Touchpoint December 2023 January & February 2024

DECEMBERThe 2023,Marble JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2024 Magazine

...Here for You

Worship with Us page 8

CYF Corner page 10

TOUCHPOINT

Spotlight: Advent & Christmas page 4 Marble’s Bell & Building page 12

The Marble Magazine

Marble Matters

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Follow the Light

At the time of Jesus’ birth, it was dark times. Jesus unfold, we see darkness and question what the future was born into a third world context with an oppressive holds. Yet, there is light shining, even if it is barely regime and a paranoid king who was afraid of anyone breaking through, and the light will show us the way. who questioned or As we struggle with personthreatened his rule. al challenges, and our future But amidst this darkseems dark, there is a light …there is light shining, ness, three magi, noble shining, if only we’ll look for even if it is barely breaking it, and it will show us pilgrims from the East, were drawn to Jesus. the way. through, and the light will As they wondered how With so much conflict show us the way. they would find their and so many challenges, way to him, scripture hope seems to be slipping says, “there, ahead of away. May our celebration them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, of Christmas remind us that we need to look for the until it stopped over the place where the child was. light… because it is there. And when we follow it, When they saw that the star had stopped, they were the light of God will show us the way. overwhelmed with joy” (Matthew 2:9-10). Even though This Christmas season, take some time to name the they were surrounded by darkness, they followed the ways the light of God is shining through in your life. one light they could see. A light that would bring them And as we enter a new year, follow the light for it will great joy. A light that would grow and show them a lead you to great joy. new future filled with hope.

As we enter Advent, the season of expectation, it is a reminder for us that no matter the darkness around us, we need to look for the light. As world events

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

YEAR-END GIFT As we come to the close of 2023, would you please consider making a special year-end gift to Marble? The faithful giving of our congregation 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 212-686-2770).

COVER:

photo by Bob Estremera

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jisselle Tavarez Fernandez Dan Finegold Karla Fritsch Brian Hampton Rick Harper Jay Johnson Siobhan Tull GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

GRATITUDE SUNDAY IS NOT OVER – YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE! Members and friends of Marble came together on November 12 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 Expected 2024 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, including Marble’s 2024 budget and Our New Financial Reality, as well as videos of some of the Marble Gratitude Stories.

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.

Marble Matters

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER THE ART OF BEING OPEN

By Dr J. Elise Brown During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, mean things will be easy. It does not mean the pain the call God places on our lives is to be open to and struggles of this human life are removed from the work of the Holy Spirit. That is the example set us. Rather, it means we acknowledge that we are not for us in the profound trust of Mary, the mother of alone amidst the sometimes unsettling but always Jesus, whose life was turned upside down in a way sustaining presence and power of the Holy Spirit. she could never have imagined. And it is also the Sometimes people disappoint us with their words example set by Joseph who chose to remain with or actions. Sometimes people we love or have trusted Mary and participate in this act of trust even though betray us. Sometimes we are faced with situations he must have been utterly confused by all that was we are wholly unprepared for but must work through unfolding before him. in the best way posAlthough her position sible. ... join together with as a young, unmarJesus, the openness to the work of ried woman in ancient summation of Palestine did not leave the Holy Spirit and trust Mary and Joseph’s her many options for trust, teaches us that the Spirit will not what she could do, many ways to manMary could have denied abandon us now. age through the the reality of what she trials. When people had been told or she speak ill of us, Jesus could have run far, far away. She could have tried to calls us to turn the other cheek. When someone has make a life for herself in a new place and not expose wronged us, as hard as it can be to do, Jesus calls her family or Joseph to the shame of her situation. us to forgive. The apostle Paul even encourages us Consider the thoughts that must have been going to rejoice in our sufferings because through them we through her head as she realized the enormity of attain perseverance, character and hope. what the angel Gabriel had said to her and how her The Holy Spirit guides us through it all. life was going to be dramatically changed forever.

