St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

Sunday Service - 10:00 am

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook

Second Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 4

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

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

Rector's Corner

Sunrises, Sunsets, and Chicken Cutlets: A Reflection

Dear Beloved Friends and Family

This past week, I found myself in the charming town of Fall River, Massachusetts. My mission? To help my son settle into his new apartment, whip up some delicious chicken cutlets for him and his friends, and soak in the breathtaking New England sunrises and sunsets. It was a journey filled with love, laughter, and a hint of shopping – (ok, more than a hint) the perfect recipe for a memorable adventure.

As I stood in my son's kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling chicken and the chatter of young voices, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. There's something profoundly sacred about the act of cooking for loved ones, about the way it nourishes not just the body, but the soul. It's in these simple, everyday moments that I often find God's presence most vividly.

Now, you might think that such an experience would leave me brimming with inspiration, ready to pen a heartfelt message for this week's "Staying Connected." Alas, even the most pastoral among us are not immune to the dreaded writer's block. Perhaps it's the lingering scent of fried chicken or the vivid memories of those stunning sunsets or my son's hugs that have left my mind wonderfully blank.

In the spirit of transparency and a good laugh, I confess: I am currently staring at a blinking cursor, with a brain that seems to be stuck somewhere between Fall River and Stone Harbor. And you know what? That's okay. Because sometimes, the best reflections come not from a place of prepared eloquence, but from the raw, honest truth of where we are in the moment.

So, as I grapple with this writer's block, I find myself leaning into faith, love, and compassion. Faith that the right words will come when they are meant to. Love for my son, for all of you, and for the sacred act of sharing our lives with one another. And compassion for myself, for this imperfect, human process of creating and connecting.

In this moment of pause, I am reminded of the grace that flows through our lives, even – and especially – when things don't go according to plan. The same grace that paints the sky in hues of dawn and dusk, that flavors our meals with love, and that fills our hearts with gratitude for the journey we are on together.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for your patience, and for the laughter we share along the way. Here's to embracing the unexpected, finding joy in the simple moments, and trusting that even in the midst of writer's block, we are always "Staying Connected."

With love and gratitude,

Mo. Allison+

Pride around the Diocese

Committees recommend resolutions on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including 'apartheid' language

Episcopal News Service] General Convention's committees on Social Justice & International Policy recommended a series of resolutions on June 6 responding to various aspects of the ongoin...

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Monday 7:30 pm - Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Tuesday 8:00 pm - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

(Tuesday, Alanon Summer Meetings start 5/28/24)

Tuesday 7:15 pm - Alanon Beginner's meeting in the Chapel

Tuesday 8:00 pm - Alanon meeting in the Chapel

Wednesday 7:00 pm Recovery Eucharist

June 26th, July 24th, August 28th

Thursday 7:00 pm - Big Book Meeting (AA)

(Friday Alanon Summer Meetings start 5/25/24)

Friday 10:00 am - Alanon

Forward Day by Day

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.

Stewardship Minute

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/

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

Become an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister!

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

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!