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

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi With the Blessing of the Animals

We accept donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

"Guardians of God's Garden: Embracing Our Sacred Role as Stewards of Creation"

It was a bright autumn morning when I took a walk by the ocean, the waves gently rolling in as a chorus of seagulls danced above. The air smelled crisp, fresh, and alive. But just beyond the shoreline, something caught my eye—a plastic bottle, half-buried in the sand, surrounded by a tangle of seaweed. It was a small thing, almost insignificant against the grandeur of the ocean’s expanse. Yet, at that moment, I felt a deep conviction: every piece of creation, from the soaring birds to the creatures of the sea and the soil beneath our feet, is entrusted to us as a gift from God. How we care for these gifts reflects the depth of our gratitude and the sincerity of our faith.

As Christians, we are called to be stewards, not just of our homes, churches, and communities, but of the very earth that sustains us. Genesis tells us that God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to "tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). This responsibility was never meant to be a one-time task but a continual act of love and care. Stewardship of creation is woven into the fabric of our relationship with God—because in tending the earth, we honor the Creator who called it good.

When we think of stewardship, we often focus on the grand and visible: forests, oceans, mountain ranges. Yet, stewardship is also about the delicate balance of ecosystems, the care of animals, and the preservation of the air we breathe. The Bible reminds us that the earth and everything in it belong to God (Psalm 24:1), meaning we are temporary caretakers of this precious inheritance.

Imagine if Noah had been careless about which creatures to bring on the ark. His attentiveness saved countless species, preserving God’s creation for generations to come. Just as Noah was entrusted with the animals, so are we entrusted with the whole of creation. Every bird that sings, every tree that shades, every river that flows—they are all part of a holy tapestry, and we are its guardians.

But the call to be good stewards goes beyond simply enjoying nature. It requires action. Every piece of litter that makes its way into a bird's nest, every forest that’s destroyed, and every species that goes extinct due to human neglect is a tear in the beautiful creation God entrusted to us. Our role is not passive. It is an active and sacred responsibility to protect, restore, and renew.

Consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:26-29)—how they rely entirely on the goodness of creation for their sustenance. Just as God cares for them, so must we. When we reduce pollution, minimize waste, plant trees, and choose sustainable practices, we’re not just “being green”—we’re answering a spiritual call to protect God’s creation.

In every act of stewardship, from recycling to reducing our carbon footprint, we reflect our reverence for the Creator. Each small action—a reusable bottle instead of plastic, a decision to walk rather than drive, a moment spent planting a tree or cleaning up a beach—these are acts of worship, echoing our love for God and our neighbor.

As we look ahead, let us recommit ourselves to this sacred task. Let's care for the earth, sky, and all living things as an expression of our faith. Let's pass on to future generations a world that reflects the beauty and abundance of God’s creation, not one marred by neglect and waste.

Today, I invite you to take one step toward being a better steward of God’s creation. Whether it’s picking up a piece of trash, planting a tree, or supporting a cause that preserves wildlife, let us honor our Creator by caring for all that has been entrusted to us. Together, we can be the guardians of this garden, faithfully tending to the world that God has so lovingly given.

Take a moment today to reflect on your relationship with the natural world. What small change can you make that honors God’s creation? Whether it’s reducing waste, protecting wildlife, or simply spending time in nature and giving thanks, let us act with intention, knowing that in every effort, we are fulfilling our divine calling as stewards of the earth.

In Christ,

Mo.Allison+



This year our Annual Blessing of the Pets will include a collection for the Cape May County Animal Shelter. All donations may be dropped off prior to service in the St. Mary's Chapel or bring them directly to service on the 29th.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Join us for a Pizza and Purge Party TONIGHT!

Please plan to join us for a "Pizza and Purge the kitchen" night TONIGHT at 5:30 pm. We need to empty the kitchen cabinets in preparation for construction of our new kitchen starting soon!

Let Dina Ziemba know if you can make it so we can order enough pizzas. Dessert or appetizers are welcome! email ziels@comcast.net or 609-780-3142

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

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.

