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Long Island Community Fellowship Newsletter |
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Community Corner
Congratulations to Anthony Tramuta and Paul Margiotta who welcomed twins Luciana Giordana and Anthony Cristiano into their family on February 3, 2013. And also congrats to big brother Will.
"These babies are your blessing,
We wish happiness in every way,
Good luck God bless we say
And many blessings and wishes,
To welcome these babies into your life today"
Congratulations to Barbara Salva who was named Female Volunteer of the Year at the AMHH Community Service Awards Dinner on Sunday April 21, 2013.
"You may be one person to the world but by your actions you are the world to one person!"
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May
Birthdays
May 6 -
Sam Saw
May 22 -
Eddie Finan
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LICF OUTING
HIKE
Saturday, May 4
9 AM
Sunken Meadow was named for a low meadowland separating the beach from and upland forest. For hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, the crowning jewel of the park are its high trails with expansive views of the Long Island Sound. We will hike an approximately 3 mile loop that is moderate in difficultly due to a few steep hills and will take us about 2 hours to complete. The trail surface includes sand, dirt and some paved sections. Your Dogs are permitted on a leash.
What you will need to bring:
Insect spray for yourself, plenty of waters and a bag lunch. It is wise to also bring a dry set of shoes and clothes to leave in your car just in case yours gets wet during the hike so that you can have something to change into.
Join the LICF crew as we enjoy 3 hours of family fun! After entering Park, follow signs to Field #3 and pull up near the beach access point from the lot.
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FISH FRY
Saturday, May 18
LICF Rectory
4 to 7 PM
On Saturday May 18th, come join us for a delicious meal served up by our Loaves and Fishes Team! The team will be holding a fundraiser Fish-Fry in the Fellowship Hall from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The cost will be $15 for adults and $6 for children. We will be providing fried fish, french fries, tartar sauce and soda.
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PRIDE DANCE
Saturday,
June 1
8PM to Midnight
VFW Hall
400 Lakeland Ave.
Sayville
Tickets only $25
(includes hot dinner, karaoke and dancing)
Cash Bar, 50/50 and Prize Raffles
On Saturday June 1st, the LICF will be hosting a night of dancing at the VFW Hall in Sayville from 8PM til midnight. Tickets are only $25.00. Hot dinner will be served and there will be a cash bar, 50/50 and prize raffles.
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LICF Yard Sale
Coming Soon
Our Oasis team will be hosting a Yard Sale. Come browse and pick up that one of a kind item you've been looking for at bargain prices!
We are looking for donated items to sell so if you would like to donate please contact Eva at eva@licf.net
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Long Island Community Fellowship is an open and affirming church ministering to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allied Community, celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of God's people. We celebrate and build community by proclaiming the good news, encouraging spiritual and personal growth, caring for the challenged and forgotten, and strengthening the social fabric of Long Island through effective leadership, education and advocacy. |
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Isabella's Christening
On Sunday April 21, the rite of holy christening was given to Isabella Margarita DosSantos. Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church. In the waters of baptism we are reminded that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from the love of God. We also welcome ourselves as part of an extended family. We want to welcome Isabella to the LICF Family. Congratulations to Isabella's proud moms Johanna and Maryann.
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LICF/LIPSA Karaoke Night
LICF and LIPSA(LI Pride Sports Association) hosted a Karaoke fundraiser on Saturday April 20th from 8:00 PM to midnight at the Sayville VFW. It was a night of singing, dancing, good eats and a Chinese Auction with a great selection of wonderful prizes. The event was a huge success and over $1100 was raised for each organization. The LICF proceeds will be used for the LICF Angels Softball Team for their umpire fees and new team uniform shirts.
...And the winners were the team of Johnnie, Norbie and Barbara with their rendition of "You Are So Beautiful" and in second place was LICF Angels assistant coach Joaquina for an outstanding performance of Alanis Morissette's "You Outta Know". And you outta know that a fun time was had by all!
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LICF Honored At AMHH Awards
Each year, Auntie M's Helping Hands (AMHH), an organization of the Long Island LGBT Community, hosts "The AMHH Community Service Awards."
AMHH honors those who have gone above and beyond to enhance the quality of life for the LGBT Community.
