WELCOME HOME!
Join us this weekend for worship.
Saturday at 5:30 pm on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion, or
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August 20, 2021
"Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him." John 6:66
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Dear Family in Christ,
Perhaps the greatest call of Gospel life formation is the willingness of the Christian to sustain the people with whom they live and work in the corporate living of the Gospel. This means encouraging people to learn to live together, to forgive together, to support one another together. Recently a 75–year–old woman said that her commitment to the Lord and the Gospel life is to try and try again to be present with people as an attentive listener, to give words of affirmation, not to be afraid to touch people as a supportive presence to them and to be eager to lend a helping hand when needed. If we could all do this we would be closer to the Reign of God.
On the other hand, Kingsley Antis, a British author says, "You cannot decide to have unity. If you decide to enforce it, you will before long find yourself trying to enforce something very different, and much worse than the mere absence of unity. All you can reasonably work for is keeping things going plus as much improvement as they will stand — an injustice righted here — an opportunity extended there."
In this week's Gospel, Jesus met up with a number of murmuring people who could not accept what he said about being the Bread of Life.
"When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you, there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason, I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
Nowadays, we accept communion and the symbolism behind it. But the Bread of Life is only a part of Jesus’ message. The disciples who remained faithful trusted Jesus, though they did not all thoroughly understand. They held on to their faith and community even when their understanding was difficult and inconvenient. They built upon that faith and the grace of God flourished among them. I am grateful for the disciples who put their trust in God and continued to stand by Jesus.
How often do we, as the old saying goes, pick up our toys and leave the sandbox when our faith, desires, or preferences are challenged? Perhaps we leave in avoidance, displeasure, or discomfort? Maybe ego or failure of reconciliation? Perhaps it's fear of change or maybe, just maybe all of these things are excuses for our lack of faith and trust in our God?
In a world where instant gratification and power fulfill our earthly pleasures with a swift push of a button, allowing God to be God in all situations and remaining faithful despite our own personal desires are a challenge and a call to each of us as disciples of Christ.
When I think of this passage and the Church in our world today, I look to St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Ignatian Spiritual Practice to walk alongside me as I foster an understanding of both the disciples who stayed with Jesus and those who abandoned him in His journey toward the cross. It helps to uncover the uncomfortable truths about discipleship today. How finicky one can be when one is not in control or challenged. Ignatian practice teaches a healthy letting go of outcomes. It also helps me to navigate and cultivate healthy relationships, community, and love, even in the most difficult of times and challenges. Jesus never asked anyone to like him, he just said, "Follow me." Willing disciples stayed, and their experience was like no other.
May your discipleship be one of deep faith, challenge, and transformation and not convenience.
God Bless!
See you all Sunday!
Blessings,
Mo. Allison+
551-697-6133
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If you would like a pastoral visit or a visit from one of our
Eucharistic Ministers, please contact Mo. Allison.
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Come and meet St. Mary's Music Director, Kyle Sheppard |
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Introducing Kyle Sheppard -
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Organ Concert
A program of French, German and American organ literature, both traditional and contemporary, as well as arrangements of beloved hymn tunes will be presented.
Reception to follow.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 22nd
Time: 3:30 pm
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School Supplies and
Backpack Drive
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Yesterday, Dina Ziemba, AKA "Super Mom" stopped by The Branches and packed her car full of donated School Supplies that were collected for the children in our local school districts.
The Lower Cape May Regional Volleyball team filled the backpacks with everything the kids will need for a good start to the school year. It was a HUGE job and all of us are very are very grateful to each of them for their ministry and service to our community!
What a terrific bunch of young women!
The backpacks for distribution at separate times will be blessed by Mother Allison.
What an amazing job by one and all...those who donated, those who coordinated and those who filled the bags, about 80+.
Thank you!
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Please join us for a special Blessing of the Back Packs, Teachers, Students, School Nurses, Custodians, Bus Drivers, and all who work with our children on
Sunday, August 29th at the 9:00 am Service.
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Mark your Calendars
Looking Forward...
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August: School Supplies and Backpack Drive
August 22nd: Organ Concert and Reception with Kyle Sheppard
August 29th: Blessing of the Backpacks, Students, and Teachers
September 13th - 17th (Mo. Allison is on Retreat)
September 19th: Vestry Meeting
September 30th: Red Cross Blood Drive
October: Food Drive
October 3rd: St. Francis Day Transferred/ Blessing of the Animals
October 4th - 15th (Mo. Allison is on Vacation)
October 31st: Halloween Fun Day on the Lawn
November 14th: Thank You Reception/Coffee Hour
November 28th: Advent Begins ( Advent Study to be determined)
December 21st: Blue Christmas Service
December 24th: Christmas Eve
more to come...
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Share the Lord. . . Stewardship and Society
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We are talking about the fundamental nature of human beings. We are social and none of us has been created just for ourselves.
We are created to interrelate with one another and to understand that we should be conscious of one another’s needs and be helpful.
The Lord himself came and gave us his own life as an example. The context of his life was one of being with his friends, sharing, giving, and being responsive to their needs.
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It's good to be open again! |
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Coffee Hour has returned!
Come and enjoy coffee and fellowship on Sunday mornings after the 9 am service.
If you would like to provide a small snack for all to enjoy, a sign-up sheet is posted on the kitchen door.
Alanon has resumed meeting in the parish hall Friday mornings at 10 AM.
AA has also resumed meeting at St. Mary's on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm.
SUNDAY PARKING: Sturdy Bank lot and Fred's Tavern lot may be used.
Please remove your car from Fred's before 12 noon.
(The meters are off until 10 AM.)
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Our Saturday Worship at the Beach service continues at the 101st St. Beach Pavilion through Saturday, August 28th at 5:30 pm.
"Come as you are" and join us for a relaxed worship service in a glorious setting! Guitarist Tom Werkheiser adds his wonderful music to our worship experience.
In the event of rain, the service is held in the church.
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Thursday, September 30, 2021 - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Parish Hall
9425 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Give Blood, Save Lives
For an appointment, please call 1-800-Red Cross
Search by zip code: 08247
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The August, September, October issue of Forward Day by Day, large and small print, is available in the church narthex.
Please help yourself to a copy.
If you would like a booklet sent to you, please let the church office know and we will be happy to mail one out to you!
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William & Patti Lehr on August 27th!
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W. Halsey Spruance today, Evelyn Pfaltzgraff on
August 21st, Dianne Boldt on August 22nd, Clyde Pettit on August 23rd, Alice Thorn, Julie Taylor and Emma Cleffi on August 24th, and Margaret Bennett on August 28th!
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Lectionary Text for the
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16
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Saturday 5:30 pm on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion
Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church) and
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