These words are true, also, for Marble. We have Mary and Joseph opened themselves to the work been through some truly challenging years. Yet, the of the Holy Spirit. That posture of openness would Spirit has continued to be with us. Now is the time take their lives in a whole new and unexpected direcfor us to join together, with openness to the work of tion. They created a family together and embarked the Holy Spirit, and trust that the Spirit will not upon a journey with Jesus that would lead them abandon us now. through times of struggle and sorrow. It was not an easy road. But they remained faithful to the end…

I look forward to celebrating hope during this holy and that faithfulness led to a whole new beginning. season and striving to be open to the work of the Being open to the work of the Holy Spirit does not Holy Spirit in our midst.

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT IN THE NEW YEAR. JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY! Are you searching for a place to belong, to connect with others, and to grow in your faith? We welcome you for who you are, wherever you are on your faith journey. We’d love to have you join us!

To learn more, contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@ MarbleChurch.org), on Sundays talk to someone wearing a red carnation or visit MarbleChurch.org/ become-a-member.

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Dr. J. Elise Brown Executive Minister

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Marble Matters

Kim Sebastian-Ryan Director of Membership & Connecting Siobhan Tull Program Leader for Online Community Email us: KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or STull@MarbleChurch.org

CONNECTING WITH KIM & SIOBHAN As we move through Advent and into the New Year, we hope that you are taking time to connect with yourself and with God. Some of the ways we do that are by making time to be in community, to give back, and to take some time to rest and renew.

At Marble, we are continuing to create opportunities for all of us to see the face of Christ in one another, to be his hands and feet in the world, and to rest to allow our souls to catch up. Whether it’s joining us for a time of crafts and outreach at Merry, Merry Marble, helping our neighbors at Icahn House begin the New Year

refreshed and renewed, celebrating Lunar New Year, or joining us online for a Tea Time walk, we know that doing it together always opens us up to the working of the Spirit.

We hope that this season you join us for whatever your soul is calling you. Please look through Touchpoint and MarbleChurch.org at all the wonderful ways you can join us here in person or online and pick one or two. And don’t forget that we are always here to answer your questions, and help you get connected at Marble. This community is stronger because we are together.

Advent & Christmas at Marble HYMNS & CAROLS — A Queer Christian Worship Night Friday, December 1 | 7:00-8:30pm Kaleidoscope and Marble’s GIFTS: LGBTQ+ Fellowship host an evening of community, singing, and worship with special guest musician and filmmaker SueAnn Shiah. Suggested donation, $10, benefits the SLANTS Foundation. Sanctuary.

OPERATION SANTA LETTERS – COFFEE HOUR Sunday, December 3 | 12:00-1:00pm Buddy and the Elves are back and need your help. While you wait for the Concert, join us for cookies, cocoa, and opportunities to help Santa make Christmas morning wishes come true for children in need. Labyrinth Room (downstairs).

A CAROLING WE GO CONCERT & CAROL SING* Sunday, December 3 | 2:00pm Join The Marble Choir, directed by Michael T.C. Hey, for an afternoon of inspirational readings, uplifting music, and your favorite Christmas carols. Don’t forget to bring your singing voice. Invite your friends! Sanctuary and live streamed. Suggested donation, $20, benefits Music at Marble. *The music this holiday season, including the Concert, generously given

by Lynda Packard in loving memory of her parents, John and Lynn Packard, and for the enjoyment of all to capture the magic of Christmas.

ARTISTS’ BOUTIQUE Sunday, December 10 | 12:00-2:00pm Shop for special gifts created by some of Marble’s talented artists. Our artwork, jewelry, notecards, knitted items, books, ornaments and many one-of-a-kind handmade items are sure to delight. Labyrinth Room.

MERRY, MERRY MARBLE Sunday, December 17 | 12:00-1:00pm Share the Christmas spirit as we sing Carols on 5th Ave immediately after Worship, then decorate trees and wreaths to donate to those in need. Craft materials provided. Refreshments served. Fun for all ages!

