Touchpoint February March 2022

FEBRUARY&&MARCH MARCH2021 2022 FEBRUARY

TOUCHPOINT MarbleChurch.org

The Marble Magazine

Spotlight: Worship with Us pg. 8

CYF Corner pg. 10

Gospel Concert page 4 Lenten Bible Study page 5

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Marble Matters

Facing Adversity with Faith

There is no shortage of pithy quotes about I’ve experienced this much like having a bank adversity: “Adversity isn’t a stumbling block; it’s a account. If you’re faced with an unexpected bill and stepping-stone to greatness.” “Life isn’t about waiting have money in the bank to cover it, you know you’re for the storm to pass; it’s learning to dance in the rain.” going to be okay. You may not like it and it may alter “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” your financial plans, but you are able to go to the We hear these quotes all the time, probably because bank, make a withdrawal and use it to the pay the we all face adversity in our lives. The truth is that bill. Faith reminds us we all have a bank account from though we all face adversity, we don’t all face adver- which we can make withdrawals in times of need. sity successfully. For some, adversity leads to a sense This “bank” is God and our faith community. When of helplessness, and we’re overwhelmed and one is filled with doubt lacking hope, when we that one can make it “…faith does something very feel defeated and lacking through. For others, we can go to God powerful: it reminds us there is courage, adversity is something and the people around us that can be overcome, to make a withdrawal. always help awaiting us…” and one believes one We draw from their can grow through it. strength, their courage, Which are you? And what makes the difference? their hope at times when we can’t find it within ourThe good news is no matter how you answered, you selves. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had can develop a faith-inspired resilience when faced to make “withdrawals” from God and others to get with hardships. through tough times!

All too often we succumb to adversity because we As I consider this, there are two verses in feel what we’re facing is beyond what we can handle. 2 Corinthians that catch my attention: “We are hard We’re overwhelmed and our confidence is shaken. pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but We come to believe we just don’t have within us what not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck it takes to overcome it. But faith does something very down, but not destroyed” (4:8-9). I love this sense of powerful: it reminds us there is always help awaiting grit and resilience that is brought about from faith. us, and because of this we can have hope.

It comes from knowing that we are not alone, help awaits us, and because of this we will make it through.

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Nick Giardina Rick Harper Christina Morano Keiser Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS – NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE The need to belong, to navigate these uncertain us, and us about you. Consider becoming a member times with others, is essential to our well-being. If in 2022. We would be so glad to have you, and think you’d like to deepen your connection, join the Marble you’ll find it will make a difference knowing you Family. Whoever you are, wherever you are in your belong – knowing you are welcomed and loved for faith journey, wherever you live – we invite you to who you are. take that step and journey forward with us! It’s easy, For more information or to sign up, please contact all you need to do is participate in two New Member Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or Orientation Sessions after Sunday Worship. These 212-686-2770), or sign up at MarbleChurch.org/ sessions are conversational and informal – designed engage/join/become-a-member. to give you the chance to get to know more about New Member Orientation Sessions – The Value of Community Connection and Belonging Sunday, March 6, 12:00-1:00pm, via Zoom Engagement Sunday, March 13, 12:00-1:00pm, via Zoom Reception of New Members during Worship Sunday, March 20, 11:00am

Marble Matters

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A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER THE POWER OF SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. “Do you think it’s too much, too over the top?” I said, “Absolutely not.”

I saw Mario on Christmas Eve and we joked that it seemed we were the “last ones standing” in the On Christmas Eve 2020, I found myself, like many building. I said I felt like we were living an episode of of you, watching Christmas Eve services from my Survivor and were the last ones on the island. laptop at home. It was the first time in my life I wasn’t That evening, I heard a soft knock on my door. attending a Christmas Eve service in a church buildIt surprised me. I wasn’t expecting anyone. I opened ing. It was odd. It was lonely. It lacked the beauty and my door and there was no one there, but a beautifully mystery of sitting together in a darkened Sanctuary decorated tray had been left with a Christmas dinner singing Silent Night. and all the fixings. A stem vase with a single red rose Earlier that week I had noticed the building in graced the tray, with evergreen flourishes all which I live seemed even quieter than it had for the around it. months before. When the pandemic hit New York City I knew where it came from – Mario. in March 2020, my building emptied out, with everyone who could go somewhere else That simple act of kindness will choosing to flee the city. All the stay with me forever. It was so pow“Love…in the neighbors on my floor except two erful to receive such an unexpected left for other places. end is all that truly gift on a lonely Christmas Eve. Earlier in the day that Christmas Love…in the end is all that truly matters.”

