MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH
UPDATE
One West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001-4596 www.MarbleChurch.org 212-686-2770 212-685-0706 fax
FEB/MAR 2015 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM DR. MICHAEL B. BROWN Senior Minister preaching*
FEBRUARY 1*
When You Pass Through the Waters Isaiah 43:1–5
FEBRUARY 8*
What’s Your Reality? Matthew 10:32-42
FEBRUARY 15*
Thoughts About Preaching Romans 10:14-18
FEBRUARY 22* First Sunday in Lent
How Much Do You Know About You? II Corinthians 13:4-5
March Sermon Listing Please see page 2.
WEDNESDAY WORSHIP 6:15PM Every Week Ash Wednesday, February 18 See page 2.
Journey Through
I sent an e-mail to a friend today in which I con On Sunday mornings throughout Lent we’re going fessed that our Christmas tree had only recently come to think together about serious themes that have down, and now we are putting the final touches on all practical applications, hopefully finding intersections our church’s plans for Lent. Tempus Fugit. The journey where theology and daily life converge. We’ll pause from season-to-season is sometimes almost incompre- and ponder, sometimes allowing the questions themhensibly rapid. selves to teach us. We’ll listen to what faith and scripture have to say At the moment, however, I to us and about us. We will travel want to think with you not about paths not always smooth or lovely, the journey from season-to-season but still paths that lead to where but instead the journey through the the flowers bloom. Put another season that is upcoming. Lent is way, along the road of Lent we find not a time for rapid travels. It is not crowns of thorns and crosses. But something to be dashed through at the end there is always an empty breathlessly, as sometimes seems to tomb, a promise of power and beauty be the case with Advent. The pace that made the journey worth it. But of Lent is not for sprinters, but for we can’t bypass the pathway in a walkers … and particularly for those rush to arrive at the destination. So, who are willing to pause here and there along the path to contemplate Dr. Michael Brown I invite you to journey with me and pray with me and think with me, not the journey. Lent is a time for spiritual hurrying as we make our way through the most imporintrospection, for asking questions about God and faith tant season of the Christian Year. and faithfulness and mercy and sacrifice and prayer and priorities and death and what comes next. The questions of Lent do not always offer up quick or easy answers. But, often simply wrestling with difficult questions helps us grow in ways that quick or easy answers cannot match.
JAZZ REVELATION 6:15 PM First & Third Fridays
HOLY WEEK SERVICES Please see page 3.
MARBLE UPDATE INDEX 1-7
MARBLE MATTERS
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EDUCATION
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
9-11 12
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARBLE MATTERS
Yungchen Lhamo
Tibetan Singer, Songwriter Sunday, March 8 | 2:30pm We are honored to have Yungchen Lhamo perform at Marble as part of our Diversity Series, representing the Asian experience in America. She embodies a uniquely American story as a refugee living in exile in New York City. Since fleeing Tibet on foot in 1989, Yungchen, whose name means “Goddess of Song,” has emerged as the world’s leading Tibetan vocalist and has collaborated with artists such as Natalie Merchant, Philip Glass, and Annie Lennox. She mesmerizes audiences with her haunting a cappella performances. Through her music, which explores Buddhist themes of spiritual pilgrimage, soul searching, and a delight in the natural environment, she weaves song and prayer in a sacred art form.
Yungchen Lhamo
Tickets: $20/general admission; $15/students & seniors; $5 discount for advanced registration. Purchase at www.MarbleChurch.org. Please note: advance pricing ends at 4:00pm, Friday, March 6.
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Marble Matters
MARCH 2015 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM DR. MICHAEL B. BROWN*
MARCH 1* Second Sunday in Lent
Do You Believe in Satan? Luke 13:10-16
MARCH 8* Third Sunday in Lent Rev. Travis B. Winckler, preaching
MARCH 22* Fourth Sunday in Lent
Interruptions
Luke 18:15-43, selected verses
MARCH 29* Palm Sunday
Fair Weather Faith Mark 11:1-10
Re / M A R K /s
inclusive and embracing, more than any other Christian enterprise I have engaged. And what is even better is that even after two years, at every twist and corner, I find Marble to be surprising and ground-breaking in so many avenues. These underlined words are descriptions we hope to Dr. R. Mark King showcase in our marketing Executive Minister of Marble and all that it offers. And I believe they capture the true and best essence of all that Marble is and will be. When I am in Worship on Sundays, Wednesdays or Fridays, in each of those unique expressions, I feel God’s presence among us but also in each of you. When I am listening to Sister Carol or a presentation at Spiritual Growth Hour, I learn so much. When I visit and converse with you at Coffee Hour or Brunch, I see the face of God in you. When I have opportunity to be with the fellowship groups, either in social gatherings or ministry engagements such as the Pride Water Table, Men’s Retreat, 60+ Thanksgiving or others, I sense the moving of God’s Spirit. When I attend the music concerts or meet new members or see the children as angels and shepherds at Christmas, God is so present and inspiring. Heck, at times, even the Board meetings can capture God at work!!! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of you. Thank God for New York City and especially for Marble Collegiate Church!
