Vestry Transition Prayer

O God, You are our gracious and loving Father.
We ask for your guidance and presence so that we may have the wisdom and unity to make decisions and discern your will during our period of transition. Through your son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Christ Church 10 AM Service Schedule

• 1/4 - Holy Eucharist - Rev. Kirstin Swanson
• 1/11 - Holy Eucharist - Rt. Rev. Matthew Hyde
• 1/18 - Holy Eucharist - Rev. Johnson Mathew
• 1/25 - Holy Eucharist - Rev. Mark Brown

Online Diocesan Morning Prayer

Online Morning Prayer with Bishop Heyd Every Weekday at 8 a.m.

Please note that you'll need to register before you join.
Click here https://dioceseny.org/online-morning-prayer to register.

The Episcopal Church of the United States

The people of The Episcopal Church offer prayers for our beloved siblings in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela, and for people across the region following this morning's U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro.

Episcopalians in Venezuela carry out vital ministries in increasingly challenging conditions, and we fear for their well-being and their church community if these military interventions, and any form of U.S. occupation, lead to more instability and violence. Episcopal Church Center staff have spoken with and offered support to the Rt. Rev. Cristobal León Lozano, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ecuador Litoral and bishop provisional of Venezuela; the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and president of Province IX; and to standing committee leadership.

The Episcopal Church's General Convention has long-standing policy that "condemn[s] in any nation the first use of armed force in the form of a preventive or pre-emptive strike that is aimed at disrupting a non-imminent, uncertain military threat." Even as we recognize that intervention in sovereign states can sometimes be necessary to prevent atrocities, we discourage "the abuse of this norm to rationalize military actions in sovereign states for political ends."

We urge Congress to call for an investigation and accountability for this most recent unauthorized operation, as well as the related military actions carried out in recent months. We urge all regional parties to support a peaceful transition that respects the rule of law and the will of the Venezuelan people. Join us in praying for our siblings in the Diocese of Venezuela and the Venezuelan people.

Keeping Our Neighbors Safe

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A Future of Hope: Stewardship Campaign 2026

Dear Christ Church Family,

As we move forward with our 2026 Stewardship Campaign, "A Future of Hope", I want to extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire Stewardship Committee. We are truly blessed by the 26 families who have already pledged a total of $44,280 toward our $110,000 goal. Your generosity reflects a profound commitment to the life and mission of Christ Church, and we are sincerely thankful.

This year's theme invites us to look ahead with confidence in God's promises and to take part in shaping the future of our parish through prayer, service, and faithful giving. Christ Church continues to be a place where lives are touched, neighbors are served, and hope is nurtured. From our worship and pastoral care to our outreach and community partnerships, every ministry we offer is strengthened by your support.

If you have not yet submitted your pledge, I warmly encourage you to prayerfully consider doing so as soon as possible. Each pledge—no matter the amount—helps sustain the work God has entrusted to us and ensures that Christ Church remains a beacon of compassion and spiritual grounding for our community.

We hold fast to the promise of Scripture:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

May this assurance guide us as we continue building a future rooted in faith, generosity, and hope.

With gratitude and blessings,
LaFleur King
Chair, Stewardship Committee
Christ Church New Brighton

Christmas at Christ Church New Brighton

Reflecting on a Joyful Season at Christchurch New Brighton!

As we step into the New Year, we're looking back at a wonderful Christmas season filled with community and faith.

From our Sunday School students shining in the Christmas Eve Nativity to our Youth members staying active in the community as well as the CCCYC, it was a season to remember.

Thank you to all the families, youth, and volunteers who brought so much heart to our parish. We couldn't have done it without you!

Looking forward to a blessed year ahead.

Memorial Flowers

Did You Know?

In the Episcopal Church, clergy play vital roles in leading worship, providing pastoral care, and guiding the congregation's spiritual life. Here are some key terms and distinctions:

Rector

A rector is a priest who is the head of a self-supporting parish. The rector has responsibility for the spiritual life, pastoral care, and administrative duties of the parish. They are appointed by the bishop but are called and elected by the vestry of the parish, and they have tenure, meaning they serve indefinitely unless they resign or retire.

Priest

Priests are ordained to lead congregational worship, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care. They can serve as rectors, vicars, or curates. Lay Assistant: - A lay assistant is a non-ordained member of the congregation who assists in various aspects of church life, often including worship services. They might serve as lectors, chalice bearers, or in other supporting roles. Lay assistants are vital to the life of the church, embodying the ministry of all baptized members.

Celebrant vs. Officiant

A celebrant is the clergy person who presides over the Eucharist, also known as the Holy Communion. The celebrant leads the congregation in the central act of Christian worship, consecrating the bread and wine.

An officiant is a person who leads a worship service that does not include the Eucharist. This could be services like Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, or other non-sacramental liturgies.

Bishop

A bishop oversees a diocese, providing spiritual leadership, guidance, and support to clergy and congregations. Bishops also have the authority to ordain deacons and priests. These roles are essential to the structure and function of the Episcopal Church, ensuring that the spiritual and administrative needs of congregations are met while upholding the traditions and teachings of the church. Each role, from deacon to bishop, plays a unique part in the life and mission of the Episcopal community.

