Touchpoint February March 2019

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

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2019

Moving on the Right Path

We all seek to be on the right path in life, we have been but just being on the path is not enough. As Will provided is a congreRogers said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll gational survey that get run over if you just sit there.” None of us desire has been developed this for our lives or for our church. We want to be a through extensive part of a community of faith in which God is on the research at Fuller move in our lives so that we can live more boldly Seminary. It is an and love more deeply. excellent way for us to learn more about To move on the right path, there are two imporwho we are, where tant things to know: where we are and where we Dr. Michael Bos are going. Only then does the path emerge that will we are, and where God is leading us. We want everyone’s voice heard, get us there. This is a process that involves much so I ask that you take the listening, learning survey. It only takes five to and praying. In our “To move on the right path, ten minutes!

Town Hall meeting in October, we talked there are two important This is an exciting time about our mission things to know: where we are in the life of Marble. In the directions that are words of Isaiah, “God is and where we are going.” emerging from our doing a new thing; now it sense of where God springs forth, do you not is leading us. Your comments and insights were perceive it?” (43:19). May this be a time of listeninvaluable and have given shape to these priorities. ing, learning, and praying so that together we can We also need to listen and learn from one anoth- perceive and live into the new thing God is doing in our midst. er about where we are as a community. To help us with this, we are doing a congregational-wide survey in February. Marble is privileged to be a part Please see page 3 for our Mission Priorities and of a small cohort of churches that are considered Survey information. “influencers” in the U.S. Together we are exploring how churches grow young through their ability to reach successive generations. One of the resources

FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM

FEBRUARY 3

FEBRUARY 17

#WEWO:

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

Tri-Faith Sunday

The Future of Faith

The Power of Forgiveness: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week Forgiving Self

FEBRUARY 10

FEBRUARY 24

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

The Power of Forgiveness: The Power of Forgiveness: Why Forgive Forgiving Others

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Marble Matters

A Word from Our Executive Minister

RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME

By Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. One of the commitments I made when I came to How profound is this insight! We are invited to Marble was to re-read Norman Vincent Peale’s The ask God for renewal, restoration, healing. We ask Power of Positive Thinking. But, in addition to re-read- a gracious God to give us another chance, and then ing that book, I committed to exploring some of his another chance and our God of grace and mercy gives other less well-known writings, writings that never this to us because God wants us to thrive, to live in received the prominence of The Power of Positive joy and gratitude, to let God’s presence be absorbed Thinking but are chock-full of important insights and into every corner of our lives. teachings.

The right spirit is there, it is within us, but it is In Peale’s small book, Thought Conditioners, he renewal we cry out for, and it is that renewal, that focuses one of his writings on Psalm 51. Not the restoration that God blesses us with over and over entire Psalm; just one short verse of it: and over again.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a Renewal is not a one-time event, but a continuous right spirit within me.” process, a continuous returning, a continuous opportunity to begin again.

In his reflection on this verse, Peale focuses on the “ God’s grace and mercy are As we move into the holy word “renew” in verse 10. season of Lent, Psalm 51 inextricably woven into He asks, Why did the will be part of our “beginpsalmist choose that word ning again” as we gather every part of our lives…” instead of repeating what on Ash Wednesday to be he or she had used in the reminded that “we are dust, previous verse, “create.” Couldn’t the psalmist have and to dust we shall return.” This reminder should not said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. And create be regarded as negative or hopeless. a right spirit within me?” Wouldn’t that have been Rather, it reminds us that we live in God’s holy more poetic, more consistent? Wouldn’t a repeat of hands, where each day we have the opportunity to that word, “create” have provided more of a lilt to the see this precious life as a gift. None of us knows how verse, making it easier to sing and say and pray? many days we will journey on this earth, but God’s But that is not what the psalmist wrote. grace and mercy are inextricably woven into every part of our lives, each and every day. God’s spirit is Rather than “create a right spirit within me,” the woven into the very fabric of our beings, and that is psalmist calls out to God to “renew a right spirit why God has the ability to “renew a right spirit within within me.” That implies, according to Peale, that a right spirit is already there, already within you, but the me,” and you. plea is for God’s holy hand of love and righteousness Blessings, joy and renewal be yours during these to renew it.

