And God is Able
In the midst of this time of uncertainty, I hope you are well. May you find safe shelter not only in “social distancing,” but especially in drawing close to Him who is our true Dwelling Place...
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Join Us For Worship Online on Sunday!
Join us for worship on the Sixth Sunday After Pentecost, July 12! The Reverend Brian K. McGreevy will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: July 9
Take a look this morning at the great hymn "O Word of God Incarnate" and its author William Walsham How, an Anglican priest who wrote his first hymn at the age of 12. O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky, We praise thee for the radiance that from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, shines on from age to age....
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: July 7
"Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here." Visit with the Rev. Marc Boutan today as he considers the importance of contemplative prayer....
Join Us For Worship Online on Sunday
Join us for worship on the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost, July 5! The Reverend Marc R. Boutan will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: July 3
"Do you want to be made whole?" This is the question Jesus asked a man who had been sick for 38 years in John chapter 5. What does this miraculous sign point to in our own lives?...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: July 1
In today's devotion, explore another of Charles Wesley's great hymns, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," which has some unexpected influences. "Pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love."...
41 Pints of Blood Collected During Yesterday's Drive: Thank You, St. Philip's Family and Friends!
Thank you, St. Philip's, for your generous support of our blood drive! The Red Cross set up in the Parish Hall yesterday from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. and collected 41 pints of blood. All 37 appointments were fully booked a week in advance. A few people were not able to keep their appointments, but walk-ins filled their spots. Members of the Home Missions Team coordinated the drive and provided volunteer support throughout the afternoon. ...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: June 29
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship his holy name." Praise the Lord this morning with the Rev. Marc Boutan while exploring Psalm 103, one of Father Marc's favorite psalms, and the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman. ...
Updated Donation and Volunteer Needs
Hello, Tricounty community. This past week we served record numbers of families. On Wednesday, we saw 186 families and at our first Second Saturday food distribution, we saw 73 families. We were blessed to be able to support so many families – over 800 people in their households! But now our food panty shelves are bare. We expect to receive black beans and cereal from the Food Bank this week. We are relying on you to provide other nutritious food....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: June 26
"We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20) What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? As we as ambassadors reach out across boundaries, how do we ensure we don't undermine our mission by being accidentally hurtful?...
The St. Philip's inSPIRE
Click the link below to read the St. Philip's eSPIRE, the email version of our weekly inSPIRE newsletter, which is packed with information about all that's going on in the life of our parish....
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: June 24
Our names are engraved on the palms of our Lord's hands. Explore the permanence of God's love for us with Marc Boutan as he gives his musical offering, Charlie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook's "Before the Throne of God Above."...
Bearing One Another's Burdens
A few years ago, I sat in a question-and-answer session with Jeff, who was still early in his ministry at St. Philip's. One question was about his vision for our church. Among other things, he talked about the importance of getting to know one another, practicing hospitality, the church being a family, and becoming the type of community where we “bear one another’s burdens.” ...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: June 22
Explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy today the great hymn "Lift High the Cross," including the background of its author, George Kitchin, and the inspiration behind it. "Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name."...
Breaking News: St. Philip's Legal Update
Today, Judge Edgar W. Dickson, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas, issued an Order finding that St. Philip’s did not accede to the 1979 Dennis Canon and is thus the owner of its property. He further found that no other Parish acceded to the Dennis Canon and thus no trust was ever created in favor of The Episcopal Church (TEC). This is the ruling for which we have been praying....
Join Us For Worship Online This Sunday!
Join us for worship on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 21! The Reverend Jeffrey S. Miller, Rector, will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: June 19
The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy that "in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." When we look to our leaders in these turbulent times, and as we seek to be change-makers, how do we ensure we are aligning ourselves with movements that are walking in the way of the cross?...
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: June 18
“What is truth?” This question posed to Jesus by Pontius Pilate in John chapter 18 is still being asked today, with a myriad of answers and implications. What is the truth about truth, and what does it mean for Christians today?...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: June 17
In today's devotion, learn about the text and tune of "Praise to the Living God," one of the great hymns of the church that actually has its origins in a Jewish doxology. "Praise to the living God! All praisèd be His name, who was, and is, and is to be, for aye the same!" ...
