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Click on the camera to see pictures of the following special activities held at The Branches in November.
A free Health clinic for members of our churches and the community was held. More than 50 visitors received free health screenings.
A free soup & sandwich lunch is enjoyed by neighbors in the surrounding community following midday prayer on Wednesdays. On the first two Wednesdays over 40 guests were fed.
70 Thanksgiving dinners and 100 Christmas dinners and boxes of pantry staples were packed and given to Caring for Kids for distribution to families identified as being very much in need in Cape May County. Thank you to St. Mary's and St. Barnabas' congregations for their generosity and to the volunteers, Youth Group & Sunday School children for their work.
Cick on the truck for a video of holiday baskets 2009
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 The Branches: Mission and Outreach Center
"Where All Are Welcome"
"I am the Vine, you are the branches..."
John 15:5, 9
The Branches is a combined effort by St. Barnabas Church, Villas, and St. Mary's Church, Stone Harbor, to bring the presence of their churches into another part of our County. Why? Because both churches believe they have something special to share - good news about God who loves us and is calling us to share that love with one another. So, they chose to establish this storefront ministry through which they hope people will catch a glimpse of what God's love can do in our lives, of how that love can transform hearts, make us new again, and restore hope to our world. The Branches is a journey into God's love and that journey takes place best in community, wherever two or three are gathered.
This is an invitation to journey with us.
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WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME!
The Rev. Debra K. Bullock
Wherever you see the name The Branches in print, it is typically paired with this line: Where ALL Are Welcome. Welcoming - hospitality - is strongly rooted in the biblical tradition. Hospitality was important among the nomadic tribes of the Old Testament because it assured protection when travelling through foreign lands. For the Lord your God . . . loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17-19). But hospitality wasn‟t only for protection, it was also offered out of thankfulness for the welcome and hospitality that God first showed to us: Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7). Offering hospitality was also considered important because you never knew when you might be entertaining God or God‟s messengers: Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2). And, if we truly understand ourselves to be members of the Body of Christ, then each time we offer hospitality to another person, we are, in fact, offering hospitality to Christ: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40). In our culture which values privatization and self-sufficiency, being an oasis of welcoming is rare indeed. And we are blessed at St. Mary‟s to offer such a place at The Branches for all who enter our doors.
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Blanket Drive
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The very successful donations for a raffle of a donated quilt from the Wetlands Institute Quilters by Heavenly Scavengers during the Summer Concerts on the Lawn has led to an on-going blanket drive by The Branches. A contribution of between 180 to 200 blankets from The Branches has supplemented the blankets purchased by Heavenly Scavengers. The blankets will be distributed to homeless individuals in Cape May County.
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Blessing of the Backpacks
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 The now annual Backpack and School Supply Drive began in 2009 and has grown each year. You can read about our start below.
The 2nd Great Back-to-School Blessing of the Backpacks & Hot Dog Festival held on Sunday, August 29, 2009 at The Branches provided 96 backpacks filled with supplies plus additional supplies for classrooms. Please click on the picture to read the story.
A wonderful article written by Caitlin Dineen, Staff Writer for the Press of Atlantic City, can be accessed here.
Click here to read the article about the Blessing of the Bookbags at The Branches in 2009 by Leslie Truluck of The Herald.
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Visit of Bishop Romero
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On Sunday, August 9th, we were honored to have The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero, Assistant Bishop of New Jersey, as our celebrant at Second Sundays Worship at which he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation and performed Reception and Reaffirmation of Faith for several members of St. Mary's and St. Barnabas' Churches. It was a beautiful celebration of our faith!
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Citizens for Affordable Housing
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The Coalition of Concerned Citizens for Affordable Housing meets monthly at The Branches in Rio Grande. Anyone interested in finding out more about this group and the issue of affordable housing in Cape May County is welcome to attend. If you would like to learn more, or get involved, please join us for a meeting, or contact Fr. John or Pastor Debra, or call the Coalition at 609-992-9594.
The Mission and Goal of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for Affordable Housing:
Advocacy - to encourage the development of affordable housing projects with municipalities by attending meetings, zoning board hearings and support those seeking to provide affordable housing.
Clearinghouse and Information Sharing - to provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about current events, progress, collaboration prospects, county, state and federal initiatives.
Public Awareness - to organize printed campaigns, and press/media coverage of issues that are of concern to all citizens - not just those in need.
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ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUP
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The Addiction Support Group facilitated by Fr. Ron and Sandra Lockhart is for individuals and families struggling with addiction to alcohol or drugs. The meetings are discontinued until further notice. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is in need of support, please feel free to contact Fr. Ron on his cell at 610-633-2043 or by e-mail.
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Saturday Worship
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Join us for Fellowship & Worship at The Branches! We will gather for a light meal at 4:30 pm followed by worship at 5 pm. Services will range from contemporary to traditional Episcopal Eucharistic services, Celtic services, and Taize prayer. We will create an atmosphere where ALL may worship and glorify God, where ALL may experience the Holy Spirit moving in our midst, and where ALL are welcome. Beginning Saturday, May 19th. Join us!
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Legal Consultation
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Free Legal Consultation is now offered twice monthly -
First Thursday of the month -
10 AM to noon
Third Thursday of the month -
1 pm to 3 pm
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MOVIE NIGHT
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Join us at The Branches for a movie & discussion night on the 3rd Sunday of (almost) every month at 7 pm. Movie on the big screen, donations accepted, official price tag is $0. Bring your own snacks and a beverage or 50 cents for a can of soda from the fridge!
Join our mailing list if you'd like to receive announcements of the movie of the month. Click here for his month's movie night flyer.
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Soup Lunches
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The last day for Wednesday Soup Lunches will be May 16th. Stop by to lend a hand or sign up in the parish hall. Set up is at 10:30 am and soup is served at 12:15. Fruit, bags of apples, oranges, cookies are welcome. Applesauce, peanut butter, cans of broth or tomato soup are needed to keep in reserve.
It's been a great year. Many thanks for joining our ministry to Caring Neighbors of New Life Church, Church of the Advent, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Barnabas Church, St. Simeon's and the Church School Teachers & children of St. Mary's. Special thanks to Heather Burns and Primo's Hoagies! We look forward to seeing you all in October!
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Weekly Events
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Coffee and Conversation - Looking for companionship, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to share a joy with, then drop by for coffee & conversation every Wednesday & Saturday from 10 AM to Noon.
Midweek Prayer - A brief noonday service of prayer & quiet reflection is held on Wednesdays - everyone is welcome!
Community Lunch Program - A simple meal of hot soup, bread & fruit is served on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm after the prayer service. Stop by to enjoy lunch, or help out!
Narcotics Anonymous - now meets on Sundays at 11 AM.
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The Branches is...
-- a place to gather and meet new friends
-- a chance to just relax, enjoy life and have conversation
-- a place to learn new things and ask questions
-- an opportunity to pay attenton to God stirring in our hearts
-- above all, it is a place where all are welcome!
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