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

We also accept donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Magnificat: A Song of Joy, Justice, and Hope for Advent 4

As we approach the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary, takes center stage in our liturgical journey. This hymn of praise from Luke 1:46-55 is a powerful expression of Mary’s response to God’s favor and the transformative work of God in the world. It invites us to reflect on the themes of joy, justice, and hope as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Joy in the Promise of God

Mary’s soul magnifies the Lord, and her spirit rejoices in God, her Savior. Her words remind us that joy is not dependent on circumstances but on the faithful promises of God. In the context of Advent, this joy is anticipatory, celebrating the coming of Christ who embodies God's salvation. For us, Mary’s joy is an invitation to embrace hope even in uncertain times, trusting in the promise of God’s steadfast love.

Justice in God’s Kingdom

The Magnificat proclaims a vision of divine justice that upends human hierarchies. The proud are scattered, the mighty are cast down, and the lowly are lifted up. The hungry are filled, and the rich are sent away empty. This is a radical reordering of the world, reflecting God’s commitment to justice and mercy. On Advent 4, as we light the candle of love, Mary’s words challenge us to align our hearts with God’s vision of equity and compassion. How are we lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things in our communities?

Hope Rooted in God’s Faithfulness

Mary’s song also looks back to God’s covenant with Abraham and forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise in Jesus. This intertwining of past and future creates a deep sense of hope that transcends generations. The Advent season calls us to rest in this same hope, knowing that God is faithful to God’s promises.

Advent 4: A Call to Magnify the Lord

As we light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath, symbolizing love, we are invited to join Mary in magnifying the Lord. Her words inspire us to proclaim God’s greatness not only with our lips but with our lives. This might look like acts of kindness, advocacy for justice, or simply taking time to reflect on God’s presence in our midst.

The Magnificat is not just Mary’s song; it is the Church’s song. It calls us to live with joy, seek justice, and hold fast to hope. This Advent, let us embrace Mary’s courage and humility, allowing her song to guide us into the transformative love of the Christ child, born for us and for the world.

As we prepare to welcome the Light of the World, may our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and may our spirits rejoice in God our Savior.

In Christ,

Mo. Allison+

Poinsettias will be placed in the church for Christmas. If you would like to honor or. remember a loved one with a poinsettia, please let us know the name of your loved one and who it is given by. Call the church office 609.368.5922 or email saintmarysstoneharbor@gmail.com with your information. Names will be published in the Christmas Eve leaflet.

Poinsettias will be available after Christmas for you to take home. A donation will be appreciated.

We are excited to launch St. Mary’s Giving Basket Outreach, a monthly opportunity for our community to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Each month, we’ll focus on supporting a specific organization or cause—and we invite you to join us in this meaningful mission!

This December, let’s come together to support The Branches Outreach Food Pantry in Rio Grande.

They are in need of the following items:

• Shelf-stable milk
• Spam and canned chicken
• Juice
• Can openers
• Full-sized toiletries: razors, shaving cream, shampoo, etc.

You’ll find a large Giving Basket in the front of the church, ready to receive your contributions. Whether you can give a little or a lot, every item you donate will bring comfort and hope to someone in need this holiday season.

Together, we can be a beacon of love and generosity. Let’s fill that basket to the brim and make December a month of giving from the heart.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful outreach!

Will you join us in making a difference?



Churchman's Ordo

Church Year Guide

Calendars for 2025, are now available in both of the church narthexes. The calendars are provided by Radzieta Funeral Home. Please help yourself and feel free to take one to a friend.

The November, December, January issue of Forward Day by Day is now available in both large and small size booklets, 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.

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

Stay Connected through Bible Study

We offer two convenient times to fit your schedule:

10-11:30 AM or 7-8:30 PM.

This Bible study is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity to build deeper relationships with God and with each other. As we explore the Gospel of Luke together, we’ll strengthen our faith, grow in our understanding, and stay connected as a community, no matter where we are.

If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Tracy Rubin at tgrubin3@gmail.com or 781-856-2125.

To sign up, please contact Ali at office@ccneedham.org

or call 781-444-1469.

Let’s stay connected and continue our spiritual journey together!

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!

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

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

Canticle 3

Tuesday - Friday 8:45 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook