Touchpoint December 2022 January 2023

TOUCHPOINT

The Marble Magazine

The Wonder of Awe

I’ve been thinking about the last time I experienced awe in my life. Not just a “that’s cool” moment, but genuine awe. The kind of awe that stops you in your tracks and transcends what you expect to see or expe rience in the world. The kind of experience in which the beauty of the moment catches you off guard. When was the last time you experi enced awe? The truth is we can become so busy with schedules and so caught up in routines, we rarely have moments of awe. Instead, we can only see what we expect, or, even worse, what disappoints us in the world. We all need a little awe in our lives. Otherwise, we’re left only experiencing the mundane and wonder ing what is the purpose of it all.

This is why Christmas is so important. It reminds us where to look to be awed: in the birth of Jesus, the one is who is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” In the book of Colossians, it captures why celebrating the birth of the Son of God is filled with such awe. It says, “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created” (Colossians 1:15). When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are celebrating encountering God in a very special way.

The awe of this moves us in two key ways. First, it moves us into the presence of God in which we come to know there is something more awaiting us. There is something inside every single one of us that knows we were created for more than eating, sleeping, and eking out a living. The awe of being in the presence of God lifts us up so we can see there is more. This is what keeps us going as we deal with some of the hum drum tasks of daily living.

Second, this awe moves us into community because it is something we experience together. It is the spiritual binding agent that forms our relation ships. Therefore, to celebrate the birth of Jesus is to celebrate the thing that fashions us into a special com munity in which we all belong—no matter who we are or where we are in life!

This Christmas, may we all open ourselves to the wonder of the birth of Jesus and be awed. And may we all be moved in new ways, to new places, and to new relationships. It is all possible because God is with us.

BLESSING OF BOARD CHAIRS

Greg Lozier & Matt Morse

On Sunday, November 6, Greg Lozier announced that for health reasons, he was stepping down as chair of Marble’s Board. It was also announced that Matt Morse has become the new chair of the Board. Please join us as we continue to pray for Greg’s health and for Matt and his leadership.

The awe of being in the presence of God lifts us up so we can see there is more.

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

Staff for this Issue

EDITOR: Karla Fritsch

PHOTOS: Dave Cross

Jisselle Tavarez Fernandez Dan Finegold Karla Fritsch Brian Hampton Jay Johnson Siobhan Tull

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Beth Player-DiCicco

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER LIVING THE OLD STORY IN A NEW WAY

By Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D.

I still remember the wonder of coming downstairs as a child on Christmas morning to see what had been left by Santa under the tree. We always put out cookies and cocoa for Santa. The cookies were at least half-eaten. I imagined Santa was busy and couldn’t stay long at our house so that was why a cookie had just one bite taken out of it.

The night before, my family would have attended Christmas Eve services together in a Sanctuary awash in candlelight. The beautiful Christmas hymns. The poinset tias galore. Singing “Silent Night” a capella in complete darkness. The silence at the end of the service.

It was all so magical. So filled with wonder and awe.

What are your memories of Christmases past?

Sometimes old stories can lose their freshness, their poignancy. Christmas might seem like one of those stories. You have heard it so many times you know the words from the Gospel of Luke by heart.

But the Christmas story is an old, old story that has new meaning for our lives each and every day.

Christmas is the story about God, and how God chose to engage the world. God chose to leave the heavens and touch down on this earth, in human

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT – JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY IN THE NEW YEAR!

The need to belong is essential to our well-being. 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! For more information, please contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770) or sign up at MarbleChurch.org/engage/join/become-amember.

form, in a lowly setting, born to a young girl who did not come from wealth or social status.

God did not have to do this. God could have engaged the world in a very different way – as judge, as distant score keeper, as a hands-off, one-time Creator who disengaged once the world started going its own way.

But that is not what God chose to do. The Christmas story is our great est reminder about who God is and how God works in our lives and in the world.

