When the Search for More Gets in the Way
On a recent flight, I watched a couple of episodes of the documentary 100 Foot Wave. It is the story of those who surf the largest waves in the world. Being an adrenaline junkie, I was riveted by it. Amidst the thrills of watching them ride near 80-foot waves, it was interesting to see the surfers still wanted something bigger. They all wanted to ride the mythical 100-foot wave. No matter how great the ride was, even if it was a Guinness World Record, there had to be something more out there for them.
I’m not sure this is a new problem. It may be the reason millennia ago the Psalmist said, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24)
This verse is often heard as the Call to Worship on Sundays, but maybe we need to begin each day reciting it. It reminds us to look for the joy in this day. To name the joy in this day. To savor the joy in this day. And to thank God for the joy in this day.
“So many of us let seeking that mythical ‘something more’ get in the way of the joy of today.”
It was sad to see people do something so amazing only to eventually feel it wasn’t good enough. There must be something more. Even with the toll riding big waves takes on their bodies and relationships, they can’t help but look for something bigger.
For me, this documentary is a parable for life. So many of us let seeking that mythical “something more” get in the way of the joy of today.
NEW MEMBERS –CONNECTING, BELONGING, GROWING
Are you searching for a place to connect with others, to belong, 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, please contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770), on Sundays talk to someone wearing a red carnation or visit MarbleChurch.org/become-a-member.
New Member Orientation Sessions
Sunday, March 23, 12:15-1:15pm (Peale Parlor) Sunday, March 30, 12:30-1:15pm (Zoom)
Reception of New Members during Worship*
COVER: photo by
Jisselle Tavarez Fernandez
Staff for this Issue
EDITOR: Karla Fritsch
PHOTOS: Dave Cross
Jisselle Tavarez Fernandez
Karla Fritsch
Brian Hampton
Jay Johnson
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Beth Player-DiCicco
Palm Sunday, April 13, 11:00am
*Need to register and attend an orientation session to participate.
Something more may very well come in our lives, but it should never be pursued at the expense of the joy we experience today. Every day may we say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
FISCAL YEAR 2025 –6-MONTH FINANCIAL REPORT
We have immense gratitude to God, and to each of you who have helped us make progress in moving through the significant financial changes we’ve faced since 2021 and the removal of the Collegiate Church appropriations.
On Tuesday, March 4, the 6-month financial results for Fiscal Year 2025 were released to the congregation by email. They cover July 2024 through December 2024. Congregant Revenue through Pledges, Livestreaming and Special Gifts, has been strong. Thank you!
The results can be found at MarbleChurch.org on the bottom of the calendar page.
A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER THE POWER OF RISING
Dr. J. Elise Brown
There is a woman in my building who fell last year and broke her hip in two places. She was always active and on the move. I would see her outside our building heading out for a walk in every kind of weather. Nothing stopped her! During the pandemic, we would often meet on the street and chat for a bit.
But one day last year, she was walking along, and an uneven sidewalk caught her toe and she fell on the hard concrete. I discovered this because I hadn’t seen her for a while and asked one of the doormen about her. He told me she was recovering from a recent hip surgery.
I dropped a note outside her door saying I hoped the recovery was going well.
The other day, I saw her out on the street. She had a walking stick but was moving and walking, albeit a bit slower than before, but walking nonetheless! I was so happy to see her, and we talked for a while. She told me about how hard it was for her to lose control of her mobility and have to trust the hands and help of others to get her through the surgery and physical therapy. She told me that she had never done physical therapy before and wasn’t sure it was for her, but now she is a big fan and sees how important and powerful it is to do after such an injury.
tunity to do physical therapy, do it! It helps. It works. It made a huge difference for me.
Some of you might relate easily to this woman’s story. Others might have never faced a physical limitation or impairment.
“…her words, ‘never take rising up for granted’ made me think about the power of the Easter story...”
But her words, “never take rising up for granted” made me think about the power of the Easter story – the power of rising. When we shout Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! on Easter, do we fully understand the power of what we are saying? Do we recognize that because Christ is risen, we rise, too, and are given this tremendous power to keep going when things are really tough. To believe that we are not alone, and that the power of the Holy Spirit is given to us every day and is as close to us as our next breath.
She said, “Never take rising up for granted. Every day, when you rise up from your bed, give thanks for your mobility. And if you need help or have the oppor-
In the Marble Spotlight
THOUGHT CONDITIONERS
Continues Thursdays, thru April 10 | 12:00pm
Led by Dr. Elise Brown on Zoom. We explore the 40 spiritual phrases by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale that can change the quality of your life. Read, memorize and discuss scripture related to each Thought Conditioner. Attend when you can. Register at MarbleChurch.org
MUSIC AT MIDDAY
Wednesday, March 12 | 12:00-12:45pm
Give yourself a midday break to enjoy the incredible sounds of the Marble pipe organ during this 45-minute performance. Free admission. Alexander Straus-Fausto, Assistant Organist at St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. Learn more at MarbleChurch.org.
