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Worship with us:

Sunday at 9:00 am in person and Live on Facebook

When we decide to follow Christ, there’s no turning back. 

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Scripture readings address the subject of the end times – whether that is the end of the world or the end of our individual lives. 

Jesus tells his disciples (and us) that on the day the Son of Man is revealed, people will be going about their everyday lives – eating, drinking, engaging in commerce, and socializing – when suddenly it will all stop. That, he said, is how it was for the people when the great flood destroyed the world and again when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. 

We often hear the advice, “Live every day as if it were your last.” In the world, that usually means trying something new, indulging in a delicious dessert, travel somewhere exotic. These are all good things, certainly, but as people of an Episcopal faith, we should view that idea a little differently. If we live every day as if it were our last – knowing, at the end of our lives, we will be judged by God – what might we do differently? Would we speak to one another differently? Make time for loved ones? Make time for prayer or sit in holy hour? Volunteer at the soup kitchen, food pantry or shelter? Share a kind word or break bread with a stranger? Would we Love more deeply?

We must make a choice, not just once but every day, to follow Christ and to live in a way that is continuously preparing for his coming (or our death). We cannot turn back, or we risk losing the gift of eternal life he offers. Lot’s wife turned into salt because she looked back at Sodom – at her old life. Conversion is a continuous process, but we cannot turn back to our old lives, our old ways. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to move forward with God's blessing. +

Thank you for your service!

Veterans Day Prayer for Heroic Service:

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

~ The Book of Common Prayer

St. Mary's is interested in hearing from any parishioner who may be interested in running for the positions of Senior Warden, Vestry Member, delegate to Diocesan Convention, or delegate to Atlantic Convocation in 2023. To learn more about these positions, please contact Mo. Allison or a member of the vestry.

A brief overview of the responsibilities of each position is listed below:

Senior Warden: The Senior Warden is the lay leader of the parish. He or she, together with the Rector and Junior Warden, form the Executive Leadership team and should be visible to the parish.

Vestry Member: There is typically one vestry meeting monthly, on the third Sunday, after the 9 am Eucharist. Vestry members will be expected to take on leadership roles for the various goals and objectives that the Vestry sets. The Vestry members are the financial stewards of the parish, and as such, they need to review the financial reports provided by the Treasurer and ensure the parish's resources are used wisely. 

Delegates to Diocesan Convention: The Diocesan Convention is a day-long meeting where Deputies represent their parishes by voting on amendments to the Diocesan Constitution and Canon Law, Diocesan resolutions, and for delegates to represent the diocese at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church of America. Before the convention, the diocesan staff holds several preview meetings throughout the diocese and online to review the proposed amendments to the canons and proposed resolutions that will be voted on at the convention. 

Delegates to the Atlantic Convocation: The Atlantic Convocation is a single 2-3 hour meeting once a year where the Bishop and diocesan staff share information about diocesan programs and initiatives. Delegates may be asked to vote for Atlantic Convocation officers in the years when elections are held. Delegates may be asked to share information about diocesan programs with our parishioners.

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Stokes

On Wednesday, Bishop Stokes issued a Pastoral Letter to the clergy and laity of the Diocese of New Jersey, on the Commemoration of Kristallnacht, in light of the current threats against the Jewish Community.

The Bishop issued this Pastoral Letter in accordance with Canon III.12.3 (b) and stated that the letter is read or otherwise disseminated to the people of the diocese.

Please set aside some time to read the Bishop’s letter and consider making the prayer below part of your response to the letter.

Almighty God, the Father of us all: we ask you to inspire the people of this land with the spirit of justice, truth, and love so that in all our dealings with one another we may show that together we are one in you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Diocesan Nominating Committee requests that all the baptized people of our Diocese review the lists of offices to be filled by election, and recommend candidates appropriate for those offices. 

The completed Nomination Recommendation Form

is due by December 31, 2022.

