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 Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King

It's Stewardship time!

Everyone should have received a packet in the mail. 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!


Please return your pledge by mail, or 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 Faith and Love: A Reflection on Ephesians 1:15-23


In the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, it's easy to become engulfed in the cacophony of worldly concerns. Yet, amidst this noise, the words of Ephesians 1:15-23 offer a serene harbor, inviting us to anchor in the depths of faith and love.


Paul's letter to the Ephesians is not just a historical artifact; it's a living, breathing message that resonates profoundly in our hearts today. He speaks of hearing about the faith in the Lord Jesus and the love extended to all saints. This is a poignant reminder that our faith is not a solitary journey but a shared pilgrimage of love and support within our community.


In a world where divisions and discord are prevalent, this call to faith and love is more pertinent than ever. It's an invitation to look beyond our differences and see the divine spark in each other. To not only believe in Christ but to manifest that belief through acts of kindness, understanding, and compassion.


The passage also emphasizes gratitude and the power of prayer. Paul's ceaseless prayers for the Ephesians inspire us to adopt a posture of thankfulness in our lives. Let us be grateful not only for the blessings we can see but also for the unseen workings of the Divine in our lives and the lives of others. Prayer becomes our way of connecting, understanding, and transforming the world around us.


Moreover, Paul prays for a spirit of wisdom and revelation. In an era where information is at our fingertips yet wisdom often feels distant, this prayer is a beacon calling us to seek deeper understanding and enlightenment. It's a journey to know God more intimately and, in turn, to understand ourselves and our place in this vast universe.


The hope to which we are called is a reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in our faith. It's an acknowledgment of the rich spiritual inheritance we share as believers. In times of uncertainty, this hope is our steadfast anchor, reminding us of the immeasurable power available to us through faith.


Ephesians 1:15-23 also speaks of Christ's power and authority, a reassurance that transcends temporal power structures. It encourages us to view our challenges through a spiritual lens, finding solace in the knowledge that there is a higher, loving authority governing all.


Lastly, the image of the church as the body of Christ, with Christ himself as the head, is a powerful metaphor for our community. We are reminded that each of us plays a vital role in this body, contributing our unique gifts and talents. As members of this spiritual body, we are called to live and act in ways that reflect the love and teachings of Christ.


Let us embrace this message of faith, love, wisdom, and hope. Let it guide our actions and interactions. I invite each of you to embody these virtues in your daily lives. Let us reach out in love, offer support to our neighbors, engage in acts of kindness, and be the living embodiment of Christ's love in the world. Together, let us build a community that reflects the fullness of Christ's love, a community where everyone feels valued, loved, and supported.


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.

United in Spirit, Faith and Love: A blessing for all


"Finding God in the Christmas Chaos"

Advent Fellowship Workshop

December 10th

during coffee hour


Christmas card trauma. Over-the-top decorations. Post-Christmas blues.



With laugh-out-loud humor anchored by spiritual truths, author Tim Schenck helps us maintain our spiritual sanity through the often frenetic chaos of Advent and Christmas. Illustrated by popular cartoonist Jay Sidebotham, Dog in the Manger also explores the major characters of the season in new ways, including John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph- and of course, Jesus.


Thoughtful questions following each section make Dog in the Manger ideal for personal reflection, seasonal book groups, or a last-minute Christmas gift.


Come to this wonderful Workshop for a fun-filled conversation. You may get your copy of Dog in the Manger through Amazon. The book is not needed for the Workshop, but the Workshop will be based on the book.

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/

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 Anniversary to

Bill and Janice Haines on November 26th!


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

Thursday, December 21st - 7:00 pm

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


Sunday, December 24th at 9:00 PM

Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist



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.

The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Psalm 95:1-7a

Ephesians 1:15-23

Matthew 25:31-46

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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