Eve, I saw one of the remaining matters. Kindness. Unexpected acts neighbors from my floor – Mario. of love and kindness. As we enter Mario is an elderly Italian man who has lived in the into the holy season of Lent, might we carry the love building for decades. He and his partner had a home of Christmas and the joy of giving into this season, on Fire Island where they would spend the entire sum- as well? mer each year and most Christmas holidays. But after Jesus’ journey to the cross was an act of love his partner died, Mario decided to sell the Fire Island for all humanity. His sacrifice blesses us with hope, home. He just didn’t feel like being there anymore grace, forgiveness, and mercy. And life. Life worth without Peter. living. Joy amidst the struggles.

Mario is a master chef and baker, whipping up all I pray this most holy season will spur you on to sorts of Italian delicacies. He is an avid gardener and simple acts of love and kindness. For you never know has one of the most stunning terrace gardens in our how one act of love might make an impact on somebuilding. He always places a beautiful, ornate wreath one…forever. on his door for the holidays and this year asked me, Love is more important than anything else.

It is what ties everything completely together.

– Colossians 3:14, Contemporary English Version

IN CASE YOU MISSED THE NEWS – STAFF FAREWELLS Rev. Anthony Weisman Gary Thompson On January 30 we said goodJoin us during and after Worship bye to Rev. Anthony Weisman on Sunday, February 13, as we (formerly, Livolsi). After just over honor Gary Thompson who retired 3 years as an Associate Minister on December 30. His official years at Marble, he is becoming Senior on the Marble Staff count just Minister of First Congregational under 23. However, Gary was in and Church of Darien, Connecticut. out of Marble for years between his We wish Anthony, husband Ben, performing and directing jobs. We and dog Maynard all the best in their move. wish him the best in this new chapter. We’re grateful that Gary and his partner Stuart Cole remain devoted members of Marble and trust we’ll continue to see them in Worship in person, on occasion, and online regularly.

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

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Marble Matters

In the Marble Spotlight

THE GATHERING: MIDWEEK JAZZ WORSHIP Wednesday, February 2 | 6:15pm Join us in the Sanctuary for this Jazz edition of The Gathering with Communion.

Message, If You Knew the Gift, by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin. Music by Chris Whittaker and friends. Also streamed live at MarbleChurch.org.

After Worship Dinner – All are welcome to join one of our four dinner groups hosted by Marble Ministers and Staff at neighborhood restaurants.

Please register in advance at MarbleChurch.org.

Note: when you register, select only one of the restaurants and be prepared to pay cash for your dinner.

Antoya Korean BBQ (antoyabbq.com) The Smith (thesmithrestaurant.com/location/nomad) John Doe (johndoenyc.com) Glass Ceiling (glassceilingnomad.com)

Marble’s Future: from Strength to Strength Be part of Marble’s future and join our Strategic Planning Process. To learn more and sign up for a Focus Group on February 6, visit MarbleChurch.org/ strength-to-strength. Also watch our February 10:00 O’Clock Hours, see page 9.

FILM NIGHT: THE SHACK Monday, February 7 | 6:00-8:30pm Gather online via Zoom to watch the film The Shack. Based on the NY Time’s best-selling novel, The Shack takes us on a father’s spiritual journey from a family tragedy to encounters with a mysterious trio of strangers where he learns important truths, leading to transformation. Register at MarbleChurch.org by Sunday, February 6. Open to all; sponsored by the Marble Women’s Ministry.

ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM & SIOBHAN Wednesdays, February 16 & March 16 1:00-2:00pm Pull up a comfy chair, grab a warm beverage and enjoy a virtual walk somewhere warm and wonderful on Zoom. Please note, we’ve moved our monthly Tea Times to the third Wednesday.

WINTER GOSPEL CELEBRATION I SPEAK LIFE: SONGS OF JOY AND STRENGTH Sunday, February 27 | 2:30pm Death and life are in the power of the tongue…

– Proverbs 18:21 The Marble Community Gospel Choir, directed by Rev. Rashad McPherson, invites you to join them in the Sanctuary for this winter Gospel celebration. It will be our first in-person concert since March 2020, and it is sure to be an event that you don’t want to miss! Through soul-stirring Gospel music, the Gospel Choir will inspire you, encourage you, and empower you to become and to achieve all that God has for you this year.

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

Please note, proof of vaccination, masks and social distancing required.

