This year's theme is Gratitude for Our Past – Commitment to Our Future. The Marble community has weathered significant change and challenge with faith and fortitude, and on November 12 we will raise our collective voices to thank God and the Marble Congregation for all that has happened over the past 169 years to build this vibrant, inspirational community of faith. Just as importantly, we will join in committing to the future of our beloved Marble Church.
Marble is a special place, filled with stories of hope and transformation. You will hear such stories from Marble members throughout this year’s Gratitude program. These stories are at the heart of Marble Church. God has worked through this community in profound ways to provide a place of healing, welcome, love and grace for people from all backgrounds, walks of life and faith histories. We hope you will be inspired by hearing these stories of hope and faith.
We trust you have had the chance to review the year-end financial results from Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023) shared with the congregation on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. They were sent by email that day and are now available here.
We cannot express our gratitude enough to everyone who helped us end the first year in which Marble did not receive substantial funding from Collegiate Corporation with a smaller deficit than originally planned. Thanks to the contributions of 105 households at the end of the fiscal year, we were able to reduce the deficit by $92,431. This indicates we have a congregation who cares deeply about their faith, their commitment to God, and the future of our Marble community, and has the capacity to support our church through this time of unprecedented financial challenge.
We had 995 giving households last year, up from 986 the year before (+1%), and we saw an increase in pledge giving from $1,212,317 in 2022 to $1,273,515 (+5%) in fiscal year 2023. Your generosity and constancy have enabled Marble to maintain beloved programming, retain staff at appropriate levels, address necessary maintenance of our landmark sacred property, and act as agents of God’s love and mercy in the world outside our doors even as Collegiate funding has ceased.
For 2024, we are setting a goal of $1,565,655 for congregant giving, which includes pledge, plate and live-streaming gifts. We want to be specific and clear about the need for financial support and build on the increased giving we have seen over the last few years. We continue to work diligently every day and at every level to further assure the financial sustainability of Marble, not simply for the coming year but for the generations of people who will walk through Marble’s doors in the decades to come.
This is a mighty goal, an effort which will take all of us working together, and the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. But we have a mighty God and a strong, abiding faith. We know that “all things are possible with God.” (Matthew 19:26)
You should have received a commitment card in the mail to use as your estimate of giving for 2024. You can mail us this card or make your commitment now easily online here. You can also contact Clay Hale in the Business Office for assistance or 212-686-2770, ext. 304.
We hope you will join us for Worship in person or online on November 12. We will have celebratory gatherings afterwards, both in person and on Zoom.
Thank you for your time, for your prayerful consideration, and for your presence whether in person or online. You are Marble Collegiate Church, and with your participation and God’s presence, all things are possible.
In Christ’s abounding love,
Dr. Michael Bos
Senior Minister
Dr. Elise Brown
Executive Minister
Matt Morse
Elder & Board Chair
With much love and gratitude for your prayers and support of our beloved Marble Collegiate Church,
Here's How to Give
Bring the “My Commitment” card to Marble
Mail the “My Commitment” card to Marble
To contribute your time, reach out to ministry leaders to see how you can be of service. If you need guidance, please contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan and she can help connect you.
