Outreach

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 commitment to service reaches beyond the boundaries of our church. This ministry is concerned with meeting the needs of those outside our doors. Whether it is providing food for the hungry, school supplies for children, or helping local organizations financially, our Outreach program has a long history of giving to others, and our parishioners are called in many ways to do God’s work. You are invited to become an active member of our ministry to others. Contact Chris Garrison at jcgarrison.garrison@gmail.com or 919-731-9590.

Dillard Middle School Partnership Project

In the spring of 2011, St. Stephen’s became a Partner in Education with Dillard Middle School, a local inner city school near our church. The goal of this project is to build a relationship with Dillard so that we can show Christ’s love to the students, faculty, and staff in meaningful ways. We work with the school to find ways to support and reach out to students and families in need. A few of our activities are:

• Volunteer tutors and classroom helpers
• Stocking and maintaining a clothing closet for needy students
• Proctors for End-of-Grade testing
• Beginning of School Inservice Luncheon
• Teacher Appreciation Week activities
• Crisis Response
• Monthly Supply Donations

If you have ideas or are interested in being a part of this ministry in a big or small way, please contact Jan Cagle.

Community Soup Kitchen

The Community Soup Kitchen of Goldsboro began as an outreach ministry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on December 15, 1980. The meals were prepared in the church kitchen and served in the parish hall. The menu was a sandwich, soup, dessert, and beverage.

Word of the St. Stephen’s Soup Kitchen spread throughout Goldsboro and Wayne County. Many other churches and groups provided volunteers and financial support. Quickly it became a community outreach.

On December 15, 1980, seven people were served. In 2015, the average is 3,700 meals per month.

More space was needed. The very generous Jewish community in Goldsboro offered the former Temple Oheb Shalom for use as The Community Soup Kitchen. Renovations were done and the Soup Kitchen opened at that location on March 26, 2004.

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 10 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.

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.

Kids H.O.P.E

Volunteering is a fun, hands-on way to give our children the chance to help others, empower them with responsibility, and develop their compassion for different people. Kids H.O.P.E. coordinates a variety of service projects and lessons, specifically for children age 3 to 5th grade, every month. Kids can make a difference — locally and globally!