Prayers For Our Friends in Haiti
Usually this time of year Gerry and I are in full-swing packing mode. We would have boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste that many of you would have donated stacked in one corner. We would have boxes of reading glasses, that many of you would have donated, stacked in another corner. There would be huge trash bags of used tennis balls, boxes of toys, grocery bags full of art supplies, all sorts of over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies for our health care workers and donated musical instruments stacked everywhere. Everything would be carefully inventoried and arranged in old suitcases and duffle bags to be hand-carried by mission team members, usually about 10 of us. We would be leaving early on a Wednesday morning and traveling to the island of La Gonâve, Haiti, to visit our Partnership friends and celebrate St. John the Baptist feast day (June 24th) with our sister church, St. Jean Baptiste! ...
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: June 16
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." In his final daily devotion, the Rev. Ryan Streett looks to Psalm 16:11 as he concludes his series about cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, this time focusing on God's attribute of blessedness....
A Letter from Tricounty Family Ministries: Thank You, St. Philippians!
Dear St. Phillip’s Church partners, We are so grateful for your support in collecting food last week for our ministry. Our shelves were bare and we were facing a dilemma, not knowing how we would care for the families who would be coming to us on Wednesday. You responded with an overwhelming outpouring of compassion in action with your donations of food and grocery bags. Your donations filled our food pantry and enabled our volunteers to fill bags full of nutritious food for our neighbors in need....
Join Us Online For Worship on Sunday!
Join us for worship on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 14! The Reverend Andrew O'Dell will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. Starting this week, you may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: June 12
God loves the whole world and cares about every need, and he has put those cares, those little pieces of his heart, into the hearts of his children so that the needs of the world may be met. What is the Church's role in meeting the infinite needs of the world? What is YOUR role?...
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: June 11
The apostle Paul says in the third chapter of 2 Timothy that in the last days, "people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive ... treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power"...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: June 10
"Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!" In today's devotion, learn about renowned British hymn writer Charles Wesley, who was the 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and who at least once worshiped at St. Philip's during a journey to the southern United States. Then reflect with the Rev. Brian McGreevy on Wesley's hymn "And Can It Be."...
A Very Successful Canned Food Drive: Thank You, St. Philippians and Friends!
We loved seeing your smiling faces at the drop-off point Tuesday morning! Thank you, St. Philippians, for another outpouring of love and support with canned goods and monetary contributions for Tricounty Family Ministries. Chef Connie Stahl was also able to clean out the fridge and freezer in the Parish Hall kitchen and donate casseroles and other items. We delivered one truck and three SUVs full of your donations!...
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: June 9
Continue cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, focusing this week on Psalm 2 and God's sovereignty over our lives. "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession."...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: June 8
Have you ever felt pushed out of your comfort zone into uncertainty and wondered whether God would be there to help? Reflect today on Psalm 91 and the song "On Eagle's Wings": And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand....
Join Us for Worship on Trinity Sunday!
Join us for worship on Trinity Sunday, June 7! The Reverend Ryan T. Streett will be delivering his final sermon at St. Philip's, "Crowned with Universal Praise," before he goes on to serve as rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: June 5
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." As we think about what's happening in the world around us, let us remember three things: to pray, to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and to listen to the voices of those who are hurting....
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: June 4
In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus effectively diagnoses the problem in society and in the world: the corruption of the human heart. What does Scripture say is the cure? The responsibility lies with us as Christians: to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, which alone can turn stony hearts into hearts of flesh....
Call for a Week of Prayer and Fasting
Dearest People of God in the Anglican Church in North America: I write you with a tremendous heaviness in my spirit and soul as I observe and participate in what is happening today in the United States of America. If ever there is a time for the people of God to fall on our faces before God and plead for his mercy and intervention, now is the time. As believers, we are given the privilege of coming to the Throne of Grace with our petitions and requests, and he promises to hear us (1 John 5:14,15)....
