As we pause for a Summer Hiatus during the month of August, we encourage everyone to take this time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to go in the future.

We are grateful for your patronage and look forward to gathering together again in September with renewed hearts, fresh energy, and excitement for all that is in store.

Have a safe and blessed summer—we can't wait to welcome you back!

See you then!

You're invited! CCC Summer Outing - Sunday August 23, 2026. 9AM-2.00PM 

Greetings to All, 

Hope you will join us for our CCC 25th Annual Summer Outing. You are welcome to bring your family and friends.  Our get together will be on Sunday,

August 23rd from 9.00AM to 2.00pm. 

Many thanks to all who have contributed thoughts, ideas and help including Wayne, Scott, Virginia, Gloria, Kate, Ian and Greg. Please note for lunch we have decided to do something different for our CCC 25th Anniversary summer outing. Weather permitting we will  gather for a “picnic” at an outdoor plaza in the Meat Packing District, Or, if it is rainy or too warm, we will move indoors to Chelsea Market’s open tables on the lower level. Note: You can either pack and bring your own lunch or choose a take out meal along the way or at Chelsea Market. 

NOTE:  You can join us at different times along the way if you wish. 

The following is the time table. 

If you would like to join us please send an email to the following address:

E. Diane Nichols 

beacon195@aol.com

As we pause for a Summer Hiatus during the month of August, we encourage everyone to take this time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to go in the future.

We are grateful for your patronage and look forward to gathering together again in September with renewed hearts, fresh energy, and excitement for all that is in store.

Have a safe and blessed summer—we can't wait to welcome you back!

See you then!

As we pause for a Summer Hiatus during the month of August, we encourage everyone to take this time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to go in the future.

We are grateful for your patronage and look forward to gathering together again in September with renewed hearts, fresh energy, and excitement for all that is in store.

Have a safe and blessed summer—we can't wait to welcome you back!

See you then!

As we pause for a Summer Hiatus during the month of August, we encourage everyone to take this time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to go in the future.

We are grateful for your patronage and look forward to gathering together again in September with renewed hearts, fresh energy, and excitement for all that is in store.

Have a safe and blessed summer—we can't wait to welcome you back!

See you then!

Revd Joseph J. Nicholson (Non-denominational Protestant) spent the first 30 years of his career as an entrepreneur.  He founded a dozen companies, mostly related to software and the financial services industry.

Following the sale of his operating businesses and a brief retirement, he was called to seminary.  He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2016 and a Masters degree of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in 2020.  He was ordained in 2017 by the Non-Denominational Protestant American Fellowship Church.

From September 2014 to January 2021, he served as chaplain to the uniformed personnel of the EMS division of the New York City Fire Department.  Since April 2019, he has served as pastoral counselor at Chelsea Community Church.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Wayne Kammerer

Rachel Rim (Episcopalian) is a board-certified chaplain at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital where she provides spiritual care to pediatric palliative care patients and their families.  She attends St. Peter's Chelsea.  She earned her BA in English literature at Wheaton College and her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Lay Leader: Pam Palmieri, Reception Host: Gloria Schofner, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Mel Lehman (Mennonite) grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  He received a Master of Arts in theology from Union Theological Seminary and an Master of Arts in literature from Columbia University.  He worked for the first 20 years of his career at the National Council of Churches as an editor in international humanitarian issues.
In 2009, he founded a non-profit organization called Common Humanity which works to build understanding, respect, and friendship between Americans and the Middle East and Arab world.  Common Humanity organizes exhibits of paintings by Middle East artists to help Americans better understand the humanity and rich culture of the people there.
He is a long-time deacon at his home congregation, Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship, and a lay preacher.
Mel recently returned from a friendship-building trip to Baghdad in December during which he took holiday cards from Americans to Iraqis and received cards in return.

Lay Leader: E. Diane Nichols, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Wayne Kammerer

Rasheed Hart (Nondenominational) Following his release in 2017, Rasheed Hart graduated from both Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business and CUNY Urban School of Labor.  He held an internship in community organizing at The Black Institute, and in 2018 he established the renowned NYC Barbershop Museum, a center dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.  Rasheed has been deeply committed to addressing the pressing issue of gun violence, and he began working with the Center for Justice Innovation in 2020.   In 2021, he was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Probation for his contributions to the Echoes Be Ready program, which addresses the ongoing challenges of employment and gun violence.  Rasheed has also served as a job developer, facilitating the placement of over 70 unemployed participants and providing hope and opportunities to those facing adversity.  He had a longtime friendship with the late CCC member Kathy Reid. Rasheed holds certifications in Ministry and Human Services from Rising Hope Inc.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: E. Diane Nichols, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Revd Joseph J. Nicholson(Non-denominational Protestant) spent the first 30 years of his career as an entrepreneur.  He founded a dozen companies, mostly related to software and the financial services industry.

Following the sale of his operating businesses and a brief retirement, he was called to seminary.  He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2016 and a Masters degree of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in 2020.  He was ordained in 2017 by the Non-Denominational Protestant American Fellowship Church.

From September 2014 to January 2021, he served as chaplain to the uniformed personnel of the EMS division of the New York City Fire Department.  Since April 2019, he has served as pastoral counselor at Chelsea Community Church.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: TBA

Revd Andrew C. Patty (Lutheran) is an ELCA pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in the West Village. They have previously served in Topeka, Kansas where they help rebuild a congregation which has been a calling for my eight years of ministry since being ordained. They are an openly Queer pastor that has been an advocate in the community and recognized as an Emerging Faith Leader by LGBTQ-RAN in 2017 for their work in encouraging understanding of our queer religious history. They are currently also a Senior Spiritual Life Advisor at New York University and are an ELCA trained intentional interim assisting congregations in transition. They also serve as Sister Rich B* Clare of the NYC Disorder of Sisters for the Sister of Perpetual Indulgence. They received their BA in History from Sewanee, their MDiv from Duke University, and are currently working on a PhD from the University of Kansas.  

Lay Leader: Jeff Cubeta, Reception Host: E. Diane Nichols, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Murray Hillis a NYC legend, comedian, TV host, MC, and international entertainer. He plays Fred Rococo in HBO’s acclaimed series Somebody Somewhere. He hosted the competition show Drag Me To Dinner (HULU), is featured in Life & Beth (HULU) and Welcome to Flatch (FOX), and is in Paul Feig’s movie JACKPOT (Amazon MGM Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. His forthcoming memoir, Showbiz! My Life As a Middle-Aged Man will be released by Simon & Schuster Gallery Books in 2025. He was just given the Trailblazer Award from Queerty.

Lay Leader: Jeff Cubeta, Wayne Kammerer & E. Diane Nichols, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Joanne Downes

Pastor Michelle Odinmais the Pastor for Community Life at Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan. A Seventh-day Adventist Christian, she’s passionate about building authentic gospel-centered community. Michelle is a proud cat mom of two and enjoys filling her life with good food, good music, and good people.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: Jennifer Lynch, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Vi Lynk (Episcopal) is interested in the intimate details of the intentional life understood and articulated in relationships. Drawing from her training and experience as an installation and performance artist, she has worked to facilitate community within and across multiple fields and facets of life: in elementary classrooms, through technology driven storytelling, at tables, to name a few. She completed a Masters of Divinity at Berkeley Episcopal Divinity School and a Masters of Sacred Theology at Yale Divinity School. Vi continues to discern how to practice the call to love as an artist, a theologian and a spiritual leader as she pursues ordination in the Episcopal Church.  

Lay Leader: Jeff Cubeta, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: Edie Diane Nichols, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Revd Joseph J. Nicholson (Non-denominational Protestant) spent the first 30 years of his career as an entrepreneur.  He founded a dozen companies, mostly related to software and the financial services industry.

Following the sale of his operating businesses and a brief retirement, he was called to seminary.  He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2016 and a Masters degree of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in 2020.  He was ordained in 2017 by the Non-Denominational Protestant American Fellowship Church.

From September 2014 to January 2021, he served as chaplain to the uniformed personnel of the EMS division of the New York City Fire Department.  Since April 2019, he has served as pastoral counselor at Chelsea Community Church.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: Edie Diane Nichols, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Revd Gloria Jean Skeete (National Association of Congregational Christian Churches) is on the ministerial staff of the Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church in Brooklyn, where she has served since 2015.  She occasionally fills in as Pastor while Flatbush-Tompkins conducts their current pastor search.  She was previously a pastor at the New York Congregational Nursing Center in Brooklyn.  She graduated from New York Theological Seminary in 2012 with an Masters of Divinity degree.  Her seminary education included internships at Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn and Jan Hus Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.  Before going to seminary she worked in the fashion industry.

Lay Leader: Edie Diane Nichols, Reception Host: Wayne Kammerer, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Revd John Magisano (Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches)  served as Chelsea Community Church's Pastoral Counselor for 11 years (2004 - 2015). He has served various churches and currently serves All Souls Bethlehem Church in Brooklyn as their interim pastoral counselor.  He earned his Master of Divinity Degree at New York Theological Seminary in 1999.  John recently retired from NYC Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI) as Senior Coordinator for Learning & Organizational Development.  He lives in Brooklyn with his husband Xris and their feline overlord, Wolverina.  

Lay Leader: Edie Diane Nichols, Reception Host: Jennifer Lynch, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Hilda M. Regier - May 1, 1934 - February 15, 2026

Hilda Mae Regier passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Feb. 15, 2026, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare, where she had resided for the last three and a half years. Hilda was born May 1, 1934, in Goessel, KS to Theodore and Anna Voth Regier. She was given her middle name to mark that she’d been born on the first of May. Hilda attended school in Walton, KS. After graduating from high school, she pursued studies at Bethel College in North Newton, earning a BA. She then attended Iowa State University, earning her MA degree in journalism, continuing those studies toward earning a PhD. At the end of her first semester of PhD studies, she was advised to go to NYC to gain practical experience. Once there, she fell in love with the city where she spent most of her remaining life. Choosing initially to work in the trade press, she eventually wrote for medical journals and later as a freelance journalist.

In 1973, Hilda, as president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations, led community opposition against the US Postal Service’s proposed $35-millions, 15-story mail truck garage in Chelsea, citing environmental and quality-of-life concerns. She and residents sought to block the project. As a leader in the Council, she was pivotal in bringing together residents to fight the federal project.

In 1977 Hilda purchased an 1847 brownstone in the Chelsea District of Manhattan. She painstakingly restored the Victorian details of the main floor apartment which became her home. She was a strong force for historic preservation in the city.

Hilda was a founding member of the Chelsea Community Church, giving countless hours to write and distribute the church newsletter and organizing various pastors and guest speakers to preach to the congregation for many years. Hilda was an active member of the Victorian Society of New York City, organizing tours for them and serving on their board for many years and as president from 2014 to 2017.

Hilda loved the garden she created behind her brownstone. The sapling white dogwood she planted is now majestic. She delighted in spring bulbs as they appeared and the red rose that would bloom beside her front stoop. It was, and remains, a soothing green oasis away from the noise and hubbub of the city.

Family was important to Hilda, and she returned to KS for visits whenever she was able. She took great delight in her nephews. As various grandnephews and grandnieces appeared she was always keen to know what they were doing.

Hilda is predeceased by Elma Ruth Harms and Marvin Regier. She leaves behind sister-in-law Grace Nickel Regier, nephew Wayne Harms and Barbara, nephew Larry Harms and Mary, niece Sherry Unruh and Bill Unruh, and niece Vickie Schmidt and Emil Schmidt.

Petersen Funeral Home arranged the service at Kidron on 2/23/26 at 3pm and a private burial at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton Ks on 2/23/26. Donations and remembrances may be offered to Chelsea Community Church. In Manhattan, NY

Lay Leader: Joanne Downes, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: TBA

Revd Joseph J. Nicholson (Non-denominational Protestant) spent the first 30 years of his career as an entrepreneur.  He founded a dozen companies, mostly related to software and the financial services industry.

Following the sale of his operating businesses and a brief retirement, he was called to seminary.  He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2016 and a Masters degree of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in 2020.  He was ordained in 2017 by the Non-Denominational Protestant American Fellowship Church.

From September 2014 to January 2021, he served as chaplain to the uniformed personnel of the EMS division of the New York City Fire Department.  Since April 2019, he has served as pastoral counselor at Chelsea Community Church.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Revd Dr. Valerie H. Holly (American Baptist/United Church of Christ) has worked in various ministerial positions at Judson Memorial Church in the West Village. Previously she was Senior Pastor at Unity Fellowship Church of Christ New York City in Brooklyn.  Dr. Holly has also held managerial social work positions in substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and Employee Assistance Programs.

Dr. Holly received both a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctorate in Ministry degree from New York Theological Seminary. She also holds a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Columbia University.

Lay Leader: Pam Palmieri, Reception Host: Wayne Kammerer, Usher: Scott Barbarino

Revd Raquel Irizarry (United Church of Christ/Unitarian Universalist)is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and Columbia School of Social Work.  She is an activist, a writer, a guest minister, as well as lead facilitator of a Brain Training program for adults with early to mid-stage memory loss.  She is currently a member of both the UCC Metro Association Board of Directors and their Social Justice Committee, and is a member of the NYS/NYC Coordinating Committees for the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.  She is also a long-time member and the Council President of All Souls Bethlehem Church in Brooklyn.  Raquel loves/does photography, sings a little, and is a believer in the power of God's abundant Love.

