WELCOME Thank You for Worshipping with Us Today!
Please join us for fellowship and coffee after Worship in the Marble Loft, next door (274 5th Ave).
If you are new to Marble, please stop by our E C ME Welcome Center after Worship in the Loft for a small keepsake.
Children welcome in Worship (activity bags available from ushers). We also provide child care and activities for children through our Children, Youth & Families Ministry. See bottom of page 4.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 One West 29th Street (at Fifth Avenue), New York City Worship: Sundays at 11:00am, Sanctuary; Wednesdays at 6:15pm, Marble Loft Order of Service
Second Sunday in Advent December 8, 2019 PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Special Advent Preludes, 10:45am. Grace Notes — Inside the Music returns January 5, 10:48am.
MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE (10:45am) Please listen quietly in preparation for worship. Arias from Messiah ...... George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Comfort Ye and Every Valley Marcus Jefferson, tenor He Shall Feed His Flock / Come unto Him Marie Engle, mezzo-soprano; Laura Inman, soprano Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion Lila Duffy, soprano
WELCOME AND LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH Geoff and Carlyn Goodman, Carla and Andrew Iliescu
INTROIT O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse’s Stem ��������������������������������� Joel Martinson O come, Thou Rod of Jesse’s stem, from every foe deliver them that trust Your pow’r to save, and give them vict’ry o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heav’nly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. — 9th-century Latin, translated by John Mason Neale
HYMN 187 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry...... Winchester New
INVOCATION
ANTHEM The Best of Rooms...... Randall Thompson Christ, He requires still, wheresoe’er He comes, To feed, or lodge, to have the best of rooms: Give Him the choice; grant Him the nobler part Of all the house: the best of all’s the heart. — Robert Herrick
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
CHORAL RESPONSE
HYMN O Lord, How Shall I Meet You ��������������������� Please refer to small insert.
READING OF THE SCRIPTURE ������������������������������� Isaiah 11:1-10 (Pew Bible, page 558) Leader: The Word of God for the people of God. All: Thanks be to God.
SERMON The Anticipation: FOR SOMEONE NEW...... Dr. Michael Bos Part 2 of Sermon Series Following the sermon, all are invited into a moment of silent, prayerful reflection.
HYMN 183 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus �����������������������������������������Stuttgart
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALL FOR OFFERING
– 2 – ANTHEM His Light in Us ����������������������������������������������������������� Kim André Arnesen God’s distant call flares in the night, so long expected, so longed for; and all my life Christ called my name, and now at last I’ll answer Him. Refrain: Renewed, His hope, His light in us, incarnate, fragile, our Lord appears, alleluia, alleluia! Eternal, so perfect, His cry of changeless love. Alive awake, His call is here: it is the crying of the Child; I know Christ’s call, its hidden flame, it makes my spirit flare with hope!Refrain. This root, this stem, this flowering love, this mustard seed. It grows to the greatest tree, the birds of souls have nested there. The light of the night now blazes at dawn! You’ve lead me here, o little child, Your being singing with God’s life. The kingdom sings, it choirs with earth, all creation lives Christ’s peace. Refrain. — Euan Tait
ADVENT HYMN: Emmanuel �����������������������������������������������������������������������Kenneth Dake Standing, all sing:
BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE
POSTLUDE Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying...... Wachet Auf, arr. Paul Manz
PARTICIPATING IN THE SERVICE Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, Regina Cummings, lay reader The Marble Choir, Kenneth V. Dake, director of music
Use of photographic and recording devices is not permitted during the service. Assistive Listening System, Large print and Braille copies of bulletin available—ask an usher. The south central pews of our Sanctuary are equipped with an Induction Hearing Loop. If your hearing aid has a T-coil, please toggle to that setting to receive our audio signal directly without any headset needed.
INSPIRATIONS FOR YOUR ADVENT JOURNEY Advent Blog Hosted by the Women’s Ministry — Take a breath and start or end each day with inspiring quotes, reflections, prayers and more. Visitmarblewomen.com to help you explore the role Advent plays in transforming your life and the lives of others during this busy holiday season. Online Advent Calendar — Join us on social media as we take time each day to find some holiday cheer and spread Christmas joy with our online Advent calendar. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and don’t forget to share your #ADVENTures.
