St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 14

We accept donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor

St. Mary's Bake Sale on Sidewalk Sale Saturday!

August 24th

9 am to 12 noon

We had so much fun at last year's bake sale, let's do it again! Your homemade cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes and brownies were very popular. We found that whole cakes and pies sold very well, and larger batches cookies and brownies did better than two-fer's. So, for example, leave your brownies in the pan, and we'll sell the whole batch. Or package your home baked cookies by the dozen instead of two or four. 

Items can be dropped off in the Parish Hall on Friday, or by 8:30 am on Saturday morning. Please join the fun for set up, breakdown and chatting with folks during the sale. Sign up to help in the Parish Hall.  

Thank you!

 A Season of Gratitude

As we wrap up another wonderful season of Thursday Night on the Lawn, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made these evenings so special. Despite the pesky weather that tried to dampen our spirits, your dedication shone through, ensuring each gathering was a success.

A special thank you goes out to Jack, Yvonne, and Lisa, whose constant presence for set-up and clean-up made everything possible. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes did not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment.

To all our talented performers, thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Marnie and Nate, C. Lynne Smith, Three and One, and Curtis McKonly and friends—each of you brought joy and inspiration to our lawn, creating memories that will linger in our hearts.

Thank you, one and all, for being a part of this beautiful tradition. Your presence, whether in service or song, made this season truly special.

With gratitude and blessings,

Mo. Allison+

Dear Friends,

It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to Rev. Deacon Jane Carol, who has been an invaluable member of our St. Mary’s family. Jane has served us with outstanding dedication—liturgically, pastorally, and through her work in education. Her contributions have deeply enriched our community, and we are profoundly grateful for her ministry among us.

As Jane and Sam embark on their next chapter in a new location, we send them off with our heartfelt prayers and best wishes. They will be greatly missed, but we trust that God’s grace will continue to guide them on their journey.

Please join us for a special coffee hour after the service this Sunday, where we will have the opportunity to express our gratitude and bid Deacon Jane a fond farewell. Let us come together as a community to celebrate the gifts she has shared with us and to send them on their way with love and blessings.

With gratitude and peace,

Mo. Allison+

As the season of Summer begins to wrap up and all of our friends head home, let's

Stay Connected through Bible Study!

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Are you curious about Bible study?

Do you ever wonder what the difference is between the gospels?

Here’s your chance to answer those questions and more. 

Tracy Rubin, Harvard Divinity School 2012, who led lectionary study at St. Mary’s this summer has taught Bible study through her parish in Needham, MA for over 10 years. Class is taught in person and over Zoom. There are participants from all over the country.  We would love to have you join us via Zoom.

On Wednesday, September 18, we begin our study of the Gospel of Luke. We will spend the year until late May reading and discussing this beautifully written narrative. Luke presents a particular view of Jesus as someone who included all people in his message, so Luke’s book is also written for all people regardless of social standing, gender, or religious affiliation. Many stories about Jesus that are familiar to us appear only in Luke and no other gospel.

Classes are discussion-based and are held at 10-11:30 AM and 7-8:30 PM, whichever is most convenient for you. Zoom tutorials can be provided beforehand. 

If you have questions, contact Tracy Rubin at tgrubin3@gmail.com or 781-856-2125.

Please sign up with Ali office@ccneedham.org or call 781-444-1469.

Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray - Forward Day by Day is an inspiring daily devotional to begin your day with. The August, September, October issue is now available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and feel free to take one for a friend who may enjoy having it. If you would like us to mail a copy to you, please let the church office know and we will be glad to send it.

To All of our members and friends

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is the responsible management and care of the resources that God has entrusted to us. It encompasses our time, talents, and treasures, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards, we are called to use these gifts wisely, generously, and joyfully to further God's work in the world.

Why is Stewardship Important?

Deepening Our Faith: Stewardship is a spiritual practice that helps us grow in faith. By giving back a portion of what we have received, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of giving strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our trust in His provision.

