Dear Beloved Family and Friends in Christ,

Grace and peace be with you.

It is with a heavy heart and profound gratitude that I write to inform you of the forthcoming closure of St. Mary's This n' That Thrift Shop in Rio Grande. After much discernment and prayerful consideration, the vestry, wardens, and I have decided that the thrift shop will cease operations as of July 27th, 2024.

For some time, we have been exploring various options to reduce overhead costs and maintain this vital ministry. Despite our best efforts, we have faced an operating loss of $30,000 thus far in 2024. This difficult decision was not made lightly, and we carefully considered all possible avenues before arriving at this conclusion.

This n' That Thrift Shop has been a beacon of hope and service within the community of Rio Grande for many, many years, touching countless lives through the dedicated work and ministry of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. In honoring the complexities of its history, I give thanks to the visionaries who poured their heart into this mission from the earliest of days and to all who carried the ministry further, having made invaluable contributions. Your efforts and the efforts of those who came before us have added immeasurable value and integrity to the lives of those we have served.

Continuing to honor the complexities of this ministry, we acknowledge that there have been times throughout our history when those we loved experienced hurt or harm from our actions. On behalf of the church, I am deeply sorry and humbly apologize for any pain or broken relationships suffered along the way. I respectfully ask for your forgiveness.

As this era comes to a close and a new life in ministry is on the horizon, we ask for your prayers and assistance in supporting our staff during this transition period. We are committed to helping them search for new employment opportunities and providing the support they need. If you are aware of any 'Year-Round' opportunities, please email me at SaintMarysStoneHarbor@gmail.com so I can pass that information along.

Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have supported this ministry over the years. Special thanks go to Lillian, who has served as a dedicated liaison for many years, and to our devoted staff and volunteers whose unwavering commitment has been the backbone of this ministry.

In the next two to three weeks, we will be hosting a final sale, with everything in the store priced at $5.00 or less. We will also be inviting non-profit organizations to take whatever they need to serve the common good and benefit those in need. We hope that this sale and outreach will allow us to extend our resources to those who can benefit most from them.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." While this season brings change and closure to a beloved ministry, we trust in God's guidance and look forward to new ways we can serve and uplift our community together.

On Sunday, August 4th, we will celebrate the Eucharist in memory of all who served this vital ministry, past and present, and offer healing and reconciliation as we embark on a new chapter. We invite you to stay for a very special coffee and conversation after the service to hear about the exciting things happening here at St. Mary's and to share your hopes and desires for our ministry moving forward.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers during this challenging yet hopeful time.

In Christ's love and service,

Mo. Allison+

Rector

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

551-697-6133