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN Virtual Christmas Walk Wednesday, December 20 | 1:00-2:00pm Pull up a comfy chair, grab a cup of something warm, and join us for our annual Christmas walk on Zoom. Register at MarbleChurch.org by December 19.

ADVENT ONLINE Advent Blog – A Season of Writing Letters Inspired by the book i hope you will know by Jaren Ahlmann, this year’s blog is an inter-generational letter-writing campaign offered during this season of hopeful expectation and features entries from the wider Marble community. MarbleWomen.com.

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 & Christmas Exhibit Visit MarbleChurch.org/arts to see Anticipation and Celebration! featuring the work of Marble Artists including visual art, photography, poetry, and more. Also view the exhibit on our Wall of Hope, Inspiration and Healing outside the Labyrinth Room.

Through December 31.

Marble Matters

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names will be listed on Sunday, December 17, in the bulletin and onscreen at the end of Worship. To pay tribute to someone, please donate what you can to help off-set the cost of poinsettias by Sunday, December 3 at MarbleChurch. org/Poinsettias or contact Clay Hale (CHale@ MarbleChurch.org). You can also mail checks, however, please call Clay to make sure it was received and names get added to the list.

CHRISTMAS DAY COFFEE with the Bos Family Monday, December 25 | 10:00-10:30am Dr. Michael Bos, Tena Bos, and their family invite you to join them for morning coffee/tea and a prayer for the day. Gather on Zoom to wish your Marble Family a Merry Christmas.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Sunday, December 24 | 6:30pm News That Moves You, meditation by Dr. Michael Bos Music prelude for Brass, Choir and Organ begins at 6:10pm

In the Marble Spotlight

WALK THE LABYRINTH Wednesdays, December 20 & January 17 5:00-6:30pm Sunday, December 31 | 12:00-2:00pm Ash Wednesday, February 14 | 2:30-4:30pm Feed your spirit with this walking meditation.

A facilitator will be available to help guide you and answer questions, while allowing you the space to walk in your own way, at your own pace. Note, dates subject to change, please call to confirm.

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN Wednesdays, January 17 & February 21 1:00-2:00pm We gather on Zoom for an opportunity to connect, deepen relationships, and enjoy beautiful virtual walks together. Stay tuned for more details.

REAFFIRMATION OF VOWS Sunday, January 7 | 12:00pm All couples welcome to join us for this annual ceremony, in person or online.

COFFEE HOUR Sundays | 12:15-1:15pm Join us after Worship in the Labyrinth Room (downstairs) for a great opportunity to make new friends, greet old friends, learn about upcoming programs and give back. Stay tuned to the Sunday bulletin and MarbleChurch.org for more details about these Special Coffee Hours and our Engage & Build Series.

•Refresh & Renew: Collection for Icahn House Families – January 14 • Lunar New Year Celebration – February 4 • Authors of Color Book Swap – February 11 A JOURNALING MINI-RETREAT Saturday, January 13 | 11:00am-1:00pm Nina H. Frost, M.A., spiritual director, author, and a favorite Marble workshop leader, returns to facilitate another powerful journaling mini-retreat on Zoom. Journaling is a practice anyone can use to tap inner guidance, renew your spirit, and offer tools for listening, discerning and stepping out in faith in the New Year. No previous journaling experience necessary. All are welcome. Register at MarbleChurch.org.

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Please see page 8.

Nina H. Frost, M.A.

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Marble Matters

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Marble Member, Stan Williams, and his tutee

If you would like to be a Marble Tutor, visit MarbleChurch.org/ps30 or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@ MarbleChurch.org).

HELP, HOPE, LAUGHTER & LEARNING

By Stan Williams Late during the summer of 2015, one of Rev. Susanah Wade’s sermons caught my attention. Marble Church was about to launch a tutoring program with P.S.30 Hernandez/ Hughes and was seeking volunteers.

