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

• 1/18 - 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.

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

2026 Vestry Slate & Nomination Update

As we move into 2026, we want to provide an important update regarding our Vestry leadership and the upcoming annual meeting.

In light of our current season of transition, Bishop Heyd and the Episcopal Diocese have recommended a path of continuity for our parish leadership. To ensure stability and steady guidance while we navigate this time together, the decision has been made to keep our Vestry slate the same as it was last year, maintaining stability in Transition.
By maintaining this experienced team, we can focus our collective energy on the transition process with a consistent foundation of institutional knowledge and leadership. While the core team remains the same, there is one change to note for the coming year:


• Outgoing Member: We share our deep gratitude for Jana Ballard, who will be stepping down from her Vestry position as her tenure has ended. We thank Jana for her dedicated service and heart for this community.
• Incoming Member: We are pleased to announce that Nick Lettiere has been asked to step into the vacated role. Nick has graciously accepted the invitation to serve our parish for a 3-year tenure.

What This Means for the Annual Meeting. Because the Diocese has directed us to maintain the current slate, we will not be holding the standard nominating committee process this year. We believe this "steady hands" approach is the best way to support our clergy and congregation during this pivotal time.
Please join us in praying for our Vestry members as they continue their work, and in welcoming Nick to the team.

Did You Know?

Epiphany (from the Greek epiphaneia, "manifestation") is the Church's celebration of how Christ's light is revealed to the nations. Observed on January 6, Epiphany in the Episcopal tradition most vividly remembers the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2) and opens a season—Epiphanytide—whose Sundays trace other "manifestations" of Jesus (his baptism, the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples) and send the baptized into mission. In the Episcopal Church, these observances are shaped by the Book of Common Prayer (1979) and the Revised Common Lectionary.

Date and status

Epiphany is a fixed feast on January 6 and is one of the principal feasts in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), emphasizing God's self‑revelation in Christ (the Magi are read as representatives of the nations). (Book of Common Prayer, 1979.)

Popular customs and their meaning

Many Episcopal congregations use an Epiphany star, processions, and the practice of "chalking the door" (e.g., 20†C†M†B†24). That inscription both marks the year and is read as the initials of the traditional Magi (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar) and as the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat ("May Christ bless this house"), a visible sign inviting Christ's blessing on home and household for the year. These customs underscore Epiphany's theme of Christ as light and blessing to the world and the home. (Common parish practice; Episcopal Church seasonal resources.)

The First Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord)

In the lectionary cycle the Sunday following Epiphany is commonly observed as the Baptism of Our Lord, recalling Jesus' baptism in the Jordan when the Father's voice affirms him and the Spirit descends like a dove. The appointed Gospel in Year A is Matthew 3:13–17 (Mark or Luke passages are used in other years). Some churches use white as the liturgical color, and the day is often used for baptisms, a renewal of baptismal vows, and reflection on the Church's baptismal mission. (Revised Common Lectionary; Book of Common Prayer, 1979.)

Announcements

Welcome +Bishop Matthew Heyd

We are delighted to welcome Bishop Matthew Heyd as our Celebrant and Preacher.

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 this Sunday as we gather to celebrate our community members born in January! Immediately following our worship service, we will head over to the Guild Room for a special coffee hour. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some light fare, warm conversation, and the gift of fellowship as we kick off the new year together.

Knitting Club Update – See You in February

The Knitting Club is taking a break for January. We will resume our regular meetings starting Tuesday, February 10th. Whether you've been knitting for years or want to learn a new hobby, we'd love to have you join us then!

Christ Church Coming Events

Saturday, January 31, 2026

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

IPC Coming Events

Shine Your Light Ministries

Worship service at All Saints Church, 2329 Victory Blvd.

• Third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM
• Third Sunday of the month at 1:00 PM

Epiphany Season

Church of Saint Andrew Adult Formation: "Let Us Pray" 

In this four-session series, each week's meeting can stand alone, and participants are welcome to participate in one, some, or all sessions. We will gather for an hour following the 10 o'clock service and coffee hour on Sundays during Epiphany (except for the Annual Meeting Sunday on 2/1/26). The series is appropriate for everyone, including teens who are approaching or who have completed confirmation. All materials needed will be provided in the session; just bring an open mind and a prayerful heart.

Friday, January 23

Church St. Andrew
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner & Auction, 6:00 PM.  Sponsored by the ECW, Catered by Osteria Santina, $25 per person.

Saturday, January 31

A House of Welcome: Faith Communities as Supportive and Affirming LGBTQ+ Spaces.  A day-long event offering workshops, conversation, and worship that affirms the full humanity and belovedness of LGBTQ+ people and provides allies with knowledge and skills to build affirming communities of faith. 

Friday, February 13

Church of St. Andrew, Bingo, Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Saturday, February 14

Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration, Eucharist at 10:30 AM
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
This meaningful service will honor the legacy of the Reverend Absalom Jones, the first Black priest ordained in the Episcopal Church, whose groundbreaking ministry paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive priesthood.
Celebrant: The Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd, 17th Bishop of New York
Preacher: The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, 11th Bishop of Newark

Sunday, February 15

St. Alban's, 2:00 PM - Friends of Olmsted-Beil House presents Staten Island's Homestead Graveyards of the 1700's.

Wednesday, March 25

Watch party for this historic event in the life of the Anglican Communion
The installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation).  Dame Mullally will be the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, a move that is not without controversy in some parts of the world.
The Episcopal Church on Staten Island is proposing a Collaborative Event on March 25th, location TBD.  At 5pm we gather for Evening Prayer and at 6pm we share a potluck soup supper and watch the installation.

Curious about Congregational Development?

Come read some books from the College for Congregational Development Reading List!
Thursdays at 10:30 AM, at All Saints Church 2329 Victory Blvd.

Contact The Rev. Kirstin Swanson to RSVP
kswanson@dioceseny.org | (347) 446-4870

October 9 & 23
The Church Cracked Open (read the introduction through chapter 4 for the first meeting)

October 30, November 13, 20, December 11, 18
Vital Christian Community

January 8, 22
A People Called Episcopalians

February 12, 26, March 12, 26
Seeking God, the Way of St. Benedict

April 16, 30, May 14
A Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making

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 soul of Ann Kehoe and for the souls of 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: Etta Johnson (11), Willie Black, III (14), Naomi Zayzay (14), Laura Kennedy (15).

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 Acolytes and Acolytes-in-training.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America.

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