The Riverside Church
in the City of New York
S U N D AY, F E B R U A RY 8 , 2 0 1 5
F I F T H S U N D AY A F T E R T H E E P I P H A N Y
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 Education Ministry 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
Worship
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
•
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
Preludium in d
Jef Denyn
S. Coleridge-Taylor
ORGAN
Impromptu No. 1 & 2
LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY PROCESSIONAL HYMN 467
All who are able please stand.
How Great Thou Art
The Rev. Michael E. Livingston
CALL TO WORSHIPi
Please remain standing.
O Store Gud
The Rev. James E. Singletary
Leader: Come, rejoice and sing! God’s love is showered over you this day.
People: We gather to praise God and celebrate God’s presence with us.
Leader: God shows compassion to all who are weak and downtrodden
People: Jesus Christ offers healing mercies to our troubled souls.
Leader: Praise be to God who has called us here.
All:
Thanks be to God for God’s eternal love. Amen
PRAYER OF THE DAY
ANTHEM
Hold Out Your Light Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan
Hold out your light, oh yes, you heav’n-bound soldier, let your light shine around the world. Hear
the children singin’, O, preacher can’t you hold out your light. O, deacon can’t you hold out your
light. O, leader can’t you hold out your light. Let your light shine around the world.
Karen McVoy, soprano
PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Singletary
Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
BAPTISM Rev. Livingston
Rev. Singletary
Congregational Blessing
of the
Water
Unison: O
God, we give you thanks for the gift of water. In the beginning of time,
your Spirit brooded in Creation to bring forth the earth. Through water,
you led the children of Israel to freedom. In the waters of the Jordan, John
baptized Jesus. In the waters of baptism, we die with Christ in order to rise
with Christ, to be born anew in Christ’s Spirit.
Bless now this water, and grant that what we do now on earth may be
confirmed in Heaven. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE AND SERVE Please be seated.
Rev. Singletary
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
The Last Words of David Randall Thompson
He that ruleth over all, must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the
morning when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds, as the tender grass springing out of
the earth by clear shining after rain. Alleluia.
AT THE PRESENTATION: THE DOXOLOGY
The congregation rises row by row as ushers pass.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above you heavenly hosts.
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER 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.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
THE LORD'S PRAYER Pray in the language or version of your heart. CHORAL AMEN
Rev. Livingston
HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON
Rev. Singletary
Isaiah 40:21–31 (page 668 in the Old Testament)
Leader: The Word of God for the People of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
HYMN 466
All who are able please stand.
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
GOSPEL LESSON Please remain standing for the reading of the Gospel.
Mark 1:29–39 (page 35 in the New Testament)
Azmon
Rev. Livingston
Leader: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PREACHER SERMON The Wisdom of Ioreth
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, PhD
RECESSIONAL HYMN 354
All who are able please stand.
Guide My Feet
Guide My Feet
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
Please remain standing. Rev. Livingston
BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Please be seated for a time of quiet reflection.
March in F Liturgical resources for today
i By Nancy C. Townley (ministrymatters.com)
Adolphus Hailstork
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.
Sermons may be found online at www.trcnyc.org/worship/?sermon
Large print bulletins are available from the ushers.
About Today’s Guest Preacher
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, PhD, is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational
Theological Center, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Aymer is the author of several articles and Bible studies, including Repairers of the Breach: Five Bible Studies
on Social Justice Issues in New Orleans in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina (2008); the commentary on the Acts of
the Apostles in the Women’s Bible Commentary (2013); and several exegetical essays for Feasting on the Word, The
Huffington Post, and Lectionary Homiletics. She authored a series of studies on the Lenten lectionary for Year C in
New Proclamation: Year C, 2009–2010. Her Bible study Confessing the Beatitudes, written for Horizons, The Magazine
for Presbyterian Women, received the Award of Excellence (2011) from the Associated Church Press. She is the
coeditor of the Fortress Commentary on the New Testament (2014) and the forthcoming (fall of 2015) Islands, Islanders,
and the Bible: Ruminations. In addition, her monograph James: Diaspora Rhetorics of a Friend of God is due out in the
fall of 2015 from Sheffield Phoenix.
Dr. Aymer is happily married to Dr. Laurent M. R. G. Oget and is the doting mother of Gabriel Oget.