Please see page 4 for other upcoming concerts.
There is power in rising. This is a power that comes to us anew on Easter, but it truly is with us every day. Think about that each day as you rise up in the morning. Give thanks to God for this precious gift of life, for whatever mobility you have, and for any help coming your way that enables you to trust others. Rising. Power. Trust. Love. These are all Easter words. I pray these words infuse your soul as we move through the somber season of Lent to the glorious season of Easter.
See you in church!
PASTORS’ LENTEN DEVOTIONAL Tuesdays, March 11 – April 15 | 4:00-4:20pm
Join the Marble Ministers during the Tuesday Prayer call on Zoom. Hear a brief devotion to help guide you through this holy season, and join in praying for yourself, each other and many concerns throughout the world. All are welcome.
In the Marble Spotlight, continued
DR.
MICHAEL B. BROWN RETURNS TO MARBLE
Sunday, April 6
We welcome back Dr. Michael B. Brown, Marble’s former Senior Minister (Feb 2009 - Apr 2018)! He will be preaching and after Worship we celebrate the unveiling of his official portrait.
WALK THE LABYRINTH
Wednesdays, March 12 & 26, April 2 & 9, May 14
5:00-6:30pm
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.
SECOND CHANCE SATURDAY
May 17 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Mark your calendar for the fun of the hunt at Prime Time’s Spring Tag Sale. Discover an unexpected treasure or give a fresh start to something previously owned and loved. Donations of items in good condition will be accepted. Stay tuned for details.
SPRING PRAYER INTREAT
Sunday, June 1 | 1:00-2:00pm
The Marble Prayer Ministry invites you to join them for The Power of the Psalms, led by Dr. Michael Bos. It will include an opportunity to create your own Psalm. Open to all. In the Chapel. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for more information or contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).
9TH ANNUAL SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 22 | 12:15-2:00pm
Talented Marble artists share their gifts with the community. Enjoy music, video, poetry, theatre, visual arts, and more! Sponsored by The Arts Ministry. In the Labyrinth Room. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Marble Community Gospel Choir Concert
Sunday, May 18 | 2:00pm
The Marble Choir Concert
Sunday, June 8 | 2:00pm Celebrate Spring with the Marble Music Ministry. Stay tuned for details.
ONLINE TEA TIME WITH KIM
Wednesday, May 21 | 1:00-2:00pm
We gather on Zoom for an opportunity to connect, deepen relationships, and enjoy beautiful virtual walks together. Stay tuned to the bulletin, announcements and MarbleChurch.org for details, as well as a pop-up date for the rescheduled February Tea Time with a virtual trip to Portugal.
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH AND A CELEBRATION FOR THE ENTIRE CHURCH!
Our GIFTS Ministry that supports LGBTQ+ persons, their families and allies, leads Marble’s annual Pride celebration, including our breakfast on Sunday, June 29. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch. org for details.
Sections of the Aids Quilt from the National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco will hang in the Sanctuary again throughout June. This is part of the National AIDS Memorial’s efforts to bring the Quilt to communities across the United States to raise greater awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and to remember those lost to the pandemic. Display of the Quilt is generously underwritten by an ally of Marble’s LGBTQ+ community. For a closer look at the quilt, visit aidsmemorial.org/interactive-aids-quilt.
LENTEN BLOG – A Faithful Witness:
My Lenten Walk at MarbleWomen.com
Engage with us and our daily audience of 100,000 readers as we become more faithful witnesses to God’s beauty in our lives. Becoming more aware helps us cultivate a more profound understanding of our faith and transforms us into action..
LENTEN ARTS EXHIBIT – Reflecting Women: Lenten Ponderings of the Heart outside the Labyrinth Room or at MarbleChurch.org/arts.
Talented Marble artists showcase women throughout history and of our present day, uplifting the feminine spirit in reflection, prayer, service, creativity, and community.
EASTER LILIES
Lilies will be placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names will be listed on Easter, April 20, in the bulletin and at end of the Worship live stream. To pay tribute to someone, please donate what you can to help off-set the cost of lilies by Sunday, April 6, at MarbleChurch. org/Easter-Lilies 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.
EASTER OFFERING 2025
Since 1968, Marble has been taking all donations to its yearly Easter Offering to support the important work done by nonprofit organizations primarily in the United States, and a few abroad.
This represents the congregation’s response to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, and to more broadly take care of needs in our communities. Please see article on page 6
For more events, please see pages 9, 11 & 12.
WAYS YOU CAN GIVE:
• Online at MarbleChurch.org/easter-offering or click on the blue Easter Offering button below the streaming window at MarbleChurch.org
• Pay by check, payable to Marble, memo: Easter Offering. Put in collection plate or donation boxes at church entrances. Mail: 1 W. 29th St, New York NY 10001
We invite you to also consider giving a Marble Match to support the day-to-day work we do as a community. Thank you for all you continue to do.