Our first one is at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in South River, held on Sunday, September 29th at 2 pm. We’re also in the scheduling process for Monmouth, Watchung, and Woodbury Convocations for dates later in the fall. If you’re interested, let your lay or clergy leadership know, or you can email the Reverend Canon Susanna Cates directly: scates@dioceseofnj.org.

Thursday, October 10th:

Bridging the Political Divide:

A Conversation on Faith and Politics

Join us on Zoom for a special pre-election conversation with Bishop French and guest speakers. Clergy and lay leaders are particularly encouraged to attend as we prayerfully prepare for the upcoming election season with compassion, understanding, and God’s grace. This program will run from 7 pm until 8:30 pm.

To register, please contact the Reverend Canon Susanna Cates: scates@dioceseofnj.org.

Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray - Forward Day by Day is an inspiring daily devotional to begin your day with. The August, September, October issue is now available 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.

To All of our members and friends

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is the responsible management and care of the resources that God has entrusted to us. It encompasses our time, talents, and treasures, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards, we are called to use these gifts wisely, generously, and joyfully to further God's work in the world.

Why is Stewardship Important?

Deepening Our Faith: Stewardship is a spiritual practice that helps us grow in faith. By giving back a portion of what we have received, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of giving strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our trust in His provision.

Supporting Our Mission: At St. Mary's, our mission is to share the love of Christ, serve our community, and nurture spiritual growth. Your contributions enable us to offer meaningful worship services, provide pastoral care, support outreach programs, and maintain our beautiful church facilities. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our ability to fulfill this mission.

Building Community: Stewardship fosters a sense of belonging and partnership within our congregation. When we come together to share our resources, we create a vibrant and supportive community. Your generosity allows us to host fellowship events, educational programs, and other activities that strengthen our bonds and enrich our spiritual lives.

Extending Our Reach: Through your stewardship, St. Mary's can extend its reach beyond our church walls. We support local, national, and international initiatives that address critical needs, such as hunger relief, disaster response, and educational support. By giving to St. Mary's, you are part of a larger effort to make a positive difference in the world.

How You Can Get Involved

• Pray: Begin with prayer, asking God to guide you in your stewardship journey. Seek God's wisdom in how you can best use your gifts to serve God's kingdom.

• Give: Consider making a financial contribution to St. Mary's. Your regular tithes and offerings provide the foundation for our ministry. You can give online, or by mail or by collection plate.

• Serve: Offer your time and talents by volunteering for one of our many ministries. Whether it's assisting with worship services, participating in outreach projects, or joining a committee, your involvement is invaluable.

• Invite: Encourage others to join our church family. Share the good work that St. Mary's is doing and invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience our community and worship with us.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to St. Mary's. Together, we can continue to grow in faith, serve our community, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

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

Are you seeking a deeper connection with our worship and community? Have you felt the call to serve in a meaningful way? We invite you to consider becoming an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister.

Why Serve?

Spiritual Enrichment: As an Acolyte or Eucharistic Minister, you'll play a vital role in our worship services, helping to create a sacred and reverent atmosphere. This ministry offers a profound way to experience God's presence and grace.

Community Connection: Serving in these roles strengthens your bond with fellow parishioners and enhances your sense of belonging within our church family.

Personal Growth: Engaging in this ministry allows you to grow in faith, humility, and service. It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of our liturgical traditions.

What Does the Role Involve?

Acolytes assist in the preparation and conduct of our worship services, lighting candles, carrying the cross, and helping with the altar.

Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the Holy Communion, sharing the body and blood of Christ with our congregation.

No prior experience is needed—just a heart willing to serve and a commitment to our church’s mission. Training will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported in your new role.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining this fulfilling ministry, please contact Mo. Allison. You can also sign up after Sunday services at the welcome table in the narthex.

We are excited to welcome new members to our team and to witness the many ways you will enrich our worship and community life.

Together, let us continue to serve God and one another with joy and devotion.

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!

• September 29th - Blessing of the Animals

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

FIRST READING: Genesis 1:1-34

GOSPEL: Matthew 11:25-30

Tuesday - Friday 8:45 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook