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

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 8

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

A Message of Hope in Transition

Thank you to the many of you who reached out with messages of love, gratitude, and understanding after the Thrift Shop announcement this week. Your love, support, and genuine care for all of us at St. Mary's has been most deeply felt. Thank you!

As we navigate through the transitions in our own parish community, it is a time to reflect on the broader changes taking place within The Episcopal Church. Recently, we received the joyful news that The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe has been elected as the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. His election marks a significant moment of hope and renewal, not only for our national church but also for our local community here at St. Mary's.

A New Chapter for The Episcopal Church

Bishop Rowe's election on June 26 is a testament to his dedication and vision for our Church. With a distinguished background as the bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for organizational learning and adaptive performance. His leadership roles within the Church, including serving as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops and chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund, highlight his commitment to fostering growth and resilience within our community.

Bishop Rowe's election on the first ballot, receiving 89 out of 158 votes, demonstrates the confidence our leaders have in his ability to guide us through the next nine years. His journey from being the youngest Episcopal priest in the U.S. to becoming our presiding bishop-elect is a remarkable testament to his steadfast dedication and vision for the future of The Episcopal Church.

Embracing Hope Amidst Change

As we at St. Mary's face the bittersweet announcement of the Thrift Shop closing, it is important to draw parallels to the broader transitions within our Church. Change, while often challenging, also brings with it the opportunity for renewal and growth. Bishop Rowe's election is a powerful reminder that transitions, whether within our local community or at the national level, are infused with hope and the promise of new beginnings.

Our Thrift Shop has been a cherished part of our community, providing not only goods but also a space for connection and service. While its closing marks the end of an era, it also opens the door for us to explore new ways to serve and connect with our community. Just as Bishop Rowe's leadership promises a vibrant future for The Episcopal Church, we too can look forward to new opportunities to fulfill our mission and ministry.

A Call to Witness and Participate

I encourage all of you to join in witnessing Bishop Rowe's address from the House of Deputies, where he shared his vision and hopes for our Church. This event was a powerful moment of connection, reminding us that we are part of a larger, dynamic community of faith. Let us draw strength from his message as we navigate our own transitions and look forward to the future with hope and determination.

A Prayer for Our Community

As we move forward, let us keep Bishop Rowe and his family in our prayers, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as he takes on this significant role. Let us also pray for our parish community, that we may embrace the changes ahead with open hearts, trusting in God's plan for us.

In the words of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." May this promise guide us as we step into a new chapter, both within our parish and within The Episcopal Church.

With faith and hope,

Mo. Allison+

As we journey together in our mission and ministry in Christ, we are constantly seeking ways to extend our reach and support those in need. With the upcoming closure of our thrift shop, we are committed to ensuring that our remaining inventory is put to good use by helping those in our community who need it most.

Recently, The Branches visited and filled bags with clothes and necessities for their guests, providing essential support to those they serve. Today, St. Barnabas' will be joining us to gather goods for their community. We have also established connections with ARC and several other organizations that will soon receive much-needed items from our inventory.

If you know of a family or a non-profit in need, please contact me, Mo. Allison, so we can assist in the best way possible. Our goal is to ensure that our resources are distributed to those who need them most, fulfilling our mission and ministry in Christ.

Simultaneously, we are praying for a smooth transition for our dedicated staff. To support them during this time, we have started a Job Board in the employee break room. This board is a space for sharing year-round employment opportunities for our amazing staff. If you know of any opportunities, please reach out to me with the contact information.

Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated as we navigate these changes and continue to serve our community with love and compassion.

In Christ’s love,

Mo. Allison



Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray - Forward Day by Day is an inspiring daily devotional to begin your day with.

The May, June, July 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 one 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 6th - Saturday Beach Service begins 101st St. Beach Pavilion, 5:30 pm
• July 11th - Thursdays on the Lawn concerts begin 7:30 - 9 pm

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

Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Canticle: A Song of God's Mercy

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Mark 5:21-43

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook