Touchpoint December 2021 January 2022

DECEMBER 2021 & JANUARY 2022

TOUCHPOINT MarbleChurch.org

Worship with Us pg. 8

CYF Corner pg. 10

The Marble Magazine

Spotlight: Advent & Christmas page 4 Racial Justice Series page 12

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Marble Matters

Believe

We need to believe again. We need to believe In 1897, Francis Church, as the lead editor for the New York Sun, had the task of responding to a child that even though there is so much hurt in the world, there can be healing. We need to believe that even who had inquired if there really is a Santa Claus. with the division and conflict we experience, there Church, typically a cynic and skeptic in his writcan be peace. We need ing, showed a softer to believe that even with side. He wrote back to “Let us believe in Jesus the hate we witness in the her about the imporand the possibilities news, there can be love. tance of believing and God offers… ” We need to believe that no that Santa exists “as matter what the challengcertainly as love and es are before us, there can generosity and devotion exist.” He added what would become the most be hope. We need to believe there is “good news of great joy for all people,” and it’s found in the birth of famous line he would write, “Yes, Virginia, there a child named Jesus. is a Santa Claus.” Apparently, Church didn’t want to be known as a softy, so he initially refused to As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember to have his name attached to the editorial. This piece believe. Let us believe in Jesus and the possibilities became so famous that eventually his name would God offers us all through him. be known.

May this Christmas deepen your belief, The importance of believing captured the hearts cast away your fear, and bring you hope for the of people through this simple article. It lives on in New Year!

Macy’s “Believe” campaign, which was inspired by what Church wrote a century before. However, the importance of believing was made known in a profound way two thousand years ago. In the Gospel of Luke it says, “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord’” (2:10-11). And so, “believe”!

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

WHEN YOU NEED HELP This can be an especially difficult time for people with the holidays and the two-year anniversary of the pandemic coming up – please reach out for help if you need it.

Marble Care Line: Call 800-531-1913 – Wednesdays through Sundays, 12:00-8:00pm.

A trained volunteer will be there to listen to you with a caring heart. Available to adults 18 years and older.

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Rick Harper Siobhan Tull Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

Stephen Ministry at Marble – A one-to-one ministry that empowers lay members to provide high-quality, confidential, and Christ-centered care to those who are struggling with difficult life events. Email: StephenMinistry@MarbleChurch.org.

The Marble Prayer Ministry Team is here to pray for you – Submit your requests on the bottom of any page at MarbleChurch.org.

Blanton Peale Counseling Center – If you need more in-depth, professional help with mental health issues, visit BlantonPeale.org.

Marble Matters

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER CALLED TO GO

By Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. Then the Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, They had no idea of their destination. And God did your people and your father’s household and go not provide them with a map to show them the way, to the land I will show you. I will make you into a or where they would end up. God simply said, “Go,” great nation and I will bless you; I will make your and they responded and went. name great, and you will be a blessing.“ Think about Noah, Jonah, Mary and Joseph, all of

– Genesis 12:1 the disciples and so many more people in scripture.

If there was one thing I wish God would give to They followed God’s call on their lives even though me, and to each of you, it would be a map. they had no idea where that would lead them.

I would love to see where my life is headed, which Perhaps this is where faith enters in – at the very way I should go. I would love to know where the point where God calls each of us and we respond challenges and obstacles will be along the way and with openness and willingness. how I should meet and manage them. It would be so This is the call of the Advent and Christmas seamuch better if I had some idea of what is to come, sons – when we wait in hope and I wonder – why can’t God for new life to emerge. This give me/us a map to show us is the mystery of the manger “God simply said, the way? where Jesus’ cradled life ‘Go,’ and they responded beckons us to come and see If God is truly all-powerful and all-knowing, which I the Christ Child anew this and went.” believe God is, wouldn’t this year, telling the old, old story be a simple thing for God to do in new ways. This is the light for us? To help us. To guide us. To show us the way. of the season of Epiphany where unexpected torches emerge in the darkest places and guide our way.

Then I think of Abram and Sarai.

This is the story of God – the One who calls us In Genesis 12 God calls Abram to “go.” God says, without placing a map in our hands, but calls us to “Leave your country and your people and your father’s trust, believe, hope, and persevere, looking for divine household and go to the land I will show you.” torches of light along the way.

