Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday at 9:00 am in person and Live on Facebook

Last Sunday after Epiphany

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Healing services are held at St. Barnabas and

St. Mary's on a rotating schedule every third Thursday.

The next service will be at St. Mary's on March 16th.

Rector's Corner

"Preparing for Lent"

As we move closer to the beginning of the season of Lent, we all need to make it a priority to set aside some time to get our minds and hearts ready for this unique season. We can strengthen our relationship with God and develop our faith by taking advantage of the season of Lent, which is a time of introspection, repentance, and rebirth. Today, I will offer advice on how best to prepare ourselves for this holy season to make the most of it.

The first thing we should do to prepare for Lent is to take an inventory of our lives and assess where we are on a spiritual level. We must be honest with ourselves about our connection with God and identify the areas of our lives lacking development. We may accomplish this kind of introspection through prayer, meditation, or candid discussion with an experienced spiritual guide. We can devise a strategy for making the most of this period of rejuvenation if we first determine the areas where we have room for spiritual development.

The next step would be for us to consciously engage in some form of spiritual discipline throughout the season of Lent. This is accomplished by attending Worship Services regularly, devoting time each day to prayer and meditation, or engaging in additional acts of charity and service. The season of Lent is a time for sacrifice, and throughout this season, we should reflect on the kinds of sacrifices that will help us strengthen our faith and draw closer to God. Whether it is giving up a beloved indulgence, not eating meat on Fridays, or taking on a special penance, we should make the most of each opportunity that allows us to come closer to God.

During the season of Lent, it is important for each of us to, in addition to our spiritual practices, give some thought to taking part in events and activities in our communities; by going to the Stations of the Cross, taking part in a retreat during the season of Lent, or giving voluntary work to a local charity. Through participation in our community, we can strengthen our sense of connection to individuals in our environment as well as receive support and encouragement on the path that we are on spiritually.

It is essential to begin the season of Lent with an attitude of openness and humility. We ought to be open to the ways in which God may be calling each of us to develop and change, as well as eager to take direction and assistance from those who are close to us. Because Lent is a time for personal growth, we ought to be ready to take on the responsibilities and seize the opportunities that come our way during this holy season.

In conclusion, to get ready for Lent, we need to take the time to reflect on our current spiritual state, make a commitment to engaging in intentional spiritual practices, interact with members of our community, and approach the season with an open and humble heart. Let us take advantage of this holy season's opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God and develop our faith as we move forward. We want for all of us that this season of Lent will be one of revitalization and metamorphosis.

LENT

Lenten Study

The Twelve Steps to Holiness and Salvation, by St. Alphonsus Liguori – Abridged, November 1, 1993

Ten used copies are available. Please contact Mo. Allison or you may purchase your own through amazon. It is available on kindle and audible as well. ORDER HERE

After the Stations of the Cross we will discuss each virtue.

St. Alphonsus Liguori was born in 1696 to Neapolitan nobility at Marianella, Italy. He became a recognizable lawyer after going through law school at the age of sixteen, but later decided to leave law in favor of giving his salvation more attention. Alphonsus joined the Oratory of St. Philip Neri as a seminarian and was ordained in 1726, when he was thirty. The homilies he gave had the special ability of converting those who had fallen away from the faith. He also founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

The 12 Steps of Holiness and Salvation dives into the virtues.

John Curtis and Cape Classical Artists

We are pleased to announce an exciting concert from Cape Classical Artists this Sunday, February 19th, at 3:00 pm at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. Jamie Orfanella will take us on a musical world tour with performances on a wide variety of instruments, including the Australian didgeridoo, flutes from Japan, India, China, Native American cultures, and more.

Admission is free, and there will be free-will offering baskets at the doors. The concert will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel.

Visit our website, www.CapeClassicalArtists.com for:

• a link to our YouTube channel

• directions to the church

• a copy of the concert program

• information on becoming a sponsor for yourself or your business

And don’t forget, the video from La Bernadinia’s January concert of Baroque music will still be available on YouTube until February 19th. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XQyvR51jmE&t=7s)

Here is the 2023 Winter Concert Season:

“FROM BAROQUE TO THE WORLD"

Sunday January 15, 3:00 pm

La Bernardinia Baroque Ensemble

En trio: music of J.S. Bach and his French contemporaries

Rainer Beckmann, recorders, Donna Fournier, viola da gamba, and Marica Kravis, harpsichord

Sunday February 19, 3:00 pm

A World of Instruments

Jamie Orfanella performs on the Australian didgeridoo, the Japanese shakuhachi flute, and other exotic world instruments

Sunday March 19, 3:00 pm

Kuwento Mizik

Baritone Jean Bernard Cerin and pianist Leena K. Kulkarni-Rankin offer a fusion of Western classical, Filipino, and Haitian music

Sunday April 16, 3:00 pm

Music for Soprano and Piano

Soprano Judy Ann Curtis and pianist John Curtis present a program of music from Mozart to the Great American Songbook

Sunday May 21, 3:00 pm

Beverly Trio

An exciting variety of music of oboe, viola and cello

All concerts are free of charge to the public and are produced in partnership with Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. If you would like to become a sponsor, visit our home page and click on the “Donate” button. 100% of all contributions go directly to the support of our series.