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: June 3
"I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three." This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, and in today's reflection with Brian McGreevy, learn about the fascinating life of the often-misunderstood St. Patrick, who wrote the hymn most know as "St. Patrick's Breastplate."...
Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Needs at Tricounty
Hello, Tricounty supporters. I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received from so many of you. We could not continue this ministry without you. Responding to the initial threat of the virus was challenging, and now, as we cautiously start to reopen more of our services, we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people who are coming for the first time....
Would You Like Someone to Pray With You?
Would you like someone to pray with you, or would you like to request prayer for someone else?...
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: June 2
"For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." Revisit with the Rev. Ryan Streett the theme of cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about the object of our worship, this time reflecting on Psalm 135:5-6 and God's omnipotence, his absolute power versus his ordained power. ...
The Death of the Very Rev. Dr. Peter Moore
A Message from the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina: Please keep the family and loved ones of the Very Rev. Dr. Peter Moore, Director of the Anglican Leadership Institute, in your prayers. Peter died on the Eve of Pentecost, May 30, following a battle with cancer. Details for a service have not yet been announced. The following is a message from the Rev. Al Zadig, Rector of St. Michael's Church Charleston, where Peter served as Scholar-in-Residence. ...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: June 1
"You have forsaken your first love ... Repent, and do the things you did at first." (Revelation 2:4-5.) In today's devotion, the Rev. Marc Boutan reflects on the enthusiasm he expressed in his early days as a "happy-clappy" Christian....
Join us for Worship Online on Pentecost!
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Brian K. McGreevy, and we will be celebrating Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, with Spiritual Communion. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: May 29
When the trials of this life begin to get you down, whatever those trials may be, remember the words of St. Paul in the 8th chapter of his letter to the Romans: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."...
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: May 28
"Come, thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace." Prepare for Pentecost by stepping back in time to the mid-18th century to meet Robert Robinson, the young troublemaker who would go on to write this great hymn....
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: May 27
We all want to be great. We all want to make a positive impact, no matter our vocation in life. But what does it mean to be great in the sight of the Lord? What did Jesus mean in Matthew chapter 18 when he said we must become like little children to be great in the Kingdom of God?...
Congratulations, Graduates!
If not for the pandemic, many in our parish family would have spent last weekend or a weekend coming up celebrating a loved one's graduation. There would be ceremonies: caps and gowns, deans and diplomas, confetti and car keys (maybe), kisses and hugs from family, and hugs and handshakes from the families of fellow graduates....
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: May 26
"Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." On Sunday, we looked at the Ascension from the point of view of Jesus' departure (Luke 24), but today, see the Ascension from the point of view of his arrival at the gates of Heaven by looking at Psalm 24 with the Rev. Ryan Streett....
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: May 25
"Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly..." Visit Wadmalaw Island and sing and pray along with the Rev. Marc Boutan today....
Join Us Online for Worship on Sunday!
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller, and we will be celebrating the Feast of the Ascension. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel. ...
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: May 22
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude." In today's devotion, take a closer look at the context of the familiar words of 1 Corinthians 13 and learn what St. Paul is telling us about the building up of the Church....
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: May 21
Today, on the Feast of the Ascension, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares some unexpected facts about W. Chatterton Dix, who wrote the profoundly moving words of "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" in 1866. Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! he is near us, faith believes, nor questions how: Though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were o’er, Shall our hearts forget his promise, “I am with you evermore”?...
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: May 20
What must a person do to be saved? Explore Acts chapter 16 with the Reverend Jeff Miller to find Saint Paul's answer to this most important question....
Tomato Plant Evangelism
This spring I found a packet of tomato seeds in my desk drawer that was dated 2013. Someone had sent me the seeds in the mail as an advertisement for a survivor supply retailer. They were Heritage tomatoes of the Rutgers variety. Since my dad used to plant that kind every year, I decided to plant the seeds with very little thought that any of the "old" seeds would even sprout. I was not surprised that after a couple of weeks in the flat, I still saw nothing green. ...
