The Riverside Church
in the City of New York
S u n d ay, D e c e m b e r 2 1 , 2 0 1 4
F O U RT H S U N DAY O F AD V E N T
Welcome
to
The Riverside Church
We are glad you are here this morning and hope you will return often.
The Riverside Church is an interdenominational, interracial, and international Christian congregation, which
wholeheartedly seeks to be open, receptive, and affirming. We strive to be broadly inclusive. We welcome persons
from different backgrounds, races, economic classes, religions, cultures, ethnicities, genders, ages, and sexual
orientations. The Riverside Church is a member of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and the United Church
of Christ.
If
this is your first visit:
Complete a blue pew card and place it in the Offering Plate as it passes.
Join us for Fellowship Hour in the Cloister Lounge directly after Worship. You can meet members of this
congregation and learn about our ministries. As you leave the Nave, take the stairs on your left down one level.
Take a right, and an immediate left into the Cloister Lounge. You may also take the elevators in the Narthex to the
“C” Level.
If you would like to know more or become a member, we would love to get to know you. Please call the
church during the week at 212.870.6786.
If you would like information about baptism or baby dedication, please contact The Ministry of Education at
212.870.6833, or visit our website at www.TheRiversideChurchNY.org.
A church tour is offered each Sunday after Worship. Meet in the first balcony to learn more about Riverside’s
unique history, programs, and landmark Gothic building. There is no charge. Tours also take place on Wednesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary. For special tours by appointment,
call 212.870.6792. There is a small fee for these tours.
If your car is parked in the garage below the building, present this bulletin to the attendant before
6:00 p.m. and your parking spot will cost you only $4.00. On Wednesday evenings, have your parking ticket
stamped after service and receive the same discount.
Speak to an usher about the use of an assistive hearing device if you need one.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow the use of recording devices such as audio and video recorders or cameras
during any portion of the service. Please remember to silence your cell phone upon entering the Nave.
Lunch is available for purchase at the Riverside Café in South Hall Lobby.
The Cloister Library has closed for a collection review and evaluation. Members and library users who wish
to return books or other materials may use the convenient slot to the left of the Cloister Library entrance for
this purpose.
Riverside
at
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Worship
•
10:45 A.M.
Please enjoy this time of quiet meditation in the Nave, and remember, silence all cell phones and other electronic devices.
If you brought offerings for the Food Pantry, please place them in the carts in the Narthex.
You may also leave financial offerings for the Food Pantry in the envelopes provided.
Carillon
Meditation on "Veni Emmanuel" arr. Bert Gerken
Prelude on “Of Eternal Love Begotten"
David Johnson
ORGAN
LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY PROCESSIONAL HYMN 7
All who are able may stand.
Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler
Mit Freuden zart
CALL to worship
Please remain standing.
The Rev. John Janka
Leader: Prepare the Way of the Lord!
People: Share the Good News of God’s love.
Leader: Be the voice that cries out in the wilderness.
People: Go forth to share the love of God!
Leader: Sing of God’s steadfast love forever.
People: Tell the Good News to all generations.
Leader: Share the story, again and again, of the Word becoming Flesh.
People: We are the story. We are the living story of God’s love.
All:
Let us sing and worship God who is doing a new thing, about to spring forth!
INVOCATION
Please remain standing.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE Dr. Butler
Dr. Mary Biggs
Mr. Stacey Robinson
INTROIT
If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee
Wer nur den lieben Gott
PASSING OF THE PEACE Dr. Butler
Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
INVITATION TO GIVE AND SERVE Please be seated.
OFFERTORY anthem
Oh Thou That Tellest
G. F. Handel
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest
good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the
cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is
risen upon thee.
Nicole Mitchell, alto
AT THE PRESENTATION: VENI EMMANUEL
The congregation rises row by row as ushers pass.
O come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; Fill all the world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
PASTORAL PRAYER The Rev. Michael E. Livingston
Please be seated.
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
The Lord's Prayer Pray in the language or version of your heart. CHORAL AMEN
HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON
Please remain seated.
Isaiah 9:2–7 (page 638 in the Old Testament)
Leader: The Word of God for the People of God.
People: T
hanks be to God.
HYMN
All who are able may stand.
Christ, Be Our Light
GOSPEL LESSON Please remain standing for the reading of the Gospel.
