St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday at 9:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 7

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Beloved in Christ,

Mark your Calendars and come meet the 13th Bishop of New Jersey, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Sally J. French, on August 6th at our 9:00 am service, followed by food and fellowship.

As you are aware, the Rev. Dr. Sally J. French will be ordained and consecrated this Saturday at 10:00 am. It is an exciting and history-making event in our Diocese as she will be the very first female elected in New Jersey. I am excited to have been a part of her election and this occasion.

I will be present among other invited guests, Bishops, Clergy, and Laity, to take part in the scheduled events on Friday and Saturday. Please keep in your prayers our Presiding Bishop, Michael as he continues to recover from medical challenges, Bishop Chip and his family as he transitions into retirement, Bishop-Elect Sally, her husband, Clarke, and their two children, Libby and Jack, as they begin this new spiritual journey in our Diocese.

The details of the Bishop's visit will be made known as they are available and allow us to gather in faith as the Episcopal Church, Confirming, Receiving, and Reaffirming our Baptismal Covenant.

Please contact me if you would like to participate in any of the following:

Confirmation has a complicated history. In the early Church, adults converting to Christianity were baptized by a bishop. Baptism was characterized by immersion in water, anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands. Over time, as more children were born to Christian parents, infant baptism became the norm. Since the local bishop was unable to be present as often as needed, baptism was delegated to parish priests. However, the laying on of hands remained a ritual action reserved to bishops alone, so those baptized by a priest had to present themselves to a bishop at a later time. The sacramental Rite of Confirmation emerged out of this development. 

In the 1979 Prayerbook, we find this introduction to the rite: “…Those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.” (p. 412) Those baptized as children are usually confirmed during adolescence to publicly affirm for themselves the baptismal vows made for them by parents and godparents. If it does not take place then, Confirmation can be celebrated any time after that. The traditional focus on the Holy Spirit in Confirmation may seem a little confusing: isn’t the Holy Spirit received at baptism? The short answer is, “Yes and no.” In Baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s death and resurrection and receive the Holy Spirit, while Confirmation sends us forth into the world in the power of that Spirit to love and serve God and others. Older Episcopalians may remember Confirmation as a requirement before receiving communion, but this was changed in the 1979 revision of the Prayerbook.

Reception refers to the rite by which a baptized Christian, confirmed by a bishop, is welcomed into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church. It, too, is a public affirmation; like those being confirmed, candidates for reception also make a profession of faith and renew the Baptismal Covenant. Since they are already confirmed, the bishop does not lay hands on them. Candidates who have previously been confirmed but not by a bishop receive the laying on of hands along with others being confirmed.

Lastly, the rite of reaffirmation is celebrated with a confirmed Episcopalian who, for personal reasons, wishes to again publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows to the bishop and the community. It is comparable to a married couple publicly reaffirming their vows at significant times in their marriage. In both reception and reaffirmation, we pray that the Holy Spirit continues to transform and deepen the candidates’ faith. I encourage the vestry, our ministry leaders, anyone returning to the church or anyone desiring to engage in this opportunity.

Also, if you have any item which you use for personal prayer, piety or worship, like an icon, a favorite prayer book, a special cross or medallion, etc... that you would like to be blessed, a table will be set up on which the Bishop will bless these items for you.

Yours in Christ,

Mo. Allison+

We often get asked what must happen to “join” our Church.

The short answer is you just need to show up! We welcome anyone and everyone to join us for worship on Sunday mornings or at any of our church activities. For we understand that first and foremost, membership in the Church means being part of a community that is drawn ever more deeply into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

However, there can be more to it than that.

For those who are interested in formally committing membership to the Episcopal Church, and St. Mary’s in particular, we have put together a brief summary of how the Episcopal Church defines the terms of membership. If you still have questions after reading this page, please feel free to reach out to Mo. Allison, Lillian Armstrong, Warden, a vestry member, or Julie, our Administrator and we’d be happy to talk to you more about it.

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

A Christian is any person who has been baptized in the Episcopal Church or any other Christian church.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

The sacrament of Baptism is the initiation rite into the Christian Church. To be Baptized, as an infant, child or adult is to become a full member of the Church with access to the sacraments.

WHO MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION?

At St. Mary’s, and throughout the Episcopal Church, all are welcome to the table of our Lord.

WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

A person is a member of the Episcopal Church if they have been baptized, whether in an Episcopal church or another Christian church, and the baptism has been recorded in the records of a particular Episcopal parish. A person may also become a member of the Episcopal Church if they are Confirmed or Received by a bishop.

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?

Confirmation is a sacrament of the Church. It is an informed profession of the faith that may be made by teenagers or adults. To be Confirmed is to outwardly proclaim your choice of the Episcopal faith and tradition. It involves the laying on of hands upon the head of the individual, Confirmand by the bishop.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “RECEIVED” INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

If you have been Confirmed in another liturgical tradition, you are Received into the Church rather than Confirmed. A person is Received into the Episcopal Church by a bishop.

WHY OFFICIALLY JOIN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

We believe that God speaks to people in a variety of ways and that no one particular expression of this faith is “right.” This way of relating to the divine balances scripture, tradition, and reason for Episcopalians. The Episcopal Church is a sacramental and liturgical form of Christianity that respects the ancient nature of the church yet allows room for a prayerful discussion of theology.

WHAT IS A LETTER OF TRANSFER?

