From Anton: The well-known, Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, cosmologist, planetary scientist, writes the following; "For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others." I have no idea what this author’s religion is, but I think even Jesus would go along with this. Every day is an opportunity to learn and to give. This becomes especially true of tough times. I have found no better way of understanding what Jesus tried to teach us than to look upon his life of consistently lessening the suffering of others. Sometimes it was their physical afflictions, other times their spiritual afflictions and even other times, their social afflictions. The need is great on all three of these fronts. If every one of us imagines ourselves as part of a worldwide team trying to learn a little more about the world than we knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others, God’s kingdom will be made manifest. I know we are all part of this team and I am so grateful to have you all as teammates. Playing rugby, you learned very quickly that you were doomed alone. You could only enjoy and achieve success when you embrace your teammates as your brothers. Thank you for your caring and giving, for your prayers and concerns for others. May our church family thrive even in the absence of physical contact and fellowship. We are part of God’s team and your role here is precious to the rest of us. May you and your loved ones remain healthy, both in body and spirit. In peace, Anton 631-779-2670

From Andrea (Outreach): Thank you, thank you all for your continued support for our local food pantries. This month we have been able to send a $400.00 check to Bread and More at First Congregational Church, as well as some financial support and weekly carloads of groceries to St John’s. Many thanks to Paulette and Fred for taking on this heavy task! Paulette reports how grateful they are. May’s special collection has been for the Church World Service Blankets. Thank you to the Reeves: Katie, Paul and Ellie for their video! There is still time to contribute to this worthy cause.

w From Tom (Worship): Hello everyone. Worship has been a challenge and I would like to thank you all for working at it. It seems as though everything has been turned upside down with this virus, but we adjust. Rev. Anton is now a Youtube star with his Sunday service and it brings in new ways to connect, good job! The one concern I have is the fear that is intruding into our lives. One of the most used phrases in the Bible is "fear not". If we can embrace this, it will set us free (no more heavy old luggage to haul around, a true feeling of a lighter heart). That's why we worship. The origin of the word is worthiness, acknowledgement of worth. That's why we worship Christ, and I can see that spirit in the people around me. I'm looking forward to the day we can worship together again. God Bless you all!

w From Council: Dear Family and Friends, This is now the fourth letter that we’ve written to keep in touch, since Governor Cuomo’s shelter-in-place restrictions began. Who would have imagined that this much time would pass before we would be able to meet in person as a congregation? We’re missing that personal touch, but we are grateful that we can still encourage and support each other through these difficult times. Your Council continues to meet monthly to discuss the business of Old Steeple Community Church. We so much appreciate Rev. Anton’s efforts to keep in touch, both through his Sunday worship services and weekly messages online and through virtual coffee hours using Zoom technology. He also keeps track of us all through more traditional means—the telephone! A huge thank you to you for keeping up with both the operational expenses and the various missions of our church. Andrea reported that in addition to your generous weekly donations of food and supplies, over $1000 has been collected for the needy in our community. May’s emphasis for the broader community was UCC’s Blanket Sunday, while June will focus on UCC’s Strengthen the Church collection. The Scholarship Committee has received a number of outstanding applications, and will be selecting this year’s recipients soon. Sandy said that our volunteers continue their phone calls to our church family and friends, and Janet is exploring a way to use Zoom for our book discussion meetings. Keith is working with Gail to provide church information on Facebook, as well as the church website. We miss you, and we are trying hard to stay in touch until we can be together in person! Be well, and let us know of any needs that we might be able to assist with. Shalom and Blessings, Your Church Council Members

HOW LONG? ARE WE THERE YET? Most of us can remember times we asked these questions of our parents on long road trips. Maybe you have heard it from your own kids. How long? Are we there yet? We all yearn for our return to the Sanctuary on Sundays. We all experience a sense of loss not seeing each other and not sharing smiles and hugs and fellowship. People have asked me: "How long?" All I can say is: "we are not there yet". Making certain that we all remain safe means we might take a longer route to reopen than we had hoped for. We simply cannot imagine the sorrow of seeing someone get infected because we came back together, too soon. Here is the promise we make to you: as soon as churches begin to open we will be in action. Already there are talks of opening churches in stages. I have no idea what they mean, but I am eager to share the information with you as we receive it. To all, please let's not make this about anything other than keeping each other safe. I personally, have spent much time thinking of you all, hoping that you are coping, praying that the time passes quickly, but trusting in the science behind the reasoning. So, stay safe, Friends. It shall pass. Anton.

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(We would love to hear what you are up to, how you are doing, share your joys and concerns with us, and your plans for the summer … generally how you are getting by during this time. Please email

to oldsteeplecc@gmail.com, and mention that your note is for the July newsletter. Thank you!)

We are not receiving any more empty water bottles until we open up again, however, egg cartons are welcome. (Tuesday & Thursdays 9 – 2)

Dear Congregation, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am well and hope to be back in church soon. Yours truly, Everett

A sincere thank you to everyone for all the cards and well wishes for my birthday. It made my day so special. Love, Henza

Old Steeple Prayer List: Prayers & Concerns: Those in harm’s way who serve our country including Amanda Tinter, Ben Pileski, Rebecca Needham, Justin Kruel, and William Gilmore, Jr.

