The Deacon's Fund in Appreciation for the Ministry of the Rev. CJ Van Slyke

On November 24, 2019 we gave thanks to God for the ministry of the Rev. CJ Van Slyke who retired from active ministry today.

 The Vestry unanimously approved the creation of the “Deacon’s Fund” a fund to support crazy, bold, and audacious outreach opportunities that are outside of the scope of the traditional budgeting process.  The “Deacon’s Fund” will exist within the Saint Stephen’s Charitable Foundation, and the interest generated will be used annually for creative outreach projects at the designation of the Deacon, Clergy, or Outreach Committee.  Parishioners can make contributions at any time in thanksgiving, memory, or honor of someone to the “Deacon’s Fund.”  They vestry imagines this fund growing over time through small gifts. 

 The “Deacon’s Fund” is established in gratitude for the ministry of the Rev. Deacon CJ Van Slyke, whose creative spirit has led Saint Stephen’s to start life-giving and creative ministries such as Laundry Love in the Woodlawn neighborhood where over 1000 loads of laundry are being washed annually. Deacon CJ has organized drives for warming supplies, sent medical supplies to Cuba and Haiti, trained nurses and caregivers in Haiti, led campaigns to supply warming shelters, and helped Saint Stephen’s grow in its participation with Community Kitchens.  Deacon CJ continues to inspire Saint Stephen’s to follow the radical love of Jesus in new and bold ways and the aim of the “Deacon’s Fund” is to continue this legacy in perpetuity. 

 Gifts to the “Deacon’s Fund” can be given at any time by going through the give link and selecting the Deacon’s Fund.