Lent 2015
LENTEN SMALL GROUPS February 18 – April 5 We encourage you to sign up for a Small Group to help on your transformative journey through Lent. Listen: Praying in a Noisy World by Rueben P. Job is a forty-day experience created to offer help to those new to prayer, those with a daily prayer routine, and those whose lives seem too busy to pray. Groups meet at a variety of times. For details or to sign up, visit www.MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).
By Dr. R. Mark King Soon, I will celebrate two years at Marble and in New York City. It is hard to believe we have journeyed together for two years now. Except for the wee bout I was out for surgery and recuperation, I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. I have come to possess a pastor’s heart for you and love you all dearly. So what have I experienced and learned about Marble Collegiate and NYC? Let me start with NYC. First of all, there are never-ending options. This is truly the city that never sleeps. Food, entertainment, shopping, museums, parks, and sightseeing are available practically 24/7. Then the caliber and quality of the aforementioned options are exceptional and first class. The public transportation system is phenomenal. Other incomparable qualities include the resiliency to adversity and the openness to progress and diversity. Above all, I find many if not most New Yorkers to be people of warmth, compassion and, pardon to “southern” reference, downright charming and obliging! Of course there are challenges. It is expensive. Very! You have to plan out your travel ahead of time. Cultures can sometimes clash amidst this great diversity. Did I say it was expensive? Yet, for me, it has been a refreshing, renewing and exciting adventure that I feel so blessed and honored to be bestowed. It is a privilege to live here. Then what of Marble? Serving Marble Collegiate has been the highlight of my whole experience. The historical legacy tied to the progressive culture is so invigorating. Our worship is so uplifting and our programming exceptional. The spirit of Marble is
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 25 – March 25 (No WeWo on April 1.) Ash Wednesday, February 18 1:00pm – “The Most God Could Do” (Joel 2:1-2; 12-17, II Corinthians 6:1-10), Dr. R. Mark King 6:15pm – “Hey! I’m Not Perfect!” (I John 1:5-10), Dr. Michael B. Brown If you can’t be here in person, visit www. MarbleChurch.org for Live Webcast of Wednesday Worship.
SR. CAROL PERRY’S devotional What Do You Hear? is available at www.MarbleChurch.org to download or read as daily blog entries.
Lent and Holy Week 2015
Holy Week 2015 MARCH 29, PALM/PASSION SUNDAY Bible Study with Sister Carol Perry, Prayer Circle, Family Worship – 10:00am Worship – 11:00am “Fair Weather Faith” (Mark 11:1-10), Dr. Michael Brown preaching. APRIL 2, MAUNDY THURSDAY Worship – 7:00pm “Greater Love Hath No One Than This” (John 15:12-14; Luke 23:26) is Dr. Michael Brown’s message with dramatic readings and music by The Marble Choir. Includes Holy Communion. APRIL 3, GOOD FRIDAY Music for Prayer and Meditation – 11:30am Kenneth Dake Worship – 12 Noon “Forsaken or Faithful?” (Psalm 22:1-2; Psalm 31:1-5), Dr. Michael Brown preaching. Music Director Kenneth Dake leads The Marble Choir, Festival of Voices, and orchestra. Today’s service will be live streamed. Prayer Vigil – 1:30-3:00pm 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 or at the Welcome Table; please complete and return to Marble by Palm Sunday, March 29. Jazz Revelation – 7:00pm A Jazz Funeral for Christ. Dr. R. Mark King preaching.
In the Marble Spotlight
MARBLE PIPE ORGAN PROGRESS REPORT Sunday, February 15 | 12:30pm Ken Dake gives us the inside scoop on the behind-the-scenes work on the new Marble pipe organ! Hear about the work that has already been done and the exciting plans for the instrument, including how our phenomenal builder, Sebastian Glück, has designed it to combine pipes from Marble’s old organ, Middle Collegiate Church’s former pipe organ, along with several new ranks of pipes. Also learn about the history of Marble’s various pipe organs over the last 160 years, and how this new instrument will bring us into the 21st century with an instrument of incredible beauty, warmth, majesty, and the very latest in technology. Let Hope Resound!