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK When things change inside you, things change around you. — Unknown
By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Marble Collegiate Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church. If you are uncomfortable in the Sanctuary you are welcome to worship downstairs in the Chapel.
– 3 – Life at Marble
For This Week at a Glance, please see today’s insert. Stop by Welcome Center after Worship or visit MarbleChurch.org for more details and full list of programming.
GROWING DEEPER Small Group Ministry — Being part of a Small Group is a way to grow spiritually and connect in a deeper way with others at Marble. New Groups begin in January. Visit Small Group Table during Coffee Hour, MarbleChurch.org or contact Baleta McKenzie, [email protected]. Labyrinth Walks — Concourse Level (downstairs). Facilitator on hand to answer questions. Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm; First Sunday of Month, 1:00-3:00pm. Please see This Week at a Glance insert for Prayer Circle, Bible Study and Worship. Become a Member — We would love to have you join us! For information or to sign up for our January orientation, please come to the right of the Chancel after Worship and talk with one of our Membership Team (wearing red carnations). Or contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan, [email protected] or ext 221. Baptism — If you’re interested in exploring Baptism for yourself or your children, please contact Rev. Brittany Hanlin, [email protected] or ext. 210. Marble Prayer Ministry — Learn more about being part of our Prayer Team. Please contact Rev. Brittany, [email protected] or Judy Tulin, [email protected].
GROWING RELATIONALLY Our Program Ministries provide opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. For more information, visit Coffee Hour after Worship or MarbleChurch.org. Community Carol Sing & All-Church Party / Wednesday, December 18, 6:15pm — Please see today’s insert. Young Adults Breakfast / Sunday, December 22, 12:30pm — Get to know other young adults and enjoy a tasty breakfast, including some sugary treats from childhood. Monthly. Free. Peale Parlor.
GROWING IN GENEROSITY To sign-up or for more information, please visit Action Volunteer Table after Worship during Coffee Hour or contact Tom Schneider, TSchneider@ MarbleChurch.org, ext. 258. Christmas Giving at Marble — Marble Loft. Visit the Action Table, return gifts today. Habitat for Humanity Partnership Build / Saturday, December 21 — Work on a home for a low-income family. No experience necessary. Christmas Day Brunch — Serve homeless individuals at Mainchance and Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter. Contact Tom. Prayer Shawl Ministry / Mondays, December 16 & January 6, 4:00-5:00pm — Knit/ crochet prayer shawls for ill/homebound. All levels. Materials provided. Peale Parlor. Marble Fights Hunger — Please bring food every week (nutritious, canned/bottled items only). Drop off bins in 29th St lobby and Marble Loft. Donations distributed to Icahn House.
GROWING YOUNG ACROSS GENERATIONS Children, Youth and Families Ministry Sunday School — Toddlers - 3rd Grade, 276 5th Ave, Room 303, 10:00am- 12:00pm; 4th - 12th Grade, 276 5th Ave, Room 300, 10:00am-12:00pm. Sunday Nursery — Infant-2yrs old, 2nd flr, 1 W 29th St, 9:30am-1:00pm. Parenting Connection / December 15, 12:30-1:30pm — All parents/guardians welcome. Led by Marble parent, Geoff Goodman, Ph.D. Meets monthly. 276 5th Ave, Room 300. Child care provided. Support Marble Youth’s Service Trip — Please see page 5 Spotlight.
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON – MAKE A LEGACY GIFT TO MARBLE WHILE YOU’RE STILL ALIVE!
– 4 – Spotlight
TODAY! After Worship ALL-CHURCH COOKIES, COCOA AND COMFORT All encouraged to join us as we share cookies, cocoa and the warmth of the season while Building Christmas Bags of Comfort and Warmth filled with sheets, towels, blankets, and quilts for our friends at Icahn House. Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave). ORNAMENTS & WREATHS — SUPPORT MARBLE YOUTH’S SERVICE TRIP Marble youth are headed to St. Thomas for their first “inter- national” service trip this February, a wonderful opportunity to have some of our youngest members reach out to others and deepen their Faith. To help finance their trip, please purchase their handmade ornaments and wreaths Sundays through December 22, with a silent auction after Worship today. We encourage everyone to participate and/or to donate whatever they can!
