Inreach/Outreach

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 examples of our Inreach/Outreach activities.  Click on an item to see the details: 

Easter Basket Collection - 2022

The New LIFE Center of Lutheran Social Services needed to start distributing Easter baskets as of March 14. Due to the generous response here at St. Stephen’s, we were able to deliver 216 lbs of nutritious food and some sweet treats to help fill many baskets. We will continue to deliver all additional donations throughout this holy season. Many thanks to all!

St. Stephen’s Coat Drive 2022

We had an overwhelming response to our recent coat drive at St. Stephen’s. The Nursery School, Thrivent (Westbury Office), and friends of our members joined us in our collection. 45 adult coats plus 25 bags and 3 boxes containing more coats and other winter clothing for children and adults were gratefully accepted at Lutheran Social Services’ New LIFE Center. Together we have warmed many hearts this winter.

Lutheran Disaster Response

Recently at least 30 tornadoes swept through 6 states.  Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with partners in the area to assess the damage and develop plans that will go a long way to the road to recovery.  Your gifts to “U.S. Tornadoes” will be used in full (100%) to help people impacted by tornadoes. Checks should be made payable to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church with “U.S. Tornadoes” in the memo line.

Christmas Giving!

Once again, we would like to help brighten the Christmas holidays for several families in need through Lutheran Social Services. This year, LSS has seen quite an increase in requests for aid. Please consider taking a stocking for yourself or to share with a friend. Return the two gifts wrapped and tagged with the “stocking”.

Thanksgiving Food Drive 2021

Thank you to all who contributed to our food drive in October and November.  We were able to deliver a total of 415 lbs. of food to Lutheran Social Services.  This will provide so many hardy and festive Thanksgiving meals for those in need in our community.

Lutheran Disaster Response - Hurricane Ida

Please consider making a donation to support those devastated by the hurricane. If you are donating through our church, please make checks payable to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, put it in an envelope with your name and address and “Hurricane Ida” written on it and either place it in the offering plate or mail to the church office. If you’d like to donate directly to Lutheran Disaster Response, please make your check payable directly to them and send it to PO Box 1809; Merrifield, VA 22116-8009. Remember to put “Hurricane Ida” on your check’s memo link.

Your gift will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the hurricane.

Church Picnic

Our Annual Picnic was filled with fun and fellowship. Thank you to everyone for your hard work, delicious food and support making our annual church picnic a success.

Blood Drive

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church hosted a blood drive to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy.   We honored all the heroes and prayed for all the souls lost on that day and their loved ones.   Thank you for giving  the gift of life!

Lutheran Disaster Response - India Covid-19

India has been ravaged by Covid-19. Lutheran Disaster Response is helping Padhar Hospital (ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madhya Pradesh) purchase an oxygen generator for its Covid-19 ward so it can treat more patients and not have to turn away people. If you’d like to make a donation, you can donate directly through ELCA.org or make a check payable to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church with “Asia-Pacific Disaster Response” on the memo line. Gifts so designated will be used 100% to respond to Covid-19 and other disasters in the region.

Father's Day 2021

“A father is neither the anchor to hold us back or a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”
In honor of our fathers and to celebrate Father’s Day, St. Stephen’s is hosting a personal sundry drive to benefit the clients of the New Life Center (Lutheran Social Services).

The following items are always needed:

(Small travel sizes are especially appreciated.  No used products please.)

                                    Toothpaste                                          Shampoo

                                    Toothbrush                                          Conditioner

                                    Mouthwash                                         Hair combs/brushes

                                    Dental floss                                         Disposable razors

                                    Deodorant                                           Shaving cream

                                    Soap                                                         Nylon laundry bags

                                    Hand/body lotion                             Men’s socks – all sizes (new only)

Mother's Day Food Drive 2021

Our Mother’s Day collection of toiletries and other needed items filled 9 boxes and bags which were joyfully received at Lutheran Social Services.  We’ve also recently delivered and additional 193 lbs of food.  Many thanjs to all who make this ongoing ministry possible.

Fastnacht Follies 2021

  On February 16th, we held our first ever Fastnacht Follies on Zoom!   We heard from singers, pianists, guitarists, a ukulele player, and an author. They were members and friends of St. Stephen’s, ranging in age from six years old to 76 years old. But the one thing we all had in common was that, at least for one night, we could all get away from everything, sit back, and enjoy the music.