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WELCOME HOME!
Worship with us:
Sunday at 9:00 am in person and Live on Facebook
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany with the Commissioning of the Vestry
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. Barnabas on February 16th.
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"Jesus’ light continues to cast his eternal love into any darkness we experience."
Yesterday the Church officially and finally closed the Christmas season with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This is when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated to the Lord. The temple was a most sacred place, filled with people who had come for a variety of religious reasons: some on pilgrimage, some for daily prayer. There were people who were celebrating and in happy spirits as well as others dealing with profound sadness. All of them found themselves in God’s temple.
Mary and Joseph were just two more observant, faithful Jews entering this crowded space looking to fulfill their obligation obediently. Their experience, however, was unlike any other’s as they encountered two holy individuals, Simeon and Anna.
Both Simeon and Anna are described independently as “awaiting.” Simeon was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel. Anna was a prophetess, who had been widowed after only seven years of marriage, and now at age 84, she never left the temple but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. They were both at the temple looking for something, seeking something. They desired consolation and restoration. They were longing for fulfillment.
Of all the people who likely crowded the temple that day, we are told only about Simeon and Anna. They, who had it placed on their hearts by the Lord that they would see God’s promises fulfilled, are the ones who not only notice Jesus’ arrival but give thanks and praise and announce the Good News that salvation has come. It is a salvation that is not just for them and not just for their fellow Jews but for all people. It is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for [God’s] people Israel (the fulfillment of the entirety of the Old Testament).
Jesus’ arrival signifies a new covenant and a new hope. It is a hope that outlasts the things of this world – both good and bad. Simeon looks at Jesus’ mother and tells her of her future sorrows – a suffering so great it will pierce her very heart. Anna gives thanks to God and becomes an evangelist, speaking about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
His presence in this “temple” – this Church with its altar – and his presence in the temple of each of our bodies brings us comfort with those assurances. In turn, the Church and each one of us is meant to shine that light of salvation to all peoples: to those who are lost, to those who are helpless and hopeless, to those who suffer, and to those who mourn. Jesus’ light continues to cast his eternal love and life into any darkness we experience. It brings fullness of life and redemption.
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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
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The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French Elected 13th Bishop of New Jersey
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey has elected the Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French to serve as the thirteenth bishop of the diocese. She will be consecrated and installed as the bishop of New Jersey on June 24, succeeding Bishop William H. “Chip” Stokes, who is retiring.
French currently serves as Canon for Regional Ministry and Collaborative Innovation in the Diocese of North Carolina. Prior to joining diocesan staff, she spent twenty years in parish ministry, serving congregations of many sizes and types. Raised in Toronto, Canada, French earned a bachelors degree from Trinity College, University of Toronto (Economics, History), a Master of Divinity through the Toronto School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. She was ordained a priest in 2001. She and her husband Clarke have two children living at home.
In brief remarks delivered via Zoom after the election results were announced, French thanked the voters, the Search and Transition Committees, and her fellow candidates. Concerning her forthcoming position as bishop of New Jersey she said, “I look forward to serving with love.”
The bishop-elect was chosen from a slate of five nominees by clergy and lay leaders representing each congregation of the diocese during a special hybrid convention held on Jan. 28 at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton and online via Zoom. She was elected on the third round of balloting with 68 percent of the clergy votes and 56 percent of lay votes. A majority of both clergy and lay votes in the same round was needed for election.
“I believe the Holy Spirit has led us to a remarkable leader who is deeply grounded in the faith and love of Jesus Christ,” Stokes said. “Canon French brings gifts and skills in ministry that are well aligned to address the needs and challenges facing the Church and the Diocese of New Jersey at this moment in its life and history. I look forward to welcoming her and her family to the Diocese of New Jersey and serving with her in this exciting time of transition.”
The other nominees were The Rev. Canon Dr. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Rhode Island; The Very Rev. Troy Mendez, Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona; The Rev. Janine Schenone, Rector, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, San Diego, California; and The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Jose Wilson, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland, California.
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Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 29, 2023
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St. Mary's congregation met last Sunday after worship to review the state of the church in 2022 and discuss upcoming plans for 2023. It was a good meeting accompanied by a delicious potluck brunch.
If you were not able to attend, copies of the Annual Report may be found in the parish hall. Please take a copy home to read.
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Remember to pledge your support!
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Find Time
Ask yourself: Do you ever find time for the work of God? Be a good steward and make the exciting discovery of time for yourself. No matter how busy you think you are, you can find time if you try!
There is a wide choice of things that you can do for God and neighbor, in and through your church community — if you have the goodwill. With goodwill, you also will find the necessary time for such projects, even though you may have to cut and pare in other directions.
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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 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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From the Stewardship Committee | |
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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!
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Ministry Volunteers Needed
Ushers and Greeters
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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.
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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
OR
You may sign up on our website here.
We welcome you to join us!
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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.
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Placing flowers on the altar is a wonderful way to remember, honor, or give thanks for a loved one. If you would like to do so, please choose a Sunday on the altar flower chart, print your name and the name of your person. A donation to the church is much appreciated. The chart is on the bulletin board in the parish hall. You may take the flowers after worship.
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Happy Birthday to
Marion Myers and
Alexandra Nielsen on February 7th!
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If you would like to be remembered on your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know so we can add your information to our data base. | |
St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop | |
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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/
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Third Thursday Healing Service
February 16 - 6 pm Healing Service at St. Barnabas, Villas
February 19 - 10:30 am Vestry Meeting
February 19 - 3 pm A World of Instruments presented by Cape Classical Artists at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. www.Cape ClassicalArtists.com
February 22 - Ash Wednesday
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12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 8:00 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm
Alanon Friday at 10:00 am
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The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany | |
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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)
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