This Week's Update!


June 27, 2025
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Welcome to Saint Francis Episcopal Church!

The Second Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8
 
Important Notice

Fr. Smith and Sharon will be on vacation from June 27 through July 12. During this time, the Saint Francis Newsletter will be paused, so there will be no issues published on July 4 or July 11.
I also want to remind everyone: it’s often when I go out of town that scammers somehow become aware. Not long after, emails start circulating to parishioners that appear to come from me. Please keep these things in mind:
  1. I will never send an email asking for money.
  2. I will never ask for gift cards of any kind.
  3. If an email looks suspicious, it probably is.
  4. Do not click on any links in questionable messages.
  5. If you're unsure, call me and leave a message to verify.
  6. And finally—I'm on vacation! You won’t be receiving any emails from me during this time.
Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
 


Fifth Sunday – June 29


With all that is going on in the world from wars in the Middle East to riots in Los Angeles, the Outreach Committee has decided that the Fifth Sunday plate collection will once again be donated to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD).  ERD is involved in practically every corner of the world.  90% of the funds raised are used to fulfill the organization’s far-reaching mission.

Episcopal Relief & Development’s
Mission Statement

“Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of The Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Hearing God’s call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world.

Episcopal Relief & Development faithfully administers the funds that it receives from the church and raises from other sources. It provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering.”

The Outreach Committee urges you to take a few minutes to visit the ERD website https://www.episcopalrelief.org/.  We thank you for your kind consideration of this donation to ERD.


Click the picture to go to ERD's Disaster Response Page.
Summer Food Drive

As you've probably noticed, gas prices have skyrocketed this week. Combined with the rising cost of living, many of our neighbors are feeling the pinch more than ever. As a result, our Blessing Box is likely to be in high demand in the weeks ahead.

Please consider supporting Saint Francis in caring for our community by bringing nonperishable food items to the church. Every donation helps us offer comfort and sustenance to those who need it most.

Thank you for being a blessing to others.
This past Sunday Jean Murray and Harriet Gettys celebrated their birthdays with a blessing while Steve and Rachael Conte received a blessing for their anniversary. 
Need for Acolytes

Ministry Highlight - Acolyte

What is an acolyte in the Episcopal Church? An acolyte is a layperson who assists in liturgical celebrations, helping to ensure the orderly and reverent conduct of worship services. By supporting the clergy, acolytes enhance the overall worship experience for the congregation.

At Saint Francis, acolytes play an essential role in our services. Typically, their duties begin with the lighting of the Eucharistic candles.  Then they carry the processional cross as they lead the entrance and exit processions. They also read the Old Testament lesson and lead the congregation in the psalm. During the Eucharist, acolytes present the alms basin to the ushers while assisting the priest in preparing the altar.

We understand that some acolytes may prefer not to read aloud, and we are happy to accommodate their preferences.

Help keep Saint Francis strong and vibrant.  Please contact Fr. Joseph to learn more about acolyting and how you can help.
Keep up with what is going on around our diocese and enjoy the weekly newsletter. Simply click anywhere on the image below and link to the latest diocesan news.
 
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries


June Birthdays: David Scotch 6/24, Harriet Gettys 6/26 and Jean Murray 6/28, and David Danforth 6/30.

July Birthdays: Harry Pardee 7/11, Wayne Lindsay 7/12, Catherine Main 7/13, Steve Stemkowski 7/18, and Bill Houston 7/26.

Please email any errors and omissions for June birthdays by clicking HERE.
Community Notes From Edisto Island Ministerial Alliance
The Ministerial Alliance met on Thursday May 22, 2025.  Below are the highlights to some of the community events that different churches are sponsoring. 
  • The Charleston Climate Coalition is looking for help from Edisto residents to gather data on flooding.  You can click HERE for a flier to find out ways they are looking for help and how you can participate.  Sponsored by Charleston Climate Coalition. 
  • 3rd Annual Gullah Geechee Celebration August 9th. This will be a day of cultural events whose aim is to foster unity, deepen mutual understanding, and strengthen the bonds that connect our community.  Mark your calendars and look for more information to come. 
Outreach
Need a Prescription Pick-Up? Call 843 631-0207
Service Calendars
Prayer List

Ralph Bailey

Janie Barnhill

Cindy Cianflocco

Emilie Cox

Evie Evans

Bill Graham

Mary Hendrix

Skip Hinton

Dennis McGrew

Heather Gulledge

Robert McCants

Billie Roop

Bobby Smith

Mila Stantucci

Cheryl Van Metre

Liz Tucker


Faithfully Departed List

George Dorsett
Jim Wenthe
 

You may also follow this Link to give, or contributors can text ECOEGIVE to the number 73256, followed by their gift amount, to give online through text.  The 73256 is used instead of a phone number.
Saint Francis Episcopal Church
1650 Highway 174
Edisto Island, SC 29438
843-631-5040
www.saintfrancisedisto.org

 
Vestry
Fr. Joseph Smith - Rector
Jean Murray - Senior Warden
Bill Houston - Junior Warden
Kathy Kuntz 
Jean Murray
Steve Powers
Gretchen Smith
Steve Stemkowski 
 
Copyright © 2025. Saint Francis Episcopal Church, PO Box 239, Edisto Island, SC 29438. All rights reserved.

 






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Episcopal Church on Edisto · PO Box 239 · Edisto Island, SC 29438 · USA

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