PROFILE

Vision for the Future

We would like Christ Church to be known as that awesome place that is ahead of the curve with its youth, creative in its music and above all, an enriching spiritual home for its congretation.

Christ Episcopal Church

Lockport, New York

Christ Church - a Christ centered congregation in worship, service, fellowship and life.

All we have and all we are comes from God!

Our Vision - Goals

Spiritual Development & Renewal

To be inspired and invigorated by His Spirit that lives in each of us and to use our gifts for His service.

Worship

To enhance our corporate worship by the use of a variety of expressions of music, prayer and individual participation with talents and creativity.

Youth Ministry

We must listen to the youth of today to begin to meet their Spiritual needs.  We cannot attract them  to be involved in our activities or in the spiritual life of the church without allowing them to have a voice to be heard.  We need to listen!

Stewardship

To realize that all that we are and all that we have comes from God.  Knowing that, we will return what He has given us.

Outreach/Ministry

To continuously strive to meet the needs of our local and global community as well as the needs of our parish.

Community/Building

Increase visibility and community use of the building and grounds by marketing our facility to highlight our positive attributes.

To be ALIVE & GROWING!!

To the Rector

     After prayerful discussions and exchanged thoughts, the laity seek a rector with an ability to communicate well and to motivate parishioners.  We're looking for a positive, supportive person able to overcome factionalism and bring about unity.

     The median age of our congregation is middle aged.  We desire a pastor who can help us attract youth and young couples/persons.  The possibility of adding a Saturday evening service may be explored.

     We seek a pastoral person dedicated to visiting the sick at home and in the hospital, and to minister to those who need short term spiritual counseling.

     Other desireable traits, to be open to new ideas and concepts regarding worship and music, having a sense of humor and not be afraid of constructive criticism.

Worship & Christian Formation

Worship

Sundays begin at 8 am with a Rite I or Rite II service for the dedicated early risers.  One will bear "joyful" noise at the 10:30 am Choral Rite II Eucharist.  A wide range in age, marital and family status can be found at both services followed by fellowship in the parish  hall.

Many parish members participate in the worship services as Lay Readers, Chalice Bearers, Acolytes, Ushers, Presenters, Intercessors and Choir Members.  Members of the Altar Guild care for the altar, vestments, vessels, flowers and linens.

Christian Formation

Programs include a weekly Wednesday morning Prayer Group, monthly Men's Club dinner where fellowship and  spirituality combine.  We have a Saturday morning Prayer Shawl knitting group, a monthly "Together on Thursday" Eucharist and lunch as well as other activities.

  Stewardship

     A description of Christ Church's stewardship is embodied in the entirety of this profile report - its outreach programs, parish life activities, its pastoral care of those who cannot attend regularly, youth programs, the Altar and Mary Hunt Guilds, the Men's Club, its excellent music program, and many other expressions of Christian faith.  Assembled in this section are two tables which are intended to show trends and the current status of Christ Church membership and finances, which are somewhat qualified barometers of stewardship.  They depict the uncertainties of a long-time stable congregation facing a transition from having a full-time priest to one able to afford a part-time priest to lead the flock; a situation in which lay leadership must shoulder unaccustomed responsibilities.

     The first table shows a number of trends from 2004 to the present time.  It shows a decline in membership, communicants, pledges, Sunday attendance, and school enrollment since 2005.  It was about 2005 that it became apparent that a financial crisis was approaching, and this is considered a factor in the decline.  However, financial resources remained relatively stable throughout the period shown, in spite of the membership trend.  It should be noted that most (if not all) signed pledge cards represent families and, therefore, more than one communicant.  The second table shows a breakdown of pledge amounts for the last two years.

     Christ Church lay leadership remains strong and committed in the face of our problems.  It is determined to work through this transition period to insure a healthy future for Christ Church.

Christ Church Pledge Distributions

Annual Pledge

Amounts ($)           2011                 2010

5000-6000                 4                        6

3000-5000                 2                        2

2000-3000                10                      11

1000-2000                18                      15

500-1000                  17                      20

-500                           7                       11

                                 58                      65

Christ Church Membership and Financial Data for Recent Years

                                                        2010           2009            2008           2006          2005           2004

Membership at Yr End                         313             346              329             463            474            445

Communicants                                    184             207              254             332            346            312

Signed Pledge Cards                             66               75               79               81              84              82

Pledge Amount ($)                          103074          94742          95768        100108       104270        98380

Total Support ($)                             119890         135003        126999        131663       121207      112271

Average Sunday Attendance                   96              124              111             166            139           128

School Enrollment                                   8                22                21               37             39             35

Diocesan Support ($)                        10000             8934            4168          11404        14989        11355

ALL DATA TAKEN FROM ANNUAL PAROCHIAL REPORTS

2007 PAROCHIAL REPORT MISSING FROM CHURCH FILES

Outreach

     Outreach is an important part of Christ Episcopal Church.  We house a small food pantry and have been able to give grocery gift cards to those in need.  Also supported are Brothers Keeper Food Pantry and clothes closet, Lockport CARES Homeless Shelter, Episcopal Community Services, United Thank Offering, Crop Walk, and ABCD Migrant Ministries.  For three years a mission trip to MS to help victims of Hurricane Katrina was supported by funds from our used book sale.

     Our most dedicated and established outreach happens between Thanksgiving and two weeks prior to Christmas.  Food, non perishable items and gifts are shopped for and collected, packed and distributed.  In 2010 we were able to assist 68 families.

     A monthly tea, presented by women of the congregation, is open to the community.  Heritage Christian Dayhab program members are among those who enjoy the fellowhip.

     Our hope is to develop a more structured program, maintaining the activities that work well while being open to new opportunities to serve the local community and beyond.

Pastoral Care

    Presently, laity takes Communion to the homebound, those in nursing homes/assisted living facilities and those in the hospital.  A regular schedule is maintained for our shut-in parishioners to be sure they stay connected with the congregation.  Hospital visitations by members of the pastoral care team occur when we are made aware of a need.  Visits at Hospice have also been made.

     A monthly morning prayer service is conducted at Briarwood Manor and Presbyterian Home.  TOT-Together on Thursday, which occurs the third Thursday of each month, offers a morning prayer service followed by lunch and is a special way for members of the parish, especially our older members, to come together.

     Two members of the congregation send greeting cards conveying sympathy, get well wishes and marking other special occasions.  In 2010, 59 cards were sent.  Parishioners who have surgeries or other special needs are provided meals.

Parish Life

The mission of the Parish Life Committee is to build relationships within the church family, and to encourage involvement and commitment among parishioners.  The committee plans social and community activities for all ages in hopes of enriching the congregation with a social atmosphere.

Vestry

The vestry consists of two wardens and nine vestry persons elected in accordance with Diocesan Canons.

Some of the standing committees include stewardship, outreach, parish life, adult education/liturgy, finance, buildings & grounds, pastoral care and parish review.

From time to time, the vestry establishes ad hoc committees and annually appoints  a nominating committee to seek out candidates for vestry election.

History and the Community

History

Christ Episcopal Church is the oldest Episcopal congregation in Lockport, New York, beginning in 1828.  Our current church facility was constructed in 1965.  Our website is:  http://www.christlkpt.org

Community

Lockport is a city with a rich historical tradition located 20 miles east of Niagara Falls.  For more information, look on the Lockport website.  www.elockport.com

ALLELUIA!