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St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Stone Harbor, New Jersey
All are welcome. Please join us!
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Sunday Service - 10:00 am | |
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WELCOME HOME!
Worship with us:
Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am
in person and Live on Facebook
Pentecost Sunday
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Embracing the Spirit: The Excitement and Meaning of Pentecost
Dear Beloved friends and family of St. Mary's,
As we approach the vibrant celebration of Pentecost, our hearts are filled with excitement and anticipation. This day, often referred to as the "birthday of the Church," marks a pivotal moment in our Christian journey, a time when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, filling them with divine power and wisdom.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Pentecost, derived from the Greek word for "fiftieth," is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. It commemorates the moment when the apostles, gathered in Jerusalem, experienced a profound transformation. As described in the Book of Acts, "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:2-4).
This extraordinary event signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, empowering His followers to spread the Gospel to all corners of the earth. The apostles, once timid and uncertain, were emboldened to preach the Good News, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.
A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
Pentecost is a powerful reminder of the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. The apostles' ability to speak in different tongues highlights the inclusivity of God's message. The Holy Spirit did not come to establish uniformity but to celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience. Each language spoken on that day represented the unique and precious nature of God's creation.
In our own community, we are called to embrace this diversity, recognizing that our differences are a source of strength. Pentecost challenges us to look beyond our own comfort zones, to listen and learn from one another, and to work together in building a more just and compassionate world.
The Spirit at Work Today
The Holy Spirit continues to move among us, guiding and inspiring our actions. In moments of doubt or difficulty, we can find solace in the Spirit's presence, knowing that we are never alone. The Spirit empowers us to be bold in our faith, to speak out against injustice, and to extend love and grace to all.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let us open our hearts to the Spirit's transformative power. Let us pray for the courage to live out our faith authentically, to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in a fractured world. And let us rejoice in the knowledge that, just as the Spirit descended upon the apostles, so too does it dwell within each of us, igniting our passion for the Gospel and our love for one another.
A Call to Action
This Pentecost, I invite you to reflect on the ways the Holy Spirit is calling you to serve. How can you use your unique gifts to further God's kingdom? How can you reach out to those who are different from you, building bridges of understanding and respect?
Let us come together as a community, united by the Spirit, to celebrate the birth of the Church and to recommit ourselves to the mission of Christ. May the flames of Pentecost ignite within us a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened love for all of God's children.
Blessings to you all on this joyous occasion.
In Christ's Love,
Mo. Allison+
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Become an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister! | |
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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.
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Strawberry Fest May 26th! | |
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Join Us for the Annual Strawberry Festival at
St. Mary's! 🍓✨
Sweeten your evening with a dash of fun and community spirit at our Strawberry Fest on Sunday, May 26th, from 6:00-8:00 PM! This is the event you won't want to miss—an evening filled with laughter, raffles, and delectable treats. Picture this: a warm, sunny lawn adorned with beautiful baskets, and inside, tables brimming with the sweetest delights.
We Need You! 🌟
🍰 Baked Goods:
Got a knack for baking? Share your talents by bringing cakes and baked goods to the church on Sunday morning or even on Saturday night. Your homemade treats will be the stars of the fest!
🎈 Set-Up Crew:
Be part of the magic! We need enthusiastic volunteers to help set up. Join us at the church by 5:00 PM to transform our space into a festive wonderland.
🎟️ Serving and Raffle Tickets:
Help us keep the excitement going! We need cheerful hands to serve treats and sell raffle tickets. If you can assist, please arrive by 5:30 PM.
🍓 Strawberry Prep:
Get ready to roll up your sleeves the day before the fest and help us prepare the star of the show—our fresh, juicy strawberries! Your help in cutting them up will make all the difference.
Let’s make this Strawberry Fest an unforgettable celebration of community and togetherness. Your participation and support are the ingredients to our success. See you there, ready to create sweet memories! 🍓✨
For more information and to RSVP, please contact
Lisa - Lisala0329@gmail.com or Dina - ziels@comcast.net
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Recovery Ministry at St. Mary's | |
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 Episcopal 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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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!
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Sunday Service - 10:00 am | |
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- May 19th Vestry Meeting
- May 26th, Strawberry Festival, 6 to 8 pm
- May 27th, Memorial Day Celebration
- June 2nd, Diocese of NJ Pride Sunday
- July 6th, Worship at the Beach 5:30 pm
- June 15th, Pride Eucharist at Christ Church, Toms River Time: TBA
- June 15th, The Wedding of Susan Shaw and Edward Mellon
- June 16th, Father's Day
- June 20th-21st - 7 mile Island Players Auditions in the Hall
- July 6th - Saturday Beach Service begins
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Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom
Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am
and Live on Facebook
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