APRIL 5, 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 “The Divine PostScript” (I Corinthians 15:50-56) 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. EASTER LILIES Lilies decorating our Sanctuary at Easter are made possible by the contributions of members and friends in honor or memory of those they love. The name of each donor, along with the person honored, is listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin, April 5. To pay tribute to someone, please use the Easter Lilies card available in late February in the pew racks or at the Welcome Table, and return with your contribution by Sunday, March 22.
WHERE PEACE BEGINS The Marble Choir in Concert at Weill Recital Hall Wednesday, February 25 | 8:00pm Show your pride in Marble’s music ministry as we seek to model the best that is Marble – share it with those beyond our Sanctuary walls by inviting a friend! For ticket information and more on this exciting debut at Carnegie Hall, please see www.MarbleChurch. org and page 12. REMEMBERING, REFLECTING, RECONCILING JOURNEYS OF HOPE, FAITH AND LOVE – A SERIES ON DIVERSITY Yungchen Lhamo: Tibetan Singer, Songwriter Sunday, March 8 | 2:30pm Please see page 1 for this next Diversity Series event.
Staff for this Issue: EDITORS:
Karla Fritsch Catherine Ortiz PHOTOS:
Dave Cross Jay Johnson Siobhan Tull Robert Romagnoli Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Beth Player-DiCicco
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Marble Matters
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Tami Petty
Michael Graye
Kristin Gornstein
Kenneth Dake
Rev. Kirsty DePree Minister of Congregational Care
MARBLE MUSIC NEXT DOOR Our unique Marble Loft salon concert series offers a wide spectrum of musical styles. Guided by co-artistic directors Tami Petty and Sarah Griffiths, each performance is hosted by Ken Dake at the keyboard and features a roster of New York’s finest young singers from The Marble Choir, along with amazing instrumentalists and guest vocalists. Tickets available at the door: $20 general admission/$10 students & seniors. Visit www. MarbleChurch.org/Music for more details. TRAVELING THROUGH THE STORM From arias to Appalachian folk tunes Thursday, March 12 | 7:30pm Tami Petty, soprano; Kristin Gornstein, mezzosoprano; Michael Graye, tenor; Kenneth Dake, piano; with special guest Brian Hurst, bass-baritone; Bluegrass instrumentalists, tba. CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS: NEW SONG IN NEW YORK Celebrating the eclectic voice of NYC song composers Thursday, May 7 | 7:30pm
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 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! MARCH Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00-9:00pm Sunday, March 15 | 10:30am-1:30pm
Breathe
us all. The minister giving the charge suggested that we pay attention to the instructions given on the airplane. The flight attendant says, “put your air mask on before you try to help others.” If we are not breathing in the Spirit of God, or in other words filling our cup, we can find ourselves truly unable to care for others. In my world of Congregational Care and Stephen Ministry, this is important advice as we show love and compassion to others. In ministry and in life if we do not breathe, we miss out on the Spirit of God that is so readily available to us. The word ruach in Hebrew, means spirit and breath. My prayer is that we would slow down, breathe and experience the Spirit of God breathing new life into our bones and souls so that we can offer air and oxygen to others, who may be saying I can’t breathe. Our Lenten Small Group series is called Listen – Praying in a Noisy World. Listen is a forty-day prayer journey that guides both individuals and groups in learning how to listen for, understand, and follow God’s guidance and direction. This will help us to truly learn to breathe, to put on our air mask and receive the life-giving breath and Spirit of God.
By Rev. Kirsty DePree The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. – Job 33:4 Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God. It is Advent as I write this and I was just reminded by a colleague to inhale and exhale. I took her advice, and stopped everything I was doing, and slowed down enough to find time to listen and pray and I caught myself singing one of my favorite songs, This Is the Air I Breathe. The lyrics are: This is the air I breathe Your Holy presence living in me This is my daily bread This is my daily bread Your very word spoken to me And I, I’m desperate for You And I, I’m lost without You
These words calm me, center me and remind me to take a deep breath and begin again. Recently at an ordination service I attended, the minister being ordained received a beautiful image that will benefit
APRIL Sunday, April 19 | 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday, April 26 | 10:30am-1:30pm
Marble Matters
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Jazz Revelation Celebrates One Year!
