Our Community

About our Church

Our Community

Christ Church is a robust, vibrant parish that spans generations. Founded in 1854 by a group of civic leaders, our parish has a legacy of community engagement that continues to this day.

We have a long-standing tradition of diversity and inclusion:

Our first African American member was baptized in October 1891. Maud Ridley Ortiga was the granddaughter of slaves who escaped from Virginia and settled in Media.
In 1949, Christ Church declared it ministered “to all classes of people,” making “no restriction concerning race or color, asking only faithful adherence to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church of any who would become members.”
On June 7, 2016, the Vestry unanimously voted to approve the celebration of same sex marriages at Christ Church.

Our parishioners bring a variety of faith and cultural backgrounds to our community. Our members include cradle Episcopalians, former Catholics, interfaith families, immigrants, lifelong Media residents, young, old, singles, and families. Christ Episcopal Church is the spiritual home that brings us all together.

For more information about the Episcopal Church, please visit these sites:

Episcopal Diocese of PA Episcopal Church Anglican Communion

Clergy

Reverend Ernest M. Galaz, Rector

Ernie has been rector of Christ Church Media since 2018.

Prior to Christ Church, Ernie was the rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Nogales, Arizona which is located on the border with Mexico. While serving St. Andrews, Ernie was active at the diocesan level serving on Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and Episcopal Community Services of Arizona. He was active in many interfaith groups including Cruzando Fronteras border ministry, and Southern Arizona Interfaith.

Before arriving at St. Andrews Nogales, Ernie was ministry intern and curate at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona.
Ernie took up his vocation to the priesthood after a long career in public education, as teacher and administrator at the elementary and secondary level. He was a trainer, facilitator, and coach for the Arizona Department of Education; and served on the boards of several independent schools and many not for profit organizations.

Ernie has a deep love for contemplative prayer and practices. He completed a course of study at the Living School for Action and Contemplation with Father Richard Rohr, which helped him deepen his contemplative practice and inspire his ministry.
Ernie describes his vision of spirituality and leadership as “living into the belovedness for which God created me in Christ and inspiring and empowering others to do the same.”

At the diocesan level he serves as co-chair of the Anti Racism Commission, co-facilitates “New Wineskins,” is on the diocesan Board of Trustees and cathedral chapter.

Ernie has two grown children and two grandchildren, all of whom live in the Philadelphia area. He and his wife Elizabeth enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling.

Clergy

Parish Staff

Rita Caserta, Parish Administrator - Since 1990, Christ Church has been blessed with Rita as full-time parish administrator. She maintains the parish calendar, meeting schedules, and Rector's schedule; handles bookkeeping; produces all service bulletins; and supports preschool operations. Although not a member of Christ Church, Rita has ministered to almost every member of the congregation.

Joel Lenderman, Director of Music & Media - The music program is one of the threads that bring us together during Sunday 10am Holy Eucharist Services. Joel is a life-long member of Christ Church and has been a staff member since 1994. He also teaches music at a local elementary school. Joel creates uses all styles of music - traditional, contemporary, praise and spirituals - to create the perfect blend for each service. A spirit flows through our worship freely and occasionally spontaneous clapping with ensue. We feel it is the Spirit of the Lord.

Lori Crussard, Preschool Director - Lori brings many years of experience in early childhood education including teaching at Christ Church Preschool. She has done an excellent job guiding the school through the many phases of COVID. Lori leads a dedicated teaching staff that makes our preschool one of the best in the area.

Sue Welfley, Church School - Sue is a retired elementary school teacher with amazing talent with and love for children. Whether Church School is in person or via Zoom, children are engaged in learning about God and how to be God's love in the world.

Frank Mathews, Youth Group - Through service projects, community engagement, and many other avenues, youth learn important lessons about God working in their lives and how they can spread God's love to others. Youth also receive instruction for Confirmation when age and interest level are reached.

Brad Weber, Weekday Sexton and Sean Seeney, Sunday Sexton - Brad and Sean have various responsibilities including grounds keeping and Sunday service set up and tear down.

Parish Staff

Vestry

Members of the vestry serve in specific roles and are elected by the parish for three year terms. Questions or comments can be addressed to vestry members through the "Contact Us" page.