129 Madison Avenue 
New York, NY 10016

- Baptist. Just not like you expect!
  
  A joyful, justice-minded church in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
  Our Mission
  Visit Us
Worship
- Sunday Services
  - 11:00am ET
  - 129 Madison Ave, New York,NY Between 30th and 31st Streets
  Worship With UsWatch Live Stream
  Upcoming Events
  
  Nov 01st, 2026 | 11:00 am
  Communion Sunday Worship Service
  Learn More
Music Program
- Music has been in our DNA since our founding.
  
  Our music program has historically served as a focal point of our worship. From Cher to Gospel music, we’ve got it all.
  Music Program
  - Madison Sounds Concert Series
  - Emerging Artist Fellowship
  Upcoming Events
  
  Nov 20th, 2026 | 7:00 pm
  Sankofa Sounds: America 250
  Learn More
Events
Get Involved
- We don’t just meet on Sundays! We also host numerous events throughout the year as well as volunteer opportunities.
  
  Not in NYC? No problem – we offer many ways our Global Family can be a part of our community.
  Get Involved
  Upcoming Events
  
  Nov 15th, 2026 | 12:00 pm
  Letter Writing Ministry
  Learn More
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worshipLive Stream Sunday Service

Watch our Sunday Services live every Sunday at 11am ET, right here!

Missed last week’s services? Watch our past programming right here

Our YouTube Channel(this link opens in new window)

Sunday Services

What happens when we let small conflicts go unresolved? In this sermon, Rev. Ashley Bair reflects on Matthew 18 and Jesus’ challenging lesson about conflict, accountability, and the relationships that bind us together. Ashley invites us to see healthy conflict not as the end of a relationship, but as an opportunity for connection, honesty, reconciliation, and growth.

From the story of a radio quack doctor to the conflicts we face in our own lives and communities, this sermon asks an important question: What are we allowing to become permissible? Jesus offers us a way forward: stay connected, speak honestly, listen to one another, and address harm before it grows.

Our small conflicts may feel insignificant, but they can be our bridge to reconciliation and to being in the right kind of relationship with each other and with God.

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew.

For more videos like this, check out this playlist:
Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week:
https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ iTunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

MABC CHOIR

Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF

Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov, Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

When Conflict Becomes Harm | Rev. Ashley Bair

When Conflict Becomes Harm | Rev. Ashley Bair

Sep 13, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Ashley Bair leads us in worship as we reflect on Matthew 18:15-20 and what it means to live faithfully in community, practice reconciliation, and care for one another.

Today’s service includes music from the MABC community and guest artists, with Jenny Lindsey performing Ricky Ian Gordon’s “God Is There” as the offertory. Our worship also includes prayers led by Jacki Friedmann, including our Global Prayer for Turkmenistan.

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20
Sermon: Rev. Ashley Bair
Global Prayer: Turkmenistan, led by Jacki Friedmann
Offertory: “God Is There” by Ricky Ian Gordon, performed by Jenny Lindsey
Introit: “Rejoice, You Pure in Heart” No. 15

Sermon Meditation Questions:
What was your model for conflict?

What small conflict in your life could use Jesus’ method?

What are the ways we can be closer to each other when the world wants us to feel further apart?

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For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, September 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, September 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sep 14, 2026

Please note, this service had some technical difficulties in the beginning and starts in the middle of the service. For the entire service, please view this video: https://youtu.be/1ukNShKGWH4

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Susan Sparks invites us to reflect on what it means to face life’s storms with courage, faith, and hope. In “Riding Into the Storm,” based on Psalm 46, we are reminded that even when the world feels uncertain and overwhelming, we can find strength, peace, and refuge in the presence of God.

Today’s worship music offers two heartfelt reminders of God’s love. Doug Shapiro performs “Because You Love Me,” followed by Richard Binder’s performance of “We Are Loved.” Together, these selections invite us to reflect on the grace, compassion, and love that surround us and remind us that we are never alone.

Sermon Meditation Questions:
What storm are you riding through right now—and where do you feel least steady?

What form of refuge do you most need right now: prayer, music, laughter, silence, friendship, nature, Scripture, or something else?

Is there a refuge in your life that has quietly become a hiding place?

What might God be strengthening you to face rather than avoid?

