Touchpoint December 2018 January 2019

TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine One West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001-4596 212-686-2770 MarbleChurch.org

DECEMBER 2018 JANUARY 2019

Divine Mystery & Divine Possibilities

struggling to accept: “You, Mary, will be blessed because you new year with Advent. For me, there is no better believe what God way to begin a new year. Advent invites us into said and believe every the divine mystery of how God meets us in the word will come true!” birth of an infant named Jesus, and this mystery (Luke 1:45). And Mary offers us limitless possibilities. As Richard Rohr has said, “mystery isn’t something that you cannot believed. understand—it is something that you can endlessly Advent is an invitaunderstand! There is no point at which you can say, tion to “believe.” It is ‘I’ve got it.’ Always and forever, mystery gets you!” not believing in the Dr. Michael Bos sense of giving intellectual assent to propositions There are many of us who yearn for this divine about God. It is about trusting in God. It is mystery to grab hold of us and trusting that what we seek is wrapped up draw us into a new understand“Advent is in the One who is so much greater than us. ing of who we were created to an invitation It is trusting enough to enter in the divine be and what we were created mystery of how it is that we encounter to do. We want to see ourselves to ‘believe’…

God in and through Christ. It is trusting that differently. We want to see the It is about when we do enter this mystery, limitless future differently. We want to live trusting in possibilities await us. differently. Yet many of us wonGod.” der whether anything will ever I pray that this Advent season is a time change in our lives. We catch a when we grow in our belief and grow in our glimmer of hope during Advent and Christmas, but awareness of the endless possibilities that await then we return to our routines and live each day us. There is so much more within the divine mystery like the last. of Christ that awaits us all!

During that first Christmas, Mary didn’t believe I wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy things could change either. She couldn’t imagine New Year! that she could be the one through whom God would do such a miraculous thing. She thought she was destined to follow the path she was already on.

She didn’t see herself as the type of person God would use to give birth to Jesus. Then a relative, Elizabeth, told Mary something that she had been

While many celebrate the beginning of a new year on January 1, the Church marks the beginning of a

DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM

DECEMBER 9

DECEMBER 23

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

2nd Sunday in Advent

4th Sunday in Advent

DECEMBER 2 1st Sunday in Advent

The Cornerstones of Life: Hope

The Cornerstones of Life: The Cornerstones of Life: Love Peace DECEMBER 16 3rd Sunday in Advent

The Cornerstones of Life: Joy

#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week, except December 26

DECEMBER 30

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Rev. Anthony Livolsi

See page 4.

New Year, New You

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

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Marble Matters

A Word from Our Executive Minister

THE POWER OF UNEXPECTED KINDNESS

By Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th century theologian and moving quickly as the seconds ticked away on the philosopher wrote, “Never cease loving a person, and flashing green crossing light. The woman was movnever give up hope for him (sic), for even the prodigal ing slowly, deliberately, one step at a time, pushing a son who had fallen most low, could still be saved; heavy cart full of bags. the bitterest enemy and also he who was your friend After the boy had reached the other side of the could again be your friend; love that has grown cold street, he stopped and looked back at the woman. can kindle.”

He stood there for a moment…contemplating. Then, Never cease loving a person; love that has grown after another second he walked into the street and cold can kindle. took ahold of the heavy cart the woman was pushing.

He asked if he could help her. The look of surprise and What powerful words to hear in the times we relief on the woman’s face was enough to make my find ourselves in, when vitriolic speech and divisive eyes well up with tears. language have become customary.

Some people have shared they fear An unexpected act of kindness. “ I heard the Holy A profound becoming so accustomed to such lanexpression of love for Spirit saying, guage that they are anesthetized to it. someone the boy did not know.

Whether it’s through social media or moment when young and old ‘I’m at work. You Afound network news filling up our newsfeed, themselves together, in the might not see it there is a lot of anger and tough talk same space, on the same street, around us. one helping the other. It caused all of the time… my heart to fill with joy and I How does one heed the words of But I’m here…’ ” heard the Holy Spirit saying, “I’m Kierkegaard, “never cease loving a at work. You might not see it all person?” How does one hold fast to of the time. You might not feel it on hope and believe in the power of love in challenging hard and heavy days.