Seemingly without hesitation, Abram and Sarai go.

They respond willingly and without question to God’s A very blessed Advent and Christmas to you all. call on their lives to go forth, to move in a whole new May Christ’s light show up in your life in new ways direction. and may that light guide you.

But do you hear the second part of God’s call to See you in church. them? “Go to the land I will show you.” But where was that land? Where were Abram and Sarai going?

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS AND JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY IN THE NEW YEAR! Whoever you are, wherever you are in your faith journey, wherever you live – we invite you to take that step and journey forward with us as a Marble member! We would be so glad to have you, and think you’ll find it will make a difference knowing you belong – knowing you are welcomed and loved for who you are.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan, (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770) or sign up at MarbleChurch.org/engage/join/become-a-member.

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

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Marble Matters

Advent & Christmas at Marble MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE Sundays during Advent November 28; December 5, 12 & 19 | 10:45am Arrive early for Worship for this special time of music and quiet meditation. Instrumental prelude music Sundays during Advent generously underwritten by Lynda Packard in loving memory of her parents, John and Lynn Packard.

Please see page 10 for this year’s performers.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...

FOR THE HOLIDAYS Sunday, December 12 | 12:00-1:00pm The reimagining of a beloved story ending with a good old-fashioned carol sing! Join us in the Sanctuary and online for this very special Homecoming.

ADVENT BLOG: HOPE OUT OF DARKNESS November 28 through December 24 Experience light, love, and hope through the stories, poems, and music from women of faith at MarbleWomen.com each day in Advent. It may just provide us all the courage to move forward and step out into the darkness of our world as kinder, more inspirational Christians. While sponsored by the Marble Women’s Ministry, the inspiration is geared for all who need to start the day with hope.

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET WALK Thursday, December 16 | 4:30-5:30pm Join Kim & Siobhan on Zoom for a virtual walk through one of England’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Register at MarbleChurch.org by December 15.

THE GATHERING: MIDWEEK WORSHIP Wednesday, December 1 | 6:15pm Join us in person in the Sanctuary for this Advent Worship on World AIDS Day, What it Means to Wait in Hope, led by Rev. J. Elise Brown and Rev. Anthony Livolsi. Music by Ken Dake and special guest, Joshua Coyne, violin.

OPERATION SANTA LETTERS VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR Sunday, December 5 | 12:00-1:00pm Santa and his new Head Elf need your help!

Join us on Zoom for fellowship and a chance to help others this Christmas.

FESTIVE VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR Sunday, December 19 | 12:00pm Grab a snack and your favorite ugly sweater and join us on Zoom for a fun Festive Virtual Coffee Hour immediately following Worship.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names will be listed onscreen at the end of Worship on Sunday, December 19, as well as in the online bulletin. To pay tribute to someone, please visit MarbleChurch.org/Poinsettias or call Clay Hale at 212- 686-2770 to make your contribution

by Sunday, December 5. Please note: you can mail checks, however, it’s important to talk to Clay to make sure your names get added to the list.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Friday, December 24 | 6:30pm A Time to Celebrate, meditation by Dr. Michael Bos. Music prelude with The Marble Choir and brass ensemble at 6:10pm. Join us in the Sanctuary or online at MarbleChurch.org.

Marble Matters

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In the Marble Spotlight REAFFIRMATION OF VOWS Sunday, January 2 | 12:00pm All couples welcome to join us for this annual ceremony, in person or online.

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR Sunday, January 9 | 12:00-1:00pm Gather on Zoom with your Marble Family and celebrate the start of the new year.

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR Saturday, January 15 | 10:00-10:45am Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and the Marble Prayer Ministry Team invite you to this virtual time of prayer and reflection. Visit MarbleChurch.org for more details or contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).

GLIMPSING THE EMERGENT: A MINI JOURNALING RETREAT Saturday, January 22 | 11:00am-1:00pm In the early weeks of a new year, and in the season of Epiphany, come gather your stirrings, hopes and leadings through a gentle, restorative time of presentation, poetry, easy written exercises, and sharing.

This quiet, reflective time will use easy writing prompts to help us become more aware of the stirrings in our lives. Journaling can be a powerful, subtle form of prayer that everyone can do. This mini-retreat will tap inner guidance, renew your spirit and offer tools for listening and discerning that you can use again. Led by Nina H. Frost, M.A. Hosted by the Marble Women’s Ministry. All welcome! Register at MarbleChurch.org.

