This Week's Update!


Welcome to Saint Francis Episcopal Church!

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23 
Click the link to be directed to the readings for the upcoming Sunday.
(We use Track 2)


October 10, 2025
 
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Table of Contents

Reflections on the Gospel
Stewardship 2026
Feeding of the Multitude
Dreamers Update
Doers Update
Outreach
Blessing of Animals Photographs
Foyer Groups
Birthdays
Server Schedule
Prayer List
Donate Here
Diocese of South Carolina News

 
What a view!  The Doers Task Force working to define the property edges and clear underbrush.  This allows access for much of the work that is to come.
A Reflection on Sunday's Gospel

This Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 17:11–19, places us once again in Luke’s travel narrative. Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem, and along the way he teaches and trains his disciples often using the scribes and Pharisees as the antithesis of what it means to be people of God.

Today’s teaching comes by way of healing. In this pericope, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Following his instructions to go and show themselves to the priests, they went and noticed they were now clean.

One of the ten, upon realizing he was healed, turned back, praised God, and thanked Jesus. The other nine followed Jesus’ directions. To the one, Jesus says, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Interestingly, all ten were physically healed, but only one experienced a deeper transformation, being made whole through faith and gratitude. It makes me wonder: What is the distinction here? What’s the difference between being cured of a disease and being made well or whole?

And how does the fact that this one was an outsider, a Samaritan, play into the story? As a leper, he was already cast out. As a Samaritan, he was doubly excluded from society and religious belonging. Yet he is the one who recognizes the holy and receives the fullness of healing.

Could it be that no one is beyond God’s reach?

This story invites us to ask: Do we merely seek healing, or do we pursue wholeness? Do we recognize the holy in unexpected places, in the outsider, in the act of gratitude, in the journey itself?

Mark Your Calendar

October 28, Halloween Trick or Treat
     Bay Creek Park
     5:30-7:00 pm

November 1, Feeding of the Multitude
     Trinity Church
     12:00-2:00 pm

December 12, Edisto Christmas Parade
     600 block to 100 block of Palmetto Blvd.
     Starting at 2:00 pm
Stewardship 2026
Growing Together: Living Our Faith, Telling Our Stories, Shaping Our Future.
 

We joyfully launched our 2026 stewardship season with a beautiful kick-off dinner. Canon Ann Fleming, Canon for Congregational Vitality on the bishop’s staff, inspired us with a powerful message, affirming our journey of perseverance and faithfulness, while also challenging us to reflect more deeply on our story. (Click here to read her full address.)

As we look ahead, we ask: How do we share our story in ways that reveal its connection to God’s story? What does continued faithfulness to God look like here at Saint Francis? These are the questions that will guide us as we shape our future together.

For your convenience, we’ve included electronic copies of both the stewardship letter and pledge card, originally mailed on October 9. We invite you to prayerfully consider your commitment to our shared ministry. Please help us with next year's budget process by returning your pledge card either to the church office or in the collection plate by November 16.

Together, let us continue growing in faith and shaping the future of Saint Francis.

             

Worship

Photos from Our Blessing of the Animals 
Click on any of the animals above for a link to the photos for that day.

Dreamers Task Force
The work of the Dreamers will be slow and methodical. Unlike the Doers, for a while at least, progress cannot be seen so evidently week-to-week. Our goal is to present to the parish  the information and ideas we have collected for input and discussion via informal small groups prior to year's end. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 13.
Doers Task Force
What are the short-term goals of the doers task force? 
  1. Gain access to the property for use before buildings
  2. Bury utilities in preparation of buildings
  3. Explore well and septic timing. The property has successfully passed a percolation test for a septic system that could support 200 people.  While our sanctuary may serve a smaller day-to-day community, the system was sized to support larger gatherings such as weddings, funerals, and other special events.
  4. Property use in the next few years
The Roadmap
Gaining Access to the Property



Currently, we’re focused on our first major milestone: gaining access...  read the rest of the story by following this link.
Feeding of the Multitude


Each year, the Edisto community comes together to share a warm Thanksgiving meal at the annual Feeding of the Multitude. This cherished event is a beautiful way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the spirit of gratitude.

This year’s gathering will take place on Saturday, November 1st at Trinity Church, with preparations underway to welcome 350 guests—a number that continues to grow annually.

The event is a collaborative effort among local churches, each contributing in their own way. As in the past two years, Saint Francis will provide Macaroni and Cheese and six volunteers: two for setup, two for serving, and two for cleanup.
     

Foyer Groups
Upcoming Foyer Groups - Deadline October, 12
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 ginnyk41@gmail.com or look for a sign-up sheet in the back of the church no later than October 12.
Outreach
Outreach Committee

The mission of the Outreach Committee is to make donations to organizations and to fund requests that will improve the lives of the people on Edisto Beach and Edisto Island. Examples of donations include monthly donations to the Edisto Community Health Clinic, the Food Bank at the Presbyterian Church on Edisto, the Food Bank at Allen AME Church, and the Edisto Senior Center.  Donations are also made to the Edisto Island Youth Recreation Group, projects at Jane Edwards Elementary School and other organizations, as well as to individual projects.  We are in the first stages of planning for the 2025 St. Francis Christmas Giving Tree. We maintain the two Blessing Boxes outside of the church building.  The committee would welcome new members and also suggestions of projects and organizations which may need help.  Please contact Chairman Pat Neumann (843-469-7395) with ideas and if you would like to become a member of this group. 
Too often this is what our Blessing Boxs 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 who are 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. 

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


October Birthdays: Brenda Haynes 10/3,  Gailya Walter 10/4, Helen Scotch 10/9, Catherine Arnot 10/12, Emilie Cox 10/14, Tom Smith 10/16, Bob Hild 10/17, Betsy Daise 10/24, and Tommy Sandel 10/26.


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

Frank Gibson

Bill Graham

Grayson Hasselbacher

Brenda Hanes

Mary Hendrix

Kathy Kuntz

Dennis McGrew

Robert McCants

Lila Miller

Kathy Nash

Sally Clark Nemeth

Connie Puckett

Mary Jane Richie

Billie Roop

Bobby Smith

Mila Santucci

Lynne Tennyson

Liz Tucker

Cheryl Van Metre

Faithfully Departed List

Mary Hendrix 
Ricky Fisk 
Jim Singleton
Bob Voight

 

 

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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