But I’m here. Love and kindness times like these? are still present and worth pursuing.”

Jesus had a lot to say on this topic. He knew how These small acts of kindness help to keep hope challenging it is to live in a human world, with people alive in us. We can be bearers of such acts of kindwho revile others, or use language that tears down ness, and hopefully the recipients of them. rather than builds up. Jesus told his disciples, “Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you.”

Never cease loving a person. Holy words. Possible words.

Challenging words. Hopeful words. May you What countercultural words stated by Jesus during experience and also be the impetus for unexpected his time, words that are as countercultural today. acts of love and kindness in your own world during Last week I witnessed an amazing scene. A teenthis holiday season, and watch how such acts can age boy was crossing the street and passed an elderly grow far bigger than you ever imagined. woman pushing a cart filled with bags crossing the same street. The boy seemed to be in a hurry and was

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

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Clay Hale Siobhan Tull Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

JANUARY 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM

JANUARY 6

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

Epiphany

JANUARY 20

Beginning Again: Beginning Again: Beginning Again…

Ending before Beginning and Again Part 1 of Sermon Series

Part 3 of Sermon Series

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 27

Beginning Again: Where to Begin Part 2 of Sermon Series

#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week

Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., preaching

Marble Matters

Advent & Christmas at Marble MUSIC FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE Sundays, December 2-23 | 10:45am During Advent, arrive early for Worship for this special time of quiet meditation and beautiful music.

Generously underwritten by Lynda Packard in honor of her parents, Lynn and John Packard, and with heartfelt thanks to the Marble Community.

LET HEAVEN AND NATURE SING Sunday, December 9 | 2:30pm Encounter the mystery of this sacred season with The Marble Choir, Festival of Voices and Chamber Orchestra in concert directed by Kenneth Dake.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT MARBLE ARTISANS’ BOUTIQUE Sunday, December 2 | 12:15-2:00pm Celebrate Marble’s Creative Artists and get started on your Christmas list with a variety of hand-crafted gifts. Products from Thistle Farms in Nashville and My Brother’s Workshop in St. Thomas, two of our mission partners, will also be available. In the Marble Loft.

MERRY, MERRY MARBLE Friday, December 7 | 6:00-8:30pm PrimeTime Fellowship invites everyone for this festive gathering for all ages. Enjoy refreshments, carols and of course, Santa Claus. We will create ornaments and decorate trees to donate to those in need (materials provided). $10 each; $15, families.

Register by December 2 at MarbleChurch.org or during Coffee Hour.

CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE Sunday, December 9 | 12:15-2:00pm Enjoy some delicious treats while you wait for the Advent Concert! Proceeds from the sale will go to one of our Missions and Outreach programs. In the Marble Loft.

Inspirational readings and dance add to this journey into the very heart of what Christmas means. Invite your friends to share in this special tradition.

Tickets: $60 reserved seat (advance purchase only). $40 general admission; $30 advance purchase; $20 student (at door with ID); $25 seniors. Purchase tickets at MarbleChurch.org, Sundays during Coffee Hour, or contact Jennifer Doerr (JDoerr@ MarbleChurch.org). Advance pricing ends at 3:00pm, Thursday, December 6.

Please note: Childcare provided for children 7 and under, (at 276 5th Ave, 3rd floor). We’re sorry, but children under 7 not admitted to the concert.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Sunday, December 16 | 12:15pm All are welcome to enjoy warm fellowship and a delicious Christmas Brunch, plus live music. $20, adults; $10, children, age 8-15. No reservations necessary. In the Marble Loft.

CYF CHRISTMAS SHOW Sunday, December 16 | 1:30pm All are invited to celebrate Christmas with the Children, Youth and Families Ministry. Listen to the Christmas story, enjoy music by the CYF Choirs and sing favorite carols. No charge. In the Sanctuary.

TRAVELERS’ CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Wednesday, December 19 | 6:15pm Join us for this special service with Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., Rev. Anthony Livolsi and Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin. We’ll be gifted with celebratory music by the Gospel Choir, Marble Festival of Voices and the WeWo Praise Team. In the Sanctuary.

