Important Calendar Dates

June 13 -  Free Hot Dog Lunch, 11:00am in front of the church.

June 28 - Pride Celebration

July 19-24 - Host Summer Mission for Youth

Pride Celebration

This year, Saint Francis Episcopal Church is highlighting Pride Month. Given our history and the long struggle out of which we were formed, this should come as no surprise. As a reminder, and while the reasons for our diocesan schism were complex, at the center was a way of interpreting scripture that judged and then excluded certain people. In that theology, it was considered a sin to be gay, which meant a gay person could not be ordained a priest, much less a bishop. Also woven into the conflict were questions about the role of women in the church and the authority of scripture itself. If I were to sum it up, oversimplifying, yes, I would say the churches that left were quite sure of what they were against.

I don’t raise this to reopen old wounds. There were good and faithful people on both sides. But remembering this part of our story helps us understand who we have become. It highlights the Epistle this week as Paul writes to the Church in Rome about suffering, endurance, and character. The conflict and pain of the past helps us see why our commitments today matter and why they are rooted not in reaction, but in conviction.

And here is that conviction and what I love about the Episcopal Church. We are clear about what we are for, not what we are against. Ours is a positive, Gospel‑shaped message. When the Episcopal Church says, “All are welcome,” we mean it.

The reason is right there in the Baptismal Covenant. We promise, proclaiming in word and deed, that we will respect the dignity of every human being. That dignity is rooted in the God who created everything that was, everything that is, and everything that ever will be. God has placed in every human being that spark of life, the soul. And while yes, every human being is a sinner, every human being is also redeemed through Jesus Christ. Each person carries God‑given worth, even those we dislike or disagree with. This is a core tenet of our faith.

With that in mind, it becomes clearer why we highlight Pride Month. Not because the culture tells us to, and not because it is fashionable, but because our own theology compels us to do so. Despite the progress made since 1970 and the 1969 Stonewall Riots, there is still a long way to go. (Follow this link to find out more about the Stonewall Riots.)  I will name just one of these ongoing struggles in my sermon on June 28, the day we will celebrate our Pride Liturgy. Beginning this week, you will also see around our sanctuary and Front Porch Fellowship several elements meant to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our LGBTQ+ and solidarity with our siblings in Christ.

And so, as we answer the questions of our Baptismal Covenant with “I will, with God’s help,” let us do our part to be a church that truly embodies our Episcopal mantra that all are welcome. Let us work toward a world where we no longer need a Pride movement because LGBTQ+ people are fully integrated, fully welcomed, and fully recognized as an integral part of the Body of Christ.

Let me assure you, Saint Francis will be a place where no one feels subhuman or marginalized. We will stand against hate and bigotry of any form wherever they appear. And we sinners will continue to gather together, thanking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for saving a wretch like us, proclaiming the Good News, standing for our faith, and standing for what we are for, while letting God be the judge of all our souls.

Yes, all means all. All are welcome to come, to worship, and to explore our faith at Saint Francis.

God’s Peace,

Joseph+

Community Connections Hot Dog Giveaway

Meals Needed

Saint Francis will once again sponsor a teen mission trip on Edisto Island. As in years past, we will take turns providing meals for the youth, their leaders, and the families we serve. While we won’t know the exact number until late July, we expect to feed about 15 people per meal.

If you feel called to support this ministry by preparing a meal, please contact Fr. Joseph.

This year’s mission trip runs from dinner on Sunday, July 19, through dinner on Thursday, July 23.

Update on Property

It’s been awfully quiet. So… what’s going on with the new property?

The truth is, it’s not that nothing is happening. It’s that the work right now isn’t glamorous. Let me try to recap where we are.

As you know, the Dreamers Task Force completed their work and presented it to the Vestry. The Dreamers were charged to dream big… not to worry about cost… but to imagine how this campus could support future ministries. We were also charged by Bishop Ruth to consider enterprise opportunities, that is, mission‑aligned partners who might use our property and facilities during the week, helping to support ongoing maintenance and any future debt. What we do not want is a one‑day‑a‑week facility.

