St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

Sunday Service - 10:00 am

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

New Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am starting on April 7th

in person and Live on Facebook

Second Sunday of Easter

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Rector's Corner

The History of Eastertide and a Message of Renewal

Eastertide, also known as the Easter Season, spans fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, embodying the core of Christian faith and the foundation of our hope in the Resurrection. This period celebrates not just a singular event, but a profound mystery of faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which offers renewal and redemption to all of humanity.

The origins of Eastertide trace back to the earliest days of Christianity, when the followers of Jesus commemorated His resurrection as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Initially, the resurrection was celebrated every Sunday, with each Lord's Day serving as a mini-Easter. However, over time, the Church established a specific season to fully immerse the faithful in the deep meaning of Christ's victory over death.

Eastertide is marked by joyous liturgies, vibrant flowers, and the singing of Alleluias, symbolizing the light of Christ dispelling the darkness. It is a time when catechumens, newly initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil, deepen their understanding of the faith. The ascension of Christ, celebrated on the fortieth day of Eastertide, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, closing the season, are pivotal events that underscore the ongoing presence of Christ and His Spirit in the world and in our lives.

A Message of Renewal

As we journey through the vibrant days of Eastertide, we are reminded of the profound transformation at the heart of our faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This miraculous event is not just a moment in history but a beacon of hope, offering each of us a path to renewal and a reminder of God's infinite love and mercy.

In this season, we are called to reflect on our own lives, identifying areas in need of renewal or change. Just as the earth reawakens with the signs of spring, Eastertide invites us to awaken to a new way of being, rooted in faith, hope, and love. It encourages us to shed what no longer serves us and embrace a life that reflects the light of Christ.

Let this Eastertide be a time when we renew our faith and deepen our belief in God's power to bring new life out of darkness. May we be inspired to renew our commitments to love and serve one another, to forgive, and to seek justice and peace in our communities and the world.

As we celebrate the resurrection, let us also remember that we are people of the Resurrection, called to bring the hope and joy of Easter into every day of our lives. May the spirit of Eastertide fill your hearts with joy, your minds with peace, and your lives with love.

In this sacred season of renewal, let us hold fast to our faith, trusting in God’s promise of new life. Together, let us move forward with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

May the blessings of Eastertide be with you and your loved ones, now and always.

With all my love and prayers,

Mo. Allison+

Sunday Service - 10:00am

Slate of 4 bishops announced for 28th presiding bishop of

The Episcopal Church

Nominees are bishops

Barker, Gutiérrez, Rowe and Wright

The Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop will be chosen this June from a slate of four nominees, whose names were released April 2: Nebraska Bishop J. Scott Barker, Pennsylvania Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez, Northwestern Pennsylvania Bishop Sean Rowe and Atlanta Bishop Robert Wright.

Those four bishops – and any additional candidates nominated by petition – will be presented for election at the 81st General Convention, which convenes June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. The nominees’ names will be formally submitted June 25 during a joint session of the House of Bishops and House of Deputies. On June 26, the bishops will elect, and deputies will be asked to confirm, the church’s 28th presiding bishop, who will succeed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry beginning Nov. 1.

“We appreciate the many Episcopalians who prayerfully set us on our way to discerning this slate of nominees,” Alaska Bishop Mark Lattime said in a news release announcing the slate. Lattime and Steve Nishibayashi, a lay leader in the Diocese of Los Angeles, are co-chairs of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. The committee began its work in the fall of 2021.

The committee’s slate is marked by geographical and racial diversity, though it includes no women or LGBTQ+ nominees. The nominee bishops also draw on a range of experiences in seeking to become presiding bishop for the office’s next nine-year term.

Barker, 60, has led the Omaha-based Diocese of Nebraska since 2011. The diocese’s 53 worshipping communities span the full state, where Barker was born and raised. A graduate of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, Barker was ordained to the priesthood in 1992 and served for 10 years in Omaha and 10 more years in the Diocese of New York before returning to Nebraska as bishop.

