Touchpoint February March 2016

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

What Are You Giving Up for Lent, and Why? ing services. In other words, (a) What Recently I ran across a thoughtful should I give up that makes my life, my little Litany that said: home, my workplace, my church, my “What if for Lent, we gave up gossip neighborhood, or my world cleaner and instead of chocolate? more sacred? … And, (b) What should What if for Lent, we gave up apathy I take on that makes all those things instead of television? stronger and safer than they otherwise What if for Lent, we gave up our would be? needs for those of another?

Jesus did not go to the Cross simWhat if for Lent, we fasted not to ply to give something up for Lent. If deny self but to provide food to the that had been His motivation, then Dr. Michael Brown maybe charcoaled fish would have been hungry?

What if after Lent, we continued living that way?” a wiser choice. Jesus gave up His life for us – that you and I might find and keep life worth having, life Lent is a season for examining our lives, in redeemed from trespasses, life with dignity and penitence discarding habits or patterns that are hope, life with a sense of purpose, life with the self-destructive or injurious to others, and in place of promise of eternity. those taking up more Christ-like crosses of service So, what are you going to give up for Lent? And and spirituality. I fear I too often trivialize the practice why?

Furthermore, what are you going to take on of giving something up for Lent. Maybe there is some in its place? If those decisions make life better and benefit in giving up soft drinks or $6 morning cofstronger, then as the Litany asked: What if after fees, but if that is as far as Lent takes me then I have Lent, we continued living that way? missed the point. The point is more clearly revealed in the Litany I discovered. What if for Lent, we actually abandoned activities that are harmful and took on practices that make the world a better place?

As we journey through this sacred season, perhaps a commitment worthy of Lent is to think about (a) meaningful sacrifices and (b) transform-

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM Dr. Michael B. Brown Senior Minister preaching

FEBRUARY 7

A Not Quite Yet Sunday Exodus 17:1-7

FEBRUARY 14 First Sunday in Lent

Greater Love Has No One than This John 15:9-14

Mansfield University Choir, 10:45am

FEBRUARY 21

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM

Second Sunday in Lent

Every Week Ash Wednesday, February 10

John 5:1-9a

JAZZ REVELATION, 6:30PM

FEBRUARY 28

Every Week We’ve moved back to Fridays!

The Power of Why and What

Third Sunday in Lent

I’m Sorry, Did You Say Something?

Mark 10:32-45

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Re / M A R K /s

Dr. R. Mark King Executive Minister

uncertainty for the Jewish people. Yet he was optimistic. He was positive! That is what we have to be in this new era of church.

I know many who lament the yesterdays of church life when it seemed so much easier. The pews were filled; the offering plates sufficient; the ease of coming and attending church so much better. But in truth, has it ever been that blissful? It’s funny that what we now refer to as “the good ole days,” were at the time “these trying times.” Life has always been a challenge. But again, like Isaiah, we have to be optimistic.

We have to be positive. We have to dig deeper, become more proactive and seek diligently to make our spirituality real, our faith engaged and our witness effective. Rest assured your church leadership here at Marble is having these conversations. Certainly Marble Collegiate is doing so much better than many congregations, even in New York City. Our legacy and history triumphantly guide us. We don’t need to change nor abandon the solid recipe for being and doing church. We just may need to tinker with it from time to time.

Who knows what 2016 may bring us. I saw a testament to our resiliency just the other day: Boiling water makes the egg hard and the potato soft. It all depends on what you are made of and not the circumstances. Rest assured, like Isaiah, we are in God’s providential hands. I will work hard with you during the day and also sleep well at night knowing our future is placed in God’s trusted hands.

By Dr. R. Mark King 2016. Hopefully by now, you are accustomed to writing “2016” on all dated items. I still find myself writing 1997! It is amazing to consider what a new year might bring, sitting at this end of it. Who imagined in February, of all that transpired by December of 2015?

The future can be an ominous thing. It can be full of anticipation and expectancy but also fret with some anxiety and challenge. This past year, your church leadership in the staff, board and Ministries Council has been considering the future of church. And not just Marble Collegiate but the church universal. We live in what many church professionals are calling the “Post-Christian era” in that Christianity is no longer the assumed dominant driver in world and even American religion. In fact, many evangelical churches in other nations are now sending missionaries to the U.S. as we have become one of the largest mission fields. Church attendance, membership, giving and volunteering have never been as challenging as they seem to be today. It forces us to be more diligent, more outside-the-box thinking and more proactive than either we are accustomed to or certainly we may have been.