I had been attending Marble for several months, and despite the welcoming congregation and the meaningful sermons, I sensed a lack of purpose in my life. I was mourning the loss of a high-profile media position, and the job search was going nowhere. The message I heard from the Chancel was as if God had just whispered in my ear: “Do this.”

Not yet a Marble member, I took that message to heart and applied. When accepted, I celebrated a small triumph. Someone wanted me. Someone needed me.

That was almost nine years ago. Since then, I joined Marble in 2016 and still tutor at P.S.30. Over those years, I’ve seen two tutees graduate fifth grade and move on to middle school. This year, I was fortunate to be placed with a sweet, energetic third grader with an active imagination and a desire to learn.

When I began tutoring, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to tutor math – a school subject that was a source of anxiety. My fears were quickly cast aside when I realized that I was surrounded by professionals to guide me and supported by a curriculum that is easy to follow and highly effective.

Yet, sometimes the word problems get too complicated, and we take a break and talk.

A BLESSED COMMUNITY It was an especially festive fall at Marble! Thanks to those of you who helped build backpacks and Thanksgiving bags for those in need. We joined in fellowship at our Passport to the Fall event and at our Fall Festival that began with a Costume Parade after Worship in the Sanctuary. We celebrated our past and committed to our future during Gratitude Sunday. And, we supported our Biblical Scholar in Residence, Dr. Julie Faith Parker, as she published her new book Eve Isn’t Evil.

We talk about our favorite candies. We talk about superheroes. We talk about movies. We talk, and I listen. I learn about their families and their fears as well as their hopes and aspirations. Over the weekly sessions, relationships bloom.

Last year during one of our final tutoring sessions, I told my tutee that I would have to dress up to attend his fifth-grade graduation. His response: “As what, Mr. Stan?” We laughed and laughed, imagining what I might show up wearing. He thought I should come dressed as Bowser from the Super Mario Bros movie!

I told him I was going to come dressed like a chicken.

(In case you are wondering, I wore a sweater and dark jeans.)

The reason I continue to tutor is because of moments like the one I just shared, and I am grateful to be a consistent presence in my tutee’s life. The nurturing, one-on-one experience that Marble tutors provide is something that some kids don’t get at home. That small investment of time – two hours a week – helps a child succeed in school, which in turn, supports a family and their community.

There are also times when my tutee supports me.

After this year’s first session of trudging through a place value lesson with my new third grader, he asked for a much-deserved high five. Then, with two thumbs in the air announced, “You’re a really good tutor, Mr. Stan!”

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch I was sitting alone in a parking lot in Ames, Iowa watching the sunset and started laughing out loud when I realized I had on three pairs of glasses – sunglasses to watch the setting sun, distance glasses to drive, and reading glasses to check some of the photos I’d already taken. I was blessed to work remotely from my mom’s house to be there to celebrate her 97th birthday. I cherished the family time, especially quality moments with Mom, and how easy it was to connect to nature and be surrounded by peace. When I had Mom’s car on Monday nights, I was committed to taking sunset breaks, and in those quiet moments I tried to ponder how I’ve grown personally in the decades since I left. I found myself questioning if, while back in Iowa or other places I visit, do I live fully as the person that I’ve become in NYC? Granted, when I’m home in NYC, too often I still don’t live wholly as the me God created, yet I feel more like my true self.

Of course, each of us has various parts of ourselves that we show at different times or in diverse settings like at work or with friends. However, I realized that in many ways, I am

not completely myself everywhere I go – I’m not totally grounded in the woman who is so much more of who God called me to be. Maybe part of it is I’m further away from the young woman who took a true leap of faith to come to this place she’d dreamt about for ages, a seemingly impossible God-given dream.

Catching myself in the three pairs of glasses helped me reflect on my inner vision, not the different lenses I was looking through. While I was in Iowa and snapped a gazillion photos of the skies, birds, autumn leaves…

I was certainly the same Karla who takes photos on almost every walk I take in my NYC neighborhood. At least that part is truly me wherever I go. I’m the person looking for the beauty, the details, and the sky no matter what.