John 1:1–5 (page 91 in the New Testament)
Bernadette Farrell
Dr. Butler
Leader: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: T
hanks be to God.
SERMON We, Too, Sing Freedom
RECESSIONAL HYMN 12
All who are able may stand.
People, Look East
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP Please remain standing.
The Rev. Traci deVon Blackmon
BENEDICTION Please remain standing.
Besançon
Dr. Butler
POSTLUDE
Please be seated for a time of quiet reflection.
Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel"
Andrew Carter
The Riverside Deaf Ministry provides sign-language interpretation at the first Sunday service of each month and
every Wednesday at our Space for Grace service, as well as at significant special services throughout the year.
Dr. Mary Biggs joined Riverside in 2009. She has been active in Maranatha, chairing the Edgar Richards Scholar
Award Committee and founding the Maranatha Movie Night. She is Deputy Convener of Maranatha.
Mr. Stacey Robinson, baritone, has been a member of The Riverside Church since 2004. A Juilliard graduate, he has
performed opera and on Broadway. He is the Convener of Maranatha.
Sermons may be found online at www.trcnyc.org/worship/?sermon
Large print bulletins are available from the ushers.
About Today’s Guest Preacher
Reverend Traci deVon Blackmon’s life assignment is to advance God’s agenda in the earth through servant
leadership that encourages and empowers people to live their faith. She is thankful to live out this calling as the
proud Pastor and Teacher of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Missouri.
Initially ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Blackmon served in various capacities
of ministry for 9 years, prior to becoming the 18th installed and the first woman pastor in the 159 year history
of Christ The King United Church of Christ. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from
Birmingham–Southern College (1985) and a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary (2009).
As a licensed registered nurse with over 35 years of experience in health care, Rev. Blackmon serves the community in
a variety of professional positions as well. Currently, she is employed as the coordinator of faith-based initiatives for
BJC HealthCare and serves on several boards and health initiatives that target the advancement and empowerment
of underserved women and children.
Rev. Blackmon is a graduate of Leadership St. Louis and currently serves as a founding director on the board of
Magdalene St. Louis, a two-year transitional housing program for women who have been victimized by prostitution
and sex trafficking, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Behavioral Health Network, a safety net system designed
to ensure that the mental health needs of our underserved communities are met. Recently, Rev. Blackmon was
sworn in to her newly appointed position on The Ferguson Commission. The Ferguson Commission originated in
response to justice concerns illuminated in the aftermath of the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri.
Rev. Blackmon is also the founder of Sacred Conversations from Solomon’s Porch, a community forum for clergy and
aspiring clergy of all faiths promoting economically accessible continuing education opportunities and networking
for clergy across doctrinal, denominational, racial, gender, sexuality, and geographical boundaries.
Rev. Blackmon is the mother of three wonderful young adults: Kortni; Harold II; and Tyler Blackmon who bless her
life tremendously with joy!
Calendar of Events This Week
Today: DECEMBER 21
12:45 p.m. Lunch is available for purchase in the Riverside Café, South Hall Lobby
1:00 p.m. The Way, Meditation Chapel
“ The Way” is a welcoming fellowship, open to all college students and young adults (ages 18–39) who are
journeying along the Christian path. New members and friends are always invited! For more information,
please contact Jacqueline Hopkins at [email protected] or 212.946.1189.
1:30 p.m. Small Group Class • Biblical Hebrew: Intermediate
A Close Reading of the Biblical Book of Ruth, 419 MLK
3:00 p.m. Chinese Christian Service, Chapel of the Cross
3:30 p.m. Annual Candlelight Carol Festival, Nave
This longstanding tradition at The Riverside Church has become an essential part of Christmas in New York City.
This service of music and light combines carillon, organ, harp, and all of the choirs of The Riverside Church and
culminates in a ritual sharing of candlelight illuminating the Nave.
A recital on the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon will precede each Candlelight service.
Tickets are on sale at the Riverside box office. There will be two performances: 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. All tickets
are general admission; no reserved row seating. Ticket prices: $25 (adult), $15 (senior), and $10 (student with ID
and youth 14 and under).
There will be childcare for infants to children in Kindergarten in the nursery on the Cloister Level and children from
First through Sixth grades in MLK 425 during both performances.
For more information, please call the Riverside box office at 212.870.6784.
