WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

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

Healing services will be held at St. Barnabas and

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

The next service will be here at

St. Mary's on January 19th at 6:00 pm.

Called to a Life of Holiness

The purpose of John the Baptist's mission was to prepare the people of Israel for the arrival of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. God had prepared John for this task by allowing him to witness the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ during his baptism - a powerful vision.

In the past, during Israel's disobedience to Yahweh and the destruction of the first Temple, the prophet Ezekiel saw God's presence, the glory of God, depart from the Temple. However, the divine presence returns with the arrival of John the Baptist, the last in a long line of prophets. As the Holy Spirit descends on Christ in the form of a dove, John witnesses the tangible return of God's presence to Israel.

The law-based Old Covenant was not strong enough to restore genuine communication between God and man. However, with the creation of the New Covenant in Christ, that communion is now permanent. Christians join that communion when they are baptized and anointed with chrism oil, which represents the entry of the same Holy Spirit into our lives as it did onto Christ at his baptism. At confirmation, a second anointing with that same chrism serves as the tool for fully outpouring the Holy Spirit, just as it did for the Apostles at Pentecost.

In the Old Covenant, the actual Temple was filled with God's presence and grandeur. In the New Covenant, the age of the Church, every Christian has become a Temple of God's presence on earth through Christ. For this reason, every Christian has the same essential calling: to become holy and to form our lives by following the Holy Spirit who resides in our hearts.

This is what St Paul means when he says to the Corinthians, "you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy." St. Paul's word for "holy" is "hagios" [HAY-ghee- ohs], which means "put apart." In ancient times, it referred to everything dedicated explicitly for God's use, and hence holding a special regard and beauty - such as Europe's oldest churches. When we allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives, we become unique and exceptional, much like the ancient churches of Europe. We become holy, and we mirror the splendor of God.

We are called to be God's living Temples, and he desires to transform us into beautiful, inspirational, and long-lasting memorials to his glory. It's easy to be caught up in the world's clamor and corruption. Still, when we allow the holy spirit to dwell in us, we become different, simple, noble, inspiring, and mysteriously attractive. We become holy, and we mirror the splendor of God.

I encourage you to open your hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow it to reside in you so that you can reflect God's splendor. Let us strive for holiness and to be God's living temples.

May God bless you and display his glory through you.

Meet and Greet at Holy Trinity South River

This week, the five candidates to be the 13^th Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey are traveling together to four locations around the state to meet in person with congregants and the public. Candidates will answer questions previously submitted through the NJ Bishop Search Web site, and there will also be time to talk one-on-one or in small groups.

All public meet-and-greet sessions will be livestreamed to the diocesan Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages, as well as to the regular “Live” page on our Web site. Recordings will be available after the fact as well. Spanish translation will be available for tonight's session in South River and on a separate video on our YouTube channel.

Meet-and-Greet Schedule

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Church of the Ascension, Gloucester City

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Holy Trinity South River

Live Spanish translation available

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

6:30–8:30 p.m.

St. Luke's Gladstone FRIDAY, JAN. 13

7:00–9:00 p.m.

St. Mark and All Saints Galloway

The Electing Convention will be held on January 28, 2023, starting at 10 AM at Trinity Cathedral and via Zoom. More information on both the meet and greets and the convention will be available in mid-November.

The release of the slate also marks the beginning of the 30-day petition process, details of which can be found on the NJ Bishop Search Web site. That process will close at 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 29.

This Sunday at the 9 AM Service we will celebrate the Baptism of Kenna Bella Kohler.

Kenna is the foster child of Mac & Terri Mascione.

Congratulations and God's Blessings

to Kenna and her family on this happy day!

from John Curtis and Cape Classical Artists -

We are pleased to announce the first concert of our 2023 season of Cape Classical Artists this Sunday, January 15th, at 3:00 pm at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. La Bernardinia Baroque Ensemble will present "En Trio: Music of J.S. Bach and his French Contemporaries." Prepare yourself to travel back in time for an afternoon of exquisite baroque music.

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

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.

John Curtis

Musikhaus Studio

www.MusikhausNJ.com

musikhausnj@gmail.com

(609) 536-8379

The Bible Challenge

We invite you to join us on this journey as we seek to grow closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of His Word. So grab your Bible and get ready to take on "The Bible Challenge 365!"

The Bible Challenge 365," edited by Marek P Zabriskie, is a resource designed to help individuals or groups read through the entire Bible in a year. To use the book, follow these steps:

1. Set aside a regular time each day for reading. This could be first thing in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Choose a time that works best for your schedule.