I probably don’t feel fully myself because I’m not turning my sights inward enough – committing to going deeper through journaling, quieting myself so I can hear my inner voice and listen to God’s voice within and connect to new dreams.

Maybe the leap I need to take now is to put on some special glasses, find the true beauty of the sun within me, and watch it rise.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

See additional photos of our fall events and more at MarbleChurch.org/ photo-galleries.

Worship

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The Story of Christmas

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11AM

When Something Is Missing

December 2023 January & February 2024

DECEMBER 3

1st Sunday in Advent Dr. Michael Bos, preaching

Trusting in the Unknown

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

DECEMBER 10

2nd Sunday in Advent Dr. Elise Brown, preaching

The Heart of It All DECEMBER 17

3rd Sunday in Advent Children & Youth Christmas Pageant

Christmas Eve: News That Moves You SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 6:30PM Meditation by Dr. Michael Bos

Nothing Is Impossible DECEMBER 24

4th Sunday in Advent Dr. Michael Bos, preaching

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Moving Forward DECEMBER 31

Rev. Susanah Wade, preaching

Ready to Face New Challenges

Part 1

JANUARY 7

Part 2

JANUARY 14

Part 3

JANUARY 21

Part 4

JANUARY 28 ----------------------

FEBRUARY 4

Interfaith Sunday

FEBRUARY 11

Dr. Micah McCreary, preaching

Dare to Live Differently ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 | 6:30PM Beginnings & Endings Dr. Michael Bos preaching. Sanctuary and live streamed.

We’ll also have Ash Wednesday Worship at 12:00pm, Sanctuary.

Part 1

FEBRUARY 18

1st Sunday in Lent

Part 2

FEBRUARY 25

2nd Sunday in Lent

Spiritual Growth and Education

10:00 O’Clock Hour

10:00 O’Clock Hour Join us in person in the Labyrinth Room or live stream.

Check the website for details.

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

SUNDAYS AT 10AM

WAITING WITH HOPE – ADVENT REFLECTIONS ON THE POWER OF WAITING Sunday, December 3: Rev. Susanah Wade Sunday, December 10: Dr. Michael Bos Sunday, December 17: Dr. Elise Brown CHRISTMAS PRESENCE WITH DR. JULIE FAITH PARKER Sunday, December 24: Magnificent Mary Sunday, December 31: Joseph and Jesus

SCRIPTURAL REVELATIONS: Surprising Insights on Familiar Bible Stories Biblical Scholar in Residence Dr. Julie Faith Parker continues her series offering insights on biblical stories that may surprise and even astound you. She seeks to broaden and enrich your understanding of Scripture by bringing knowledge Dr. Julie Faith Parker of the biblical world and its historical context and understanding from the original Hebrew and Greek. Learn fascinating aspects of the Sunday School stories you’ve always/never known!

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 Children’s Chapel (2nd floor, access via elevator/stairs off 29th St Lobby) or on Zoom. Please note, not meeting December 24 & 31.

Afternoon Prayer

TUESDAYS AT 4:00PM Wind down your day with a brief time of sharing and prayer. Join us via Zoom or by phone. Get link at MarbleChurch.org. Please note, no meeting December 26.

Walk the Labyrinth

For upcoming Labyrinth walks, see page 5. Learn more about the Labyrinth at MarbleChurch.org/ labyrinth.

INTRO TO ISLAM Sundays, January 28 & February 4 Dr. Michael Bos TRAUMA AND RACE Sunday, February 11 Dr. Micah McCreary, president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Includes a book signing.

Dr. McCreary also preaches at 11:00am Worship.

Dr. Micah McCreary

Abraham: Leaving Home in a Big Way Sunday, January 14 Biblical Sarah and Hagar and the Modern Culture of Cameroon Sunday, January 21 Sodom and Gomorrah: Not about Homosexuality Sunday, February 18 Ishmael: The Overlooked Firstborn Child Sunday, February 25

Small Groups

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Being part of a Small Group is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble. For details and to register, visit MarbleChurch.org.