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Marble Matters

TOOLS FOR YOUR ADVENT JOURNEY Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton’s Advent Devotional – Let Every Heart Prepare, will be available to purchase on Sundays at the Welcome Center or contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

Also available on Amazon.

Women’s Ministry Advent Blog – Read inspiring stories, poems, scripture and prayers to help you explore the role the Season of Advent plays in taking steps to transform your life and the lives of others.

Dr. Michael Bos and Dr. Elise Brown will contribute the Christmas Eve/Day blogs. We also share recipes, volunteer opportunities, and gift ideas that make a difference. Visit marblewomen.com.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Poinsettias are placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names will appear in the Sunday, December 23 bulletin. To pay tribute to someone in your life in this special way, please return a Christmas Poinsettias envelope (in pews and at Reception) with your contribution by Sunday, December 9. You may also contact Shana Wolfe (SWolfe@MarbleChurch.org; 212-686-2770, ext. 248).

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00pm – Worship Merry Christmas, NYC! Celebrate the season with a playful heart at this familyfriendly service. Led by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and Jessica Scovel. Followed by a birthday party for Jesus.

6:30 & 8:30pm – Worship The Cornerstones of Life: New Beginnings Meditation by Dr. Michael Bos. Festive Coffee Hour in the Marble Loft between the services at 7:45pm.

Holy Communion celebrated at the 8:30pm service.

Childcare provided for both services. Preceding Worship, Kenneth Dake directs The Marble Choir, with brass ensemble, in joyful music at 6:10 and 8:10pm. (6:30pm service live streamed.)

MARBLE COMMUNITY OUTREACH We are pleased to introduce a new facet of giving and caring for our community. Marble Community Outreach (MCO) was established to enable contributions from individuals with charitable giving matches offered by their employers. It allows us to support efforts important to our Marble Community that are beyond the missional care of the congregation.

Why now? We understand that employer matches happen at different times during the year but one important time is year-end giving.

Marble Community Outreach will: •Multiply your commitment to outreach by including your employer’s match; •Grow our outreach capabilities; •Transform giving for the future We also rely on other generous gifts and grants of foundations, and public agencies to support our efforts. Gifts are welcomed year round, and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Gifts of stock will help ensure the continued growth of MCO, and offer potential tax savings. To give through a donation of stock, please provide your contact information and we will get in touch.

Members of the Marble Community Outreach Board will be available Sundays after Worship in the Marble Loft to answer questions and discuss plans for the future.

Marble Community Outreach is a 501 (c) 3 organization: IRS 990 approved for tracking and reporting: ID Tax #: 81-3229252 established with seed money from Marble Collegiate Church. MCO will support outreach needs in the community and allow a channel for employer matching gifts. Funds will be used as directed and for support of the agencies selected as beneficiaries of Easter offering and other outreach choices of Marble ministry groups.

How to give: www.marbleoutreach.org, cash or check.

Contact us by leaving a message at 212-686-2770 ext. 295, or ask for Shana Wolfe. Marble Community Outreach, 1 West 29 St. New York, NY 10001.

Email at: info@marbleoutreach.org.

Marble Matters

In the Marble Spotlight

REAFFIRMATION OF VOWS Sunday, January 6 | 12:30pm All couples welcome to join us for this annual ceremony in the Sanctuary. Childcare available.

MEMBERSHIP AT MARBLE Have you ever wondered what Membership means? Make the change from being a welcome guest to a member of the Marble Family. For more information, please look for one of our Membership Team, someone wearing a red carnation, after Worship near the Deacon’s pew (to right of Chancel), next door in the Marble Loft during Coffee Hour or contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch. org). Give yourself a gift and become a member of the family! Online Membership also available.

CYF CORNER FAMILY WORSHIP Sunday, December 9 | 10:00am Join CYF in the Marble Loft for their Advent Worship. Both Children’s Choirs will sing and families will participate in the service.

The message will be by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin. All invited!

MARBLE COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT Sunday, January 13 | 3:00pm Join us for this performance honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Directed by Stacy Penson. Advance pricing: $15; $10, seniors. Advance pricing ends at 3:00pm, Thursday, January 10. At the door: $20; $15, seniors. Order tickets at MarbleChurch.org or during Coffee Hour on Sunday, January 6.

