Reformed Church of Locust Valley
Worship
Sunday morning is a very special time. We come together to praise and thank God for all He has done for us. This public gathering is both to witness to the world that we believe that Jesus Christ was here on earth to teach us how to live according to God's loving will and also that we believe that through Jesus' sacrifice we will be reunited with God.
It is important to worship together. The sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, the sermons, the joyful offerings, the communal prayers and the fellowship help us to feel God's presence in our lives and to grow as Christians. During the week we seriously try to practice what is preached through our conduct: prayers, word and deed.
Our New Partner in Mission!!!
By now I hope you have all read about our involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society which operates through the rectory at St. Gertrudes in Bayville. I volunteer at the soup kitchen in Glen Cove with a wonderful woman, Marie DioGuardi, and I have often heard of her experiences as a member of this organization. Recently, I felt that I could be helpful to her and the Society, and asked if I could join them. The group (of about 16 people), was very welcoming, and I have attended two meetings, and been on a home visit.
The Vincentians, as they call themselves, receive requests for help from our school social workers, and through phone calls for help which are made to St. Gertrude's rectory. Recently, people who have found themselves homeless due to illness, or other life shattering events, have wound up renting rooms at The Tides. From there, they have reached out to St. Vincent de Paul. I felt that we, as a kind and generous congregation, might want to extend our help to this organization and the people who so desperately need it. Below is a brief, and incomplete narrative of one of who have been supported and blessed with financial, emotional and spiritual help through the work of this organization:
A 65 year old woman, recently homeless needed help with rent payment at the Tides. She had worked most of her life, but had serious health problems for the last 10 years and owns only a car. She exists on Social Security, and lives in her car when she cannot pay rent. Due for carotid artery surgery, and unable to pay for rent after surgery because of car repair bills, we (St. Vincent de Paul) were able to pay for two weeks at the Tides, give her food from St. Gertrudes food pantry, introduce her to the community of people at the soup kitchen in Glen Cove, and help her find a lawyer. During that single digit cold snap we experienced a few weeks ago - we were able to give her a few days more at the Tides.
On a recent Sunday, I informed our own congregation of the help this woman was receiving, and one of our members came to me after the service and gave me a very generous donation. This donation went towards gas and food for this woman, who is once again living in her car - but now knows how to get food through local organizations. St. Vincent de Paul society is still working with her to find a room through the Coalition for the Homeless.
Throughout the year I will be bringing to our congregation the needs which I feel we can fill for the homeless and the poverty-level people who call St. Gertrudes rectory seeking relief..
Please contact me at any time if you want to know more about our partnering with St. Vincent de Paul.
Thanking you always for your generosity and helping hands - Ardis
Choir
Our volunteer choir is a musical tradition dating from the founding of the church in 1869. Choir members share a love of music, singing and fellowship. A number of the singers have been life-long members of the choir.
Donning blue choir robes, members sing the Lord’s praises each Sunday at 10 AM, September through June, and at the Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Week services.
The Organist and Choir Director is Yelena Polezhayev, who holds a Master of Music Degree from the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory. She also performs professionally with her husband as the Long Island Piano Duo.
Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Basses—all welcome. No audition required. Rehearsals 9 AM before Sunday worship. Those Interested in joining, please call the Church Office at 516-676-6130.
Locust Valley Comforters
We are a small group open to the community and are always looking for additional people to join us. Sewing skills are not a requirement – the construction of these quilts requires many other talents. We raise funds when necessary through bake sales and accept contributions of materials as well as monetary gifts.
Over the past several years, we have supplied quilts to numerous organizations and programs: North Shore University Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Manhasset, Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park and most recently the Northport Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. We are always looking to have more people join us in our ministry. We now meet on the first and third Monday of the month from 12 noon to 4pm. We invite you to stop by and see what it is that we do and see if you might be interested in helping us. No sewing experience is needed. If you have any questions, please speak with Debi Baker. Again, thank you!