What difference would it make in your life if every day you thought of God as being “with you,” right there by your side, in whatever situation you find yourself? How would your life, your attitudes, your outlook be different if you lived each day with a clear sense of Immanuel – God right there with you – and not in some distant place?

I pray that this year the old, old story of Christmas takes on new life and meaning for you. It is a story that is alive. It breathes. It grows. It ebbs and flows.

It is the story about a living God who took up residence with us on earth as Immanuel –GOD WITH US.

See you in Church!

New Member Orientation Session Sunday, January 29, 12:30-1:30pm (Zoom)

New Member Orientation Session Sunday, February 5, 12:00-1:15pm (Peale Parlor & Zoom)

Reception of New Members during Worship Sunday, February 12, 11:00am

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

It is a story that is alive. It breathes. It grows.

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

CONNECTING WITH KIM & SIOBHAN – CHRISTMAS AT MARBLE

Christmas can mean so many different things to people – joining the throng of shop pers to find the perfect gifts, office parties and cookie swaps, Christmas carols and hot cocoa, the quiet walk through the park after the first snow, and the wonderous waiting for the birth of Christ. All of it involves con necting in some way whether with friends and family, or our deepest selves, as we contemplate what will be born anew in each of us this season.

Marble can be a special place to connect during Christmas, a place where the joy of others and the quiet of our spiritual journey can come together to be fed. So, join us to choose a “Santa Letter” from a child in need to help them experience the joy of find ing a gift on Christmas morning. Gather with Marble friends, old and new, to enjoy food and carols while creating ornaments and decorating trees to bring a little Christmas cheer to our homebound members

during “Merry, Merry Marble.” From the comfort of your homes, enjoy a quiet virtual walk through a beautiful European Christmas Market during Tea Time with Kim & Siobhan. Celebrate the joy and beauty of the Christmas Story through the eyes of our Children and Youth during their Christmas pageant. Join us as we experience the blessing and wonder of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve.

If we’ve learned anything during these last two and a half years, it’s the importance of connecting with others – of relationships and time spent together. Siobhan and I hope you’ll each take time to look through the calendar of events and find something that speaks to you – something that brings you joy –a joy that will carry you long into the New Year with a glad heart and a renewed spirit.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.

— Matthew 18:20

Advent & Christmas at Marble

MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Sundays during Advent December 4, 11, 18 & 25 | 10:45am

Arrive early for Worship for this special time of music and quiet meditation. Generously given by Lynda Packard in lov ing memory of her parents, John and Lynn Packard, and in honor of Ken Dake, who through his vision and musical genius has inspired all at Marble and beyond for decades.

Please see page 8 for this year’s performers.

OPERATION SANTA LETTERS –FELLOWSHIP ON FIFTH

Sunday, December 4 | 12:00-1:00pm

Buddy the Elf is back and needs your help! Join us for a special Fellowship on Fifth Coffee Hour complete with cookies, cocoa, and lots of opportunities to help Santa make Christmas morning wishes come true for children in need.

MERRY, MERRY MARBLE –FELLOWSHIP ON FIFTH

Sunday, December 11 | 12:00-1:00pm

Join in the Christmas spirit as we decorate trees and wreaths to donate to the needy, sing Carols, and share the Joy of the season, including a special visit from Santa. Craft materials provided. Refreshments served. Sponsored by PrimeTime(55+) and Children, Youth & Families Ministry. Fun for all ages! Please register at MarbleChurch.org by December 6.

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS MARKET WALK

Wednesday, December 14 | 1:00-2:00pm

All are invited to pull up a comfy chair, grab a cup of something warm, and join Kim & Siobhan on Zoom as we take a walk through a festive Christmas Market! Register at MarbleChurch.org by December 13.