MASTERWORKS HERALDING THE PRINCE OF PEACE Special Preludes during Advent — 10:45am Arrive early for Worship for this special time of quiet meditation and beautiful music. Generously underwritten by Lynda Packard in loving memory of her father, John W. Packard, who worshiped at Marble for more than 60 years and always delighted in the extraordinary music, especially The Marble Choir and holiday music under the heartfelt direction of Ken Dake. Sunday, December 15 — Music for Harp Sunday, December 22 — Carols for String Quartet
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 CHRISTMAS BRUNCH 12:15pm, Marble Loft Enjoy warm fellowship and a delicious meal, plus live music. $20, adults; $10, children. No reservations necessary. Annual Advent Concert ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT 2:30pm, Sanctuary Advent is a time of mystery, wonder, and anticipation. Encounter the spirit of the season with music from The Marble Choir, Festival of Voices, and Chamber Orchestra directed by Kenneth Dake. Inspirational readings, with Simon Jones and Karla Hendrick, and dance add to this journey toward the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. Tickets: $30 general admission; $25 student/seniors. $50 reserved seat (advance purchase only). $5 discount for advance purchase (does not apply to reserved seats). Purchase tickets at MarbleChurch. org (Eventbrite fees apply when purchasing online), in Marble Loft after Worship, or contact Jennifer Clover, [email protected]. Advance pricing ends 3:00pm, Thursday, December 12. Please note: Childcare provided for children 7 and under, (next door, 276 5th Ave, 3rd floor). We’re sorry, but children under 7 not admitted to the concert.
TOUCHPOINT: THE MARBLE MAGAZINE The December 2019/January 2020 issue is available at Marble- Church.org/connect/newsletters. Dr. Michael Bos reflects on this most wonderful time of the year, Rev. J. Elise Brown shares a story about “the Prophet”, Rev. Anthony Livolsi gives a Christmas confession in Ministerial Musings, and our editor, Karla Fritsch, contemplates shoes and the journeys we take. If you haven’t subscribed to receive each issue via email, click on Newsletter Sign-Up at the bottom of any page on our site and select Touchpoint. Printed copies of Touchpoint will be available soon at the Welcome Center and 29th St Lobby.
– 5 – This Week at a Glance
Sunday, December 8, 2019
TODAY AFTER WORSHIP Cookies, Cocoa and Building Bags of Comfort & Warmth — 12:15pm, Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave). All invited. Please see page 5 Spotlight. Prayer Room Open — 12:15pm, next to Reception/29th St Lobby. Pray with a member of Marble Prayer Team or fill out Prayer Request card (cards also in pews). Speak to a Stephen Minister — 12:15pm, Children’s Chapel (2nd floor). They may be able to help you with spiritual/emotional support in difficult times. Email: StephenMinistry@ MarbleChurch.org. The Wall of Hope, Healing and Inspiration — Hallway outside Labyrinth Room (downstairs). View art exhibit sponsored by the Arts Ministry, artwork displayed on rotating basis. To submit work, please contact Mario Sprouse, [email protected]. Ecclesia Ministry — Help host and transport lunches and altar for open-air worship for the homeless in Madison Square Park starting at 2:00pm. Meet in front of 276 5th Ave at 1:30pm.
#WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Every Week, 6:15pm December 11, Comfort in the Unexpected — Rev. Susanah Wade A blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles, creating an informal and Spirit-filled mix. Music by praise ensemble. Communion first Wednesday each month. In the Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave). Live streamed.