MARBLE RACIAL JUSTICE SERIES Our important conversations continue. Please see page 12.

We are so grateful for the strong support we received from our faithful contributors during an unprecedented year! We had 978 giving households in 2021.

Giving Statements have been sent out electronically. If you prefer to receive a hard copy through the regular mail, we would be happy to send it to you. Please contact Clay Hale in the Business Office (CHale@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770).

MARBLEGIFTSHOP.COM Is Featuring the Mega Ministers Book Bundle Get 5 books from the ministers of Marble: Peale, Caliandro, Michael Brown, Ken Ruge and of course, Reverend Bos. All 5 for under $30! There is so much there to help you with your life journey.

Marble Matters

LENT 2022

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP March 2 | 6:15pm Join us in person and online for the start of Lent.

Message, Create in Me..., by Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. Music by Ken Dake and Rashad McPherson.

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY WITH SR. CAROL PERRY AND REV. J. ELISE BROWN Mondays, March 14, 21 & 28 | 6:30-7:30pm On the Road to Jerusalem with Jesus for the Last Time. This 3-session online study will explore some of Jesus’ final and most important teachings from Luke’s Gospel: the “wannabe” disciples, who is my neighbor, how should we pray, the nitpickers on details, the lost and found, and much more.

Everyone is welcome to come on this journey via Zoom with beloved biblical Sister Carol Perry Rev. J. Elise Brown scholar Sister Carol Perry and Rev. J. Elise Brown. Sponsored by the Marble Women’s Ministry. Check MarbleChurch.org for Zoom information.

EASTER OFFERING 2022 We will partner once again with nonprofits that help provide shelter, food, education, healthcare, promote peace and reconciliation, and uphold human rights. Stay tuned for more information and join us for this Easter 2022 journey of hope.

Remember: There’s an Online Bulletin to Use You can access the online bulletin each week while streaming Sunday Worship. Follow along during the service or download it for easy reference during the week. It pops up in a box directly below the streaming window on the homepage or Watch page, and you can also find it on the calendar page for a particular date.

When you’re in the Sanctuary, you can also use the QR codes on the green cards in the pew racks to see the online bulletin and to contribute to the Offering.

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LENTEN BLOG: Walking the Path of Lent with Friends March 2 - April 17 The Marble Women’s Ministry invites everyone on a 40-day journey of shared stories, poems, prayers, art, music and activities exploring different kinds of friendships. 1 John 4:11 reminds us of our friendship with God, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Visit MarbleWomen.com for this opportunity to strengthen your friendship with God, Jesus and each other along the way. We may even redefine what friendship means as we move forward from the pandemic to a time where we reconnect with old friends and make some new. This year, walk the path of Lent with friends.

EASTER LILIES Lilies will be placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names will be listed onscreen at the end of Worship on Easter Sunday, April 17, as well as in the online bulletin. Starting in March, please visit MarbleChurch.org/Lilies or call Clay Hale at 212-686-2770 to make your contribution by Sunday, April 2. Please note: you can mail checks, however, it’s important to talk to Clay to make sure your names get added to the list.

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

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

Marble Matters

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STIRRINGS OF THE SPIRIT WORTH FIGHTING FOR…

By Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin You met me deep in my despair to show me You would never leave me there You claimed ‘cause I was made for so much more I am your child And I’m worth fighting for Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin Associate Minister

Though heavy with the weight of my mistakes You carried me and refused to let me sink under the pressure You meant for me to soar I am Your child And I’m worth fighting for Eyes haven’t seen Ears haven’t heard All You have planned for me And nothing can separate me from Your love When there’s so much more Still worth fighting for…

– Brian Courtney Wilson Do you ever feel like life is just too hard? Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the weight of responsibility that looms in an abyss of uncertainty?

Well, you’re not alone, Beloved… you’re not alone.

Throughout our lives we all have moments of confusion, frustration, exhaustion, shame, anger, grief, sadness and even apathy. In those moments we question our existence, our worth, our purpose and of course we question God. “Why me, God?” “What did I do to deserve this?” “I must deserve this!” Those tough moments often feel like years because those thoughts are soul crushing and we wonder if life

will ever change for the better. In those moments of despair we need something greater than ourselves to hold on to… we need God, we need faith, we need each other.