Yet, I am drawn to the words of Isaiah 43:19 – See, I am doing a new thing. Isaiah wrote this during the time of the Exile, a time of great upheaval and

Lent 2016

WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP @ 6:15PM “WeWo” blends traditional and contemporary worship styles, taking the best of both. Meets in the Sanctuary on Ash Wednesday, then back in the Marble Loft. Holy Communion each week February 17 – March 16. (No WeWo on March 23.)

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 1:00pm – “A Clergy Conversation About Lent” (Mark 1:12-13), Rev. Kirsty DePree and Dr. Michael B. Brown reflect on the meanings of the season.

6:15pm – “To Err Is Human, To Forgive – Divine” (Matthew 21:28-32), Dr. Michael B. Brown If you can’t be here in person, visit MarbleChurch. org for Live Webcast of WeWo: Wednesday Worship.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Tuesday, February 9 | 5:00-8:00pm Please join us any time between 5:00 and 8:00pm for our First Annual Pancake Supper! Bring a friend, bring your family and enjoy pancakes flipped by our very own ministers and staff. Glutenfree options available. We’ll have a great time!

(See page 12.)

MARCH 2016 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM

MARCH 6

Dr. Michael B. Brown Senior Minister preaching

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Palm Sunday

Luke 14:1-24, 25-27

Mark 11:15-18

MARCH 13

MARCH 27

Misunderstood

There They Will See Me

The Hard Sayings

MARCH 20

Power Corrupts

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Easter Sunday

Mark 14:1-10

Matthew 28:1-10

HOLY WEEK SERVICES See page 3.

Marble Matters

LENTEN SMALL GROUPS Online and In Person February 14 - March 23 This year we will journey through the Gospel of John to explore the spiritual significance of Jesus’ life and to gain a fresh perspective of who Jesus is and what it truly means to “have life in his name”. You’ll have a choice of meeting at Marble or by participating online.

• Dr. Mark King leads Mondays online, 7:00pm.

• Rev. Kirsty DePree leads Wednesdays at Marble and online, 7:15pm.

• Baleta McKenzie leads Sundays at Marble, 9:15am & 2:30pm.

For details or to sign up, visit MarbleChurch.org, the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour, or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org) or for the online participants you may also contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

THE BIBLE FOR TODAY Make Dr. Brown’s special online series part of your Lenten journey. Visit MarbleChurg.org.

Holy Week 2016

MARCH 27, EASTER SUNDAY Prayer Circle – 8:30am Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson.

Prelude for Brass and Organ – 8:45 & 10:45am Worship – 9:00 & 11:00am “There They Will See Me” (Matthew 28:1-10) is Dr. Michael Brown’s Easter message at two identical services. Music

by The Marble Choir with festival brass ensemble.

11:00am Worship will be live streamed as usual – a wonderful way for your friends and family around the world to join you for Easter at Marble!

Easter activities for children 2nd Grade and under during services. Children 3rd Grade and up are encouraged to worship with their families.

MARCH 20, PALM/PASSION SUNDAY Bible Study with Sister Carol Perry, Prayer Circle, Family Worship – 10:00am Worship – 11:00am “Power Corrupts” (Mark 11:15-18), Dr. Michael Brown preaching. Music by The Marble Choir, Festival of Voices, and Marble Children’s Choir.

MARCH 24, MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship – 7:00pm “Parting Promises and Prayers” Commemorating Jesus’ final night with reading, dance and music by The Marble Choir.

Holy Communion.

MARCH 25, GOOD FRIDAY Music for Prayer and Meditation – 11:30am Kenneth Dake Worship – 12 Noon “The Last Words” (The Passion Story), Dr. Michael Brown preaching. Kenneth Dake leads The Marble Choir, Festival of Voices, and orchestra. Today’s service will be live streamed.

Prayer Vigil – 1:00–3:00pm Join the Prayer Ministry Team to pray for members and friends of Marble Church. Come when you can, leave when you wish. Prayer Request cards will be available in the pews in late February; please complete and return to Marble by Palm Sunday, March 20.

Jazz Revelation – 7:00pm A Jazz Funeral for Christ. Dr. R. Mark King preaching. In the Sanctuary.

SR. CAROL PERRY’S LENT DEVOTIONAL Listening is available at MarbleChurch.org to download or read as daily blog entries.

EASTER LILIES Lilies are placed in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of loved ones whose names appear in the Easter Sunday Bulletin of March 27. To pay tribute to someone in your life while adding to the beauty of the Sanctuary, please return an Easter Lily card (in pews in late February and at Reception) with your contribution by Sunday, March 13.