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY PRAYER CIRCLE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 — 10:00am A time of prayer, Scripture reading, hymn singing and Holy Communion. Weekly. Chapel (downstairs). Rev. Gregory Johnson leads in December. The Circle is always open – all welcome! Last Sunday of month, connect from around the world via https://meeting.broadviewnet.com/j/1126517182 video conference. Inquiries to Siobhan Tull, [email protected]. SUNDAY WORSHIP, DECEMBER 15 — 11:00am The Anticipation: For a New Way — Dr. Michael Bos. Part 3 of Sermon Series. Third Sunday in Advent. Advent Preludes, 10:45am, please see page 5 Spotlight. If you can’t be here in person, live stream Sunday & Wednesday Worship at MarbleChurch.org.
SPIRITUAL EDUCATION & BIBLE STUDY Bible Study: Three Women and a Baby / Sundays, December 8 & 15, 10:00am — See other side of insert for details. Join us for continental breakfast and stimulating conversation. Labyrinth Room (downstairs). If you miss a session, catch up at MarbleChurch.org. Deep Dive Bible Study / on hiatus until Tuesday, January 14.
OTHER EVENTS Bereavement Group / Mondays, 11:00am-12:15pm. Peale Parlor (1 W. 29th St). Are you experiencing the loss of a loved one? All welcome to share in this confidential atmosphere of love and faith. Please sign up with Judy Tulin, ext. 207. Young Adults Pub Theology / Monday, December 9, 7:00pm — Gather at a local bar to discuss ideas and issues. A great way to meet people and grow in faith. Meets monthly, second Mondays. For details, contact Rev. Anthony, [email protected]. PrimeTime Fellowship Christmas Lunch & Program / Wednesday, December 11, 12:00pm — All welcome for a special buffet ($12, PrimeTime members; $15, guests), followed by Marble Staff Christmas Review hosted by Gary Thompson at 1:00pm. Marble Loft (274 5th Ave). Contact Baleta McKenzie [email protected]. Our next lunch & program is January 15.
1 West 29th Street, at Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10001-4596 212.686.2770 | MarbleChurch.org More Spotlights
POINSETTIAS ARE PLACED IN THE SANCTUARY AT CHRISTMAS in honor or memory of loved ones whose names appear in the Sunday December 22 Bulletin. TODAY, DECEMBER 8, IS DEADLINE to submit names. Please return a Christmas Poinsettias envelope (found in pews and at Reception) with your contribution or contact Clay Hale, CHale@ MarbleChurch.org or ext. 252 on Monday.
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY: THREE WOMEN AND A BABY Sundays, December 8 & 15, 10:00am See the miracle and mystery of Christ’s birth through women’s eyes. Dr. Julie Faith Parker, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at General Theological Seminary, guides us in contemplating Elizabeth and the gift of faith, Mary and the strength of courage, and Anna and the power of vision. Labyrinth Room (downstairs). DUDES & DUDS Sunday, December 22, 10:00am Rev. Anthony Livolsi – absolutely anticlimactically! – follows Dr. Parker’s exploration of the inspiring women of the Christmas story with a look at the less-than-inspiring guys who seem to get in their way.
COMMUNITY CAROL SING & ALL-CHURCH PARTY Wednesday, December 18, 6:15pm All ages are invited for this festive and fun evening with a carol sing in the Sanctuary, followed by a party with games and food in the Marble Loft and Labyrinth Room. Share the celebration of this joyous season with your Marble Community, and invite a friend or neighbor to share some Christmas cheer!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 CYF CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 11:00am, Sanctuary The Children, Youth and Families Ministry helps us celebrate the season during Worship.