ARTISTS’ BOUTIQUE

Sunday, December 18 | 12:00-1:30pm

Shop local for your last-minute Christmas gifts created by some of Marble’s talented artisans. Located in the Labyrinth Room, our Boutique will feature artwork, jewelry and many one-of-a-kind handmade items that are sure to delight shoppers looking for that special gift.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Marble has a long tradition of surrounding the Sanctuary Chancel in poinsettias at Christmas and dedicating them to loved ones the congregation wants to honor. To pay tribute to someone, we ask everyone to donate what they can to help off-set the cost of the poinset tias. Please visit MarbleChurch.org/Poinsettias or contact Clay Hale (CHale@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770) to make your contribution by Sunday, December 4. Names in honor and in memory of will be listed onscreen at the end of Worship on Sunday, December 18, as well as in the bulletin. You can also mail checks, however, please call Clay to make sure it was received and names get added to the list.

Kim

us: KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or STull@MarbleChurch.org

ADVENT ONLINE — Through December 24

Advent Blog: Art is the Highest Form of Hope

Experience light, love, and hope through the visual art, stories, poems, and music from women and art ists of faith at MarbleWomen.com daily during Advent. Created for everyone who is seeking deep and unique inspiration, healing and uplifting in this season of hope.

Online Advent Calendar

Opening the doors of an Advent Calendar each day and finding a surprise waiting makes the anticipation

of Christmas a little easier to bear. In that spirit, we hope you visit us on social media as we spread a little joy through our online version. The surprises will be sweet and will bless more than just ourselves.

Arts Ministry Advent Exhibit

Visit our gallery space, the Wall of Hope, Inspiration and Healing outside the Labyrinth Room for our special Advent exhibit, Anticipation and Celebration. You can also catch us online at MarbleChurch.org/engage/arts-ministry. Both exhibits celebrate the joy and hope of the season.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

Saturday, December 24 | 6:00pm

Your New Beginning, meditation by Dr. Michael Bos. Music prelude for Brass, Choir and Organ begins at 5:40pm

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP Sunday, December 25 | 11:00am

It’s All in the Story, Dr. Michael Bos preaching. Music for Trumpets, Percussion and Organ begins at 10:45am

It’s a rare and special blessing for us to be able to worship together on Christmas Day. Please join us. In the Sanctuary or online at MarbleChurch.org

In the Marble Spotlight

FELLOWSHIP ON FIFTH – COFFEE HOUR

Sundays | 12:15-1:30pm

Join us Sundays after Worship in the Labyrinth Room for Fellowship on Fifth – a great opportunity to make new friends, greet old friends and learn about upcoming programs at Marble. Also, mark your calen dars for Special Coffee Hour/Outreach Events listed below. Note, no Coffee Hour on January 1 & 15.

January 8 – Outreach Event: Cookies, Cocoa & Comfort

January 22 – Service after Service

SONGS OF THE FAITHFUL SMALL GROUP

Mondays, January 2, 9, 23 & 30

February 6 & 13 | 6:00pm

The book of Psalms was written over several cen turies and was the hymnbook of ancient Israel, filled with songs and poems of celebration, lament, confi dence, confusion, clarity and hope. Join us in Peale Parlor for this gruop led by Rev. Elise Brown, using the Learner Guide in the resource she wrote – Songs of the Faithful: Studies in the Psalms. Please purchase the book in advance and register at MarbleChurch.org For more Small Groups, please see page 9.

REV. BECCA STEVENS RETURNS TO MARBLE!

Sunday, December 4

Rev. Becca Stevens, is an Episcopal priest, jus tice entrepreneur, author, and founder and president of Thistle Farms. She has been featured on PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, CNN, ABC World News, named a CNN Hero, and a White House Champion of Change. At 10:00 O’Clock Hour, Rev. Stevens will share about her latest book, Practically Divine, in which she focuses on a message that says, “There is no secret formula to experiencing the sacred in our lives – it just takes practice and practicality.” She’ll also preach at 11:00am Worship. Afterwards, she’ll sell and autograph books, as well as sell Thistle Farms products including blankets made by refugee women from the war in Ukraine.