6:30 p.m. Annual Candlelight Carol Festival, Nave
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
10:00 a.m. Tower League — Art of Movement, 411 MLK
5:30 p.m.
Tai Chi Class, Wellness Center
ai Chi class meets every Monday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Wellness Center. All are welcome.
T
For more information, please contact Sheila Ann Mason-Gonzales at [email protected].
6:00 p.m.
Weeknight Prayer, Meditation Chapel
7:00 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7C
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
6:00 p.m.
Qigong, 6th Floor Chapel
Intermediate Yoga, 630 MLK
6:45 p.m.
Mindful Meditation, 13T
7:00 p.m.
Narcotics Anonymous, 7C
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
10:30 a.m. Intermediate French, Multi-purpose Room
4:00 p.m.
Family Christmas Eve Worship Service, Nave
8:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship Service of Lessons and Carols, Nave
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day. All administrative offices are closed.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
All administrative offices are closed for the Christmas holiday.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
8:30 a.m. Yoga (All Levels), 630 MLK
10:15 a.m. Beginner Yoga, 630 MLK
1:00 p.m. Theatre of the Oppressed Uptown, Multi-purpose Room
I n the Theatre of the Oppressed, “spectator” is a bad word. Be a spectator who acts (spect-actor) and become
fluent in the human language of theatre. Theatre of the Oppressed Uptown meets every Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Contact Jeremiah Kyle Drake at [email protected].
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
8:30 a.m.
Morning Light, Christ Chapel
An intimate gathering for meditation, Scripture, homily, discussion, and communion
9:30 a.m. Open Bible Study, 15T
10:45 a.m. Worship Celebration, Nave
The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, preaching
12:45 p.m. Lunch is available for purchase in the Riverside Café, South Hall Lobby
1:00 p.m. The Way, Meditation Chapel
“ The Way” is a welcoming fellowship, open to all college students and young adults (ages 18–39) who are
journeying along the Christian path. New members and friends are always invited! For more information,
please contact Jacqueline Hopkins at [email protected] or 212.946.1189.
Movies @ Riverside, Multi-purpose Room
Elementary Genocide: From Primary to Penitentiary
This film exposes the socially engineered mechanism created by our government and utilizing the public school
system to label elementary school-aged African American males as targets within the U.S. penal system. Some
refuse to believe there is a corporate attack on the minds and productivity of Black youth that results in
funneling them through the revolving doors of the criminal justice system. Elementary Genocide confirms this
theory and seeks to educate parents, teachers, and families, so that we can reclaim our young men and ensure
the future of our community. A discussion will follow the film. Light refreshments will be available.
Riverside Poetry Group, 423 MLK
All are welcome to join us. Please bring several copies of one or two poems on Regeneration, Rebirth, New
Being, or Healing. Any potluck dish or treat is welcome to share.
3:00 p.m. Chinese Christian Service, Chapel of the Cross
Movies @ Riverside, Multi-purpose Room
Elementary Genocide: From Primary to Penitentiary
News & Events
Winter Spiritual Life Retreat
January 23–25 at the Mariondale Retreat and Conference Center, Ossining, NY
Listening to the Inner Voice: Discerning God's Will for Our Lives
On this retreat we will explore experiences of the inner voice, ways in which God speaks to us and works with
us in guiding our lives. Consider joining us for prayer, silence, discussion, Bible readings, communion, and
imaginative enactments. We will engage individually and as a group in God's interaction with each of us for the
realization of our best selves and for the coming of God's Kingdom on earth. There will be joy and laughter along
the way. Cost is $210. Includes six meals and private room.
For more information, come to the Spiritual Life Retreat table during Fellowship Hour after Worship today.
The Riverside Book Club
Saturday, January 10, 2015, 11:00 a.m. in Room 240 MLK
Join us as we discuss Collected Essays, by James Baldwin. Reviewers of this collection, published in 1998, wrote
that Baldwin "articulated black anger in a way that allowed blacks and whites to affirm the justness of that anger."
It is a voice and vision that is needed now more than ever.
Bring Your Food Pantry Donations to Worship on Sundays and Wednesdays
One in five New Yorkers lives in a home that is food-insecure. Over the last few years, a number of pantries have
been forced to close their doors, and while we have managed to serve the increased number of guests visiting our
pantry, the strain has been tremendous. Food collections are taken every Sunday at Worship, and Wednesday at
Space for Grace. Please bring food items and cash donations to support the Food Pantry.
