old steeple community church2. although betsy ross (born elizabeth phoebe griscom) is widely...

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”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.” 1 United Church of Christ 656 Main Road/POB 154 Aquebogue, New York 11931 June 2019 Old Steeple Community Church We are halfway there! June is halfway through the year. What a great privilege to have this life we have and to be able to live and enjoy the world and the people we love. Let’s never take it for granted. Thanks be to God! Old Steeple Church continues to live as fully as we can, standing on the promises of God’s presence in our lives through the ages. I had opportunity to read from a book Fay lent me, The History of the Congregational Church, Aquebogue, N.Y. by Rev. William I. Chalmers. (1910) It is a fascinating read with all kinds of interesting stories about our church. From its early beginnings to the present day, this church has served thousands upon thousands of people. Can we ever imagine what the impact of our church has been on the world in which we live? I am so grateful to be a part of this church’s life. Thank you for your role in continuing the mission of those first faithful souls who gathered to form our congregation. After 261 years of service we declare: “We are not even halfway yet!” May it be so. After a two-week vacation that has allowed us to relax and enjoy time in a beautiful country, Henza and I were happy to get back to our home in Aquebogue. Thank you to Janet Wright who is always willing to step in and support us when I am gone. Also, a thank you to Rev. Jack Donahue for preaching one Sunday. Active and retired clergy are always a blessing to a minister. Ours is nothing less. On June 4-5 I will be in Syracuse, attending the 2019 Consultation on Ministry. As Janet and I serve on the Suffolk Association’s Church and Ministry Committee,

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Page 1: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

1

United Church of Christ

656 Main Road/POB 154

Aquebogue, New York 11931

June 2019

Old Steeple Community Church

We are halfway there!

June is halfway through the year. What a great privilege to have this life we have

and to be able to live and enjoy the world and the people we love. Let’s never take

it for granted. Thanks be to God!

Old Steeple Church continues to live as fully as we can, standing on the promises of

God’s presence in our lives through the ages.

I had opportunity to read from a book Fay lent me, The History of the

Congregational Church, Aquebogue, N.Y. by Rev. William I. Chalmers. (1910)

It is a fascinating read with all kinds of interesting stories about our church. From its

early beginnings to the present day, this church has served thousands upon

thousands of people. Can we ever imagine what the impact of our church has been

on the world in which we live? I am so grateful to be a part of this church’s life.

Thank you for your role in continuing the mission of those first faithful souls who

gathered to form our congregation.

After 261 years of service we declare: “We are not even halfway yet!” May it be so.

After a two-week vacation that has allowed us to relax and enjoy time in a beautiful

country, Henza and I were happy to get back to our home in Aquebogue. Thank you

to Janet Wright who is always willing to step in and support us when I am gone.

Also, a thank you to Rev. Jack Donahue for preaching one Sunday.

Active and retired clergy are always a blessing to a minister. Ours is nothing less.

On June 4-5 I will be in Syracuse, attending the 2019 Consultation on Ministry. As

Janet and I serve on the Suffolk Association’s Church and Ministry Committee,

Page 2: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

2

OutreachMay Focus - Blanket Sunday

We have raised over $350 to support those in need of warmth. To a victim of a flood or fire, or to serve as

bedding, or a gift of welcome to a newly arrived refugee or migrant worker. Thank you!

Our June Focus - Strengthen the Church Offering The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations.

Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by

investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. This offering will

be collected on Sunday, June 9th with envelopes provided in your bulletin.

Non-perishable food donations

Every Sunday when you come to worship, please remember to bring non-perishable food, clothing, or

household supplies (paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc.) The collection box is in the Narthex, where you

enter. The pantry staff always expresses their thanks for our contributions.

-------- Welcome to Our New Members! --------

We recently received two new members to our church! Below is a little information about each of them for to

help you know them better!

Everett Leonard Rosset, Jr.