Supporting Our Mission: At St. Mary's, our mission is to share the love of Christ, serve our community, and nurture spiritual growth. Your contributions enable us to offer meaningful worship services, provide pastoral care, support outreach programs, and maintain our beautiful church facilities. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our ability to fulfill this mission.

Building Community: Stewardship fosters a sense of belonging and partnership within our congregation. When we come together to share our resources, we create a vibrant and supportive community. Your generosity allows us to host fellowship events, educational programs, and other activities that strengthen our bonds and enrich our spiritual lives.

Extending Our Reach: Through your stewardship, St. Mary's can extend its reach beyond our church walls. We support local, national, and international initiatives that address critical needs, such as hunger relief, disaster response, and educational support. By giving to St. Mary's, you are part of a larger effort to make a positive difference in the world.

How You Can Get Involved

• Pray: Begin with prayer, asking God to guide you in your stewardship journey. Seek God's wisdom in how you can best use your gifts to serve God's kingdom.

• Give: Consider making a financial contribution to St. Mary's. Your regular tithes and offerings provide the foundation for our ministry. You can give online, or by mail or by collection plate.

• Serve: Offer your time and talents by volunteering for one of our many ministries. Whether it's assisting with worship services, participating in outreach projects, or joining a committee, your involvement is invaluable.

• Invite: Encourage others to join our church family. Share the good work that St. Mary's is doing and invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience our community and worship with us.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to St. Mary's. Together, we can continue to grow in faith, serve our community, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

Some ways to support St. Mary's

• Become a member
• Volunteer
• The Sunday collection plate
• Send a check payable to St. Mary's to:

St. Mary's Episcopal Church,

9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

(Your envelope and number is not necessary, only your name.)

• Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
• Online giving through our website at https://www.stmarysstoneharbor.org/

We have now joined Venmo! If you have Venmo, you can donate to the church - @StMarysStoneHarbor

http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor

Are you seeking a deeper connection with our worship and community? Have you felt the call to serve in a meaningful way? We invite you to consider becoming an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister.

Why Serve?

Spiritual Enrichment: As an Acolyte or Eucharistic Minister, you'll play a vital role in our worship services, helping to create a sacred and reverent atmosphere. This ministry offers a profound way to experience God's presence and grace.

Community Connection: Serving in these roles strengthens your bond with fellow parishioners and enhances your sense of belonging within our church family.

Personal Growth: Engaging in this ministry allows you to grow in faith, humility, and service. It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of our liturgical traditions.

What Does the Role Involve?

Acolytes assist in the preparation and conduct of our worship services, lighting candles, carrying the cross, and helping with the altar.

Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the Holy Communion, sharing the body and blood of Christ with our congregation.

No prior experience is needed—just a heart willing to serve and a commitment to our church’s mission. Training will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported in your new role.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining this fulfilling ministry, please contact Mo. Allison. You can also sign up after Sunday services at the welcome table in the narthex.

We are excited to welcome new members to our team and to witness the many ways you will enrich our worship and community life.

Together, let us continue to serve God and one another with joy and devotion.

Coffee Hour is held after service every Sunday in the parish hall. It is an opportunity to get together for relaxed conversation and fellowship over a cup of coffee. If you would like to provide a snack for coffee hour, please pick a Sunday and sign up. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. You can find the sign up sheet on the door to the kitchen. Thank you!

• August 18th - No Vestry Meeting
• August 24th - Bake Sale 9 to 12 noon
• August 28th - Recovery Eucharist 7:00 pm
• August 29th - Lectionary Study 10:30 AM - St. Mary's Chapel
• September 29th - Blessing of the Animals

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.

Proverbs 9:1-6

Psalm 34:9-14

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58

Tuesday - Friday 8:45 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook

Saturday Worship Service, 101st St. Beach Pavilion, 5:30 pm