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Susanah Wade Director of Missions & Outreach

Agents of Love

life skills. Those gifts extended to research and care of those challenged by mental illness and for mentorship and empowerment of LGBTQ youth who face many challenges as they try to find their places in the world. Those gifts extended to childcare centers in South Africa in Johannesburg and Bostshabelo where vulnerable and orphaned children find places of safety and nourishment.

Jesus sought to teach us many lessons during his time on earth, one of which was our responsibility to love each other regardless of our differences. Such responsibility however requires intentional action by each of us, much in the same way Jesus did by engaging with others especially when they reached out to him, and by serving others.

The needs in our communities continue and they likely always will, but that does not dissuade me and based on your past actions, I believe does not dissuade you from continuing to do what we are called individually to do in helping and walking alongside each other in love. Jesus was never dissuaded in his quest to make a positive difference in the world, and so it is with anticipation and great hope that I look forward to another Lenten season of us doing likewise.

In the Marble Spotlight

THE MARBLE PIPE ORGAN INAUGURAL CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES

The Easter Offering

By Susanah Wade Each year, I look forward to the Lenten season at Marble for several reasons. It’s a time when we honor and remember the earthly entry and exit of Jesus into our lives, and all that he taught us during that time. Jesus’ life was intended in part to teach us to be agents of love in the world. Last year during Lent, members of the Marble Community were such agents through the generous gifts they gave to our annual Easter Offering that were used to support needs in the world. But more importantly, those gifts extended and manifested beyond dollars to hands-on work in communities in our city and beyond in multiple ways.

They extended to a grade school in Harlem where Marble congregants volunteer weekly to teach second and third graders who are struggling with Math and English, and to engage them once a month in the world of arts and culture in New York City. Those gifts extended to housing and social services support for veterans and other families in New York City who need more than a meal but assistance and companionship in navigating education and training services for job readiness, family reunification services and

JAZZ REVELATION Fridays | 6:30pm The survey said… Thank you to all who participated in the survey to let us know your thoughts on day and time for Jazz Revelation. We’ve moved back to Fridays. Join us every week.

MARBLE LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT SERIES Thursdays, February 4 – March 3 | 12:30pm Take a 30-minute break for your soul. Free admission.

• February 4 – Gregory Zelek, organ student, The Juilliard School • February 11 – David Hurd, concert organist • February 18 – James Kennerley, organist/choirmaster, St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church • February 25 – Mark Jame Pall, organ student, Westminster Choir College • March 3 – Christopher Creaghan, associate organist, The Riverside Church MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR Mini-Concert Sunday, February 14 | 10:45am Please see page 12.

THE ROAD HOME The Marble Choir at Merkin Concert Hall Tuesday, February 23 | 8:00pm Please see page 12 for ticket information.

Richard Elliott Thursday, March 10 | 7:30pm Richard Elliott is Principal Organist of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, where he participates in the daily recital series on the 206-rank Æolian-Skinner organ and accompanies the choir on its weekly radio and TV Richard Elliott broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word. Elliott has performed in many of the world’s great halls and appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including the NBC Today Show, CBS Morning Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and A Prairie Home Companion. MormonTabernacleChoir.org.

Tickets: $20; $15, students/seniors. Purchase online at MarbleChurch.org or at the door.

The series concludes on Friday, April 29 with Pipes and Voices featuring Diane Bish, known as The First Lady of the Organ, in concert with The Marble Choir and Festival of Voices.

Marble Matters

ESTATE PLANNING Sunday, March 13 | 12:30pm Steven J. Baker, JD, from the Barnabas Foundation (our partner in ministry), will share some clear and easy-to-understand information on Estate Planning. In the Marble Loft. (See T.J. Houlihan’s article on page 7.)

MEMBERSHIP AT MARBLE Faith is a journey and we warmly invite you to join with us as you travel along. For more information about our upcoming New Member Orientations, after Sunday Worship please come to the Deacons’ Pew (to right of Chancel) where the Membership Team

CYF CORNER A SPECIAL LETTER from Stefanie Jenkins Desi, Khadijah and I pray before every meal, and have for the entirety of Desi’s life. The other night at dinner she told me (to my surprise AND delight) that she prays before meals at school as well but just “in her head” to herself. She explained how her very best friend Ruby noticed one day and asked what she was doing. The following was her response, which I wrote down (as verbatim as possible) immediately after, never wanting to forget what she shared with me.