Holy Week
BIBLE STUDY WITH SISTER CAROL PERRY
Wednesday, April 16
12:00pm
All are welcome to join Sr. Carol, Marble’s former Biblical Scholar for over 30 years, for this special Holy Week class on Zoom. Register and get link at MarbleChurch.org.
APRIL 17, MAUNDY THURSDAY
Worship — 7:00pm
Commemorating Jesus’ final night. Rev. Susanah Wade, preaching Music by The Marble Choir. Holy Communion. For those worshipping at home, please have ordinary elements of bread and juice nearby
APRIL 18, GOOD FRIDAY
Music for Prayer & Meditation — 11:30am Worship — Noon
Reflection by Dr. J. Elise Brown Duruflé’s Requiem with Choir, Organ, and Chamber Ensemble
Good Friday Prayer Vigil — 1:15-2:30pm Join the Marble Prayer Ministry Team as we pray together in the Labyrinth Room (downstairs). Request prayers by Palm Sunday, at MarbleChurch.org/GoodFridayPrayerRequests.
APRIL 20, EASTER SUNDAY
Prelude for Brass and Organ — 10:45am Worship — 11:00am The God Who Expands Possibilities Dr. Michael Bos
THROUGH YOU, MARBLE OFFERS HOPE
By Jeannette Aycock
We are entering one of the holiest of seasons of the Christian calendar. As Christians we will walk together along the Lenten path and symbolically along the Via Doloroso Path through Christ’s torture, death, and crucifixion. If the story ended here, there would be no hope and no new covenant between God and us. But Christ fulfills God’s promise to his people:
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:28
down barriers between “Us” and “Other”. No matter how hard we work, it is ultimately God’s grace that sustains all of us.
Please see page 5 for ways you can give to the Easter Offering
During the most trying times in my life, I have leaned on my hope that the future will be better. I have also depended on the support of others. I could not have made it through these storms of life without God’s promise and the compassion of my friends at Marble. Marble has been, for me, hope.
Marble offers hope to non-profit organizations that help clients in need in six categories: health, hunger, homelessness, education, empowerment, and social justice. These organizations are expected to provide more services while they have fewer resources. Our contributions to them during this time of economic scarcity can make a difference in the survival of their clients. The amount we give is not our only invaluable gift. We show the organizations and those they serve that they are seen and respected. We are breaking
GRATITUDE IN ACTION
By Amy Osborn, Don Weida & Larry Schafer
Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it’s a practice, a way of life. At Marble Collegiate Church, congregants express their gratitude in diverse and meaningful ways, enriching their own lives and the life of the church community. From financial contributions to acts of service, the spirit of thankfulness permeates the congregation.
This past fall, the charge to members of the Gratitude 2025 Team was to examine gratitude as both an act of giving and a practice of spiritual discipline throughout the year. As part of this effort, members of the Gratitude Team asked Marble congregants about their philosophy of gratitude and what gratitude means to them.
Gratitude Is Everywhere. One congregant shared, “It’s the whole ball of wax, the spiritual aspect, the music, and the feeling I belong, and as such, I give as I can.” This sentiment reflects the understanding that generosity stems from a place of faith and trust, not just financial capacity. Another member noted, “I am grateful to be in a church with like-minded people trying to do good. I am grateful for the positivity and the purpose to follow the teachings of Jesus every day.” This sense of community and
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect… – I Corinthians 15:10a Christ’s path to resurrection and eternal life was not an easy one. It meant solitude and searching for God’s guidance. We are traveling a similar path of searching led by God’s guidance. Each of us must search our hearts to find what we are able to give freely and without reservation. This is an individual decision. The amount is no less important than the heartfelt Holy Spirit-led commitment to help those in need.
The Easter Offering will be distributed to wellvetted non-profit organizations based on their needs and the total amount collected in the Easter Offering campaign from March through late April. Grant recipients will form a bond with Marble by providing volunteer opportunities and educational programs of interest throughout the year. This process erases “Other” and makes a community of “Us”.
Thank you for all you have contributed to the Easter Offering in past years. I pray that we will give this year as God leads us.
shared purpose fosters an environment where gratitude flourishes.
Dimensions of Gratitude. The practice of gratitude takes many forms. “Prayer and service of others,” one member explained, highlighting the dual importance of inner reflection and outward action. Another member shared, “Speaking and praying for others…I try to be gracious…welcoming.” Simple acts of kindness, like a warm greeting or a friendly conversation, can be powerful expressions of gratitude and connection.
Gratitude as Marble. The church itself plays a vital role in nurturing this spirit of thankfulness. Whether through music, sermons, or small group discussions, the church provides opportunities for members to connect with their faith and express their appreciation for the blessings in their lives. As one member put it, “So many blessings resulting from being a Marble member...have encouraged me to look for ways to give back to Marble...We need Marble and Marble needs us.”
At Marble Church, gratitude is not just a word; it’s a way of life, woven into the fabric of the community and expressed in countless acts of faith, service, and generosity.