Long Island Community Fellowship was very proud to have been named as this year's "Outstanding LGBT Organization." In 2002, Rev. Dr. G. Shane Hibbs (1974-2010) came to Long Island, and he brought with him a dream. Pastor Shane wished to establish a place where members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Community and our Allies could come together for Worship, Spiritual Guidance, and Fellowship. A place where no one had to be ashamed of their identity, and where it would be affirmed that God loves all people. A place where-in Pastor Shane's own words-"Faith is a journey, not a guilt trip!" Since November 2011, Rev. Gale D. Jones,as the new LICF Pastor, has been passionate about the mission of LICF. LICF wishes to establish the largest LGBT church on Long Island. Long Island Community Fellowship was established by members of the LGBT Community and is for the LGBT Community. LICF also invites non-LGBT Allies, who are always welcome to sit at our table. The LICF motto sums it all up perfectly: "Long Island Community Fellowship .... More than a Church, We're a Family!"
Also honored, as "Outstanding Female Volunteer", was Barbara Salva. Barbara is an activist for the Transgender community and a proud member of the LGBT Democrats of Long Island in the position of Transgender Chairperson. She is also a member of the Trans Activist Coalition, and lectures around the Long Island area, educating people of the struggle of the Transgender community in order to achieve the Trans Civil Rights bill known as Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, GENDA, to pass in Albany. She is also a very proud member of Long Island Community Fellowship Church, a place that was very instrumental in saving her life in what she has called her darkest days.
A contingent of LICF members were on hand to show their support and to celebrate the accomplishments being awarded. LICF wants to thank AMHH for such an honor!
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Social Justice: Equality and Justice Day
Although we have a lot to be proud of and celebrate in NY, such as our right to marry, we still continue to have a fight on our hands. In many places in New York it is still legal to fire someone or deny them a job, deny someone housing or discriminate in lending transactions and public accommodations just because they are transgendered. GENDA(Gender Expression Non- Discrimination Act) or commonly referred to as the transgender equality bill will protect the transgendered person from this horrible discrimination. The bill has already been passed through the Assembly but keeps getting stuck in committee in the Senate. The bill continues to be introduced and the current Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act in Assembly is A.4226/Gottfried and in the Senate is S.195/Squadron.
On Tuesday, April 30th activists gathered in Albany for Equality and Justice Day to lobby and rally. Again this year they focused on building support for the transgender non-discrimination bill and met with their Legislators to help persuade them to support this important bill and to help bring it to the floor for a vote.
This annual event was unique opportunity to show the strength and support of the LGBT community in Albany, featuring a rally at the Capitol, workshops, caucuses and visits with elected representatives.
If you could not attend and would like to help please call or write your NY State Senator and ask them to please pass The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act(GENDA). GENDA would outlaw discrimination in New York State based on gender identity or expression. All people should be treated equally and just! If you need to find contact information for your NYS Senator go to www.nysenate.gov/senators.
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LICF Pride Dance - hosted by Sandy to benefit the Long Island Community Fellowship
Hopefully we will have even more reason to celebrate this pride month as the Supreme Court decides the fate of DOMA and Prop 8. On Saturday June 1st come join the LICF family and dance the night away. There will be a hot buffet, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $25 per person. Please fill out a facsimile of the form below and send with your check (made out to LICF) to Long Island Community Fellowship, P.O. Box 72, Levittown, NY 11756. If you purchased tickets to the Red Velvet Dinner Dance, which was cancelled due to inclement weather, the tickets will be honored at the LICF Pride Dance.
Rainbow Cruise - hosted by Sandy to benefit the Long Island Community Fellowship
The Rainbow Cruise will be held on Saturday June 22nd on the Moon Chaser Boat out of Captree State Park in Babylon. Come sail away for a night of fun with the LICF family. There will be a hot buffet with beer, wine and soda included. The boat boards at 7:45PM, departing at 8PM and returning at midnight. The cost is $45 per person. Please fill out a facsimile of the form below and send with your check (made out to LICF) to Long Island Community Fellowship, P.O. Box 72, Levittown, NY 11756.
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LICF Angels Day at LICF
On Sunday April 28th during the regular Sunday Service, the church introduced their 2013 LICF Angels Softball Team. Reverend Gale gave a blessing to the team and the congregation joined in as we prayed for season of fun and good sportsmanship. The team was reminded that they represent an outreach group for the church.
Opening Day is scheduled for May 5th. The Angels will play their first game at 1:30 PM that day at Rider Park in Patchogue. Come out and support your LICF Angels Softball Team. After the opening day games, come celebrate with your teammates and friends, and meet some of the other team's players at Home Towne Taverne, 2800 Pond Road, Lake Ronkonkoma at 5PM. There will be great food, courtesy of Corner Heros in Selden, Cinco de Mayo drink specials and a raffle for a guaranteed roster spot at the MVP Game at Ducks Stadium!