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: May 19
Today, work again with the Rev. Ryan Streett at cultivating a heart of worship, this time exploring God's infinitude and our difficulty...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: May 18
Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on Wadmalaw Island this morning as he shares his appreciation for the flavor of Celtic Christianity and its emphasis on the Trinity. Then sing along to the hymn "Be Thou My Vision," set to the familiar Irish tune "Slane."...
A Prayer for the Time of Pandemic
God said to his people, exiled from their homeland in Babylon, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7) The Rev. Marc Boutan prayed these words in the conclusion to his May 17 sermon: ...
Join Us For Worship On Sunday!
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Marc R. Boutan. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: May 15
Many are eager for our church to get back to business as usual. Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell today as he reflects on moving forward faithfully, using Joshua 1:9 and Galatians 6:2 as a guide....
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: May 14
Today, take a closer look with the Rev. Brian McGreevy at the imagery of one of the great hymns of the church, one that dates as far back as the 6th or 7th century. Within the words of "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing," you will find the explanation of God's love and the wonder of what Jesus accomplished on the cross....
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: May 13
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller for a reflection on John Chapter 12, verses 1-8: The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. What can we learn from the example of Mary, the woman who was always found sitting at the Lord’s feet?...
Finding Comfort and Community in the New Normal
“Hi, Miss Em!” “Hello, Carole!” “I like that painting behind you, Cam!” “Why can’t I see everybody’s faces?” “You have to click on gallery view.” “Are you really in Nebraska?” These are samples of conversations among those who joined the Rector's Thursday Bible study last week. Everybody was so happy to be together again, and many signed on early so that they could chat. At the end of the study another opportunity was given for people to visit. What joy we all experienced to be connected this way on the marvel of Zoom....
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: May 12
Knowing something about God, the object of our worship, is one way to begin to cultivate a heart of worship, and we can learn a lot about God through the psalter. Take a look at Psalm 27:4 with the Rev. Ryan Streett this morning and explore the beauty of God....
An Update From Our Rector
Dear St. Philip’s Family, This past week, Bishop Lawrence announced to the clergy of our diocese a new set of guidelines intended to direct the next phase of our worship planning in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines go into effect on May 17 for all parishes hoping to resume public worship. It is important to understand that these are guidelines and not a one-size-fits-all solution for every parish in the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. The following excerpts are of particular importance:...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: May 11
In today's reflection, the Rev. Marc Boutan offers you Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive's "Is He Worthy?". "Does our God intend to dwell again with us? He does."...
Join Us for Worship Online on Sunday!
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Andrew R. O'Dell. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: May 8
The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy: "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life." Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell as he reflects on these different types of prayer and the importance of praying for ALL of our leaders....
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: May 7
On the National Day of Prayer, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares the story of Henry Lyte, who wrote the great hymn "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" and many others following a revival of his faith....
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: May 6
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller today for a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. “It’s only because Jesus was the Good Samaritan to us that we are empowered and given the strength to be good samaritans to others.”...
Contagious Love and Compassion: Serving at Tricounty Family Ministries
I did it! I stepped out and volunteered my time and energy to help prepare food for the weekly giveaway at Tricounty Family Ministries. My job today: prepping peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be given out tomorrow! Could there be a better job for a mother of three boys than prepping PB&J?...
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: May 5
"For you are with me." While people use many different psalms in times of trial and adversity, Psalm 23 is often reserved for the lowest valley, the sharpest pain. In today's reflection with the Rev. Ryan Streett, take a closer look at what's at the heart of this strong medicine for the weary soul....
Daily Devotion With Marc Boutan: May 4
God is a loving father, and he loves YOU. Today, the Rev. Marc Boutan shares the ways he stays in God's love, including reading his Bible as well as messages rooted in Scripture, and he offers up Pat Barrett and Tony Brown's "You're a Good, Good Father."...
Join Us for Worship on Sunday!
