoint online, we are so glad you are part of notion of what it means to be “church” in the 21st our Marble Community. And we welcome Jesus this century, indeed in a world so shaped by online impact.

Christmas more than ever with hopeful hearts, gratiWhile we are as committed as ever to the strength tude beyond words and lives that long to be touched of our in-person congregation gathering again at some anew with your life-giving spirit. Come, Lord Jesus. point in 2021 on 29th and 5th Avenue, we are also strongly committed to keeping our “virtual” congrega-

UPDATED VITRINE While you’re coming by the building to see the Christmas tree (please see page 12), look at our updated vitrine and new electronic sign on 5th Avenue. It was designed to match the original in order to protect the historical integrity of our landmarked building.

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Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. Executive Minister

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Marble Matters

Advent & Christmas at Marble MUSIC FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE Sundays, November 29, December 6, 13 & 20 | 10:50am Join us before Worship for this special time of music and quiet meditation. Generously underwritten for many years by Lynda Packard in honor of her parents, Lynn and John Packard.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS In lieu of placing a multitude of live poinsettias on the Sanctuary Chancel this year, we will honor loved ones by listing their names onscreen at the end of Worship on Sunday, December 20, as well as in the online bulletin. To pay tribute to someone in your life in this special way, please visit MarbleChurch.org/ poinsettias or call the Business Office, 212-686-2770, to make your contribution by Sunday, December 6.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy: A MARBLE CHOIRS’ CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Sunday, December 13 | 12:00pm In the midst of this season like no other, let us stop for a moment and listen again for the Angels’ message of comfort, good news and great joy! Stay online after Worship for this virtual Advent Concert directed by Kenneth Dake, featuring Marble’s Cherub Choir, Karie Brown, director; Children’s and Youth Choirs, Fred Meads, director; the Marble Community Gospel Choir, Rev. Rashad McPherson, director; Festival of Voices, and The Marble Choir, along with special guest soloists.

VIRTUAL ARTISTS’ BOUTIQUE Friday, December 4 | 8:00am-10:00pm This year’s Artists’ Boutique will be online through Marble’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Shoppers will have an entire day to see artwork of all kinds and beautiful handmade items to purchase.

There will be links to the artists’ websites or emails.

It’s an exciting new venture. Support Marble’s artists and get some Christmas shopping done!

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHTS ADVENT BLOG: From Darkness, Together We Find the Light November 29 through December 24 The author Madeleine L’Engle once wrote about Advent this way: This is the irrational season When love blooms bright and wild.

Had Mary been filled with reason There’d have been no room for the child.

In a year that has been irrational, unpredictable, filled with loss, and where we struggled to find hope, we need to remember that God created light to come out of dark times like the year 2020. During the Advent Season, join us at MarbleWomen.com to experience light, love, and hope through the stories, poems, and music from women of faith. Let us walk towards the light this Advent and focus on the beautiful ways God loves all of us.

ONLINE ADVENT CALENDAR Join us again this year for our Social Media Advent Calendar, #ADVENTures. While there will be no little doors to open, or candy hidden inside, we hope that the joy and wonder associated with the season will lift your spirits and help us all to welcome Christmas into our hearts and homes.

ALL-CHURCH VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR AND OUTREACH Sunday, December 6 | 12:15pm Christmas isn’t cancelled and Santa needs your help! Join us online after Worship for this time of fellowship and outreach. Watch MarbleChurch.org, e-blasts and bulletins for details.

CYF PAGEANT Sunday, December 20 | 11:00am The Children, Youth and Families Ministry helps us celebrate the season during Worship.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Thursday, December 24 4:00pm – Service of Lessons & Carols for Families. Join Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, Brian Hampton and the Children, Youth & Families Ministry for this special online worship experience. Followed by a virtual Birthday Party for Jesus.

6:30pm – Living with Wonder, meditation by Dr. Michael Bos. Music prelude with The Marble Choir and brass ensemble at 6:10pm. Join us online at MarbleChurch.org.

Marble Matters

CYF CORNER CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP & VIRTUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS Thursday, December 24 | 4:00pm Join us to celebrate! Please see page 4.

MARBLE STORYTIME RETURNS! Visit MarbleChurch.org/ watch to join Rev. Brittany as she reads a book, ending with some questions for your family to ponder.

Next book: Greta and the Giants

CYF CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Sunday, December 20 | 11:00am Relive moments from last year’s pageant during Worship.

ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHOIRS All children welcome to join us for Sunday School every week at 10:00am and Cherub and Children’s Choir Rehearsal follows at 11:00am. Youth Choir Rehearsal is at 12:30pm on Sundays. For more information, please contact Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin (BHanlin@ MarbleChurch.org).

MOMENTS & MEMORIES Fun was had by all at our Virtual Halloween Party! It was also an opportunity to welcome back Brian Hampton, who has rejoined the Marble Staff as Administrative Consultant for CYF Ministry.

GRATITUDE SUNDAY IS NOT OVER – YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE! Members and friends of Marble came together on November 22, for our Gratitude Sunday Celebration. It was a joyful time when we made ourselves present to each other and to God as we celebrated giving back to God for God’s many blessings. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we have much for which to be thankful, and we can also be comforted

by God’s promise to be with us through the valleys, streams and mountaintops of our lives.

Whether you have been with Marble for some time or recently found us online and have not had an opportunity to participate in our Gratitude Sunday activities, we would love for you to join us in the prayerful act of giving back to God. You may do so by completing your 2021 Pledge Form found at MarbleChurch.org/Gratitude.

At the above link, you will also find several tools to aid you in discerning your level of giving for 2021, these include Our Congregation’s Giving Patterns and Frequently Asked Questions. You may also access our Gratitude Sunday Celebration, which includes a powerful message from guest preacher, Dr. Eric D. Barreto, the Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. Go to MarbleChurch.org/ Gratitude-Celebration.

Thank you for being part of the Marble Family.

Please know how much we appreciate you and pray that you and your loved ones are safe and in good health.

Brian Hampton Administrative Consultant for CYF

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Marble Matters

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Dr. Kenneth Ruge Minister for Pastoral Care & Counseling

MINISTERIAL MUSINGS EVOLVED TO WALK

By Dr. Kenneth Ruge During much of the pandemic, I have been walking on the wooded trails behind our apartment building.

I have become a big fan of walking and using a Fitbit pedometer to measure the number of steps per day.

I walk an average of one and a half hours daily, about five miles.

OK, so what? Everybody is full of advice and tips to help one get through this mess of a year. Walking is just another tip. But WAIT (as they say on TV commercials) there’s more . . .

Here’s what I have discovered: Walking (on two legs), among other things, is what we as humans are evolved to do. It defines us. Aside from speech and perhaps consciousness, nothing defines us more.

Walking is being human in the best, most authentic sense.

We are evolved to walk through nature, through the East African savannah, through woodlands, up and down hills. It is what we were meant to do as hunters and gatherers.

Walking is an embodied metaphor. Whether alone or with friends, you are moving forward. You are

In the Marble Spotlight

Bevy Smith

Nina H. Frost

A CONVERSATION WITH BEVY SMITH Thursday, January 7 | 6:30pm Bevy Smith, TV and radio personality, joins Dr. Michael Bos and Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin in a conversation about overcoming obstacles and following our dreams. Bevy invites us along on the journey of her personal transformation to reveal we can live our best lives with honesty, joy, and no apologies.

Open to all! Hosted by GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship.

Watch at MarbleChurch.org.

A Winter Workshop LISTENING FOR THE LIGHT Saturday, January 9 | 10:00am-12:00pm Come gather your stirrings, hopes, and leadings of the new year through a gentle, restorative time of teachings, easy written exercises, and sharing. Leave with some inner guidance, a renewed spirit, and journaling tools you can use again and again. Led by Nina H. Frost, spiritual director, author and a favorite Marble workshop leader. Register at MarbleChurch. org by Friday, January 8. Open to all. Hosted by Marble Women’s Ministry.

awake and moving “ahead” into a new, ever-changing space. We need to be moving ahead – forward march! Stasis is decline. Walking, marching, moving is a way of asserting your existence and your rightful heritage as an upright human being.

If you marry a prayerful word or holy phrase to your walking, you can deepen your spiritual practice.

I like the Jesus Prayer, often mentioned at Marble Church, or even a simple word like “love” or “peace” or “mercy.” Somehow the holy word or phrase binds with your steps and pace, is absorbed into consciousness. We become the holy word over time.

Walking can slow you down and clear your head.

After a long walk, one is often “blank.” I like “blank,” that mental state without thought, worry or churning plans or random rumination – just blank. Of course, it doesn’t last but it’s a nice gift simply to breathe and exist.

I have an idea. Let’s go for a walk!

NEW YEAR’S EVE PRAYER VIGIL Thursday, December 31 | 12:30-1:00pm 2020 has been an especially trying year, so bless and release it and pray in the new beginning of 2021.

