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 29, 2021
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27
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Dear Family in Christ,
What a wonderful week it has been!
To see so many people come out, support, and meet Kyle warmed my heart immensely. To see so many volunteers at The Branches giving the children a day they will remember lit my spirit afire. To open our doors to several musicians to practice and play-filled me with joy. To be among you discussing and planning ways to better nourish our community and feed the many excites my soul. I am so glad to be among you who care for one another and our community. It is your work in the spirit that breaths life in the Christian Way of living following in Jesus' footsteps.
This Sunday we encounter The Epistle of James. It is often referred to as the "how-to" book of the Christian life. It offers instruction and exhortation to Christians who are experiencing problems. It warns of the pitfall of neglecting faith and lacking trust in God. James further speaks of prejudice, improper speech, judging one another, warns about leaving God out of our plans, and even bitterness.
During the time James wrote, his audience was larger than just those living by the Law of Moses. Gentiles were by then a large part of the church, and James urged the church to be the community that cared for its widows and orphans. (That cared for the vulnerable and each other.)
Caring for the vulnerable is a matter for the community.
This week we rolled up our sleeves, gave welcome to all, loved one another, and served those in need. I believe if James would have taken part in all our doings this past week, he would say, "Well done good and faithful servants."
Still, our work is not done. The eviction crisis is on the horizon and our county will be greatly affected. Families and seniors will soon find themselves with nowhere to turn. How will we respond?
We will continue to work and serve as a community for the community!
The Thrift Shop is currently working hard to reorganize to give space for the expansion of our food services program at The Branches. We are engaging and working with the New Jersey Food Bank to serve the greater need of our community and reach more people. We are working together.
At The Branches, we continue to make progress on the construction of a donated piece of property, building, and construction on Hirst Ave. This will give a much-needed space to advance and grow the services and advocacy, we currently offer. Prayerfully, I await anxiously in the hopes that this will also serve as a vessel for spiritual care and interfaith services.
We are also engaging in conversation with our Diocese and Convocation on how to better engage with one another across our congregations to better meet the needs of each and our greater community.
We are active, we are engaged and we are serving our neighbors in the name of Christ.
There is much work to be done. With your continued support via Time, Talent, and Treasure we will continue to strengthen our roots, grow and transform the Body of Christ.
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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Ways to contribute to St. Mary's |
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Your support of the mission and ministry of St. Mary's through your communal worship and financial support during these challenging times
is appreciated!
Ways to donate are:
- The Sunday collection plate
- Send a check payable to St. Mary's to:
St. Mary's Church,
9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(Your envelope and number is not necessary, only your name.)
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Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
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St. Mary's Music Director,
Kyle Sheppard, begins Sept. 5th
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Introducing Kyle Sheppard -
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Kyle was introduced to St. Mary's at his Organ Concert last Sunday, followed by a reception in St. Mary's Parish Hall. Thank you Kyle! The concert was informative and a wonderful showcase of your talent.
And thank you to all who helped to provide the reception. Fellowship and good food was enjoyed by members of St. Mary's and First United Methodist Church, as well as the community.
Kyle will officially be on the bench as of Sunday, September 5th at the 9 AM Service. If you would like to find out more about him, please check the link.
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Back to School Blessing
Sunday, Aug. 29th, 9 AM
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Attention all students, teachers, parents, and everyone who works with children:
You are invited to begin the new school year with a Special Back to School Blessing at the 9 AM Service on Sunday.
Everyone in the community is welcome!
Make sure to bring your backpack!
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Lunch on the Lawn, Saturday, Aug. 28th
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If you're shopping Stone Harbor's Merchant's Day Sale on Saturday, stop by St. Mary's front lawn for lunch. We'll be selling hot dogs, soft pretzels, sodas and water from 10 am to 2 pm (unless we run out before 2).
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Super Fun Day for our neighborhood children at The Branches! |
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The Children in The Branches community received a special treat on Wednesday. Terri Mascione organized a waterslide, bounce house, lunch thanks to Burger King, and water ice dessert donated by Rita's Water Ice. It was a great day filled with fun and a special blessing for the new school year from Mother Allison. We think Mother had as much fun as the kids! See a few pictures from the day here.
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Mark your Calendars
Looking Forward...
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August: School Supplies and Backpack Drive
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 - 17th (Mo. Allison is on Vacation)
October 17th - Cyrus and Mary Mitchell Baptism 1:00 pm Beach 95th St. 1:00pm. (Mo. Allison will be back for this)
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. . . A deeper kind of Optimism
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Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.
Hoping is knowing that there is love, it is trust in tomorrow; it is falling asleep and waking again when the sun rises.
In the midst of a gale at sea, it is to discover land.
In the eyes of another, it is to see that he understands you.
…As long as there is still hope there will also be prayer.
…And God will be holding you in his hands.
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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 concludes for Summer 2021 this Saturday. The beach service is appreciated by summer visitors of all denominations. Thank you Mother Allison, Hilton Rodriguez, Jack Olthuis and Guitarist, Tom Werkheiser for taking St. Mary's to the beach this summer.
"Come as you are" and join us this Saturday at the 101st St. Beach Pavilion at 5:30 pm.
In the event of rain, the service will be held in the church.
SATURDAY EVENING SERVICES move back to the church beginning Saturday, September 4th and will continue every Saturday at 5:30 pm.
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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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Lectionary Text for the
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 17
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Saturday 5:30 pm in person (church)
Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church) and
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