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN: NEW YEAR BLESSINGS Thursday, January 20 | 4:30-5:30pm Pull up a comfy chair, a warm beverage and bask in the warmth of our church family on Zoom as we reflect on the holidays and on the year ahead of us. Register at MarbleChurch.org

by January 19.

ARTS MINISTRY VIRTUAL ART EXHIBITS Visit MarbleChurch.org/Engage/arts-ministry to view our virtual reality art exhibits.

Anticipation and Celebration – Visual and literary artists depict the exciting and colorful sights of the Advent and Christmas season.

Behold! I make all things new! – Our first art exhibit of 2022.

YEAR-END GIFT As we come to the close of 2021, would you please 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 Business Office (CHale@MarbleChurch.org or 212686-2770, ext. 252).

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 2022 Pledge Form found at MarbleChurch.org/Gratitude.

There you will also find tools to aid you in discerning at what level of giving you can commit: Frequently Asked Questions “FAQ” and Growing Marble’s Mission.

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. Together, may we continue to grow in faith, grow in gratitude, and grow in love.

To see some photos of the November 14 celebration, go to page 12 and the photo gallery at MarbleChurch.org/media/photos.

GRATITUDE SUNDAY IS NOT OVER – YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE! Members and friends of Marble came together on November 14, 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.

Nina H. Frost

Marble Matters

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Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin Associate Minister

Kim Sebastian-Ryan Director of Membership & Connecting Siobhan Tull Program Leader for Online Community

STIRRINGS OF THE SPIRIT GOD IS STILL SPEAKING…

By Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The Lord is over many waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars…”

— Psalm 29:3-9 After I graduated from Howard University in 2012, I moved to Chicago to begin a year of service as an AmeriCorps. volunteer. I worked for Mercy Girls for Boys and Girls as youth care worker, but my program was unique because I had to live in community with 15 strangers. We often joked that we were on our own reality show. Realizing that I needed a faith community and spiritual guidance, I decided to worship at Trinity United Church of Christ during my first weekend in Chicago. One of my roommates joined me on the journey from the west loop to the southside of Chicago. She being from Atlanta and me being directionally challenged, we struggled finding our way in a new city, but we made it to worship… eventually.

When I walked into the doors of Trinity UCC, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and I knew I was in the right place. As we took our seats in the balcony, I remember feeling so enlivened by the energy in the room.

Trinity is a predominately African-American congregation and it took me back to the days of my childhood, when the elders would shout and signify

CONNECTING WITH KIM & SIOBHAN One of the things that has been lovely for us this fall has been the opportunity to simply be together.

To spend time with you, our church family, as we move through this unique time in our lives. We have met your beloved pets, and shared fun and poignant memories. We have gotten to know a bit more about what you love, what brings you joy, what you are hoping for, and what you miss. We are grateful for this time, and we cherish it and you. And we are looking forward to all the ways we will warm up each other’s hearts this winter.

All are invited to ioin us as we continue finding ways to make the spirit bright for others at the December Coffee Hour featuring Santa Letters on Sunday, December 5. Mark your calendars for a Christmas gift from your church home on Sunday,

about the goodness of Jesus. As I surveyed the beautiful sanctuary and the stain glass windows in the choir loft, my eyes made contact with a sign that read, “God Is Still Speaking. – The United Church of Christ”.

I had never in my life heard of the United Church of Christ, but I was immediately intrigued and I knew I needed to learn more about this congregation and this denomination. The worship service continued and the pull to be connected to this community was stronger and stronger in my heart. When the invitation was extended to join the congregation at the end of the sermon, I left the balcony and walked down the center aisle to join an unashamedly Black and unapologetically Christian community. July 2012 was my first step in the United Church of Christ, and I have been blessed immensely ever since.

“God Is Still Speaking” are such simple words, but the meaning is the root of our faith. God’s voice shows up in our lives with loud roars and gentle whispers and we often don’t recognize it because of all the noise surrounding us. How can we open our hearts to hear God’s still speaking voice? The first step is to designate time alone with you and God. Whether it’s 5 minutes or an hour, find time each day to be present with God in silence. Our prayer lives help to cultivate our faith because as we make our requests to God, God is speaking to us as well. God reminds us that we are beloved, God reminds us that we are not alone.

