online at https://www.facebook.com/www.stmarysstoneharbor.org at 9 am.

www.stmarysstoneharbor.org at 11 AM.

"And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them."

My Dearest St. Mary's Family,

As I prepare for my time away, visiting with my son in Charleston, I am reflecting upon this past year and all that we have come together to do and accomplish out in the community and beyond. I am deeply moved by your passion and spirit to go beyond our walls and engage in our broader community. If you haven't been engaged, you may not know the following. If you'd like to know more or be involved or have a ministry you are passionate about, reach out and I will support you in any way possible.

Together:

We engaged with St. Barnabas in a joint Bible Study and book study. We hope and plan to re-engage again for Advent and more.

We raised $1500.00 for CARA (Coalition Against Rape and Abuse)

We provided the community with Music and Entertainment with Thursday's on the Lawn

We provided approx. 100 Backpacks filled with school supplies to The Branches and several Schools throughout Middle Township and the Wildwoods

We engaged our Youth to pack the Backpacks

We supported The Branches in the continuation of their programs including Advocacy for mental health, addiction, and more... addressing food Insecurity, and shelter

We cleared out a Bay of the Thrift Shop to be given to The Branches to work with The Food Bank of NJ

We provided clothing and housing items through our Thrift Shop at low cost and no cost to those in need.

We participated in a Summer Celebration with children who live in Hotels (watching their faces light with joy ignited so many of our spirits as they played games, ate, and slid down water slides)

Many of our members are participating and networking across the Chamber of Commerce and the Woman's Civic Club.

We are Engaging in a shared music ministry with the United Methodist Church of Avalon and will be engaging in Ecumenical Services in the future.

We invited the Red Cross to Host a Blood Drive

We embraced an opportunity to speak and engage in the wider Cape May County Community as St. Mary's at the Bayside Bash fundraiser in support of The Branches.

We were present for community events, engaging in and building trust with local merchants and leaders

We were present for a Webinar on Reparations and there is further interest in learning more.

We are engaging in an October Food Drive

We are planning a Fall Family Festival on Halloween, which will include games, arts and crafts, face painting, music, candy, and more for our wider community.

We supported and attended the installation of Pastor Eloise at our neighboring Lutheran Church.

We continue to engage in conversation with churches and congregations on and off the island as to how to better engage and address the needs of the people of our county.

In this week's scripture, the Pharisees were trouble–makers. Their greatest pleasure was to question Jesus on legalistic issues. In Mark 10: 2–16, they tested Jesus on the question of divorce. Jesus granted that the law of Moses allowed for divorce, although this was not God’s desire for his people. God wants harmony and reconciliation between people, not discord and division.

The many of you, St. Mary's, who have been working hard for such harmony and reconciliation by the good works stated above, do not be distracted by the Pharisees who wish to test you. Continue forward. You are doing good, good work!

Later in the passage, children came to Jesus, but the disciples tried to chase them away. Jesus said, “Let them come.” This is what Jesus says to all those who wonder if they have any value or worth: “Let them come.” Let children come. Let divorced people come. Everyone is welcome. What God has given them — namely, Jesus — let none of us take away.

We have seen many new faces, some of whom travel quite a distance just to be with us every Sunday. Your hospitality and loving welcome has surely made them feel at home.

Once again, as I prepare to go and spend time with my family, I am comforted and lifted by your love and passion for St. Mary's, our community of Stone Harbor, our community in Rio Grande, and our wider Cape May County region.

There is much more to come and lots to look forward to.

God Bless,

Mo. Allison+

551-697-6133

Last evening the Bishop held a special Town Hall meeting on the Haitian Refugee Crisis in which Mo. Allison attended. If you are interested in serving on the Diocese of NJ Task Force, Please contact Mother Allison.

If you would like to learn more ways to assist in NJ please visit https://www.nj4haiti.org to donate or become a volunteer.

Please Contact Kyle if you are interested: kshep2193@gmail.com 

Food insecurity is on the rise and St. Mary's is stepping up to assist our neighbors in need. During the month of October, please bring Canned Goods, Easy Microwavable Meals, and Boxed Food Items to the church on Sunday, or you may leave your donations in the chapel at any time. The bounty will be blessed and sent to The Branches for distribution.

Your support of the mission and ministry of St. Mary's through your communal worship and financial support during these challenging times

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

Genesis 1:1-34

Prayer of St. Francis

Galatians 6:14-18

Matthew 11:25-30

Sunday 9:00 AM Live on Facebook

Sunday 11:00 AM on St. Mary's website

Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org