REAFFIRMATION OF VOWS

Sunday, January 8 | 12:00pm

All couples welcome to join us for this annual cer emony, in person or online.

Rev. Becca Stevens

STABILITY AMIDST CHANGE: A JOURNALING MINI-RETREAT

Saturday, January 7 | 11:00am-1:00pm

In the early days of this new year, and in the season of Epiphany and a time of deep change, come gather your stirrings, hopes, fears and leadings through a gentle, restorative time of presentation, poetry, easy written exercises, and optional sharing. Our mini-retreat will tap inner guidance, renew your spirit and offer tools for listening, discerning and stepping out in faith in the new year.

Led by Nina H. Frost, M.A. spiritual director, author, and a favorite Marble workshop leader. Hosted by the Marble Women’s Ministry on Zoom. All are welcome! Register at MarbleChurch.org or contact Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org).

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN

Wednesday, January 18 | 1:00-2:00pm

Pull up a comfy chair, a cup of something delicious, and join us as we take in the beauty of a virtual Alaskan cruise, from the warmth of our homes. Register by January 17.

YEAR-END GIFT

As we come to the close of 2022, would you please consider making a special year-end gift to Marble? The faithful giving of our congregation through this ongoing pandemic has been hearten ing 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 212-686-2770).

GRATITUDE SUNDAY IS NOT OVER –YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE!

Members and friends of Marble came together on November 13, 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 bless ings. 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 mountain tops of our lives.

KEN MEDEMA RETURNS TO MARBLE Sunday, January 29

Singer/Songwriter/Pianist Ken Medema will be our featured guest performing a 10:40am Mini-Concert in the Sanctuary, special music during Worship, and a “Sing-Back” after Worship. Besides hear ing beautiful, inspiring music, experience Ken’s amazing gift of spontaneously composing songs based on personal stories you share in the moment!

Though Ken Medema has been unable to see with his physical eyes, his inner vision and profound music carry a prophetic vision for the world today. Starting his career as a music therapist, in 1973 Ken launched his international performing career, electrifying audi ences with his dazzling improvisations, reframing of Biblical stories, and his deeply emotional connection with everyone on their spiritual and human journey. For five decades, he has used music as a vehicle for creating conversation through storytelling and reflection. Today, Medema performs in a wide variety of venues, from local congregations to charity fund raisers, to high school and university campuses, to denominational youth gatherings, to universally tele vised religious programs, to corporate conventions, to annual assemblies of national organizations.

Whether you have been with Marble for some time or recently found us online and have not had an opportunity to partici pate 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 Expected 2023 Annual Giving card 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”, Marble’s 2023 budget, Our New Financial Reality – an excerpt from the congregation’s Strategic Plan, and more.

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.

Ken Medema

Nina H. Frost, M.A.

Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch

Remember, there is MAGIC in every day! Some days it’ll be obvious, others you’ll have to look harder, but God always provides wonderful surprises. I wrote that in my journal several days into my September vacation in Maine.

When I’m surrounded by nature, I am always aware of its plentiful gifts, but this year on top of the normal wonderful encounters with the ocean, mountains, skies, loons, seals, pine trees… each day seemed to have a distinct highlight – a magi cal moment. One was the day my travel buddy Judy and I were in front of the cottage looking at the bay when a big bird flew low over our heads and landed in a nearby tree. We were sure it had been a hawk or an eagle but couldn’t find it perched. I gave up looking, walked around the cottage and started down the long driveway for a walk. I hadn’t gone far when Judy energetically motioned and said, “get over here.” Because we had moved to the other side of the house, we could now clearly see the junior bald eagle sitting on a branch near the top of a tall pine.

The next day I was getting close to the door after my walk and a big dragonfly flew right above my head, circled me while still low, then flew higher and wider yet kept circling over me. I started crying and thought of my dear departed friend Ron who had visited me before in the form of a dragonfly (the first time was while I was riding up an escalator from Penn Station soon after he died). After the dragonfly flew over the cottage, I went inside. As I sat in front of the picture window, the dragonfly reappeared and kept flying back and forth in front of me for quite a while.

