St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 11

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination: A Reflection on Faith and Provision

As we continue to journey together in faith, this month, we celebrate a monumental milestone in the history of The Episcopal Church. July 29 marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven, the first women ordained as priests in our church. This anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on the profound faith and courage that these women and their supporters demonstrated, paving the way for greater inclusivity and equality within our beloved community.

A Historical Parallel: 2 Kings 4:42-44

Our reflection begins with this Sunday's Lectionary, a story from the Old Testament, found in 2 Kings 4:42-44. Here, we encounter a man who brings twenty loaves of barley bread to Elisha, the man of God. Elisha instructs his servant to distribute the bread to a hundred men, despite the servant’s doubt about the sufficiency of the offering. Elisha, trusting in God’s promise, confidently declares, “They will eat and have some left over.” Miraculously, the bread is more than enough, showcasing God’s abundant provision.

The Courage of the Philadelphia Eleven

Similarly, on July 29, 1974, eleven courageous women—Merrill Bittner, Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Alison Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield, Jeannette Piccard, Betty Bone Schiess, Katrina Swanson, and Nancy Wittig—were ordained to the priesthood at Philadelphia’s Church of the Advocate. This bold step, taken in faith, challenged the existing norms of The Episcopal Church and opened doors for women to fully participate in ordained ministry.

Much like the small offering of barley loaves, the ordination of these women seemed insufficient to many at the time. The church had not yet officially sanctioned the ordination of women, and their actions were met with resistance and debate. However, their faith and the faith of those who supported them mirrored Elisha’s unwavering trust in God’s provision. They believed that God was calling them to serve, and they stepped forward in faith, trusting that their actions would lead to greater inclusion and equality.

Lessons of Faith and Provision

The story of the Philadelphia Eleven and the miracle of Elisha’s barley loaves both teach us profound lessons about faith and God’s abundant provision:

Faith in Action:

• The man from Baal Shalishah and the Philadelphia Eleven acted in faith, offering what they had despite uncertainty. Their actions remind us to trust in God and to offer our gifts, no matter how small they may seem, believing that God can multiply them for His purposes.

God’s Abundance:

• Just as God provided more than enough bread for the hundred men, He has also provided abundantly through the ministry of the Philadelphia Eleven. Their ordination, initially seen as controversial, has resulted in countless blessings and a richer, more inclusive church.

Leadership and Vision:

• Elisha’s leadership and the bold actions of the Philadelphia Eleven exemplify the importance of trusting in God’s vision for the church. Their courage to act against established norms paved the way for future generations, teaching us to lead with faith and conviction.

Continuing the Journey

As we commemorate this 50th anniversary, let us celebrate the faith and courage of the Philadelphia Eleven. Their journey was not without challenges, but their steadfast faith and determination have left a lasting legacy. We are called to continue this journey, advocating for justice and inclusivity within our church and beyond.

In honor of this anniversary, I encourage each of us to reflect on our own callings and the ways we can act in faith to support and uplift one another. Let us remember that God’s provision is abundant, and He can use our small acts of faith to accomplish great things.

Conclusion

In celebrating the Philadelphia Eleven, we are reminded of the power of faith and God’s ability to provide abundantly. As we reflect on their legacy, let us be inspired to trust in God’s promises, act boldly in faith, and work towards a church that reflects His vision of equality and love.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the faith and courage of the Philadelphia Eleven and for the abundant ways You have provided for Your church. Help us to trust in Your promises, to act boldly in faith, and to celebrate the diverse gifts You have given us. May we continue to work towards a church that reflects Your vision of equality and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Mo. Allison+

Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray - Forward Day by Day is an inspiring daily devotional to begin your day with. The August, September, October issue is now available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and feel free to take one for a friend who may enjoy having it. If you would like us to mail a copy to you, please let the church office know and we will be glad to send it.

To All of our members and friends

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is the responsible management and care of the resources that God has entrusted to us. It encompasses our time, talents, and treasures, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards, we are called to use these gifts wisely, generously, and joyfully to further God's work in the world.

Why is Stewardship Important?

Deepening Our Faith: Stewardship is a spiritual practice that helps us grow in faith. By giving back a portion of what we have received, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of giving strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our trust in His provision.

Supporting Our Mission: At St. Mary's, our mission is to share the love of Christ, serve our community, and nurture spiritual growth. Your contributions enable us to offer meaningful worship services, provide pastoral care, support outreach programs, and maintain our beautiful church facilities. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our ability to fulfill this mission.

Building Community: Stewardship fosters a sense of belonging and partnership within our congregation. When we come together to share our resources, we create a vibrant and supportive community. Your generosity allows us to host fellowship events, educational programs, and other activities that strengthen our bonds and enrich our spiritual lives.

Extending Our Reach: Through your stewardship, St. Mary's can extend its reach beyond our church walls. We support local, national, and international initiatives that address critical needs, such as hunger relief, disaster response, and educational support. By giving to St. Mary's, you are part of a larger effort to make a positive difference in the world.

How You Can Get Involved

• Pray: Begin with prayer, asking God to guide you in your stewardship journey. Seek God's wisdom in how you can best use your gifts to serve God's kingdom.

• Give: Consider making a financial contribution to St. Mary's. Your regular tithes and offerings provide the foundation for our ministry. You can give online, or by mail or by collection plate.

• Serve: Offer your time and talents by volunteering for one of our many ministries. Whether it's assisting with worship services, participating in outreach projects, or joining a committee, your involvement is invaluable.

• Invite: Encourage others to join our church family. Share the good work that St. Mary's is doing and invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience our community and worship with us.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to St. Mary's. Together, we can continue to grow in faith, serve our community, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

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/

We have now joined Venmo! If you have Venmo, you can donate to the church - @StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Are you seeking a deeper connection with our worship and community? Have you felt the call to serve in a meaningful way? We invite you to consider becoming an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister.

Why Serve?

Spiritual Enrichment: As an Acolyte or Eucharistic Minister, you'll play a vital role in our worship services, helping to create a sacred and reverent atmosphere. This ministry offers a profound way to experience God's presence and grace.

Community Connection: Serving in these roles strengthens your bond with fellow parishioners and enhances your sense of belonging within our church family.

Personal Growth: Engaging in this ministry allows you to grow in faith, humility, and service. It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of our liturgical traditions.

What Does the Role Involve?

Acolytes assist in the preparation and conduct of our worship services, lighting candles, carrying the cross, and helping with the altar.

Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the Holy Communion, sharing the body and blood of Christ with our congregation.

No prior experience is needed—just a heart willing to serve and a commitment to our church’s mission. Training will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported in your new role.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining this fulfilling ministry, please contact Mo. Allison. You can also sign up after Sunday services at the welcome table in the narthex.

We are excited to welcome new members to our team and to witness the many ways you will enrich our worship and community life.

Together, let us continue to serve God and one another with joy and devotion.

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. You can find the sign up sheet on the door to the kitchen. Thank you!

• July 30th - Celebration of Life Virginia Elgin 11:00 am
• August 1st - Marnie & Nate perform at our Thursdays on the Lawn concert - 7:30 - 9 pm
• August 15th - Lectionary Study 10:30 AM - St. Mary's Chapel

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

2 Kings 4:42-44

Psalm 145:10-19

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook

Saturday Worship Service, 101st St. Beach Pavilion, 5:30 pm