|
|
|
| Sunday, September 09, 2007 |
 |
What I Look For in a Church
By webmaster @ 7:00 AM :: 494 Views ::
3 Comments :: Dr. Arthur Caliandro
|
 |
I was recently asked to write about what one should look for in a church. Initially, I found myself making a list of desired characteristics, such as a community that is genuinely welcoming and with lots of heart; that is diverse, inclusive and serious about prayer; that is concerned about and involved with the poor and oppressed, and that is passionately committed to peace. The list went on…kindness, patience, forgiveness… Then I realized that there is but one place to look for a description of what a church should be. It is to Jesus – his core teaching and the way he related to others.
Near the end of his life Jesus told his disciples what John’s gospel describes as a new commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
This is a tall order. Each of us knows how difficult it is to love some people. And we know too well that loving ourselves is often easier said than done. We are aware of how prejudices can rule our hearts and resentments can destroy relationships. Loving is a big challenge.
A church closest to the true church is one that strives to love. It is a community always at work and in prayer about how to love as Jesus loves. I am grateful to be part of a church where so many are sincerely striving to reflect that love.
If there is any greatness about Marble, it is because we are a community of loving souls. And that is what I look for in a church. |
|
|
|
|
| Comments |
 By
sister k @
Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:48 PM
|
|
Yes, indeed Marble is a loving church. I am an occasional visitor and I have experienced in Marble a community of faith that is actively teaching, sharing and demonstrating the love of God. I felt welcome like I came in from the cold to find a warmth that touched my heart.
|
|
|
|
By
denise @
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:20 PM
|
Dr. Caliandro, I want that you know how your church is important for me.
I live very far in Brasil - South America.
I always read your sermons and I learn so much with them.
One of my dreamns is when I visit NY city again watch a service in Marble, and I always talk about Marble with all persons that I know when they tell me that they are visiting NY.
Keep your wonderful job.
Other day when I was talking about church with some people I said that coulded be very nice have Marble here where I live.
I am sure, Jesus are very happy with you Dr. Caliandro.
Piece and serenity.
Denise
|
|
|
|
By
agr @
Saturday, September 15, 2007 11:44 AM
|
|
Marble Church is special, your ministry fills our lives, in person, on WOR Sunday evenings, on line. Arthur I miss your smiles and hugs.
|
|
|
You must be logged in to post a comment. You can login here
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to MarbleTalks, a weblog published by the ministers and staff of Marble Collegiate Church. If you're unfamiliar with blogs, this short primer will help get you up to speed.
What is a Blog?
MarbleTalks provides a forum for each of our ministers and various staff members to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences with our faith community. Contributors to the blog will use a wide variety of sources for inspiration, and may share those sources when possible. Blogs are built around the active participation of their readers, and will commonly encourage you to take action in your life and the world around you.
Publishing Schedule:
| Sun. |
Dr. Caliandro |
| Mon. |
Sister Carol Perry |
| Tues. |
Dr. Lutz |
| Wed. |
Rev. Funderburke |
| Thur. |
Rev. Jordan |
| Fri. |
Rev. Lewicki |
| Sat. |
Nina Frost |
| Sat. |
Dr. Killinger |
Reading Our Blog:
New articles will go up every day, and we hope you'll check in regularly. The seven most recent posts are displayed on this main page. Each article contains a short description and a link to read the full text. If you'd like to go back and read previous entries you missed, click on the "Categories" link at the top of the page and then select the author you're interested in. We don't delete old articles, so you'll be able to come back anytime and re-read the ones that speak to you in significant ways.
|
|
|