Touchpoint February March 2023

New Things Can Happen

It’s February and our resolutions for the new year are already fading. The new diet is out the window. The exercise equipment we purchased is now collecting dust in the corner. The credit card debt we were going to pay down just got a little larger. The books we bought so we could read more are, well… who knows where we put them. We are not alone. One study says only 19% of us will keep our new year’s resolutions. This is because when we make our resolutions, there can be a nagging self-doubt we can really do it. Even though we are excited by the new things we want for our lives, we let our past experiences and false starts tell us what our future will be.

As I think about this, there is a verse that keeps coming to mind: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The promise of this passage is amazing: we can become a new creation—we can actually change! This speaks to the yearning of our hearts. We want new things to blossom in our lives. We want to live in new and better ways, have stronger and deeper relationships, experience an inner peace no matter what we face, and yet these things often elude us.

Perhaps this is because we gravitate to the promise of something new and gloss over the part that says, “everything old has passed away.” Maybe our problem in welcoming something new is because we haven’t

let go of the past. We’re holding on to past resentments and regrets, and our minds replay past hurts again and again and again. This is where we need the help and hope of God in Christ. God doesn’t just offer the hope of becoming a new creation. God offers the hope of helping us let the old pass away.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or illfitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (11:28-30, The Message).

As we approach Lent, a time of self-examination, it is the perfect time to keep company with Jesus so we can let go of the past and recover our lives. This could be through times of silence, meditation, and prayer. It could be reading through the Gospels to encounter Jesus in scripture. It could be joining a small group to learn more about faith and yourself. It could be volunteering to help others to get outside ourselves and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. There are many ways to keep company with Jesus, and I pray that as you do, the old will pass away and you’re ready to welcome the newness of life God has waiting for you.

MAKE IT OFFICIAL. JOIN THE MARBLE FAMILY – NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

The need to belong is essential to our well-being. Whoever you are, wherever you are in your faith journey, we invite you to take that step and journey forward with us! To register, contact Kim SebastianRyan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770) or visit MarbleChurch.org/engage/join/become-amember.

• 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

*must fill out an application and attend orientation session to participate

“Maybe our problem in welcoming something new is because we haven’t let go of the past.”

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D.

Since the beginning of January, I have noticed we are gaining more minutes of daylight each day. The sunset is a few minutes later and the days are slowly, slowly, slowly getting longer. I long for more daylight; I crave more sunshine. I understand Seasonal Affective Disorder – my energy wanes with the early darkness, making 4:30pm seem like midnight.

But as we continue to move toward more daylight, and as we journey together toward the holy season of Lent, I am reminded of all the work God does in the darkness.

From the creation story in Genesis 1:2 – “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

In Genesis 32, God wrestles with Jacob all night long until finally Jacob asks the angel to bless him. Jacob walks away from that struggle wounded, but blessed, and it all happened in the darkness of night.

In Matthew, God comes to Joseph four times through dreams in the middle of the night encouraging him to stay with Mary, guiding him to flee to Egypt after the birth of Jesus to save him from Herod’s brutal decree, and then encouraging Joseph to return home when things were safe.

GIVING UPDATE

Many thanks to everyone who submitted an Estimate of Giving Commitment Card for 2023. We have received 193 commitments totaling $741,073 Remember, about ½ of our giving comes through such commitments; the other ½ comes from congregants who don’t submit a commitment but still give generously to the ministry of Marble.

Our target for congregational giving this fiscal year is $1,800,000. If we can achieve this goal, we will move strongly toward financial independence and sustainability. Therefore, we are hoping for Estimate of Giving Commitments of $900,000.

We are close but have a bit more to go. Can you please help us achieve the goal?

In the first six months of Fiscal Year 2023, we have taken several positive steps toward financial independence and sustainability, but we still have challenges. For more details, please visit MarbleChurch.org/ gratitude.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas lifted their hearts and sang songs of praise to God from their jail cell throughout the night. A miraculous release was granted to them as they walked free from their captors with no struggle.

The list goes on and on. What examples do you remember from scripture where God does mighty deeds in the darkness of night? What is God doing in your life in the darkness of whatever you are experiencing?

We leave the season of Epiphany this month and move into the season of Lent. The Epiphany season of light and divine revelation folds into a time of spiritual growth and rebirth in Lent.

