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.

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.

Christ Church New Brighton
Diversity Sunday Reflection

Last Sunday, February 8th, Christ Church New Brighton was filled with joy as we celebrated Diversity Sunday. We showcased our many talents and backgrounds through performances of spoken word, music, and dance.
Beyond the performances, we truly showcased who we are through food. Thank you to everyone who shared a dish that represents their roots. The conversations and laughter shared over those meals reminded us of our connection.
We celebrated the beautiful truth that what makes us uniquely different is exactly what joins us all at once.
To every performer, cook, and participant: Thank you. Your presence and your story are what make the Christ Church community so incredibly special.

A Call to Stewardship: Moving Forward Together
at Christ Church New Brighton

A Future of Hope — Stewardship Update

A Future of Hope: Stewardship Campaign 2026
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Beloved in Christ,

As we step into the second month of this new year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the 34 families who have offered pledges totaling $59,613.00 to support the mission and ministry of Christ Church New Brighton. Your faithfulness strengthens our common life and helps us continue the work God has entrusted to this community.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to submit your pledge, please know that it is not too late. Every gift helps sustain the ministries that bring hope, healing, and welcome to so many. We are deeply thankful for all that you are able to share.

We hold fast to the promise of God's presence and guidance:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him." — Romans 15:13

May this assurance guide us as we build, together, a future rooted in hope.

In gratitude,
LaFleur King
Stewardship Chairperson

Did You Know?

Absalom Jones (c. 1746–1818) stands as a central figure in both Episcopal and Black American history. Born into slavery, he taught himself to read, won freedom for himself and his wife, and became a tireless organizer, pastor, and advocate for the dignity of Black people in the new United States. With Richard Allen he helped form the Free African Society and then founded the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia (1792), the nation's first Black Episcopal congregation. He was ordained deacon in 1795 and—in 1802—the first Black priest in The Episcopal Church. Jones combined pastoral care, community organizing and public witness (including service during Philadelphia's 1793 yellow fever epidemic and organizing Black militia in wartime) in ways that helped shape early African American civic and religious life. His life is remembered liturgically on Feb. 13 and is celebrated throughout Black History Month as an exemplar of faith-driven service and leadership. Here is a little insight into the life of Absalom Jones.
Co‑founding the Free African Society led directly to St. Thomas and ordination

• In 1787 Jones and Richard Allen helped found the Free African Society, a mutual‑aid organization that pooled dues to support poor and sick members and linked Black communities across cities. From that society grew the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, dedicated in 1794; Bishop William White ordained Jones as a deacon in 1795 and later as a priest on Sept. 21, 1802—making him the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. (See the ENS feature on St. Thomas and the Episcopal parishes' commemorations.)

From enslavement to literate, organized leader—including service in a crisis

• Jones was born into slavery (about 1746), taught himself to read (studying the New Testament among other works), purchased his wife's freedom and later his own (around 1784). During Philadelphia's yellow fever outbreak of 1793, when many fled, Jones and volunteers from the Free African Society stayed to nurse the ill—an act of extraordinary public service that risked their own lives. These facts show how personal faith, literacy and mutual aid shaped African American leadership in the early republic.

His legacy continues in parish life, civic honors and church ministries
Jones's legacy is living: the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas became a center for worship, education and anti‑slavery activism; Philadelphia renamed the street in front of St. Thomas "Absalom Jones Way" in 2022; and The Episcopal Church has supported programs and institutions bearing his name (for example, the Absalom Jones Fund and the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing), linking his witness to ongoing work for racial justice and support for historically Black Episcopal institutions. His feast day (Feb. 13) is on the Episcopal calendar, and congregations often mark it during Black History Month.

Announcements

Coffee Hour

This Sunday Join us this Sunday, immediately following our morning worship service, for our Coffee Hour. All are welcome.

FYI

Please note that there will be ONE (1) service at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. This change is due to the Annual Meeting taking place. The Annual Meeting will take place following the Sunday service.

Annual Meeting Coffee Hour Call for Donations

We are looking forward to our Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 22nd, taking place immediately following the Sunday service. To make this time of fellowship extra special, we are seeking donations from our wonderful community!
If you are able, we would greatly appreciate contributions of: Quiches and breakfast casseroles, Finger Foods: Small sandwiches, fruit skewers, or pastries, Snacks: Chips, nuts, or crackers, Drinks: Juices, sparkling cider, or bottled water. Your generosity helps make these gatherings possible. Please contact Sheila Hewitt with any questions. Thank you for your continued support of our community!

From Palms to Ashes

It's almost time for Lent! Please bring your dried palms from last year to the church by Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.
We will be burning them that evening at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday. Palms for donation can be brought to the parish office, or given to our ushers. Thank you for helping us keep this beautiful tradition alive!

