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:
January 2026 – ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGJanuary 2026 – Winter Weather Advisory
September 2025 – Girl Scout Project
September 2025 – Annual Meeting Today
August 2025 – Town Hall Meeting Today
August 2025 – What Is Your Favorite Hymn?
July 2025 – Pledge Reminder
June 2025 – Happy Father’s Day!
June 2025 – Let’s Wear Red for Pentecost!
April 2025 – Easter Sunday — April 20 ~ 9:00 AM
February 2025 – Superbowl Sunday
January 2025 – Bible Study
Bible Study was held at St. Stephen’s in January 2025
January 2025 – Farewell Breakfast for Pastor Joann
December 2024 – Office Hours
December 2024 – Christmas Services
November 2024 – Thanksgiving Eve Mass
November 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
December 2024 – Bible StudyWe held a two week exploration of the Art of Advent and Christmas. This was a change of pace taking a look at some famous artwork that tells the story of Jesus’ birth.
November 2024 – Bible Study
We 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.
Church News
February 2025 – Synod AssemblyFaith Formation
December 2025 – Christmas with The Chosen: Holy NightWe met to watch a special viewing of The Chosen Christmas special.
December 2025 – Fellowship Discussion: “The Chosen”
We met bi-weekly to watch the TV series “The Chosen” followed by a discussion about the episode and the scripture that inspired the story.
September 2025 – Ladies of the Conference Churches:
In September, a meeting was held at St. David’s Lutheran Church in Massapequa Park to discuss How Do We Hear Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?
Inreach
February 2026 – Fastnacht Follies – Tuesday, February 17thWe all had a good time as we celebrated Fastnacht Follies again this year.
February 2026 – GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!
We gathered together to celebrate Chinese New Year. Festivities included hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent auction, and, of course, the dragon dance!
December 2025 – Christmas Cookie Decorating Class – RESCHEDULED!
At our Christmas Cookie Decorating Class we learned how to decorate 4 different Christmas themed cookies.
December 2025 – Movie of the Month: “Silent Night” – Sun. Dec. 28 at 2:00
Together we watched “Silent Night” (1963), a tale of nobility and courage that inspires, restores faith and offers a lesson in the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.
December 2025 – Planting Fields Guided Holiday House Tour
We visited Planting Fields for a guided holiday house of the Main House, a 65-room house-museum, where holiday magic meets historic charm.
November 2025 – Wreath Making & Pot Luck Supper
We all enjoyed a Family Advent Wreath Making & Pot Luck Supper.
November 2025 – Movie of the Month
Together we watched “Lilies of the Field” (1963), a drama about an handyman, Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier), who is hired by a group of impoverished German nuns in the Arizona desert to fix their farmhouse roof.
October 2025 – October Movie
We all enjoyed getting together to watch “Hocus Pocus” at our October Movie Day!
October 2025 – Fall Craft
We had a fall craft day on October 10.
September 2025 – Movie Madness: Sept. 28th – 2:30 “MAMMA MIA”
We all enjoyed watching “Mamma Mia” at our September Movie Day!
September 2025 – Annual Picnic
The congregation gathered for our annual picnic
June 2025 – At The Movies!
We all enjoyed watching “NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY” at our June Movie Day!
May 2025 – Movie Night
We all enjoyed watching “Cool Runnings” at our May Movie Night!
April 2025 – Family Pasta Night
Boy Scout Troop 291 held a Family Pasta Night at St. Stephens
March 2025 – The Gardening Group
The Gardening Group attended the flower show at Hicks Nursery on Monday, March 24th.
March 2025 – Afternoon at the movies
Afternoon at the movies was held featuring John Wayne in The Quiet Man in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
March 2025 – The Gardening Group
Heritage Farm and Garden offered various workshops in February and March that the Gardening Group attended: The ABC’s of Pruning Shrubs and Get Your Garden Ready for Spring.
December 2024 – Cookie decorating
Cookie decorating with “procrastibaking” by Paige was held at St Stephen’s. We learned how to decorate 4 different Christmas themed cookies.
December 2024 – Annual Supper and Advent Wreath Event
St. Stephens held our Supper & Advent Wreath Event
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.
Lutheran Bible Study
December 2025 – Bible StudyWe participated in a six-week course focusing on Mathew’s Gospel.
October 2025 – Bible Study
We participated in a six-week course focusing on Paul’s two letters to the Corinthians
July 2025 – Summer Bible Study: Topics in Christian Faith
June 23 – July 21 7pm Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 814 7260 5069 Passcode: 725931
We participated in a five-week course on Topics in Christian Faith
June 2025 – Lutheran Bible Study
We participated in a six-week course on the Acts of the Apostles
April 2025 – Lutheran Bible Study
We attended Lutheran Bible Study when we explored significant themes of the Lenten Season
March 2025 – Bible Study
We participated in a six week Bible Study being offered with the topic of Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, and Song of Songs
Outreach
February 2026 – Super Bowl LX – who will it be?We collected donations in out SOUP-er Bowl with proceeds going to the Hicksville Boys & Girls Club.
