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 accept donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Embracing Sabbath Rest and Ready for the Season Ahead

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I return to the rhythm of life here at St. Mary's, my heart is filled with gratitude. First and foremost, thank you for the gift of time away to rest, recharge, and experience the beauty of God's creation in Aruba. The vibrant colors of the sea, the gentle breezes, and the awe-inspiring sunsets were a profound reminder of God's hand in all things. Sabbath is truly a gift—a moment to pause, reflect, and remember that we are called to rest as God rested.

I am also deeply thankful for those who graciously stepped in during my absence. Fr. Mattis, your steadfast leadership in covering services has been a blessing, and I know the congregation was in good hands. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Charlene and Fr. Alan from the Church of the Advent, Cape May, for their compassionate pastoral coverage. Their support allowed me to enter Sabbath rest with the peace of knowing that your pastoral needs were lovingly attended to.

Sabbath reminds us of the importance of stepping back to see the beauty in our lives and the world around us, to feel God’s presence in ways we often miss in the busyness of everyday life. Whether it’s the wonder of creation, the gift of time with loved ones, or simply the quiet moments with God, I encourage all of you to embrace Sabbath in your own way. God calls us to rest so we may be fully restored, ready to take on the work of ministry with renewed energy.

As I return, I’m rolling up my sleeves, eager for the exciting days ahead! One of the great joys this fall will be the beginning of our kitchen renovation—an exciting project that will allow us to continue nurturing and serving our community in new ways. This renovation marks a new chapter for us, and I can’t wait to see how God will use this space to bring us together in fellowship and service.

Thank you, once again, for your prayers, support, and the gift of time. Let’s move forward together with renewed hearts, ready to embrace the beautiful work of the Spirit this fall.

With every blessing in Christ,

Mo. Allison+



Thank You to The Very Rev. Caroline Carson

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Very Rev. Caroline Carson for her faithful service and dedicated leadership as Dean of the Atlantic Convocation. Her passion for ministry and her commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of our congregations has been a true blessing. Caroline’s grace, wisdom, and steady guidance have made a lasting impact on our community, and we are deeply thankful for her many contributions.

As she embarks on a new chapter in her ministry as Canon for Congregational Vitality & Engagement, we wish her every success and look forward to working with her in new ways.

May God continue to bless her work and fill her with joy and strength in her new role. We will keep Caroline in our prayers, confident that she will bring the same spirit of vitality and love to this new calling as she has shared with us.

With gratitude and warmest blessings,

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Convocational Lay Ministry Training

If you’re serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister or Visitor, remember that your license must be renewed every 3 years. And if you’d like to serve, you must be trained in accordance with our diocesan guidelines. Need some help? Our diocesan staff is ready for you! In conversation with our clergy and lay leaders, we’re holding convocational lay ministry training throughout the diocese.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Ocean City,

Saturday, Nov. 9th.

If you’re interested, let your lay or clergy leadership know, or you can email the Reverend Canon Susanna Cates directly: scates@dioceseofnj.org.

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!

Diocesan Adult Confirmation and Faith Discovery Groups 

Beginning September 25th: Sign Up Now!

The Diocese of New Jersey is excited to present our program for Adult Confirmation! Whether you’re new to the Episcopal Church and are seeking Confirmation, or a long-time member who wants to share and renew their faith, you are invited to join folks from around the diocese as we discover and re-discover our love for Christ, our joy in the Church, and the gifts that God has given each of us. This series of 10 1- hour Zoom classes will begin on Wednesday, September 25th at 7 pm. This puts us in a perfect position to be ready for our Diocesan Confirmation Service shortly after the new year. For more information and to register, please contact the Reverend Canon Susanna Cates: scates@dioceseofnj.org

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

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.

Isaiah 53:4-12

Psalm 91:9-16

Hebrews 5:1-10

Mark 10:35-45

******* Morning prayer will resume on October 22nd******

( Tuesday - Friday 8:45 am Morning Prayer via Zoom )

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook