Our Vision
Marble Church proclaims faith in one God as expressed through the Holy Trinity; God the creator, the person of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible to be a unique and authoritative account of God's work in the world and interaction with humanity. The Bible is not to be interpreted literally but is a guide for the faith that yields insights and new life each day. We encourage members to read and interpret the Scriptures for themselves, to discuss their meaning together, and to pose questions in a safe and sacred space.
Marble Church recognizes two Sacraments: Baptism and Communion. Baptism is performed for infants, children, and unbaptized adult new members and symbolizes the person's welcome into the family of God. Holy Communion is the joyful feast of the people of God, remembering Christ's total and unconditional love for us and our fellowship and reconciliation with Him.
We are a community of people on a shared journey of life and faith. We are committed to inclusivity, to being a place of welcome, safety, love, and respect for people of every age, station in life, economic status, color, sexual orientation, or category the world constructs to segregate or alienate people from each other. In this place, we celebrate that we are all children of the same God and thus are siblings to each other.
We believe God’s nature is revealed in many ways, but especially through the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe God’s love and Christ’s example can help us be more than we can be on our own: more authentic, empowered, caring, purposeful, fulfilled, at peace, and joy-filled.
We believe we are called to serve God’s world. Through worship, study, fellowship, and small groups, we help one another grow into who God created us to be. Through mission, outreach, and acts of love, we answer God’s call to make life brighter and better for all people. Our faith is the source of our positive thinking about God, ourselves, and our uncompromising hope that the world can become what God created it to be.
Marble Collegiate Church’s denominational affiliations are with The Reformed Church in America and The United Church of Christ. One of the oldest places of worship of the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York and part of the oldest Protestant organization in North America with continuous service. It was organized in 1628 under the Dutch West India Company during Peter Minuit’s Governorship of New Amsterdam. In fact, Minuit was appointed an Elder of the church by our first minister, Jonas Michaelius. Please visit our History page for a complete timeline and a fascinating look at Marble’s place in history.
Today Marble Collegiate Church is a vibrant place of fellowship and deep belonging where the teachings of Jesus Christ and the power of positive thinking are interpreted through the dynamic leadership of Dr. Michael Bos for all to realize that they were made for more and become their best selves. The contemporary insights of Dr. Bos, along with the messages of former Senior Ministers, Dr. Michael B. Brown, Dr. Arthur Caliandro, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, who wrote The Power of Positive Thinking during his time here, make the theological understanding of the mission of the church relevant to today’s world. Here all persons are loved as sacred sons and daughters of God and are openly included at Marble regardless of race, sexual orientation, or background. Change and growth are primary at Marble -- growing in relation to God, and in one's personal life, relationships, and calling.
Marble’s Future: From Strength to Strength
After months of preparation and hundreds of hours of participation from the Marble Community, a Strategic Plan for Marble’s future is complete. This Strategic Plan presents a vision for a growing Marble Collegiate Church – growing in faith, growing in relationships, and growing in strength.
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.
Values & Commitments
Love
We strive to follow the way of Christ by choosing love rather than hate, grace rather than judgment, forgiveness rather than retaliation, acceptance rather than intolerance, and hope rather than despair.
Diversity
Our gratitude for the marvelous mosaic of God’s creation leads us to embrace diversity, value individuality, respect differences, and encourage creativity. In doing so, we provide the space and place for all to be seen and heard.
Community
Faith is not only a personal experience; it’s a call to community in which all generations and all stages of life are woven together in relationships and service to the world.
Action
We stand ready to partner with others who provide relief for those who suffer from poverty, disease, loneliness, and oppression, and in doing so, we strive to create lasting change in our social fabric.
Priorities
The following five Growing Priorities, reflecting much careful listening, reflection, and discussion, are designed to guide Marble from our current state into a bright and thriving future. Each of these priorities flows from Marble’s mission: To be a diverse, inclusive community of God’s people led by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. We inspire everyone to become positive thinkers who make a difference in the world. Steps to accomplish this mission are woven throughout the following five priorities.
Growing with 20s & 30s and Families
Grow Marble’s leadership structures, ministries, activities, and overall culture to provide for a continuously flourishing and expanding community of 20s & 30s and Families.
Growing in Mission and Justice
Strengthen Marble’s role as a leader in promoting justice for all people through engagement in issues directly connected to our faith in Jesus Christ and Jesus’ call to love one another.
Growing Deeper Relationships
Develop stronger relationships, deeper connections, more intergenerational ministry, and increased congregational diversity through Marble’s in-person and online activities.
Growing in Our Neighborhoods
Strengthen Marble’s visibility in the surrounding neighborhoods and grow participation by area residents, people who work in the area, and visitors to New York City in Marble programs, activities, and worship.
Growing Financial Sustainability
Change existing and create new processes and activities to achieve operational excellence, stronger congregational communication, and long-term financial sustainability.
