Inreach: St. Stephen’s family strives to enjoy friendships, support and fun within our congregation. We plan activities for our youth, families and adults to become an integrated part of our faith community. Inreach activities nurtures our community, providing individuals with meaningful, transforming and life-affirming experiences.
Outreach: Through the love of God and Christian faith, St. Stephen’s plans activities to support local and global initiatives. We outreach to local food pantries, have clothing drives and many other activities in support of all those in need throughout the year
Here are some recent Inreach/Outreach activities:
November 2024 – Thanksgiving Eve MassNovember 2024 – Veterans Day is November 11th
October 2024 – December Fellowship Events
On Sunday December 1 we held our St. Stephens’ Supper & Advent Wreath Event and on Sunday, December 15th we participated in Cookie Decorating
September 2024 – Annual Meeting
July 2024 – Pledge Drive
June 2024 – Town of Oyster Bay Blood Drive
June 2024 – Course on Luther and Lutheranism
May 2024 – A Blessed Mother’s Day!
April 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
March 2024 – JOIN US FOR SERVICES!
March 2024 – Easter Baskets
March 2024 – Midweek Lent Services
Bible Study at St. Stephen’s
November 2024 – Bible StudyWe held six weeks of study on the Gospel of Luke, which is the primary gospel for the new church year that begins on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024.
The Gospel of Luke is a beautiful account of the life and ministry of Jesus. It includes an infancy narrative, important parables, and elements of teaching that are only found in this Gospel.
Luke’s gospel is the first of a two-volume work, with the Acts of the Apostles as the second volume. Luke is written for a Greek-speaking audience, and tries to be sensitive to the needs of a non-Jewish Christian community.
October 2024 – Bible Study – Book of Daniel
We discussed the book of Daniel. The book of Daniel is a complex book of the Old Testament that includes elements of several genres of literature – including prophecy, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic. That’s what makes it so interesting! This short course (4 weeks) will discuss the book of Daniel and its place in our scripture tradition.
August 2024 – There’s Nothing Minor about These Prophets!
We had a six week course on twelve short prophetic books. They are sometimes called “the minor prophets” not because of their significance but because of their length. We reflected on how many of the so-called “minor prophets” are familiar because they are used at worship throughout the church year.
June 2024 – Bible Study – Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation
By popular demand, this six week course focused on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. We had a conversation about Luther’s movement from the Catholic Church, his work with Philip Melanchthon, and the beginnings of the Lutheran reform. We also explored how the Reformation spread ni the 16th century.
March 2024 – Lenten Bible Study – Themes of Lent
We held a six week course on twelve short prophetic books. They are sometimes called the minor prophets, not because of their significance, but because of their length. We reflected on how many of the so-called minor prophets are familiar because they are used at worship throughout the church year.
Inreach
September 2024 – Flower Power!!On Saturday, September 14th the Gardening Group went to Planting Fields Arboretum for their annual Dahlia Show. After which, we enjoyed a snack in their café.
September 2024 – Annual Picnic
This year our annual picnic was held on Sunday, September 8th immediately after our Service. Thanks to everyone who helped setup, cooked, and brought side dishes and dessert. A fine time was had by all.
March 2024 – Fastnacht Follies
For the past few years, we have been doing Fastnacht Follies on Zoom, but this year, we held it in-person in the Pastors’ Lounge on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30 pm. We featured Karaoke, but any other talents that people have are were also on display welcome (e.g. piano playing, performing a skit, etc.). We all had a great time. Let’s do it again next year.
Outreach
November 2024 – Thanksgiving Holiday Food BasketsThanksgiving Holiday Food Baskets were collected as part of New LIFE Center Long Island’s hunger prevention program to provide bountiful Thanksgiving meals to needy families in our community.
September 2024 – The New Life Center Food Pantry
St. Stephen’s donated diapers and packages of wipes to The New Life Center Food Pantry administered by Lutheran Social Services.
August 2024 – Back to School Drive
Thanks to all who helped a child in need this school year through the New LIFE Center Long Island by donating school supplies. Many children do not have the basic supplies necessary for beginning their school year and your donation will help a child start their year off right!
June 2024 – Food Collection for the New Life Center
Many thanks to all who have contributed to our monthly food collection for the New Life Center food pantry administered by Lutheran Social Services. We collected and delivered 174 pounds in May, bringing our total so far this year to 751 pounds of much needed food, plus some blankets, diapers, clothes and toiletries. All of our donations are gratefully received.
May 2024 – LSS’s Hunger Prevention Program
May was St. Stephen’s Month to support LSS’s Hunger Prevention Program – New LIFE Center. Thanks all for your generous contributions.
March 2024 – Easter Basket Drive
By the middle of March, we had collected more than 300 lbs of nutritious food items, beverages, cookies and chocolate candies. These were delivered to LSS’s New LIFE Center to fill many Easter baskets. Thanks to all.
March 2024 – The St. Stephen’s blanket/comforter drive
We delivered approximately 18 blankets and the New Life Center (LSS) was thrilled.
The New Life Center Food Pantry
October 2024 – The New Life Center Food PantryThanks to all who contributed diapers to the New Life Center food pantry!
WELCA Bible Study
November 2024 – WELCA conference Bible StudyThe Welca Bible study for November continued our study of Ephesians.
October 2024 – WELCA conference Bible Study
Held at at St. David’s, the WELCA bible study continued with the second session of our look at the book of Ephesians and its message of God’s gift of grace.
September 2024 – WELCA Conference Bible Study
Led by Pastor Rebecca Sheridan (pastor of Faith Lutheran Church) at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford
June 2024 – WELCA Conference Bible Study
Led by Pastor John Hickey at Cedar Creek Park, Seaford. Topic: After Certainty: Curiosity.
May 2024 – WELCA Conference Bible Study
Led by Pr. Rebecca Sheridan (Faith Lutheran, Syosset) at Cedar Creek Park, Seaford. Topic: Mental health and Wellness.
April 2024 – WELCA Conference Bible Study
Led by Pr. Micah Stumme at Cedar Creek Park.
March 2024 – WELCA Conference Bible Study
Led by Pr. Rebecca Sheridan at Faith Lutheran.
Worship
October 2024 – Wholeness & Healing ServicePrayer and communion.
October 2024 – Blessing of the Animals
On Sunday, October 6 we held our pet blessing which is held every year in honor of St. Francis, whose feast day falls on October 4 and was known for being a friend to all God’s creatures. There was a brief service celebrating them and the joy and companionship they bring ot our lives.
September 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
Prayer and communion.
August 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
Prayer and communion.
June 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
Prayer and communion.
May 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
Prayer and communion.