Gutiérrez, 59, has led the Philadelphia-based Diocese of Pennsylvania since 2016. It is one of five dioceses in the state. A native of New Mexico, Gutiérrez earned a diocesan certificate in Anglican Studies through the Trinity School for Ministry and has a master’s degree in theological studies from St. Norbert College. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2008 in the Albuquerque-based Diocese of the Rio Grande and served there as canon to the ordinary, chief operating officer and chief of staff before he was elected bishop of Pennsylvania.

Rowe, 49, has led the Erie-based Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania since 2007, and he also serves as bishop provisional of the Diocese of Western New York through a partnership the dioceses established in 2019. He previously served as bishop provisional of the Diocese of Bethlehem from 2014 to 2018. Originally from western Pennsylvania, Rowe is a Virginia Theological Seminary graduate and was ordained to the priesthood in 2000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania, where he served in congregational ministry until his election as bishop. He currently serves as parliamentarian of the House of Bishops and Executive Council.

Wright, 60, has led the Diocese of Atlanta since 2012. The diocese, based in Georgia’s capital city, has 120 worshipping communities across the northern half of the state. A Navy veteran and graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, Wright was ordained to the priesthood in 1999 in the Diocese of New York. At the time of his election as bishop, he had served the previous 10 years as rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Since 2020, he also has hosted the popular podcast “For People” on faith and life.

Sunday Service 10:00 am

Sunday Service - 10:00 am

Join Our Volunteer Family at

St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop!

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Do you have a passion for sustainability, helping others, and being part of a caring, vibrant team? St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop in Rio Grande is eagerly seeking volunteers to help us continue our mission of supporting our community through love, service, and compassion.

As a vital part of St. Mary's outreach, our thrift shop not only provides affordable goods to those in need but also fosters a sense of unity and care within our community. Every item sold and every dollar earned goes back to helping our neighbors and supporting St. Mary's ministries.

We're Looking for Volunteers Who:

Have a heart for service and a desire to make a positive impact.
Enjoy working in a team environment, bringing joy and compassion to both the job and our customers.
Can help with various tasks, including sorting donations, pricing items, creating displays, and assisting shoppers.
Are available for a few hours a week or month—every bit of help makes a significant difference!

Why Volunteer With Us?

Connect with a diverse group of people united in their desire to serve others.
Experience the joy of giving back and making a real difference in your community.
Be part of a supportive and loving community that values each individual's contribution.
Gain valuable experience in retail operations, customer service, and community service.
Whether you're looking to share your talents, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply give back in a meaningful way, St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop offers a welcoming and rewarding volunteer experience.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're interested in volunteering or want to learn more about our mission and how you can contribute, please visit us at St. Mary's This n' That or contact us at 609-886-7272.

Let's make a difference together, one donation, one sale, one smile at a time.

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. Together, we can continue to spread love, support, and kindness throughout our community.

Sunday Service - 10:00 am

Stewardship Minute

To All of our members and friends

Please consider making a donation or pledge for 2024 if you haven't already.

Your support of our mission and ministry is important to us.

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/

Visit our Website

We have now joined Venmo! If you have Venmo, you can donate to the church - @StMarysStoneHarbor

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

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Are you spring cleaning - cleaning up and cleaning out? St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift and Furniture Shop welcomes your household goods, clothing and furniture in good useable condition.

Donations may be dropped off on the first Saturday of the month, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-3. We appreciate all you give.

Located in the Village Shoppes, 1304 Rt 47 South, Rio Grande.

609-886-7272

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 4 pm

Forward Day by Day

The spring edition of Forward Day by Day for February, March and April 2024 is available in the church narthex in both large and small print booklets.

Please help yourself and take one for a friend. If you would like, we would be happy to mail a copy to you. Just email or call the church office.

Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.

Coffee Hour

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!