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

New Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am starting on April 7th

in person and Live on Facebook


The Fifth Sunday in Lent

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor


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

Rector's Corner



A Season of New Growth


As we welcome the gentle warmth of Spring at St. Mary's, our hearts and minds turn to the profound message of renewal and transformation captured in John 12:20-33. In this season of rebirth, the Gospel speaks to us with a timeless echo, resonating deeply with the essence of Spring's promise.


In the words of Jesus, the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce many seeds, we find a powerful reflection of Spring's very essence. This image, rich with the promise of new beginnings, parallels the natural cycle of renewal we witness all around us. Just as the earth reawakens, bringing forth vibrant blooms from the dormancy of winter, so too does this passage remind us of the spiritual renewal promised in the resurrection. It is a vivid demonstration of life's perpetual motion, from death to life, from dormancy to vibrant rebirth.


This season, let us draw inspiration from the universal themes of light overcoming darkness, of life born from sacrifice, and of the inclusive embrace of renewal. As the days lengthen and the natural world awakens in a symphony of new beginnings, may we also feel drawn into a closer relationship with the divine, reflecting on the promise of new life that the resurrection brings.


In embracing the transformative message of John 12:20-33, we are invited to consider our own paths of growth and renewal. The passage challenges us to let go of what no longer serves us, to fall to the ground like the grain of wheat, and to embrace the potential for new growth that lies within. As we journey through this season of Spring, let us carry with us the promise of transformation, the hope of renewal, and the joyful anticipation of the new life that Easter brings.


May this time of year be a reminder of the beautiful cycle of life and faith, encouraging us to open our hearts to the lessons of rebirth and renewal that Spring so generously offers. Let us stay connected to these timeless truths, finding in them the strength and inspiration to grow, transform, and flourish in both our spiritual journeys and our daily lives.


Let us pray...


Gracious and Loving God, Creator of all seasons and cycles of life, we stand in awe of the miraculous transformation that Spring brings to our world and our hearts. As the earth renews itself, bursting forth with new life from the dormancy of winter, we pray that our spirits too may experience a profound renewal in Your love.


We reflect upon the words of Jesus, likening Himself to a grain of wheat that must fall and die to bring forth new life. May we embrace this wisdom, allowing the parts of our lives that no longer serve Your purpose to fall away, making room for new growth, new hope, and new ways to serve You and Your creation.


In this season of rebirth, help us to see the parallels between the world awakening around us and the spiritual awakening You offer to each of us. Guide us to understand the deep truths of sacrifice, transformation, and rebirth, as we draw closer to the mystery of Christ's resurrection.


As the days grow longer and the beauty of Your creation unfolds in an array of colors and life, remind us of Your presence in all things. May the light that increasingly fills our days also illuminate our hearts, driving out darkness and filling us with a warmth that radiates Your love and compassion.


Lord, in this season of renewal, draw us together as a community, united in our awe of Your creation and the promise of new life. Help us to support one another in our journeys of faith, sharing the joy and hope that come with the resurrection. May our lives reflect the beauty and renewal of this season, and may we serve as beacons of Your light and love in the world.


We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who through His death and resurrection, has shown us the path from death into new life.

Amen.

Join Our Volunteer Family at

St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop!

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Do you have a passion for sustainability, helping others, and being part of a caring, vibrant team? St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop in Rio Grande is eagerly seeking volunteers to help us continue our mission of supporting our community through love, service, and compassion.


As a vital part of St. Mary's outreach, our thrift shop not only provides affordable goods to those in need but also fosters a sense of unity and care within our community. Every item sold and every dollar earned goes back to helping our neighbors and supporting St. Mary's ministries.


We're Looking for Volunteers Who:


  • Have a heart for service and a desire to make a positive impact.
  • Enjoy working in a team environment, bringing joy and compassion to both the job and our customers.
  • Can help with various tasks, including sorting donations, pricing items, creating displays, and assisting shoppers.
  • Are available for a few hours a week or month—every bit of help makes a significant difference!


Why Volunteer With Us?


  • Connect with a diverse group of people united in their desire to serve others.
  • Experience the joy of giving back and making a real difference in your community.
  • Be part of a supportive and loving community that values each individual's contribution.
  • Gain valuable experience in retail operations, customer service, and community service.
  • Whether you're looking to share your talents, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply give back in a meaningful way, St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop offers a welcoming and rewarding volunteer experience.


Ready to Join Us?

If you're interested in volunteering or want to learn more about our mission and how you can contribute, please visit us at St. Mary's This n' That or contact us at 609-886-7272.


Let's make a difference together, one donation, one sale, one smile at a time.


Thank you for considering volunteering with us. Together, we can continue to spread love, support, and kindness throughout our community.


LENT AND HOLY WEEK

LENTEN WEDNESDAYS


will conclude on March 20th with

"One Breath at a Time."


Join us in the Chapel at 6 pm.

Easter Flower and Music Offering

At Easter we celebrate the new life of our Risen Lord. Our altar Easter flowers and beautiful music not only enhance our worship services, but also speak of spring, new life, resurrection and the hope that is ours in Christ. If you would like to contribute to our flowers or music as a memorial or thank offering, please fill out the form below, enclose it with your donation in an envelope, and place it in the collection plate or mail it to the parish office. The deadline for inclusion of the names of loved ones or thank offerings in the bulletin is March 18th. Easter flowers will be made available to you, if you wish, in the weeks after Easter and some will be taken to the sick and shut-ins. Your offering to make our Church festive and beautiful for the Easter season is appreciated.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

 Easter Flower and Music Offering

 

IN MEMORY OF: _________________________________________________

 

IN THANKSGIVING FOR: __________________________________________


Enclosed is a check, payable to St. Mary’s Church (Easter flowers or music in memo line) for $ ______________.  


I _____ do _____ do not wish to take a plant at the end of the Easter Season.

 

Your Name(s): __________________________________________________

Stewardship Minute

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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

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Are you spring cleaning - cleaning up and cleaning out? St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift and Furniture Shop welcomes your household goods, clothing and furniture in good useable condition.


Donations may be dropped off on the first Saturday of the month, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-3. We appreciate all you give.



Located in the Village Shoppes, 1304 Rt 47 South, Rio Grande.

609-886-7272

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 4 pm

Pre-Shiver Event to benefit Branches


Celebrate St. Paddy's Day at a Pre-Shiver Party and support a good cause. Join Branches at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor for the kick off event of The Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge tonight.

Branches is so grateful to be sharing the proceeds from this fun event. Hope to see you there.


Tonight, Friday, March 15th,

6 to 9 pm at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor

Forward Day by Day

The spring edition of Forward Day by Day for February, March and April 2024 is 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

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!

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

____________________________________


Lenten Wednesday's Centering Prayer and Meditation 6 PM

February 21st to March 20th


Lenten Fridays Stations of the Cross at St. Mary's and St. Simeon's


Dates, times and details for all Lenten events are listed above and can be downloaded here.

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

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hebrews 5:5-10

John 12:20-33

Psalm 51:1-13

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)

New Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am starting on April 7th

and Live on Facebook

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