By Chris Whittaker I’m very excited for our next season of Jazz Revelation at Marble. Musically, we have lots of wonderful artists joining us in the months to come – some returning and some new! I hope to see you on Good Friday, April 3, as we carry on a new tradition again this year of a service in the style of a New Orleans jazz funeral. This year we have a fantastic Dixieland band from Brooklyn, The Gotham Easy, (formerly the Red Hook Ramblers) and vocalist Nancy Harms. This is worship that speaks to your heart and your head. In our music, we don’t always play harmony that is “easy” or clear. It’s a reflection of our own spiritual journeys that sometimes things take a little
time to fully work out or resolve. And even then, the resolution might come in a way we never expected. It takes patience and commitment. When we’re together in worship, bringing our whole selves – all our joys and cares and doubts, as messy as that can sometimes be – we can begin to allow God to mold us into a community, something new that none of us could have imagined on our own. I hope you’ll join us every 1st and 3rd Friday at 6:15pm in the Marble Loft for jazz worship and the Word, led by Dr. Mark King and myself.
Chris Whittaker Jazz Revolution Music Director
Rising for the Boundless Walk Alongside Others By Susanah Wade The Lenten season prepares us as we journey with Christ for his death on the cross but perhaps more significant than his death is Jesus’ rise from the abyss and darkness of his grave. Rising is a word that implies movement from a lower to a higher place – a movement that we as humans attempt on a daily basis. On Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from his grave to a higher place, this was symbolic of the love that he has for us and symbolic of his commitment to walk with us on our journeys through life. The depth and breadth of his intended reach was deep and wide, it was universal and it was boundless. In the example of Christ, how can we this Lenten season rise to walk alongside others as Christ did for us thousands of years ago? How can we rise to show our love and commitment to our neighbors near and far? Each year at Marble, we rise to support nonprofits serving those in need both in the United States and abroad. Locally, our support has included refuge for the vulnerable, food for the hungry and shelter for the homeless. We also provided support to build wells in Burkina Faso and a health facility in Somalia, as well as support for a self-sustaining economic structure for victims of sexual trafficking in India. Some months ago, our country rose to a call to treat our brothers and sisters with respect and fairness when court decisions threatened our ongoing journey to live in authentic communities of love and trust. Many years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. rose to champion the cause for equality amongst races in the U.S. And not so long ago, Nelson Mandela rose to be a voice for a marginalized and oppressed people in South Africa. The examples of humans rising on behalf of, and in service to others
in need remain central to how we follow the example of Christ in the world. Over the past few months, we at Marble have been in conversation with a grade school in Harlem to determine how we can best be in service to vulnerable children whose education is threatened by conditions beyond their control. Members of the congregation have risen to a call to offer their expertise in the field of education to assist us in this process. I also recently traveled to South Africa with a group from the Reformed Church in America from Canada and the U.S. to visit ongoing initiatives there by the RCA. I was honored and humbled to meet people in rural communities who are challenged by the ravages of poverty, yet do not seem to hesitate in seeking to live out their journeys of faith with Christ. I was particularly struck by the expression of a church council member of a local reformed congregation in South Africa who equated the ongoing service and relationship with the U.S. RCA churches as an expression of God’s love for them. So, how do we rise as Christ did for us many thousands of years ago? We rise by serving our neighbors in need both near and far in what we now call our global community. We rise by embracing the words in the Gospel of Matthew 25:35-36… “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Susanah Wade Director of Missions and Outreach
EASTER OFFERING 2015 Please contribute to this year’s Easter Offering! That is one way you can help Marble walk alongside those in need and make a difference in our world. 100% of donations will be given as grants to top-notch non-profits.
