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

in person and Live on Facebook


The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28

NOTICE of Convocation Meeting


DATE - Tuesday, Nov. 21

TIME - 6:00 pm until 8:00 or so

LOCATION - St. Stephen's in Waretown


***Delegates, please inform Mo. Allison if you plan to attend.***

It's Stewardship time!

Everyone should have received a packet in the mail. Pledges are due by Sunday, November 19th. Pledges are the foundation of the budgeting process for next year, so everyone's participation is important. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Lillian or Jack. Thank you!


You can make your pledge now by clicking the link below.


Remember to pledge your support!

Pledge Now!

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor


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

Rector's Corner


Embracing the Light of Faith in Uncertain Times


In the heart of our spiritual journey, we often encounter scriptures that resonate with our times and challenges. One such passage is from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, where Apostle Paul speaks to the early Christians in Thessalonica about the uncertainty of the future and the coming of the Lord. This message, though ancient, holds profound relevance for us today.


Paul begins by acknowledging the unpredictability of the "times and seasons," reminding us that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, "like a thief in the night." This metaphor speaks to the suddenness and the element of surprise with which significant changes can occur in our lives. In our contemporary world, we too face uncertainties—be it through personal challenges, societal upheavals, or global crises.


However, Paul assures us that as followers of Christ, we are not in darkness. We are the "children of light and children of the day," not of the night or darkness. This powerful imagery encourages us to live in a state of readiness and awareness, not in fear or ignorance. It is a call to be spiritually awake, to remain vigilant in faith, and to live in the light of Christ's love and teachings.


Paul's exhortation to "keep awake and be sober" is a metaphor for a life of spiritual discernment and moral clarity. In a world where distractions are plentiful, this is an invitation to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God, our growth in faith, and our service to others.


Furthermore, Paul encourages us to "put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." This is a vivid image of arming ourselves with the virtues of faith, love, and hope. Faith anchors us in God's promises, love guides our actions toward others, and hope uplifts us in times of despair. These virtues protect us, just as armor would, from the trials and tribulations of life.


Notably, the passage concludes with a message of community and mutual support: "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing." This is a reminder of the strength we find in our faith community. In coming together, in supporting and uplifting each other, we reflect the love and light of Christ. As an Episcopal Church, we are called to be united in our faith as one body of Christ.


As we reflect on these words, let us commit to being vigilant and active in our faith. Let us engage more deeply in prayer, study, and service. Let us look out for one another, especially those who are vulnerable or struggling. Let us lift one another in word and deed, in forgiveness and in love. In doing so, we live out the calling Paul presents to us.


A Closing Prayer:


Gracious God, in times of uncertainty and change, remind us that we are all your children of light. Guide us to live in faith, love, and hope, and to support each other in our spiritual journey. Help us to be vigilant in our faith, active in our love, and steadfast in our hope. May we always find strength and comfort in your presence and in our community of believers. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.


With love and blessings,

Mo. Allison+


May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guide your hearts and minds in the days to come. Amen.

Exploring the Parable of Talents

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 19, 7:30 pm

The 7 Mile Island Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, November 19th at 7:30 pm this year at the First United Methodist Church, 3344 Dune Dr., Avalon.

Please plan to join us as we give thanks for our many blessings.

Forward Day by Day

Large and small print copies of Forward Day by Day for November, December and January are available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and feel free to take one for a friend who may enjoy receiving one.

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.

2024 Church Year Calendars

2024 Church Year Calendars are now available in the church narthex and parish hall. Please help yourself. The calendars are courtesy of Radzieta Funeral Home.

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Did you know?


Our Thrift Shop continues to be a beacon of mission and ministry out in the community. Each month is dedicated to a community organization.


For the month of November, they are collecting for Toys for Tots. New unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the thrift shop any time during the month of November and December.


Thank you to Debbie, our Staff, and customers for your support, donations and care.

Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Location: St. Mary's This 'n That, 1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, NJ 08242   609-886-7272


Thrift items donation days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm, and on the 1st Saturday of the month 10 - 3 pm.


Gold Winner of the 2022 and 2023 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops, This 'n That Furniture Shop is a great addition to the home goods, housewares, including small appliances, and clothing shops at This 'n That.


Don't forget the thrift shop when you're fall cleaning and re-organizing. Household items, furniture and clean usable clothing are welcome!


Remember - Upcycling is good for the planet!



You can keep up with special sales and featured furniture by following them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-This-N-That-Thrift-Shop-268676343298636/

The Branches Food Pantry is serving folks who are food insecure. Many are choosing between food and rent, or medication. We are so grateful to those of you who support our efforts with food donations.


At the present time we are running low on the following: peanut butter, mayo, canned fruit, ketchup, cup of noodles, eggs, bread, milk, hot dogs and diapers size 5, 6 and 7.

If you are coming our way, we would appreciate a donation of any of these items. We cannot do what we do without you. Thank you for supporting our mission at Branches.

Items may be dropped off at The Branches Outreach Center

201 Hirst Ave., Rio Grande, NJ 08242 609-886-5091


Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1:30pm - Saturday: 10am – 12pm

Sunday: Closed

Stewardship Minute

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To All of our seasonal members and friends


Please consider making a donation or pledge for 2024 before you head home for the season.


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 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

Happy Birthday to

William Lehr on November 19th and

Stanley Casper on November 20th!


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 or call the church office: jultaylor9425@gmail.com or 609-368-5922

Altar Flowers

Dedicating altar flowers in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for a loved one is a wonderful way to remember someone. If you would like to do so, please sign up on the chart on the bulletin board in the parish hall. After the service, you may take the flowers to enjoy or give.

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 on the sheet on the door to the kitchen. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. Thank you!

Women's Civic Club Trip Dec. 6th


The Stone Harbor Civic Club has planned a trip to Sight & Sounds "Miracle of Christmas" in Lancaster on Wednesday, December 6th. Price $185 per person includes transportation and lunch. Contact Isabella Kelly-Prince 609-374-5054 to sign up and for more information.

Upcoming Events

Today following coffee hour- Vestry Meeting



Sunday, November 19th - 7:30 pm

7 Mile Island annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service to be held at First United Methodist Church of Avalon


Thursday, December 21st - 7:00 pm

Blue Christmas - a Service of Healing, Hope, and Wholeness with a Liany for Peace


12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm

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

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28

Zephaniah 1:7,12-18

Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Matthew 25:14-30

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)

and Live on Facebook

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