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St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Stone Harbor, New Jersey
All are welcome. Please join us!
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WELCOME HOME!
Worship with us:
Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary
in person and Live on Facebook
The First Sunday of Advent
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It's Stewardship time!
Everyone should have received a packet in the mail. Pledges are the foundation of the budgeting process for next year, so everyone's participation is important. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Lillian or Jack. Thank you!
Please return your pledge by mail, or you can make your pledge now by clicking the link below.
Remember to pledge your support!
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Embracing the Darkness: A Reflection on Advent's Quiet Anticipation
In the quietude of a winter evening on the island, where the world seems to retreat into a hushed stillness, we find ourselves enveloped in a profound darkness. The closed doors of a familiar restaurant serve as a poignant reminder of the season's solitude. Really, we just wanted some French Onion Soup. - It is in these moments of stark realization, where darkness physically and metaphorically converges, that the true essence of Advent reveals itself.
Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation, mirrors the natural world's descent into longer nights. The darkness is not just a lack of light; it becomes a canvas for introspection and anticipation. Just as the earth quietly prepares for the rejuvenation of spring, we, too, are called to a period of inner reflection and spiritual readiness.
This darkness, though it may feel overwhelming, is integral to our journey. It represents the yearning of our souls for the Light of the World. In the stillness of the island's winter, we are reminded of the stark contrasts of our lives – joy and sorrow, presence and absence, light and darkness. Each experience is vital, for without darkness, we would never truly appreciate the light.
As we traverse these shorter days and longer nights, let us embrace the quiet, the cold, the solitude, and the stillness. They are not merely the backdrop of our Advent journey; they are integral parts of it. In this sacred space of waiting, our hearts grow more expectant, and our yearning for the light intensifies.
Let this time of darkness be a gentle teacher, reminding us that after the longest night, the dawn always arrives. The closed doors and the quiet streets are not signs of abandonment but invitations to deeper understanding and anticipation. For in the heart of winter's darkness, the promise of Advent lies – the promise of hope, renewal, and the imminent arrival of Light that dispels all shadows.
As we await the coming of Christ, let this season be a testament to our faith and hope. Let us take the time to pray, meditate, and inwardly reflect.
I have created a simple book, Radiant Dawn: Meditations through Lectio and Visio Divina, filled with scripture, daily meditations, prayers, art, and poetry to assist us in our journey through Advent. The book is available on Amazon through Kindle and will soon be available for print. If you are unable to purchase a book and would like a copy, please contact me, and I will be sure to send you a link. (If you would like a hard copy, I urge you to wait and contact me next week, as Amazon is currently editing the format.) All proceeds from the sale of "Radiant Dawn" will go to St. Mary's.
The light we long for is on the horizon, bringing warmth and illumination to our hearts and souls, so in this sacred time of Advent, may we find peace in the darkness, knowing that it is but the precursor to the glorious light to come.
With Love and Blessings,
Mo. Allison+
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guide your hearts and minds in the days to come. Amen.
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Embark on a spiritual journey this Advent season with "Radiant Dawn: Advent Meditations through Lectio and Visio Divina." This unique devotional guide by Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca combines the ancient practice of Lectio Divina with the contemplative art of Visio Divina, inviting you to experience the timeless stories of Scripture through both word and image.
In "Radiant Dawn," each day unfolds with a carefully selected scripture passage, inviting you to read, reflect, pray, and contemplate the coming of Christ. Accompanied by a thoughtfully crafted meditation, the words of Scripture come alive, guiding you deeper into the themes of anticipation, hope, and the profound mystery of the Incarnation.
But "Radiant Dawn" offers more than just words. It engages your senses and imagination with beautiful, original artwork designed for each meditation. These visual elements, created in prayerful consideration of the day's theme and meditation, provide a focal point for Visio Divina, deepening your understanding and experience of the divine narrative.
This Advent, let "Radiant Dawn" illuminate your path to Christmas. Whether in the quiet of morning or the stillness of night, this book is a perfect companion for anyone seeking a more meaningful and contemplative Advent season. It is an invitation to slow down amidst the busyness, to gaze upon the beauty of God's work, and to allow the light of Christ to penetrate and warm your soul.