Join Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and the Marble Prayer Ministry Team online for this time of prayer and reflection. Visit MarbleChurch.org for video chat link and phone number.

REAFFIRMATION OF VOWS Sunday, January 3 | 12:00pm All couples welcome to join us for this annual ceremony, this time online.

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch The clanking rattle of an electric saw and jackhammer at the two construction sites within a block of my apartment, my neighbors’ TVs through the walls, a loud voice as a woman on the sidewalk argues with someone on the other end of her cellphone, the music blaring from the car sitting at the stoplight on my corner… these are just some of the regular noises in my neighborhood.

These days, those sounds are symbols of the city come back to life after the COVID-19 lockdown last spring. I can recognize and celebrate the importance of that and don’t want the city to shut down again.

And, yet.

I miss the quiet.

One of the blessings of the lockdown was being able to hear so many birds singing every day even in Manhattan. I had started to adjust to the return of the loud city, then I spent a month in Ames, Iowa helping my mom. The sounds I heard there were calming – crickets, frogs, the flowing water from a nearby fountain. I rarely heard her neighbors even though there are several homes close behind hers and she even shares a wall.

My readjustment to the city noise has probably been harder because of all the chaos of 2020 – COVID-19, the presidential election, racism rising even more to the surface and division a common theme of stories on the evening news.

It’s harder to have inner peace when the city, when life, is so noisy and chaotic. There’s not enough quiet and calm to truly absorb into my being.

STEPHEN MINISTRY AT MARBLE Stephen Ministry is an integral part of the Marble Community – a one-to-one ministry that empowers lay members to provide high-quality, confidential, and Christ-centered care for those who are hurting. If you or someone you know can use the services provided by this ministry, or if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please email StephenMinistry@MarbleChurch.org.

My extended time in Iowa didn’t just give me a month of peace compared to the city, I think it sharpened my awareness in general of the sounds around me. Each of us responds to sounds differently.

You may not live in a noisy city, but a dripping faucet or your loved one’s music choice may invade your peace. Or maybe the sounds of the city become white noise to you and it’s silence and crickets that make you tense.

Although true peace is an inside job, noisy distractions can build a barrier for the flow of peace within. If we don’t have enough silence and pleasing sounds like music and ambient sound effects to balance the noise, then our reservoir of inner peace can be diminished.

As this crazy year ends and 2021 begins, I want to be mindful that I can’t always escape the noise or wait for it to stop on its own. I want to find ways to make that excess noise end or at least turn down the volume. I hope to stay aware and choose the sounds and silence that I want to soak up, fill my life, feed my spirit and allow my inner peace to flow.

I pray that in this new year we can all replenish our reservoirs of inner peace.

THE MARBLE CARE LINE 1-800-531-1913 Wednesdays - Sundays, 12:00-8:00pm Available to adults 18 years and older.

A trained volunteer will be there to listen to you with a Christ-centered ear and a caring heart. For more information, visit MarbleChurch.org/give/ marble-care-line/ BLANTON-PEALE INSTITUTE & COUNSELING CENTER If you are in need of more in-depth, professional help with mental health issues, please reach out!

BlantonPeale.org

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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Worship

Unexpected Hope

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11AM, ONLINE

NOVEMBER 29

December 2020/ January 2021

1st Sunday in Advent

Unexpected Love

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

DECEMBER 6

2nd Sunday in Advent

Unexpected Joy DECEMBER 13

3rd Sunday in Advent

Unexpected Peace DECEMBER 20

4th Sunday in Advent CYF Pageant

Christmas Eve: Living with Wonder THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 6:30PM

What We Need to Take & What We Need to Leave DECEMBER 27

More Than Turning the Page JANUARY 3

Rev. J. Elise Brown, PH.D.

Not Giving Up On More JANUARY 10 Epiphany

Believing in More JANUARY 17

Belonging to More JANUARY 24

Better than Before JANUARY 31

#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP - ONLINE Wednesdays | 6:15pm Enjoy the uplifting messages from our ministers and powerful music from Deah Love and the Praise Team, via archival highlights as well as new music from Deah. Every week, except December 23 & 30, January 27.

VIRTUAL JAZZ VESPERS Wednesday, January 27 | 6:15pm Take a mid-week break to rest, reflect and refresh with our service featuring local Jazz artists led by music director Chris Whittaker. Special message by Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again.

Spiritual Growth and Education 99

Marble’s Bible Study is a casual, come-as-you-can forum that is open to all, and especially newcomers.

Remember, if you miss a session of Sunday Bible Study, you can catch up at MarbleChurch.org/ watch.

Sunday Bible Study SUNDAYS AT 10AM The Gospel of Mark In this season when we await and celebrate anew the coming of Christ, continue on with us in our study of his life and ministry as we read through the Gospel of Mark. Please note, not meeting December 27 & January 3.

Tuesday Evening Bible Study

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM The Book of Acts Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi as he continues an in-depth discussion of the second half of the Book of Acts and its stories of the earliest Christians.

(Early sessions exploring the first half of Acts can be watched in the Sunday Bible Study archives at MarbleChurch.org/watch.) Participants must be able to participate via online video chat.Please contact Rev. Livolsi ahead of time for the week’s reading, (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org). Not meeting December 29 & January 5.

Prayer Circle via Video Chat SUNDAYS AT 10AM Join us for this weekly time of prayer and music. The Circle is always open – all you need is a willing heart, an internet connection or telephone.

Online Small Groups

We encourage you to participate in a Small Group in 2021 – grow deeper spiritually and stay connected with others whether online only or when we return to the building. For information on new groups, visit MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

Read Through the Bible 2020

Thank you to all who joined us on our Read Through the Bible adventure this year!

FINAL ONLINE GATHERING Romans thru Revelation Sunday, December 27 1:45pm Sister Carol Perry will help us review Paul’s letters and conclude with the Book of Revelation. Inquiries to Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@ MarbleChurch.org).

Jesus is saying, “Don’t let people bring out the worst in you. Pray for them because it will help bring out the best in you. And, hopefully, through prayer, it will bring out the best in them.” – Dr. Michael Bos However, we know sometimes it is hard to find the words to pray for those we consider enemies, so in his November 4 WeWo sermon, Dr. Bos shared one of his personal prayers that helps him. We hope it helps you. #SermonSpotlight #PrayForYourEnemies #LoveYourNeighbor

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Marble Matters

THE PEALE SOCIETY The Peale Society is for members and friends of Marble Collegiate Church whose legacies help assure the future strength and growth of this dynamic church.

For many years, members and friends have included Marble Collegiate Church in their financial and estate plans. These generous gifts have made the ministries of Marble Church much stronger.

To recognize individuals who have included Marble in their long-term plans, the Peale Society was formed in 1992.

We invite you to consider joining the Peale Society by including Marble in your estate planning.

The Peale Society recognizes that with a strong and growing endowment the future strength of Marble can be assured. Your participation helps inspire generosity in others. If you are interested in hearing more about the Peale Society or ways to include Marble in estate plans, please contact Dr. J. Elise Brown (EliseBrown@MarbleChurch.org).

YEAR-END GIFT As we come to the close of 2020, would you consider making a special year-end gift to Marble? The faithful giving of our congregation through this ongoing pandemic has been heartening and humbling.

We are profoundly grateful to the Marble Family for helping us navigate through uncertain financial times. If you are able to give a special year-end or Christmas gift this year, we would be grateful! If you need help setting something up, please contact Clay Hale in our virtual Business Office (CHale@ MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext. 252).

Engage – Volunteer

Being of service to others encourages us to step outside ourselves and enrich the lives of those that we touch in our community and our world. Maybe volunteering with one of these organizations can be a way for you to give back and feed your own spirit at the same time. For questions and other opportunities, contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

PS30 Tutoring Opportunity Marble continues its 6th year of tutoring to students at PS30 in Harlem. We are looking for new tutors to teach Math and English Language Arts to 2nd through 5th graders, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. You will be trained to tutor remotely via the Google classroom platform. For more information or to complete an application, please contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770).

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen remains open and has launched Operation HopeFULL to support New York City’s Hunger relief efforts. holyapostlessoupkitchen.org.

God’s Love We Deliver God’s Love We Deliver cooks and home-delivers nutritious, medically tailored meals for people too sick to shop or cook for themselves. They need volunteers who can assemble personal care items and help with food delivery. glwd.volunteerhub.com New York Cares Serve those impacted by hunger and homelessness, as well as health and wellness for seniors and other vulnerable groups. newyorkcares.org/volunteering/volunteering-made-easy.

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES Marble is dedicated to sharing the best resources we have found on learning and growing in our shared commitment to racial justice and anti-racism. Please visit MarbleChurch.org/anti-racism-resource-guide for a list of books, articles, podcasts and films so you can learn and help us in the on-going conversation.

