This Week's Update!


September 12, 2025
View this email in your browser

 

Welcome to Saint Francis Episcopal Church!

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19. Click on this to see this week's readings. 
 
Bob Hild has been thoughtfully developing variations of a Saint Francis logo for a while. Inspired by "the tree" on our new property, we are pleased to unveil his latest efforts. Please feel free to give your constructive feedback by following this link.
Worship

Annual Blessing of the Animals 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 PM and join us on the church grounds for our cherished tradition—the Blessing of the Animals! Bring your beloved pets, whether they bark, purr, chirp, or slither, to receive a heartfelt blessing in celebration of the joy they bring to our lives.

Invite a friend to share in this special afternoon of gratitude, community, and furry fellowship. All are welcome—two-legged, four-legged, and everything in between!
Fall Christian Formation
This fall, you're invited to explore the heart of our Episcopal identity in a short four-week series: Why We Do What We Do. You bring the questions—we’ll bring some answers.

Wednesdays: September 17, 24, and October 8
Bay Creek Room, 12:30 PM  
Note: There will be no class on October 1, as I’ll be out of town.
 
Class 2, September 17: Our Worship – The Book of Common Prayer
  • Worship as the heart of Episcopal identity.
  • Book of Common Prayer → why we pray together, not just individually.
  • Music, liturgy, and variety in practice.
  • Discrepancy Addressed: Differences in worship styles (hymnody, praise music, silence, incense). What is “essential” vs. “expressive”?
Discussion: How does our liturgy differ from where you came from? What have you found meaningful or challenging?

The Episcopal Church: Why We Do What We Do
Session 3: Evangelism→Telling our story with confidence
In our Community

Historical Marker to be Installed at Edisto’s Old Baptist Church

On Tuesday, September 23rd, a new marker will be installed at the Edisto Island Old Baptist Church (1644 Hwy. 174) to commemorate the significance of this historic church.  The marker is part of the South Carolina Historical Marker Program, sponsored by the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.  It is the first historical marker on Edisto Island.  The purpose of the marker is to illuminate the history of the place where the marker is located.  The unveiling will take place at 10:00, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.  The event is open to the public.  
Stewardship Dinner October 7 - Mark Your Calendars

We will come together to break bread, give thanks for our blessings, and celebrate our Saint Francis family. Our theme is sharing “Growing Together: Living Our Faith, Shaping Our Future.” On October 7 we will gather together at the Edisto Yacht club for a pot-luck dinner. Our speaker Canon Ann Fleming of the Diocesan staff will help us think about growing together, living our faith, and shaping our future by sharing our story. Please send an email to info@saintfrancisedisto.org with your attendance, or use the sign-up sheet posted in the church to give us an accurate count. 

Please join us for this second annual dinner. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Fellowship Committee: Greg Galaida, Carla Cantrell, Marsha Horstmann, Kathy Kuntz, Amelia Powers, or Sharon Smith.
Foyer Groups
Upcoming Foyer Groups
We have begun the sign-up process for the next round of foyer groups. These are small groups of six to eight parishioners who meet and share meals together to socialize and strengthen our sense of community. All are welcome - singles, couples, new persons and long-term members. 

The group is asked to get together three to four times from October/early November to the end of May. The members of each group are generally assigned randomly. A leader will be assigned to initiate the first gathering of each group. The host rotates for each meeting, usually providing the entree. Others contribute a dish to the meal. The design of the groups is to appreciate one another and enjoy time together. Gourmet excellence and fine china are optional! If your space is small, consider an outdoor meal or hosting at local restaurant with everyone paying their share. 

Please participate and enjoy this opportunity to get to know individuals in our congregation a little better. If you have questions or an interest in helping to coordinate the foyer groups, please contact Ginny King at ginnyk4@gmail.com or look for a sign-up sheet in the back of the church.
Progress on the House Repairs
Notice the finished room with new curtains that arrived Thursday, September 11th. Thank you Marsha Horstmann for donating your talents in such a meaningful way.

Along with the new string lights, the girls have been personalizing their spaces. Stay tuned for the house blessing coming soon. Dennis and Diane are working to find a convenient date.
Bill Houston of the Doers task force busy doing
Outreach
Too often this is what our Blessing Box's look like. Please help us keep them stocked.

We are in particular need for the following:
1. canned meats and fish 
2. canned fruit and green vegetables 
3. cleaning materials such as dish soap  
4. personal items such as soap, toothbrushes, sanitary items
5. baby food, protein bars, school snacks
6. canned pet food

The food blessing box requires constant replenishment. It is loaded two to three times a week and depleted rapidly. There are indeed many hungry on Edisto. All contributions of nonperishable food and cleaning/personal items are appreciated. No clothes or books please.  

Thanks so much for your generosity.

         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. 
Ministry Highlight
Susanne Nash receiving her birthday blessing last Sunday
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.
 
 

CALL TO CONVENTION ISSUED; REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE 235TH DIOCESAN CONVENTION


Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

The Call to Convention has been published for our 235th Diocesan Convention in November. Read it on the diocesan website at this link. 
Birthdays and Anniversaries


September Birthdays: Susanne Nash 9/11, Mickey Van Meter 9/26, Alison Hunter 9/28, George Hayworth 9/29


Please email any errors and omissions for September birthdays by clicking HERE.
Upcoming Service Schedule
Prayer List

Ralph Bailey

Janie Barnhill

Helen Clarkson

Evie Evans

Bill Graham

Mary Hendrix

Skip Hinton

Kathy Kuntz

Dennis McGrew

Robert McCants

Diane Meggett

Billie Roop

Bobby Smith

Mila Santucci

Cheryl Van Metre

Liz Tucker

Faithfully Departed List

Jim Gault
 

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.

 






This email was sent to << Test Email Address >>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Episcopal Church on Edisto · PO Box 239 · Edisto Island, SC 29438 · USA

Newsletter