The Power of Positive Thinking

by Norman Vincent Peale Thursdays, January 11, 18 & 25 | 12:30pm Led by Dr. Elise Brown on Zoom.

Discussion on Islam Mondays, January 29, February 5 & 12 | 5:30pm Led by Dr. Michael Bos on Zoom.

Eve Isn’t Evil by Dr. Julie Faith Parker Sundays, February 4, 11 & 18 | 1:15pm Led by Baleta McKenzie & Lucia Winston at Marble.

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Marble Matters

CYF CORNER MOMENTS & MEMORIES We had a full and fun fall! In addition to classes starting again, we participated in All-Church events including Passport to Fall and the Fall Festival where we helped build Thanksgiving Bags for those in need and kicked things off with a costume parade after Worship.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS December 17 – Children & Youth’s Christmas Pageant, during Worship, written by Brian Hampton and directed by Sarah Sanou.

December 24 – Christmas arts & crafts during 11:00am Worship for Pre-K through 6th Graders.

December 31 – No CYF classes or childcare.

January 7 – Extended childcare for any couples participating in Marble’s Reaffirmation service.

Learn more at MarbleChurch.org/cyf.

THE MARBLE COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR WANTS YOU! We’re excited to have John Stanley as the new director of the Marble Community Gospel Choir. If you’ve ever thought of singing with the choir, please reach out to John (JStanley@MarbleChurch.org) and learn more about how you can add your voice to this vibrant group.

Marble Matters

Engage – More Upcoming Events

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

ARTS MINISTRY PRIMETIME (55+) Come one, come all to our Artists’ Boutique We host Merry, Merry Marble on December 17, December 10, see page 4. Works of Arts Ministry a fun event for all; please see page 4. Join us for the members will also be featured in our Art Exhibits for Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre 65th year performance Advent, New Year’s, Black History Month & Lent, view at City Center on December 20, 2:00pm, register on the Wall of Inspiration, Hope and Healing outside early, details at MarbleChurch.org. On January 21, the Labyrinth Room and at MarbleChurch.org/arts. we have a special Visioning Board Project and Ash Contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.

Wednesday, February 14, we’ll worship at 12:00pm, org) or Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org). followed by lunch. We’ll also have other Wednesday gatherings. Questions? Contact Baleta McKenzie CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

First Saturday of Month | 1:00-3:00pm Each meeting provides confidential, facilitated MARBLE MONTHLY MEET-UP conversation offering guidance, healing, and hope.

All are invited to join us for fellowship, fun, and Learn how to balance your life and be a Caregiver invigorating conversations as we explore new topwith new strength and vitality. Led by Rev. Marion ics and exciting themes each month. Held fourth Gambardella on Zoom. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@ Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm. Dumplings & Disciples, MarbleChurch.org).

December 21, with special guest Dr. Elise Brown, at Marble. Lite bites and beverages on us. We CHAIR YOGA look forward to seeing you there. Stay tuned to the Every Thursday | 10:00-10:45am bulletins, announcements, and e-blasts for details Center yourself physically and spiritually with this about our 2024 events! beginner-friendly time of gentle movement. Join us via Zoom; link at MarbleChurch.org. Questions? Contact WOMEN’S MINISTRY Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org). Please note, We will continue to explore the food insecurity no meeting December 28. conversation begun in November, particularly as it impacts children in the NYC area. Join us as we learn GIFTS: LGBTQ FELLOWSHIP about, identify, and take action steps, inspired by We co-host a special event on December 1, World MLK’s Day of Service; stay tuned for details about a AIDS Day; please see page 4 for details. Questions?

January program. Nina Frost returns for her annual Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org). online Journaling Workshop, January 13, see page 5.

In addition to our Advent Blog, we’ll offer inspiration for everyone’s Lenten Journey, beginning February 14.

Stay tuned for information on an upcoming Financial Empowerment Workshop. Questions? Please contact Karla Hendrick (KHendrick@MarbleChurch.org).

