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


The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor


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

Rector's Corner


Dear Beloved in Christ,


As we come together for our Annual Meeting, let us embrace the joy, peace, and abundance that this past year has brought us. Let's celebrate the majesty, splendor, and righteousness of God that endures forever. Let us remember and give thanks for His faithfulness, justice, and the wisdom He imparts to those who follow His ways.


In the spirit of Psalm 111, we exclaim, "Hallelujah!" Our hearts overflow with thanks as we recall how, in every moment, whether of challenge or joy, the Lord has been our steadfast support. Our congregation has witnessed the great deeds of the Lord, reminding us of His omnipresence in our communal and individual lives.


The majesty and splendor of God's work have been evident in every act of kindness, every shared prayer, and the compassionate outreach of our community. As a testament to His grace, we have seen growth in many ways, including in the depth of our faith and love for one another.


Our gathering is not just a meeting; it's a celebration of the covenant that God continually renews with us. Like the Psalmist notes, "He is ever mindful of his covenant." This year, we have seen the power of His works in the strength and resilience of our community, in the new faces that have joined us, and in the deepened connections among our longstanding members.


As we reflect on the faithfulness and justice of God's works, we are reminded of our call to mirror these divine attributes in our daily lives. Our adherence to His commandments, done in truth and equity, has been a beacon of light in our community and beyond.


The culmination of this year's journey is a testament to the redeeming love of God. His holy and awesome name has been our refuge and strength. We are reminded that the fear of the Lord is indeed the beginning of wisdom, a wisdom that we have seen flourish in acts of understanding, compassion, and love within our congregation.


We look forward to sharing this special time with you, reflecting on our blessings, and anticipating the continued work of God in our lives and in the life of our beloved St. Mary's. Here's to a year of abundant blessings, and to the enduring praise of the Lord whose love and guidance never cease.



In Christ,

Mo. Allison+


Psalm 111

Confitebor tibi


1 Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *

in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.


2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *

they are studied by all who delight in them.


3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *

and his righteousness endures for ever.


4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *

the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.


5 He gives food to those who fear him; *

he is ever mindful of his covenant.


6 He has shown his people the power of his works *

in giving them the lands of the nations.


7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *

all his commandments are sure.


8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *

because they are done in truth and equity.


9 He sent redemption to his people;

he commanded his covenant for ever; *

holy and awesome is his Name.


10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *

those who act accordingly have a good understanding;

his praise endures for ever.


The following candidates are placed in consideration for the election of offices in this Episcopal Church

If you would like to be nominated for any position, please speak to Mo. Allison, Lillian or any member of the vestry.


Junior Warden (1 person – 2 year term)      1. Cheryl Lukens Oleferuk

 

Vestry Person ( 2 person – 3 year term)        1. Cathy Johnson

                                                                                   2. Allyn Penkethman


Vestry Person (1 person, unexpired term Class of 2026)

1.    Dina Ziemba


Delegates to Diocesan Convention (3 persons – 1 year term)   

(1) Jack Olthuis

(2) Lawrence Schmidt

(3) Lillian Armstrong

                                                                                                       

Alternate Delegate to Diocesan Convention (3 persons – 1 year term)

(1) Lisa LaGreca

(2) 

(3)                                                             


Delegate to Atlantic Convocation  (3 persons – 1 year term)                                                       

(1) Lisa LaGreca

(2) Yvonne Olthuis

(3) _                                                                                                      


Alternate Delegate to Atlantic Convocation  (3 persons – 1 year term)   

(1) 

(2)   

(3)                   

We're planning to enjoy brunch after worship on Sunday before the Congregational Meeting. Please bring something to share if you are able. Thank you!

Stewardship Minute

key_to_success.jpg


To All of our members and friends


Please consider making a donation or pledge for 2024 if you haven't already.


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 Episcopal 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

Cynthia Schweickhardt on January 28th and Mary Lucile Johnston on January 29th


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

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift and Furniture Shop is full of lovely bargains. Stop on by and take a look. You never know what you may find!



Located in the Village Shoppes, 1304 Rt 47 South,

Rio Grande.

609-886-7272

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 4 pm

Forward Day by Day

The new edition of Forward Day by Day for February, March and April 2024 is now available in the church narthex in both large and small print booklets.

Please help yourself and take one for a friend. If you would like, we would be happy to mail a copy to you. Just email or call the church office.

Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.

Coffee Hour in 2024

A new sheet for Coffee Hour in the new year is posted on the door to the kitchen. 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. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. Thank you!

Upcoming Events

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm

Big Book Meeting (AA) Thursday 7:00 pm

____________________________________


Annual Meeting and Potluck Sunday, January 28th at 10:00 AM


Lent begins on Ash Wednesday February 14th

8 am Ashes in St. Mary's chapel

9:30 am Ashes at The Branches and This n' That Thrift Shop

6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service with Holy Eucharist Rite II


Lenten Wednesday's Centering Prayer and Meditation 6 PM

February 21st - March 20th


Lenten Friday's Stations of the Cross

3 pm St. Mary's

5 pm St. Simeon's by the Sea including Soup/Bread Supper


Lenten Retreat: Stations of the Cross through Peter's Eyes - Date TBD

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

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Mark 1:21-28

Psalm 111

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)

and Live on Facebook

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