Marble Matters

Engage – More Upcoming Events We are blessed that we can gather together online for Worship and other events, even as the physical distance created by the COVID-19 pandemic continues. For direct links, more events, and the most up-to-date information, visit MarbleChurch.org.

ALL-CHURCH VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR Sunday, December 20 | 12:15pm Grab a cup of coffee and join us for another time of fellowship with our Marble Community via video chat. We hope to see you there! Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for a January date.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP Every Monday | 11:00am-12:00pm Are you mourning the loss of a loved one? You need not travel this road alone. Share your story in a confidential atmosphere of love and faith. Led by Dr. Ken Ruge. For video link and more information, contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext. 207). Please note, not meeting December 28.

MARBLE WOMEN’S MINISTRY NYC CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS Monday, December 14 | 6:30-7:30pm AFTERNOON PRAYER Take a virtual tour of NYC as it turns magical during Weekdays | 4:00-4:20pm Christmas.

Wind down your day with a brief time of sharing and prayer, led by the Marble ministers. Join us GIFTS: LGBTQ FELLOWSHIP via video chat or call. Please note, not meeting VIRTUAL COFFEE HOURS December 24, 25 & 31, January 1.

Sundays, December 20 & January 17 | 12:00pm Get together online after Worship for a chat with CHAIR YOGA Marble’s LGBTQ+ fellowship and allies. It’ll be fun to Every Thursday | 10:00-10:45am see each other’s faces and check in on how we’re doing Center yourself physically and spiritually with this during the holidays and in the New Year. Newcomers beginner-friendly time of gentle movement. Please are always welcome. note, no session on December 24 & 31.

PRIMETIME (55+) Wednesdays | 1:00pm Gather with this energetic group via video chat or phone to visit with your friends, meet new people and hear meaningful and interesting presentations on various topics. To be included on the mailing list and receive a schedule of activities, please contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext. 219).

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP First Saturday of Month | 1:00-3:00pm Learn how to provide better care to loved ones while protecting your own health and well-being.

Please contact group leader Rev. Marion Gambardella (magambardella@yahoo.com) or Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

MARBLE MASKS Proudly wear one of our face masks with the Marble Church logo. $9.95 each, white logo or full-color logo, at MarbleChurch.org/covidupdate; buy 5 masks, get 1 free.

These cotton masks are re-usable and come with an adjustable sliding ear loop for a good fit. Help protect others and yourself from COVID-19 by wearing masks, practicing social distancing and good hand washing hygiene. We wish you good health!

IF YOU MISSED IT Did you miss watching the Hallowtide event, Eternal Voices Concert, Homecoming or other video events -– or do you want to see them again? Visit the homepage at MarbleChurch.org and click on the “If You Missed It” image to watch a featured event or go to the Watch page and click on “More Videos”.

Sunday & Tuesday Bible Study, Prayer Circle, Read Through the Bible & Small Groups For information, please see Spiritual Growth and Education on page 9.

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Touchpoint: December 2020 & January 2021

VISIT MARBLE’S CHRISTMAS TREE Please come by the building and see the beautiful Christmas tree outside on 5th Avenue! It’s been twelve years since we’ve had one. Although we can’t be inside together, our Christmas spirit extends far beyond the boundaries of our building.

SAVE THE DATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONCERT Sunday, February 14 | 12:00pm The Marble Community Gospel Choir, directed by Rev. Rashad McPherson. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for details.

A MARBLE CHOIRS’ CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Sunday, December 13 | 12:00pm Join us online after Worship for this musical celebration. Please see page 4.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON NBC-TV Please join us for Christmas Eve at Marble Collegiate Church which will be broadcast around the country on NBC-TV. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for details.

THE LAST WORD I have yet to learn that I am not designed to carry the burden of men. Rather, I am designed to carry the love of God so that I might soothe the burden of men.

— Craig D. Lounsbrough

LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE Visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook.

Sundays 10am – Bible Study 10:50am – Grace Notes: Inside the Music 11am – Worship

Wednesdays 6:15pm – #WeWo: Wednesday 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

DECKING THE HALLS FOR THE NBC SPECIAL Extra thanks to our Maintenance Crew and decorators who worked hard to bring visions of Christmas to the Chancel in October so Dr. Bos and Dr. Brown could film segments of our NBC-TV Christmas Special.

Then our crew had to take down the decorations so the ministers could stream live from the Sanctuary for Worship – and they will be decking the halls again so we can all enjoy these signs of the season as we live stream Worship in December.