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Marble Matters
To all the Saints…
T.J. Houlihan Development Manager, Planned Giving
By T.J. Houlihan On November 2, 2014, Marble celebrated its annual All Saints Sunday, a day for honoring and remembering those Marble “saints” who passed away during the year. In his sermon that morning, Dr. Brown said that the day was “about remembering those saints who have changed worlds” and that “anytime we remember them, we’re moved with gratitude… because those people help make us who we are, and many of them helped make our church what it is.” It was a beautiful service highlighting so many dear Marble members who went before us—saints that have changed worlds—our world. That afternoon, a group of people gathered to pay tribute to members of The Peale Society who had passed away. The Peale Society is Marble’s planned giving society for those who have remembered Marble with a planned gift or bequest. Philippians 1:1 drove our remembrances of them: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi… I thank my God every time I remember you…” Despite the still-present grief and sadness for those that were no longer with us, it was a joyful afternoon, with laughter, tears, hugs, and remembrances by family and friends who shared beautiful stories about their loved ones. Sheril Antonio shared excerpts from the eulogy she had given for her mother, Cynthia Speare-Antonio,
who had passed away in April of 2014. Cynthia left behind some good, “no-nonsense” advice for all of us to follow: “Thank God for this and that—she always said. She was grateful and little things made her happy. Temper your confidence—some people may not like you for it. Dress up when you feel down—wear bright colors. Stay close to your family, friends, and church.” “Stay close to your family, friends, and church.” Cynthia loved Marble and she instilled that in her daughter. And because of Cynthia’s—and many others— thoughtful, loving act of remembering Marble with a planned gift, congregants will continue to experience the life-changing touch of Marble for generations to come. Planned gifts are a way that each of us can make a final gift, a return to God of some portion of all that God has given to us. The practice of planned giving encourages us to look beyond our monthly budget and our annual pledge, to consider the gift we will make when our need for worldly assets is done. For many, it is the most significant gift ever made. We give thanks for these Marble “saints”. We remember them with gratitude, because they helped make – and now are continuing to make – our church what it is!
Founded in 1993, The Peale Society is named after Marble’s long-time Senior Minister, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. When Dr. Peale accepted the call to serve at Marble in October 1932, Marble was suffering financially, as well as in its attendance. By 1937, Dr. Peale had begun to turn Marble around and stewarded the church into more prosperous times. For that, we honor Dr. Peale’s legacy with the Peale Society, as
well as all those who continue to keep Marble’s ministry strong, both now and for generations to come. To explore how to make a planned gift, visit Frequently Asked Questions at www.MarbleChurch. org (Give/Remember Marble), or contact T.J. Houlihan or Rev. Shari Brink, at (212) 686-2770.
Peale Society Gathering
Marble Matters
Reflections from the Editor
By Karla Fritsch In 1949 at Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit, my parents met Miriam & Carl Ericksen and became friends. My folks moved back to Iowa in the mid-1950s and Miriam & Carl moved to Wisconsin at some point, yet the friendship endured. I grew up knowing these two as very special family friends. After my dad died, Miriam & Carl became a stabilizing part of my life and a safe place to turn for powerful prayers. Miriam died recently and Mom and I both feel we’ve lost one of our dearest friends. Such a gift of love came out of that church community! Marble is full of love like that. I’ve been thinking a lot about the blessings of being part of a special church community. Love is everywhere – it may show itself in a smile from a familiar face you see somewhere unexpected in the city, or in hug after hug on a Sunday morning, or in a member of the Prayer Ministry Team praying with you after Worship, or… Whether you’ve been here decades like me, or just walked through the doors for the first time last month, I bet you feel it. Yet, I’ve also been thinking that mixed in with all the extra love is the experience of more loss. I’ve talked to several of you about that because of some of the recent deaths in our Marble Family. Of course death is a natural part of life, yet it seems to come in big waves lately. Just in the last six months we’ve lost some longtime fixtures – Joanie Collyer, Stephen Pindar, Gail Kitselman, Clarice Simpson, just to name a few. Each of us has an innermost circle of family and friends, and then there are the ever expanding circles of people we spend time with, acquaintances, etc. When you’re part of a large church community, you have a lot of people in those various circles. There are many you may never know personally, yet somehow
you feel their presence and when they’re gone, you sense the hole that remains. Perhaps you didn’t know Stephen, yet you saw him out of the corner of your eye Sunday after Sunday as he stood in his center aisle ushering post and you know he’s not there anymore. Maybe you didn’t know Clarice’s name, but you saw her seated in the Sanctuary and somehow experienced the brightness of her buoyant spirit and now the space has dimmed a bit. The loss can seem overwhelming when just one family member or friend dies. What happens when we also lose members of our church family? It’s hard. Then add in the loss when someone simply moves away. We don’t always succeed in keeping in touch even though that person continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Yet, would we give up all the love to try to avoid the pain of loss? The very love we lose is what gives us strength to keep loving, to open our hearts to new friends and cherish the old. And in the midst of loss, God is always there to comfort us, carry us through and love us more than we can even imagine. All those circles of people are a big part of what nurtures each of us to grow into the unique person God created us to be. We lean on each other, we learn from each other’s stories, we give each other the gift of patience and kindness – we pray for each other. Prayer is a powerful way to ride the waves of loss and to thank God for giving us the gift of a church community where we get to feel so much love and practice being loving. I wonder, when I’m in my late 80s like my mom is now, what “Miriam & Carl Ericksens” from Marble will still be in my circle encouraging me and praying for me. Will I be a “Miriam” in someone else’s life? Will you?