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For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, September 6, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, September 6, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sep 07, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Ashley Bair invites us to reflect on what it means to live with genuine love, authenticity, and care for one another. In this sermon, based on Romans 12:9-18, we are challenged to consider the people who inspire us, the parts of ourselves we may be hiding, and the ways we can practice genuine love in our everyday lives.

Sermon Meditation Questions:
· Who are your heroes?
· What parts of your genuine self have you been hiding from God and others?
· What genuine love can you share with someone this week?

Honoring Dolly Parton, today’s music invites us into a reflection on love and connection. Alex De Suze, soloist, sings Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” followed by “There Was Jesus,” by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams, sung by Richard Binder and Alex de Suze. Together, these songs complement the sermon’s invitation to embrace genuine love and share it generously with others.

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For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 30, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 30, 2026 at 11:00 am

Aug 31, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Susan Sparks explores the unexpected ways faith invites us to take a chance, raise the stakes, and see possibility where others might see only failure. In “I’ll See You and I’ll Raise You,” based on Matthew 4:18-22, we are invited to consider what it means to respond when God calls us toward something greater.

Sermon Meditation Questions:
· Where in your life is God offering to raise the bet?
· Who around you might be “out of aces” right now?
· What might change if you looked at that person through the eyes of possibility and mercy rather than judgment?

Today’s music invites us into the joy and praise of faith. Jenny Lindsey will sing W. A. Mozart’s “Laudamus Te,” bringing a sense of celebration and devotion to the service as we reflect on the ways God calls us to take risks, extend mercy, and see one another with possibility.

-------------------------------------------------------

For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 23, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 23, 2026 at 11:00 am

Aug 24, 2026

What if the universe is singing—and we’re all invited to join in? In this sermon, Rev. Susan G. Sparks explores the power of music to carry us through grief, courage us through difficult moments, reconnect us to one another, and remind us that we belong. From Paul and Silas singing in prison to the songs of creation and even the mysterious sounds of deep space, we are invited to listen for the song already surrounding us—and find our own song to add to it.

Scripture: Psalm 100:1–2, Exodus 15:1, Isaiah 12:5, Acts 16:25, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 40:3, Zephaniah 3:17

For more videos like this, check out this playlist:
Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week:
https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ iTunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

MABC CHOIR

Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF

Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov, Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

The Universe Is Singing | Rev. Susan G. Sparks

The Universe Is Singing | Rev. Susan G. Sparks

Aug 16, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Susan Sparks explores the surprising power of singing, gratitude, and joyful noise, discovering how the songs of our lives can give us courage, connect us to creation, and shape what we add to the world.

Sermon Meditation Questions:
·What song helps me find courage when I know something difficult lies ahead?
·What song might God be singing over me right now?
·Where do I hear the “song” of creation—in birds, wind, water, silence, city sounds, or somewhere else?
·What song is my life singing right now—and is it the song I want to add to the world?

Today’s music invites us to listen for the songs of faith, grace, and courage. Karen Rich will sing Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “The Call,” a setting of George Herbert’s poem “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life,” followed by Richard Binder singing “Grace by Which I Stand” by Keith Green. Together, these selections echo the service’s theme of finding strength in song and remembering the grace that sustains us.

Copyright information:
“The Call” — Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1911); text by George Herbert (1633). The work is listed as public domain in the United States.

“Grace by Which I Stand” — Words and music by Keith Green
©1981 BMG Songs and Birdwing Music

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For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 16, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 16, 2026 at 11:00 am

Aug 17, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Susan Sparks reflects on 2 Corinthians 4:1, 8 and the experience of carrying questions that faith does not always answer. When faith is full of questions and prayer doesn’t provide easy answers, what does it mean to keep walking faithfully anyway?

Sermon Meditation Questions:
·What question am I carrying right now that I most want to ask God?
·What would I say to God today if I did not have to make the prayer sound polite, faithful, or appropriate?
·When my faith is full of questions, what keeps me from walking away?
·If prayer does not give me an answer, what might be the next faithful thing I can do anyway?

-------------------------------------------------------

For more videos like this, check out this playlist: Sunday Service: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXgZ86vvsz33kIx-zGPiYZTR4CKZBSBB

SUBSCRIBE to the MABC channel for inspirational videos every week: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabcnyc?sub_confirmation=1

-------------------------------------------------------

More at http://mabcnyc.org/
▶︎ Instagram: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ Twitter: @madavebaptist
▶︎ Facebook: @madisonavenuebaptist
▶︎ itunes: http://bit.ly/Mabcpodcast

-------------------------------------------------------

A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

-------------------------------------------------------

MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 9, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 9, 2026 at 11:00 am

Aug 10, 2026

What if we've had the Christmas story backward all along?

In this sermon, "You’d Better Not Pout… I’m Telling You Why (Round 2)," Rev. Susan Sparks turns the familiar lyrics of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town on their head, exploring how the idea that we must earn love and approval continues to shape our lives through social media, success, and the pressures of modern culture. Drawing from Isaiah 43:1–7, she reflects on God's promise to remain with us through every trial and reminds us that grace is never something we achieve—it is something we receive.

Rather than living to prove our worth, this sermon invites us to live as people who are already loved. Along the way, Rev. Sparks shares humorous stories, surprising modern examples, and a powerful challenge to notice those who have been left out of the blessings we enjoy and to respond with simple acts of compassion.

Madison Avenue Baptist Church is a diverse community brought together by faith. We are an inclusive and welcoming congregation, reflecting the love of God in the heart of New York City.

More at: https://mabcnyc.org

Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabcnyc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mabcnyc

Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Susan Sparks
Pastoral Fellow: Rev. Ashley Bair
Minister of Music: Aza Sydykov
Sexton: Troy Gordon
PR/Communications: Elizabeth Pustinger
Operations Director: Jim Clifford
Video Livestream Manager: Travis Dover
Audio Engineer: Reghu Ragunathan

You Don't Have to Earn God's Love | Isaiah 43

You Don't Have to Earn God's Love | Isaiah 43

Aug 02, 2026

Welcome to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. This week, Rev. Susan Sparks reflects on Isaiah 43:1–7, exploring what it means to trust in God's steadfast love even in seasons of hardship, challenging us to notice those who are overlooked and to extend the same welcome and compassion we have received.

Sermon Meditation Questions:
When hardship enters my life, do I interpret it as failure—or can I still trust that I am loved and not forgotten?
Who is currently being left out of a blessing I enjoy?
Where might I need to slow down enough to notice someone who is struggling, overlooked, or left behind?
What would it look like to live not in order to earn love, but as a response to the love and grace I have already received?

Today's music centers on courage, hope, and steadfast faith. Brian Long offers "Don't Be Afraid" by Roger Bennett, arranged by Russell Mauldin, a reassuring anthem of God's presence in times of uncertainty. Karen Rich follows with William Grant Still's "Song for the Valiant," with text by Verna Arvey, celebrating resilience, dignity, and the quiet strength to persevere. Together, these selections beautifully complement the day's message of trusting in God's unfailing love.

Copyright Information
"Don't Be Afraid" by Roger Bennett, arranged by Russell Mauldin
©1994 Onward Bound Music

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A DIVERSE FAMILY, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FAITH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

We welcome you to our YouTube Page! Our church is committed to being one which is inclusive regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic situation. Jesus gave us the supreme example of inclusiveness. In our human way, we attempt to follow.

If you are a visitor, we’re glad you’re here! This is a community of faith where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you again!

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MABC CHOIR
Jenny Lindsey - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Karen Rich - Soprano (she/her/hers)
Alexandra de Suze - Alto (she/her/hers)
Richard Binder - Tenor (he/him/his)
Brian Long - Baritone (he/him/his)
Doug Shapiro - Bass (he/him/his)

MABC STAFF
Rev. Susan G. Sparks, Senior Pastor (she/her/hers)
Rev. Ashley Bair, Pastoral Fellow (she/her/hers)
Aza Sydykov , Minister of Music, Education and Cultural Programs (he/him/his)
James Clifford, Operations Director (he/him/his)
Troy Gordon, Property Manager (he/him/his)
Elizabeth Pustinger, Director of PR and Communications (she/her/hers)
Precious Gordon, Children’s Church Coordinator (she/her/hers)
Reghu Ram, Head Sound Technician (he/him/his)
Travis Dover, Head Video Technician (he/him/his)

MADISON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
129 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
MABCNYC.org

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @madisonavenuebaptist

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 2, 2026 at 11:00 am

Sunday Service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, August 2, 2026 at 11:00 am

Aug 03, 2026

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