At Home/Hospital: Hannah Galinski Joyce Lidowitz Bob Lidowitz Wayne Meyenberg Linda Mueller Tyler Pernice Debbie Reeve

Wade Spellman Also please remember: Gene Goodale Betty ter Kuile Estelle Evans Gerry Hegner Scotty Robertson

Please let us know of any additions or changes. Contact the church office at 631-722-3070; or e-mail oldsteeplecc@gmail.com. Include your name, and let that person know that those at Old Steeple will be praying for them. Also, unless you let us know to do otherwise, names will remain on our list for six weeks and then will be removed. Thank you.

w These folks cannot get out at all, or some not easily. They would love to receive a note or card to help cheer them up and let them know we are thinking about them: Bo & Penny Goodale 222 Main Rd. Riverhead, NY 11901 Debbie Reeve 4138 Sound Ave. Riverhead, NY 11901 Betty ter Kuile 1407 Middle Rd. #71 Calverton, NY 11933

Estelle Evans Crouse Comm. Center - E3 101 South St. Morrisville, NY 13408 Gene Goodale 1523 Northville Tpk. Riverhead, NY 11901

Gerry Hegner Hamptons Center for Rehab. & Nursing – Rm. 255 64 County Rd. 39 Southampton, NY 11968 Walter & Betty Stewart 54 Linda Ave. Riverhead, NY 11901

Missing the Library? Need a good book to read?? Our very own church has a book lending area where we meet for coffee hour. There are a variety of books, fiction and nonfiction, for your consideration. You may also leave books there on loan for others. If you want your book back eventually, please put your name on the inside cover, otherwise it will be returned to the Book Lending shelves for others to read. Remember that our church administrator is there to open the doors on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 until 2. I am sure she will be happy to see you. Remember to wear your masks!

w Council Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2020 Social distancing and wearing a mask in public continue to be the order of the day and our monthly meeting will be “attended” via Zoom. Those present are Rev. Dr. Anton DeWet, Moderator Jean Lapinski, Amy Cosgrove, Edgar Goodale, Andrea Hanulec, Sandra Reeve, Rev. Janet Wright, and Keith Young. Tom Behr and Richard Reeve were unable to attend this meeting. A quorum was present to conduct the work of the church. The Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm and distributed the agenda and asked Pastor Anton to open the meeting with a prayer.

The minutes of the Council’s April meeting was printed and distributed in the May newsletter. As there were no additions, corrections or selections, Edgar Goodale made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. Amy Cosgrove seconded the motion and it passed. The Treasurer, Edgar Goodale, distributed the complete treasurer’s report which includes: Profit and Loss for the month of April, Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual -January through April 30, list of transactions by account, list of receipts and expenditures from the Memorial Fund and a report on the funds in our Endowment Account. Edgar highlighted that although these times are chaotic, our community of faith has kept our core values of trust, belief and hope in God and continues to support both our place of worship and our Christian desire to help those in need.

Mr. Goodale has completed the transfer of our endowment and working capital funds to Merrill Lynch as our financial advisor has moved to that company. Everything remains the same and our funds are in good hands.

Many organizations use the church’s fellowship hall and rooms for various meetings. Due to the church building being closed to the public during this pandemic, our many guests have been unable to conduct their meetings. Amy Cosgrove, our Financial Secretary, has completed the monumental task of tracking down the organizations and has now a list of who uses the building and the fees they have agreed to pay. Thank you Amy.

There was a discussion about the rental use of the sanctuary of the church. It was decided that requests and fees for the use of the sanctuary by other religious organizations or for the purpose of weddings, baptisms and funerals would be determined case by case on an individual basis when the request is made.

There was a discussion concerning the collection and depositing of the donations from our Sunday services on-line. It was thought that the Financial Secretary should be the one to collect this information due to the confidentiality of the persons and the amounts that they are donating. Amy Cosgrove was unaware of the amount as well as the names of those donating. Edgar Goodale suggested that Amy should be collecting the information with the Office Administrator as a backup. Amy reluctantly stated she would pursue the credit card donations. She will contact Gail.

Pastor’s Report It was announced that Ann Priapi’s granddaughter had arrived! Both the mom, Bethany, and baby girl are doing fine. Our donations to the Food Pantry at St. John The Evangelist RC Church have helped many in our

community. Sr. Margaret Smyth has expressed her appreciation to our church for the donations of non-perishable items and cash.

There has been positive feedback about our on-line Sunday services and the Zoom coffee hours following the service. The Council members expressed their appreciation to Pastor Anton for his guidance during these difficult times. He stated that he will continue to try new things with the video services.

Pastor Anton voiced his gratitude for the fence panels delivered from Riverhead Building Supply so that he and his helper (Henza) could replace the broken fence in the parsonage backyard.