2. Follow the daily reading plan provided in the book. Each day, you'll be assigned a certain number of chapters to read from different parts of the Bible.

3. Reflect on the passages you've read. Use the discussion questions provided in the book to help you think more deeply about the text and how it relates to your life. You may want to journal your thoughts or discuss them with a partner or in our small group.

4. Engage with the community. If you're participating in the challenge as part of a group, be sure to connect with others and share your insights and experiences. You may want to join our online ZOOM forum related to the challenge or check in our daily blog, HolyHabitsDaily.blogspot.com

By following these steps, you can make the most of "The Bible Challenge 365" and grow in your understanding and relationship with God's Word.

We will gather on Thursday Evenings at 6:00 pm via zoom. (We will not have class on Third Thursday for Healing Services.) All are welcome to participate in this challenge, both near and far.

To follow along, you may purchase a book (paperback or kindle) via amazon by clicking on the picture in the corner or by contacting Mo. Allison for a copy.

Daily Readings: You can start The Bible Challenge on January 1 or any day of the year of your choice. The schedule of this book and our zoom gathering works best if you begin "Day 1" on a Monday, January 2nd. We encourage readers to read portions of the Bible Monday through Saturday, and assume that on Sunday they will be in church hearing the Scriptures read aloud.

The following is a list of Scripture to get you started while we gather and await our books.

St. Mary's is interested in hearing from any parishioner who may be interested in running for the positions of Senior Warden, Vestry Member, delegate to Diocesan Convention, or delegate to Atlantic Convocation in 2023. To learn more about these positions, please contact Mo. Allison or a member of the vestry.

A brief overview of the responsibilities of each position is listed below:

Senior Warden: The Senior Warden is the lay leader of the parish. He or she, together with the Rector and Junior Warden, form the Executive Leadership team and should be visible to the parish.

Junior Warden: 1-year term

Vestry Member: There is typically one vestry meeting monthly, on the third Sunday, after the 9 am Eucharist. Vestry members will be expected to take on leadership roles for the various goals and objectives that the Vestry sets. The Vestry members are the financial stewards of the parish, and as such, they need to review the financial reports provided by the Treasurer and ensure the parish's resources are used wisely. 

Delegates to Diocesan Convention: The Diocesan Convention is a day-long meeting where Deputies represent their parishes by voting on amendments to the Diocesan Constitution and Canon Law, Diocesan resolutions, and for delegates to represent the diocese at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church of America. Before the convention, the diocesan staff holds several preview meetings throughout the diocese and online to review the proposed amendments to the canons and proposed resolutions that will be voted on at the convention. 

Delegates to the Atlantic Convocation: The Atlantic Convocation is a single 2-3 hour meeting once a year where the Bishop and diocesan staff share information about diocesan programs and initiatives. Delegates may be asked to vote for Atlantic Convocation officers in the years when elections are held. Delegates may be asked to share information about diocesan programs with our parishioners.

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/

Attention all committee members:

Please send in your report for the Annual Report to the church office as soon as possible. Thank you!

email: jultaylor9425@gmail.com

If you plan 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. Thank you for your commitment to support the mission and ministry of St. Mary's!

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 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!

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.

Thank you to everyone who lent a hand to de-green the sanctuary last Sunday. Your help make the job go quickly and easily. Thank you!

New Church Directories have been printed.

If you would like a Directory, please contact the church office.

jultaylor9425@gmail.com

Church Year Calendars, compliments of Radzieta Funeral Home, are available in the church narthex and parish hall. Please help yourself.

Happy Birthday to

Patti Lehr on January 17th and

Shannon Keeler on January 20th!

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.

If you would like to honor a loved one on their birthday or anniversary with altar flowers, please sign up on the altar flower chart in the parish hall. The flowers can be taken from the altar after worship. 

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/

Continuing in January on Sundays after worship (except on Vestry Sunday)- Adult Forum Book Study for Advent - Episcopal 101

Thursdays 6 pm The Bible Challenge online via Zoom except 3rd Thursday Healing Service

January 15 - 9 am Baptism of Kenna Bella Kohler

January 15 - 3 pm Cape Classical Artists concert - Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, Cape May - www.CapeClassicalArtists.com

January 19 - 6 pm Healing Service at St. Mary's

January 21 - 11 am Celebration of Life for Robert Burns

January 22 - 11 am Vestry Meeting

January 29 after worship - Annual Meeting

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

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

Psalm 40:1-12

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)