Music has a way to lift my spirits and reminds me that there is still life to be lived. My love of music started when I was a little girl and my grandmother Juliette would listen to Shirley Caesar as she cleaned our apartment. We were financially poor, but she was so spiritually rich. Despite the challenges we faced living in poverty, my grandmother was proud of our home and she was grateful for another day to sing God’s praises. My grandmother taught me the importance of singing a song of gratitude to God even when my heart is heavy.

The lyrics above are from a song called, Worth Fighting For, by Brian Courtney Wilson (I highly recommend) that has anchored my spirit on days when I am weary with the ways of the world. Our lives, our peace, our hope, our present and our future are ALL WORTH fighting for. As we continue to navigate the perils of this pandemic, we have to believe that our lives are worth fighting for… that our children are worth fighting for… we have to fight to keep the faith because we cannot sustain ourselves alone.

With hope in my heart, and faith ever-present, I believe that better days are ahead for us because God is still speaking. Keep the faith beautiful people of God because we have not yet seen what we shall be!

WHEN YOU NEED HELP During these challenging times, please reach out for help if you need it.

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

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

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

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

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

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch …a time to keep, and a time to throw away…

— Ecclesiastes 3:6 My grandpa was a saver. He had a gift of saving things that could be reused, like the big black rubber bands he made out of tires from his shop. My nana was a saver. She had a gift of labeling things she saved with names and details we now gratefully call “Nana Notes”. I come by my saving tendency naturally. With the approaching end of Marble’s office leases at 276 5th Ave, I’m facing my saving head on as I sort through the stuff in my office. I have hundreds of photos (I am a photographer after all), including the shelf with my “Gallery of Love & Friendship”, and many of the comforts of home because for decades I spent more time in my office than my apartment. I have also saved a lot of paper.

Part of that is directly related to my job with copies of bulletins and Touchpoints. There’s also a lot of music from years of Marble Staff shows. The rest is a mix of piles and files – walks down Marble’s and my memory lane.

I know in the big picture, clearing out my office will be a gift, opening myself up to positive changes around and within me. I’m also working on experiencing the gift now in the sorting and releasing. I have enjoyed the time capsule component of the process – helping me remember wonderful experiences and people that God brought me through Marble. I’ve also gotten better at laughing at myself for some of the crazy saves. I had no idea I had over 25 lipsticks in my

desk drawer! It’s not that I purposely saved those lipsticks or the really old newsletter drafts I discovered – things like that represent times in the past I didn’t let go. No matter what I’ve saved, how much, or why, it’s now time to let go of more than I ever have.

Letting go of 25 lipsticks was easy. Some things aren’t that easy. I’m grateful I’ve had time to prepare to let go of some of the more meaningful items. One of the most emotional releases I’ve had to make was letting go of “Joanie’s Chair” – an old, slip-covered, comfy, upholstered chair that belonged to my Marble mentor and dear friend, Joanie Collyer. It was a treasured possession I got when she retired and became more cherished after she died. Years ago I even wrote a column about Joanie and her chair.

Joanie taught me to love the editing process. It’s fun for me when space is tight and I have to snip words in a bulletin or Touchpoint. Enjoying the editing of my physical space is a challenge, including revising my negative thinking about me and my stuff.

Recently, my friend Rochelle shared an Oprah quote to help me on this journey: “Step out of the history holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” My old story is that I save too much and that it can be hard to let it go. My new story could be looking at the stuff, and the me that saved it, through God’s loving eyes, knowing I saved it for a reason. Now, it’s time to keep the memories in me and not the stuff and make room for new possibilities.

CONNECTING WITH KIM & SIOBHAN As winter settles in around us, Siobhan and I know a weariness may have settled in as well. A weariness of constant bad news, the ongoing pandemic, masks, ever-evolving protocols, remote work, Zoom, and the list goes on and on. It’s exhausting and brings a heaviness that challenges us. We have lost ourselves in “deep dives” on YouTube or Netflix binges! However, if we stop and think about it, we have found something, too.

If we take a moment to sit in the stillness allowing our minds to stop thinking of all the things we’re tired of or we can’t do the way we want to do right now, we realize God has left us an opportunity we didn’t really have before. The opportunity to connect in a new way. A barrier no longer exists – whether it was distance, or work schedules or transportation, or even computers. Whether it is through Zoom, regardless of time zones or distance, or by phone, we are able to be together. To spend time with each other. To get to know one another in ways we never would have been able to do before. There is a specialness to the programming, and the people gathered in the Zoom tiles

or calling in – whether in Ireland or Idaho, the Bronx or Brooklyn we can be together to worship, pray, take virtual walks, discuss topics of the day, or share cherished memories.