Lenten days and beyond.

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

Staff for this Issue EDITOR:

Karla Fritsch PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Siobhan Tull Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

MARCH 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM MARCH 3

MARCH 17

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

The Art of Living, Part 2 The Art of Living, Part 3

Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D. preaching Second Sunday in Lent

MARCH 10 First Sunday in Lent

The Art of Living, Part 1

MARCH 24 Third Sunday in Lent

Rev. Jeff Neevel preaching

MARCH 31 Third Sunday in Lent

#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week Ash Wednesday, March 6

Marble Matters

Marble’s Mission Priorities

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,…to give you a future with hope. — Jeremiah 29:11

Growing Deeper ­— Seeking to grow in our faith in God, we recognize that our ability to grow into who God created us to be rests on deepening our faith.

Faith is the anchor of our lives and the source of hope and new possibilities.

Growing Relationally ­— Seeking to grow in our relationships with God and one another, we recognize that being in relationships provides the support and encouragement we need to live fully into God’s call for our lives. We commit to growing relationally both within Marble and out in the world through being good neighbors.

Growing in Generosity ­— Seeking to grow in our generosity as a grateful response to God’s blessings in our lives, we recognize everything we have belongs to God. Therefore, we strive to “be generous with the different things God gave us, passing them around so all get in on it” (1 Peter 4:10).

Growing Young and Across Generations — Seeking to grow in our capacity to be a beacon of hope for all people, we recognize we are called to minister across generations. Through our mission priorities, we strive to reach successive generations of people who yearn for God and to become something more.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Tuesday, March 5 | 5:00-8:00pm Back by popular demand, we are pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Pancake Supper! Grab your friends and family, and head to the Marble Loft to enjoy pancakes flipped on the griddle by the Ministers, Staff, Elders and Deacons. Celebrate Mardi Gras with a stack of pancakes, a little Jazz, and a lot of fun! Please join us any time between 5:00 and 8:00pm. $7 per person, children under 12 are free. Gluten-free options available. No reservation needed.

Lent 2019

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP March 6 1:00pm – Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, preaching 6:15pm – Dr. Michael Bos, preaching The evening service has traditional worship music led by The Marble Choir and Kenneth Dake, and kicks off Dr. Bos’ Lenten Sermon Series: The Art of Living.

Ash Wednesday services are in the Sanctuary and we offer ashes at the conclusion of both.

FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ VESPERS Friday, March 29 | 6:15pm The Wilderness, message by Rev. Anthony Livolsi.

Hear God whispering in the silence and jiving in the jazz. Music led by Jazz pianist Chris Whittaker and friends. In the Marble Loft. (Friday Night Jazz Vespers also on February 1, please see page 12.)

YOUR LENTEN JOURNEY— GROW DEEPER Lenten Small Groups – Learn more at the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org). #WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP March 13 – April 10 Women’s Ministry Daily Lenten Blog – For During Lent, Holy Communion will be celebrated at words of inspiration, March 6 – April 18, visit WeWo each week. In the Marble Loft (274 5th Ave). marblewomen.com.

Take the Survey!

In February we are doing a congregationalwide survey to help us better understand who we are, where we are, and where God is leading us. We want everyone’s voice heard, it only takes five to ten minutes!

Please take the survey at www.oursurvey. church/MarbleChurch

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Marble Matters

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In the Marble Spotlight

Rabbi Rachel Ain

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 has a conversation with Rabbi Rachel Ain, Sutton Place Synagogue, and Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director and Chaplain for the Islamic Center at NYU, 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.

INTERFAITH PROJECT February 3, 7, 10 For information on Interfaith Photovoice, please see page 12.