As we see more light breaking in on the horizon of our lives, let us not forget how much work God does in the darkness. Darkness is holy. Let us not fear it but welcome it. Let us welcome Lent, as well, as a time when God digs deep into our souls, tends the dry places, plants new seeds of hope and life, nurturing and watering them as we move into the future.

See you in church!

We are in this together and each of us plays an important role in securing the financial future for our beloved Marble Church. It is our shared responsibility now. We continue to seek God’s guidance as we navigate through this challenging financial environment. Our heartfelt thanks go to each of you for your support and help.

2022 GIVING STATEMENTS

We deeply appreciate your support during the most challenging financial environment Marble has ever experienced! The Giving Statements were sent out electronically in January. We had 1016 giving households in 2022. Of that number, 31 requested to receive a hard copy. If you prefer to receive a hard copy via mail, please contact Clay Hale (CHale@ MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770).

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

“...let us not forget how much work God does in the darkness.”

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

Happy 2023! Although you will be reading this a month after the New Year begins, Siobhan and I want to let you know how happy we are to be entering this new year and new season together. We also want to remind you with a new year comes new opportunities to connect – to connect more deeply with God and with each other. In her first sermon of 2023, Dr. Elise Brown encouraged us to take a chance and get involved – to step into a small group or ministry program – to open ourselves up to the community at Marble so we don’t have to go through this life alone. What a gift it is to be reminded we are not alone. We have a Marble family filled with people wait-

In the Marble Spotlight

MEET THE BOARD

First Sundays | after Worship

On the first Sunday of each month, please gather around the Chancel after Worship for the opportunity to meet various Elders and Deacons.

February 5 — Jeanette Aycock, John Hupalo, Gregory Lozier, Barbara Sagan, Larry Schafer, Abigail Shue, Iyana Titus

March 5 — Jeanette Aycock, John Hupalo, Matt Morse, Larry Schafer, Abigail Shue

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. Keep your eye on the Sunday bulletin and the website for details about upcoming Special Coffee Hour/Outreach Events.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, February 21 | 6:00-7:30pm

We are excited to announce the return of our Annual Pancake Supper! Grab your friends and family and join us in the Labyrinth Room to celebrate Mardi Gras with a few pancakes, a little Jazz, and a whole lot of fun. Will you win a “Golden Spatula Award” this year? $12; kids under 10 eat free. Please register in advance at MarbleChurch.org (we want to make sure there’s plenty of bacon!).

ing to get to know us and to be in community with us. So, whether you join us in person or online, we invite you to take time to read through this edition of Touchpoint and visit MarbleChurch.org to check out the upcoming opportunities and make a commitment to get involved. You can join Siobhan and me monthly for our online “Tea Time,” or one of the small groups or programs sponsored by our many incredible ministries – GIFTS: LGBTQ+ Fellowship, Marble Women’s Ministry, Children Youth and Families, Music Ministry, and more. There is so much to choose from. Now’s the time. Do it! You’ll be glad you did.

If we can help you find something, please let us know. Hope to see you at Marble or online soon!

HOW TO WALK THE LABYRINTH AS A SPIRITUAL TOOL

Saturday, February 11 | 10:00am-12:00pm

The Marble Prayer Ministry Team and the Labyrinth Walk Docents invite you to this informative and interactive Intreat. Open to all. During the first hour, the docents will review the history of the Labyrinth and provide instruction and insight about how the meditative walk is a powerful spiritual tool. The second hour will provide a time to walk the Labyrinth. We ask that participants attend the full retreat. There will be a sign-up sheet for those interested in becoming docents. Register by Thursday, February 9 at MarbleChurch.org or contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

For dates when the Labyrinth will be open for regular walks, please see page 5.

Kim

Lent at Marble

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

February 22 | 6:15pm

Join us in person and online for the start of Lent. Message, God at Work in the Darkness, by Dr. Elise Brown. Music by Ken Dake with the Marble Choir. Holy Communion.

WALK THE LABYRINTH

Ash Wednesday, February 22 12:30-2:00pm; 5:00-6:00pm

Wednesdays during Lent, March 1-April 5 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.