Siobhan and I are so grateful for this time to be with you all, and to experience these things together in new ways. And when we are together, when we show up, God shows up, too – in the laughter, and in the tears, and even, I believe, in the weariness. So, even if you are exhausted and “over it all,” please know we get it! And we truly hope you’ll join us anyway for any and all of the opportunities listed within these pages. You will be so glad you did!

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

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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

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Worship

Church: More Than a Crowd

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11AM

February March 2022

What Draws Us Together FEBRUARY 6

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister, preaching

What Sends Us Out FEBRUARY 13

Stories of Faith and Perseverance FEBRUARY 20

Opening the Door FEBRUARY 27

Spiritual Seasons Part 1

MARCH 6

1st Sunday in Lent

Part 2

MARCH 13

2nd Sunday in Lent

Part 3

MARCH 20

3rd Sunday in Lent

Part 4

MARCH 27

4th Sunday in Lent

THE GATHERING – MIDWEEK WORSHIP Wednesdays The praise band and ministers share in worship, prayer, fellowship, and Communion with you midweek. The service goes live at MarbleChurch.org on Wednesday mornings – a worship resource to access on your morning commute, on your lunch break, while preparing dinner – whenever your schedule allows.

For those of you who would like to watch together, join a virtual YouTube Premiere Party Wednesdays at 6:15pm, the link is on the events calendar.

On the first Wednesday of the month, we gather in person in the Sanctuary. Please see page 4.

Spiritual Growth and Education

During our upcoming Sunday 10:00 O’Clock Hours we’ll have a mix of programs including our Strategic Planning Process and Bible Study.

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

10:00 O’Clock Hour SUNDAYS AT 10AM

Marble’s Future: from Strength to Strength February 6-27 Join us each Sunday as part of our Strategic Planning Process. All sessions live streamed, February 6, 20 & 27 also with limited-capacity in-person attendance in the Marble Loft (274 5th Ave).

February 6 — Jake Mulder, Lead Consultant, Fuller Church Leadership Institute, Where Are We Going?

What Is the Process and How Will Jake Mulder it Unfold?

February 13 — Yulee Lee, Consultant, Fuller Church Leadership Institute, What Is God Calling Us to Do? Visioning, Dreaming and Imagination Yulee Lee February 20 — Dr. Elise Brown, Why Now? Building on the Strength of Our Past and Renewed Strength for the Future February 27 — Dr. Michael Bos, Every Voice Matters - How You Can Be Involved Bible Study: Psalm 23 and 51 March 6 & 13 Rabbi Yael Hammerman, Ansche Chesed Synagogue (100th Street and West End Avenue), explores two Rabbi Hammerman beloved Psalms – Psalm 23 and Psalm 51, both are shared in liturgical services in the Jewish and Christian traditions. Come hear how these sacred texts tie us together as people of faith.

Bible Study: The Women around Jesus March 20 & 27 In honor of Women’s History Month, Rev. Liz Testa, Coordinator for Women’s Transformation and Leadership, Reformed Church in America, and Rev. Liz Testa former Associate Minister at Marble, shares about known and lesser-known women who followed Jesus to the cross and beyond – Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, as well as Joanna, Susanna and others.

Please Note: Tuesday Evening Bible Study is on hiatus.

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, 1 W. 29th St) or on Zoom. Please note: not meeting on February 6 so everyone can get in on the start of our Strategic Planning Process with Jake Mulder.

Afternoon Prayer TUESDAYS AT 4:00PM Wind down your day with a brief time of sharing and prayer. Join us via Zoom or by phone.

Small Groups

Grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble by being part of a Small Group. Visit MarbleChurch. org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Mondays, February 7, March 7 & 21 | 5:00-6:00pm Join us as we gather online for prayer and creating together to knit or crochet prayer shawls for members who are ill or homebound. All levels welcome. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).

Bereavement Group

Every Monday | 11:00am-12:00pm Are you mourning the loss of a loved one? You need not travel this road alone. Share your story in a confidential atmosphere of love and faith. Led by Dr. Bill Lutz via Zoom. For video link and more information, contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org or 212686-2770, ext. 207).

Caregivers Support Group

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

Please contact group leader Rev. Marion Gambardella (magambardella@yahoo.com).