Imam Khalid Latif

MARBLE FAMILY SKI TRIP Saturday, March 2 | 6:00am–7:00pm All invited to join Dr. Bos and the Marble Family at Windham Mountain Resort for a day of fellowship and fun as we deepen our relationships with each other. Whether you’re a novice skier or if you’re semi-pro, we have an activity to suit your needs. Visit MarbleChurch.org for pricing details. Register on Sundays during Coffee Hour. Questions? Contact Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin (BHanlin@MarbleChurch.org).

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CONCERT Thursday, March 14 | 7:30pm Please see page 12 and for ticket information stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org.

CONSIDER A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY — MAKE A LEGACY GIFT TO MARBLE WHILE YOU’RE STILL ALIVE!

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 in the Sanctuary to right of the 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.

February Orientation Sunday, February 3 | 12:30-1:30pm Change and Growth – focuses on highs and lows of the faith journey Sunday, February 10 | 12:30-1:30pm Stewardship and Service – focuses on offering our time, talent and treasure Sunday, February 24 | 10:30am-1:15pm Reception of New Members during Worship SAVE THE DATE Marble Music Next Door Presents: JUILLIARD ORGANISTS IN CONCERT Thursday, April 4 | 7:30pm The entire class of The Juilliard School’s organ department, chaired by world-renowned organist Paul Jacobs, present their annual recital, featuring the music of British and American composers. Hear up-and-coming virtuosos perform the works of Aaron Copland, John Weaver, Charles Stanford, Florence Beatrice Price, John Cage and more, on Marble’s magnificent Glück organ. Free and open to all.

THE MARBLE EASTER OFFERING HELP MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT We here at Marble are very excited that this year’s Easter Offering is around the corner! Soon it will be time once again to unite as a community and support nonprofits in our neighborhood and beyond that seek to alleviate human suffering and promote growth, empowerment and sustainability for the vulnerable.

This Lenten season, we look forward to our journey together as we continue to be the hands, feet, eyes and ears of Jesus in the world. For more information, visit MarbleChurch.org/give/easter-offering or contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org).

Marble Matters

The Marble Prayer Circle

Rev. Gregory Johnson Do you know what is one of the oldest, continuous ministries at Marble? It’s the Prayer Circle, which meets every Sunday morning, 10:00-10:50am, downstairs in the Chapel (on Easter it meets at 8:15am). If you arrive by 9:45am, you can enjoy “those wonderful old hymns” that many of us grew up loving. They still speak to us and I personally love playing them as they lead us into our time of prayer.

Holy Communion is celebrated on most Sundays except when it is part of the 11:00am service. All are welcome with great love to the Table of the Lord.

Since initiating the Eucharist at our services on a weekly basis we have also had the joy of bringing focus to another great doctrine of the church: the Communion of Saints.

The Chapel is perfectly located across from our lovely Columbarium, a place in which many of our loved ones rest. It is so appropriate that as we gather as a family of faith; a family of prayer; a family of choice – we do so in the presence of the Communion of Saints. We are one in the Lord forever and we give thanks.

Prayer Circle has indeed become a family of choice for many of us. Although many of us live alone, we are not alone. At the end of each service before our final

prayer, we take a moment to look around our circle, take a mental picture of our family and take each home in our hearts and in our prayers each week.

We are not alone. God has blessed us with our Marble Prayer Circle Family and we are grateful.

A fairly recent addition to Prayer Circle is our live interactive service, usually the last Sunday of each month. This allows those who may be ill, those who live far away, and those who are traveling to join us. Prayer Circle has persons all over the world who are praying with us and requesting prayers from us.

We count members from places as diverse as South Africa, Brazil, Amsterdam, London, Delhi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. We would love to have YOU join us, too.

You will be welcomed with much love.

For the link to the monthly interactive Prayer Circle, please see page 8.

CYF CORNER FAMILY WORSHIP Sunday, February 10 | 10:00am All invited to join CYF in the Marble Loft when both Children’s Choirs will sing and families will participate in the service. The message will be by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin.