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Ryan T. Streett. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Daily Devotion with Andrew O'Dell: May 1
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service." Check in today with the Rev. Andrew O'Dell, who is offering some encouragement and guidance to all, especially those whose well might be dry during these stressful times....
Daily Devotion with Brian McGreevy: April 30
"I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever." In preparation for Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy the history and meaning of the great hymn "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," a mixture of Psalm 23 and the great Good News of Jesus himself being our Shepherd....
Daily Devotion with Jeff Miller: April 29
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller as we read Mark 1:40-45 and consider the account of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. What does this story teach us about Jesus Christ, the Great Physician?...
Serving the Lord in Song: Children's Choirs at St. Philip's
St. Philip’s Children’s Choir program brings together almost one hundred children who actively serve the Lord in rehearsals on a weekly basis September through May. The joy and love of serving the Lord in song begins early at St. Philip’s with the three- and four-year-olds of the Cherub Choir. These children grow in their love of the Lord and in their service to the Lord in song throughout their many years in the choir program. During the last two years, the Canterbury and St. David Choirs were involved in mission trips, singing at the convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 22, 2018, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these choristers....
Daily Devotion with Ryan Streett: April 28
Explore with the Rev. Ryan Streett Psalm 119:9,11. We all know to use our Bible in the midst of trials and difficulty, but do you know that it's more important to use it as a tool in preparing for those times?...
Daily Devotion with Marc Boutan: April 27
"My grace is sufficient; my power is made perfect in your weakness." Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on breezy Wadmalaw Island as he illustrates the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9 with Dennis Jernigan's "You Are My All in All."...
Update from Tricounty Family Ministries
I’m so excited to report to you that yesterday at our food distribution, we served 129 individuals by giving out 229 bags of groceries, along with toiletry kits and diapers, and helped to feed 420 people. But more than the numbers, the true story was in the faces of the people we served: the joy on the face of a mom who wasn’t sure if we would have diapers to share, the relief of a man who requested ready-to-eat food, the excitement of the kid who was riding his bike down our street and got to take groceries home to his family. We are making a difference, one life at a time, and that is how we will rebuild our community....
Tricounty Family Ministries Resumes Food Distribution
A note from Kara Stewart, Executive Director of Tricounty Family Ministries: I hope that you are all safe and healthy in these extraordinary times. Tricounty has experienced many challenges with the spread of the virus in our community. We shut down our services, including our food distribution, out of an abundance of caution. Most of our staff and many of our volunteers fall in the higher-risk categories, and so we wanted to protect everyone from this deadly virus. We have spent the last three weeks strategizing, learning more about the virus and its spread, seeking guidance on safety protocol, and thinking creatively about how we can pursue our mission to provide basic needs during this crisis....
The Holy Spirit: Your Prayer Partner
John 14:26: "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." What does Scripture say about the Holy Spirit? John 14-16 tells you a lot. I suggest you study and meditate on these chapters. Here are a few more job descriptions to ponder: He is equal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20). He has a mind and knows the will of God (Romans 8:27). He leads (Acts 16:10). He speaks (Acts 8:29). He loves (Romans 15:30). He prays for us (Romans 8:26). He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17)....
The Word: Full of Grace and Truth
For quite a while now, this small, humble poster (“laminated” with clear boxing tape) has been strategically positioned on a counter in our kitchen where we prepare tea and coffee. It’s been there long enough that I’ve forgotten the details of why I originally made it and placed it there. Time and again, it has caught my eye at just the moment when I am tempted to worry about someone or something....
COVID-19 and our Mission Partners: Mighty Prayers Needed
If we are honest, I think it would be safe to say that most of us are focused on our own needs at this incredibly unpredictable and challenging time. Some are out of work, parents are having to homeschool for the first time, some are sick with the virus, and all of us are experiencing a level of uncertainty like none before. Yet while we here in America are facing this difficult time, let’s consider the level of need in the lands where we have beloved ministry partners...