ARTS MINISTRY POP-UP SHOP & FESTIVE COFFEE HOUR 12:15-2:00pm, Marble Loft Support some of Marble’s talented artists and do your last-minute Christmas shopping.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Tuesday, December 24 Merry Christmas, NYC! — 4:00pm Celebrate the season with a playful heart at this family- friendly service in the Sanctuary. Led by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and Jessica Scovel. Followed by a birthday party for Jesus in Marble Loft. From Fear to Faith — 6:30 & 8:30pm Meditation by Dr. Michael Bos. Holy Communion celebrated at 8:30pm service. Music prelude with The Marble Choir and brass ensemble at 6:10 and 8:10pm. Festive Reception between services, 7:45pm, in Marble Loft. If you can’t be here in person, visit MarbleChurch. org for live streaming video of Christmas Eve Worship, 6:30pm/ET. Childcare provided at all services. CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON ABC-TV Please join us for Christmas Eve at Marble Collegiate Church which will be broadcast around the country on ABC-TV. Stay tuned to MarbleChurch.org for details and check your local listings. Hymn
O LORD, HOW SHALL I MEET YOU Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1653; Tune: Johann Crüger, 1653 1. O Lord, how shall I meet you, how wel - come you a - right? 2. I lay in fet - ters groan - ing, you came to set me free. 3. Love caused your in - car - na - tion; love brought you down to me. 4. Re - joice, then, you sad - heart - ed, who sit in deep est gloom, Your peo - ple long to greet you, my Hope, my heart’s de - light! I stood, my shame be - moan - ing, you came to hon - or me. Your thirst for my sal - va - tion pro - cured my lib - er - ty. who mourn your joys de - part - ed and trem - ble at your doom. O, kin - dle, Lord most ho - ly, your lamp with - in my breast A glo-rious crown you give me, a trea - sure safe on high O, love be - yond all tell - ing, that led you to em - brace All hail the Lord’s ap - pear - ing! O glo - rious Sun,now come, to do in spir - it low - ly all that may please you best. that will not fail nor leave me as earth-ly rich - es fly. in love, all love ex - cel - ling, our lost and fall - en race. send forth your beams most cheer - ing and guide us safe - ly home.
AN ENCOURAGING WORD When you need a bit of inspiration, call 212-686-2774 to hear Marble’s new Encouraging Word, a brief recorded message by one of our ministers. The messages change periodically and are available to listen to day or night. 1 West 29th Street New York, NY 10001-4596 212 686 2770 MarbleChurch.org Marble on Social Media Keep the conversation going — Marble on Social Media
MARBLE STAFF For full staff list and email addresses, please visit MarbleChurch.org/Welcome/Staff.
Ministerial Staff Dr. Michael Bos, Senior Minister; Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., Executive Minister Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, Associate Minister; Rev. Anthony Livolsi, Associate Minister Rev. Susanah Wade, Associate Minister; Dr. Kenneth Ruge, Minister for Pastoral Care & Counseling
Program Leadership Kenneth V. Dake, Director of Music; Pascal Kabemba, Chief Financial Officer Christina Morano Keiser, Director of Media & Communication Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Director of Membership & Connecting
Board of Elders & Deacons Elders: Stephanie M. Bailey, Peter Barnett, T. Hunter Dare, Marcelle E. Doll Sheila B. Moses, Eileen A. O’Connell (Church Master) John E. Rorer, II Elder Emeritus: Gregory W. Walker; Elder Emerita: Clair J. Zak Deacons: Trenesa Danuser, Sandra Diaz (Secretary),Ted Gregory, Tim Lee G. Gregory Lozier (Chair), Barbara Sagan (Treasurer), Tomasita Sherer Serving as Deacons to Intersections International: Agatha Pratt, Paul Younger
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Vision: We envision a world where we all become the individuals God created us to be. Mission: Marble Collegiate Church is a diverse, inclusive community of God’s people led by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We inspire everyone to become positive thinkers who make a difference in the world.
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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 commit to being a safe place to explore what it means to follow the way of Jesus who, as our source of hope, leads us to new possibilities. Growing Relationally — Seeking to grow in our relationships with God and one another, we commit to being good neighbors in the world by seeking peace and justice for all people and cultivating a community of healing, reconciliation and transformation. 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, and we commit to giving and serving as acts of worship. Growing Young Across Generations — Seeking to grow in our capacity to be a beacon of hope and life for all people, we commit to welcoming young people and their ideas, building an inter-generational community of respect, care and belonging.
MARBLE STORYTIME Visit MarbleChurch.org each month to watch Rev. Brittany as she reads a new book, ending with some questions for your family to ponder. Adults, it’s also a treat for your inner child! December’s story: A Birthday Party for Jesus