To learn more about the Labyrinth, you may also attend the Labyrinth Intreat on February 11; please see page 4

FACEBOOK LIVE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Tuesdays, February 28 – March 28 | 8:30pm

Marble Ministers lead this prayerful way to end your day during this sacred season.

February 28 — Dr. Michael Bos

March 7 — Dr. Elise Brown

March 14 — Rev. Susanah Wade

March 21 — Rev. Rashad McPherson

March 28 — Dr. Michael Bos

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN:

To the End of The World

Wednesday, March 15 | 1:00-2:00pm

Take a virtual journey along the Camino De Santiago for this very special Lenten Tea Time. On Zoom. Register at MarbleChurch.org by March 14

WALKING IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS

Virtual Via Dolorosa Walk Monday, April 3 | 7:00-7:45pm

Begin Holy Week by walking in Jesus’ footsteps along “The Way of Sorrow.” The Via Dolorosa, a street in Jerusalem, is the path that Jesus walked on his way to the cross. Learn about his journey, and this historic route, as we move closer to Easter Sunday. Hosted by Dr. Elise Brown and Sr. Carol Perry. To truly immerse yourself in this experience we advise joining via video. Register at MarbleChurch. org by March 29.

LENTEN BLOG:

Just Help! How to Build a Better World

Rather than giving something up, take something on! Inspired by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World, this year’s Marble Women’s Lenten Blog is a collaboration with CYF and the Prayer Ministries, inviting an intergenerational exploration of kindness through storytelling. At MarbleWomen.com daily during Lent.

ARTS MINISTRY LENT EXHIBIT

Visit our gallery space, the Wall of Hope, Inspiration and Healing outside the Labyrinth Room for our special Lent exhibit, The Quiet Beauty Within. You can also view online at Marblechurch. org/engage/arts-ministry.

EASTER LILIES

Marble has a long tradition of surrounding the Sanctuary Chancel in Easter lilies 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 lilies. Please visit MarbleChurch.org/easterliles or contact Clay Hale (CHale@MarbleChurch. org or 212-686-2770) to make your contribution by Sunday, March 26. Names in honor and in memory of will be listed onscreen at the end of Worship on Easter, April 9, 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.

LENTEN PRELUDES

Sundays, February 26 –April 2 | 10:45am

Please see page 8.

EASTER OFFERING 2023

Please see article on page 6

Sister Carol Perry Dr. Elise Brown

To learn more about the Marble Easter Offering, visit MarbleChurch.org/give/ easter-offering.

Also join us Sundays in March for 10:00 O’Clock Hour. Please see page 9.

Marble Easter Offering 2023 – Music in the Heart

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: ...

To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart.

So wrote renowned theologian Howard Thurman. When the Christmas season ends, the work of the Marble Easter Offering indeed begins. About 50 nonprofits that have been pre-vetted by the Benevolence of Marble Committee (BOM) are invited to apply for grants of $5,000. Those lengthy applications are reviewed by an individual BOM member and the committee as a whole to understand how they are meeting a critical human need.

“BOM does the careful research on organizations that most of us don’t have time for – particularly for small or neighborhood organizations doing critical work in New York City,” notes Jerry Link, who joined the committee in 2010. “BOM checks to make sure the mission is spirit-filled, the work is life-changing, and the finances are sound.”

The goal of the 2023 Marble Easter Offering is $230,000 – an increase from the $217,800 raised in 2022. Marble has done it before – $240,000 in 2019.

The Marble Easter Offering requires the work of many angels. Last year, more than 600 donors made

Engage – Help Others

“music in the heart” through 42 Easter Offering grants. Dr. Thurman acknowledged, “There must be always remaining in every life, some place for the singing of angels, some place for that which in itself is breathless and beautiful.” Family has been the source of angels for many of us. As longtime Marble Elder Sheila Moses observes: “Thanks to my mother, I have always perceived giving, in all its forms – time, talent, treasures – as a privilege.”

At a young age, the future Rev. Otis Moss III was encouraged to read Thurman’s book, Jesus and the Disinherited. Thurman had a profound impact on Moss, now pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC) in Chicago. In one sermon, Moss described Christianity as “a tradition of hope unafraid to face horror, a tradition of possibility unafraid to stare down pain.” In the words of 1 Peter 3, Jesus “has caused us to be born again to a living hope.” Pain and possibility are both part of the Easter Offering which addresses the pain of poverty in Sunset Park and South Africa as well as the possibilities for children growing up in Washington Heights and Afghanistan.