Everett was born in Port Jefferson, New York on November 1, 1947.

He was Baptized in Old Steeple Church on June 1, 1948 by Reverend Clarence E. Wells. He has two brothers,

Gary and Ronald. His hobbies are coin collecting and history.

Welcome Everett!

Carol Lee

Carol’s maiden name is Bird and she was called “Birdy” in school!

Her birthplace was in Cheltenham, England. She married Don Lee in 1965 and moved to the United States

where she gave birth to her daughter, Tina in 1970. She spent 27 years in Port Washington, 12 years in Oak

Beach, then moved “out East” to Aquebogue.

She traveled to the USA with her job which also took her to North Africa (Tunisia). She traveled around the

U.S. on a Greyhound bus through many states. She also went to France and Italy.

Her hobbies and interests are her grandchildren, Sophie and Kyle, gardening, sewing, knitting, walking her

dog, local shows and music productions. Also reading with her avid reading friends, old and new.

She has a degree in Home Economics and Nursery Nursing.

When she and Don moved to Aquebogue, Old Steeple was nearby so they tried it, liked it, and now love it!

So glad to have you also here, Carol!

this training will be most helpful. It is also part of my required continuing education which the United

Church of Christ mandates for its ministers.

May love and joy be on this month’s menu for you and your loved ones.

As always, in peace,

Anton.

Page 3: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

3

10 Facts You May

Not Know About

Our National Flag

Even our National Flag has some interesting secrets to tell that

avid flag lovers out there will be tickled to know. Beef up on your

American Flag history and surprise your family and friends with

your newly found historical prowess.

1. What do you call a person who is an expert on flag history? A Vexillologist.

2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first

national flag there is really no document to support that claim other than the involvement of her

grandson in the early 1870s.

3. Who is the American explorer, in violation of flag rules, cut the American Flag into pieces but was

honored for doing it? Robert Peary

4. Today’s 50-star flag design came from a 17-year old student, Robert G. Heft. He created his design as

part of a school project where he got a B (minus). President Dwight D. Eisenhower called Heft over the

phone and told him that he chose his design over 1,500 designs, and because of this Heft’s teacher

changed his grade from B- to an A.

5. Who is the US President who violated the US Flag Code by putting his signature on it? President

George Bush in 2003 violated the US Flag code, which states that you can’t mark a flag in any way.

6. The first time the American flag was flown overseas was in 1805 over Fort Derne, Libya.

7. Walmart stores all over the country reported selling 7.8 million flags from September 11, 2001 to

August 19, 2011 as compared to the previous year which sold 2.5 million.

8. How many days should the flag be flown at half-mast when the president dies? It should be flown at

half-mast for 30 days from the day he dies. Ten days for the Vice-president.

9. “Gilligan’s Island,” an American sitcom that basked in solid ratings during its first season showed the

U.S. flag (during the opening sequence 00:20) at half-mast in the distance because it was filmed on

November 22, 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated.

10. What will you do if your flag can’t be moved up and down to be flown at half-staff? It is recommended

to put a black ribbon on the flag.

It’s time to brag about your graduates! Please

e-mail Amy at [email protected] with your graduate’s

name, the name of the school they are graduating from, and

their future plans so Old Steeple can congratulate them.

Page 4: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

4

Barbecue News

Our annual Chicken BBQ is coming up on July 13th, 2019. Thank you Jean Lapinski for again selling tickets.

The prices are $17 when purchased on or before July 6, and $20 when purchased July 7 and at the door - so

get your tickets in advance! You can contact her at 631-722-4171 or email [email protected].