As we enter into this season of Advent, may we attune our hearts anew to the voice of God in our hearts and in the world.

December 12, because there is no place like home for the holidays. On December 16, we invite you to join us for an online Christmas Walk, no winter coat required, just a desire to be together. And join us January 20, for Tea Time as we reflect on the holidays and on the year ahead of us.

As always, if you are in need of help getting connected, both technically and personally, please reach out. We would be delighted to walk with you over those speed bumps and into new and deeper connections here at Marble. We can be reached via email: Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org) or Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org). Whether near or far, you’re always home at Marble.

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch I grew up in Iowa but hardly knew anything about farming, yet had a sense of pride every time I travelled between Ames and Des Moines and passed the farmland my grandma owned. Even with that pride I had little interest in learning about planting and harvesting.

Gardening didn’t appeal to me either, even though the flowers around our house always made me smile.

I especially liked the tulips around the patio, the peonies at the edge of the backyard, and the purple balloon flowers along the front walk that were so hard for me not to pop before they fully bloomed.

These days, my interest in learning about farming has increased a bit. I still only enjoy looking at gardens. However, each time I write this column, it’s like I’m farming and gardening.

I’m always collecting seeds of ideas in my iPhone Notes app and a binder. A few weeks before sitting down to actually write, I consider which seeds I might want to plant. I generally select a few to ponder, sort of a tilling of the soil, as I see which one I might want to nurture. It is incredible when I feel one of them taking root in my soul. Then the nurturing continues – all while trusting that God is, and will be, part of my creative process.

Probably like a lot of farmers and gardeners, my writing process is a spiritual exercise. It takes faith for any of us to plant seeds, no matter what kind, not knowing what winds of change or floods of negativity

IN-PERSON WORSHIP Virgilio worked hard on repairing the 29th St entrance ramp so it’s ready for even more people to return to worshiping in person!

When you worship with us in the Sanctuary, you’ll find QR codes in the pew racks to help you contribute easily and safely to the Offering (donation boxes also available) and to see a digital version of the bulletin so we can be good stewards of the earth God created and print fewer bulletins.

Reminder: Anything we can do to keep one another safe is an act of love. We have joined NYC and other faith communities in requiring proof of full vaccination for those 12 and older to attend events.

We also continue to require everyone age 2 or older to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

could do to them. Sometimes the harvest is plentiful.

Sometimes the outcome isn’t what we’d like. Yet, we keep planting and creating.

Through the years, I’ve learned to be aware of – and expect – God’s moments of creative inspiration.

It’s helpful to know, especially when I’m feeling stuck, that a walk, whether outside or to another room, or a good night’s sleep, could provide a ray of warm sunshine that pops the seed further open and makes sprouts of words or images break through the soil.

One creative idea pollinates another and eventually their roots entwine and finally my column is ready for harvest. (Sometimes because I’m happy with it, other times because the deadline is here.)

I feel so connected to God during our creative partnership. The process reminds me that no matter how small – each seed in life holds hope that can grow, inspiration that can spread, possibilities that can flourish.

Of course, since God is the Master Gardener and Creator – we are all seeds – planted, hopeful and growing.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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Worship

Advent & the Journey of Life Following the Signs

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11AM

December 2021/ January 2022

NOVEMBER 28

1st Sunday in Advent

Living with Expectation

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

DECEMBER 5

2nd Sunday in Advent

Having Courage DECEMBER 12

3rd Sunday in Advent

Taking Time for Joy DECEMBER 19

4th Sunday in Advent

Christmas Eve: A Time to Celebrate

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 6:30PM

So, What’s Next?

DECEMBER 26

Rev. Susannah Wade

A Fresh Start

For Me JANUARY 2

For Us

JANUARY 9 ----------------------

Doing the Most Difficult Things JANUARY 16 Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D.

How Do You See the World?

The Lenses We Use JANUARY 23

Beyond What You See JANUARY 30

Spiritual Growth and Education

Bible Study at Marble is a casual, come-as-youcan forum that is open to all. Newcomers and visitors always welcome.

Sunday Bible Study

SUNDAYS AT 10AM The Book of Ruth Ruth’s is a remarkable story that touches upon themes of loss, hope, identity, aging, motherhood, friendship across racial and ethnic difference, and feminism. Led by Rev. Anthony Livolsi. Attend in person in the Marble Loft (274 5th Ave) limited capacity, or live stream. Note, no Bible Study on December 26 or January 2.

If you miss a session or want to see again, view at MarbleChurch.org/Watch.

Tuesday Evening Bible Study TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi this year for a deep, searching read-through of the Gospel of Matthew.

Please contact Rev. Livolsi ahead of time for the week’s reading, (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org).

Meets weekly via Zoom.

Prayer Circle SUNDAYS AT 9:30AM Join us for this weekly time of prayer and music on Zoom. The Circle is always open – all you need is a willing heart, an internet connection or telephone.

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.

Small Groups

Grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble by being part of a Small Group.

Visit MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

Prayer Shawl Ministry

1st & 3rd Mondays | 5:00-6:00pm Join us as we gather online for prayer and creating together to knit or crochet prayer shawls for members who are ill or homebound. All levels welcome. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). Please note, due to the New Year’s and MLK holidays, we’ll meet on January 10.

Bereavement Group

Every Monday | 11:00am-12:00pm Are you mourning the loss of a loved one? You need not travel this road alone. Led by Dr. Bill Lutz via Zoom. For video link and more information, contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext. 207).

Caregivers Support Group Saturday, December 11 | 1:00-3:00pm Learn how to provide better care to loved ones while protecting your own well-being. Please contact group leader Rev. Marion Gambardella (magambardella@yahoo.com). Note, no session in January.

Marble Prayer Ministry Team

Sundays, beginning January 16 After Worship If you are in need of prayer, you can pray one-on-one with a member of the Marble Prayer Ministry Team in the Prayer Room (29th St Lobby) immediately after Worship.

Worship THE GATHERING ­­­— Midweek Worship OnDemand Wednesdays The praise band and ministers are excited to share in worship, prayer, fellowship, and communion with you midweek. The service goes live at MarbleChurch.org on Wednesday mornings. It’s a worship resource that you can access whenever your schedule allows: like on your morning commute, on your lunch break, while preparing dinner, etc.

For those of you who would like to watch together, we will host a virtual watch party Wednesdays at 6:15pm on Marble’s Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Marble Matters

CYF CORNER SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP All children and youth are welcome to join us at any time! In January we plan to have hybrid classes in person and online so you can choose what works best for your family.

For more information, please contact Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin (BHanlin@MarbleChurch.org) or Brian Hampton (BHampton@MarbleChurch.org).

YOUTH SERVICE TRIP OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 23 | After Worship Meet and greet the Marble Youth and hear about how you can help with their upcoming New Orleans Service Trip.

MOMENTS & MEMORIES This fall Rev. Brittany introduced some Marble youth to her alma mater, Howard University, as well as other colleges and sites in the Washington D.C. area. We wish all our youth well as they explore options, dream and plan for their futures.

MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE Instrumental Preludes for Advent Sundays | 10:45am November 28 Adam Phan, harp December 5 Trio Elysium: Janet Arms, flute; Ryan Walsh, oboe

Alexander Davis, bassoon December 12 Carol Wincenc, Sooah Jeon, flute; Nancy Allen, harp December 19 The Glenwood Quartet: Cyrus Beroukhim, Phillip Payton, violin

William Frampton, viola; Alberto Parrini, cello

Marble Matters

Engage – More Upcoming Events

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

GIFTS: LGBTQ FELLOWSHIP We encourage you to join us at two special events: The Gathering – Midweek Worship on World AIDS Day, December 1 (see page 4), and Paris Is Still Burning/Ballroom Culture part of the Racial Justice Series on December 2 (see page 12), three of our GIFTS Leaders are collaborating with Rev. Rashad on that program. For events in the new year, stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org or contact Don Piper (DPiper@ MarbleChurch.org).

WOMEN’S MINISTRY COMFORT AND JOY: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Saturday, December 11 | 12:00pm All women invited to gather online to savor extraordinary moments of Christmas without the stress of traveling. Enjoy music, shared meaningful memories, a holiday-focused game and more. Register at MarbleChurch. org/comfortandjoymwm by December 4 to receive a special gift for the party.

