St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey


All are welcome. Please join us!

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary

in person and Live on Facebook

Worship at the Beach Saturdays 5:30 pm July 8 - August 26

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom



The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16

Remember to pledge your support!

Pledge Now!

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor


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

Rector's Corner


"The Unseen Threads"


Once in the small, faithful town of Graceville, a sudden drought took hold, threatening their prosperity and unity. The townsfolk, once cheerful neighbors, felt the heat of the sun scorch their bonds. Irritation and impatience began seeping into their conversations, and prejudice and personal desires overshadowed their shared faith.


In this time of chaos stood Father Andrew, an Episcopal priest known for his compassion and wisdom. He saw the mounting tension and knew something had to be done. He proposed a community meeting at St. Paul's Church, the heart of Graceville.


Underneath the towering cross, inside the cool stone walls of the church, the townsfolk gathered. Father Andrew stood before them, his calming presence bringing a hush over the crowd.


"The drought has tested us, strained our bonds," he began. "But we are not merely neighbors living in proximity. We are a community, united in the love of Christ. We must set aside our personal desires and prejudices, for they are distractions from the path of righteousness."


He continued, "Christ, in his infinite wisdom, taught us the importance of love and understanding. He embodied the essence of reconciliation, mending broken relationships and healing wounded hearts. Christ should be the center of our lives and our community. When we embrace His teachings, we are not just surviving; we are thriving."


Inspired by Father Andrew's words, the townsfolk began to ponder. They recalled the teachings of Christ, His selfless love, His boundless forgiveness. They looked around, seeing not just faces, but souls intertwined by faith.


In the ensuing days, Graceville began to change. Personal desires were put aside, prejudices forgotten. The townsfolk worked together, sharing water and resources. They prayed together, their unified voices reaching the heavens. They laughed and cried together, their shared experiences weaving an unseen thread of unity.


The drought eventually passed, but the transformation it brought stayed. Graceville was no longer just a town; it had become a body of Christ. Reconciliation had mended broken bonds, and Christ's teachings had centered their lives.


Father Andrew, watching this miraculous change, penned down the experience, crafting a story of faith, love, and unity. It served as a reminder not just for Graceville, but for all communities facing challenges - to come together, leave personal desires and prejudices aside, keep Christ at the center of all things, and reconcile relationships to build the body of Christ.


And so, within the pages of a simple story, the spirit of an entire community thrived, echoing the timeless message of unity in the face of adversity, guided by the illuminating light of Christ.


As my fourth summer here in Stone Harbor comes to a close, I celebrate the blessed outreach we have accomplished within our community. We have seen a remarkable congregation blossom at our Saturday night beach service. We've welcomed more groups in our chapel, sanctuary, and hall. People young and old shared how much they look forward to Thursday night on the Lawn each year. Science Explorers returned, and The Seven Mile Players have found a safe harbor from the elements in which to practice. We continue to support our local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. We've given our support and prayers to the Women's Civic Club and Museum. We've opened our doors to student musicians to practice. This intentional building of relationships has led to a deepening of trust and pastoral care within St. Mary's and Stone Harbor and our sistering congregations.


Certainly, I can ramble on and on about all the connections near and far, all the disciples in the making. Your letters, emails, and cards cheer me in my moments of doubt. Your shared stories of transformation, growth, and simple appreciation are remarkable! Thank you for your steadfast faith and commitment to our community.


Still, as I reflect upon my three and half years as your rector, I am mindful of all who have come and gone, those I've met, and those I've never met. Those who have passed on to eternity with our Lord, those who have moved, and those to whom the "drought" became too much. Each has left an indelible mark.


No doubt, when I arrived, some challenges were very clear, then further complicated by CoVid closures and unforeseen circumstances. We were an aging church in decline, had a significant deficit budget, and the community of Stone Harbor felt largely abandoned by St. Mary's. I will never forget being told by one local resident, "It will take five years even to begin to regain the trust of this community." My heart is filled with gladness today as we have made significant progress in reconciling our church, St. Mary's, to our community. We are now recognized as a place of welcome and love to one and all. Opening our doors to anyone in need. As one family graciously said, "You have pulled up the shades and opened the windows. St. Mary's is an inviting space of worship and love. I just love all that you do."


