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St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey


All are welcome. Please join us!

Sunday Service - 10:00 am


Morning Prayer: Tuesday-Friday 8:45 am


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/322861579

Meeting ID: 322 861 579

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook


Your 2025 Pledge Form is Online for your convenience.


Click Here

We also accept donations via Venmo!


@StMarysStoneHarbor


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

Rector's Corner


Joyful Waiting


As we light the third candle of the Advent wreath this Sunday, something shifts. The deep purple hues of penitence and preparation are joined by the soft, warm glow of rose—the color of joy. Known as Gaudete Sunday, this third week of Advent invites us to pause, take a breath, and rejoice. But what does it mean to experience joy in the middle of waiting?


Waiting is an uncomfortable place to be. Whether we are waiting for the results of a medical test, for reconciliation in a fractured relationship, or for the fulfillment of a long-held hope, the act of waiting can test the limits of our patience and faith. Yet, in Advent, we are reminded that waiting is not passive; it is deeply active. It is an invitation to live with expectant hearts, trusting in the promises of God even when the outcome remains unseen.


This is why the rose-colored candle stands out so boldly on our Advent wreath. It reminds us that joy is already here, even as we wait. The world around us may be preoccupied with frantic preparations for Christmas—shopping, decorating, planning—but the joy we celebrate today is not found in what we do. It is a joy rooted in who God is. The Christ we wait for is not far off; He is already among us, working in our hearts and our lives, even now.


Advent mirrors our journey as Christians. We live in the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom. Christ has come, and Christ will come again. This tension calls us to a joyful anticipation—a deep and abiding hope that transforms the way we see the world. When we light the rose candle, we proclaim that our waiting is not in vain. God is faithful, and God’s promises will be fulfilled.


This week, I invite you to lean into the joy of this season. Take a moment to notice the small glimpses of Christ’s presence breaking into your life—a kind word, a moment of quiet peace, a gesture of love shared with a friend or stranger. These are the signs that God is near. Let them fill your heart with hope and your spirit with joy.


As we journey together through Advent, let us remember that joy is not the absence of struggle or sorrow. It is the assurance that, even in the midst of life’s challenges, Emmanuel—God with us—is present. And that is cause for rejoicing.


May this Gaudete Sunday fill your hearts with the light and joy of Christ. As we wait, may we do so with hopeful hearts and joyful spirits, knowing that God’s promises are sure and His love unshakable.

.

Yours in Christ,

Mo. Allison+

Poinsettias for Christmas

poinsettias.jpg


Poinsettias will be placed in the church for Christmas. If you would like to honor or. remember a loved one with a poinsettia, please let us know the name of your loved one and who it is given by. Call the church office 609.368.5922 or email saintmarysstoneharbor@gmail.com with your information. Names will be published in the Christmas Eve leaflet.


Poinsettias will be available after Christmas for you to take home. A donation will be appreciated.

Introducing St. Mary’s Giving Basket Program!


We are excited to launch St. Mary’s Giving Basket Outreach, a monthly opportunity for our community to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.


Each month, we’ll focus on supporting a specific organization or cause—and we invite you to join us in this meaningful mission!


This December, let’s come together to support The Branches Outreach Food Pantry in Rio Grande.


They are in need of the following items:


  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Spam and canned chicken
  • Juice
  • Can openers
  • Full-sized toiletries: razors, shaving cream, shampoo, etc.


You’ll find a large Giving Basket in the front of the church, ready to receive your contributions. Whether you can give a little or a lot, every item you donate will bring comfort and hope to someone in need this holiday season.


Together, we can be a beacon of love and generosity. Let’s fill that basket to the brim and make December a month of giving from the heart.


Thank you for being part of this wonderful outreach!

Will you join us in making a difference?



Walk in Love

Stewardship 2025


Share your vision of the words "Walk in Love." 


As we end our stewardship season at St. Mary's, we are embracing the theme "Walk in Love" by sharing photographs of what that means to us. Whether pets, families, places, or things, share an image and explain what it means to you. We'll have some elves working behind the scenes to create ornaments featuring the photos to hang on our Tree of Love Christmas Tree in the parish hall. The picture holders are round and images will be trimmed down to 2.8 inch circles, and there can be one on each side of the ornament. You can bring your photographs to church and we will trim them down, or make a scan of the photograph and return it to you. If you prefer to submit a digital photograph, please send it to Mother Allison.


You have received this year's stewardship appeal in the mail. We ask that all pledges be turned in as soon as possible so our treasurer may work on the 2025 budget.


We hope for 100% participation both in pledging and in sharing your photographs! 


Lillian B. Armstrong, Sr. Warden

Episcopal News

Episcopal churches observe Advent with Lessons and Carols, a beloved Anglican tradition

Episcopal News Service] Many Episcopal congregations nationwide are observing the 2024 Advent season with musical and family-favorite festivities, including Lessons and Carols, a beloved Anglican ...

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Episcopal Church completes divestment from fossil fuel industry

Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Church announced Dec. 11 that it had divested entirely from the fossil fuel industry - marking the culmination of a decade-long shift toward environmentally c...

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Forward Day by Day

November, December, January issue

The November, December, January issue of Forward Day by Day is now available in both large and small size booklets, 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 copy to you, please let the church office know and we will be glad to send it.

Stewardship Minute

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.)


  • 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

Formation/ Education

What We Believe

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe that God loves you - no exceptions. The [...]

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Timeline

History: Timeline For more information, visit or contact The Archives of The Episcopal Church. This page is available in: Español

Read More

Music & Liturgy

Music & Liturgy Liturgy is the term for the church's sacramental rites and texts used in public worship. In An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church (Church Publishing, 2000), Don S. Armentrout and [...]

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Stay Connected through Bible Study


We offer two convenient times to fit your schedule:

10-11:30 AM or 7-8:30 PM.


This Bible study is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity to build deeper relationships with God and with each other. As we explore the Gospel of Luke together, we’ll strengthen our faith, grow in our understanding, and stay connected as a community, no matter where we are.


If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Tracy Rubin at tgrubin3@gmail.com or 781-856-2125.


To sign up, please contact Ali at office@ccneedham.org

or call 781-444-1469.


Let’s stay connected and continue our spiritual journey together!

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.


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!

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

Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

Canticle 9

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:45 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

and Live on Facebook

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