Explore your faith, connect in community, serve others.
At Christ Episcopal Church you enter the awe of worship in a place which has been prayed in for centuries. The majestic, beautiful architecture and the recently refurbished organ create a sacred space for prayer and worship. Yet, it is the people—from toddlers to nonagenarian, all participating with joy and wonder—that make our worship a special offering of praise and thanksgiving. Together, we are nourished and sent out to share the good news of Christ’s love, caring for people and God’s creation.
We worship in the Episcopal tradition with the liturgy taken from the Book of Common Prayer and supplemental sources. Our worship on Sundays includes scripture readings and a sermon, prayers, hymns and choral music, and the sharing of the Holy Eucharist. On Tuesday mornings, Bible Study is followed by a service of Holy Eucharist in Christ Church’s Dewees Chapel.
In the heart of downtown Binghamton, Christ Church reaches out to the community via CHOW® food pantry, Katie’s Clothing Closet, special community worship services, and green space for our neighbors. The first church in Binghamton, we continue as a vibrant congregation of all ages, races, orientations, and economic levels. We welcome everyone, from seekers to long time companions, on the journey of faith. Here you will find others who seek God, explore how to live faithfully in chaotic times, and wrestle with how to love well in a world which often does not. Here, everyone is always welcome. At Christ Episcopal Church, we respect the dignity of every human being and care for one another.
Our parish, like most urban congregations, is diverse in many ways. Our parishioners come from Binghamton neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs. We are strengthened by a multigenerational community of faith. We welcome members old and new; those who are retired and those who are just starting out in life. We hope you will join us for worship and fellowship as we strive to be the heart and hands of Jesus Christ in Binghamton.
Clergy and Staff
The Rev. Richard Schaal
Interim Rector
The Rev. Jim Jones
Priest Associate
The Rev. Deacon Kay Drebert
Parish Deacon
Paul Cienniwa
Director of Music Ministries
Jackie Maillet
Minister of Youth Music
Nancy McGorry
Bookkeeper
Jim Davidson
Sexton & Vestry Member
Desireé Keys
Office Administrator
Wardens & Vestry Members
Mark Smith
Senior Warden
Kevin Shea
Junior Warden
Stacey Gould
Vestry Member
Rick Pescatore
Vestry Member
Uzoma Oranu
Vestry Member
Marianne McCormick
Vestry Member
Susan MacLennan
Vestry Member
Lisa Tiziani
Vestry Member
Ed Sarzynski
Vestry Member
Liz Davidson
Vestry Member
Connecting through Ministry
Committees and Ministries
Christ Church has Committees and Ministry Teams that carry out God’s work in our parish, the local community and beyond.
Vestry
The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting, currently held each June. Vestry members serve as leaders of the congregation, overseeing finances, program, and the mission of the parish.
Outreach
Responsible for programs serving the people of Binghamton, including
- CHOW® Food Pantry
- Katie’s Clothing Closet
- Winter Warmth Project
Fellowship
The fellowship ministry is a vital part of Christ Church, extending hospitality through beverages, snacks, and meals to encourage fellowship and build community. They coordinate special events and funeral receptions. Christ Church members generously and joyfully share food together as a community.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry encourages our church members to become grateful, responsible stewards of all the gifts we receive from God. Our Fall Pledge Campaign asks parishioners to commit to a financial contribution for the coming year. Clean up days focus on caring for the Christ Church property, its green space, gardens, and buildings.
Youth
The youth of our church participate in many activities throughout the year to enhance their Christian education and formation in worship, outreach, and fellowship.
St. Margaret’s Altar Guild
The dedicated people of St. Margaret’s Altar Guild serve God by preparing the altar and chancel area for worship services and other liturgical occasions, such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Comfort Food
This ministry provides meals to parishioners when they are in need due to a variety of life issues or illness. When a need arises, the chair contacts a member of the ministry, who then contacts the parishioner – offering to prepare and deliver a tasty meal.
Welcome
The Welcome Ministry makes parishioners, newcomers, and visitors feel welcome at Christ Church through its activities, which include actively and warmly greeting people and offering assistance, maintaining a welcome table and pew cards, providing welcome bags and more.
Historical
The dedicated members of the Historical Ministry serve as stewards of the rich history of Christ Church. The Historical Ministry documents and preserves historical information about the church, conducts tours, participates in the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier (PAST) Open House events and more.
Chimer’s Guild
The Chimer’s Guild plays the bells for each Sunday service, as well as funerals and special civic days. Beginning chimers are always welcome. Guild members are happy to demonstrate how the bells are played and to provide instruction.
Property Committee
A beacon of light in the city, Christ Church is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its beautiful buildings and grounds. The Property Committee is responsible for ensuring that our beautiful historical buildings and grounds are properly maintained.
St. Fiacre’s Gardening Guild
St. Fiacre’s Gardening Guild joyfully meets from April through November to ensure maintenance of the beautiful grounds surrounding Christ Church. Our public lawn is the largest green space in downtown Binghamton, lovingly maintained by this faithful guild. The Christ Church close is a beautifully landscaped quiet space in the center of our buildings.
Worship Committee
The Worship Team meets with clergy on a regular basis to plan and coordinate the various aspects of our worship services. Representatives from the Choir, Altar Guild, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, and members of the congregation participate and offer assistance to the clergy as leaders in the congregation.
Acolytes/St. Vincents Guild
Acolytes assist the priest leading worship. Their assigned responsibilities include crucifer or torch bearer, enhancing the service and glorifying God. Acolytes also prepare the sacred space for worship, lighting candles and performing other liturgical duties.
Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Readers are trained in the vocal interpretation of scripture and read the lessons and Prayers of the People in worship. Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy during the service, support the deacon and priest at the altar, and serve the chalice.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is a sub-committee of the Vestry and works closely with the Interim Rector, bookkeeper, and treasurer. The Finance Team reviews Christ Church’s overall financial situation, develops the annual budget, suggests income sources, oversees investments and expenditures, and provides updates and reports to the Rector and Vestry.
Christian Education
The Christian Education team focuses on Sunday School for toddlers through 7th grade. Our children enjoy learning Bible stories and prayers of the Church at 10:00 am on the second through fourth Sundays of the month. On First Sundays! the clergy teach children about faith and liturgy at 9:00 am in the church; children and youth then serve as liturgical leaders at the 10:00 am service on the first Sunday of each month.