MOMENTS & MEMORIES

CYF MOVIE NIGHT Friday, February 15 | 6:00-9:00pm Parents, enjoy a night out together while your children fellowship over pizza, crafts, and, the movie, Wonder! In the Marble Loft. $5, per child. Please sign up by February 12. Contact Rev. Brittany Hanlin (BHanlin@

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Rev. Gregory Johnson Prayer Circle

The Children’s Choir, directed by Fred Meads, sings from the Choir Loft during Sunday Worship.

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Marble Matters

Loving the Word

Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

SPEAKING OF LOVE cream? The love of God is a love of joining, not just of

By Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton enjoying. A love of union, not of possession. Loving As soon as the Christmas windows come down, God means we allow God into the inmost places of the valentines go up – red hearts, pink hearts, lace ourselves, knowing that God has always been there hearts. Pastel hearts that say “Be Mine.” “I love you.” anyway, that there are no places within us that God “Hubba Hubba.” And chocolate, lots of chocolate – does not already know. Loving God means loving this last which seems a bit unkind, doesn’t it? Just everything that God has made, and so it always a month after we made all those resolutions about entails reaching out to the world God loves. No one moderation? We begin to consider can be a Christian alone. We are part giving up chocolate for Lent. of a body.

What are we talking “ The love of God is a At the end of this wintry time, about when we talk about the first green shoots of plants love of joining, not when love? In Greek, the language will appear to remind us that we won’t in which the Christian scripjust of enjoying.” be frozen forever, we will begin to tures were first written, there prepare for the ultimate act of love: are a number of words for God’s acceptance of a human death, love. But English is a clumsy language when it comes one just like the one we will all face. The little green to love – we have only one word to cover it all. So we shoots of snowdrops and crocuses tell us that this love our country and we love our parents and we love act of love is also an act of birth: not even death can strawberry ice cream and we love God, and we use separate us from Christ. From our darkest place, the one word to express these things. brightness of God’s love will burst forth.

It’s not enough.

Do you love God? If that means you must feel about God the same way you feel about a dish of ice cream, you may feel you don’t love God enough.

But does God really wish to be loved as we love ice

THE MARBLE WELCOME: EMBRACE THE MARBLE COMMUNITY We would love to welcome you! Hugs available.

Marble Matters

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Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch Do you live a joy-filled life?

Last fall I got enveloped in the joy of a 103 year old woman on a New York City bus. She looked incredible and her cane was wrapped in leopard print fabric to match her scarf, and the collar and cuffs on her coat.

A man complimented her and she said she did that for all her outfits. That alone sparked joy within me.

The bus was pretty full and most of us could hear her telling a bit of her story, including that she used to perform with Bob Hope and others. At one point she started singing “New York, New York”. I couldn’t see every face on the bus, but the majority of us smiled and started clapping and cheering. As the bus was nearing her stop she said, “Hey driver, why don’t you make a wrong turn and let’s all go to Atlantic City!” More cheers from the passengers. As she was leaving, the bus echoed with people saying “God bless you”. Her joy expressed connected a bus full of strangers.

I don’t know if that experience sparked my reflection on my personal joy or not, but before 2019 began and before I heard someone suggest setting an overall theme for the year, I was working on adding daily little joys to my life.

The joy of dancing. As a child, in addition to enjoying my dance classes at Ann Dirksen’s studio, I used to love dancing around the living room, especially to soundtracks. As an adult, dancing had been a great form of exercise whether in a class or in my apartment. Yet, I had let it slip away for years.

The joy of music. I was in a church choir loft from the time I was an infant and probably started singing soon after. My dad used to direct the family as we sang songs in the car. I sang in church and school choirs, in musical theatre, and a couple years after I arrived in NYC I did my own cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama. Music had continued to be a part of my life, yet over time I’d gotten in the bad habit of not singing enough, and not listening, really listening, to enough music.

