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This month our Encouraging Words focus on Gratitude.
We gathered on November 17 to celebrate our annual Gratitude Sunday. This year’s theme is Gratitude in Action.
Gratitude is not only the feeling of being thankful. It includes a readiness to return the kindness and blessings we have received. Scripture says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:11). In other words, gratitude inspires us to action.
Every day people’s lives are touched by the ministry of our Marble congregation, and this year we are celebrating our 170th anniversary on Fifth Avenue and 29th! Throughout 2024 we have openly spoken about the challenges of the previous few years, and the affirmative 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 because you’ve put your gratitude into action through your giving and volunteering.
We trust you have had the chance to review the year-end financial results from Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024) shared with the congregation on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. We also shared the updated Fiscal Year 2025 budget in that communication. They were sent by email and are now available on our website at MarbleChurch.org/Financial-Budget-Update.
In the last two fiscal years, we have seen an increase in congregational giving, for which we are incredibly thankful. As you are aware, with the loss of the Collegiate annual appropriation ($3.2 million in 2020 and $0 in 2024), it has been necessary to reduce expenses and increase revenue. We have reduced expenses responsibly, thoughtfully, and prayerfully.
In Marble’s new, post-appropriation reality, we need to continue to have an increase in revenue. This will allow us to fully turn the financial corner, to continue offering Marble’s variety of programming and ministries, to expand those offerings to meet our expanding community’s needs, and to assure the financial sustainability of Marble – not simply for the coming year, but for decades to come.
For 2025, we are setting a bold and courageous goal of $1,733,000 for congregant giving, which includes pledge, plate, and live-streaming gifts, Christmas and Easter Offerings, and other special gifts (please see the Fiscal Year 2024 report which contains a breakout of the congregant revenue lines).
The congregant revenue line of $1,733,000 is larger than the draw from the endowment ($1,728,722) for the first time since the Collegiate Church Corporation appropriations ceased.
This is a significant shift and a challenge we believe we can rise to together.
Now is the time for each of us to prayerfully consider our giving for the coming year. It’s the spiritual space to consider our response to God for all God has done for us individually and as a community—and we have been incredibly blessed!
By clicking this link, you can indicate your estimate of giving for 2025 online, or you can use the Commitment Card that was mailed to you. You can also contact Clay Hale in the Business Office for assistance or 212-686-2770, ext. 304.
Thank you for your commitment to Marble, your prayerful consideration, and your presence whether in person or online.
You are Marble Collegiate Church, and with your participation and God’s presence, all things are truly possible.
In Christ’s abundant love,
Dr. Michael Bos
Senior Minister
Dr. Elise Brown
Executive Minister
Matt Morse
Elder & Board Chair
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.