ARTS MINISTRY ONLINE CHRISTMAS PARTY Monday, December 20 All artists invited to celebrate with us and to learn more about this creative and inspiring ministry. Contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org) or visit MarbleChurch.org/Engage/arts-ministry.

PRIMETIME (55+) December 1 & 15; January 5,12 & 26 |1:00pm We continue to gather regularly via Zoom video chat or phone. December 1, Dr. Jeannette Aycock shares simple steps for faith-based self-care; December 15, Gary Thompson & Friends Christmas Is for Love; January 5, we welcome Rev. Elise Brown. We’re also going to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on December 8, check with Baleta about tickets availability. Contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org or ext.

219), or Clay Hale (CHale@MarbleChurch.org or ext. 252).

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR Sunday, January 9 | 12:00-1:00pm Gather on Zoom with your Marble Family and celebrate the start of the new year.

CHAIR YOGA Every Thursday | 10:00-10:45am Center yourself physically and spiritually with this beginner-friendly time of gentle movement. Join us via Zoom. Questions? Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@ MarbleChurch.org).

YOUNG ADULTS PUB THEOLOGY 4th Mondays | 6:00-7:00pm Gather online for casual conversations on faith and life. For details, contact Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org).

Engage – Help Others

Learn about ways you can be of service to others at MarbleChurch.org/engage/volunteer or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

Operation Santa Letters — To learn more, please join us online after Worship on Sunday, December 5.

Winter Coat Drive — Help us keep others warm this winter by donating new or gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Leave in bins in the 5th Ave Narthex and 29th St Prayer Room.

PS30 Tutoring Opportunity — Volunteer to teach Math and English Language Arts to 2nd through 5th graders at PS30 in Harlem. Training provided. For details, please contact Rev. Susanah Wade.

Marble Fights Hunger — We encourage you to bring canned/bottled food whenever you come to Marble. Donations benefit organizations including Icahn House. Drop-off bins are in the 5th Ave Narthex and 29th St Prayer Room.

Visit MarbleGiftShop.com for some of your gift shopping this year! There are books, jewelry, Christmas items, CDs, household goods and more. Proceeds further the mission of Marble.

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

Touchpoint: December 2021 & January 2022

MARBLE RACIAL JUSTICE SERIES Join us as we continue to deepen our commitments to do anti-racism, and to be a place of refuge and love for ALL of God’s people. If you can’t watch live, or want to view previous sessions, visit MarbleChurch. org/racial-justice-series.

Paris Is Still Burning: Ballroom Culture and the Re-making of Queer Families Thursday, December 2 | 7:00pm ONLINE Marginalized by anti-Black racism, police harassment, and the homophobia of religious/socially conservative households, Black, Brown, and Caribbean queer folk created Ballroom as a response to social ostracism and rising LGBTQIA homelessness. The young people who brought ballroom to life were gay, trans, and genderqueer Black, Brown, and Caribbean young people; many of whom had been ostracized from their biological families for refusing to conform to society’s rules about gender. In this talk we will explore the intersection of Black and/or

Brown and/or queer identities; also discussing barriers that persist impeding full inclusion to family, faith communities and society for queer people.

Justice and the Church: Rediscovering the Social Gospel for Ministry in the 21st Century Sunday, January 16 | 12:00pm IN PERSON What do Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), Ella Jo Baker (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee), Rev. Reverdy Cassius Ransom (Institutional Church), and Harriet Tubman have in common? Over the courses of their lives, through their involvement in Christian congregations, they pioneered paradigms of ministry that were rich in social action.

In this talk we will explore opportunities for the 21st century church to become meaningfully involved in causes for social action. If you can’t attend in person, stream at MarbleChurch.org.

THE LAST WORD I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.

— Mother Teresa

WEBCAST SCHEDULE Visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook Sundays 10am – Bible Study 10:45am – Advent Preludes (Dec) 10:50am – Grace Notes (Jan) 11am – Worship

Wednesdays The Gathering: Midweek Worship OnDemand 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

A BLESSED COMMUNITY GRATITUDE SUNDAY CELEBRATION The Marble Community gathered online and in person on November 14 to celebrate and express our gratitude.

To see more photos of the day, visit MarbleChurch. org/media/photos.