STEPHEN MINISTRY AT MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH Are you or a family member hospitalized, grieving, experiencing loneliness, or facing a life transition? If so, Marble’s Stephen Ministers may be able to help. Stephen Ministers are laypeople who have received fifty hours of training and are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christ-centered care. For information, or if you would like to be contacted as a potential care-receiver, visit the Stephen Ministry table at Coffee Hour after Sunday Worship, or email: StephenMinistry@ MarbleChurch.org.
MAY WE PRAY FOR YOU? 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 www.MarbleChurch.org/ Connect/Prayers.
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Karla Fritsch Publications Manager
Spiritual Growth and Education
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Bible Study with Sister Carol Perry SUNDAYS AT 10AM Prayer Circle WHO IS THIS PAUL?
Sr. Carol Perry Bible Scholar
February 1, 8 & 15 Paul gets more press than almost any other New Testament figure and much of it is garbled. He is accused of being a woman-hater, the real founder of Christianity, a major opponent of James and Peter – or is he? We need to honestly assess his place in the Christian story. HOW RELEVANT IS JESUS? February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 This is a provocative question that every generation has to answer. Lent is a perfect time to reconsider both his challenge and our faith journey. TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM A BIBLE TOOL BAG February 3, 10, 17 & 24, March 3, 10, 17 & 24 To make the Bible our own we need some knowledge of other cultures, of literary devices and of what scholars have learned through the years. Each of these can make our Bible study richer and more spiritually fruitful. WEEKDAYS, NOON–1:00PM SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE This year’s theme: Where Is the Holy? Bring your lunch and join interactive Bible study in two Manhattan locations. Return to work with a new attitude. TUESDAYS in the Marble Loft February 3 & 17, March 3 & 17 THURSDAYS at St. Bart’s February 5 & 19, March 5 & 19 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.
SUNDAYS AT 10AM This informal gathering centers on singing and prayer for individual and communal concerns. This year’s focus: From the Beatitudes to the Be-Attitudes, Rev. Gregory Johnson the Prayer Circle in Prayer Circle Action. All are welcome! Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. Meets every Sunday. Holy Communion celebrated weekly (unless scheduled for 11:00am Worship).
Spiritual Growth Hour SUNDAY AT 1:15PM We continue to seek to illuminate, educate, and empower people to experience Hope, Faith, and Love. FAITH… LIVED February 22 Nunzio Gubitosa, M.A., M.Phil., LP, Director of Training, Blanton-Peale Psychoanalytic Program, returns as we shift our focus from Hope to Faith. He will focus on the need for faith from a psycho-social perspective and the need for human beings to discover and relate to that which is greater than ourselves. FAITH…LIBERATES March 22 Led by Rev. Shari K. Brink. Stay tuned to website for details.
Small Groups
Small Groups at Marble can change us, help us grow, and get us to go out and do good in the world. See page 3 about this year’s Lenten Small Groups. To learn more, visit www.MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE – “REMEMBER, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!” Alleyne Tanham has been a longtime devoted Marble member who is now homebound. She is provided with Pastoral Care and Social Work visits on a regular basis for prayers and other sustaining supports. Though Alleyne’s memory is impaired, the mention of “Marble Church” brings a smile to her face and the chance to reminisce about her beloved faith community. – Janet Smith Janet Smith, Social Worker, and Alleyne Tanham
Missons and Outreach: Opportunities to Serve
In the Action Spotlight
The Marble Blood Drive returns on Sunday, February 8 — February is a critical month for NYC’s blood supply when the need increases tremendously. You can help! The mobile unit will be parked on 5th Ave, 10:00am-2:30pm. Please sign-up in advance at the Action Volunteer Table after Sunday Worship or contact Tom Schneider.
Our Annual Drive for Dignity, February 22March 31 — 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 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.
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Sundays, February 8 & March 8 — Volunteers are needed to help prepare 50 lunches, 9:30-10:30am, 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. Marble Fights Hunger — Please support our continuous food drive by donating non-perishables. Food is given to various food banks in NYC which serve at-risk families. Leave donations at the 29th Street Reception area, the Fifth Ave Narthex or the Marble Loft. WeWo Visuals Ministry — If you’d like to volunteer to help with the projected visuals during Worship, approximately one Wednesday a month, contact Korland Simmons (KSimmons@ 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.