The mission of the 2023 Marble Easter Offering is to spread the healing power of love and acceptance through grants in the areas of education, hunger, housing, health, the environment, and reconciliation. As Dr. Thurman observed, “In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”

Please join the Marble Community in our mission to continue to make music in the heart.

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

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.

Youth Volunteer Event: Spreading God’s Love One Sandwich at a Time — Saturday, February 11, 12:45-2:00pm. Please see page 10

Labyrinth Docents — If you’re interested in being a guide to help others walk the Labyrinth, please see page 4.

Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? Say, who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day… Well, they’re the people that you meet When you’re walking down the street They’re the people that you meet each day.

—

Sesame

Street Song (by Moss)

For years on the way home from my Friday workouts in Riverside Park, I walked up 76th Street and would wave or say a quick hello to doormen I passed. Finally last spring, I officially introduced myself to two of these neighborhood “people I meet as I’m walking down the street”. Since then, Ivan and Julio have become special parts of my life.

One day in May, my back bothered me on my walk and my trainer Rochelle had me bend over to stretch. I did a slow roll to standing but still got lightheaded. I leaned on some scaffolding to steady myself and Ivan came around the corner to ask if I needed to sit or drink some water. He had seen us on his building’s security camera. Since then, every Friday as I walk by, he comes out to ask how I’m doing. I also run into Ivan from time to time on other days and other blocks as I’m out and about. He usually gives me a thumbs up or fist bump, basically saying, “You go girl!”

Julio has an extra light in his eyes that both Rochelle and I have noticed. He always gave a friendly hello and since we exchanged names, he asks with such enthusiasm, “How are you doing today, Miss Karla?” It’s extra encouraging the times he says, “You’re walking well today!”, because his building is near the end of my walk and at the top of an incline.

On Thanksgiving, I had started out on a walk but everything hurt and before I’d gone far, I was ready to turn around and go home. Then I “happened” to see Ivan crossing the street toward me as he was on his break. I knew immediately there was some Divine timing going on and I took the opportunity to tell him I was grateful for his encouragement. He was heading in the opposite direction and after our brief chat, he motioned me forward – so of course I had to keep walking.

In Hebrews 12:1, where it mentions the cloud of witnesses cheering us on to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, I always think first about my loved ones in heaven and sometimes expand it to family and friends still living who are cheering me on. Recently, I’ve felt I needed all the encouragement I could get, yet never thought my crowd would include people I don’t know that well – until Ivan and Julio. To me they are earthly angels that God sent my way at just the right time to be my walk cheerleaders.

It can be too easy, especially in this big city, to forget that everyone we encounter can offer a gift or a lesson for growth. And, if we’re open and pay attention, there are even earthly angels we can meet in our neighborhoods.

WHEN YOU NEED HELP

During these challenging times, please reach out for help if you need it.

Stephen Ministry at Marble – A one-to-one ministry that empowers lay members to provide highquality, 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.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – If you or someone you know are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call or text 988, available 24 hours.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister, preaching

Foundational Strength

FEBRUARY 5

Rev. Susanah Wade, preaching

What’ s Next for Me? Having a Little Trust FEBRUARY 12 Open to Coaching FEBRUARY 19 Living Differently Being Grounded FEBRUARY 26 1st Sunday in Lent Open to Change MARCH 5 2nd Sunday in Lent Willing to Risk MARCH 12 3rd Sunday in Lent Having No Fear MARCH 19 4th Sunday in Lent Having Hope MARCH 26 5th Sunday in Lent

Stepping Out of the Crowd

APRIL 2

Palm Sunday

Dr. Elise Brown, preaching

Faith: Knowing Where to Look

APRIL 9 Easter Sunday

NYC Street Closings —

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

MUSIC FOR CONTEMPLATION

Sundays, February 26 – April 2 | 10:45am

Each Sunday in Lent a series of special prelude music will feature exceptional instrumentalists who have become Marble favorites over the years. You are invited to arrive early and revel in these extraordinary musical offerings, letting your heart be moved and prepared for worship during this most sacred season.