While progress continues, the spirit alive, and discipleship grows, we have yet to expand our resources successfully. Given our abundant challenges, each vestry over my tenure has had to encounter hard decisions. As in our story above, we have been dealing with a drought, but unlike our ideal story where everyone came together for the good of the community and put differences and judgment aside, we have seen each decision, no matter how thoughtful or careful lead to members walking away. Despite being told, "This is a sign of the times," and " Every hard decision makes someone unhappy," it saddens me and hurts the church. I pray for the joy of Christ and the spirit of worship, praise, and formation that we all feel when gathered to break bread and fellowship with one another deepens our faith and strengthens who we are as a body of Christ at St. Mary's. Keeping Christ and only Christ at the center.


No doubt, as we gather together in the coming months and years, more hard decisions will need to be made to address our resources. Our immediate needs financially include addressing building safety. Our stairs at the old Narthex, new Narthex, Rector's office, and chapel must be repaired. Concrete work in front of the church needs to be addressed due to the growing roots of the trees causing a tripping hazard that has led to injury. Eventually, we would love to fix and renovate our kitchen for full use, and our bathrooms need to be reconstructed in a way that makes them ADA-compliant. We are also aware that one air conditioning unit needs to be replaced. These larger items add to our everyday maintenance and care for our beloved St. Mary's. 


Everyone who comes to town to visit our little church has expressed such love and appreciation for our WELCOME, inclusiveness, and our joy. It is more than just our stained-glass windows on the corner, but our inviting spirit, warmth, and genuine care.


As our summer season ends and our seasonal members head home for the winter, we continue to face "our drought." The Holy Spirit holds us as our already small resources continue shrinking. During stewardship season, which is about to begin, you will be able to learn more about our needs and challenges, but what I am asking of you today is to pray for us. Pray for St Mary's, Pray for your Warden and vestry and pray for me as your Rector that in the days and months ahead, as we continue to face difficult challenges and decisions together, we may, like in our story above, strengthen our unity, deepen our faith and come to realize that the spirit of an entire community thrived, echoing the timeless message of unity and grace in the face of adversity, guided by the illuminating light of Christ.


May the Peace and Love of God be with you and remain with you forever+


In Christ's love,

Mo. Allison+


BAKE SALE - August 26th

On the morning of the annual Stone Harbor Sidewalk Sale, Saturday, August 26th, St. Mary's will join the fun with a bake sale from 9 am until about 12 noon.


We'll be out on the lawn, weather permitting, and we would greatly appreciate your contributions to baked goods - cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pies, cobblers, OH MY!


Items can be dropped off on Friday, August 25th or after 8 am on Saturday, August 26th.


Come and join us as we celebrate the summer of 2023!

If you have any questions, please ask

Serena Smith or Lillian Armstrong.

Baking Theme Raffle Basket

Along with delicious baked goodies for purchase, we plan to have a baking themed raffle basket at the Bake Sale!


You can help out by donating anything baking related for the basket -cake mixes, icing, baking supplies, for instance, cupcake liners, measuring cups, measuring spoons, or baking pans. 


We will need to have your donations at church on or before today, Friday, August 25th so we can have enough time to put the basket together. If you need a pick up, email Dina Ziemba at ziels@comcast.net or call her 609-465-0078 and she will gladly pick up your items. Thank you!

