Staying Connected
WELCOME HOME!
Join us this weekend for worship.
Saturday at 5:30 pm, Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary, or
The service is also posted on our website

"Gratitude and Thanksgivings"

This Sunday after service through our fellowship let us gather and celebrate the providence of God and the gifts of your work, ministry, and service. Thank you for your generous giving of time, talent, and treasure, not only now, but for the past and for the future.

We recognize your love and dedication to this, your St. Mary's family through the years, and invite you, your family, friends, and loved ones to this very special coffee hour.


Prayer of Thanksgiving for ministry and service:

We give thanks to Almighty God, Maker of the universe, for the unity and order of all created things; for the resources of the earth; for the gift of human life, and for our share in the continuing work of ministry and service.

Lord of all, we thank you for the hidden forces of nature. We thank you for creative vision, and inventiveness, and for the different abilities and skills which you have given each of us to use in the work and mission of your church. Help us to use all our gifts wisely and faithfully, for the benefit of humankind, that all may rejoice in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.
You may call Mo. Allison for a Pastoral Visitation at 551-697-6133
Are you interested in Serving at St. Mary's?
Here are some ministries for you to consider...

Altar Guild
Greeters
Altar Servers
Readers
Eucharistic Ministry
Prayer Leaders
Choir and/or Music Ministry
Counters
Hospitality
Out-Reach
Livestreamers
Building/Grounds/ and Gardners
Vestry
Finance Committee

Want to learn more about ministry opportunities...
Contact Mo. Allison or a member of the vestry for more information.
St. Mary's 2022 Stewardship Campaign
A second mailing with a pledge card was sent along with an informational sheet covering answers to questions you may have about pledging to St. Mary's. A copy of this packet is linked here.

All pledge cards are due back on November 21st.

Thank you for the joyful and prayerful consideration of your stewardship to St. Mary's Church.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Nov. 21st
This year's 7 Mile Island Thanksgiving Service will be held at St. Mary's on Sunday, November 21st at 7:30 pm.

Choirs from the island churches will join together to sing the anthem.

Fellowship will be held after the service in St. Mary's Parish Hall. If possible, please bring a dessert to share.
Advent Study begins Dec. 1st 6:30 pm

Songs are very much at the center of our celebrations of Advent and Christmas and have been so for many since childhood, maybe taking part in a school nativity play even if not growing up within a Christian family. The Christmas carols we love are an eclectic mix, some with origins more in the country inn, sung as a rousing chorus, rather than in a Cathedral to a choral setting.

Lots have been handed down from one generation to another and they continue to retain their popularity. How many who sing them in carol services once a year understand the meaning of the words is always a mystery, but the fact that they are sung is good news!

Luke’s Gospel has a series of songs as part of his introduction to the story of Jesus, and these have been handed down to us within our Bibles, and as part of the liturgical life of the Church.

Many will recite (if not sing) the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (maybe also the Benedictus) as part of their regular worship, so the words are familiar. But maybe they haven’t been looked at as often in their actual context, leading up to and just beyond the birth of Jesus.

The studies follow an identical pattern, with a musical theme after opening prayer and contemplation.
Intro (opening discussion)
Accompaniment (a little background to the passage)
Verses (a commentary on the passage)
Chorus (questions for group discussion)
Outro (something to take away and think about)

Week 1: Dec. 1st at St. Barnabas: The Song of Zachariah - Benedictus
Week 2: Dec. 8th at St. Mary's: Mary's Song - The Magnificat
Week 3: Dec. 15th at St. Barnabas: A Song of Angels - Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Week 4: Dec. 22nd at St. Mary's: Simeon’s Song - Nunc Dimittis

St. Mary's Music Program
If you are interested in finding out about St. Mary's Choir, please stop by at a rehearsal on Thursday evenings at 5 pm, or contact our Music Director, Kyle Sheppard at: kshep2193@gmail.com 

Plans for the future include:
Bell Choir - Kyle is planning to restart the bell choir. Or...if you play an instrument, and would like to share your talent, let Kyle know.
Pumpkin Bread Pick Up
If you placed an Order for Pumpkin Bread, the loaves can be found in the parish hall. They are labeled with your name and the number of breads you have ordered. Thank you for helping to support our Music Ministry!
St. Mary's Altar Guild is looking for
new members!
The altar guild is a volunteer group of the parish whose ministry is to prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards. If you are interested in this valuable ministry, contact Mo. Allison or Janice Haines.
Forward Day by Day
Forward Day by Day devotionals for November, December and January in large and small print are available in the church narthex. Please help yourself. If you would like a copy sent to you, please let the church office know and we will be glad to send one to you.
Birthday blessings to
William Lehr on November 19th and
Stanley Casper on November 20th!
Ways to contribute to St. Mary's
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.)

  • Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.

Mark your Calendars
Looking Forward...
November 13th: 11:00 AM Celebration of Life for Richard C. Weiss
November 14th: Thank You Reception/Coffee Hour
November 18th: 5 pm Choir rehearsal
November 21st: 11:00 am Vestry Meeting
November 21st: 7:30 pm Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary's
November 25th: Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Advent Study Begins
Dec. 1st - week 1 at St. Barnabas 6:30 pm: The Song of Zachariah -
Benedictus
Dec. 8th - week 2 at St. Mary's 6:30 pm: Mary's Song - The Magnificat
Dec. 15th - week 3 at St. Barnabas 6:30 pm: A Song of Angels - Gloria in
Excelsis Deo
Dec. 22nd - week 4 at St. Mary's 6:30 pm: Simeon’s Song - Nunc Dimittis
 
December 21st: Blue Christmas Service
December 24th: 9:30 pm Christmas Eve Service
December 26th: Lessons and Carols

more to come...

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.
Lectionary Text for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28
Worship Services
Saturday 5:30 pm and Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)
Sunday 9:00 AM Live on Facebook
Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org