St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church holds its First Community Day

St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church in Asbury Park, NJ hosted its inaugural Community Day on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The visionary behind the event, Rev. Quavon Z. Newton was inspired to hold such an event from the moment he arrived at St. Stephen, the first Sunday after his appointment noting the spacious parking lot and how it was the perfect space for outdoor ministry. The church partnered with two community organizations: 

Asbury Park Little League and Community Karma to organize and distribute over 1,000 backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for students in the Asbury Park community.

In addition to backpacks being distributed, professional hairstylists and barbers offered free hair braiding and haircuts to make sure any child who wanted to, received a brand-new hairstyle to start the school year with. The day was filled with activities and entertainment. Families were able to enjoy live performances from Lakehouse Music Academy, area dance teams, drill squads and musical performances from St. Stephen’s own music director Zal Walton Jr., musician Will Dunn aka Fred Soul and a solo dance performance from Pheonix Joyner, a member of St. Stephen’s Devoted Dancers 4 Christ. Families also received school uniforms, footwear, and free books at the event. There was face painting, crafts, games, an ice cream truck, a bounce house and activities for children and their families to enjoy.

“The partnership with Asbury Park Little League and St. Stephen AME Zion Church is a dream come true and this collaborative approach has allowed us to reach more families in need - I can’t wait to work together on our next project,” said Celia Cattani, Founder of Community Karma. Pastor Quavon Newton of St. Stephen added “this Community Day was proof that we can foster social cohesion to address the local challenges that many are facing. Today, families were fed, clothed and prepared to begin the school year with confidence. We are committed to continuing to find ways to come together to address the social concerns of the Greater Asbury Community.” Coach Will Wright shared their sentiments and said “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the children who prepare for it today.”

Support from both the City of Asbury Park as well as the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce added to the success of the event. St. Stephen was also blessed to have sponsorship from Godette Health and local businesses including Georgies, The Stone Pony, Tangled Up in Green, BP on Main St., and Asbury Park Book Cooperative. Corporate sponsors included Jersey Central Power & Light, ICIMS, Aetna and Pepsi. There was also support from Kiwanis of Asbury Park, Church of Philadelphia and Community Affairs and Resource Center.

The members of St. Stephen began sorting and packing backpacks with supplies two weeks before the event and on the day of led arts and crafts, games, made sure everyone stayed hydrated in the August heat and with the help of Everybody Eats, who cooked and served over 1500 hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks for all who attended. The St. Stephen ministerial team was also present, taking prayer requests, offering salvation and were delighted to share that members of the community received salvation and new members were added to the church.

If you are interested in learning more about future events, contact office@ststepenamez.org