February 2026 – New Life Center Update
The New LIFE Center in Franklin Square remained dedicated to serving its growing list of neighbors in need with food assistance, holiday meals, school supplies, Christmas gifts and infant layette support. From a very successful diaper drive to holiday food donations (in addition to our regular monthly food giving), a bountiful school supplies collection, and fulfilling many Christmas wishes, St. Stephen’s was there to help! More than 900 pounds of food, including several frozen turkeys, were delivered in 2025. So were grocery store gift cards, baby clothes and items, adult clothes, toiletries, a tent, a bicycle and a child’s rocker.
December 2025 – Sharing the Joy of the Season
We gathered gifts of food to support our neighbors through Lutheran Life Services. Our hope was that we helped to fill tables, hearts, and homes with the warmth and hope of Christ’s love.
December 2025 – Christmas Giving Program
We shared the joy of the season by donating gifts to local families through our Christmas Giving Program.
December 2025 – Evangelism Committee Meeting
The Evangelism group met to exlore meaningful ways to reach out to new members of our community. Together we looked at how we can share the welcoming spirit of St. Stephen’s with new residents in Hicksville—inviting them not only to worship with us, but also to become part of our church family through fellowship, service, and faith.
November 2025 – Formation of an Evangelism Committee
We formed an Evangelism Committee to welcome new residents to the Hicksville community, as we extend an invitation to join us in worship and fellowship.
October 2025 – Donations Accepted
Members of our local Thrivent office were delighted to receive 15 sets of new bath towels and washcloths from friends & members of St. Stephen’s. Their Action Team volunteers rolled almost 300 towels and washcloths into kits including toiletries such as razors, toothpaste and brushes, soap, shampoo. These kits were then donated to The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) for distribution to their guests. Thank you for your generosity!
August 2025 – School Supply Drive Update
We donated backpacks and many school supplies to the New Life Center in Franklin Square to help get the new school year off to a good start.
August 2025 – New Life Center Update
Thanks to everyone at St. Stephen’s who generously donated to the New Life Center of Lutheran Social services to provide much needed food to families across Long Island.
August 2025 – Back to School Drive
St. Stephen’s overwhelmingly shared many blessings to children through the New LIFE Long Island Center. When we delivered a trunk load of backpacks, calculators, glue, paper, pens and pencils, etc., the Center’s Director was shocked. She realizes times are a little tougher for many Long Islanders and was really so grateful for the wonderful school supplies. Having these supplies as the children start their new classes, puts them at a big advantage. Thanks you everyone!
April 2025 – Easter Food Baskets
We provide Easter Food Baskets to their New Life Center.
March 2025 – Diaper Month for Lutheran Social Services
During the months of February and March we collected diapers for LSS
February 2025 – Superbowl Sunday
This year on Superbowl Sunday we collected $300 in donations given to support the Boys and Girls Club of Hicksville.
November 2024 – Thanksgiving Holiday Food Baskets
Thanksgiving 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.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
May 2025 – The U.S. Postal Service’s Stamp Out Hunger Food DriveSt Stephen’s took part in the U.S. Postal Service’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The food collected was distributed to various agencies across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
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
February 2026 – Women’s Conference Third Thursday Bible StudyIn February the Women’s Conference Third Thursday Bible Study was held at Grace Lutheran Church in North Bellmore. The theme was praying for and with the earth.
May 2025 – WELCA Conference Bible Study – May
We participated in the WELCA conference Bible held at St. David’s, Massapequa Park.
April 2025 – WELCA Conference Bible Study – April
We participated in the WELCA conference Bible held at St. David’s, Massapequa Park. The last session on faithfulness looked at two people, Jairus and the nameless faithful woman.
February 2025 – WELCA conference Bible Study
Held at St. David’s Church in Massapequa Park on Wednesday, February 19th.
December 2024 – WELCA conference Bible Study
Held at St. David’s Church in Massapequa.Thursday, December 19th, Pastor Joanne Heaney-Hunter led us in a discussion on the topic “What fig trees teach us about Advent”.
November 2024 – WELCA conference Bible Study
The 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
February 2026 – Ash Wednesday – Service of the WordIn February 2026, we began the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. This reflective service included the imposition of ashes and invites us into a time of prayer, repentance, and renewal as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
November 2025 – Thanksgiving Eve Service – Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 pm
We celebrated and gave thanks at our Thanksgiving Eve Service
October 2025 – Blessing of the Animals
We had a blessing of the animals during worship service on Oct 5.
April 2025 – Change of Worship Time and new Supply Pastor
Pastor Moira Ahearne has been appointed as our stated supply pastor, leading us in worship every Sunday beginning on Easter Sunday when we will begin worshipping at 9:00am. We will continue with a 9:00am worship time until further notice.
December 2024 – Midweek Advent Services
Midweek Advent Services were held on Tuesday evenings during Advent.
October 2024 – Wholeness & Healing Service
Prayer 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.