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Thoughts
I spent Maundy Thursday reading Exodus 11 & 12 plus the final chapters of the four Gospels, beginning with the Passover meal in Jerusalem celebrated by Jesus with his disciples that was his Last Supper, continuing on to his crucifixion and then concluding with his resurrection and ascension. In conjunction with the readings, I prayed for all of us and for our families and loved ones, that all may be protected during this time of disease, that the blood of the lamb shall “be on the houses where you are…and no plague will befall you to destroy you.” (Exodus 12:13)....
Rector's Update: A Note About Spiritual Communion
Dear Friends, As we continue our way through Holy Week, I trust you are benefitting from the Daily Devotions offered by the clergy. Although they are a far cry from the services we customarily offer, I hope you find them to be a blessing and encouragement. As I mentioned in an earlier communication, we will not be offering a Maundy Thursday service this year, but we will be broadcasting the Good Friday liturgy at noon tomorrow, April 10, and an Easter service on April 12 at 10:30 a.m. ...
Virtual Worship: Fellowship on the Screen
If you are anything like us, you are finding the Sunday morning St. Philip's services an enormous blessing during these days of uncertainty and isolation! At the end of a long week where bad news seems to abound, it has been so reassuring and comforting to hear some good news on Sunday mornings...
How May Your Clergy and Church Help You?
Dear St. Philip’s Family, During this time of isolation, the members of the clergy and staff want to stay connected with you and continue to meet your spiritual needs. We realize there is a great deal of anxiety and fear, and being separated from your church family can be particularly painful. In an effort to best serve you, we have compiled a questionnaire that we hope you will take the time to complete. Rather than speculate as to what you need at this time, we are eager to hear from you! ...
It's a Time To Be Faithful in Prayer
If there was ever a time to pray, it's NOW. There are so many things that need prayer coverage that it's hard to know where to start. First of all, it's vital that you start by enriching your own prayer life. During this time when we are quarantined at home, perhaps you can increase your dedicated time with Him in prayer....
And God is Able
In the midst of this time of uncertainty, I hope you are well. May you find safe shelter not only in “social distancing,” but especially in drawing close to Him who is our true Dwelling Place...
Do You Have Needs? Or Would You Like To Help Those Who Do?
St. Philip’s is assembling a response team for our church members while we are all experiencing the challenges of COVID-19. This is a united effort of the Compassion Committee, the Home Missions Team, the Disaster Relief Committee, and our clergy. We are here to help each other!...
A Letter From the Rector: Cabin Fever and Being Still Before the Lord
Dear St. Philip’s family, This past week of social distancing has been a surreal and difficult experience for the majority of Americans. Many are beginning to think that if the coronavirus doesn’t get them, “Cabin Fever” will. Not since World War II or the polio epidemic of the 1940s and 50s have the American people been so inconvenienced or threatened with long-term confinement and financial ruin. It reminds me of the following story shared by the Very Reverend Laurie Thompson, Dean of Trinity Seminary. ...
The Great Commission: By the Power of the Holy Spirit
We celebrated Mission Sunday last week and had the opportunity to highlight the many ways that we as a congregation at St. Philip's are “doing mission,” or reaching out to others with the love of God in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mission is an integral part of what God calls us to do as Christ-followers. While the Great Commission is commonly thought to be the Bible’s one mandate to mission, if we read scripture carefully, we will hear God’s heart for the world woven powerfully throughout all of the Bible. Jesus’ command that we take the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it was not simply an afterthought at the end of his earthly ministry. It was a continuation of the message we find consistently throughout Scripture: God loves us. Despite our rebellion, He went to unfathomable lengths to make it possible for us to know Him and His great love for us and for us to be with Him for all eternity. ...
When the Church Broke the Internet
We dotted all our I's and crossed all our T's; we had every hair in place and all our ducks in a row, but we weren't prepared ... for breaking the Internet! Thanks to everyone who joined us for worship on Sunday! Even though the service didn't come to your living room in quite the mode we were expecting, you were unfazed, and most of us were able to worship together just as we'd planned. Praise God!! Here's a note we received from our streaming platform on Sunday afternoon: Church Online Platform When the Church broke the Internet. This is an unprecedented time for the global Church and for online ministry. For most churches running the Church Online Platform, services went smoothly, and we praise Jesus for the lives that were forever changed! For some churches, though, services went out around 9:15 a.m. CDT/10:15 EDT. In anticipation of the highest-traffic weekend in history, the team had done in-depth load testing and purchased additional server and database capacity to meet the projected demand. But, with today’s traffic, an unanticipated variable arose that caused some issues with chat and with pages loading....
