Changing Lives One Can At A Time

Posted on July 3, 2010 | Filed Under Community Food Pantry

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full." Proverbs 19:1By: Bill Hahn

By:  Bill Hahn

I remember when we first started the food pantry back when we where meeting at a previous location. We did a holiday drive that addressed the needs during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  So many people were helped and lives were impacted by this very simple act of charity. After the holidays I spoke to Pastor Shane explained what I had seen and felt.  The reality is that people are hungry all year long.  Holidays is just a time we are reminded of those who don’t have.  So with much effort and dedication, LICF started a year round food pantry.

We have helped so many people over the years and the look of thanks on a persons’ face when you bring them food has been such a tremendous thanks.  I remember driving through a “high-end” neighborhood that made me question if this was a real delivery.  At the end of my journey, I found a couple who were in dire need.  I have seen need in the faces of very sick and need in the faces of people who have just met with economical challenges.

An amazing part of working with the Community Food Pantry is that over the years while attending community events I have seen people who we have helped and their gratitude to the ministry and my work is one of the greatest feelings and it is simply indescribable. They tell me how they are feeling better nor or have a new job and how they will never forget the help LICF gave them when they were in need.   To me that is what it is all about serving others and giving back from the bounty that God has given us.

I don’t want to fail to mention the generosity of community leaders and organizations who have assisted us over the years.  Jimmy Pizzo and CMP Media have funded the food pantry with grants throughout the years.  Each and every year the Long Island Ravens have given a grant to assist the help that goes forth from the pantry.

Thanks to a community and the vision of our ministry, we have a stronger community!

LICF Angels Got Shut Out

Posted on July 3, 2010 | Filed Under Sports Ministry

Game Summary-6/24

Persistent, outstanding effort once again was displayed by the LICF Angels. Ramona’s valiant effort was exceptional, keeping the scoring down against the first place team. She also contributed defensively in knocking down a line-drive hit direct to her stomach. She was not seriously injured and continued to pitch a great game  Tammi, John Q. & Jon P. made some exceptional defensive plays to help keep the Angels in the game.  Everyone played hard & with purpose against a highly talented and accomplished team. Game ball goes to the entire team for coming together in another valiant effort, especially defensively (including Gina’s great leaping catch of a line drive at shortstop!) The final score:

Hunters Garage   17
LICF Angels           0

LICF Gospel Choir opens the LI Gay Pride Festival

Posted on June 16, 2010 | Filed Under Choir

Choir Performs on Stage

by Joe Fiore Jr. – “Choir Member Extraordinaire”

The choir was the first act to perform at the Pride Festval in Huntington on June 13th.  What a thrill it was to stand in front of thousands of GLBT Long Islanders and sing.  You could see the people turn, one-by-one and face the stage to listen to the wonderful sound of our choir.What a great feeling it was to worship for the Lord at  this event.  The comments afterward, reflected the sentiment that we felt as we poured our hearts into our

Long Island Drag Queen Ariel and Choir Member Johnny in the Dressing Room

music.  People were telling us that we sounded great, were very professional and that the people would have loved to hear a couple more songs.  Pastor Shane’s leadership and our members practicing paid off.

It was strange to hang out backstage with the other performers in the show.  The band singers shared dressing tables with the drag queens, fighting  for room to put on their make-up.  And it was hard to stay focused on our ministry while listenting to the blare of “It’s Raining Men” on the park’s sound system.  Oh well, welcome to show biz’.
Thanks to the Pride Parade Committee for approving us and our song selection.  I hope that we are asked to sing again in the years to come.

The Meaning of Pride!

Posted on June 13, 2010 | Filed Under Taking Back Faith

I spent today walking down Main Street in Huntington in the humid air of a New York June day.  The streets were lined with hundreds of people as they cheered and celebrated pride.  The beat of the music had filled the air as each group made their way to the celebration in the park.  Many groups were in attendance, and the party had just begun.

So much to reflect on and as the day draw closes to an end.  I started the day off with a charge to the congregation of LICF talking about why we can really celebrate Pride.