I told her I was praying and she asked what that was. So I told her it’s when you talk to God who is a little man in your heart who protects you. She said “Oh that’s cool.” Then she said she wanted to pray with me one day. So on Monday we prayed together.

We held hands and I went first and I said “thank you God for protecting us...” And then she prayed. I don’t remember exactly what she said but it was really nice and it almost made me cry. After we put our heads together (temple to temple) and then we went whewww.

So I don’t remember the exact content of her prayer but it was full of gratitude as it always is... and even as she was explaining how she “almost cried” she like got welled up. I am certain that the Holy Spirit was alive and present in that moment for them, as well as when she relived it with me. Finally,

will help you (they will be wearing red carnations), visit the Welcome Table after WeWo, or contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org). We’d love to have you join us!

FEBRUARY Sunday, February 14 | 10:30am-2:30pm Orientation with Dr. Brown and Rev. DePree Sunday, February 21 | 10:45am-1:30pm Connection Sunday, including Lunch with Staff Sunday, February 28 | 10:30am-12:15pm Reception of New Members during Worship

the whewww part was like a deep exhale that apparently they both mutually shared.... again, having been blessed in moments of deep reflection with being moved by grace and the Spirit, I understand what she meant. I wanted to be able to really write all this out for you, since your welcoming spirit and that of your team at CYF has greatly contribStefanie, Desi, Khadijah uted to this experience she had, because you all have helped us shape her understanding of God and the importance and beauty of prayer in a way that has just become natural to my innocent loving 5 year old.... It’s just so beautiful to me because I have always had a deep rooted faith even when it “wasn’t cool” amongst my peers, and to hear that my daughter shared this with her friend so naturally and without even realizing it!!, is nothing short of a miracle and a true witness of God’s grace in our lives.

Staff for this Issue: EDITORS:

FAMILY WORSHIP Sundays, February 21 & March 20 | 10:00am All welcome to join CYF for this uplifting service in the Marble Loft. All the children’s choirs sing and children participate in parts of worship.

CONFIRMATION CLASS Begins Sunday, February 28 | 12:30-1:30pm If your child, 6th grade and up, is interested in being part of this year’s class, please contact Brian Hampton (BHampton@MarbleChurch.org).

Confirmation Sunday is May 1, when the class will be received in the 11:00am Worship as new members of the church. (See Brian’s article on page 6.)

Karla Fritsch Catherine Ortiz PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Siobhan Tull Karla Fritsch Robert Romagnoli GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

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Confirmation

Brian Hampton, Confirmation age, Director of Children Youth & Families Ministry

By Brian Hampton One of my very favorite parts of my job here at Marble is teaching Confirmation classes. It’s a time when I get to take all the great Christian education they’ve had here with our awesome teachers and apply and merge that with their budding soon-to-beteenage personalities—personalities that will lead them into late middle school and high school. We talk together about our own feelings about God, Jesus, the Bible, talking about our faith with others, and more. We invite ministers to share with us, even get a personal one-on-one with Sister Carol.

Confirmation is really the first “small group” experience they have at Marble, and when they realize it’s a safe environment, there are no wrong wonderings, and they will soon be in one of the coolest small groups at Marble (the Youth Group), it’s a priceless 10 weeks for me. And then—the moment arrives when they stand up on the Chancel and reaffirm their baptism vows, and their amazing Statements of Faith are in the bulletin. I always get VERY choked up that I have the honor of being up there with them and Dr. Brown.

Now, here’s the funny thing. Every year, when we get to the topic of Confirmation, the students always ask me about MY Confirmation. And I (as I always am with them), honestly say that I don’t remember if I was confirmed. They reply, “WHAT?” And I tell them that my Dad was a minister, and we moved around every 3 years, and both my father and I can’t remember if I was confirmed. For those of you who have met my dad, you won’t be surprised at the conversation.

It goes a little something like this, “Dad? Seriously.

Think back. The kids asked me again this year. Was

I confirmed?” And he answers, “Oh, gosh. I think so.

I hope so. HA! I can’t imagine that you weren’t, but I can’t remember either!”

A few weeks ago, my mom called me, and she told me, “Brian, I found a bunch of your old drawings, some old scripts you wrote, poems, ribbons, and stuff. I went through the batch, looked back on all the memories, and now I want you to have them—and do the same.” I responded, “OK. What in the world is in there?” When the package arrived, I opened the big padded envelope and began to smile, laugh, and even tear up at all the memorabilia. One that was especially great—was a faded purple ribbon from a pet show with my dog’s name, Shaggy, written on it—with the award titled, “Most Protective.” HA! He was! And, then I saw it. It was a bulletin. Now, as you can imagine, I did A LOT in the church, but in that moment, I whispered to myself, “Please. Let this be it.” And it was! It was the bulletin from May 11, 1986.