When I wrote in my journal that there was magic in every day, I believed it. Since I got back to NYC it’s been more difficult to find than I expected. Of course, I experience blessings in various forms daily, but I was hoping those “extra” moments would continue

regularly. I realized part of the issue might be how I was defining magic. Some things have over-thetop, unique characteristics that scream “magical moment”, other times, it’s because I choose to see it as magic.

Recently my trainer and I were coming back from my workout and my legs were so fatigued I wasn’t sure I could make it home. With my building in sight, I was moving very slowly as I started to cross the street. Then I heard a hip-hop beat playing from a car at the red light. I immediately started walking with energy and swaying to the rhythm. As I got to my stoop, I looked back at the car, caught the eye of the passenger and gave him a thumbs up and smiled, hoping he’d understand somehow the gift I’d just been given. He nodded back at me. I said out loud, “That was my magic for today.”

Maybe what’s important is being outside in the world more, putting myself in places to be able to encounter people and nature, as well as being open to recognizing those magical moments in whatever form they come. Maybe it’s sharpening my vision. As William Butler Yeats says, “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

Why even distinguish between gratitude for the blessings in each day and magical moments? I think it’s because those moments are like a super flint that can get our inner fire burning or stoke the embers when difficulties in life smother some of the flames. They can help keep our light bright, like a star shining over a manger, guiding us all to the best of who we are, as individuals, as family, a community, a country, a world – to be the magical beings we were born to be.

WALK THE LABYRINTH

Wednesday, December 14 | 5:30-6:30pm

Sunday, January 1 | 10:00-10:45am

Wednesday, January 25 | 5:00-6:00pm

Feed your spirit with this walking meditation. A facilitator will be available to help guide you and answer questions, while allowing you the space to walk in your own way, at your own pace.

Learn more about the Labyrinth at MarbleChurch.org/engage/labyrinth.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

SUNDAY WORSHIP

11AM December 2022/ January 2023

Know Your Place

DECEMBER 4

2nd Sunday in Advent

Rev. Becca Stevens, preaching

Dr.

Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

Imagine What’s Waiting for You

Joy

DECEMBER 11

3rd Sunday in Advent Peace

DECEMBER 18

4th Sunday in Advent

Christmas Pageant, The Story We Love to Hear, and special music during Worship

Christmas Eve: Your New Beginning

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 6:00PM

Christmas Day: It’s All in the Story

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 11:00AM

MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE — Special Preludes for Advent Sundays | 10:45am

December 4 Triumphant Trios of Gaubert, Heggie and Martinu Carol Wincenc, flute; Mihai Marica, cello; Kenneth Dake, piano

December 11 An Instrument of Angels Adam Phan, harp

December 18 Joyous Carols for Strings – The Glenwood Quartet Cyrus Beroukhim, Phillip Payton, violin; William Frampton,viola Alberto Parrini, cello

December 25 Fanfares and Flourishes Donald Batchelder, Scott McIntosh, trumpet Deane Prouty, timpani/percussion

God’s Gift of Time

JANUARY 1

Rev. Susannah Wade, preaching

Alpha and Omega: the Beginning and the End JANUARY 8

Rev. J. Elise Brown Ph.D., preaching

NYC Street Closings

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

JANUARY 15

Rev. Rashad McPherson, preaching

Community of the Prophets

JANUARY 22

Rev. Micah L. McCreary, Ph.D., preaching President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary

Storms

JANUARY 29

Rev. J. Elise Brown Ph.D., preaching

Ken Medema pre-Worship Mini-Concert

Please keep Dr. Bos in your prayers during his mini-sabbatical in January, an important time of renewal and refreshment. We look forward to his return on February 9.

During our Sunday 10:00 O’Clock Hours we’ll have Bible Study and cover variety of topics. Join us in person in the Labyrinth Room or live stream.

10:00 O’Clock Hour

SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM PRACTICALLY DIVINE Sunday, December 4

Rev. Becca Stevens, Episcopal priest, author, founder and president of Thistle Farms.

ISAIAH: PROPHET OF COMFORT AND REDEMPTION

Sundays, December 11 & 18

Rabbi Yael Hammerman, Associate Rabbi, Ansche Chesed Synagogue.

SABBATH AND JUBILEE IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES

Sunday, January 8

Rev. Rashad McPherson, Associate in Ministry and Music at Marble.

MENTAL HEALTH LESSONS LEARNED THRU A PANDEMIC Sunday, January 15

Dr. Shari Brink, president and CEO of the Blanton Peale Institute.

YOUR LIVING WATER: SENSING GOD’S CALL OVER A LIFETIME Sunday, January 22

Nina H. Frost, M.A., spiritual director and author.

Please note, no 10:00 O’Clock Hour December 25 & January 1.

Sunday, January 29 – Events Combined

We join with Prayer Circle in the Labyrinth Room until 10:30am, so everyone can attend the Ken Medema Mini-Concert at 10:40am; see page 6 for more details.

The Labyrinth will be open for walks on December 14, January 1 & 25. Please see page 7.

Check the website for details and the most up-todate information. If you miss a session or want to see again, view at MarbleChurch.org/Watch.

Prayer Circle

SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM

Join us for this weekly time of prayer and music. The Circle is always open – all you need is a willing heart. We meet in the Chapel (downstairs) or on Zoom. On December 4 & January 29 we join the 10:00 O’Clock Hour. Please note, not meeting December 25 & January 1

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

Being part of a Small Group is a wonderful oppor tunity to grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble. For more details and to regis ter, visit MarbleChurch.org

• A Long-Ago BIRTH in a Right-Now WORLD – Using the book by Dr. Michael B. Brown, former Marble Senior Minister. Meets online, Fridays, December 2, 9 & 16, 6:00-7:00pm Dr. Brown will join us for Q&A on December 16.

• Songs of the Faithful – Rev. J. Elise Brown leads based on her book. Meets in person starting Monday, January 2. Please see page 5.

• Sharing Our Stories – Take turns sharing and listening, with joy and reverence, to each of our sto ries. Meets online Sundays, January 8, 15, 22 & 28, 1:30-2:30pm.

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. Dates subject to change, confirm with Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). Please note, not meeting January 2.

Rabbi Yael Hammerman

Rev. Becca Stevens

Rev. Rashad McPherson

Dr. Shari Brink

Nina H. Frost, M.A.

Children and youth participate in the Christmas Pageant, The Story We Love to Hear, during Worship Sunday, December 18.

CYF CORNER

What a Wonderful First Month at Marble

By Sarah Cheatham

Hello Marble Family! I am simply overwhelmed by the incredibly loving and supportive welcome that I received during my first month as Youth Director. In addition to being so warmly wel comed into the Marble Family, in the short time I’ve been here, the Youth have shown such an extraordinary desire to share God’s love and serve their community. I feel so proud and so blessed to be the new Youth Director here at Marble Collegiate Church.

On my first Sunday, only five minutes into the welcome activity I had planned, we heard a knock at the back door. I opened it to discover a family standing out in the rain. They didn’t speak English, but their message was clear – we need help. As I started thinking of the best way to help them, the Youth sprang into action. They discovered that

MOMENTS & MEMORIES

It’s been wonderful this fall to be back together in person for Sunday School, choir rehearsals and our Costume Party! We’ve also been able to be good neighbors welcoming new people to Marble, including some of the migrant families staying at a shelter nearby.