They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. - Isaiah 49:10 

Dear Friends,

1 in 12 households in New Jersey experienced food insecurity in 2020. 

What is food insecurity? Food insecurity indicates economic hardship within a household leading to limited access to food and insufficient resources to meet basic human needs. It can have significant effects on health and affects far too many people in New Jersey. To break it down even further:

 Approximately 650,000 people in New Jersey face hunger and roughly 175,000 are children - 1 in 11 children face hunger.

Food insecurity can have harsh effects on children, not only creating negative impacts on the ability to develop and learn but also can lead to chronic illness later in life. Simply put, we must do more. 

ECS-NJ is part of the solution through its advocacy of Gospel justice and support of these 11 ministries:

Christ Church in Middletown started a community garden to supplement a local food pantry and will eventually provide hundreds of pounds of healthy produce each year

Christ Church in New Brunswick joined with two other local food pantries, the city of New Brunswick, and other religious organizations to form the “Choice Food and Resources Center”

Christ the King in Willingboro provided free meals to children during the summer months using the NJ Summer Meals Program

St. Augustine's in Asbury Park's Sunday Feeding Program has expanded to provide both nutritious, hot meals and bagged lunches

St. Barnabas-by-the-Bay in Villas will expand the amount, diversity, and freshness of available food pantry choices and offer delivery to homebound seniors

St. Mary's Church in Burlington will expand their Ladle of Love food ministry with a new freezer that will hold supplemental options of dairy and protein for their community 

St. Mary's Church in Clementon expanded The Friends of Clementon Food Pantry, increasing the families served by 40%

St. Mary's Church in Stone Harbor helps alleviate a regionally higher rate of food insecurity through The Branches Community Food Bank

St. James in Bradley Beach now sources fresh products weekly from local vendors to support the Bradley Food Pantry

St. Paul's in Camden provides hot meals to the community and has expanded its capacity to distribute more food items to those in need

St. Peter's in Clarksboro will open their Community Food Pantry to expand current food distribution and reach further into underserved and underrepresented segments of the county

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, here's how you can be part of the solution too:

• Volunteer at your local food pantry
• Donate food so more families can have healthy options to share around their Thanksgiving tables
• Pray for our ministries tackling food insecurity throughout our Garden State communities

In a spirit of love, partnership, and gratitude,

The Rev. Trisha Thorme, Deacon

Executive Director, ECS-NJ

Special thanks to The Rev. Anne Lemay, Deacon for helping us tell the story of ECS-NJ and its advocacy efforts.

Email us at info@ecs-nj.org if you would also like to be involved. 

The slate of nominees for the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey are:

• The Rev. Canon Dr. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Rhode Island

• The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French, Canon for Regional Ministry and Collaborative Innovation, Diocese of North Carolina

• The Very Rev. Troy Mendez, Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona

• The Rev. Dr. Janine Schenone, Rector, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, San Diego, California

• The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Jose Wilson, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church Oakland, California

Information on the nominees including a minute video introduction, resumes and sermons are found at www.bishopsearchnj.org

Candidates will visit locations around the Diocese in early January for meet and greet sessions that will allow clergy and congregants to engage directly with them before the Electing Convention.

The Electing Convention will be held on January 28, 2023, starting at 10 AM at Trinity Cathedral and via Zoom. More information on both the meet and greets and the convention will be available in mid-November.

The release of the slate also marks the beginning of the 30-day petition process, details of which can be found on the NJ Bishop Search Web site. That process will close at 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Dear Family, Friends, and Loved ones,

Many of you should have received your pledge letters from our stewardship committee by now, but we know that we may not have reached many of our supporters who joined us during the year. We are very grateful for your time, talent, and financial blessing, as well as your support.

Our 2022 pledge units were down last year; however, your continuing contributions and additional new supporters continue to encourage and propel St. Mary's in our mission and ministry in our communities and beyond. We are grateful for your contribution.