For the last couple months, I’ve been weaving dance and music into each day and was proud for adding new habits within this theme of joy. Then one morning, as I was walking from the subway to Marble I realized, I wasn’t adding these, I was returning to them – RETURNING TO JOY. It’s more than incorporating these things from childhood back into my life. Joy is part of my birthright and isn’t something that’s tied to circumstances. The joy of music was one of my lifelines during a long, deep depression – certainly songs with lyrics that inspired me to dream and hang on, yet especially in the middle of the night when I could play the piano and sing.

As a spiritual being, Joy is part of your birthright.

In Galatians 5:22 it says that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I hope each one of us can keep finding ways to connect to joy within ourselves and, long before we’re 103, to express that joy and remind others that it’s their birthright too.

TOUCHPOINT REMINDERS Remember, digital versions of Touchpoint are always available on the website (MarbleChurch.org/connect/library/newsletters) and sent via email at least one week before printed copies are available.

If you haven’t subscribed to the email list, click on Newsletter Sign-Up at the bottom of any page on our site and select Touchpoint – The Marble Magazine.

This is where you may also sign up to receive the Weekly Email Update (sent every Thursday) and a variety of other e-newsletters. (Please note, we cannot subscribe to any of the email lists on your behalf, this is a software feature designed to protect you from spam.)

If you still like to hold a printed copy of Touchpoint in your hand, they are available in the Marble Loft at the Welcome Center (next door, 274 5th Ave) and in the 29th Street Lobby. If you can’t get to Marble to pick up one in person, please contact Shana Wolfe (SWolfe@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext. 248) and one can be mailed to you.

Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2019

Moving on the Right Path

We all seek to be on the right path in life, we have been but just being on the path is not enough. As Will provided is a congreRogers said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll gational survey that get run over if you just sit there.” None of us desire has been developed this for our lives or for our church. We want to be a through extensive part of a community of faith in which God is on the research at Fuller move in our lives so that we can live more boldly Seminary. It is an and love more deeply. excellent way for us to learn more about To move on the right path, there are two imporwho we are, where tant things to know: where we are and where we Dr. Michael Bos are going. Only then does the path emerge that will we are, and where God is leading us. We want everyone’s voice heard, get us there. This is a process that involves much so I ask that you take the listening, learning survey. It only takes five to and praying. In our “To move on the right path, ten minutes!

Town Hall meeting in October, we talked there are two important This is an exciting time about our Mission things to know: where we are in the life of Marble. In the Directions that are words of Isaiah, “God is and where we are going.” emerging from our doing a new thing; now it sense of where God springs forth, do you not is leading us. Your comments and insights were perceive it?” (43:19). May this be a time of listeninvaluable and have given shape to these priorities. ing, learning, and praying so that together we can We also need to listen and learn from one anoth- perceive and live into the new thing God is doing in our midst. er about where we are as a community. To help us with this, we are doing a congregational-wide survey in February. Marble is privileged to be a part Please see page 3 for our Mission Directions of a small cohort of churches that are considered and Survey information. “influencers” in the U.S. Together we are exploring how churches grow young through their ability to reach successive generations. One of the resources

FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2019 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM

FEBRUARY 3

FEBRUARY 17

#WEWO:

Dr. Michael Bos Senior Minister preaching

The Future of Faith

Tri-Faith Sunday

The Power of Forgiveness: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, 6:15PM Every Week Forgiving Self

FEBRUARY 10

FEBRUARY 24

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

The Power of Forgiveness: The Power of Forgiveness: Why Forgive Forgiving Others

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Spiritual Growth and Education

Bible Study with Rev. Barbara Crafton

Prayer Circle

Forgiveness February 3, 10, 17 & 24; March 3 Adam and Eve, Jacob and Esau, the Prodigal Son — lots of forgiveness in the Bible!

The Art of Living March 10, 17, 24 & 31 Live like the Psalmist, live like Proverbs, live like Jesus!

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

Small Groups

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. Meets in the Labyrinth Room.

Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton Spiritual Teacher

Deep Dive Bible Study

Rev. Anthony Livolsi Associate Minister

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM How do we live our faith in times of political discord and national upheaval? Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi for a deep, searching read-through of 1 and 2 Samuel; in turning to the stories of Saul and David and Solomon and Absalom, we will discover how, long ago, God held together a nation divided, and seeks to use us to do still today. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome! Emailing ahead of time will ensure you are up to speed on the reading. Contact Rev. Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org). In the Labyrinth Room.

Bread & Bible

THURSDAYS AT NOON 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 Peale Parlor (1 W. 29th St.,1st floor). Weekly.

Marble at the Movies!

SUNDAYS AT 10AM February 3, 10, 17 & 24 Gather with Rev. Anthony Livolsi and others in the Marble Community to explore one Oscar Best-Picture nominee through the lens – pun intended! – of the Christian faith. In Peale Parlor (1 West 29th St.,1st floor).

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).

Please see Rev. Johnson’s article on page 5.

Being part of a Small Group is a wonderful way to grow spiritually and connect with others in the Marble Community. Learn more at the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@ MarbleChurch.org), or visit MarbleChurch.org.

Tea, Bible and Action Thursdays, starting February 7 | 6:00-8:00pm While sipping on one of the world’s oldest beverages, the group, led by Rev. Susanah Wade, will delve into God’s Word as they seek to discover God’s intent for a world in which our hearts are open, our actions are kind and our love for God and each other drive our actions. We’ll unpack selected books of the Bible and at the end of each three month module, will engage in group activities. Open to all. Contact Rev. Susanah Wade (SWade@MarbleChurch.org) or visit Small Group Table during Coffee Hour.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH BEREAVEMENT GROUP 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 and Dieter Killinger. Meets in Peale Parlor. If you’re interested in attending when new dates are set (Mondays, 12:00-1:15pm), 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

ANNUAL DRIVE FOR DIGNITY March 3 - April 7 Please donate new boxers, briefs, bras, t-shirts, tank tops, socks and feminine hygiene products for homeless adults living in shelters. Bring to the Action Volunteer Table after Sunday Worship. Monetary donations also welcome; make checks payable to Marble Collegiate Church, write “Drive for Dignity” in memo section, mail to attention of Tom Schneider or place in offering plate. For more information, please contact Tom, (TSchneider@MarbleChurch.org).

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE! When the people of Marble gather together and give, that engagement has far-reaching impact.

Whether donating school supplies, Christmas presents, or undergarments for our Drive for Dignity or giving of your time to help host our Christmas party for the children of Icahn House or put backpacks together (see Thank You letter from HousingPlus and that happy girl putting on her new backpack) – Marble is blessed to be a blessing!

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, February 9, March 9 & April 13 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, February 10 & March 10 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, February 4 & 25; March 4 & 18 4:00-5:00pm Knit or crochet prayer shawls for members who are ill or homebound. Gather in Peale Parlor for prayer and creating together. All levels welcome. Materials provided. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org).

Starting on March 18 we will meet 4:30-5:30pm.

Marble Fights Hunger — Please bring food every week (nutritious, canned/bottled items only) for Icahn House (a temporary shelter for homeless mothers & their children). Drop off bins in 29th St Lobby and the Marble Loft.

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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.

Arts Ministry

Help Mario Sprouse celebrate his new book Precious & Honored: A Spiritual Handbook for Artists at a book signing Sunday, February 10 after Worship. We’ll have an art exhibit for Black History Month in the Marble Loft as well as our rotating art exhibit The Wall of Hope, Healing and Inspiration downstairs in the hallway outside Labyrinth Room.

Also join us for our monthly meetings of the ARTS Peer Support Group and Fellowship of Professional Artists. Contact Mario Sprouse (MSprouse@ MarbleChurch.org).

Connection: Young Adult Ministry

Marble MeetUp!