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

10:00 O’Clock Hour

SUNDAYS AT 10:00AM SABBATH AND JUBILEE IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES, PART 2

Sunday, February 5

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

PEOPLE OF THE COVENANT –PEOPLE LIKE US

Sundays, February 12 & 19

Dr. Julie Faith Parker, Professor of Biblical Studies and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, General Theological Seminary

LENT AND EASTER: PREPARATION AND RESPONSE

Sunday, February 26

Rev. Susanah Wade, Associate Minister

For the next several Sundays we highlight organizations that are the type of ministries supported by Marble’s Easter Offering. Learn more about them and how we can partner in their important work.

KALEIDOSCOPE MINISTRIES: LGBTQ/RECONCILIATION

Sunday, March 5

Rev. Elizabeth Delgado Black, Co-founder and President

UNICEF: GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS

Sunday, March 12

Alexander Uzarawicz, Manager, Global Cause Partnerships, UNICEF USA

PARTNERS

RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT

Sunday, March 19

Brad Hazlett, President

URBAN PATHWAYS – HOMELESSNESS

Sunday, March 26

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.

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.

Small Groups

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.

Songs of the Faithful: Studies in the Psalms Mondays, February 6 & 13 | 6:00pm

There’s still time to join Dr. Elise Brown using the book she wrote. Each week focuses on a separate Psalm in a stand-alone session. Meets in Peale Parlor.

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).

Walk the Labyrinth

Wednesdays, February 15 & weekly during Lent, March 1-April 5 | 5:00-6:00pm

Ash Wednesday, February 22 12:30-2:00pm; 5:00-6:00pm

Note, dates subject to change, please call to confirm. Learn more about the Labyrinth at MarbleChurch.org/engage/labyrinth.

Rev. Rashad McPherson

Dr. Julie Faith Parker

Rev. Susanah Wade

Learn more and meet our CYF Staff at MarbleChurch.org/ engage/cyf.

CYF CORNER DELETE AND UNPLUG: A VACATION BATTLE

By Brian Hampton

When Marble asked me to return to the role of CYF Director, it was one of the busiest times of my life. I was the Operations Director at a kids’ theatre company during their summer camp season.

If you know me well, you know this: one of my favorite things is to return fulltime to Marble. Ha! Timing wasn’t perfect, but I said, “Yes,” even knowing there was lots to be done and no time to rest.

When I finally transferred solely to Marble, I was swept up in Newton’s first law of inertia (an object in motion tends to stay in motion). So, I surfed – riding the wave of Marble programming until the Baby Jesus would arrive on Christmas Day and bring me a much needed two weeks off.

On Christmas Day, I set up my email response, came home and got comfy on my couch.

My mind and body were relaxing, but there was one part still experiencing Newton’s law. Without even thinking – I was grabbing my phone and tapping its email app. I’d open my email and (literally) say, “Brian! What are you doing?” I took a deep breath and did something drastic. I deleted the app.

It was gone, but I then headed straight for social media. I was scrolling through everyone’s announcements, photos, and emotional posts. My brain was absorbing and thinking about too much. It was still not the vacation I needed.

MOMENTS & MEMORIES

The youth had a “rad” time watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Saturday, January 14. They ate pizza, munched on popcorn, played Quiplash, and of course, watched the hilarious 1986 hit. It was a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and fun!

So those apps suffered the same fate as my email. Delete. Delete. Gone. I was officially unplugged. However, it took me days to adjust. By habit, I would swipe and try to find my usual apps – amazed that my brain knew better, but my habit hadn’t gotten the memo. It took a while until this battle was over.

What happened? I slept, watched movies, and spent time with my family. I went to cool spots and wrote. I cooked and listened to music. And when I thought to myself, “I wonder what so-and-so did for the holidays?” Instead of scrolling through social media and absorbing buckets of information and emotions, I called them. I ended up phoning and FaceTiming about a dozen friends and family.

It wasn’t easy at first. But it was wonderful and worth it. We often tell kids and teens to please get off their electronic devices. But it’s not just kids and teens. Trust me. I encourage anyone of any age to delete and unplug every now and then.