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Marble Marble Matters Matters

CYF CORNER YOUTH NEW ORLEANS SERVICE TRIP Sunday, February 6 Youth Service Trip Commissioning in Worship Sunday, February 20 Youth Zoom in during Worship Sunday, February 27 Talk Back after Worship 15 Marble youth are going to help rebuild homes in New Orleans after destructive hurricanes like Katrina in 2005 and Ida in August. This service trip is an opportunity for them to explore their faith in the world, as we continue to discuss the effects of Climate Change on the most vulnerable communities.

Marble, we still need your help to cover costs.

Please contribute at MarbleChurch.org or mail a check. Also, please join us as we surround the youth in prayers during their trip.

Marble Behind the Scenes Musicians and ministers film episodes of The Gathering: Midweek Worship in the Marble Loft.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP All children and youth are welcome to join us at any time! We continue to be flexible in our plans due to the pandemic. Stay tuned for details on our move to hybrid classes (in person and online) so you can choose what works best for your family. Contact Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin (BHanlin@ MarbleChurch.org) or Brian Hampton (BHampton@ MarbleChurch.org).

Pre-K – 6th Grade Classes at 10:00am.

Children’s Choir at 11:00am. Youth Choir at 10:00am.

7th – 12th Grade attend Worship at 11:00am, followed by Youth Group at 12:00pm. Please note, there will be no infant or toddler childcare at this time.

BAPTISM If you’re interested in exploring Baptism for yourself or your children, please contact Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin (BHanlin@ MarbleChurch.org).

Marble MarbleMatters Matters

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Engage – More Upcoming Events

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

ARTS MINISTRY The Arts Ministry continues its theme for 20212022: Success Stories. Watch for visual art, music, and poetry presentations for Black History Month (Portraits in Black) and Lent (Inner Vision), and a special Women’s Month program in March. For more information about our meetings and events, contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org) or visit MarbleChurch.org/Engage/arts-ministry.

GIFTS: LGBTQ FELLOWSHIP For upcoming events, stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org or contact Don Piper (DPiper@MarbleChurch.org).

PRIMETIME (55+) Wednesdays, February 2, 9 & 23 March 2, 9 & 23 | 1:00pm We continue to gather regularly via Zoom video chat or phone. For details, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org or ext. 219), or Clay Hale (CHale@MarbleChurch.org or ext. 252).

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).

WOMEN’S MINISTRY We’re hosting two events open to all in February and March, as well as our Lenten Blog. Please see pages 4 & 5.

Engage – Help Others

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

Winter Coat Drive — Please continue to donate new or gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves for children and adults which will go to Osborne Association and to Urban Pathways which provides support to vulnerable New Yorkers. Leave in bins in the 5th Ave Narthex and 29th St Prayer Room.

School Supplies — This is an on-going issue throughout the year, not just in September. For ideas, visit MarbleChurch.org/give/back-to-school-drive.

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

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

Thank you to all of our Christmas helpers, including: Stan Williams and Don Piper, who jumped in to help deck our halls for the season, and Rev. Susanah Wade and Kim Sebastian-Ryan, who sorted and packed your gift donations for children in need.

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

Touchpoint: February & March 2022

MARBLE RACIAL JUSTICE SERIES Join us as we continue to deepen our commitments to do anti-racism, and to be a place of refuge and love for ALL of God’s people.

To Set the Church Free: Black, Latin, and Asian Liberation Theologies Sunday, February 20 After Worship Do Black Lives Matter to God? Do the lives of people for whom English is a second language matter to God? In an era dominated by prosperity theology and the language of meritocracy, do the lives of poor people matter to God? In this talk we will explore the works of Black, Latin, and Asian liberation theologians whose approaches to ministry begin with oppressed people as the starting point. Please join us in the Sancuary and online.

In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Lessons from Womanists to Build a More Inclusive Church Thursday, March 17 | 7:00pm The late Dr. Delores Williams famously described the mainline Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements as “two dresses that didn’t fit.” She and other Black womxn activists spoke openly about their experiences of sexism in one and racism in the other. In response to the void of material and activism that critically engaged the needs of Black womxn, Womanism (and other varieties of Black Feminisms) developed. In this talk we will discuss why a church that is sensitive to the idiosyncratic needs of Black womxn is a better church for all people. Please join us at MarbleChurch.org.

September 26, 2021

WEBCAST SCHEDULE Visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook

December 2, 2021

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

Sundays 10:00 O’Clock Hour 10:50am – Grace Notes: Inside the Music 11am – Worship

Wednesdays The Gathering: Midweek 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

January 16, 2022

THE LAST WORD My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.

— Desmond Tutu