While your gifts have sustained us, we humbly ask for your commitment.

Your commitment matters in how we plan our ministry and live out our mission in the world. Everything from the liturgy to ministry outreach, events, activities, and more... With your help, we can keep doing the good things the Lord has given us to do, feeding the mind, body, and spirit as we form new disciples. With your commitment, we can continue to expand our outreach and proclaim the living gospel in the world.

Can we count on your commitment?

Your 2023 commitment/pledge is easy to make online confidentially.

You may make a one-time donation or pledge your time, talent, or treasure for 2023 by going to our NEW pledge commitment page on our website. Your financial contributions are shared confidentially only between our administrator and finance committee.

Pledge now, and let us count you in and plan our future together.

Blessings and Gratitude,

Mo. Allison+

Some ways to support St. Mary's

• Become a member

• 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/

Please note: Offering envelopes have been discontinued. Only your name is needed in order for the counters to record your giving.

This year's 7 Mile Island Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday, November 20th at 7 pm and will take place at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor.  

Mother Allison will be the preacher this year.

Clergy from the island churches will participate, and their choirs will sing the anthem.

Large print editions of the November, December, January Forward Day by Day, Daily Devotion booklets, are now available in the church narthex. Please help yourself and take one for a friend who might enjoy receiving a copy.

If you would like a copy mailed to you, please let the church office know and we'll be glad to send one.

The ministry of ushering is a crucial part of worship because it is one of the most visible ministries in the church. In Christ, you have received God’s unconditional love, and in Christ, you are called to extend that same unconditional love to others. Although an usher’s love is no stronger than the love found in the whole congregation of the body of Christ, nevertheless, the usher performs a major role in ensuring that people see and experience that love.

The ushers distribute bulletins and greet worshipers, making every attempt to make them feel welcome and at ease. The ushers are also available to answer questions of anyone needing assistance.

Please contact Mo. Allison or Julie if you are interested.

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!

New Church Directories have been printed and are available in the parish hall. Please help yourself to a copy.

If you are not in the Directory and would like to be, please let the church office know. If your information needs correction, please also let us know.

Happy Birthday to

Lisa Mericle on November 12th, and William Lehr on November 19th!

If you would like to be remembered on your birthday or anniversary, please let the church office know so we can add you to our data base.

If you would like to honor a loved one on their birthday or anniversary with altar flowers, please sign up on the altar flower chart in the parish hall. The flowers can be taken from the altar after worship. 

Come check out the GOLD Winner of the 2022 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops - St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop!

When you're doing your fall cleaning, please remember This 'n That. Household items and clean usable clothing are welcome!

And while you're there, look around. You may find a bargain you can't resist!

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/

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We at Branches have much to be grateful for. However, there are those who are struggling to feed their families. Our Food Pantry is working hard to meet the needs of these folks. If you have a turkey, ham, or chicken that you have received as a bonus from your super market, we would appreciate it if you would donate it to our Food Pantry. You can leave your donation at Branches Food Pantry M-W-F from 9-12. Or, you can bring it to our new Branches building at 201 Hirst Ave. from 8:30-1:30, M-F and Sat. from 10-12.

Thank you in advance if you are able to help us meet the needs of so many who are struggling during these difficult times. As we always say at Branches, “We could not do what we do without you.”

Sundays after worship (except on Vestry Sunday)- Adult Forum Book Study - Lost Christianities

• November (Date TBD) Thanksgiving service/breakfast
• November 20th - 7 PM - 7 Mile Island Service of Thanksgiving to be held at our Saviour Lutheran Church
• November 25th-26th (Women’s Club Festival of Trees Donation)
• December 17th – 7:30 pm at Cold Spring Presbyterian, Production of Handel's Messiah with John Curtis, and Mo. Allison as Narrator
• December 21st – Blue Christmas

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

Malachi 4:1-2a

Psalm 98

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19

Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)