And there was my name—under “The Baptism and Reception of the Confirmation Class.” Listed with me, were the 12 other names of my friends. The friends who would be my new Youth Group.

So, I’m happy to say two things. One, I cannot wait for this year’s Confirmation Class. And two, I’m happy to finally “confirm” MY Confirmation!

If your child is in the 6th grade or up, please reach out to me if you would like them to be in this year’s class. Classes begin on February 28, 12:30 -1:30pm, and Confirmation Sunday is May 1. And if your child says, “But I don’t know what I believe, yet.” You let them know THAT is exactly what the class is for. And let them know that believing is an always-changing thing, and that’s what makes it so wonderful.

Reflections on the Women’s Retreat

2015 Women’s Retreat

2015 was our very first opportunity to participate ourselves as daughters of God with the very special in the Marble’s Women’s Ministry Retreat. Our experi- gifts of working with children in different capacities. ence as a whole was spiritually enriching. We were We thank you for sharing this retreat with all able to make personal connections between the difwomen who are on a spiritual journey. ferent topics to our own lives PS30 Educators: Gloria Cheng, Electra offered through workshop Cummings, Mahadei Rookhum, Johnnie Mae formats, especially the topic Russell, and Tonya Spry-Thomas on Women of the Bible.

Worshiping with For information on the 2016 Women’s other women reafRetreat, March 11-13, please visit firmed our need MarbleChurch.org. to maintain our spiritual as well as physical health. This retreat was a gift to our group of PS30 educators. It gave us the whole weekend to refocus and reflect on Sister Carol on 2015 Retreat

Marble Matters

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How Will You Continue to Build Up God’s Kingdom?

By T.J. Houlihan Many of you spend your entire lives advancing the Kingdom of God-through your worship, prayers, good works, service, and financial gifts. You do it with your financial gifts to Pledge, Christmas and Easter Offerings, and the RCA’s Syrian Refugee Offering Fund, among others. It is only natural that financial Stewardship is a part of your lifetime journey. The spiritual practice of Giving Back (one of our Marble values) of your financial gifts is an important one.

But what happens when you’re no longer here to do that work? Who will do it for you? Did you know that there’s a way you can continue to contribute your financial gifts to God’s Kingdom long after you’ve left this earthly life?

During your lifetime, you may work 40 years to accumulate assets and spend 10 to 20 years conserving that accumulation. It is through good Estate Planning that another wonderful chapter in the “book of your life” can not only be completed, but countless more can be written. Many people think Estate Planning is only for the wealthy, but it’s for everyone.

It’s an important process of deciding where your assets should be distributed when you are no longer in need of them. Regardless of the size of your Estate, your age or stage in life, prudent Estate Planning,

Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch When I was in Junior High my sister Kristi was on the “Iowa State Bomb” yearbook staff and wanted me to go to the Bomb Office with her. I was resistant. I don’t remember why. She was persistent and I finally gave in. It was cool hanging out on campus and being in a different environment gave me a boost of energy. I had a great time! All these decades later that day still gives me perspective and my sister and I have dubbed similar situations as “Bomb Office Experiences”.

I had a type of “Bomb Office Experience” last year when I got a Jury Duty summons. The timing wasn’t good and I couldn’t postpone so there was this “have to” weighing me down. However, there were gifts wrapped up in that red and white piece of paper — a change in routine and a chance for a new perspective, which gave me a spiritual lift in the midst of winter.

It’s valuable for us to change our perspective. At times we need to do something physically to see things differently — walk a different way to the subway or crouch down to see something on the level of a child. I’m a fan of the TV show NCIS and one of my favorite scenes is when forensic scientist Abby wants to look at things differently in hopes of

such as a Will, can put you on the way towards maximizing the impact of the resources God has entrusted to you.

On Sunday, March 13 at 12:30pm, Steven J. Baker, JD, from the Barnabas Foundation (our partner in ministry), will share some clear and easy-tounderstand information on Estate Planning to help you begin to determine what best meets yours and/ or your family’s needs, as well as ensure that the ministries and organizations most important to you can continue to be provided for.

Please join us to learn more about this important part of your life planning! Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are appreciated, but not necessary.

Contact T.J. Houlihan (THoulihan@MarbleChurch. org). If you are unable to attend in person, this program will be live streamed and archived. Please visit MarbleChurch.org for more information.