Program Ministries
Adult Ministry
Entrepreneurs
Our monthly dinner discussions will be on Mondays, February 23 and March 23. See the Calendar of Events or website for more details. Also, save the date for our Retreat, The Spirit of Being Present, April 17-20. Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).
Our Peale Parlor Soul Salon series An Entrepreneur for All Seasons continues May 28. Contact Katherine Gotshall English (212-529-8512 or kathcoach@earthlink.net).
Connection (20s&30s)
All are invited to join us for our Intreat on Saturday, February 28 and our monthly Coffee Hours on Sundays, February 1 and March 1. Contact T.J. Houlihan (GIFTS@MarbleChurch.org).
Lenten Bible Study begins after WeWo on Wednesday, February 18. For Connection emails (including a schedule of events), contact Brian Hampton, (BHampton@MarbleChurch.org).
GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship
Keep up with our different Program Ministries by attending Coffee Hour after Worship and visiting their pages at
www.MarbleChurch.org.
Program Ministries
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Keep up with our different Program Ministries by attending Coffee Hour after Worship and visiting their pages at www.MarbleChurch.org.
Men’s Ministry
Join us for jazz, fellowship and food Friday, February 6, and our monthly gatherings on Tuesdays, February 24 and March 24. For information, see the Calendar of Events, website or contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@MarbleChurch.org).
Women’s Ministry
In February join us for an outing to a screening of the 2015 Oscar nominees for Best Short Film and register now for our inspiring annual retreat March 20-22. For details, check website or contact Anna Nugent (ANugent@MarbleChurch.org).
60+ Fellowship
We have special Wednesday celebrations for Mardi Gras on February 11 and St. Patrick’s Day on March 18, as well as our Ash Wednesday Worship on February 18. See the 60+ newsletter and Calendar of Events for details on our lunch programs. Exercise Class: 10:45-11:45am. Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
EACH SUNDAY Live Sermon Talk Back with Dr. Michael Brown 12:15pm Remain in the Sanctuary after Worship to join Dr. Brown and Marble’s online community for a brief discussion/Q&A about the day’s sermon. Hosted by Mario Sprouse.
For more details, to register, or for the full listing of all our programming, please visit www. MarbleChurch.org or stop by the Welcome Center after Worship during EACH WEDNESDAY Coffee Hour. 60+ Fellowship
Story,” Swing night; March 6: Rev. Shari K. Brink preaching; March 20: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” 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.) Mario Sprouse and Dr. Michael Brown
For details on all our events, 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 (274 Fifth Ave).
Korland Simmons 60 + Feb 4
FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAYS Jazz Revelation | 6:15pm Connect with a community of people in a cozy setting of bistro tables and refreshments, enjoy a time of worship led by Dr. Mark King, and music led by pianist Chris Whittaker with talented guest artists. In the Marble Loft (274 Fifth Ave). February 6: “Come Before Winter”; February 20: “Revelation – The End of the
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship Coffee Hour | 12:15pm All are welcome for this time of fellowship after Worship in Peale Parlor. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 60+ Fellowship BYOL Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by program at 1:00pm: Marble staff member Korland Simmons presents songs from the AfricanAmerican composers’ canon, with Ken Dake at the piano. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Men’s Ministry Jazz and Fellowship | 6:15-8:30pm All men invited to join us for Jazz Revelation followed by fellowship and food at The Crooked Knife. Please RSVP by February 3. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Mardi Gras luncheon ($12 Fellowship members; $15 guests), followed by program at 1:00pm: Linda Ipenema and the Dixie Cats bring the excitement of New Orleans to the Marble Loft.
Calendar of Events
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Ash Wednesday Worship | 12:00pm Soup, salad and birthday cake ($7), followed by Ash Wednesday Worship at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary. Dr. R. Mark King, preaching. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Jazz Brunch | 12:15pm Singer Gary Thompson performs during this time of fellowship and good food. All are invited! In the Marble Loft (274 Fifth Ave). $12.