Understanding God's Presence: 2020 Mission to LAMB
Last Thursday, March 12, the jet landed in Charleston carrying our returning members of the St. Philip’s––St. Michael’s mission team to LAMB in Honduras. What a fantastic week! Mission accomplished: ninety dental patients treated––mostly children and some adult support staff––at the LAMB Children’s Home in San Buenaventura, and two buildings on site painted to completion. From an earthly perspective, the trip was a resounding success. It is, however, the spiritual blessings that each team member received that will remain with us forever. ...
An Observation of John Dickson's "A Doubter's Guide to Christianity"
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of this talk on a Wednesday evening at St. Philip’s, except that it would be relatively short and sweet. Really, the word “doubters” in the title caught my attention. I have many people in my life who question the Christian faith and some who claim to be atheists, so I attended hoping to pick up a few tools in defense of the faith that I love. I was not disappointed. Listening to Dr. Dickson of Sydney deliver his carefully concise message, his humor woven throughout with his Strayan accent and lingo, I was delightfully entertained. He discussed what exactly the basis of our Christian faith is and proceeded to clarify and dissect the Apostle’s Creed. Now, although I’ve been reciting the Creed since my youth, he explained some things I had never realized about the three fundamental beliefs in the Apostle’s Creed that unify all Christians....
Rector's Update: Church Activities Cancelled Through March 31
Dear St. Philip’s Family, Yesterday afternoon, Bishop Lawrence ordered the closure of all churches in the Diocese for the next two weeks in an effort to comply with the government’s call for social distancing to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. In compliance with that directive, ALL activities at St. Philip’s Church are cancelled, effective immediately, through March 31. Like many of you, I am very disappointed that it has come to this–– especially during the Lenten Season––but I understand that extraordinary measures are required, and I fully support the decisions of those in authority. ...
Tricounty Family Ministries Needs
Hello, Tricounty Family Ministries supporters. Due to the new information about the spreading virus, we have made the decision to suspend our normal services through the end of the month. All regular volunteer duties are suspended through March 31. We would like to be able to pass out emergency grocery supplies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we can set up a safe distribution area outside. Unfortunately, most of our regular staff and volunteers are over the age of 50 and at increased risk for complications due to the virus. In order to continue our grocery distribution, I am looking for volunteers who are under the age of 50 and in good health. ...
A Letter From the Rector Regarding COVID-19
Dear St. Philip’s Family, We all share a justifiable anxiety about the threat posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus, and as your Rector, I want to assure you that we are monitoring the situation closely and saying our prayers daily. We are also taking some precautionary measures to ensure the safety and health of our parishioners in worship. We believe that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and that none of this has taken Him by surprise, but we also recognize our need to be responsible citizens and to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. To that end, we will be implementing the following changes to our worship and parish schedule effective this Sunday....
God Prepares the Called: Volunteering at a New Home Missions Partner
“There is no way I could relate to or be effective with clients here.” That was my initial reaction when I finally agreed to go in to volunteer at the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center. After years of supporting them in other ways and then being encouraged to actually volunteer by a friend who had served on the board, I decided to answer that call with the idea that I could offer to do clerical volunteer services (a much needed offering). After an interview, when the director said she felt I was best suited to be trained as a volunteer counselor with the clients coming in for pregnancy testing and counseling, the above was my reaction. ...
St. David Choir Marks 21st Consecutive Year of Singing for the St. David Society
Last Thursday, March 5, our St. David Choir, which is composed of mixed voices 7th-grade and above, sang the Welsh national anthem and other Welsh pieces at a banquet for the St. David Society at the Carolina Yacht Club for the 21st consecutive year, the 13th with director Jolene Hethcox. Along with the rest of St. Philip’s children’s choirs, this dedicated group will also be singing during the 10:30 service this Sunday, March 15. ...