English Conversation Partners Program
The English Conversation Partners Program invites you to stop by its table during Fellowship Hour after Sunday
service to learn how to become a Volunteer Tutor. Tutors meet with adult Conversation Partners once a week.
International students for whom English is a second language and English-speaking tutors are welcome to
participate in the program. Contact ECPP at [email protected].
The Riverside Latino Ministry
The Latino Ministry celebrates Latino lives, spirituality, and culture in all its diversity. The Ministry shares the
concerns of Latinos in the U.S. and abroad with the congregation and the community. We meet every third
Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Room 430 MLK.
Contact Arelis Figueroa at 646.345.2321 or [email protected].
Keep Up with Riverside News and Worship Services
If you would like to receive the weekly eNewsletter from The Riverside Church, visit www.trcnyc.org to sign up.
This Sunday's worship service will be broadcast next Sunday on 106.7 Lite FM at 5:00 a.m. You can also listen
online any time at www.trcnyc.org.
The Riverside Prison Ministry: Annual Christmas Toy Drive
Each year our Prison Ministry partners with Hour Children and reaches out to the congregation and
community for generous donations of gifts to hundreds of mothers at correctional facilities across New York
State, so that many incarcerated parents can give presents to their children during the holidays. For more
information, contact Carlene Pinto at [email protected] or 212.870.6854.
Employment at Riverside
Interested in employment opportunities at The Riverside Church? Please visit our website:
www.trcnyc.org/about/?jobs for a complete listing of Riverside’s current job postings.
Career Day Volunteers
The Children, Youth, and Families Ministry needs YOU! We are in need of VOLUNTEERS for our 24th Annual
Career Day and would be grateful for your time, talents, and monetary gifts. We are looking for individuals from
every profession and all walks of life to share their professional knowledge as panelists and facilitators for Career
Day. We are also putting together the Planning Committee; if you are willing to serve as a member, we would
love to have you on our team.
Please call or email Rev. James E. Singletary at 212.870.6828 or [email protected] if you are able
to assist us.
Church Leadership Meetings
Our Church Commissions meet on the second Monday of every month. The Church Council meets on every
fourth Monday. Please keep them in your prayers, to help them lead The Riverside Church.
Consider Having Your Wedding at The Riverside Church
Looking for the perfect venue for your wedding and reception? Call the Weddings Office at 212.870.6762 for details.
Advent
and
Christmas Season
at
The Riverside Church 2014
Sunday, December 21 Advent Bible Study: “The Advent of Hope” • 9:30 a.m. in Room 15T
Scriptures: 2 Samuel 7:9–11, Luke 1:46b–55, Romans 16:25–27
Facilitator: The Rev. Michael E. Livingston
ervice of Worship – ADVENT IV • 10:45 a.m. in the Nave
S
The Rev. Traci deVon. Blackmon, preaching
Advent theme: “Christ Be Our Light” • Sermon: “We, Too, Sing Freedom”
Annual Candlelight Carol Festival • 3:30 & 6:30 p.m. in the Nave
This longstanding tradition at The Riverside Church has become an essential part of Christmas in New York City. This service of
music and light combines carillon, organ, harp, and all of the choirs of The Riverside Church and culminates in a ritual sharing
of candlelight illuminating the Nave.
$25/$15/$10. For tickets, call the Riverside Box Office at 212.870.6784. Childcare will be provided.
Wednesday, December 24
Family Christmas Eve • 4:00 p.m. in the Nave
This service expresses the Christmas story in ways that will speak to a child’s heart. Come for caroling and hear the Biblical story
of the Baby Jesus’s birth. This is an intergenerational event for all.
Service of Lessons & Carols • 8:00 p.m. in the Nave
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, preaching
All are invited to join The Riverside Church community on Christmas Eve in this centuries-old tradition of Lessons and Carols.
Choral anthems, Christmas carols, and Scripture readings are all woven together in this celebration.
Sunday, December 28 ervice of Worship – First Sunday After Christmas • 10:45 a.m. in the Nave
S
The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, preaching • Sermon: “Moved by the Spirit to See the Light”
Hebrew Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 61:10–11; Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:25–38
Wednesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service • In the Nave
Ring in the New Year with hymns, anthems, and a service of worship culminating in the midnight pealing of the bells.
10:00 p.m. – Carillon Recital • Dionisio A. Lind, carillonneur
10:30 p.m. – Organ Recital • Christopher Johnson, organist
11:00 p.m. – Festival Service of Worship • The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, preaching
Midnight – Pealing of the Bells
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Service of Worship – Epiphany • 10:45 a.m. in the Nave
Riverside Ringers Winter Concert • 4:00 p.m. in the Nave
It is with great joy that the Riverside Ringers announce we have rescheduled this event to Sunday, January 4.
Please join the Riverside Ringers for our Winter Concert and Ring Along Sing Along. Concert goers are invited to sing and ring
along to familiar Christmas carols.
Contributions for flowers have been given by:
Anonymous
In celebration of the life of Kellis E. Parker.
Clarence and Emily Anderson
In memory of their parents, Albert Anderson, Sr., and Bertha Anderson, and Curtis Butler, Sr.,
and Justine Butler.
Gordon K. Balkcom
In memory of Nathaniel and Sharon Balkcom.
Donald A. Bickford
In memory of Peg and Ron Rivers.
Joycelyn James Braaf
In memory of Richard and Marjorie James.
Yvonne Broady-Loftin
In memory of my husband Clarence C. Loftin III (Chuck). I will love and miss you always.
May God continue to surround you with His Eternal Love.
Lorraine Burchall
Barbara Butler
In honor of Rev. Amy and the gifts she brings to her ministry at The Riverside Church.
Suzanne C. Carothers, MD
In memory of Mrs. Julia D. Carothers, Mrs. Lillian B. Alexander, Mrs. Effie Rodgers,
Mrs. Shirley E. Massey, Mrs. Vivian Collins, Mr. Donald Grigsby, and Mr. B.B. Delaine.
Soon Lee Choi
In memory of Mrs. Man-ok Kim, a lifelong friend, who passed away on August 30, 2014.
Patricia Clark
In loving memory of Rosalie M. Clark.
Joy S. Cooke
Frederick Cooke, husband; Ruther Fowler Shipley, mother; Charles Shipley, brother.
Vivian Cox
In loving memory of my beloved husband, Kenneth F. Cox, and mother Allean Steele.
Evelyn M. Davis, MD
In loving memory of my mother, Lillie Elizabeth Davis, my father Ashley Davis,
and my brother Daniel Keith Davis.
Alexa Donaphin
“Thanks be to God for his indescrible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15, NRSV.
Zaccheaus Fagbemi
Yvonne Garvin
Mr. John A. Garvin, a wonderful father and loving husband who loved all things beautiful and
honored family, unity, and strength.
Thelma Jean J. Goodrich
Bryant Harris
In memory of Diane Spina-Harris.
Ernest C. Jones
A tribute to the life of George Allen, Jr.
Linda L. LeShanna
Renee Lewis
Dr. Ronald B. Lonesome
In honor of Ms. Nancy Lonesome Harris, my mother; Mr. John L. Steptoe, friend, author, and artist.
Patricia Ludwig-King
In remembrance of Charles Rene King, husband of Patricia Ludwig-King, a member of The Riverside
Church. In loving memory.
Margaret B. Madden
A special remembrance for my husband, Berry; mother, Bessie Battle; brother, Jerry; and son-in-law, Zeb.
Margaret B. Madden
In memory of a dedicated member and friend, Hilda A. Webster.
Bobbie Maniece-Harrison, EdD
In memory of my parents, John and Susie Maniece, and friends Vito Albergo, Pearline Bulls,
Dr. John Holloman, Dr. Robert LaPrince, and Melaine Minch.
Gracie Massenburg and Jason Armstrong
Peace, Love, and Hope to those less fortunate in this world.
Verina Mathis-Crawford
Aida Montero
In remembrance of Joseph Montero, beloved husband, father, and Papa, “Seguimos tus ejemplos de
amor.”
Carol Wood Moore
Prayers for peace and cultural sensitivity among different races, and for combating diseases worldwide.
Annette Purnell
In honor of Jerry Saunders and Catherine Martin.
Irwin L. Reese
Mildred Bond Roxborough & Family
In memory of our beloved queen mother, Mrs. Mattye Tollette Bond 12/05/1895–02/10/2002.
John Slorance
In honor of Courtney Slorance and Stanley Slorance.