We do not have a chairperson for this event. We are looking for someone who will take care of ordering and

other things that need to be taken care of before the event. Diane Sadowy and I have left lots of notes and

she has already told me she won’t be coming back to chair this. I am looking for people to take charge of

certain parts of it. I already know that Edgar Goodale will be in charge of the BBQ pits. We will need someone

to take on the morning prep group, and the afternoon set-up and serving. We also need to get someone to

take charge of the putting up the tables, tent, and etc. At the end of the barbecue, a lot of us have been on

our feet and working all day long, but the work isn’t done - we will then need help with cleaning everything up

and putting things back where they belong. This does not mean that you will be doing this alone. I am hoping

that we will have many volunteers as in the past to help our leaders. Joe and I will again be in the kitchen

taking care of the corn and potatoes. Because Joe and I are not as young as we used to be, we are looking for

helpers with young strong backs to lift those heavy pots on and off the stove. It is also good to have someone

to act as a runner between the kitchen and the serving line during the barbeque. If you can help in any way

please contact me, Donna Doroszka, at [email protected] or 631-722-4131.

We will also need boxes for the take-out orders, so if you are at BJ’s or Costco try to remember to grab a box

or two every time you go. We will pile them in the corner of the Fellowship Hall. They were very helpful last

year with the larger take-out orders. If you have any extra used plastic shopping bags, they also would be

useful. As in the past we would like to borrow your large coolers for watermelon and chicken. They could be

dropped off at the Fellowship Hall during the week before the BBQ. Please mark your name on the coolers.

Many hands make our Chicken Barbeque a success. Without you we would not be able to put on such an

event. Many people look forward to this, I have already had people asking when is the barbeque at Old

Steeple. Thank you for prayerfully considering to help out.

Donna Doroszka, Moderator

June 6 – Choir rehearsal 7 pm

June 9 - Honoring our scholarship winners and graduates during

worship and at fellowship hour

June 11 – Council meeting 7 pm

June 13 – Choir rehearsal 7 pm

June 16 – Father’s Day

June 16 – Community Board meeting following worship

June 20 – Steeple View articles due

June 20 – Choir rehearsal 7 pm

June 27 – Choir rehearsal 7 pm

Crochet? Knit? Sew? Weave?

The Old Steeple Stitchers will meet on

June 19th at 7 pm in the Church Parlor.

Beginners and novices are welcome! You

can also learn how to make a shawl and

why it’s called a ‘prayer shawl’.

The Steeple View

Articles for the combined July/August

issue of the “The Steeple View” are due in the church office by June 20th.

Page 5: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

5

Page 6: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

6

∫ Sunday School ¢ On May 19th we ended Sunday School

for the summer. At the end of the school year we were working on “How do we take care or the world that God made?”

On the last day, we planted flowers donated by Rick and Debbie Reeve around the church. I also want to thank

all of the adults that helped teach our little ones. Kathy Stapon, Janet Wright,

Liz Wines, Gerry Hegner, Rich Reeve, Jenn Reeve, Carrie Grattan and Janice Rodrigues. I hope I have not left anyone

out, and if I did I do apologize. If you have any suggestions or would like to teach or help out in any way please

speak to Janet Wright or myself.

I also want to thank you for the beautiful planter that was given to me on that last day. It will look so nice sitting at my front porch for the neighbors and me to enjoy. I love working with the children and hope that they also enjoyed coming to Sunday School. Hope to see all of you kids back in

September when we begin another school year. Have a great summer! Thank you again, Donna Doroszka

Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 14, 2019

The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Moderator Donna Doroszka. Those in

attendance were Donna Doroszka, Rick Reeve, Sandy Reeve, Edgar Goodale, Donna Atkins, and Jean Lapinski.

After a brief prayer, Donna appointed Jean as Interim Clerk.

Treasurer’s Report:

Edgar gave the Treasurer’s Report for April, as well as a summary Profit and Loss (Budget vs. Actual)

Report for January – April 2019. He commented that April’s report included nothing unusual and ended on a

positive note, as we took in more than we spent in April! The endowment balance improved from 3/31 to

4/30. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted, with a motion by Sandy and second by Donna A.

Minutes of April 10, 2019:

The April minutes were approved, moved by Edgar and seconded by Rick.

