As our Saint Francis family finds itself scattered across many states this Thanksgiving, let’s try something new and hopefully fun! I invite you to record a short video sharing a few things for which you are thankful. It’s quick, easy, and a wonderful way for those far away to remain connected to the life of Saint Francis.

A few simple guidelines:

1. Hold your camera horizontally.

2. Keep it brief, about 30 seconds.

3. Fill the frame with your subject.

4. Think through your message before you begin.

5. Skip the selfie. Ask a friend to film you.

6. Enjoy yourself!

7. Send your video to  or text it to 843‑603‑2386.

I hope each of you will take a moment this Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on our many blessings. I can’t wait to see your videos and share them with the parish next week.

Follow this link to see the example Sharon and I just made.

• Began Sunday, November 23
• Located by the church entrance, decorated with 18 red and green cards
• Each card represents a child from Jane Edwards Elementary School in need of holiday support
• As of Sunday, only two envelopes remained, but you may still be able to partner with someone who took one
• At least 8 children requested bicycles 
• Interested? Contact Pat at 843-469-7395 or patneumann1@gmail.com

5th Sunday Plate Collection – November 30

• All donations will support the Septic System Program at the Edisto Island Open Land Trust
• This program benefits the entire Edisto community, not just households with septic issues

• Goal: Collect 1,000+ cans this year (last year we reached nearly 1,000!)
• Robin Smith is creating an eye-catching monitor to track our progress
• Most needed items:
  • Shelf-stable chicken, meat, tuna
  • High-protein soups
  • Canned green vegetables
  • Cleaning products & personal care items

It’s hard to believe that this Sunday marks the close of that long stretch I like to call the “green season,” named for the altar hangings and vestments worn from the Sunday after Pentecost until the Sunday before Advent. This season spans spring, summer, and much of fall. Properly called the Season after Pentecost, it is the time when the church focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus, the spread of the gospel, and the growth of the church.

Our Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle, and we are now finishing Year C, which features the Gospel of Luke. On November 30, Advent One, the church begins a new year and shifts to Year A. Year A centers on the Gospel of Matthew, with its strong themes of discipleship, righteousness, the Kingdom of Heaven, and God’s covenant faithfulness. The Old Testament readings highlight Genesis, Exodus, and Israel’s establishment, while the epistles emphasize Romans, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians.

While much of our culture begins “Christmas” when the Hallmark Channel airs its classics, the church stubbornly clings to Advent. Advent’s themes are not sentimental but cosmic: Jesus’ second coming, John the Baptist’s call, and, only near the end, Matthew’s account of the Messiah’s birth. We hear of Mary, Joseph, the angel of the Lord, and the promise that God is with us. Yet aside from the fourth Sunday of Advent, the church proclaims not nostalgia but God’s ultimate victory and Christ’s coming again, truths decidedly out of step with mainstream society.

But isn’t that precisely our calling? As followers of Christ, we are taught to live in the world but not be of it. We are called to rise above petty bickering, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, and declare the day of the Lord. If we do these things faithfully, we will indeed stand apart. We will not blend in.

As the new church year begins coinciding with our national holiday of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on both the season and our ministry together. Who could have imagined all we have accomplished? You became a parish and called me as your first rector. We chose the name Saint Francis, continuing the journey from a church born of schism to one discerning God’s will for her people. We purchased property that will one day be home to a new Saint Francis campus. We formed the Dreamers and Doers Committee to help move from vision to bricks and mortar. We feed the hungry through the blessing box and island initiatives. We found new ministry in supporting the Bligen family with their home and basic necessities. And we have had fun together just being the goofy people God has called us to be.

Through it all, our kingdom work has been grounded in worship, prayer, and study. Sunday worship remains the heartbeat of everything we do. We gather to be filled with God’s blessings so that we may overflow into the world. To strengthen this rhythm and in response to feedback, I plan two new initiatives beginning in January:

• A new Bible study on Mondays, at either 11:00 am or 1:00 pm (please share your preference).
• A simple Morning Prayer at 10:00 am each Monday, first in our current sanctuary and, in time, outdoors on our new property.

         Hearts and Hands

What is our Hearts and Hands Ministry? Hearts and Hands is a meals ministry that supports our church family during times of need. Think of it like the "take a penny, leave a penny" tray at a cash register—if you're able to give, we welcome your help; if you're in need, we're here for you.

If you're willing to cook a meal, please reach out to Jean Murray, to be added to the contact list for when the meal chain is activated. And if you’ve been ill, hospitalized, or could simply use a helping hand, contact Jean or Fr. Joseph to receive support through this ministry.