Gary Thompson
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Marble Adult Ministry Dinner | 5:30-8:00pm The Spirit of the Arts with Retta Blaney. (5:30pm appetizers, 6:00pm dinner, 6:45pm discussion) $15, dinner; $5, discussion only. Paid dinner reservations required 48 hours in advance; reserve online. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Men’s Ministry Gathering | 6:30pm All men invited for an evening of Yoga and Meditation, with demonstrations and techniques by professional instructor Chia-Ti Chiu. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 60+ Fellowship BYOL Lunch & Program 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by movie at 12:30pm: Nebraska. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 GIFTS Spiritual Intreat | 10:00am-3:00pm Join GIFTS for a day of spiritual renewal and reflection in the Marble Loft. Stay tuned to the website and eblast for details. SUNDAY, MARCH 1 GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship Coffee Hour | 12:15pm All are welcome for this time of fellowship after Worship in Peale Parlor. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Soup, salad and birthday cake ($7), followed by program at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary: Metropolitan Opera soprano, Adrienne Dugger, and our own Gospel Choir director, bass-baritone Djoré Adrienne Dugger Djoré Nance Nance.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 60+ Fellowship BYOL & Program | 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by a program at 1:00pm: Sr. Carol Perry discusses Lent Is for the Lively.
Calendar of Events
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm St. Patrick’s Day luncheon ($12 Fellowship members; $15 guests), followed by program at 1:00pm: Gloria Makino and David Carl with sounds from the Emerald Isle. WEEKEND, MARCH 20-22 Women’s Ministry Retreat | 6:30pm Dr. Cari Jackson, Nina Frost, Sister Carol Perry and Rev. Kirsty DePree lead an exploration of Wholeness and Wellness: The Journey to Awareness and Love at Dolce Resort, Norwalk, CT. For more details and to register, visit www. MarbleChurch.org. Dr. Cari Jackson
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For more details, to register, or for the full listing of all our programming, please visit www. MarbleChurch.org or stop by the Welcome Center after Worship during Coffee Hour.
Nina Frost
SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Monthly Brunch | 12:15pm We all become a little bit Irish as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at this month’s brunch. All are invited! In the Marble Loft (274 Fifth Ave). $12. MONDAY, MARCH 23 Marble Adult Ministry Dinner | 5:30-8:00pm The Spirit of Belonging with Dr. Mark King. (5:30pm appetizers, 6:00pm dinner, 6:45pm discussion) $12, dinner; $5, discussion only. Paid dinner reservations required 48 hours in advance; reserve online. TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Men’s Ministry Gathering | 6:30pm Our special guest is Rev. Dr. Pablo R. Diaz, Vice President of Ministries for Guideposts Outreach Division, and contributing writer for the annual Daily Guideposts devotional. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 60+ Fellowship BYOL & Program | 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by a program at 1:00pm: Marble member Agatha Pratt guides us in meditations for Lent. Note: The Calendar of Events schedule subject to change. Please call to confirm.
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you retire Saturday evening.
Marble Collegiate Church Update: FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
6:15pm – Wednesday Worship TV – Fridays @ 4:30pm, MNN Time Warner Ch. 57 (Manhattan) Sermon Podcasts: Subscribe at www.MarbleChurch.org.
MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
UPDATE
Wednesdays
MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH
FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 10001 PERMIT NO. 269 10am – Bible Study with Sr. Carol Perry 11am – Worship Service 12:15pm – Talk Back with Dr. Brown
One West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001-4596
Sundays
FEB-MAR‘15
LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE If you can’t be here in person, visit www.MarbleChurch.org.
MORE MUSIC AT MARBLE Yungchen Lhamo Concert Sunday, March 8 | 2:30pm We welcome Tibetan singer, songwriter Yungchen Lhamo to Marble. Please see page 1 for information on this unique artist. Traveling Through the Storm Thursday, March 12 | 7:30pm Our Marble Music Next Door series features singers from The Marble Choir along with guest vocalists and instrumentalists. See page 4.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
THE MARBLE CHOIR MAKES CARNEGIE DEBUT! Where Peace Begins Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Wednesday, February 25 | 8:00pm Come show your support for The Marble Choir and Kenneth Dake by attending their first-ever off-campus concert! Hailed for their sublime beauty of tone and wide range of repertoire, The Marble Choir will perform some of the most beloved repertoire from among their four CDs, as well as an eclectic selection of dazzling new works. Where Peace Begins uses choral singing as a metaphor – portraying how uniquely differing voices synergistically combine into glorious harmony. Tickets: $35, purchase at carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800, or visit their box office at 57th and Seventh.
THE LAST WORD Patience with others is Love, Patience with self is Hope, Patience with God is Faith.
— Adel Bestavros