Engage – Help Others

Learn about ways you can be of service to others at Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, visit MarbleChurch.org/volunteer, or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

Operation Santa Letters — Please join us after Worship on Sunday, December 3.

Prayer Shawl Ministry — Join us as we gather for prayer and creating together to knit or crochet prayer shawls for members who are ill or homebound.

All levels welcome. First Mondays on Zoom, 5:006:00pm; third Mondays in person, 1:00-2:00pm.

Dates subject to change, confirm with Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).

Marble Fights Hunger — We encourage you to bring canned/bottled food whenever you come to Marble. Donations benefit various organizations including Icahn House. Drop-off bins are in the 5th Ave Narthex and 29th St Prayer Room. Monetary donations also welcome. We’ll also have more opportunities to learn about the important topic of food insecurity.

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10:00 O’Clock Hour, Prayer Circle & Small Groups For information, please see Spiritual Growth and Education on page 9.

If you need assistance registering online for an event, please don’t hesitate to ask.

On Sundays, visit the Welcome Table during Coffee Hour, or call/visit our receptionist.

Touchpoint: December 2023, January & February 2024

MARBLE’S HISTORY FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Some Fascinating Facts About The Church at the Corner of Fifth Avenue and Twenty-Ninth Street •The cornerstone of the church was laid in November of 1851.

•Using Tuckahoe marble quarried in Hastings-onHudson and floated by barge 18 miles down the river, it took nearly three years to complete the building.

•Built in the Neo-Romanesque style, the bell tower and spire stand 215 feet high.

•The Cockerel or Rooster weathervane is an ancient symbol for divine guidance, or perhaps as some people thought, a reminder of Peter’s denial of Christ.

•The bell in the tower is cast bronze made by Jones & Company Foundry in Troy, NY. In addition to Sundays and special occasions, the bell was traditionally rung for the funerals of US Presidents dating back to Martin Van Buren in 1862. The bell even tolled for a “riot call” during the Civil War to summon police to quell a serious clash in the neighborhood.

•The bell in the south churchyard was cast in Amsterdam in 1795 and hung in the old North Church located once-upon-a-time in lower Manhattan.

•The first clock in the tower was massive, measuring six feet across and needed to be wound every eighth day. The original clockworks remain in the tower with impressive

drawings by the local masons, artisans and clock masters who cared for it over the years.

SUNDAY SANCTUARY TOURS Please join us to learn more about Marble’s rich history, fascinating architecture, and beautiful windows. Discover little-known church facts and fun anecdotes, and explore seldom-seen church areas.

Led by a trained guide, a tour is also a wonderful, informal way to introduce your family and friends to Marble. Tours will be held on the fourth Sunday of the month, stay tuned to announcements and bulletins in case of changes. Meet in the center aisle immediately following 11:00am Worship.

Tour dates: Sunday, December 17 (Tentative) Sunday, January 28 Sunday, February 25

THE LAST WORD Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. — Rabindranath Tagore WEBCAST SCHEDULE Visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook Sundays 10:00 O’Clock Hour 11:00am – Worship Sermon Podcasts: Subscribe at MarbleChurch.org

Marble Collegiate Church

1 West 29th Street (at Fifth Ave) New York, New York 10001 212-686-2770 MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

VISIT MARBLE’S ONLINE GIFT SHOP AT MARBLEGIFTSHOP.COM Spiritually Uplifting Books • Seasonal Gift Items Apparel • Jewelry • Household Goods Proceeds further the mission of Marble.

HONORING SOMEONE SPECIAL In addition to regular gifts that support all we do at Marble, you can give a gift Honoring Someone Special. You can honor someone who has passed away or honor a special event like an anniversary or birthday. Or you can just honor someone special in your life for no reason at all! This is a special way to thank God for the people in your life through a special gift to Marble. Please donate at MarbleChurch.org (click “GIVE”on top banner) or contact Clay Hale (212686-2770 or CHale@MarbleChurch.org).