Lay Leader:Edie Diane Nichols, Reception Host:Wayne Kammerer, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Kimberly Malone (Episcopalian) is a spiritual director, workshop facilitator, and educator whose work centers on formation, reflection, and hope at the margins. For over twenty years, she has guided individuals and communities in practices of intentional living and discernment. She serves as an administrator and adjunct professor in New York college-in-prison programs and holds master’s degrees in Theology and Intercultural Studies from Fuller Seminary, along with a certificate in Spiritual Direction. She lives in northern New Jersey with her family.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Abigail Hastings (Alliance of Baptists) is a writer, editor, occasional producer and occasional preacher and most of all, a “Tex Yorker” (from Dallas, 45 years in NYC). These days she writes mitigation reports for immigrants, helps lead retreats, and is working on a film about her activist mentor, Arlene Carmen. She loves her work as an archivist at Judson Church (Alliance of Baptists, American Baptist and UCC) and hanging out with rescue dog Henry.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Mary Sheeran

Revd Linda Tarry-Chard (United Church of Christ) served as Associate Minister for Membership, Care and Parish Life at The Riverside Church of New York City for nearly 14 years.   The Founding President of the Project People Foundation (PPF), a nonprofit organization that funds education and social justice programs for adults and children in South Africa and the United States.   Since 2008 PPF has collaborated with Splash Fit Swim Club to provide free life-saving swimming skills and a healthy outlet for fitness and fun to students living in Harlem and the South Bronx.  Tarry-Chard provides clergy supply for churches in the tri-state area.   She holds an M.S. degree in education from Fordham University and an Masters of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary.  

Lay Leader: Jeff Cubeta, Reception Host: Gloria Schofner, Usher: Wayne Kammerer

Revd Joseph J. Nicholson (Non-denominational Protestant) spent the first 30 years of his career as an entrepreneur.  He founded a dozen companies, mostly related to software and the financial services industry.

Following the sale of his operating businesses and a brief retirement, he was called to seminary.  He received a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2016 and a Masters degree of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in 2020.  He was ordained in 2017 by the Non-Denominational Protestant American Fellowship Church.

From September 2014 to January 2021, he served as chaplain to the uniformed personnel of the EMS division of the New York City Fire Department.  Since April 2019, he has served as pastoral counselor at Chelsea Community Church.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: Edie Diane Nichols, Usher: TBA

Guy Wasko (Association of Vineyard Churches) is a pastor, chaplain and non-profit executive. With more than 25 years of experience leading in the church, charity and community organizing fields he serves as the founder and executive director of For NYC - a collective impact city platform that strengthens leaders and unites churches for the flourishing of New York City. He lives in the East Village of Manhattan with his wife and three daughters.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Mary Sheeran (Episcopalian/Chelsea Community Church) has been a member of Chelsea Community Church since 1987.  After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Humanistic Studies, and Theater at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, she taught at the Foxhollow School in Lenox, Massachusetts.  She performed leading roles in regional theater productions, off-Broadway plays, and in operas in New York City.   She also worked as a theater critic for the trade papers Show Business and Backstage.  Mary also has had a career as a medical editor, and she served on the board of Chelsea Community Church for several years.   As board Chair, she was invited to audit a class at Union Theological Seminary; and inspired,she enrolled at nondenominational New York Theological Seminary, earning her Master of Divinity degree.  She did field service at St. Peter's Chelsea, where she was active in their liturgy and education committees, on the vestry, and in the choir.  In 2006, her first novel, Who Have the Power, was published about the effects of silver mining in the west on the Native peoples.  She has since had five other novels published, two of which have won awards; and she is working on number six.

Lay Leader: Mary Sheeran, Reception Host: TBA, Usher: Gloria Schofner

Gary Ryan ThM (Episcopalian) Gary studied basic Clinical Pastoral Education while a chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and did his advanced psychotherapeutic training and supervision at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in NYC where he was the Chief Resident Chaplain during the height of the AIDS crisis.  More recently he also worked at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC as a chaplain during the height of the Covid crisis. 

Gary studied philosophy at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and theology at Harvard Divinity School.  He has written for the Associated Press, represented the Archbishop of Canterbury at the United Nations, and taught chess in NYC’s inner city, where the present World Rank No. 2 player was one of his early students. 

From Mississippi, Gary presently lives in Brooklyn, writes poetry and short stories.   He loves art, travel, and flyfishing; and he claims New Orleans as his second city.

Lay Leader: Wayne Kammerer, Reception Host: Jennifer Lynch, Usher: TBA