As I write this, only two days after my vacation, my email app is back on my phone – but I now have new rules and regulations to prevent that habit of “swiping and tapping” from coming back. And, to my surprise, my social media apps are still off my phone.

After you read this, ask me if the apps are still gone and if my habit is under control. I’ll be curious to know as well.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER EVENT: Spreading God’s Love One Sandwich at a Time Saturday, February 11

|12:45-2:00pm

All children 2nd grade and up are invited to make sandwiches and Valentines for the hungry and homeless in NYC. Join us in Room 307. We are partnering with One Sandwich at a Time and sandwiches will go to The Bowery Mission. Please register with Youth Director Sarah Cheatham and sign up to bring supplies (SCheatham@MarbleChurch.org).

Brian Hampton Director of Children, Youth & Families Ministry

Engage – More Upcoming Events

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

ARTS MINISTRY

Watch for visual art, music, and poetry presentations for Black History Month (Pride in Blackness, February 1-28) and Lent (The Quiet Beauty Within), and in March the Marble Arts Ministry celebrates its 42nd anniversary. For more information about our meetings and events, 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; link at MarbleChurch.org. Questions? Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

GIFTS: LGBTQ+ FELLOWSHIP

Join us for a Pre-Valentine’s Day Brunch at John Doe’s after Worship, February 12; pay on your own. Contact pastoral advisor, Rev. Rashad McPherson (RMcPherson@MarbleChurch.org).

MARBLE WOMEN’S MINISTRY FINANCIAL WORKSHOP

Sunday, February 5 | 12:15-1:30pm

Discuss tips on how women can navigate the current market environment. Led by Brenda Walker, Elder and MWM leader with over 30 years of financial and managerial experience in investment management services. In the Chapel and on Zoom. Register at MarbleChurch.org.

PRIMETIME (55+)

Various Wednesdays | 1:00pm

We gather in person and on Zoom for lunch ($20) and program Romancing the Tone: If Music be the Food of Love with Ken Dake on February 15. Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 22 for Worship and lunch (pre-register). On March 22, Rosanna Roizin Esq., will be speaking about the essential legal documents every older adult should have. For more details, 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.

A BLESSED COMMUNITY

We kicked off 2023 with our annual Reaffirmation Ceremony. A meaningful, long-time Marble tradition for couples who have been together for decades, several years or even less.

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

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

THE LAST WORD

Travel light, live light, spread light, be the light. Yogi Bhajan

WINTER GOSPEL CELEBRATION

All of My Help: Songs of Encouragement for Unpredictable Times

Sunday, February 26 | 2:30pm

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2

The Marble Community Gospel Choir, directed by Rev. Rashad McPherson, invites you to join them in their highly-anticipated Winter Gospel Celebration. This is sure to be an event that you don’t want to miss! Through a varied, soul-stirring repertoire of Gospel music – ranging from traditional to contemporary – be reminded that you are loved, valued, and never alone.

Tickets: $20; $15 in advance if purchased by February 24. $15, seniors & students (with ID) at door. To purchase tickets, visit MarbleChurch.org.

SOUL BREAK CONCERT SERIES

Mondays, February 27 – April 3 | 12:30-1:00pm

Take a 30-minute break for your soul. In the Sanctuary. Free admission. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for a list of performers.

A BLESSED COMMUNITY

Our pre-Christmas festivities included Merry, Merry Marble’s intergenerational party where attendees decorated small trees and wreaths that Baleta McKenzie and Rick Harper delivered to those in need. Another highlight was the CYF Pageant as part of Worship on December 18. Wonderful memories are made at Marble! To see more photos from Marble events, visit MarbleChurch. org/media/photos/.

MARBLE RACIAL JUSTICE SERIES

Racial Justice work at Marble continues with in-person programming for February (Black History Month) and March (Women’s Heritage Month). Our next two events will celebrate the use of performance media (like song, drama, and theater) in the fight against race, gender, and class exploitation. In the Labyrinth Room and live streamed. If you can’t attend, or want to view previous sessions, visit MarbleChurch.org/racial-justice-series

Making Space on the Great White Way: An Homage to Black Trailblazers of Theater and Performance

Sunday, February 19 | after Worship

For Poor Womxn Who Have Considered Giving Up When Capitalism Was Too Much

Thursday, March 16 | 7:00pm

MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH

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

MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA