Over the past few years, we have identified five programs as our "ministry partners." This means that we pray for each of these programs in church each week, we include them in our worship about once a year, we link to their social media and include it on our social media pages, and we provide some meaningful financial support each year from our outreach budget and the Rector's Discretionary Fund. This is in addition to the ways our members offer their time and talents to serve these ministries.
CROSS ROADS CAMP & RETREAT CENTER is the outdoor ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA. From retreat weekends for elementary, middle, and high school children to summer camp and youth leadership training to parish retreats and other programming, Cross Roads offers something for everyone on a beautiful campus in Hunterdon County, less than an hour from our campus. For more information about Cross Roads, click here.
FAMILY PROMISE ESSEX COUNTY, formerly known as the Interfaith Hospitality Network, is a decades old program providing housing and other support to families in need. St. Stephen's is blessed to have been a founding member of the organization and has gladly continued active engagement, even as the organization and the model have changed to better reflect today's needs and resources. We provide groceries and a hot meal to FPEC families two or three times a year, and contribute at other times and in other ways as we are able. For more information about Family Promise Essex County, click here.
NORTH PORCH provides formula, diapers, and wipes to families in need. Parishioners, St. Stephen's Preschool families, and our neighbors in the community support North Porch through ongoing collection of these items and through an annual "Baby Shower." For more information about North Porch, click here.
APOSTLES' HOUSE is a comprehensive social service agency in Newark, providing a range of supportive services to families in need. As with North Porch, parishioners, preschool families, and neighbors contribute non-perishable food items to our "Food Barrel," an ongoing collection. At other times during the year, we have special collections, including our "Souper Sunday" can drive, which is a fun way for us to show our love for these our neighbors. For more information about The Apostles' House, click here.
Q CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP is a national organization cultivating radical belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians, seekers, and allies. Q Christian is our newest ministry partner, a relationship we celebrate because of our shared belief that every person is a beloved child of God and we are called to embody that love. For more information about Q Christian, click here.