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WELCOME HOME!
Worship with us:
Sunday at 9:00 am in person and Live on Facebook
Sunay of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom
(Morning Prayer for Holy Week will be Monday and Tuesday only. Please email Mo. Allison, for Tuesday's link)
Healing services are held at St. Barnabas and
St. Mary's on a rotating schedule every third Thursday.
The next service will be at St. Barnabas on April 20th at 6 pm.
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Jesus is humbly obedient to his mission.
Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time in the Church calendar when we remember Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. Before we get to Easter, though, the Church invites us to ponder the meaning of Jesus’ death.
We start by recognizing that Jesus' death was not an accident or an unfortunate misunderstanding. No, Jesus was murdered and put to death on the cross by the religious and political leaders of his time who would not tolerate his challenges to their greed, power, and hypocrisy. Jesus’ words, actions, and deeds made them angry, and they initiated measures to bring about his demise.
In Matthew 21, Jesus plans a triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Sunday, and this procession gets the entire city’s attention. Later, everyone’s eyes turn to Jesus when he enters the temple area and drives out the animal vendors and the money changers. These actions challenge the temple officials’ greedy abuse of the people’s religious observance. This angers the temple officials, so they plot Jesus’ death, which we hear unfold in the passion story.
Jesus knew that his actions would lead to suffering and death, but he was obedient to his mission and ministry to preach and present the kingdom of God. Jesus was faithful to this mission whether it was convenient or inconvenient, whether it would be well received or poorly received. He would not turn away from his mission, even if it meant torture and death.
Jesus did all of this with great humility. For Jesus, it was never about looking important or being famous. We learn from Paul's letter to the Philippians, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, and he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. As a sign of this humility, when Jesus enters Jerusalem, he doesn’t ride a war horse like the rulers of the time, but a humble donkey, the beast of burden used by the lowly.
Jesus’ willingness to accept suffering and even death is part of his saving work. His obedience should inspire us to stay faithful to our mission to proclaim the kingdom of God. This means loving others, even when they don’t return our love. It means speaking the truth, even when others do not want to hear it. It means asking for forgiveness when we have been wrong. It means caring for others, even when that is difficult or inconvenient. And it means doing all of these things with humility. It isn’t easy, but Jesus does not leave us alone in our efforts. Every time we come to the Eucharistic table, he gives himself to us, strengthening us to follow his example.
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The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 2, 2023 - 9:00 AM
Eucharistic Prayer A, with Inclusive Options
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Easter Flower and Music Offerings | |
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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 April 5th. 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.
In memory of ________________________________________________
In thanksgiving for ____________________________________________
By _________________________________________
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Celebration of Life for Dale Schweickhardt
April 15th at 12:00 noon at Icona Avalon
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A Celebration of the Life of Dale Henry Schweickhardt will be held on Saturday, April 15th at 12:00 noon at Icona Avalon, 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon NJ. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be directed to Lynn’s Animal Rescue. https://lynnsanimalrescue.org/donate.php
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The Book of Common Prayer | |
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The Book of Common Prayer’s Rite I Morning Prayer includes this prayer, called The General Thanksgiving:
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness
and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen. (58-59)
Did you notice this line: “…that we may show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives…” This line in the prayer is a reminder of a basic tenet of our faith: We are called to offer God praise, not simply in what we say, but also in what we do. God doesn’t want lip service; God wants life service. And there is an intimate, unbreakable connection between the words that we say in prayer and the things that we do in our daily lives.
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Remember to pledge your support!
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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.)
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Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
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Online giving through our website at https://www.stmarysstoneharbor.org/
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We're having a Painting Party and you and your friends are invited! Join us in St. Mary's parish hall Saturday, May 6th at 6 pm (begins 5:45) for a fun get together while we show off our creative sides.
No painting experience necessary! The teachers will guide you through the steps to produce a springtime daisy picture on canvas.
$30 at the door. Proceeds benefit The Branches Outreach of Rio Grande.
RSVP saintmarysstoneharbor@ gmail.com so we can know how many easels to have on hand.
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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!
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Happy Birthday to
Kathryn Rodriguez on April 2nd, Colin Milio on April 7th, and Carole Diller on April 8th
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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 | |
March is National Nutrition Month! | |
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The Branches Outreach is celebrating National Nutrition Month by having a healthy, non-perishable food drive to supply their pantry.
A list of requested donations may be found here.
Donations may be dropped off from March 1 to March 31 at The Branches Outreach Food Pantry, 1304 Rt. 47, Unit AJ, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9 am to 12 noon. The attached flyer gives details on location.
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CAN YOU HELP?
Immediate needs at The Branches
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It’s been a very busy time at The Branches Outreach. They are feeding a lot of people because of many Code Blue days!
Branches is in need of BIG containers of soup (crockpot size) or large casseroles they can keep in the freezer - even something as simple as a large Stouffer's lasagna.
You may bring any casseroles or soup over to The Branches at their new location - 201 Hirst Ave., Rio Grande, NJ - daily from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM,
If you can't get to Rio Grande, please contact Dina Ziemba 609-780-3142.
She will be happy to pick up your food and take it to The Branches.
ALSO The Branches food pantry is in need of the following: bread, hamburger, chicken, coffee, mayo, ketchup, peanut butter, salad dressing, juice, breakfast bars and spam. The Food Pantry is open M-W-F from 9-12 and is located at 1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, Unit AJ.
Many thanks !!!
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St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop | |
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Come check out the GOLD Winner of the 2022 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops - St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop! And remember the thrift shop when you're spring cleaning and organizing. Household items and clean usable clothing are welcome!
Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Donation days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 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/
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John Curtis and Cape Classical Artists | |
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Mark your calendar for the next Cape Classical Artists concert:
Sunday, April 16, 3:00 pm
Music for Soprano and Piano
Soprano Judy Ann Curtis and pianist John Curtis present a program of music from Mozart to the Great American Songbook
Sunday, May 21, 3:00 pm
Beverly Trio
An exciting variety of music of oboe, viola and cello
All concerts are free of charge to the public and are produced in partnership with and held at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. If you would like to become a sponsor, visit our home page and click on the “Donate” button. 100% of all contributions go directly to the support of our series. The concerts are live-streamed on our YouTube channel.
Visit our website, www.CapeClassicalArtists.com for:
• a link to our YouTube channel
• directions to the church
• a copy of the concert program
• information on becoming a sponsor for yourself or your business
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Friday, March 31st – 7 pm Stations of the Cross at St. Mary's
Sunday, April 2nd - 9 am Sunday of the Passion Palm Sunday
Monday, April 3rd - Morning Prayer 8:30am Zoom
Tuesday, April 4th - Morning Prayer 8:30am Zoom
Wednesday, April 5th - Tenebrae 7:00 pm
Thursday, April 6th - Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing
Friday, April 7th - 10:00 am Stations of the Cross
12:00 pm Good Friday Service
Saturday, April 8th - 7:30 pm Easter Vigil at St. Barnabas by the Bay
Sunday, April 9th - 9:00am Holy Eucharist
11:00am Eucharist
Sunday, April 16th - 9:00 am Holy Eucharist with Father Mattis
Tuesday, April 25th - St. Mary's Hosts Clericus at 3:00 pm
Saturday, May 6th - Jane Carol's Ordination 11:00 am at the Cathedral
May 6th - Painting Party at 6:00 pm
Monday, May 8th - 13th - Mother Allison on Retreat
Wednesday, May 17th - Vestry meeting 6:30 pm via Zoom
Sunday, May 28th, Strawberry Fest
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12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 8:00 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm
(Alanon meetings will return in the summer)
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The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday | |
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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)
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