Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  
[Matthew 25:34-35]

St. Stephen’s has a long history of outreach to the community. This desire to help those in need has been an individual as well as a corporate endeavor. 

 

Appalachia Service Project

St. Stephen's has participated in a Mission Project through the
Appalachia Service Project the last 2 summers.  Last summer our church group which consisted of 15 youth and adults went to Lebanon, Virginia.  They helped families repair their homes by repairing sub flooring,  laying linoleum, painting rooms and cabinets, attaching underpinning on a trailer and building a trench.  Many of the same youth and adults who participated last year are looking forward to our next trip
scheduled for July 22-28 in Sunbright, Tennessee. 
ASP mission statement:
The Appalachia Service Project is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that fosters human development by addressing housing needs in Central Appalachia.

Community Soup Kitchen

A principal outreach ministry is our Community Soup Kitchen. Parishioner Barbara Berkeley, along with others from both the parish and the community beyond, began the Community Soup Kitchen at St. Stephens in 1974. Barbara  worked tirelessly to coordinate volunteers and suppliers of food.  In March of 2004, the Community Soup Kitchen moved to it's new location at the Jewish Synagogue on 112 Oak Street.  It is open six days a week and serves an average of 100+ meals each day. The manager works with many different volunteers  Monday through Saturday.  Churches, schools, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and various civic groups offer their volunteer services year round..  If you would like to know more about this ministry, please contact Dorisha Benton at 731-3939.

Episcopal Interfaith Refugee Ministry

This year, St. Stephen’s  welcomed into the Goldsboro community a Cuban refugee family. The family arrived in the USA through the Episcopal Interfaith Refugee Ministry. The oldest son, Tony Rodriquez, arrived here Thursday, November 3, 2005 and his father, Jose Antonio, and another brother, Jesus, arrived Friday, November 11.  Rosa, the mother, Yaniel and Javier arrived very tired but so happy and relieved to be here on Friday, December 16th!

The committee headed by Ken Gerrard was very busy getting the family resettled.  The family was able to move into a larger house in April and they are thrilled.  It is in the Eastern Wayne High School district so Javier will be able to ride the bus to school.  Jose Antonio, the father, and the 3 oldest sons, Tony, Yaniel and Chu Chi are working and have good jobs.  Carmen Rosa is staying at home at present and taking care of everyone and Javier is in high school.  On May 7, we hosted a party for the family celebrating their success in becoming self sufficient!

Habitat for Humanity

St. Stephen's offers help in many ways to Habitat for Humanity.  We have contributed monetarily as well as providing meals for the workers.  We will have a Parish Workday in the near future.      

Protestant Preschool

St. Stephen's has been one of the sponsoring churches since the Preschool was begun in 1955.  We support the school monetarily each year and provide board members.  One Sunday a year, we have a special offering to help scholarship applicants. If you would like to know more about Protestant Preschool,
please call 735-9056.

American Red Cross

During the last 2 years, St. Stephen's has hosted 2 blood drives per year at the church.  These drives are open to our parishioners as well as the community.  The next scheduled Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, September 4 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Call the church to schedule your appointment.

Project Angel Tree

Each year, St. Hilda's Guild sponsors this special Prison Ministry.  Angel names are available the end of November.  You may select a child whose parent is incarcerated and purchase 2 gifts, generally between $15-20.00 to include a toy and clothing item.

St. Stephen's also supports Thompson Children's Home, United Thank Offering, and
The Episcopal Farm workers Ministry.  Meeting space is available to a variety of
community groups