Stewardship Minute

Remember to pledge your support!

Pledge Now!

Good Gifts... Reactions!

There is an old adage: “The best thing about giving is that the reaction is always greater than the action.” Think about it. Is that true?

Most gifts bring joy to the giver and the receiver. The pleasure is now doubled. Obviously, the gift plus doubled pleasure is greater than the gift alone. Even if the gift was a wrong choice, the reactions of both parties, added to the gift, become more than the gift itself.

How much greater than the gift can the reactions become? Consider this: When driving in traffic, have you allowed another driver to enter the road in front of you? Later, did that driver allow cars to enter, and then those drivers did, too? Or, if you were entering from the side, were you irked by the driver who wouldn't let you in? Pleased by the driver who would? Did you react with thoughtfulness? If so, your gift was courtesy; your reaction part of “the ripple effect,” which doesn’t just add reactions to gifts, it multiplies them! We seldom know how many ripples our gifts create.

Church offerings multiply this way. Rippling across the church and around the world into homes, schools, farms, shelters, and hospitals, they affect communities and individuals in ways we’ll never see. Time doesn’t destroy them. We are blessed by such giving … but greater still, are the multiplied reactions to our gifts and the blessings they compound.

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

From the Stewardship Committee

If you would like to pledge to St. Mary's in 2023, please return your pledge form by mail to the church office, on Sunday in the offering plate, or through our website as soon as possible. If you would like a paper copy, let the church office know. jultaylor9425@gmail.com Thank you for your commitment to support the mission and ministry of St. Mary's!

Ministry Volunteers Needed

Ushers and Greeters

The ministry of ushering is a crucial part of worship because it is one of the most visible ministries in the church. In Christ, you have received God’s unconditional love, and in Christ, you are called to extend that same unconditional love to others. Although an usher’s love is no stronger than the love found in the whole congregation of the body of Christ, nevertheless, the usher performs a major role in ensuring that people see and experience that love.

The ushers distribute bulletins and greet worshipers, making every attempt to make them feel welcome and at ease. The ushers are also available to answer questions of anyone needing assistance.

Please contact Mo. Allison or Julie if you are interested.

Membership at St. Mary's

Membership at St. Mary's consists of several different groups of "members." Some are Confirmed Communicant Members or who have transferred their membership by Letter of Transfer to St. Mary's. Some are Baptized into St. Mary’s or have requested that their names be entered in the Parish Register. Others are “members” by virtue of the fact that St. Mary’s is their church—the Christian community of which they are a part and where they worship regularly. Still, others are “summer members" or friends of St. Mary's. Many are part of St. Mary’s life, worship at St. Mary’s when in town, and support St. Mary’s financially. Canonically, they are not members in the legal sense, but they are every bit as much members of our parish family as those who are official members.

Please contact the church office if you would like to receive membership forms to be added to our data base.

email: SaintMarysStoneHarbor@gmail.com

You may sign up on our website here.

We welcome you to join us!

Episcopal Community Services

in Partnership with the Diocese of New Jersey

Requests the Honor of your Presence at a

Farewell Gala

In Honor Of

The Right Rev. William “Chip” Stokes

Canon Ann Notte & Canon Mary Ann Rhoads

Sunday, May 21, 2023

at 5 O’Clock in the Evening

Doubletree by Hilton

2349 Marlton Pike West

Cherry Hill, NJ

Featuring Keynote Speaker

The Most Rev. Michael Curry

Please RSVP by April 28

Purchase Tickets Here

March is National Nutrition Month!

The Branches Outreach is celebrating National Nutrition Month by having a healthy, non-perishable food drive to supply their pantry.

A list of requested donations may be found here.

Donations may be dropped off from March 1 to March 31 at The Branches Outreach Food Pantry, 1304 Rt. 47, Unit AJ, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9 am to 12 noon. The attached flyer gives details on location.

Forward Day By Day

The February, March, April issue (large and small) of Forward Day by Day is available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and take one for a friend.

Sunday's Altar Flowers

The flowers on the altar this Sunday are given

by Dr. Sandra Harmon-Weiss

in loving memory of Dr. Richard C. Weiss.

Happy Anniversary to

Joseph & Lisa Griesbach on February 25th!

Happy Birthday to

Gloria Parker on February 22nd, and Katie Thornton and Sandra Harmon-Weiss on February 23rd!

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

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Come check out the GOLD Winner of the 2022 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops - St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop! And remember the thrift shop when you're cleaning out and organizing. Household items and clean usable clothing are welcome!

Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

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

Location: St. Mary's This 'n That

1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, NJ 08242 609-886-7272

Follow them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-This-N-That-Thrift-Shop-268676343298636/