About Us
Our clergy, staff, ministries and congregation are diverse and bring a rich variety of life experience to our church.
Come and see. 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, historic building provides beautiful architecture and the recently refurbished organ beautiful music. Yet, it is the people—from toddlers to nonagenarians—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. Bible study is on Tuesday mornings, followed by a service of Holy Eucharist in the 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. Dr. Katrina Grusell
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
Vestry
Mark Smith
Senior Warden
Kevin Shea
Junior Warden
Stacey Gould
Rick Pescatore
Marianne McCormick
Susan MacLennan
Uzoma Oranu
Ed Sarzynski
Senior Warden
Liz Davidson
Lisa Tiziani
What do we believe?
- God's love is for all people. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to the ministry of reconciliation, bringing people closer to God and one another.
- Engaging with scripture, receiving the Eucharist, and connecting with people of faith makes sense of our lives, fosters hope, and strengthens us.
- Doubt and questioning are normal on our spiritual journey. The wisdom and support of others in Christian community support us as we grow in faith.
- The Church exists to make Christ's love known, serve others, and create a world healed by love
Connecting through Ministry
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 usually elected at the annual parish meeting.
Outreach
- CHOW® Food Pantry
- Katie’s Clothing Closet
- Winter Warmth Project
- Canteen at Trinity Church
Fellowship
The fellowship ministry is a vital part of Christ Church, extending hospitality through beverages, snacks, and meals to encourage fellowship and build community
Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry encourages our church family to become grateful, responsible stewards of all the gifts we receive from God.
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 in by preparing the altar and chancel area for worship services and occasions such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
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 team 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 welcomed! Guild members are happy to show you how the bells are played and provide instruction.
Property
The Property Ministry is responsible for ensuring that our beautiful historical buildings are properly maintained. A beacon of light in the city, Christ Church is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its beautiful buildings and grounds.
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.
Worship
The Worship Team meets with clergy on a regular basis to plan and coordinate the various aspects of worship services. Representatives from the Choir, Altar Guild, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, and members of the congregation participate and offer any necessary assistance to the clergy.
Acolytes/St. Vincents Guild
Acolytes assist the the priest leading worship. Their assigned responsibilities as crucifer or torch enhance the service 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, tend to the altar, and serve the chalice.
Finance
The Finance Team 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, and oversees investments and expenditures.
Christian Education
The Christian Education team focuses on Sunday School toddlers through 7th grade. Our children enjoy learning Bible stories, prayers of the Church, and the liturgical life of the Episcopal tradition.
What does worship look like on Tuesdays?
- We worship in the Dewees Chapel at Christ Episcopal Church
- We read scripture. Then we hear a homily or have conversation about the scripture.
- We share the Holy Eucharist.
- Our Episcopal liturgy uses language and prayers that are relevant to our lives in the 21st Century