He has received feedback from Sandra Reeve and her army of callers. The membership has enjoyed the continued communications from the folks who keep in touch with our community. Pastor Anton requests that if anyone has any more ideas about how to keep our community engaged during this pandemic to please call him with your suggestions. Ministry Reports Building and Grounds — It was reported that the air conditioners will be installed in the offices. At our next meeting it is hoped that a Spring clean-up date may be set. With social distancing in play, it is difficult to schedule at this time. The AED defibrillators have been checked and are functioning. The dumpster has been moved to the back northeast corner of the parking lot by the playground. It had been noticed that unauthorized persons were using the dumpster frequently due to its convenient location by the side of the road. There was a short discussion concerning our upcoming fundraiser, the Chicken BBQ. The BBQ is currently scheduled for July 25th. Although time is required to order the food and supplies and print and sell tickets, it was decided that the council will make a final decision on this matter at the June 10th meeting. The Christmas Bazaar was discussed briefly. There will be a problem asking our communities small businesses for donations due to the pandemic and it was thought that church

membership could step up and make baskets. This discussion will continue at the next council meeting.

Outreach — Andrea Hanulec reported that in one month $1000 was donated for purchasing supplies for the food pantry - in addition to over 150 items of food and paper products. $400 was given to Bread and More, $200 to St. John’s food pantry and

$200 was spent for supplies given to St. John’s food pantry. Andrea expressed her gratitude to Paulette Sherman who picks up the donations from the church and delivers the items to the food pantry. Thank you Paulette!

Our current collections have been $80 for Blanket Sunday, $245 for OCWM and Andrea mentioned the June project will be “Strengthen Our Church”.

We are requested to hang on to our empty water bottles that we bring to the church until the “stay at home” advisory from the Governor is lifted. There is no one who is able to return the bottles at this time. However, egg cartons are still appreciated.

Caring — Sandra Reeve reported her “army of callers” continues to make calls to our membership and she has received very positive feedback from our church family. Sandra suggested that an article could be placed in our newsletter about supporting the various AA and NA groups that are now unable to meet in the Fellowship Hall. Her thought was that perhaps people could support these members through phone contact. It was suggested that she write an article for the upcoming newsletter.

Faith Formation — Rev. Janet Wright shared a letter she received from Maureen’s Haven concerning supporting the homeless during this crisis. Due to the orders from the Governor, the “day care center” for the homeless is closed. The following information is lifted from the recent letter from Daniel O’Shea, executive director of Maureen’s Haven:

“The Emergency Winter Shelter Program during the 2019 (November) - 2020 (March) provided 3796 beds, over 1100 more beds than in the previous year. A number of guests were able to secure emergency housing as well. As the Day Care Center is closed, Maureen’s Haven has shifted to more outreach operations and delivering key services to where we hand out lunches, clothes, masks and other essential items to the homeless, and those who need it most. Currently we are in need of basic items such as men’s clothes, hand sanitizers, knapsacks and non-perishable food.

If anyone would like to volunteer to deliver items to the homeless please contact Mr. O’Shea directly at 631-727-6831 or cell 631-276-1438.

Janet continues to seek ways to strengthen our faith through sharing our stories. She also suggested that perhaps the Friday reading and discussion group could start up again through the

Zoom platform. Pastor Anton said he would explore that possibility. Janet will also explore the possibility of a virtual Vacation Bible School and Sunday School opportunities during the summer with Heather Barrett.

Worship — The current format of virtual Sunday Services will continue. It was mentioned that Elly

Hawkins tunes in each Sunday to hear Pastor Anton and she loves it! Thank you Elly!

Welcoming — Keith Young reported that Pastor Anton is posting videos and our Office Administrator, Gail Evans, continues posting items of importance to share with the congregation. There was a discussion of using a variety of platforms such as our website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Keith will explore these options so we may best share our message of God Is Love. Pastor Anton shared the information that generally each Sunday’s program is joined by 40 - 60 people. However, one Sunday almost 90 persons tuned in.

The Scholarship Committee has received five applications by the deadline of May 8, 2020. They will now begin the task of selecting 2-3 recipients.

New Business There was a discussion concerning the donations to the church from our on-line Sunday Services. Amy stated that she receives the information from Gail. The information includes the name of the donor and where the money is designated to go. Amy has been keeping all accounts in order. It was suggested that Amy collect the information for her records and Gail would be the backup for her records.

Adjournment As there was no further business, Sandra Reeve made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Amy Cosgrove seconded the motion and it passed. The meeting ended at 8:03 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Janet Wright, Clerk

** Next Council Meeting will be June 10 at 7 pm ** Next Community Board Meeting will be on July 19 following Worship Service

Old Steeple Community Church POB 154 / 656 Main Road Aquebogue, NY 11931 Minister: Rev. Dr. Anton DeWet antondewet@aol.com 631-779-2670 Moderator: Jean Lapinski Choir Director/Organist: Guy M. L. Fein Office Administrator: Gail Evans Office Hours: Tu, W, Th 9-2 (photos by Gail Evans unless otherwise noted)