The Riverside Church
in the City of New York
S U N D AY, F E B R U A RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
F I R S T S U N D AY I N L 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 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
Worship
at
First Sunday in Lent
•
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 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
arr. Leen T'Hart
ORGAN
I’ve Been in the Storm So Long, Children Spiritual, arr. William Farley Smith
Prelude on “Distress" George Shearing
LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY PROCESSIONAL HYMN 298
All who are able please stand.
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler
CALL TO WORSHIPi
Please remain standing.
In Babilone
The Rev. James E. Singletary
Leader:After he was baptized by John, Jesus went by himself to the wilderness
where he was tempted.
People:Forty days in the desert, Jesus was tempted to become relevant,
spectacular, and powerful.
Leader:Today, we begin to journey with Jesus through the season of Lent,
which brings us to face some of our own weaknesses and temptations.
People:Let us worship God and walk the journey together,
seeking the Spirit as our guide and companion along the way.
INVOCATION
Please remain standing.
RESPONSIVE PSALM 25 Jessica Marsten, cantor
CONFESSIONii Dr. Butler
We didn’t even know what moderation was. What it felt like. We didn’t just work: we inhaled our jobs,
sucked them in, became them…. We ordered things we didn’t need from shiny catalogues that come to our
houses…and then we ordered three times as much as our children could use…. We didn’t just eat: we stuffed
ourselves….We felt that it was important to be good to ourselves, and that this meant that it was dangerous to
tell ourselves no. About anything, ever.
When did the collision between our appetites and the needs of our souls happen? Was there a heart attack?
Did we get laid off from work, one of the thousands certified as extraneous? Did a beloved child become a
bored stranger, a marriage fall silent and cold? How did we come to know that we were dying a slow and
unacknowledged death? And that the only way back to life was to set all our packages down and begin
again, carrying with us only what we really needed?
TIME OF SILENCE
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
PASSING OF THE PEACE Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
INVITATION TO GIVE AND SERVE The Rev. John Janka
Raymond Haan
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Lord Jesus, Think on Me
Lord Jesus, think on me, and purge away my sin. From earth-born passions set me free, and make
me pure within. Lord Jesus, think on me, nor let me go astray. Through darkness and perplexity
point thou the heavenly way. Lord Jesus, think on me, with care and woe oppressed. Let me thy
loving servant be, and taste thy promised rest. Lord Jesus, think on me, amid the battle's strife. In
all my pain and misery be thou my health and life. Lord Jesus think on me, when flows the tempest
high. When on doth rush the enemy, O Savior, be thou nigh. Lord Jesus, think on me, that, when the
flood is past, I may eternal brightness see, and share thy joy at last. Amen.
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 Rev. Michael E. Livingston
THE LORD'S PRAYER Pray in the language or version of your heart. CHORAL AMEN
HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON
Please remain seated.
Genesis 9: 8–17 (page 7 in the Old Testament)
Rev. Janka
Leader: The Word of God for the People of God.
People: T
hanks be to God.
HYMN 80
All who are able please stand.
Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
GOSPEL LESSON Please remain standing for the reading of the Gospel.
Matthew 4:1–11 (page 3 in the New Testament)
Lonesome Valley
Rev. Singletary
Leader: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: T
hanks be to God.
SERMONIC SELECTION Melanie DeMore, vocal activist
SERMON Survivor
Dr. Butler
RECESSIONAL HYMN 87
All who are able please stand.
The Glory of These Forty Days
Erhalt uns, Herr
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
Please remain standing. BENEDICTION
Please remain standing.
Dr. Butler
POSTLUDE
Please be seated for a time of quiet reflection.
Toccata in B minor Eugène Gigout
Liturgical resources for today
i Written by Chris Heckert.
ii
Written by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, excerpted from Living Lent: Meditations for These Forty Days.
New York: Morehouse Publishing, 1998.
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.
Understanding the Dynamics of Change
The congregation is encouraged to attend a “town meeting” conversation sponsored by the Church Council today
immediately following Worship in South Hall. The focus of the conversation will be: Understanding the
Dynamics of Change. It is commonplace for institutions to be in a near-constant state of change as they work to
keep abreast of new realities. This is particularly true for faith communities where stability and predictability are
held as a high value.