Pastor’s Report:

Rev. Anton and Henza are on vacation from May 14 – May 28. He asked if we would keep Gerry

Hegner and Bobby Goodale in our prayers.

Ministry Reports:

Carrie Grattan

Page 7: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

7

Building and Grounds — (1) Rick said that Verizon is proceeding with obtaining permits from Riverhead

Town, but there are no definite plans to move forward at this time. T-Mobile will be updating their antennas.

Donna has signed necessary paperwork. (2) Rick reported that the closet in the Fellowship Hall has been

cleaned out, and the old tables will be sold for $10 each, with the money going into the outreach budget. (3)

There is nothing new regarding our carbon monoxide detectors this year, as Lighthouse Security is awaiting

town permits. (4) We received two estimates for carpeting the sanctuary, one from Final Touch Flooring and

one from Carpets Your Way. The Council approved using Carpets Your Way, with a motion by Rick and second

by Donna A. It was agreed to use carpet tiles, which are more flexible; to stay with the current color; and to

paint the pews in place before the carpeting is installed. (5) AJ Hackett will be doing some painting on the

exterior of the church. (6) A desk has been located for the choir room, and Edgar will arrange for it to be

delivered. (7) Thanks to everyone who participated in this spring’s cleanup, cleaning chairs, straightening the

closet and boiler room, and power washing. (8) Writer’s Cove wants to use the upstairs room one Saturday

night each month; Donna will discuss this with Rev. Janet. (9) The parsonage sewer is still backing up, due to

a problem that was created when the downstairs bathroom was added. Kevin Goodale has assessed the

situation, and will oversee a solution to the problem. (10) John Andresen has arranged with Shade Tree

Nursery to replant the Memorial Garden. (11) The Council decided to keep the Chicken Barbecue ticket price at

$17 in advance and $20 at the door.

Outreach — (1) We continue to collect

nonperishables for the food pantry at St.

John’s. (2) Scholarship winners Eric

Behr, Charlotte Russell and Taylor

Roman will be honored during and after

church on June 9th , along with any

graduating high school and college

students. Jean will provide a sheet cake.

We will ask Gail to put a note seeking

the names of graduates in the upcoming

newsletter again, and email an invitation

to any who respond. (3) Maureen’s

Haven will resume in November. Special

thanks to the Riverhead Building Supply

crew. We would like to invite a speaker

from Maureen’s Haven to address the

congregation this November.

Caring – (1) Prayer list, Sunshine and

Prayer Shawl groups continue their

work. In addition to Gerry Hegner and

Bobby Goodale, Donna A. asked that we

keep Mignon Osmer and Peggy

Makowski’s families in our prayers, as

well as Elly Hawkins and Betty ter Kuile.

Donna D. mentioned that she took over

the Funeral Committee from Nancy

Dillingham, and she feels that it should be transferred to the Caring Team.

Faith Formation — (1) Sunday School will end on May 19th with a planting in the flower garden by the

kitchen door. (2) The book discussion group finished Borg and Crossan’s The Last Week, and will begin a new

selection in June.

Worship — (1) Rev. Janet Wright will be available for any emergencies while Rev. Anton is away on

vacation. Jack Donahue will be preaching on May 19th, and Janet, on May 26th. Sandy mentioned that there

are gifts in Gail’s office for any mothers who did not receive one last Sunday (Mother’s Day).

Page 8: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

8

Welcoming — (1) Keith and Rev. Anton are meeting on upcoming projects.

Active and Non-Active Membership — The Committee (Rev. Janet, Donna D., Donna A., and Jean) will resume

their work soon.

New Business:

(1) Heather Barrett has suggested holding a movie night in the Fellowship Hall; we will ask Rev. Janet to

explore the idea.

(2) We received a thank you from UCC for being a 5 for 5 Congregation for 2018!

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50, with a motion by Rick and second by Sandy.

