WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

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

Dearest friends and family,

St. Mary’s Vestry is inviting you to a very special breakfast immediately 

after our services on Sunday, October 30th. We would like to share a slide presentation with you of all the things we as a church family have been doing together over the past year, along with the joy we had doing it.

All of our events and ministries – special social events like dinners, and

celebratory coffee hours; fun events on the lawn like Thursdays on

the Lawn, Halloween fun day, and handing out candy to people coming

to watch the Stone Harbor Christmas parade; exciting Adult Forum programs where everyone chimes in with their particular perspectives; the painting party where everyone who attended got to take home their own masterpiece; blessing of the animals; the amazing services at Christmas and Easter with no less than incredible music; and so much more. Altar Guild, Ushers, Lay Eucharist Ministers, Readers, Choir, Counters and members of the Vestry are some of the ministries in which members of our congregation can participate.

All of us coming together in community are the HEARTBEAT OF ST.

MARY’S. Think about it . . . we are all helping to keep St. Mary’s alive

and well, not just for us, but for anyone and everyone who may be

looking for a church home, walk through our doors and feel welcomed

by all of us. We are being faithful Stewards of Jesus Christ as we are

commanded to do.

Come and be a part of the HEARTBEAT OF ST. MARY’S on Sunday,

October 30th. IT BEATS FOR YOU!

Beloved God, creator of all,

We ask your presence to be upon us as we gather this day with humble gratitude and celebrate the many gifts you have bestowed upon us.

For the gift of our leaders, may you continue to bless their hearts and minds with compassion and wisdom. Guide them by faith and with integrity to make good decisions, to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly beside you. Give them deep faith and determination to seek you in all people.

For the gift of our staff and volunteers, who give freely of themselves - physically, mentally, and spiritually, bless them with gentle hands and healing hearts, bless them with strong courage, persistent faith, and a resilient spirit. 

Continue, O’Lord, to bless them with your love and kindness as they serve you in all people. 

As they meet daily challenges, Lord God of all, compassionate healer of souls, shield them, guard and protect them against all evils that would hurt or distract them from you, your love, and the service you have called them to do. Comfort them in times of sorrow, and rejoice with them in times of celebration. Hold them in the palm of your hand - lift them on the wings of angels for the good of all.

For the gift of our supporters, we give thanks for their kind and generous hearts. We ask for your blessing upon the abundance shared and offered before you on this day, including this building, this space that brings refuge to all in need.

We ask, O’Lord, as you have nourished us, may we continue to be your vessel in this community, and may we nourish and feed your children with your abundance and love providing shelter and care.

May we continue to serve all, turning no one away. Let us provide warmth where there is cold, food where there is hunger, peace where there is none, healing where there is pain, and friendship where there are those who feel alone.

May all be welcomed and at home.

Give us the power, Lord, to unite us in your loving embrace.

And may your grace, O' God of compassion, lead us to your kingdom.

In your most Holy Name, we pray.

ANNUAL ATLANTIC CONVOCATION MEETING

DATE - Thurs., October 27

TIME -  7:00 PM

LOCATION - Holy Trinity in Ocean City

Remaining Bishop Search TimeLine:

• May–October 2022: Discernment Process; Review of applications, interviews, background checks, and discernment retreat
• Late October 2022: The slate of candidates is announced; Petition candidates are accepted
• Early January 2023: Diocesan Meet and Greet; Opportunities to meet the full slate, comprised of Committee Nominees and, if applicable, Petition Nominees
• January 28, 2023: Special Electing Convention
• June 24, 2023: Ordination of the 13th Bishop of New Jersey

God of all, hold the diocese of New Jersey in the palm of your hand during this time of discernment. Help us to come together as siblings of Jesus Christ, listening to one another with open hearts and open minds. Enter into our conversations and make them holy, and lead us into a peaceful place of unity as we search for our new bishop.

Lost Christianities: The Battles of Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew 

by Bart D. Ehrman, Matthew Kugler, et al.

Available in Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle or Audiobook

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.

We are invited to participate in Safe Church Safe Communities Training at St. Barnabas By-the-Bay on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

This training is grounded in our call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. It offers an opportunity to increase and enhance our ability to live out our Baptismal Covenant within our faith communities and in the world beyond.

It is offered to anyone who currently has oversight responsibilities for events, programs, or others engaged in ministry and ministerial roles

Please Register: https://tinyurl.com/SafeChurch10222022Villas

If you need a ride, please contact Mo. Allison

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



We welcome you to join us!

Perhaps we do not think enough about what an effective service prayer is. We do not believe as we should how it might help those we would serve, penetrating the hearts we cannot open, shielding those we cannot guard, teaching where we cannot speak, comforting where our words have no power to soothe; following the steps of our beloved through the toils and perplexities of the day, lifting off their burdens with an unseen hand at nights. No ministry is so like that of an angel is this — silent, invisible, known but to God.

Placing flowers on the altar is a wonderful way to remember a loved one. If you would like to do so, simply choose a date on the flower chart in the parish hall and note who the flowers are in memory or honor of, and your name. A donation may be placed in the plate or sent to the church office. After the Sunday service, you may take the flowers home. Thank you for helping to support our altar guild ministry!

Happy Birthday to

Kay Denson on October 23rd, Margaret Conrad on October 27th, Dave Kowalski on October 27th, and Marshall Ciccarone on October 27th!

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.

Once again, we are enjoying the beauty of God's creation all around us as the transition is made from Summer to Fall and then from Fall to Winter.

We live in such a beautiful part of the country as the Autumn leaves fill the trees with brilliant colors. As the weather gets even cooler and the winds pick up, those same beautiful leaves fall as the trees are left to face the winter “alone.”

I don't know about you, but this truly is one of my favorite times of the year, as the temperatures are more pleasant and invigorating. Yet, we know what is “around the corner”! Winter is coming.

As I watch, I also notice the scurrying of the squirrels as they frantically search for chestnuts that have fallen to the ground. It's amazing to me that God has built such a sense of preparation into the animals that even they recognize the value of being ready for upcoming needs.

As we begin this Fall Stewardship Season, let me assure you and remind you that God knows our needs, yet it is still important for us to do our part in making sure we are obedient and prepare for the future. Yet, in all that preparation, God has made it clear that we are to put God first in all we do, especially in our giving. As we do that, God has promised that God would take care of our needs! Matthew 6:33 shares this truth so powerfully; “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, let me remind you that Jesus Christ will supply our needs, and yes, I believe there are times we may be blessed even in greater ways than just for the things we “need.” Yet, we are blessed to BE a blessing! We are all called to be givers, and I want to remind you that while the church “receives” from those who attend, we are thrilled to be able to give out and give back in so many ways, both here in this community and in our neighboring communities.

Thank you so much for continuing to remain faithful in the areas of giving and tithing. God has made it so simple, yet in a sense, so challenging! We continue to thank God for generous supporters like you who simply give because it's the right thing to do, and reflects the nature of God, who gave His son Jesus Christ, and Jesus, who gave His life for us!

May God Bless You!

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.

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/

Branches is supplying 80 back packs a week for 40 weeks to some local schools. The back packs will contain two nourishing weekend meals.

If you would like to help with this project, we are collecting the items in the picture. The milk should be in individual sized servings.

Children have always been a priority at Branches. This project is our way of helping to make sure that they are properly nourished. The need is great and growing. Thank you in advance for your help!

Donations may be dropped off to The Branches Food Pantry Monday, Wednesday, or Fridays from 9 AM to 12 noon, at 1304 Rt. 47 So., Unit AJ, Rio Grande. Or you many bring things to St. Mary’s and they will be taken to the Food Pantry for you.

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

• October 22nd - Safe Church Training
• October 27th - Annual Atlantic Convocation Meeting 7:00 pm Holy Trinity Ocean City
• October 29th – Fall Family Fun Day
• October 30th - Stewardship Breakfast after worship
• November (Date TBD) Thanksgiving service/breakfast
• 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

Sirach 35:12-17

Psalm 84:1-6

2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom

Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)