So the Dreamers finished their work, presented it, and the Vestry accepted their final report. And here is an important distinction. The Dreamers’ report represents many ideas, many voices, and a host of complementary and competing thoughts. There is no world in which all of it will be implemented. Their role was to imagine… the Vestry’s role is to decide.

With that groundwork laid, the Doers Task Force has been busy as well.  The most interesting work has been the GPR survey to determine where additional graves might be. As you know, we have one marked grave in what we now know as the Con Bailey Cemetery. The GPR survey identified 16 probable graves and another 15 possible graves. You’ll notice that the 16 probable graves line up closely with the 17 death certificates we found.  All the possible graves identified are within the confines of the live oak grove. 

Other work has been happening too, and we need to thank Steve Stemkowski for his patient persistence. He has been navigating the bureaucratic maze of Charleston County, trying to get them to take responsibility for the drainage ditch on the property. This has been a months‑long exercise in tenacity… and believe it or not, we are nearing the end of the process. In the end, we may or may not succeed, but if we don’t, it certainly won’t be for lack of effort.

And now, with both dreaming and groundwork underway, our newly formed Building Committee has begun its work. They are identifying and interviewing architects. It’s important to be clear about what we need from an architect in this first phase. We are asking for a master site plan not building plans. They will study the property, review the Dreamers’ work, and listen to the Building Committee and vestry to propose where buildings should go.  

And here is where I offer a gentle caution. Many folks point to the Catholic church as an example of what can be done here on Edisto. I always remind people that while their work is impressive, it has taken them 30 years to get this far. We will have a similar phased plan. But the starting place is the master plan because we need to know:

• Where the church and parish hall will go

• Where wells and utility lines must be located

• How much parking we need and where it belongs

• How much land must be set aside for water management

Throughout this entire process, and I cannot overemphasize this, the committees and task forces are doing the groundwork, gathering information, and making recommendations. Their job is to give the Vestry the tools to make an informed decision. But to be clear… the Vestry makes the decisions.

And furthermore, I can guarantee this: while each of us may have a mental picture of what we want and how the phases should unfold, someone will be disappointed. That is simply the nature of a project this large.

But here is what matters most… we are all working toward the same goal. We all want a campus where we can worship, learn, serve, and invite the community to join us in our ministries and mission priorities. And we want facilities that empower us to go out into the world proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in this age and the age to come.

Joseph+

Follow the Green Links Below to See the Supporting Documents

Dreamer’s Video

Dreamer’s Final Report

Final Report GPR Survey

Diocesan Delegates Needed

Saint Francis is required each year to send five delegates to diocesan convention, including the rector and senior warden. We therefore elect three delegates and several alternates. The information below is offered to help you determine whether you would like to serve in this role.

The 236th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held October 29–31, 2026, at the St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center on Seabrook Island. The event will be hosted by Saint Christopher, Bishop Gadsden, and St. John’s, John’s Island.

A few pre‑convention information sessions will be scheduled later this year, but the primary responsibilities of delegates take place during the convention itself. As in recent years, the program will include two guest speakers one of which will be Beth‑Sarah Wright, Ph.D., acting director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing.

If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate, please let us know. This ministry is an important part of our shared life in the diocese.

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Outreach

         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. 

The Blessing Box now has a fresh look!  A new door thanks to Jeff Neumann and repainted inside. We so appreciate the continued contributions. The box is filled several times a week and is emptied within 24 hours (except the carrots and beans!).  

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

Anniversary blessings this past week.

June Birthdays

David Scotch 6/24, Harriet Gettys 6/26, Jean Murray 6/28, and David Danforth 6/30

Please email any errors and omissions for February birthdays by clicking

HERE

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Upcoming Service Schedule
(Click on image for larger view)

Church Prayer List

The summer staff at Camp St. Christopher

Faithfully Departed

Jon Liles

Henry Woodhead

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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.