Ideal for personal reflection or as a gift for a loved one, "Radiant Dawn" is more than a book—it's a journey, a retreat, a moment of divine encounter. It promises to be a beacon of light that not only brightens your Advent but also transforms your approach to the Christmas story. Embrace the season with "Radiant Dawn" and let the journey towards the manger change you in ways you never expected.
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Talk of Christmas starts in my family during our Thanksgiving holiday. Questions fly around the dinner table about where we will gather for our family Christmas celebrations, the kids discuss their Christmas wish lists, and then stories of past Christmases are told and retold with such excitement, as if no-one ever heard them before.
As the week goes by, decorations are brought out of the big closet and the attic, and soon we find the treasured Advent wreath which seems to center us on the real purpose of our celebratory moods. We set up our wreath on the table. We wait for the First Sunday of Advent, when at our worship service, as a community, we observe the first Advent candle being lit on the Advent wreath. After worship we proceed home and as a family we light our own first Advent candle.
Each week we pray and meditate on the different themes of Advent; hope, peace, joy, and love. However, Advent is a busy season with preparations being made for a big holiday, the excitement of children in wonderment of the season, baking, shopping, and wrapping gifts, church events and the list goes on. So, as hard as we try our prayers and meditations become a challenge but we are not alone.
Come join us on Sunday, December 10, after our worship service at St. Mary’s Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall for a Deacon’s Workshop. We plan to discuss “Finding God in Christmas Chaos” as we use Tim Schenck”s book, “Dog in the Manger,” as a reference to help us insert our Advent prayers and meditations into our busy everyday lives. If you are interested in reading Tim Schenck’s book, it is available on Kindle or in paperback through Amazon.
What?…. Deacon’s Workshop
When?…. December 10, 2023
Where?…. St. Mary’s, Stone Harbor, Parish Hall, after Worship Service
Who?…. All are invited to join Deacon Jane Carol
Why?…. A light discussion in a busy season about waiting for our Savior’s birth
Please bring some of your own Advent stories to share with us.
In God’s love,
Jane Carol Wilson, dcn
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"Finding God in Christmas Chaos"
Advent Fellowship Workshop
December 10th
during coffee hour
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2023 Journeying the Way of Love: Advent Calendar | |
The Episcopal Church has provided a printable Advent calendar which offers daily suggestions for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go. The calendar may be downloaded here. | |
2024 Church Year Calendars | |
2024 Church Year Calendars are now available in the church narthex and parish hall. Please help yourself. The calendars are courtesy of Radzieta Funeral Home. | |
St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop | |
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Did you know?
Our Thrift Shop continues to be a beacon of mission and ministry out in the community. Each month is dedicated to a community organization.
In December, they are collecting for Toys for Tots. New unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the thrift shop any time during the month of December.
Thank you to Debbie, our Staff, and customers for your support, donations and care.
Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Location: St. Mary's This 'n That, 1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, NJ 08242 609-886-7272
Thrift items donation days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm, and on the 1st Saturday of the month 10 - 3 pm.
Gold Winner of the 2022 and 2023 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops, This 'n That Furniture Shop is a great addition to the home goods, housewares, including small appliances, 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!
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/
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Items may be dropped off at The Branches Outreach Center
201 Hirst Ave., Rio Grande, NJ 08242 609-886-5091
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1:30pm - Saturday: 10am – 12pm
Sunday: Closed
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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.
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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.)
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Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
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Online giving through our website at https://www.stmarysstoneharbor.org/
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Happy Birthday to
Ryan Griesbach on December 7th!
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 or call the church office: jultaylor9425@gmail.com or 609-368-5922
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Poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary for the Christmas season.
If you would like to dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for, a loved one, please fill out the attached form and return it in the plate on Sunday or to the parish office by mail or email.
The deadline for the inclusion of your names is December 17th.
After Christmas, you may take the flowers to enjoy or give.
Here is the download link for the form
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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!
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Sunday, December 10th - 10:00 AM
Advent Fellowship Workshop - "Finding God in the Christmas Chaos"
Thursday, December 21st - 7:00 PM
Blue Christmas - a Service of Healing, Hope, and Wholeness with a Litany for Peace
Sunday, December 24th at 9:00 PM
Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist
12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm
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The First Sunday of Advent | |
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Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom
Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)
and Live on Facebook
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