Celebration of the Ministry of The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples
Please join us immediately after the morning worship service for a farewell luncheon and celebration in
honor of the ministry of The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, Interim Minister for Education.
12:30 p.m. Assembly Hall
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the death our beloved Rev. Patricia “Pat” Lawson, former
Minister for Children and Families. Rev. Lawson passed away on February 3, 2015, at
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 11:00 a.m.
Convent Avenue Baptist Church
425 W. 144th St.
New York, NY 10031
Condolences may be sent to:
The Lawson Family
544 W. 157th St. – Apt. #52
New York, NY 10032
Calendar of Events This Week
TODAY: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
8:30 a.m.
Morning Light, Christ Chapel
An intimate gathering for meditation, Scripture, homily, discussion, and communion
Led by Rev. Maureen Dean
9:00 a.m. Biblical Hebrew: Introduction, 318 MLK
Enhance your biblical knowledge and experience the powerful insights and joy gained from reading the Old
Testament of the Bible in its original written language, biblical Hebrew. Learn how to pronounce Hebrew
words, read common Hebrew narratives, blessings, and prayers, and deepen your spiritual experience in this
fun and exciting class.
Instructor: Laura Harris
Required Texts: Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V., Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Zondervan, 2nd
Edition, 2007). Hardcover $25
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook (Zondervan, 2nd Edition, 2007). Paperback $15
Small Group Class – The Underground Church:
Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus, 20T
Here’s a radical idea: we need to recapture the spirit of the early Church with its emphasis on what Christians
do rather than what they believe. Once, being a follower of Jesus was dangerous, but today we are part of a
religion that tends to bless society’s status quo (especially when it comes to racial, ethnic, and class issues) instead
of transforming it. No matter how a church may worship, shouldn’t the defining characteristic of the Beloved
Community be its love of social justice and its countercultural love of, and compassion for, all people?
Brian O'Dell
Instructor: Required Texts: Meyers, Robin, The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus
(Jossey-Bass, 2012). Hardcover $25
9:30 a.m. Open Bible Study, 15T
A Lectio Divina Reading of Psalm 147:1–11, 20c
Facilitator: Dr. Karen Taylor
10:45 a.m. Worship Celebration, Nave
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, PhD, preaching
12:30 p.m. Celebration of the Ministry of Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, Assembly Hall
Please join us immediately after the morning worship service for a farewell luncheon and celebration in honor
of the ministry of The Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, Interim Minister for Education.
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. Biblical Hebrew: Intermediate
A Close Reading of the Biblical Book of Ruth, 419 MLK
(See class description for "Biblical Hebrew: Introduction" at 9:00 a.m.)
This is an advanced class that requires prior knowledge.
Instructor: Laura Harris
Required Texts: Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V., Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Zondervan,
2nd Edition, 2007). Hardcover $25
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook (Zondervan, 2nd Edition, 2007). Paperback $15
3:00 p.m. Chinese Christian Service, Chapel of the Cross
Edgar Richards & John Fiske Robson Scholar Awards Concert Benefit, Christ Chapel
Maranatha will kick off Black History Month with a concert to benefit the Edgar Richards and John Fiske
Robson Scholar Awards.
Featured performers will be Parker Burton, countertenor; Johnny Lee Green, tenor; and Stacey Robinson, bass
baritone. There will also be an interpretive dance and readings from Riverside Church youth.
Free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20. A wine and cheese reception will follow.
Room assignments are subject to change. Please confirm room assignments at the Security desk.
Room abbreviations: “MLK” – a room in the Martin Luther King Wing. “T” – a room in the Tower of the Church.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
10:00 a.m. Tower League — Art of Movement, 411 MLK
6:00 p.m.
Weeknight Prayer, Meditation Chapel
7:00 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7C
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
6:45 p.m.
Mindful Meditation, 13T
7:00 p.m.
Narcotics Anonymous, 7C
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
10:30 a.m. I ntermediate French, Multi-purpose Room
7:00 p.m.
Space for Grace, Assembly Hall
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, preaching
An informal celebration of praise, Scripture, and prayer. At tonight’s Space for Grace service, there will be a special
time of remembrance and celebration of the life of Rev. Pat Lawson.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Tower League Day
9:00 a.m.
Art of Movement (men only), 430 MLK
10:00 a.m. Art of Movement, 430 MLK
11:00 a.m. Art of Movement (special attention), 430 MLK
12:15 p.m. Bible Study with Rev. Jeff Pettis (Bibles available), 8T
1:15 p.m.
