This Week's Update!


June 13, 2025
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Welcome to Saint Francis Episcopal Church!

Trinity Sunday
 
To Get You Ready For Trinity Sunday
If you are trying to understand the mystery of the Trinity, most of us quickly find ourselves knee deep in one heresy or another. And just so we are working from the same definition of heresy, the definition we are using today is a belief or practice that deviates from established Christian doctrine, particularly regarding the nature of Christ in relationship to God the Father. Since the 1st century the faithful have been trying to understand our triune Godhead. Despite these early councils of the church and the developing creeds, heresies are still commonplace. The good news for us today is that no longer will a heresy get us burnt at the stake, but they remain evidence of the complexity of this mystery. Click Here to see eight common Trinitarian heresies. 

In 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, bishops from all over the Church gathered and began work on what we now know as the Nicene Creed. The work of this first council of Nicaea was to clearly define Christian doctrine while rejecting theology that was in error such as Arianism. Later the Council of Constantinople of 381 AD clarified the role of the Holy Spirit while also reaffirming the Nicene Creed addressing lingering disputes. To this day one of the most detailed statements on the Trinity can be found in what’s called the Athanasian Creed found, in the Historical Documents section of our Book of Common Prayer on page 864. Click Here to see the creed.

Sometimes knowing what something isn’t helps us understand what something is. Over the years simple Trinitarian graphics have been developed to help us visual learners with that very thing. The graphic to the left speaks to me and how I understand the Trinity. What is unique about this version is how the graphic tries to illustrate the relationship between the person of the Godhead. The Father Glorifies the Holy Spirit. The son is not the father but is in the Father. 

At the end of the day it is important to note that our deep dive into the Trinity is to further understand the one true God. It is so we can try and grasp how this one God is known in three distinct persons and yet somehow is made of the same substance. And finally, if you hear nothing else, please know that no theology ever saved anyone. It is only in our participation and interaction with the God of love that we learn of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ even as we continue his work prompted by the Holy Spirt. 

Fr. Joseph
 
What's New in the Saint Francis Community
We have new new signage for the future home of Saint Francis. Steve Powers, thank you for calling in favors to get us our new sign from Gene, Sue, and Zach Hornsby, owners of a UPS store in Columbia.  Marshal Horstmann and Gary Cantrell, thank you for getting our sign installed on our new property.
Baptism
The Baptism of Georgia Jean Caddell

Pentecost was a beautiful day for a baptism. Saint Francis welcomed Georgia Jean Waddell into the household of God and she was marked as Christ's own forever. What a privilege to be a part of this wonderful day!
Mutual Ministry Review
Saint Francis Mutual Ministry Review
Reflections and Future Vision

On June 3, during the Saint Francis Mutual Ministry Review, church leaders dedicated much of the day to reflecting on our journey so far while preparing to move forward into the next chapter of our ministry.

We began by exploring the life cycle of a church—recognizing that, like any living organism, a church has a natural lifespan. Without intentional planning for the future, we risk using all our energy to maintain the vision of past leaders rather than shaping the church for generations to come.

The day's discussions were guided by these essential questions:

  • What brought you to Saint Francis?

  • What keeps you at Saint Francis?

  • Which aspects of our ministry at Saint Francis are thriving?

  • Which areas of our community life need attention or improvement?

  • What are your dreams for the future of Saint Francis?

  • Who will take action, and by when?

Naturally, we devoted time to considering the property we purchased and its potential future uses. However, we recognize that while this vision is still years from realization, our work as a church continues. We are still worshiping. We are still proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in both word and deed. Most importantly, we are actively shaping the identity and mission of Saint Francis in ways that will sustain us through generations of faithful 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.
 
 

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.
Birthdays and Anniversaries


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

Please email any errors and omissions for June birthdays by clicking HERE.
Elizabeth and Greg Galaida as well as Denny and Annette Jerwers celebrating wedding anniversaries on Pentecost. 
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

Jeff Neumann

Billie Roop

Bobby Smith

Mila Stantucci

Liz Tucker

Cheryl Van Metre

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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