While it is great to have a day to celebrate who we are, we don’t need a special day to celebrate who God made us.  We should be celebrating that each and every day of our life.

As the celebration took place today, I had a unique opportunity to internalize the joy of my creation.  God made me and I am so proud of it.  God made me and I have such a tremendous joy because of that.  God made me and in all that I am, I want my life to praise and celebrate God.  I have worth and value because of my creator.

I am proud to be gay!  I am proud to be Christian!  I am proud to be made by God in God’s image!

LICF Angels Seize Their First Win

Posted on June 10, 2010 | Filed Under Sports Ministry

One game ball goes to the entire team for their first win!  The second game ball goes to coach Ramona for her hard work this season.  Her savvy pitch selection on the pitcher’s mound led to the Angels to their first win of the season. The offense stepped up to help by providing a lot of offense. Big contributors include Jenn, Gina, Jon P., John Q., Guido, Tammi, Pete and Jason who all increased their runs scored count. Jason had his first grand slam to right field. The second game the Angels gave it all they could but came up short as the opponent was able to capitalize on some timely hitting. Jason pitched well, improving from his last start.  A Great job Angels!”

FINAL SCORE:

LICF Angels   23
The Dogs          3

The Dogs        23
LICF Angels   11

Development Department Updates

Posted on May 13, 2010 | Filed Under Development

Fundraising and Development is alive and strong here at LICF. Our “Brick Campaign” is well underway, and we have other exciting projects happening as well. As your Development Director, I am now working on a major fundraising event for LICF about which I am very enthused. There will be more information on this project forthcoming as it develops.

LICF Development is always looking for projects, ideas, and suggestions. If you would like to offer some help, please feel free to talk to me at any time. You can also email me at eddie@licf.net. 

Angels Game One Summary

Posted on May 13, 2010 | Filed Under Sports Ministry

GAME DATE: 5/6/10

As a number of people took the field for their first time, outstanding effort was abundant. In the top of the 1st, one such first timer, Jonathan(Dolce) recorded the 1st out of the game at second base on a force play. Barbara, Kathy, Gina, Jenn, John Q. & Jon made some expectional defensive plays to help keep the Angels in the game. Jason did a good job for his first time pitching. Offense was provided by a host of girls & guys including Gina, Kathy, Jenn, John(Guido), John Q., Jon & Pete to name a few. The LICF Angels gave their best as always!

Submitted By: Jason

Join the LICF Gospel Choir for Spring Concert!

Posted on March 21, 2010 | Filed Under Choir

Don’t miss the 2010 LICF Gospel Choir Spring Concert!  On Saturday, March 27, 2010, the LICF Gospel Choir will take the stage at the LICF Sanctuary to bring the uplifting sounds of inspiration to life.  Hear the solos and choir lead with dynamic gospel music.  Get your tickets today.

Click Here To Buy Tickets

Directions

LICF ANGELS GEAR UP FOR NEW SEASON!

Posted on February 28, 2010 | Filed Under Sports Ministry

In the midst of all this snow and cold weather my mind fast forwards to LIPSA Softball and our May 2nd  “Opening Day”!
The LICF Angels are preparing to once again take the field and play “Angels” Softball. Our emphasis is always on Good Sportsmanship, Camaraderie and demonstrating our Christian values on and off the field.
This year I have entrusted my beloved team to a new coach and I am proud to announce that Ramona Atiles will be taking over the reigns. We are also excited to have new uniforms provided and designed by “Seven Even Clothing”
Remember May 2, 2010 is “Opening Day” so bring your lounge chairs and cheer on the LICF Angels!!

THE ART OF SUPPORT

Posted on February 28, 2010 | Filed Under Development

Long Island Community Fellowship is pleased to celebrate a special opportunity to our supporters.  You can purchase a designated piece of art from Shane Hibbs Art (www.ShaneHibbsArt.com) and the proceeds will go to Long Island Community Fellowship.  You can purchase the piece through the website (click here) or by calling 1-800-380-6194.  The limited edition prints are $299 and only $115 for custom framing.  Help support a great cause by helping LICF.


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