Meditation & Reflection with Ms. Eileen Jones, 8T
2:00 p.m.Tower League Program: Xylophonist Roman Lankios will play classical, pop, country, and folk music
on the unique four-row xylophone, 411 MLK
6:00 p.m. Weeknight Prayer, Meditation Chapel
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
6:00 p.m. Friday Night Live Fellowship, 425 MLK
Calling all youth between the ages of 13 and 18. This signature program is open to boys and girls from the
church and the surrounding communities and offers dynamic and innovative weekly educational activities. For
more information and registration, please contact Rev. James E. Singletary, Director of Children, Youth, and
Families Ministry, via phone at 212.870.6828, or via email at [email protected].
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
8:30 a.m. Yoga (All Levels), 630 MLK
10:15 a.m. Beginner Yoga, 630 MLK
11:00 a.m. The Riverside Book Club, 240 MLK
We will discuss Miss Anne In Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance, by Carla Kaplan. As the first indepth study of the white women who were known collectively as "Miss Anne," this important new book has been
praised by critics of all races for its historical accuracy and vivid narrative.
For more information, please contact Mary Biggs at [email protected] or 718.796.8915.
Light refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome!
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, FEBRUARY 15
8:30 a.m.
Morning Light, Christ Chapel
An intimate gathering for meditation, Scripture, homily, discussion, and communion
Led by Alexis James Waggoner
9:00 a.m. Biblical Hebrew: Introduction, 318 MLK
(See class description for "Biblical Hebrew: Introduction" at 9:00 a.m., February 8)
Instructor: Laura Harris
Required Texts: Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V., Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Zondervan, 2nd
Edition, 2007). Hardcover $25
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook (Zondervan, 2nd Edition, 2007). Paperback $15
Small Group Class – The Underground Church:
Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus, 20T
(See description for "Small Group Class – The Underground Church" at 9:00 a.m., February 8)
Instructor: Brian O'Dell
Required Texts: Meyers, Robin, The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus (Jossey-Bass,
2012). Hardcover $25
9:30 a.m. Open Bible Study, 15T
Texts: Facilitator: 2 Kings 2:1–12; Psalm 50:1–6; 2 Corinthians 4:3–6; Mark 9:2–9
Lakeshia McCoy
10:45 a.m. Worship Celebration, Nave
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, 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.
Unperforming Stereotypes, 20T
The participatory theatre method known as "Forum theatre" allows the audience to rehearse alternatives to
inhibiting states of being. The Forum theatre event "Unperforming the Stereotype of Race: An Untrue Story"
will allow the gathered spectators who act (spect-actors) to come into a creative space to break down divisive
and oppressive stereotypes by "unperforming" the artificial concept of race. Forum theatre is a rehearsal for
life, and we advocate leaving the concept of race behind in order to dismantle its disabling impact.
1:30 p.m.
Biblical Hebrew: Intermediate
A Close Reading of the Biblical Book of Ruth, 419 MLK
(See class description for "Biblical Hebrew: Introduction" at 9:00 a.m., February 8)
This is an advanced class that requires prior knowledge.
Instructor: Laura Harris
Required Texts: Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V., Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Zondervan,
2nd Edition, 2007). Hardcover $25
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook (Zondervan, 2nd Edition, 2007). Paperback $15
3:00 p.m. Chinese Christian Service, Chapel of the Cross
News & Events
The Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is welcoming nominations for all elected committees, commissions, and the council
for the 2015 election in May. Nominations are due by February 15th!
Stop by the Nominating Committee table after service on Sunday or email us at [email protected]
with your interest. Also check out our webpage on the Riverside Church website.
Seven Last Words: Strange Fruit Speaks
Friday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. in the Nave
Similar to the "Seven Last Words of Jesus" traditionally preached on Good Friday, we will convene a "Seven
Last Words: Strange Fruit Speaks" service with a focus on the final words uttered by seven black people slain by
police, security personnel, or vigilantes. These words will be the preaching "texts" for sermons on Eric Garner ("I
Can't Breathe"), Renisha McBride ("I Want to Go Home”), and Michael Brown ("Don't Shoot!”), among others.
Preachers include: Rev. Traci Blackmon, Rosa Clemente, Rev. Nyle Fort, Father Michael Pfleger,
Rev. Michael Walrond, Rev. Raphael Warnock, and Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems.