Deacon

Deacons are ordained to a ministry of service and are often involved in outreach and social justice ministries. They assist in worship services, often reading the Gospel and setting the table for the Eucharist.

Announcements

Annual Meeting 2026

In preparation for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25, 2026, all Commission Chairs, please begin collecting and submitting your reports to be included in the bulletin. ALL reports MUST be submitted via email (ccadmin@ccnbsi.org), printed, or written to the parish office by Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Coffee Hour

Join us for coffee hour following Sunday worship in the Guild Room for light fare, conversation, and fellowship. All are welcome.

Parish Office

The Parish Office will reopen fully in the new year on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026. For immediate assistance, please contact us at 718-447-8049.

Stewardship

If you have pledged for 2026, your envelopes are in the back of the church, if you want envelopes. Also, people on the vestry and parishioners wanting to go on vestry in 2026, please fulfill your pledge for 2025. You will not be eligible for vestry if you are not a pledger in good standing for one year before getting nominated.

Please get in touch with Beth McLean at 917-204-3709 with any questions.

Christ Church Coming Events

Saturday, January 31, 2026

A House of Welcome
Affirming nd Supporting LGBTQ+ People Through Faith

IPC Coming Events

Friday, January 9, 2026

St. John's Rectory: Young Adults Pizza party
Save the Date – Sunday, January 11th, 2:00 PM – Collaborative Ministry Celebration

Christ Church Parish Prayer List

The following individuals have requested our prayers:

Fred Allen, Ricia Augusty, Betty Babb, Elma Babb, Erma Babb, Marcella Babb, Jenny Badger, Joseph Bonner, Mary Boyce, Deborah Broome, Frank Cangemi, Merle Carrington, Irvin Celestine, Eva Charney, Matthew Cileli, David Clark, Wayne Clark, Marcia Clendenen, Sandra Cocks, Lisa Colli-Hogan, Theodore R. Coletti, Carmen Conrado, Barbara Corregan, Laura Craig, Gaynelle Cumberbatch, Wayne Dupuis, Marlene Elia, Garfield Evans, Tabitha Foxx, Julio Gambuto, Mary Gannon, Ann Gardner, Sandra Giambalvo, Peter Gilchrist, Melonie Griffiths, Suzanne Guglielmi, Steven Haley, Mary Hamblin, Mary Haugen, Anne Heather, Avion Hernandez-Elcock, Aretha Jadusingh, Michael Kelly, Christopher Martin, The McIntosh Family, Eva McClary, Mary Mcclellan, Julie Murphy, T. Rauch and Teri Murray, Minister Robert Perkins, Ann Reilly, Olivia Rey, Leila Rollock, Tiffany Ruperti, Willie Marcus & Dylan Schumaker, Lorelei Shull, Daphne Smith, Joyce Smith, David Lloyd Stephens, George Sullivan, Fred Tucher, Linda Tuell, John Tuohey, Lucille Williams, Doreen Wood, Leighton Wynter, Marsha Wynter, Teresa Brown-Zapken, Patrick Zapken.

Please Note: The Prayer List is intended to uphold and encourage those who need healing prayers. If persons have been fully recovered and no longer need to be lifted up in this way, please let us know so that we can make room for others. This list will be updated every three months unless otherwise notified. If you need a loved one or friend to remain on the list, please call the parish office. Thank you!

We pray for the repose of the souls of Antonio Lauria, and all the faithful departed. May their souls rest in peace.

We pray for all the frontline and essential workers in our parish, and around S.I. and the world.

We pray for the hundreds of asylum seekers in New York City, particularly on Staten Island, and ask God's Holy Spirit to help us as citizens, civic organizations, and religious institutions respond with love and compassion.

We pray for comfort to the families and communities impacted by gun violence, and for the will and determination to enact appropriate gun control legislation and promote a culture of safety.

We pray for an end to armed conflict and lift up the people of Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, and Sudan in the hope that they can move towards peace and diplomacy.

We pray for all those negatively affected by climate, environmental, and natural disasters. We pray for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

We pray for those who are suffering from the impacts of systemic racism, and for those who are committed and working towards change, unity, and equality for all peoples.

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Memorial Candles

Memorial Candles are available in honor of your loved ones. Donation envelopes are available at the Ushers' station.

Columbarium candle

Lit in memory of Alma Smith. Given by Catherine Barnett and family.

Sanctuary Candle

Lit in Loving memory of Rose Bell. Given by her grandsons, Ronald Bell & James Ross Bell.

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We give thanks to God for the following individuals who are celebrating their Birthdays this week. Damali Browne (4), Kai Mackey (5), Michelle Heath (7), Benorie Zayzay (7).

We give thanks to God for the individuals who are celebrating their wedding anniversaries this week.

In the Richmond IPC Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. John's Food Pantry.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Church of the Province of Central Africa.

In the Diocese of New York, we pray for +Sean, our Presiding Bishop; +Matthew and +Allen, our Bishops.