TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine One West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001-4596 212-686-2770 MarbleChurch.org
APRIL,MAY & JUNE 2019
What the Resurrection Looks Like
All of us have heard of Habitat for Humanity. Some and the inspiration they of us have heard of Millard Fuller, who started Habitat. found in Clarence, the Very few of us have heard of Clarence Jordan, who pro- dream of Habitat was vided the inspiration that gave birth to Habitat. born. Clarence was born in Georgia in 1912 and was raised At this point you Southern Baptist. His educational background was may be thinking, this is unique in that he studied agriculture and then became a great story but what a New Testament scholar. To combine these two loves, does it have to do with he started Koinonia Farm. “Koinonia” is the Greek the Resurrection? What term used for “community” or “fellowship” in the New is important to know Testament. Amidst the poverty and entrenched racism in is that Clarence was society and the church, Clarence’s vision was to create moved and motivated Dr. Michael Bos an interracial community that would provide support for by the Resurrection. He those who were struggling. said this: Because Koinonia Farm brought together blacks and The proof that God raised Jesus from the dead is not whites to work and worship together, there was tremen- the empty tomb, but the full hearts of his transformed dous backlash from the community. Threats of violence disciples. The crowning evidence that he lives is not a were routine. Gunfire was vacant grave, but a spirit-filled fellowdirected at the farm daily. ship. Not a rolled-away stone, but Equipment was sabotaged. “ …Christ’s continuing a carried-away church. presence… the way it is Crops were destroyed. Yet Clarence didn’t see the Clarence and the Koinonia Resurrection as a thing of the able to shape us, change community continued. past. He saw the reality of the us and transform us.” Finally, in an attempt Resurrection every day in the to close the farm, people life-changing encounters people boycotted buying their produce. However, Clarence continue to have with Christ. He saw the reality of the had the conviction of faith that they must not give up. Resurrection in Christians working together to resurrect Therefore, he started a mail order business to sell their hope, embolden faith, and spread love. pecans, and he added a touch of humor to their marketIn sacred scripture the Resurrection is never ing. He created the slogan, “Help us ship the nuts out of described. It’s almost as if it’s beyond our capacity to Georgia!” This captured the attention of all who knew understand. But scripture does point to the reality of their plight and would save the farm. People from farChrist’s continuing presence, and the way it is able to away places began purchasing their pecans to support shape us, change us and transform us. their work. As we celebrate Easter, may we all be reminded of Millard and Linda Fuller made a visit to Koinonia the reality of the Resurrection and what it can look like Farm in 1965, only intending to stay for a few hours. in us and through us. Instead, they were so inspired by what they found, they would eventually move there. Through their experience
APRIL\MAY\JUNE 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching
APRIL 7
APRIL 21
Easter Sunday The Art of Living: Looking Beyond Yourself Surprised
APRIL 14 Palm Sunday
The Reversal
APRIL 28
Where Do I Go from Here?
#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week, except April 17
HOLY WEEK SERVICES See page 3.