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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Final Prattsville Blog
By webmaster @ 1:46 PM :: 16 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

Prattsville – Days 3 & 4 and a Final Reflection

I found it difficult at times to report back on all we were doing while also trying to get some work done in Prattsville! Often times, I’d find myself with a tool in one hand and my iPhone in another, trying to snap a photo or take some video. So now I will catch up and give a quick overview of our last 2 days, as well as an overall reflection of the trip and why I believe it was critical that we went.

Monday, May 07, 2012

Day 2 in Prattsville
By webmaster @ 10:00 AM :: 46 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

The real work begins!

We were up early in order to be on time for breakfast at 7:30 am and to be down at the work site by 8:30 am. After eating breakfast we each packed a brown bag lunch to take with us to the work site. The meals have been great, and we have also had time to talk with the other two groups with us, one from Michigan and one from Wisconsin (one is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church, and the other is from an RCA Church).

Friday, May 04, 2012

Day 1 in Prattsville
By webmaster @ 9:50 AM :: 63 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

Story of MY life: I began the day by running late!

So by the time Tom, Efrain, Sarah and I departed from Marble Church, we were already an hour behind. On the road, we literally went "into the woods" as our directions had us detour through the Huntersfield State Forest. Beautiful... but a scary drive: a winding, dirt road with poor traction. After many mumbled prayers we came out at the other end and to the Huntersfield Christian Training Center, where we are staying and being provided breakfast and dinner each day.

Friday, April 06, 2012

Join Us for Ecclesia on Easter Sunday!
By webmaster @ 12:01 AM :: 88 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

Many of you will know that the word “Ecclesia” or “Ekklesia” in Greek basically translates to “church.” Marble has participated in the Ecclesia NY Ministry for more than 5 years, helping to host a “street church” in Madison Square Park along with several other Manhattan congregations of various denominations. Some may wonder why we do this, and what it is all about!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Nothing to Undo
By webmaster @ 1:53 PM :: 336 Views :: 1 Comments :: Elise Hanley

Every once in a while, I hit the wrong button or part of the screen on my iPhone, and a dialogue box pops up that says “Nothing to Undo.” While it’s probably silly to admit, I’ve found this reassuring. Comforting, even.

It usually would pop up after I’d sent an email or text message that I was unsure of sending. Maybe I had to say something difficult, or give in, or ask for forgiveness, or make some other sort of painful concession. As I’d be second guessing myself, the message would suddenly appear. I couldn’t help but hope it was God’s little winking way of reassuring me: “It’s ok. You’ve done what you were supposed to do. There is nothing to undo.”

Friday, December 23, 2011

I’ll Have a Blue Christmas
By webmaster @ 9:19 AM :: 359 Views :: 1 Comments :: Elise Hanley

This year, more than ever before, I am thinking of all the people in our community and city who will be sad on Christmas.

I have been more sensitized this year due to a recent emergency and illness in my own family, which disrupted my festive season. Suddenly, Advent and Christmas fell lower on the priority list. My attempt at an Advent spiritual practice went down the drain, as I scurried back and forth to the hospital on Long Island, to run errands for my mom and my hospitalized step-father, to tell and retell the story of what had happened, how he fell, how the bleeding in his brain had affected him and would continue to. To make sure I was gracious and not cranky when friends, colleagues, congregants asked how I was. To make sure I still took care of other responsibilities, to make sure I still took care of others in need. With my tired brain and discouraged heart, my prayers boiled down to singular words: “healing... wholeness... grace... peace... please, God....”

Friday, December 16, 2011

Angels Among Us
By webmaster @ 12:01 AM :: 248 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

A week ago Friday, the Marble Women’s Ministry sponsored its second Movie Night, and about a dozen women gathered in the comfy lounge on the 6th floor of Marble to watch The Bishop’s Wife. This 1947 black and white classic stars Cary Grant as Dudley, an angel who gets called into action by a prayer from an Episcopal Bishop named Henry. The Bishop is trying to have a new cathedral built, but is running into financial and political difficulties.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Extravagant Generosity
By webmaster @ 12:01 AM :: 296 Views :: 0 Comments :: Elise Hanley

It is only December 1^st, but I am already wowed and in awe of the generous Christmas spirit of the Marble community!

As I start my second year in this position of ‘Director of Mission and Outreach’ I get my second dose of holy Advent chaos and true frenetic Christmastide joy. Together with my colleague Tom and members of Marble’s Action Committee, I help oversee the distribution and tracking of our Jingle Bell Wishes and Dear Santa Letters. These letters have been put out for the plucking in Poling Chapel after Worship the last 3 Sundays, and they will be out once more this upcoming Sunday.