You voted and the Marble Adult Ministry has our new group name! We gather for dinner after Friday Jazz Vespers on February 1, all are welcome! Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org) or Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org).

PrimeTime Fellowship

All welcome to join us when we see Come From Away on Broadway Sunday, March 3. See page 11 for more information. Also, join us for lunch and programs on Wednesdays, February 13 & 27; March 13 & 27, see the PrimeTime newsletter for details. Contact Baleta McKenzie (BMckenzie@MarbleChurch.org) or Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Connect with others in their 20s & 30s! Please reach out to Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch. org) or Rev. Brittany Hanlin (BHanlin@MarbleChurch.

Join us for a Financial Planning event on Tuesday, org). To learn more about our upcoming Sunday book February 26, and our popular Retreat March 22-24 discussions, contact Rev. Livolsi. (early bird pricing ends February 22). For details, visit our Table during Coffee Hour, check website or contact Don Piper (DPiper@MarbleChurch.org).

Women’s Ministry

GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship

We gather for our monthly Coffee Hours on February 17 and March 17. Questions? Contact Rev. Anthony Livolsi (ALivolsi@MarbleChurch.org) or Don Piper (DPiper@MarbleChurch.org).

RECOGNITION OF THE MARBLE BOARD In January, we blessed the Marble Board of Elders & Deacons, introduced the new officers, and expressed special thanks to Stephanie Bailey and Gregory Walker for their long-time service.

Board Members Pictured below: Eileen O’Connell, Church Master, Rick Harper, Vice Chair, Sheila Moses, John Rorer, Stephanie Bailey, Sandy Diaz, Secretary, Trenesa Danuser, Barbara Sagan, Treasurer, Greg Lozier, Chair, Ted Gregory, Greg Walker. (Not pictured: Peter Barnett, Hunter Dare, Marcelle Doll)

Calendar of Events

EACH SUNDAY Grace Notes: Inside the Music with Kenneth Dake | 10:48am Hear historic and theological background on the day’s music. In the Sanctuary or online.

Talk Back | 12:15pm Each week, watch online to learn about our program ministries and special events. Then, bring your questions and join Dr. Bos in the Sanctuary for a discussion at the end of each of his Sermon Series.

(Check website and Sunday bulletin for specific dates.) Hosted by Mario Sprouse. To submit questions, email: Connect@MarbleChurch.org.

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, joyful music led

by Deah Harriott with a praise vocal ensemble and band, in the relaxed atmosphere of the Marble Loft.

Bring a friend!

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.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Marble MeetUp! Dinner All welcome to join the Marble MeetUp! (formerly Adult Ministry) for dinner after the Friday Night Jazz Vespers. $18. Register during Coffee Hour, online or contact Colleen Cosgrove.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Mario Sprouse Book Signing | 12:15pm Celebrate the first publication of Arts Ministry Coordinator Mario E. Sprouse. Precious & Honored: A Spiritual Handbook for Artists is a compact, fit-inyour-pocket shot-in-the-arm that reminds artists who we are, what we are all about and where our gifts come from. All are welcomed. In the Labyrinth Room.

Books available to purchase at Welcome Center Sundays during Coffee Hour.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 & MARCH 17 GIFTS: LGBTQ Coffee Hour | 12:15pm All welcome for this time of fellowship. In the Labyrinth Room.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Jazz Brunch | 12:15pm A time of fellowship and good food, with live music. $12. No reservation needed. In the Marble Loft.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Women’s Ministry: Financial Planning 6:00-8:00pm Get Happy About Your Money. Sara Stanich, CFP, CDFA and Liz Sylvan, CFP of Cultivating Wealth, discuss the intersection between psychology and financial decisions, and explain why you can get more happiness for your money by following five principles. $12 (includes soup & salad, materials) Register online or contact Don Piper. Sara Stanich, CFP, CDFA Liz Sylvan, CFP SUNDAY, MARCH 3 PrimeTime Fellowship Theatre Party | 3:00pm All are welcome to join us at Come From Away on Broadway, followed by Q & A with members of the cast. Limited seats available: $89, $109, $129 or $177.