Sponsored by the Peale Society, Marble’s premier legacy giving society, which recognizes congregants, who through their planned gifts such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, and life insurance policies, help ensure the future ministry of our historic church.

making a break in the case. There is the sound effect of screeching brakes as she quickly bends over and looks at things upside down. Sure enough, it made her see something she hadn’t seen before which was a step toward solving the case.

Often times it helps to get quiet and discern what God’s viewpoint is on something specific in our lives. Or, to be open to God’s blessings and new insights that come from an opportunity we may be resisting ­­— something that could be a “Bomb Office Experience”.

Is there something that you need to look at differently ­— do you need a general change in perspective? Join me in walking on a different block, sitting in a new spot, looking up while standing on a corner waiting to cross the street... We may see something that helps us find a solution we didn’t see before, to make a positive shift in our day, or to get a spiritual lift that can carry us through anything.

T.J. Houlihan Director of Giving

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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Spiritual Growth and Education

Bible Study with Sister Carol Perry

Sr. Carol Perry Bible Scholar

SUNDAYS AT 10AM LOOKING BEYOND February 7, 14, 21 & 28; March 3, 10, 17 & 20 Luke’s gospel with its challenges to see the outsider as a potential insider will be our Lenten study.

Firmly yet clearly, Jesus teaches that fellowship takes us beyond our comfort zone of the familiar into the diversity of newness.

A reminder for Sr. Carol’s online students who live stream Sunday mornings: ask your question at the end of class! Either click on the “Send Us a Question” button on the live streaming page or email us at MarbleVision@MarbleChurch.org. We would love to hear from you!

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM Sr. Carol’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study class draws a committed group of people who want to go deeper into bringing the Bible to life. Come when you can. Meets most Tuesdays.

FAITH IS A VERB February 2, 9, 16 & 23; March 1, 8, 15 & 29 The Bible is a book of action and its people are not passive. Let us follow some of them as they react to God’s call: Abraham, Aaron, Miriam, Rahab, Jonah, Levi... Each one has a story to share. Please note, no class during Holy Week, March 22.

Prayer Circle SUNDAYS AT 10AM This informal gathering centers on singing and prayer for individual and communal concerns. All are welcome! Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. Meets every Sunday. Holy Communion celebrated weekly (unless scheduled for 11:00am Worship).

Rev. Gregory Johnson

Lenten Small Groups

We encourage you to sign up for a Small Group to help on your transformative journey through Lent. See page 3 or stop by the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org), Rev. Kirsty DePree (KDepree@MarbleChurch.org) or visit MarbleChurch.org.

Dr. Michael Brown’s Online Series

WEEKDAYS, NOON–1:00PM SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE Bring your lunch and join interactive Bible study in two Manhattan locations. Return to work with a new attitude.

Join Dr. Brown for The Bible for Today during Lent. New episode posted on Thursdays in February and March.

New episodes of Dr. Brown’s on-going series, Soul Purpose, return after Lent. You may always visit MarbleChurch.org for archived episodes to view at any time. They are also available on YouTube.

These brief videos are a wonderful way to feed your soul and help you explore a practical faith for the everyday.

TUESDAYS IN THE MARBLE LOFT February 2 & 16; March 1 & 15

The Colloquium

THURSDAYS AT ST. BART’S February 4 & 18; March 3 & 17 St. Bartholomew’s Church, 325 Park Ave (at 51st St). Enter through Park Ave doors and proceed to the Welcome Center, directly behind the chancel.

Returns Sunday, May 29 | 10:00am Our special series with outstanding scholars from the spectrum of theological and ecclesiastical academia returns this spring.

Missons and Outreach: Opportunities to Serve 99

In the Action Spotlight​

Annual Drive for Dignity, March 6 – April 10 – Please donate new boxers, briefs, bras, t-shirts, tank tops and socks for homeless adults living in shelters. Bring to the Action Volunteer Table after Sunday Worship.

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. Sunday, March 14 — Volunteers are needed to help prepare 50 lunches, 10:00-10:30am, for Ecclesia Ministry (an open-air worshipping congregation for the homeless in Madison Square Park). We also need others to transport the lunches and host the service which begins at 2:00pm; meet in front of 276 Fifth Ave at 1:30pm. (Please note no lunch preparation on February 14.)

LOVE IS... GIVING Help others by making a financial donation to the Easter Offering and bringing new socks & undergarments for the Annual Drive for Dignity.