Rev. John Janka, Interim Director for Membership, Care, and Parish Life, will facilitate this conversation.
It is with great sorrow that we must inform you of the death of
Riverside member and faithful usher, Jean Minors.
The arrangements for Jean's funeral service are as follows:
Wednesday, February 25
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. in Christ Chapel • Service 10:00 a.m. in the Nave
The Rev. Debra P. Northern will officiate.
Condolences may be sent to Jean's sister:
Mrs. Muriel Hunter
375 Highland Avenue
Passaic, NJ 07055
Calendar of Events This Week
TODAY: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
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?
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
The Baptism of Jesus
Texts: Mark 1:9–15
Facilitator: Laurette Harper
The Gospel of Mark ushers in, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God,” (Mark 1:1). The
voice of one calling in the wilderness was heard proclaiming the transcendent and immanent kingdom of God. Many came to see, hear, and be baptized. Let us enter into the wilderness together to witness the baptism of
Jesus. Bring your Bibles, come, and see!
Laurette Harper is in care at The Riverside Church.
10:45 a.m. Worship Celebration, Nave
The Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler, preaching
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.
12:00 p.m. Ecclesia Ministry: Volunteers Needed, Food Pantry
he Ecclesia Ministry needs volunteers to prepare bag lunches after worship service today. We will meet in the
T
Food Pantry. All are welcome. Those who feel led are also welcome to join us for our worship service, held at
Marcus Garvey/Mt. Morris park at 2:00 p.m.
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
On the Side of the Road is a 2013 Israeli documentary film written and directed by Lia Tarachansky, which
focuses on Israeli collective denial of the events of 1948 by following war veterans Tikva Honig-Parnass and
Amnon Noiman as they tackle their denial of their actions in the war. When the Second Intifadah broke out
in 2000, Lia’s family moved to Canada. There, for the first time, she met Palestinians and "discovered" their
history, learning why they were fighting Israel in the first place. This is a film about the questions Israelis
cannot ask, memories that cannot be uncovered, and the history that's fighting to come to light.
A discussion will follow the film. Light refreshments will be available.
Riverside Latino Ministry Monthly Meeting, 430 MLK
The Riverside Poetry Group, 423 MLK
The Riverside Poetry Group invites you to join our monthly meeting. We will salute black poets and poetry for
Black History Month. Bring snacks to share.
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
Movies @ Riverside, Multi-purpose Room
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
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 24
6:45 p.m.
Mindful Meditation, 13T
7:00 p.m.
Narcotics Anonymous, 7C
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
10:30 a.m. Intermediate French, Multi-purpose Room
7:00 p.m.
S
pace for Grace, Assembly Hall
An informal celebration of praise, Scripture, and prayer
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
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), 9T-Library
1:15 p.m.
Meditation & Reflection with Ms. Eileen Jones, 9T-Library
2:00 p.m.Tower League Program: Dennis Rager will share information on his trip to Machu Picchu, 9T
6:00 p.m. Weeknight Prayer, Meditation Chapel
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
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 28
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, MARCH 1
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 22)
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 22)
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
Fasting our way through darkness
Facilitator: LaSonya Thompson, Esq
This class will discuss the spiritual discipline of Fasting as:
• A fervent petition for God's involvement during periods of darkness to bring forth inner light and outer light.
• To release pain, anger, guilt, fear, selfishness, discouragement and many other barriers to radiating light.
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.
In Our Son's Name, 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.
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 22)
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
Church Council Town Meeting: March 22
On March 22, The Riverside Church community is invited to our monthly “town meeting” series, sponsored by
the Church Council. This gathering will focus on Becoming the Good Community: Exploring our Covenant
Together, and will meet immediately following Worship in South Hall. Clarity regarding the norms by which we
are in community with one another and are shaping a congregational culture that holds deeply the admonition of
Scripture to love one another is central to the faith community’s witness in the world.
Rev. John Janka, Interim Director for Membership, Care, and Parish Life, will facilitate this conversation.
News & Events
Redeveloping Stone Gym
The Church Council is very excited about the future of the Riverside Church. Pastor Amy is leading us through a
period of change, growth and hope. About nine years ago, the church conducted a study for the redevelopment of
Stone Gym. Some of the ideas that were proposed for the site included: office use; school use; rental apartment
use; combined school and office use; and residential condominium.