Maui Relief


"All of our remaining Maui churches have been tirelessly supporting relief efforts, including the Diocesan Care-van ministry, A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), that has been actively continuing its runs and servicing those who may not be at shelters. Good Shepherd has been making food from early morning hours into the night for front-line workers. Donations of goods, supplies, and money have been pouring in. The Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion from the Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i, formed the Kaua'i Response Team to hit the ground running (Dr. Warren Sparks, MD General Practice/ ER; Tiffany Watkins, RN Trauma/ ER/ Firefighter; Ron Morinishi, Engineer/ Immediate Construction; Peter Joffrion, JD Stephen Minister; Ross Barker, Animal Medicine/ Trauma Wounds; Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion, M. Div. Trauma Care/ Pastoral Counselor). The Bishop arrived on Maui on Tuesday, August 15, to assess the situation, and later that evening joined Bishop Larry Silva (Catholic Church) for an ecumenical service at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wailuku."


GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: the Bishop of Hawaii suggests the following giving opportunities:



All three of these giving opportunities can be accessed through the online donation button or by mailing a check to: The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813, Attention: (specified fund).


Everyone is also encouraged to give to Episcopal Relief & Development as they engage partners in relief and recovery and have set up the Hawai'i Emergency Response Fund.


Maui officials have set up a comprehensive website called Maui Nui Strong for those seeking assistance and those seeking to provide assistance.

Forward Day by Day


The August, September, October issue of Forward Day by Day, large and small print booklets, is now available in the church narthex. Please help yourself. If you would like us to mail you a copy, let the church office know and we will be glad to.

Thank you!

Our Thursdays on the Lawn summer music series concluded with a terrific concert by Three and One. It was a good summer with great weather and a good turnout every Thursday. We're already looking forward to next year!


Thank you to everyone who provided snacks, served and set up chairs. Special thanks to Jack Olthuis for organizing it all!

Worship at the Beach - 5:30 pm

concludes for the season on August 26th


Last Saturday Worship at the Beach for the 2023 Season this SATURDAY!


"Come as you are" and join Mo. Allison and guitarist Tom Werkheiser on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion at 5:30 pm for a relaxed worship service in a glorious setting!


Bring a beach chair, invite a friend - all are welcome!


In the event of rain, the service moves to St. Mary's.



Stewardship Minute

key_to_success.jpg


To All of our seasonal members and friends


Please consider making a donation or pledge for 2024 before you head home for the season.


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 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

Happy Birthday to

Jacqueline Marranzini on August 27th!

Happy Anniversary to

William and Patti Lehr on August 27th!

If you would like to be remembered on your birthday or anniversary, please give us your information so we may add you to our data base. Email the church office: jultaylor9425@gmail.com or call 609-368-5922

Altar Flowers

Dedicating altar flowers in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for a loved one is a wonderful way to remember someone. If you would like to do so, please sign up on the chart on the bulletin board in the parish hall. After the service, you may take the flowers to enjoy or give.

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 on the sheet on the door to the kitchen. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. Thank you!

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Looking to refresh your summer rental or have a room that could use an updated piece of furniture? Then you might want to check out the new FURNITURE SHOP at St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop!


Gold Winner of the 2022 and 2023 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops, the Furniture Shop is a great addition to the home goods, housewares and clothing shops at This 'n That.


Don't forget the thrift shop when you're fall cleaning and re-organizing. Household items, furniture and clean usable clothing are welcome!


Remember - Upcycling is good for the planet!



Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Donation days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm, and on the

1st Saturday of the month 10 - 3 pm.

Location: St. Mary's This 'n That, 1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, NJ 08242   609-886-7272


You can keep up with special sales and featured furniture by following them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-This-N-That-Thrift-Shop-268676343298636/

Upcoming Events

Saturdays 5:30 pm through August 26th - Worship at the Beach


Bake Sale! August 26th, 9 am to 12 noon


Blood Drive September 29th, 10 am to 3 pm

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall


Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm

Alanon Tuesday at 7:15 pm (beginners meeting in the chapel)

Alanon Tuesday at 8:00 pm (in the chapel)

Alanon Friday morning at 10:00 am

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

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16

Isaiah 51:1-6

Psalm 138

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom


Third Thursday's 6:00 pm Healing Service

alternates between St. Mary's and St. Barnabas


Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)

Saturday 5:30 pm on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion

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