The next Community Board meeting is scheduled for June 16th.

The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 11th, at 7:00 PM.

Community Board Minutes

April 28, 2019

The meeting of the Community Board of OSSC was called to order by the Moderator, Donna Doroszka, at

11:20 am with a welcome greeting. There were 16 in attendance: Donna Doroszka, Everett Rosset, Heather

Barrett, Rodger Chadouskey, Dr. John Andresen, Carol Lee, Jack Kratoville, Donna Atkins, Ray Atkins, Henza

DeWet, Anton DeWet, Michael Davis, Walter Stewart, Betty Stewart, Amy Davis and Rev. Janet Wright. Pastor

DeWet offered the opening prayer.

The minutes of the previous Community Board meeting were published in the newsletter. As there were

no additions or corrections, Ray Atkins moved that the minutes be accepted. Donna Atkins seconded the

motion and the motion passed. There was no Treasurer’s report at this time.

Pastor’s Report

Our pastor has been caring for and shepherding our membership through calls and visits. Pastor Anton

encouraged us all to keep our homebound members in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. As believers in

Christ, part of our ministry is to reach out to all and comfort our families and friends. Pastor Anton will be

away from May 13 through May 28. Rev. Janet Wright will be available for emergencies during that time.

Please call either the church office (631-722-3070) or Janet (631-722-4486).

Page 9: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

9

Old and Ongoing Business

Building and Grounds Ministry Team

Cell Tower — Rick Reeve reported that Verizon completed the process of obtaining the necessary

permits to begin the installment of their cell tower in the Steeple of our church. It may take

up to a year before any work is begun.

Clean-Up day is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 8:20 am. There are several opportunities to help

spruce up our church and its surroundings. Please mark your calendars and join in.

Lighthouse Security has installed the Carbon Monoxide Detectors, as required by law. The railing on

the ramp in the front of the church will be repaired or replaced in the near future.

The Council is securing estimates to replace the carpet in the sanctuary. It is hoped that the work may

be done during the summer months when we will hold our worship services in the Fellowship

Hall.

There has been an ongoing problem with the septic

system at the parsonage. The faulty design has been discovered

and will be replaced.

Our Fundraisers each year have been the Annual Chicken

BBQ and the Antique Fair. The barbecue will be held on Saturday,

July 13, 2019. Many volunteers will be required to have this event

be successful. The position of Chairman (or two co-chairman) have

yet to be filled. Please consider stepping up and filling that

position. The Antique Fair will NOT take place this year. It was

necessary to use a new format and, as the plans evolved, it would

not be cost effective to proceed. We may need to explore other

fund raising events. If you have an idea, please present it to the

Council or the Community Board.

Outreach Ministry Our April focus will be on the “One Great Hour Of Sharing”

and the continuing donations of nonperishable food products and

paper products brought by the congregation to worship on

Sundays. It was suggested that an email requesting specific items

on occasion would be helpful. Our focus in May will be Blanket

Sunday in addition to the food donations.

The Scholarship Committee of Jean Lapinski, Ann Priapi and Rick Reeve have provided the

application for the Scholarship to the schools and it is also in the newsletter. Several applications

were read and three candidates were selected. They are Eric Behr, Charlotte Russell and Taylor

Roaman.

Maureen’s Haven is still providing support to the homeless throughout April. The last session for this

“season” will be April 15th. The crew from the Riverhead Building Supply treated our guests to

a barbecue on that last evening. Rev. Janet Wright is the coordinator for this ministry and she

suggested that the Director of Maureen’s Haven be invited to speak at one of our Community

Board meetings to give us an overview of the work done by this organization. Janet

expressed her sincere appreciation to all those volunteers who supplied foods for the evening

meal and the eggs for the breakfast on Tuesday mornings. A special thank you goes to

Maura Daly, who washed the sheets and pillow cases throughout the entire season. Often

other items “snuck” into the wash (blankets, washcloths, etc.) and Maura just washed them all.

Thank you Maura!

Caring Ministries The Sunshine Committee of Amy Cosgrove and Jean Lapinski continue to do an excellent job of sending

cards to our members. A variety of “Thinking of You” cards, Sympathy cards as well as special

occasion cards are sent out as we keep these members in our thoughts and prayers.

Page 10: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

10

Appreciation was extended to Donna Atkins and Gail Evans for keeping the Prayer List up to date.

The Prayer Shawl group will meet on Wednesday, May 15th at 7 pm for their monthly meeting.

Faith Formation The last day of Sunday School will be May 19th. Donna Doroszka, who has taken the lead on this, will be

with the children planting flowers around the church. This has been a trial to see if there is

an interest in having Sunday School for our children. Due to its success, Sunday School will

resume in September with a curriculum. More information on the beginning of Sunday School will be

given at a later time.

The book discussion group has completed their latest book. They will be taking a break and may resume

in June. A new book for discussion will be selected and announced. It has been an

enjoyable and interesting part of our faith formation. The group meets on Fridays in the church

parlor at 10:30 am.

Worship We were reminded that we will be meeting for

worship in the Fellowship Hall for the summer

months. Sandy Reeve has placed a sign-up

sheet for volunteers who would like to serve as

greeters, readers or ushers for our worship

services on the wall by the water cooler in the

church parlor. Please consider volunteering for

this ministry.

The Maundy Thursday worship service at our

church was well attended. It was a new format

that was enjoyed by all. Pastor Anton

expressed his appreciation to all who attended

and assisted in the service.

The Farmer Services, which began this morning at

Fay Young’s home, will continue as follows: May 5 at Liz and David Wines home and May 12 at

the home of Carol Anne Vocelka. A special Thank You! to these folks who opened their homes for

the services and prepared breakfast for those who attended.

Welcoming The Sign Project has been completed by Keith Young, who heads this ministry. A new project will be

formed to extend our welcome to all.

Information from the UCC State leadership on setting up a standardized website for local churches may

be the new project.

The committee of Jean Lapinski, Donna Atkins, Donna Doroszka and Janet Wright will be meeting in the

near future to update the membership list. More information will be given when the committee completes the

work.

Ray Atkins mentions that some AED equipment has been recalled. He has checked our equipment and it

is not on the recall list. Ray has tested the AED and it is functioning properly.

Dr. John Andresen will be meeting with persons from a nursery to develop a planned Memorial Garden

for our front lawn. The former Memorial Garden became overgrown and needed replacing.

New Business

Our organist, Guy Fein, requested a new desk as his desk currently is falling apart. The desk will be

replaced.

Page 11: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

11

Pastor Anton reported on the recent Suffolk Association Annual meeting. Our church received two

certificates of appreciation from the State Conference. The first is for our donation to Our Church’s Wider

Mission which was $3,812.00. (This is the special offering that is collected the first Sunday of each month from

the membership.) The second is for the 5 for 5 offerings. These are the five offerings collected throughout the

year: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors In Need and the Christmas Fund as well

as a contribution to OCWM mentioned previously.

The State Conference will be May 16-18 in Poughkeepsie, NY.

The information from the National Level is that Google is offering local churches information on setting

up websites. The assistance will be to update and give local churches a “brand recognition” that will be similar

throughout the state.

The State leadership is considering giving up the official office in DeWitt, NY. It is thought that the best

use of funds should be for ministries. They are experimenting with using a “virtual office” program that will

allow staff members to work from home. They will continue with discussions on the best use of the property in

DeWitt.

It was announced that an International Youth Event will be coming up soon. Youth delegates from the

USA will travel to Frankfort, Germany, for the event and then travel on to Warsaw, Poland, to meet with young

people there.

Pastor Anton reminded us that he will be on vacation from May 13th through May 28th. A retired pastor,

Rev. Jack Donahue, will preach on Sunday, May 19th and Rev. Janet Wright will preach on Sunday, May 26th.

Heather Barrett made a suggestion that our church develop an ongoing program of Family Nights that

would include a Pot Luck dinner followed by a movie, perhaps once a month. The group supported the idea

and Heather will check with the library to see if the equipment may be borrowed to show a movie in

Fellowship Hall. She will report back to the Community Board. She also proposed a Family Game Night.

Joys and Concerns

We remember Lenny Makowski and will include Lenny and his family in our prayers. Several of our

members are dealing with difficulties and health issues and we will remember — Betty ter Kuile, George

Schoenberg, Gerry Hegner, Elly Hawkins, Bobby Goodale, and Debbie Reeve. Anyone may send these folks a

card or give them a call.

Adjournment

As there was no further

business before the Board, Ray

Atkins moved that the meeting

be closed. The meeting closed

at 12 noon.

Following the

adjournment, Rev. Janet Wright

led the group in a prayer circle.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rev. Janet Wright, Clerk

Jeannine Martin

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”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

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Eric Behr, son of Tom & Cheryl Behr, is an Old Steeple Scholarship

recipient, an AP Scholar of Distinction, and will graduate #7 in his class

from Riverhead High School. In the fall, Eric will be attending Stony

Brook University to study Mechanical Engineering.

Christopher Chew, son of Holly Goodale & Skee Chew and grandson

of Gene Goodale & Kendra Chew, will graduate from Riverhead High

School. In the fall, Christopher will be attending Suffolk Community

College to study Liberal Arts.

Robert Jackson, son of Robert & Lucinda Jackson and grandson of Paula Corwin, has graduated from Suffolk

County Community College with an Associates of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. Robert’s future plans will be

forthcoming.

Taylor Roman, of Riverside, is an Old Steeple Scholarship recipient, AP Scholar, and will graduate from

Riverhead High School. In the fall, Taylor will be attending Queens College as the first from her family to

attend college to study Environmental Science.

Charlotte Russell, of Calverton, is an Old Steeple scholarship recipient and will graduate from Riverhead

High School. In the fall, Charlotte will be attending Roger Williams University to study Counseling or

Psychology.

Andrew Young, son of Keith & Stacy Young and grandson of Fay Young, will graduate from The University of

Delaware with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. In the fall, Andrew will work towards his Masters

Degree at St. Joseph’s College.

A celebration in honor of Old Steeple’s graduates and scholarship winners

will be held during worship and at coffee hour on June 9th.

Please join us to offer your congratulations!

Old Steeple Prayer List

Prayers & Concerns:

Those in harm’s way who serve our country including Amanda Tinter (Kathy Stapon), Ben Pileski (Gwenda &

Grace Defriest), Rebecca Needham (Goodale-Warner), and Justin Kruel (Gwen DeFriest); also for the family and

friends of Bobbie (Mignon Osmer’s mom).

At Home/Hospital:

Hailey

Bobby Goodale

Harold (Bo) Goodale Jr.

Gerry Hegner

Gus Hegner

Mike & Ellen Korsower

Dorothea Marvin

Wayne Meyenberg

Linda Mueller

Debbie Reeve

Ava Robinson

Mason Sidik

Cathy Sullivan

Nursing Home:

Estelle Evans

Also please remember:

Gene Goodale

George Schoenberg

Betty ter Kuile

Please let us know of any additions or

changes. Contact the church office at 631-722-3070; or e-mail [email protected].

Page 13: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

13

Page 14: Old Steeple Community Church2. Although Betsy Ross (born Elizabeth Phoebe Griscom) is widely accepted as the designer of our first national flag there is really no document to support

”We are faithful believers in and dedicated to God and Jesus, who practice selfless generosity from the heart, and who practice helping / serving others. Our motto: “You can count on us.”

14

Old Steeple Community Church POB 154 / 656 Main Road Aquebogue, NY 11931