Some of the ideas being considered today in addition to the ones above include: community center; gymnasium;
parsonage; and affordable housing.
The Council has decided to revisit this plan as we look ahead towards the future of The Riverside Church. We
are looking for members to be on a six person committee that will make a final recommendation to the Council
within three months. This committee will engage the Building Committee, Finance Committee, staff, members,
and outside experts, and will look at the 2006 study.
We need members who:
·
are passionate and optimistic about the future of the church
·
have experience in real estate development
·
have experience in architecture and design
·
have experience in real estate financing
·
have experience in real estate law
·
have experience with the New York City Buildings Department
·
have experience in urban planning
If you are interested, please contact Richard Glassey at [email protected] and provide a brief bio. The deadline
for submitting your bio is Tuesday, February 24.
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 The Rev. James E. 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.
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.
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 The Rev. James E. Singletary at 212.870.6828 or [email protected] if you are able to assist us.
The Riverside Career Day: Your Choice, Your Future
Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
March 7, 2015, will mark our 24th Annual Career Day at The Riverside Church! On Career Day, ministers,
mentors, and community leaders encourage youth to realize the potential they possess for success.
For more information, contact Rev. James E. Singletary, Director of Children, Youth, and Families Ministry,
at 212.870.6828 or [email protected]. Or contact Dinean Davis, Children, Youth, and Families Program
Coordinator, at [email protected].
Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives: Before Stonewall
Sunday, March 8, 1:00 p.m. in Room 411 MLK
This program will be a celebration of Women’s History Month. An award-winning documentary will be shown:
Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement. It tells the moving story of Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer of Brooklyn,
who were together for 42 years before they could finally marry legally. During those years, Thea became
disabled, and Edie cared for her. They are portrayed as a loving, joyous, forever-young couple, despite their
challenges. Thea named Edie as her heir, and after Thea died, Edie received an enormous federal inheritancetax bill; had their marriage been recognized, she would not have been taxed. She fought her case all the way up
to the U.S. Supreme Court and won, becoming an international LGBT celebrity in the process!
Following the screening, two Riversiders–Stacia Murphy and Dr. Wilhelmina Perry–will tell their stories of
growing up before Stonewall and the LGBT liberation movement of the 1970s. Other LGBT elders in the
audience will be invited to share their memories as well.
This program will appeal to both elder and younger LGBT people, who are always interested in our collective
history. It will also appeal to the many Riversiders who know Ms. Murphy and Dr. Perry. But most of all, it will
appeal to people who recall the court case and are dedicated to LGBT rights in particular and social justice
movements in general.
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.
Easter Flowers 2015
Contribute to the
Easter Flower Fund
Checks may be made payable to The Riverside Church;
please include a note naming the person(s) you wish to remember or honor.
Suggested donation for each memorial is $50.
Send the contribution to the attention of:
The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027
ATTN: Stewardship Department, Room 17T
Please indicate “Easter Flowers”
on the memo section of your check
You can also drop off your contributions at the Visitors Center.
The Easter Flower Gifts 2015 list will be published
in the Easter Sunday bulletin, on April 5.
The deadline for receiving your material is Monday, March 30.
The flower list will also be reprinted on Sunday, April 12.
The deadline for that bulletin is Wednesday, April 8.
Adults & Older Youth:
Help Prepare the Nave
for Easter!
Saturday, March 28
Stripping the palms for Palm Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Flower Room
Friday, April 3
Decorating the Nave for Easter
(immediately after Good Friday
services end) 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
& Saturday, April 4, 9:00 a.m. until…
Training offered for all first-time decorators.
Time, Talent, Treasure – Freedom
Jesus comes as One who can set us free from these things to which we desperately cling in our search
for happiness. “Is not life more than these?” he asks, as he gently and lovingly touches the very places
in our lives where we are most bound. “You lack this one thing. Let it go. Come and follow me.”
–Br. David Vryhof
As we travel the journey through the forty days of Lent, we are invited to remember that we all
journey – together – toward the same destiny as the one our Lord chose to embrace. He invites us
to free ourselves of earthly bonds and enter deeply into our spiritual journey, to seek a different
freedom and different happiness.
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
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