If you are a member of another Episcopal parish and would like to transfer your membership to St. Mary’s, please contact the parish office to let us know. We have a special form we send to your former parish that “transfers” your membership to St. Mary’s.

WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EPISCOPAL PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST?

An “official” member of St. Mary’s is a baptized person who requests to be placed on the membership rolls of this parish. If you are Baptized, Confirmed, or Received at St. Mary’s, you automatically become a member. A person who is a member of another Episcopal church can transfer their membership to St. Mary’s through a Letter of Transfer.

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO OFFICIALLY JOIN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OR ST. JOHN’S?

That’s fine. We consider our parish family to be a wide net of individual beliefs and situations, and while we encourage people to seriously consider official membership, it is not a requirement to partake in the life of the community. According to the canons (governing laws) of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of New Jersey, the only thing non-members may not do at the parish level is serve on the Vestry, vote at the annual parish meeting, and serve as a chalice bearer.

IS THE PARISH DIRECTORY AN OFFICIAL ROSTER OF PARISH MEMBERS?

No. The Parish Directory is an unofficial list of people who attend St. Mary’s on a regular basis who choose to be on the list. It is never fully complete or up-to-date since people join the community, move, or leave the parish at various times for a variety of reasons. The directory is published annually and updated regularly. If you would like to be included or amend your entry, please contact the parish office.

WHAT ABOUT PLEDGING?

We firmly believe that stewardship of our financial resources is an integral part of being a Christian, and we rely on the generosity of our community to support our common ministry and pay our bills. Episcopal Churches do not receive financial assistance from the Diocese or the National Church. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: we pay a yearly apportionment to the Diocese of New Jersey to support the mission and ministry of the larger church.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS OF ST. MARY’S?

We expect members of this parish community to strive to lead a life of faith. This means sharing the joy of corporate worship as regularly as possible; recognizing that God is the source of all that we are and all that we do; being hospitable of one another and respecting the dignity of every human being; understanding that we don’t have all the answers about faith but we’re always seeking to learn from God and one another; offering of ourselves to the church through our talents, time, and financial resources; helping to spread the message of Christ’s love in whatever way is possible for you. Upholding our baptismal covenant and loving our neighbors.

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/

Three and One opens our summer concert season on

Thursday, July 6th!

If you remember last year, the lawn and sidewalk were packed. This group of young men knows how to draw people in with really good music.

The band covers classic rock songs, jazz standards, and jazz/rock fusion. A few of their videos are linked here.

Invite some friends and join us on the front lawn Thursdays, July 6th through August 10th, 7:30 to 9 pm.

Worship at the Beach

"Come as you are" and join Mo. Allison and guitarist Tom Werkheiser on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion at 5:30 pm for a relaxed worship service in a glorious setting!

Bring a beach chair, bring a friend - all are welcome!

In the event of rain, the service moves to St. Mary's.

Worship at the Beach is held every Saturday from July 8th through August 26th.

Science Explorers returns this summer

for two weeks of Summer Camps at

St. Mary's.



July 17-21 - Ready, Set, Science! runs from 9 am to 12 noon for ages 7-11.

July 24-28 - Jr. Investigative Team runs

9 am to 12 noon for ages 4 - 6.

www.ScienceExplorers.com for registration and complete details about the camps or call 877-870-9517

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!

Happy Birthday to

Abigail Greenberg on June 24th, Joseph Griesbach on June 29th and Melanie Hayllar on June 30th!

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

The flowers on the altar this Sunday

are given by Cheryl Oleferuk

in loving memory of her parents,

Bill & Maryjane Lukens.

Dedicating altar flowers in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for a loved one is a wonderful way to remember someone. If you would like to do so, please sign up on the chart on the bulletin board in the parish hall. After the service, you may take the flowers to enjoy or give.

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 on the sheet on the door to the kitchen. Nothing elaborate is required, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. Thank you!

The Branches Food Pantry is open 3 days a week in an effort to address food insecurity. If you would like to make a donation, we are in need of the following: hot dogs, ground beef, sliced bread, canned chicken, coffee, sugar and pasta sauce. We have recently lost our contact for fresh milk. That is always in demand, as we serve many children. Eggs are also something that we like to have on hand. We are completely out of milk and eggs. Donations can be dropped off M-W-F from 9-12. Many thanks!

Branches offer food, help and more in Rio Grande

Here is a link to a great article printed about The Branches in the Atlantic City press on April 25th!

Looking to refresh your summer rental or have a room that could use an updated piece of furniture? Then you might want to check out the new FURNITURE SHOP at St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop!

Gold Winner of the 2022 and 2023 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops, the Furniture Shop is a great addition to the home goods, housewares and clothing shops at This 'n That.

And remember the thrift shop when you're spring cleaning and re-organizing. Household items, furniture and clean usable clothing are welcome!



Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

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

1st Saturday of the month 10 - 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/

Saturday, June 24th - Consecration of Bishop French

Thursday, June 29th - The wedding of Ariel Baker and Alize

Thursday, July 6th - 7:30 pm - Thursdays on the Lawn begins

Saturday, July 8th - 5:30 pm - Worship at the Beach begins

Our Summer at St. Mary's pamphlet of events may be downloaded here.

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm

Alanon Tuesday at 7:15 pm (beginners meeting in the chapel)

Alanon Tuesday at 8:00 pm (in the chapel)

Alanon Friday morning at 10:00 am

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

Jeremiah 20:7-13

Psalm 69: 8-11, (12-17), 18-20

Romans 6:1b-11

Matthew 10:24-39

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)