Reserve by Sunday, February 3 during Coffee Hour or online.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Daylight Saving Time Begins Please remember to set clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

WEEKEND, MARCH 22-24 Annual Women’s Retreat Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D, Rev. Julia Johnson Staples, J.D, Nina Frost, Rev. Barbara Crafton and Chanelle Schaffer help us explore Finding Grace in the Wilderness: God as Our Guide. At America’s Keswick Retreat Center in Whiting, NJ. For more details, visit MarbleChurch.org, the Women’s Table Sundays during Coffee Hour, or contact Don Piper (DPiper@MarbleChurch.org). Register by March 7.

Rev. Julie Johnson Staples

Nina Frost

Chanelle Schaffer

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 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: February/March 2019

FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ VESPERS February 1 | 6:15pm Winter Awakenings, message

by Rev. Anthony Livolsi. Catch your breath after a long week in this casual, chill service of music and meditation, holy listening and holy communion. Find God’s face in flickering candlelight. Feel God’s pulse palpable in the air. Music led by Jazz pianist Chris Whittaker. Liz Tobias, vocalist. In the Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave). Followed by Marble MeetUp! Dinner, please see page 11.

INTERFAITH PROJECT February 3, 7, & 10 Christians, Muslims and Jews are coming together to explore a new way to engage in dialogue through the use of images. It is called Interfaith Photovoice, and explores the opportunities and challenges of being a person of faith. It is being hosted by Marble, led by Dr. Michael Bos and colleagues. To participate or get further information, please contact Khalilah Lushiku (KLushiku@ MarbleChurch.org or 212-687-2770, ext. 205).

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

NEW WAYS TO GIVE ARE HERE! We made exciting changes to Marble’s online giving program. Our updated program, Realm, offers more ways for you to support the church. It allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, control your giving, and keep in touch with the groups that matter to you. To help protect your information, you’ll need to create an account for our new system if you wish to set up a recurring gift.

Visit MarbleChurch.org/give/pledge where you’ll also find Realm FAQs. To give via text, text GIVEMCC to 73256. (For example, text GIVEMCC Pledge $50 to 73256 to give to My Pledge). Standard text message rates do apply. All our new ways to give offer the same security as our old method where processing standards meet the highest regulations set by the card industry.

Your generous support is vital to our ministry. We appreciate your participation during this transition. If you have any questions, please contact Shana Wolfe, 212-686-2770, ext. 248.

February 25 – May 13 | 12:30pm 30 minutes of nourishment for your spirit featuring Marble’s 101-rank pipe organ and some of New York City’s finest organists. Free admission. Sanctuary.

Please note, no concert on Easter Monday, April 22.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CONCERT Thursday, March 14 | 7:30pm The Marble Choir, under the direction, of Kenneth Dake celebrates women composers and poets whose visionary voices have shaped the landscape of classical and contemporary music.

THE LAST WORD Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them, humanity cannot survive.

— The Dalai Lama

MAY WE SUPPORT YOU THROUGH PRAYER? The Marble Prayer Ministry — To ask for prayer, or share feedback use a blue Prayer Request card found in the pews or stop by the Prayer Room (off the 29th St lobby) after Sunday Worship. Members of the Prayer Ministry Team spend a minimum of two weeks in prayer over each request.

The Prayer Circle — Every Sunday at 10:00am, Rev. Gregory Johnson leads participants in prayer.

To have your prayer request included, please call Judy Tulin by Friday noon. Names are prayed over for one month.

Online — Visit MarbleChurch.org/connect/ prayers or click on the blue box at bottom right of homepage.

Also, Marble’s Stephen Ministers may be able to help you with spiritual/emotional support in difficult times. On Sunday’s after Worship, visit the Children’s Chapel (1 W. 29th St, 2nd floor) or email: StephenMinistry@MarbleChurch.org.