VESTRY NOMINATION SLATE

The Vestry slate for 2026 to be presented to the Vestry for nomination is as follows:
Vestry: Mark Gherzo, Elizabeth Gattullo, Nicholas Lettiere (to fill a 3-year term).

Christ Church Coming Events

10:00 AM SERVICE SCHEDULE

• February 15 - Fr. Fr. Mark Brown
• February 18 (Ash Wednesday, 7pm) - Mo. Kirstin Swanson
• February 22 - 9am Morning Prayer Rite II, Victor R. Stanwick
• March 1 - Mo. Kirstin Swanson
• March 8 - TBD
• March 15 - Fr. Johnson Matthew
• March 22 - Mo. Kirstin Swanson
• March 29 (Palm Sunday) - Fr. Mark Brown

Tuesday, February 17

Shrove Tuesday pancake supper

Wednesday, February 18

Ash Wednesday service, 7pm. Celebrant is the Rev. Kirstin Swanson

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

Sunday, February 15

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

Tuesday, February 17 – Shrove Tuesday

The Church of St. Andrew, 6:00 PM
St. Mary's Potluck, 6:00 PM
Christ Church Pancake Supper, 6:00 PM
St. Alban's Pancake Supper, 6:30 PM
St. John's Pancake Supper, 6:00 PM – RSVP if you can: Events@stjohnssi.org or 718-447-1605 ext. 103  Free-will donations, All proceeds benefit the Episcopal Diocese of New York's Immigration Legal Support Fund — helping immigrant families access urgent legal resources and support as part of our shared commitment to being a Sanctuary Diocese that welcomes all people, regardless of immigration status.  This fund aids neighbors navigating complex immigration systems, provides limited emergency support, and reflects our faith's call to welcome the stranger.

Wednesday, February 18 – Ash Wednesday

St. Mary's, Ashes to go 7:00 – 11:00 AM and Mass at noon
St. Alban's, Mass at 9:30 AM
Church of the Ascension, Mass at 12 noon and 7:00
Church of St. Andrew, Mass at Noon and 7:30 PM
Christ Church, 7:00 PM
St. Paul's, Mass at 7:00 PM
St. John's, Mass at 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 22

St. Paul's, Evensong and Benediction, 4:00 PM.  The Rev. Terrence Buckley preaching.
St. Alban's – Stations of the Cross Tuesday evenings, February 24th at 7:00 pm through Tuesday evening, March 24th.
Church of the Ascension -

Wednesday, February 25 (and every Wednesday during Lent)

12:00 PM Mass followed by Adult Formation with Soup and bread (all are encouraged to bring a soup to share)

Friday, February 27th (and every Friday before Holy Week)

Confession available from 2:00 - 2:45 PM (or by appointment), followed by Stations of the Cross at 3:00 PM.  From 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by discussion and fellowship.
St. Paul's – Wednesdays in Lent: Stations of the Cross & study group. 

February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:00 PM

The Episcopal Church on Staten Island – Lenten Series, held at Church of St. Andrew
A Weekly Lenten Journey with C.S. Lewis through his book, "A Grief Observed" 
Prayer, Soup Supper, Talk from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Wednesdays, Feb 25, Mar 4, 11 & 18

Saturday, Saturday, March 28

From 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Church of St. Andrew
Movie: Shadowlands, Requiem Mass, and Lunch

IPC Youth Lock-in, Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15

This year's Youth Lock-in, for those in grades 6 – 12, will be held at St. John's, 1333 Bay Street.  The event begins on Saturday at 6:00 PM and ends after the 10:00 AM service at St. John's.
Join us for Food, Formation and Fun!  – Please RSVP

Sunday, March 15

Church of the Ascension, St. Patrick's Corned Beef Dinner, 1:30 PM.  Reservations requested by March 1.

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

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, Willie Black, III, Joseph Bonner, Mary Boyce, Deborah Broome, Merle Carrington, Irvin Celestine, Eva Charney, Matthew Cileli, David Clark, Wayne Clark, Marcia Clendenen, Sandra Cocks, 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, 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 Christopher Martin and Edward Sorge, and for 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 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 loving memory of Lorraine Brusco in remembrance of her birthday, January 20. Given by Nick Lettiere.

Sanctuary Candle

Lit in loving memory of Fr. Chuck Howell in remembrance of his birthday, January 20. Given by Nick Lettiere.

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We give thanks to God for the following individuals who are celebrating their Birthdays this week. Alex Korzekwinski (15), Ava Samuel (16), Malik Archer (17).

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

In the Richmond IPC Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Church Musicians and Choirs.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean.

In the Diocese of New York, we pray for +Sean, our Presiding Bishop; +Matthew and +Allen, our Bishops. Congregational Development Commission; Grace Church, Middletown; Creation Care Committee; Episcopal Relief and Development; Diocesan Fund for Critical Clergy Needs Committee; Anti-Racism Committee; and The Fund for the Diaconate.