Maranatha

Seeks to foster greater understanding and equity for LGBTQI people and their allies. Components include service, advocacy, scholarships and special events: Second Sunday after worship, September-June. Contact Reggie Evans and Eva Cordero with any questions.

Our Mission
Maranatha, a ministry of The Riverside Church, is committed to serving God by fostering greater understanding while promoting equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Same-Gender Loving, and Allies. With these goals, we have organized our ministry to serve, advocate, and support the LGBT community.

Serve
The Service Committee champions humanitarian causes by assisting members of the LGBT community who are in need.

Advocate
The Advocacy Committee creates its own projects and aligns itself with other LGBT organizations of faith in working toward equal rights for all and ending all forms of violence.

Support
The Support Committee provides support to Maranatha through special events and meetings providing cohesiveness among members.

 What does Maranatha mean?
Maranatha means “The Lord Cometh” or “Lord Come to Me”. It was used as an expression of greeting and encouragement among early-persecuted Christians.

When does Maranatha meet?
Maranatha meets at The Riverside Church, the second Sunday of each month, September through June, following the morning worship service. We offer diverse programs of interest to members, to Riversiders generally, and to our LGBT neighbors and allies in the larger New York community.

What are Maranatha annual events?
Maranatha has a Christmas party and a Pride Breakfast on Pride Sunday. Since 1978, we have marched in the Pride Parade, and for the past 16 years with a beautiful float. Maranatha has a table at the Harlem Pride festival and participates in the annual AIDSWalk. We also have special programs to honor Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

What are Maranatha’s other activities?
There are many! For example, they include the gathering of donations for a charity that provides shelters and drop-in centers for homeless youth, collaboration with an organization that promotes the adoption of older children, and the awarding of endowed scholarships to LGBT college students.