SAVE THE DATE ANNUAL TRI-FAITH SUNDAY February 3 | 11:00am Marble has been a pioneer in interfaith cooperation in New York City. One of the ways we lift up the importance of interfaith relationships is through our annual “Trialogue.” This year during our service Dr. Bos will have a conversation with dynamic Jewish and Muslim leaders about the future of faith and how we can work for the common good. This is being done as part of the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week. Invite friends to join you for this special experience.

MOMENTS & MEMORIES It was another eventful fall for the CYF – Children learned the story of Ruth and Psalm 23 while activities included raising money for UNICEF, the Youth Pizza Party and the annual Costume Party.

Costume Party: Jeremy & Robinson Bermudez

Posing after Pizza: Walker, Catherine, Harry, Ella, Amanda, Ben, Jordan and Hannah

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON — MAKE A LEGACY GIFT TO MARBLE WHILE YOU’RE STILL ALIVE! CONSIDER A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY.

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Marble Matters

Loving the Word

Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

OUT OF THE COLD, INTO THE WARM But they haven’t come to pass yet. Who says we

By Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton have to stop being excited just because we’re all Even though you’ve been a grown-up for decades, grown up? The midwinter carries its own excitement, your heart leaps a bit as you walk through the train its own secret stirrings of life beneath the snow and station and hear the first Christmas carol. You climb slush, silent in the cold earth. Seeds are gathering the stairs to the street: there a man rings a bell strength and courage down there, sensing that the beside a red Salvation Army kettle; you’d forgotten daylight is lasting a little longer each day. The shorthow much you love the sound of those bells. You est day and the longest night are behind us now, in think about Thanksgiving and the Macy’s January – cold as it may be, the earth is parade. You inhale and the air that fills rounding the corner toward spring. your lungs is really cold. They speak of “ Who says we Surely the deprivation of winter and snow later this afternoon. its yielding to the sweetness of spring have to stop Savor the excitement while it’s is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. We here. Even the excitement about snow being excited need the contrast! Would we even – enjoy it while it’s beautiful, even notice the beauty of spring if we had just because though you know it will be grey-brown not experienced its absence? Would slush by this time tomorrow. Of course we’re all I have the sense to give thanks for we know that we will grow weary of warmth if I had not known cold? grown up?” it all, that the wreaths and Christmas We need our winters. The winter trees sprouting up everywhere at the feasts of home and hearth cause us end of November will be tired by the end to cling together, to warm each other of December and gone by the first week of January: through the long nights. The people come into the the store windows will banish them forthwith, putting church through the front door, or up from the baseout valentine heart boxes of candy the moment we’ve ment after a class, or in through the side door on rung in the new year. Yes, all these discouragements 29th Street. Out of the cold and into the warm. will come to pass.

REV. BARBARA CRAFTON’S NEW BOOK! We congratulate Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton on her latest book, COME HERE, JESUS. We have to learn about Jesus from somebody.

Somebody has to tell us. Jesus has been told to people by other people for better than twenty centuries.

There are things you only have to hear once and you’ve got it . . .

Jesus is different. Him, we have to tell and re-tell. We mostly experience him in each other: in our ways of telling and, more importantly, in our ways of showing who he is. It is this that has prompted me to write a book about Jesus, something I never expected to do.

But then this happened: You need to write a book about Jesus.

This was not a voice I heard or anything spooky like that. It was just a thought that popped into my head one night when I woke up at about 3:00am. But this one had an air of urgency. And it refused to leave.

You need to write a book about Jesus.

Well, all right then.

– Rev. Barbara Crafton, Come Here, Jesus

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch Time is such an odd thing. When a day is full of activities, 24 hours can seem like a week. Yet more often it feels the opposite – it’s Monday and in a flash it’s Friday.

I can’t believe the calendar is about to flip to a new year. Wasn’t I just planning last summer’s vacation?

As I get older, time seems to go faster and faster.

I know I’m not alone in feeling that way. It doesn’t help when more and more gets crammed together in life. I’m not a big sports fan, yet while I was growing up, the baseball, football and basketball seasons didn’t seem to overlap as much as they do now. It also doesn’t help when the holidays run together thanks to the push to sell all that merchandise. Last year I walked into an NYC store on the day after Halloween and was frustrated to see Christmas items had been placed front and center so early. This year I was in Iowa the week before Halloween and saw a store that already had Christmas figures and lights out front. Are we all really in such a hurry to get to December that we wiz through October and jump over November?

I can’t control when stores promote the holidays.

I can’t stop time. Yet, I can work on setting my own inner PACE so I don’t get swept away by the spinning hands of the clock, especially if someone else is trying to control them.

[P] I can find moments to stop and gain Perspective. That includes setting my Priorities for quiet time, Prayer and meditation, and taking time to

THE MARBLE WELCOME A COMMUNITY WHO CARES Lacrasia Duchein, Tebbie Clift, Joe Clift, Dorothy Marsh and Joanne Ebersbach gathered at Hudson Hills in New Jersey to celebrate John Tomlinson’s 91st Birthday!

Whether you’ve been part of Marble for decades or days, it’s a place where YOU can build community.

step away. In my creative Process, especially writing, it’s always important for me to get away from the computer, take a walk, and look at things differently.

[A] When I express my Appreciation for the people and things in my life it also helps stabilize my inner clock. If I pay Attention, God gives me gifts of Awe every day which help me hit pause on the swirling world around me.

[C] If I take Care of myself it helps my life maintain balance and I can find moments of Calm in a busy day. I can also remind myself that I have Choices.

No matter what it is, there is a personal choice available – I can’t change what happens, but I can always choose how I’ll respond.

[E] When I’m Enthusiastic about something, like when I’m taking photos or making my notecards for the Artisans’ Boutique, time can stand still in a beautiful way. One of the choices I can make is how I want to use my Energy – will I waste it with worry or choose more positive thoughts? If I use some of those positive thoughts to tell myself that I have Enough, I am Enough, then it’s less likely I’ll feel bombarded and closed in by the ticking clock.

Setting my inner pace isn’t just up to me. I don’t follow auto racing, but I do know the Indianapolis 500 and other races use a pace car, and marathons can have pacesetters. I’m blessed to have friends and family members who I can ask to help guide my pace, and of course, I have a heavenly father in the driver’s seat.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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Spiritual Growth and Education

Bible Study with Rev. Barbara Crafton

SUNDAYS AT 10AM I hope that our Sunday Bible classes will fit nicely with the sermon themes Dr. Michael Bos and our other preachers will be approaching from the pulpit.

All of scripture passes through our minds as we read it, so no two of us will see any of it in exactly the same way. This fact is one of the greatest joys of studying the Bible – no matter how many times you may have read a passage, there is always, always something new.

Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton Spiritual Teacher

The Cornerstones of Life December 2 – Magnificat, Luke 1:46 December 9 – Gloria in excelsis, Luke 2:14 December 16 – Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, Zechariah 9:9 December 23 – God so loved the world, John 3:16 Please note, no class December 30.

Beginning Again January 6, 13, 20 & 27 We wiill spend a month with the gospel according to John.

A reminder for online students, ask your questions! Click on the blue “Send a Question” button on the live streaming page.

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM December 4, 11 & 18; January 8, 16, 22 & 29 Join Rev. Crafton Tuesday evenings for an hour of exploration and education.

Rev. Gregory Johnson Prayer Circle

THURSDAYS AT NOON Bread & Bible Bring your lunch and join Rev. Crafton for this discussion about many things, including the scripture that formed the basis for the past Sunday’s sermon.

In the Marble Loft. Weekly. Please note, does not meet December 27.

If you can’t be here in person, join via video conference. To sign up for the special link, contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

Prayer Circle

SUNDAYS AT 10AM This informal gathering centers on singing and prayer for individual and communal concerns. Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. Holy Communion celebrated.

In the Chapel.

On the last Sunday of the month, connect with Prayer Circle from around the world via https:// meeting.broadviewnet.com/j/1126517182 to access video conference. Questions? Contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

Wednesday Morning Prayers

WEDNESDAYS AT 11AM All are invited to be still, re-focus and connect with God during this midweek time of prayer led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. Meets in the Chapel. Please note, does not meet December 26.