LICF Angels May Softball Games:
Sunday May 5th - Blitz vs Angels - 1:30pm - Rider Park, Patchogue
Thursday May 9th - Cooler Crushers vs Angels - 6:15pm - Sunken Meadow
Thursday May 16th - Lightning vs Angels - 6:15pm - Sunken Meadow
Sunday May 26th - Angels - Locations and start times TBD
 | | LICF Angels wish Happy Birthday to Glenn at scrimmage on April 28th |
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LICF
PRIDE
DANCE
(June 1)
and/or
RAINBOW
CRUISE
(June 22)
Mail-In Form
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FIll Out Below and send to:
Long Island Community Fellowship
P.O. Box 72
Levittown, NY 11756
NAME _____________________________________________________________
Adress ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Phone # ___________________ # Tickets _______ @ $25 each(Pride Dance) # Tickets _______ @$45 each(Rainbow Cruise)
Total enclosed $ ________________ (Make check payable to L.I.C.F.)
Email address ______________________________________________________ | | |
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A Word From Our Reverend Gale...
...THINK ON THESE THINGS
Greetings Sisters and Brothers of Faith,
As the Easter Season draws to its natural conclusion with the celebration of Pentecost, the spirit of new birth and renewal are accompanied by the energy of anticipation. Liturgically we are awaiting the descent of the Power of the Holy Spirit. Politically, there is the hope of decisions both locally and nationally to guarantee the right to live, love and marry in dignity with protections through the passage of GENDA (Gender Expression Non -Discrimination Act) in New York State and the Supreme Court decision regarding the constitutionality of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). And socially there is the expectation of the joy associated with the coming worldwide LGBT Pride Season and Festivities. All of this waiting, hoping and expecting can make a soul anxious which frequently leads us to the "darkroom where negatives are developed." As an antidote I suggest this, "... brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV).
So through all of the waiting, hoping and expecting, I encourage you to think on these things.... The "I AM's" of God
I AM THAT I AM
I am Alpha and Omega
I am gracious
I am merciful
I am the bread of life
I am the light of the world
I am the living bread
I am God that comforts you
I am the LORD that heals you
I am the LORD that makes all things possible
I am your salvation
I am your shield
I am with you to deliver you
I am with you always
I am the way, the truth, and the life
For the above reasons, know that God uses the insignificant to accomplish the impossible; sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms us and lastly, God will mend our broken hearts and put all of the pieces back in place.
Be well and feel the Love....Reverend Gale Jones, Pastor
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Calendar of Events
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Saturday, May 4 - 9 AM - LICF Hike - Sunken Meadow Park, Kings Park
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Sunday, May 5 - 10 AM - LICF Worship Service/Changing of the Cinctures
Sunday, May 5 - 1:30 PM - LICF Angels Softball Opening Day, Rider Park in Patchogue
Wednesday, May 8 - 7 PM - Monthly Prayer Service
Thursday, May 9 - 6:15 PM - LICF Angels Softball Game, Sunken Meadow Park
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Sunday, May 12 - 10 AM - LICF Worship Service
Tuesday, May 14 - 7 PM - Bible Study
Thursday, May 16 - 6:15 PM - LICF Angels Softball Game, Sunken Meadow Park
Saturday, May 18 - 4 to 7 PM - Fish Fry at LICF Rectory
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Sunday, May 19 - 10 AM - LICF Worship Service
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Sunday, May 26- 10 AM - LICF Worship Services
Sunday, May 26 - LICF Angels Softball Game - TBD
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Upcoming Events -
June 8 - LI Pride Parade in Huntington - Come march with your LICF Family
June 9 - Founder's Day
June 13 - HIV Prevention/Awareness Gathering in Sanctuary(7:30 PM)
June 30 - Youth Sunday
Following Events Hosted by Sandy to benefit LICF...
June 1 - LICF Pride Dance - VFW Hall, Sayville from 8PM to midnight
Tickets are $25. Hot Buffet. 50/50 Raffle. (Mail-In Form Above)
June 22 - LICF Raibow Cruise - Moonchaser Boat at Captree State Park, Babylon
7:45 PM Boarding. Boat Leaves 8PM and returns at midnight.
Tickets are $45. Includes Beer, Wine & Soda. Hot Buffet. 50/50 Raffle
October 19 - LICF Halloween Dance - VFW Hall, Sayville from 8PM to midnight.
Tickets are $25. Hot Buffet. Prizes for Original, Funniest & Scariest.
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"For, lo, the winter is past , the rain is over and gone ; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come , and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise , my love, my fair one, and come away!"
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Contact Info
Your LICF Family
697 West Montauk Hwy
Bay Shore, NY 11706
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