Registration required. Please see our website, www.trcnyc.org
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.
2015 Millennial Scholarship
2015 Millennial Scholarship applications are available!
Attention high school seniors: if you have participated consistently in Riverside church school and youth
programs and are currently involved in the 2014–2015 programs, you may be eligible for a scholarship. Details
are posted on the Youth Ministry page of the church's website, and are available in the Education Office.
Please direct any questions or comments about scholarships to: Rev. James Singletary at [email protected]
or Dr. Emily Anderson at [email protected].
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].
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.
Career Day Volunteers
The Children, Youth, and Families Ministry needs YOU! We are in need of VOLUNTEERS for our 24th
Annual Career Day on Saturday, March 7, 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 Singletary at 212.870.6828 or [email protected] if you are able to assist us.
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.
Sunday Tour Guides Needed!
Would you like to learn more about the rich history of The Riverside Church and the glories of our art and
architecture, then share your knowledge with folks from around the world? If so, consider becoming a volunteer
Sunday tour guide. For further information about this opportunity for service, please contact Mace Anderson at
718.654.0258 or via email at [email protected].
In Our Son's Name
Sunday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. in Room 9T
In Our Son's Name follows Phyllis and Orlando Rodriguez over more than a decade as they struggle with grief
and search for meaning after their son, Greg, is killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Their remarkable, transformative journey takes them through public opposition to war in Iraq and Afghanistan,
testimony for the defense at Zacarias Moussaoui’s sentencing trial, friendship with Moussaoui’s mother, work
with convicted felons, and speaking out against anti-Muslim actions and the death penalty. This one-hour
documentary challenges conventional concepts of justice and healing, and reveals the potential of trauma to
inspire, not defeat, the human spirit.
In Our Son's Name is a production of Lightfoot Films, Inc., and is supported by grants from The Riverside
Church’s Sharing Fund, Catholic Communication Campaign, Sarah Peter, Tides Foundation Institute for
Socioeconomic Studies in Memory of Leonard M. Greene, The Francis and Ann Curran Center for American
Catholic Studies at Fordham University, American Muslim Women's Association, and more than 200 individual
donors. The film was written, produced, and edited by Gayla Jamison.
Immigration Clinic
Thursday, March 12, 6:00 p.m. in Cloister Lounge
Join The Riverside Church for a free immigration clinic on Thursday, March 12, 2015. Immigration lawyers from
Church World Service will be present and ready to help anyone interested in applying for citizenship, temporary
status, a green card, or other immigration statuses.
Please contact Ms. Reyita Rodriguez at 212.870.6740 for an appointment.
The Riverside Book Club
Saturday, March 14, 11:00 a.m. in Room 240 MLK
Celebrating Women's History Month! Join us as we discuss Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, by
A. Elizabeth and Sarah L. Delany with Amy Hill Hearth. The sisters' father was a former slave who became the
first African-American elected Bishop in the Episcopal Church in the U.S. The sisters were civil rights pioneers,
but their stories were largely unknown until Hearth, a reporter for The New York Times, interviewed them for a
feature story in 1991, then expanded her story into book form. It quickly became a best seller, and the Delanys
enjoyed fame and honor in their last years.
For more information, please contact Mary Biggs at [email protected] or 718.796.8915.
Light refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome!
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.
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.
Remember Your Loved Ones by Giving to the Flower Fund
By donating $150 to the Flower Fund, Riverside Florist, Ms. Vera Smith-Holzman, and the Flower Guild will
create beautiful floral arrangements for the Chancel. Contact Vera at 212.870.6817. Send your contribution,
along with your dedication message, to the attention of: The Finance Office, The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside
Drive, New York, NY 10027. The memo line on your check MUST indicate “Flower Fund” for proper processing.
Time, Talent, Treasure – Do not lose heart!
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?” asks the prophet Isaiah, “The Lord is the everlasting
God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is
unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.”
- Isaiah 40:28
As we prepare for the Lenten season, we are reminded by the prophet that the Lord who guides
and enfolds us is powerful beyond our imagining and will never abandon us. Let us take heart and be
upheld by this promise, sharing it generously with others.
The Spirit of Generosity: deepening our faith and sustaining our connection.
THE RIVERSI DE C HU R CH IN T H E CIT Y O F N EW YO RK
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