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

• 12/21 - Holy Eucharist - Mo. Kirstin Swanson+ (will do 8:00 am also)
• 12/28 - Morning Prayer - Willie Black (Hueldine Webb to offer a Reflection)
• 1/4 - Holy Eucharist - Mo. Kirstin Swanson+ (will do 8:00 am also)
• 1/11 - Morning Prayer - TBD
• 1/18 - Holy Eucharist - Fr. Johnson Mathew+
• 1/25 - Holy Eucharist - Fr. Mark Brown+

NOTE: Christmas Eve Service @ 8:00 pm will be officiated by  Fr. 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.

Keeping Our Neighbors Safe

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE OPEN LETTER
DONATE NOW

A Future of Hope: Stewardship Campaign 2026

A Call to Stewardship: 

Moving Forward Together at Christ Church New Brighton
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
During this time of transition, our hope for the future of Christ Church New Brighton is clear: to keep moving forward and not merely survive but truly thrive.
We recognize that these are trying times, and we are asking for your commitment in multiple ways as we build a strong, vibrant future together.

Financial Pledges

We ask that you prayerfully pledge what you can afford. Please know that every little bit helps. Whether large or small, your financial contribution is vital to our mission and operations.

The Gift of Time and Talent

Financial support is only one piece of the puzzle. We urgently need your support, talents, skills, and time in all aspects of our church community. We encourage each parishioner to consider how they can step forward.
This includes:

• Assistance with Custodial Care: Offering your talent, skill, and time for general maintenance such as gardening or painting.
• Support for Events: Assisting with our upcoming events and fundraising activities.
• Creative Input: Offering your ideas for future fundraising events and other church initiatives.

Our vision for a thriving Christ Church depends on the collective gifts—time, talent, and treasure—of every member of our parish family. By working together, we can ensure a bright future for our church in New Brighton.
Please fill out the enclosed pledge card, indicating both your financial commitment and the areas where you can offer your time and talent.
With gratitude and hope,
Sheila Hewitt, Senior Warden
Willie Black, III, Junior Warden

Christmas Holiday Baskets

We are pleased to announce the successful distribution of our Christmas holiday baskets this week. Following a busy packing day on Wednesday, December 17th, our volunteers gathered again on Thursday, December 18th, to distribute meals to local families.

This year, we provided bags containing Christmas dinner essentials and a chicken to complete each meal. We know these baskets provide much-needed support and cheer during the holidays.

The mission of Christ Church, New Brighton, to serve those in need is only possible because of the selflessness of our volunteers and the support of our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Memorial Flowers

 

Did You Know?

The Fourth Week of Advent is a sacred time in the Episcopal Church, marking the final days of anticipation before the joyful celebration of Christ's birth. This week invites us to deepen our hope, prepare our hearts, and rest in God's promise of love made flesh. Here are some facts about the Fourth Week of Advent:

The Candle of Love

On the Advent wreath, the fourth candle is often called the "Candle of Love." Lighting this candle symbolizes the love God shows to the world through the coming of Jesus. This theme is echoed in the readings and prayers, which focus on Mary's "yes" to God and the love that shapes the Incarnation (see The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212).

Mary's Role in the Lectionary

The Gospel readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent frequently center on Mary, the mother of Jesus. For example, in Year B, the Annunciation story from Luke 1:26-38 is read, highlighting Mary's faithfulness and courage. Her response, "Let it be with me according to your word," is a model of trust and openness to God's will (see Lesser Feasts and Fasts, and the Revised Common Lectionary).

Music and Hymns of Expectation

The hymns chosen for the fourth week often reflect themes of waiting, hope, and love. Hymn 56, "O come, O come, Emmanuel," from The Hymnal 1982, is especially beloved and may be sung in its entirety as Advent draws to a close. Other hymns, such as 265 "The angel Gabriel from heaven came," focus on Mary's story and the anticipation of Christ's birth.

As we light the final candle and draw near to Christmas, we are reminded that God's love is at the heart of the story we await and celebrate.

Announcements

Coffee Hour

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

Welcome, Rev. Kirstin Swanson+

We are delighted to welcome Mother Kirstin as our Celebrant this Sunday.

Veranda Services

Please join us on Sunday, December 21st, for Christ Church New Brighton at the Veranda. (see flyer on p.16 for more details).

Parish Office

The Parish Office will have limited hours from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Monday, January 5, 2026.  The office will be closed on Thursday, December 25th, and Friday, December 26th, as well as Thursday, January 1st, 2025, and Friday, January 2nd, 2026. 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 contact Beth McLean at 917-204-3709 with any questions.

 

Christ Church Coming Events

Wednesday, December 21

Decorating the Church and Parish Hall
Coat and WInter Items Collection

IPC Coming Events

Sunday, December 21 (Advent IV)

St. Mary's, Advent Concert, 4:00 PM – Details to follow
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 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. Charlie Nygard (22), Jana Ballard (23), Nick Dowen (25), Kirstin Swanson-Basso (25).

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 The Vestry, Wardens, clergy and people of St. John's, Rosebank.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of Burundi.

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