We will gather on November 16 to celebrate our annual Gratitude Sunday. This year’s theme is Gratitude 365.

We have chosen this theme to remind us that gratitude is something we are called to practice every single day of the year, through every season of life. Gratitude is not only a feeling of being thankful, but also a readiness to return the kindness and blessings we have received. Over the past year, many of you have truly lived this out, through generosity, service, and care for one another and we are deeply thankful. As we begin this new season, we invite you to keep that spirit alive and continue showing gratitude in visible, meaningful ways that bless and inspire others.

Scripture says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:11). This scripture is consistent with gratitude every day of the year, through all manner of life’s challenges and joys. Gratitude—365!

Throughout 2025, we have continued to share openly the challenges of the previous few years, and the actions taken to appropriately address them. With a deep and continuing commitment to meet these challenges, we are moving forward with strength, dedication and tenacity.

This has only been possible with your help through your strong, consistent giving and volunteering.

We trust you have reviewed the year-end financial results from Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025) shared with the congregation by email on Tuesday, October 7. We also shared the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. They are both available on our website at MarbleChurch.org/Financial-Budget-Update.

It is also important to highlight a significant milestone in our financial stewardship: the FY 2026 budget reflects a planned reduction of the endowment draw to 5%, a best practice we have been carefully working toward over the past five years since funding from the Collegiate Church Corporation ended. This prudent step not only strengthens our financial foundation but also preserves the continued growth of the endowment, ensuring that Marble Church can sustain its mission and ministries for generations to come.

We are in a new financial reality and need to continue to increase revenue. This will allow us to continue offering Marble’s variety of programming and ministries, expand those offerings to meet our community’s needs, and assure the financial sustainability of Marble—not simply for the coming year, but for decades to come.

For 2026, we are setting a bold and courageous goal of $1,525,000 for pledge giving. Other congregational giving includes plate offerings, live-streaming gifts, Christmas and Easter Offerings, and other special gifts. We saw increases in each of these lines last year.

As we reflect on the blessings in our lives, now is the sacred moment to prayerfully consider our giving for the year ahead. Giving is not just a financial act, it is a deeply spiritual response to God’s abundant grace. Every gift, large or small, strengthens our community, supports our ministries, and allows Marble Church to be a place of hope, love, and service every single day.

You can make your Commitment for 2026 online here or for assistance, contact Clay Hale in the Business Office, (212) 686-2770, ext. 304.

We hope you will join us for Worship in person or online on November 16. We will have a celebratory gathering afterwards for those of you who join us in person.

Thank you for your commitment to Marble, your prayerful consideration, and your presence whether in person or online.

Together, we are Marble Collegiate Church, and with everyone’s participation and God’s presence, all things are possible.

In Christ’s abundant love,

Dr. Michael Bos
Senior Minister

Dr. Elise Brown
Executive Minister

Rev. Susanah Wade
Associate Minister

Matt Morse
Elder & Board Chair

Renier van Aswegen
Elder & Treasurer