LOVE IS... GRATITUDE In the Oct/Nov Touchpoint, we asked, “What Are YOU Grateful for?” Here are two responses we received: I am thankful to be a Marble member (since 4/2011). Thank you Kim Ryan, Kirsty DePree and the staff.

Thanks to my husband for putting up with me.

Thanks to God’s Love We Deliver. I appreciate this great service.

Thanks to both of my home attendants; they help me in many ways.

I am thankful to have been born in this great country. Though it’s not perfect, I appreciate that it has provided peace and stability in my life.

— Robert Acevedo

Marble Fights Hunger — Please support our continuous food drive by donating non-perishables.

Food is given to Icahn House shelter program. Leave donations at the 29th Street Reception area, the Fifth Ave Narthex or the Marble Loft.

Congregational Care Prayer Shawl Ministry — Knit or crochet prayer shawls as gifts to members who are ill or homebound. Gather on 1st and 3rd Mondays, 4:00-5:00pm, for prayer and creating together. All levels welcome. Materials provided.

Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).

MarbleVision Team — If you’re interested in helping with Marble’s Media Ministry, contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

Jazz Revelation Hospitality — To help at our jazz services contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@ MarbleChurch.org).

Donate Metrocards for LGBTQ Youth in Crisis served by “The Church” at St. Luke in the Fields, a partner in mission with our GIFTS Fellowship.

Metrocards should contain at least one full fare.

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.

I am grateful for many things— my family, friends, and my church in Montclair, NJ, but I am so grateful to Marble Collegiate Church and Dr. & Mrs. Peale for starting HelpLine Telephone Services in 1969. It was the first hotline in NYC to help anyone who called with any problem 24 hours a day, then expanding with Deaf Contact, CheeRing, and a counselling service. All the services were staffed by wonderful trained volunteers. I feel very grateful to have been a staff member there, advancing to become Executive Director. We helped thousands of callers and trained hundreds of volunteers with skills that I know carried over into their lives. Being at HelpLine Telephone Services was the highlight of my professional career for which I am forever grateful.

— Amy Hohn

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Program Ministries

Adult Ministry

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

Lend a helping hand with us at the Shrove Tuesday, February 9, Pancake Supper. Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

and attending Coffee Hour after Worship.

Connection (20s & 30s)

MarbleChurch.org

Men’s Ministry

We gather for Jazz Revelation and fellowship on Friday, February 5. For information, see the Calendar of Events, website or contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@MarbleChurch.org).

60+ Fellowship

Join us for social activities and conversations about faith, relationships, and life in New York City. To connect with us, contact Chad Tanaka Pack (CTanaka@MarbleChurch.org).

See the Calendar of Events and 60+ newsletter for details on our Wednesday lunch programs. Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Entrepreneurs

Women’s Ministry

Our next Peale Parlor Soul Salon will be in May. Stay tuned to website for details. Contact Katherine Gotshall English (212-529-8512 or kathcoach@earthlink.net).

GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship

All women invited for our annual Retreat, Getting to Grace, Friday, March 11-Sunday, March 13.

Early registration required this year. For details, check website or contact Anna Nugent (ANugent@ MarbleChurch.org).

Join us for our Coffee Hours on Sundays, February 7 and March 6. Contact Chad Tanaka Pack (CTanaka@MarbleChurch.org).

Calendar of Events

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.

EACH SUNDAY Live Sermon Talk Back with Dr. Michael Brown | 12:15pm Join us in the Sanctuary after Worship as we discuss Dr. Brown’s sermon and he answers your questions about faith & theology. To submit questions, those in the Sanctuary may use the Talk Back card in the pews and our online community may email: Connect@MarbleChurch.org. Hosted by Mario Sprouse.

EACH WEDNESDAY 60+ Fellowship For details on our lunch programs, check our 60+ Fellowship monthly newsletter. Inquiries to Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Walk the Labyrinth | 5:00-6:00pm Take a moment for a walking meditation before WeWo. (Please call to confirm schedule.)

WeWo: Wednesday Worship | 6:15pm “WeWo” blends traditional and contemporary worship styles, with sermons by Dr. Brown and others, plus dynamic music led by Deah Harriot with a praise vocal ensemble and band. Meets in the Marble Loft.

EACH FRIDAY Jazz Revelation | 6:30pm Connect with a community of people in a cozy setting of bistro tables to enjoy this time of worship led by Dr. Mark King and Chad Tanaka Pack; music by pianist Chris Whittaker with talented guest artists. In the Marble Loft.