Small Groups

Make a Small Group part of your Advent journey.

Learn more at the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org), or visit MarbleChurch.org.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH BEREAVEMENT GROUP Mondays, December 3, 10 & 17 | 12:00-1:15pm Grief has no expiration date. Any significant loss changes life forever. All are welcome to participate in an understanding and supportive community to share your personal story in a confidential atmosphere of love and faith. Groups led by Rev. Don Jiskoot, Susan Konsker and Dieter Killinger. Meets in Peale Parlor. Please sign up with Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org; 212-686-2770, 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) or Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

Missons and Outreach: Opportunities to Serve 99

In the Action Spotlight—Christmas SANTA LETTERS Pick up your letter after Worship during Coffee Hour at the Action Volunteer Table and buy a gift for children from SCAN (Supportive Children’s Advocacy Network) and Icahn House (single homeless mothers with children under 12 years of age). Please return gifts by December 9.

If you are unable to purchase a gift, a donation of $35 will buy a toy for a needy child. Make checks payable to Marble Collegiate Church, write “Toys for Kids” in memo and mail to the attention of Tom Schneider or place in offering plate during Worship.

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ICAHN HOUSE Saturday, December 8 Help host our annual Christmas Party in the Marble Loft for single mothers and their children residing in Icahn House, a transitional family shelter on East 28th Street. Volunteers needed 10:00am-3:00pm.

Action Volunteers—Ways You Can Serve

If you don’t see what’s right for you listed here, stop at the Action Volunteer Table on Sundays during Coffee Hour to talk with a committee member or contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@MarbleChurch. org), for more ideas and referrals to organizations that are in need of volunteers. To receive notice of serving opportunities by email, “Action Alerts,” contact Tom. Habitat for Humanity Build Days Saturdays, December 8 & January 12 Our partnership continues. Help work on a home for a low-income family. No experience necessary. For more information, stop by the Action Table during Coffee Hour or contact Susanah Wade (SWade@ MarbleChurch.org) or Tom Schneider (TSchneider@ MarbleChurch.org).

Ecclesia Ministry Sundays, December 9 & January 13 Volunteers are needed to help with this worshipping congregation for the homeless in Madison Square Park. Prepare lunches, 10:00-10:30am; and/ or transport lunches at 1:30pm and host the service which begins at 2:00pm.

Congregational Care Prayer Shawl Ministry Mondays, December 3 & 17; January 7 & 28 4:00-5:00pm For more information, please see page 10.

Marble Fights Hunger — Please support our continuous food drive by donating CANNED FOODS for Icahn House East (a temporary shelter for homeless mothers.) Leave food at the 29th Street Reception area, the Fifth Ave Narthex or the Marble Loft. Nutritious, canned/bottled items only.

Suggestions: fruits, vegetables, pasta sauce, meats, fish, pasta, soups, peanut butter, jelly, juice, etc. Also, vacuum-packed cartons of milk/juice and baby food in plastic/glass containers. We encourage everyone to bring something with them every time they come to Marble!

Used Eyeglasses — Donate used glasses and sunglasses which are given to The Lion’s Club who recycles the glasses and distributes them in developing countries.

Marble Coffee Pourers — Volunteer one Sunday a month to serve after Worship. Contact Kim Sebastian Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org).

WeWo Visuals Ministry — Volunteer to help with the projected visuals during Worship, approximately one Wednesday a month, contact Jennifer Doerr (JDoerr@MarbleChurch.org).

Support some of our Missions & Outreach Partners by purchasing Thistle Farms and My Brother’s Workshop products at the Artisans’ Boutique Sunday, December 2, and buying treats at the Bake Sale on Sunday, December 9.

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Program Ministries

Keep up with our different Program Ministries by visiting their pages at

MarbleChurch.org

and attending Coffee Hour after Worship.

Adult Ministry

All welcome to join us for our dinner with Sr. Carol Perry on Monday, December 3. Also, What’s in a name? – Help “brand” Marble’s newly reimagined Adult Ministry, an open, inclusive, newcomer-friendly gathering place for adults of all ages, single or partnered, childless or child-blessed – where the social meets the spiritual. Submit suggestions online or to Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org) or Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org).

GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship

Join us for our Christmas Reception Wednesday, December 12, after Wednesday Worship. On Sunday, January 20, we’ll have our first Coffee Hour of 2019. Questions? Contact Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org) or Don Piper (DPiper@ MarbleChurch.org).

PrimeTime Fellowship

Our ministry for those age 55 and over, hosts Merry, Merry Marble for everyone on Friday, December 7, see page 3. Join us for lunch and proView our rotating art exhibit The Wall of Hope, grams on Wednesdays, December 5 & 19, and Healing and Inspiration downstairs in the hallway January 9 & 23, see the Calendar of Events and outside the Labyrinth Room. It feature works reflecting PrimeTime newsletter for details. Contact Baleta Faith, Transformation, Renewal, Courage, Optimism, McKenzie (BMckenzie@MarbleChurch.org) or Colleen Forgiveness, Encouragement, Peace, Wholeness and Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Restoration. To participate, contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@MarbleChurch.org). Also join us for our monthly meetings of the ARTS Peer Support Group For inspiration during Advent, visit marblewomen. and Fellowship of Professional Artists. com for our daily blog written by the Marble Women’s Ministry Leadership Team. We encourage newcomers to join us for our New Year’s Coffee Hour on Sunday, January 13, after Worship, and our Annual Spa Day for the Soul on Saturday, January 26. Save the dates Connection is a supportive, inclusive and spirited group committed to each others’ individual journey. 20 for our popular Retreat, March 22-24. For details, visit & 30 somethings, to be put on our email list or for more our Table during Coffee Hour, check website or contact Don Piper (DPiper@MarbleChurch.org). information, contact Rev. Brittany Hanlin (BHanlin@

Arts Ministry

Women’s Ministry

Connection: Young Adult Ministry

MarbleChurch.org) or Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@ MarbleChurch.org).

GIVING BACK THROUGH PRAYER MARBLE PRAYER MINISTRY AND LABYRINTH VOLUNTEERS Prayer is an important way we build community and strengthen our individual relationship with God. We invite newcomers to participate in this important ministry at Marble.

The Marble Prayer Ministry meets monthly and prays for the needs of members of the community, which are received through the Marble website, phone calls, direct emails and prayer cards. Prayer Team members also pray with people on Sundays in the Prayer Room after Worship and we sponsor Prayer Intreats and the annual Good Friday Prayer Vigil.

You can also be trained as a Labyrinth docent to help lead Labyrinth walks on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm, and the first Sunday of every month, 1:00-3:00pm. If you are interested in joining one of these ministries, please contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@ MarbleChurch.org).

CONGREGATIONAL CARE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY WELCOMES NEW PARTICIPANTS Mondays, December 3 & 17; January 7 & 28 4:00-5:00pm Join us for this very special ministry where we gather for a time of fellowship, prayer and creating together as we knit/crochet prayer shawls for ill/ homebound members. We bless each completed shawl before it is given to someone in need. All levels welcome! Materials provided. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month in Peale Parlor.

Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). Due to the Martin Luther King holiday on January 21, we will meet on January 28.

Calendar of Events

EACH WEDNESDAY Walk the Labyrinth | 5:00-6:00pm Take time for a walking meditation before WeWo. #WeWo: Wednesday Worship | 6:15pm This blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles can be a helpful mid-week spiritual boost. Our ministers offer thoughtful preaching with joyful music in the relaxed atmosphere of the Marble Loft. Bring a friend!

On December 19, join us in the Sanctuary for our special Travelers’ Christmas Worship. Please note, no Labyrinth or Worship on December 26; see page 3.

FIRST SUNDAYS Walk the Labyrinth | 1:00-3:00pm 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. Please confirm schedule.

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS Marianne Williamson Talks | 7:30pm Hear this internationally renowned teacher and bestselling author, speak on A Course in Miracles. In the Marble Sanctuary. $20, but no one turned away if unable to pay. Also live streamed, details at Marianne.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 Spiritual Friendships and the Life of Faith 6:00-8:00pm The Adult Ministry invites everyone to join nonagenarian(!), Sr. Carol Perry, and millennial, Rev. Anthony Livolsi for dinner and discussion about finding God in each season of life and in each other. $20 dinner & program; $10 program only.

