Staying Connected
WELCOME HOME!
Join us this weekend for worship.
Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary, or
The service is also posted on our website

Evening Prayer is held on Saturday evenings at 5:30 pm in the chapel.
Holy Hour Devotion is held on Thursdays at 3 pm in the chapel.
Rector's Corner

"God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen."

In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus is tempted by the Devil, challenged, and made to engage in spiritual combat with evil possibilities. We, too, are a battleground; each one of us has conflicts that can be seen as beasts or angels surrounding us seemingly without end. Writers throughout Christianity have used different types of words when describing these struggles between good and bad resulting from human nature itself being flawed, despite how hard people may try not to let themselves get pulled down into debauchery.

We, as Christians, are not surprised at all when we experience temptation. Jesus shows us human nature and calls on his followers to follow in His footsteps, seeking service over power or lustful desires that only lead toward destruction for oneself as well as others around you – this includes being able to think critically about our own wants or needs before choosing what's best rather than just going with whatever feels good right now because it'll only bring more pain later down the line!
The ability to learn empathy and understand how other people feel--that’s something every single one of us must develop if we're ever going to come close enough together.

Just when we seem to be making spiritual headway in our lives, the likelihood of a dazzling temptation coming to us increases. It is at that point that Jesus repelled the Tempter’s luring promises, and St. Luke records, “When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). It is at those “opportune times” when the Tempter knows that we are vulnerable to sin. When our spiritual welfare seems on course, when all seems well, St. Peter suggests we “be aware” of the temptation to fall.

Overall, the passage this Sunday gives us hope. It gives hope to all those who face difficulty. Jesus went into the wilderness, but he did not go alone; neither do we, as individuals, face our own personal obstacles without having God's protection and guidance near-at hand throughout each step of this journey known simply by walking alongside one another in life’s dangerous places - even when there are times where it may seem otherwise.

Jesus gave us the best advice: “Pray,” our Lord said, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40).

Blessings,
Mo. Allison+

O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that having curbed all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You. For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Please join us for our observance of this most holy season of Lent. Services are held at St. Mary's and St. Barnabas, Villas.
Lent calendars - 40 ways to observe the 40 days -
are available in the church narthex and chapel. Please help yourself to a copy.
Painting, Raffles and more...
Come and join the fun!
The artists from APrEnnis will join us on Saturday, March 5th for a painting party at 6 pm! No painting ability is necessary! They will guide you through the creation of this cute gnome picture welcoming spring. All supplies are provided. Fun included! If you'd like, bring a snack. Friends are welcome! $25 at the door. Hope to see you there!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Bishop Search and Nomination Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey invites you to complete this assessment in order to help us find our next Bishop. We ask you to prayerfully respond to the questions and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as you do. Thank you for your contribution to building the future of our diocesan family. Please continue to pray for the Search Committee and Diocesan Leadership.
All parishioners and clergy within our Diocese are invited to complete the assessment. Please do not discuss the questions with one another prior to completing the questionnaire, so that the responses you record are your own.

Music Ministry AVON Fundraiser
Live beautifully with AVON and help support our music programs!
St. Mary's is looking forward to special presentations this year featuring local instrumentalists and vocalists. Your purchase of an AVON product for yourself or your home will help to support our Music Ministry. By ordering online at this link
a portion of your purchase will be donated to St. Mary's. Don't forget family and friends, and share the link with them. Question? Contact Sheila Handley 484-288-9136. Click here to read about Kyle's plans for our music.
Thank you for your continued support
Ways to donate are:

  • 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.


Please note: Offering envelopes have been discontinued. Only your name is needed in order for the counters to record your giving.
A Time for Quiet Repentance
Be content to go on quietly. When you discover somewhat in yourself, which is earthly and imperfect, be patient while you strive to cast it out. Your perceptions will grow — at first God will show you very obvious stumbling–block — be diligent in clearing these away, and do not aim at heights to which you are not yet equal.
Leave all to God, and while you earnestly desire that He would purify your intention, and seek to work with Him to that end, be satisfied with the gradual progress He sets before you; and remember that He often works in ways unseen by us.
Happy Birthday to
Brian Reynolds on March 5th, and
Garrettt Olthuis on March 8th!
Mark your Calendars
Looking Forward...
March 5th: The Examen - A service of Hope and Healing with the Laying on of Hands 5:30 pm in the chapel
March 5th: Painting Party Fundraiser 6 pm
March 10th: Lenten Concert at First United Methodist at 6:30 pm
March 17th: Lenten Concert 12:00 pm at St. Mary's
March 20th: Vestry Meeting 11:00 AM
March 24th: Lenten Concert at First United Methodist at 6:30pm
March 26th: Morning Lenten Retreat - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
March 31st: Lenten Concert at 12:00 noon at St. Mary's
April 7th: Lenten Concert at First United Methodist 6:30pm
12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 8:00 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm
Alanon Friday at 10:00 am
CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.
Lectionary Text for
The First Sunday in Lent
Worship Services
Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom
Thursday Holy Hour 3:00 pm (Chapel)
Saturday 5:30 pm (Chapel)
Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)
Sunday 9:00 AM Live on Facebook
Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org