Brenda Spears
Remembering Deborah Ann Spears, Joseph Spears, and Mattie Spears at this special time of year.
Moon Sunwoo
Una Tapper
In memory of Yvonne Wright.
Roger Thomas
In loving memory of my parents, Fred and Velma, and my brothers, Philip and Hartley.
Joanne McLaughlin Toran
In loving memory of the “McLaughlin” Family.
Judy, Suzy, Tommy, and Libby Turnock
In memory of their parents, Jane and Larry Turnock.
Margery Whiteman
In loving memory of Katharine and Wendell Goddard, Russel H. Goddard, and Sarah Goddard Power.
Cheryle Anderson Wills and Walter E. Lowe Jr.
In loving memory of our deceased family members. May the grieving family members of the many black
men who were killed without cause this year be comforted with the knowledge that their loved ones are
in the safe arms of God where they will be loved, without fear and able to breathe. As we approach the
New Year, may our country move closer to justice.
Many thanks to all who contributed gifts of time, labor,
and money to make The Riverside Church Nave
a winter garden of color and light!
Our sincerest gratitude goes to Vera Smith-Holzman,
Floral Designer & Church Florist
The Flower Guild members:
Kenneth Cummings, Carol Garvin, Yvonne Garvin, Reginald Jenkins,
Brad Jones, Joan Knibb, Rosa Manley, Ernesta Sweeney, Jesse Wilkins, and Shirley E. Bolden.
And blessings to:
The Operations Department–Building & Grounds, Engineers & Carpenters, the Ushers,
Technical Services, and Security, whose work blesses us in this Christmas season and in every season.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE
CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND
Checks should be made payable to The Riverside Church.
Mail checks to:
The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
ATTN: Kaitlin Cook, Room 17T
***********************************************
Please be sure to include “Christmas Flower Fund”
on the memo section of your check.
You can also drop off your contribution at The Visitors Center.
Please include a note naming the person(s)
you wish to remember or honor.
Suggested donation for each memorial is $50.
Names received by December 29, 2014, will be published
in the worship bulletin on Sunday, January 4, 2015.
The Annual Riverside Church
Candlelight Carol Festival
Sunday, December 21
3:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the Nave
Join The Riverside Choir, The Inspirational Choir, The Riverside Ringers,
The Riverside Rising Voices, and special guest instrumentalists for this annual concert
featuring familiar Christmas carols sung by the congregation and choirs,
as well as Christmas music from around the world – all presented in the beauty
and splendor of the candlelit Nave.
A recital on The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon
will precede each Candlelight service.
Tickets are on sale at the Riverside box office.
All tickets are general admission; no reserved row seating.
Ticket prices: $25 (adult), $15 (senior), and $10 (student with ID and youth 14 and under).
For more information, please call the Riverside box office at 212.870.6784.
Time, Talent, Treasure – Become.
Elizabeth spoke to Mary, saying: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And
why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your
greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of
what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:42b–45
With Christ’s spirit working within us we can be the means by which his saving work is extended throughout the
world. We become his hands, his feet, his voice, and like Mary his mother, bring Christ into the world for others.
–Br. Eldridge Pendleton
The spirit of generosity: deepening our faith and sustaining our connection.
the riverside church i n the city of n ew york
490 R iverside D rive · N ew Y ork , N.Y. 10027 · T elephone 212.870.6700
www.theriversidechurchny.org
Interdenominational · Interracial · International · Open · Affirming · Welcoming
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, Senior Minister
The Rev. Michael E. Livingston, Executive Minister
The Rev. John Janka, Interim Minister for Membership, Care, and Parish Life
The Rev. Stephen C. I. Mann, Director of Communications and Media
The Rev. Debra P. Northern, Director of Social Services
The Rev. James E. Singletary, Director of Children, Youth, and Families Ministry
The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, Interim Minister for Education
Mr. Christopher Johnson, Director of Music and Organist
Mr. Christopher Creaghan, Associate Organist
Mr. Dionisio A. Lind, Carillonneur
Mr. Robert Pearson, Organ Curator
The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister Emeritus
The Riverside Church is a member of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and the United Church of Christ and cooperates
with the Council of Churches in the City of New York, and with the New York State, National, and World Council of Churches.
Twitter: @RiversideNYC • Facebook: facebook.com/RiversideNY • Web: theriversidechurchny.org
Printed on recycled paper