Reserve at Coffee Hour or online.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 PrimeTime Fellowship Lunch and Program 12:00-2:00pm Swing into the Christmas season with Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats at 1:00pm, preceded by lunch, $10. All welcome! In the Marble Loft.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 GIFTS: LGBTQ Christmas Reception | 7:15-9:00pm All are invited to join our LGBTQ community and allies immediately following WeWo in the Marble Loft. Enjoy hot cider and holiday treats. No charge.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 PrimeTime Fellowship Lunch and Program 12:00-2:00pm Gary Thompson hosts the Marble Staff Christmas Revue at 1:00pm, preceded by special buffet lunch ($12, PrimeTime members; $15, guests). All welcome! In the Marble Loft.

Gary Thompson

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 PrimeTime Fellowship Lunch and Program 12:00-2:00pm Cyndi Freeman, storyteller, teacher, producer, will teach us to tell our life stories at 1:00pm, preceded by lunch, $10. All welcome! In the Marble Loft.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 Women’s Coffee Hour | 12:15-1:15pm All women are invited to our first Coffee Hour of the New Year. Enjoy the company of this warm and welcoming community and hear about upcoming events. In the Labyrinth Room.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 PrimeTime Fellowship Lunch and Program 12:00-2:00pm Rev. Barbara Crafton will lead a spiritual discussion at 1:00pm, preceded by lunch, $10. All welcome!

In the Marble Loft.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 Women’s Spa Day for the Soul | 9:30am-2:00pm Grit, Grace and God: Stepping Out into Faith.

Together. Develop a toolkit to deal with life and spiritual setbacks (Grit), engage in conversations to nourish the soul (Grace), and discover ways to straighten your path (God). $30; $25 seniors/students, includes light breakfast, lunch and materials.

Childcare upon request. In the Marble Loft. Register

by Wednesday, January 23, online or on Sundays during Coffee Hour at the Women’s Ministry Table.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 Monthly Brunch | 12:15pm A time of fellowship and good food, with live music. $12. No reservation needed. In the Marble Loft.

Note: The Calendar of Events schedule subject to change. Please call to confirm.

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Calendar of Events For more details, to register, or for the full listing of all our programming, please visit MarbleChurch.org

or stop by the Welcome Center after Worship during Coffee Hour.

Touchpoint: December 2018 /January 2019 ANNUAL ADVENT CONCERT Let Heaven and Nature Sing Sunday, December 9 | 2:30pm For details, please see page 3.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS AT MARBLE In addition to the Advent Concert, there are so many ways Marble can help you experience the true spirit of Christmas. Please see pages 3 & 4 for details on our Christmas Eve services, as well as Merry, Merry Marble on Friday, December 7, Christmas Brunch followed by the CYF Christmas Show on Sunday, December 16, and something new this year, a special Travelers’ Christmas Worship on Wednesday, December 19.

MARBLE COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Sunday, January 13 | 3:00pm For details, please see page 5.

THE LAST WORD Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love. It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change. — Richard Rohr

LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE If you can’t be here in person, visit MarbleChurch.org or Facebook.

Sundays 10am – Bible Study with Rev. Crafton 10:48am – Grace

Notes: Inside the Music 11am – Worship 12:15pm – Talk Back

Wednesdays 6:15pm – #WeWo: Wednesday Worship TV – Fridays @ 4:30pm, MNN Time Warner Ch. 57 (Manhattan) Sermon Podcasts: Subscribe at MarbleChurch.org.

MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A BLESSED COMMUNITY AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS Once again, Marble had an event-filled Fall, including the Celebration of Rev. Elise Brown’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination, Rev. Susanah Wade’s Ordination, our first Blessing of the Animals, and the powerful ceremonies for Prayers of Remembrance and Peace as we added the names and ages of victims from the over 50 deadliest mass shootings since Columbine in 1999 to the orange ribbons on our fence. For more highlights, visit our online photo gallery: MarbleChurch.org/welcome/photos/