Jazz Revelation

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 could vary.)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Mardi Gras buffet ($12, Fellowship members; $15, guests) and birthday celebration for February babies, followed by program at 1:00pm: Jazz by Manhattan School of Music.

Calendar of Events

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Men’s Social Event All men invited to join us for Jazz Revelation at 6:30pm and then gather for good food and fellowship at John Doe Restaurant, 5th Ave (bet. 28th-29th).

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 GIFTS: LGBTQ Coffee Hour | 12:15pm All welcome for this time of fellowship. Peale Parlor.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup and salad ($7), followed by Ash Wednesday Worship at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup and salad ($7), followed by program at 1:00pm: Marble member Scott Baker performs sleight of hand and mind.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Family Worship | 10:00am All welcome to this celebratory service in which the children and youth participate. In the Marble Loft.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup and salad ($7), followed by movie of the month at 12:30pm: Iris SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Monthly Brunch | 12:15pm All are invited for this time of fellowship and good food, with live music. In the Marble Loft. $12.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup and salad ($7) and birthday celebration for March babies, followed by program at 1:00pm: Rev. Gregory Johnson discusses his travels and groundbreaking work with caregivers world-wide.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 GIFTS: LGBTQ Coffee Hour | 12:15pm All welcome for this time of fellowship. Peale Parlor.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup and salad ($7), followed by program at 1:00pm: Sister Carol Perry blesses us with Lenten practices and perspectives.

WEEKEND, MARCH 11-13 Women’s Ministry Annual Retreat Getting to Grace: Moments of Metamorphosis.

All women invited for one of the spiritual highlights of the year led by Rev. Kirsty DePree, Lisa Anderson, Nina Frost, and Sr. Carol Perry. Register no later than February 24.

Details online or contact Anna Nugent.

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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Daylight Saving Time Begins Please remember to set clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm St. Patrick’s Day buffet ($12, Fellowship members; $15, guests) followed by program at 1:00pm: Irish folk music by Manhattan School of Music. (Please note, no Fellowship on March 23.)

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Family Worship | 10:00am All welcome to this celebratory service in which the children and youth participate. In the Marble Loft.

Monthly Brunch | 12:15pm All are invited for this time of fellowship and good food, with live music. In the Marble Loft. $12.

Classical Productions

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Easter Feast ($12, Fellowship members; $15, guests) followed by program at 1:00pm: Classical Productions returns, directed by Patricia Rogers.

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

Sundays

10am – Bible Study with Sr. Carol Perry 11am – Worship Service 12:15pm – Talk Back with Dr. Brown

Wednesdays

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

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

MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Touchpoint: February/March 2016

Pancakes Anyone?

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Tuesday, February 9 | 5:00-8:00pm Celebrate the last day before Lent with a good old-fashioned Pancake Supper! These “Tuesday before Lent celebrations” go back centuries and are a day of feasting before we begin a period of fasting. Join us in this tradition of Shrove Tuesday for some delicious pancakes – flipped on the griddle by the Ministers and Staff – along with bacon, sausage and fruit.

Gluten-free options will be provided. Music by Chris Whittaker, with a nod to Dixieland. All are welcome, including families, (but childcare available if needed) for this evening of fun, food and fellowship! Suggested donation: $5. Stop by any time between 5:00 and 8:00pm and bring family and friends.

FEB/MAR‘16

MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR MINI-CONCERT Sunday, February 14 | 10:45am Heralded as one of the most outstanding college choirs in the country, the Mansfield University Concert Choir, directed by Peggy Dettwiler, will perform a pre-service mini-concert at 10:45am. Plus, this magnificent 50-voice choir will combine with The Marble Choir during Worship in one of the most majestic masterpieces of choral literature, Hubert Parry’s “I Was Glad”, featuring Ken Dake at our new pipe organ!

TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine One West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001-4596 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THE ROAD HOME The Marble Choir at Merkin Concert Hall Tuesday, February 23 | 8:00pm The Marble Choir presents a concert of poignant songs about searching for home, returning home, and hoping for an everlasting home – featuring the works of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Paulus, and Ken Medema, among others.

The evening also includes a short presentation from Habitat for Humanity, as Marble Church launches a partnership with the organization. At Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street. Tickets: $25; $20, students/seniors. Purchase at KaufmanMusicCenter.org/ MCH, (212) 501-3330.

THE MARBLE PIPE ORGAN INAUGURAL CONCERT SERIES Richard Elliott Thursday, March 10 | 7:30pm Please see page 4 for details.

THE LAST WORD Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

— Corrie Ten Boom

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