Navio knew the most Spanish, so he jumped in to translate. Others gathered bagels and apples that we had in the room to give to the family. When we discovered that what they really needed was clothing, we directed them around to the front entrance where they were able to receive more help. When I followed up with our CYF Director Brian about the family, I discovered they were just 5 of 500 migrants that had been brought to a shelter nearby. As you know, Marble has since started collecting donations of clothes and other necessities in response to this migrant crisis. I told the Youth that God must have brought that family to the side door, to us, for a reason. Now the Youth have stepped up as they did on that rainy October morning, to help raise funds and collect donations for these migrants! If my first month is any indication, what a great year we have in store at Marble Youth Group.

Sarah Cheatham Youth Director

Engage – More Upcoming Events

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

ARTS MINISTRY

Our in-person Artists’ Boutique returns, December 18, see page 4. Works of Arts Ministry members will be featured in the Women’s Ministry Advent Blog this year, as well as in our Art Exhibits for Advent and New Beginnings in January, visit the gallery outside the Labyrinth Room or online. For more information about these and our regular meetings, contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org), Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org) or visit MarbleChurch.org/engage/arts-ministry.

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. For Zoom link or more information, contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

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). Please note, not meeting December 29.

GIFTS: LGBTQ FELLOWSHIP

We co-host the December 1 World AIDS Day Racial Justice event; please see page 12 for details. For other events, contact pastoral advisor, Rev. Rashad McPherson (RMcPherson@MarbleChurch.org).

MARBLE WOMEN’S MINISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Saturday, December 10 | 11:30am-12:30pm

Celebrate all that is Christmas! Merriment, love, community and connection await as we gather togeth er online in celebration of this joyous holiday. Register at MarbleChurch.org.

MARBLE WOMEN’S MINISTRY FINANCIAL WORKSHOP

Sunday, January 22 | 12:15-1:30pm

Join the Marble Women’s Ministry in a hybrid workshop that explores our financial lives and best practices for living into these uncertain times. Register at MarbleChurch.org

PRIMETIME (55+)

For details about our Wednesday gatherings, both online and in person, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

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

10:00 O’Clock Hour, Prayer Circle & Small Groups

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

Engage – Help Others

Learn about ways you can be of service to others at Fellowship on Fifth every 2nd & 4th Sundays after Worship, visit MarbleChurch.org/engage/volunteer, or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

Operation Santa Letters — Please join us after Worship on Sunday, December 4.

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.

Become a Stephen Minister: Training begins January 2023 — Provide distinctively Christian caregiving to others. Learn about listening skills, use of prayer, how to minister to someone experiencing grief, divorce, illness, loneliness, and more. Please contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch. org) or apply at MarbleChurch.org/ engage/stephen-ministry.

WEBCAST

If you can’t watch live, or want to view previous sessions, visit MarbleChurch.org/racial-justiceseries

“I AM WHAT I AM”: Queer, Questioning & Christian Thursday, December 1 | 7:00pm

Marble’s Racial Justice & GIFTS: LGBTQ+ Ministries will co-host a dialogue in observance of World AIDS Day focusing on the stigma that follows people of all generations living with HIV/AIDS and celebrating queer resilience and that all people are created in God’s Image. Guests will include Michael Roberson, Adjunct Professor, The New School & Union Theological Seminary and Rev. Shawn Torres-Anderson, Associate Pastor of Operations, Bethany Baptist Church. There will also be a special musical performance to honor all the lives lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the Labyrinth Room and online.

A BLESSED COMMUNITY

It’s always wonderful to gather together! This fall, in addition to continuing online connections, we were able to be back in person at annual events like Sister Carol Perry preaching Labor Day weekend, Blessing of the Animals, and Gratitude Sunday Celebrations. We were also honored to have Faye Wattleton, Kathryn Kolbert, and Gloria Steinem speak at America After Roe v. Wade: Where Do We Go from Here? To see more photos from Marble events, visit MarbleChurch.org/media/ photos/

JUSTICE AND THE

CHURCH, PART 2 Sunday, January 15 | 12:15pm

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. In the Sanctuary and online.

THE LAST WORD

Come friends, it’s not too late to seek a newer world. — Alfred Tennyson