Men’s Conference: Building God’s Kingdom
Several hundred men from St. Philip’s, churches across the state, and as far away as Kenya attended the Christian Men’s Conference at Camp St. Christopher February 21-23. I was blessed to be among them. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Father’s Blessing,” and the goal was for the weekend to be “a time of blessing for all men, young and old, in order that all men may thus be transformed and more fully equipped to build God’s kingdom, man to man.” Anglican Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets at The Citadel Rob Sturdy, looking like an apostle with his full beard and long, bushy hair, brought a passionate and well researched message over four sessions. Rob talked about the cultural view of masculinity being precarious: hard to earn and easy to lose versus the biblical view of masculinity being a gift from God. He talked about God being present, proud, and pleased with his son, Jesus, when he was baptized by John and how this blessing is extended to each of us just because we belong to him....
Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
Last Thursday night at the Country Club of Charleston, over 150 people gathered together in fellowship to celebrate 25 years of mission and ministry service on the island of La Gonâve in Haiti. Our “Friends of Haiti” sponsors and guests, who so graciously supported the event, viewed photos, heard stories and testimonials, sang songs, and celebrated the many blessings of St. Jean Baptiste’s sister-church relationship over the years with St. Philip’s Church, Haitian American Partnership Program, Inc. (HAPPI), Haitian Island Ministries (HIM), and La Gonâve Haiti Partners. ...
Christianity and Mental Health
I went to Porter-Gaud Bible Study on Wednesday not just for pizza and an Australian accent, but also for the wise words of John Dickson. I am the type of person who tends to follow my head not my heart. Therefore, I found the intellectual logic and information that Dr. Dickson offered particularly satisfying....
New Offering for Grandparents
Grandparents, are you ready to be encouraged and equipped to influence your grandchildren spiritually? To make them disciples of Jesus Christ and to get to know other grandparents who are doing the same thing for their own grandchildren? Join us on Thursdays following the Rector’s Bible Study as we pray and gather in small groups, using the Legacy Coalition’s guide, “Grandparenting Matters.”...
Reunited: How Instagram Made a Family Whole Again
One day in late November, a staff member discovered a crab and a giraffe left behind in the Parlor. They were siblings––we could tell by the way they bickered with each other. We tried to find their home through Instagram, but no one came forward. Some weeks later, we tried again. Still no luck. Although they were doing well with us, clearly trying to be on their best behavior while finding ways to be helpful around the office, we knew they missed their family (and they themselves were surely missed!), so we tried one last time. ...
Marching for Life
I had an amazing time at the March for Life even though I was a little nervous going into because I didn’t know everyone going with St. Philip’s (or the other 800,000 people who were there). Just as I arrived at the airport, I received a text saying that our flight was delayed but that we should still head on over, which was an interesting start to my experience. At the airport, we prayed as a group, took lots of pictures, said our goodbyes to parents and loved ones, and headed to our gate. We made it through security even though there was an extra L in Lily’s name on her boarding pass. At the gate, we played Spicy Uno (which is Uno with interactive rules like “no talking when someone puts down a 7” or “slap the pile when someone puts down a 6”) and Catchphrase. ...
Seeing the Cross: Notes on Natural Evangelism
Evangelism. Up until one week ago, I was scared of that word. It carries so much meaning, so much responsibility. On Sunday, January 20, Canon J.John came and spoke at the Rector’s Forum and preached that morning. While I was unable to hear his talk at the Rector’s Forum (I’m definitely listening to it this week!), I heard his sermon. It was so spirit-filling and encouraging that I knew I had to attend his talk the following Tuesday. ...
The Power of Prayer Right Now: Urgent Prayer Team Now Available
When my son was in a terrible car accident in 2011, his life was in the balance, and with one phone call, the St. Philip’s prayer chain was alerted and I was able to get many people praying fast. I believe that through these prayers and many more throughout his recovery, he was saved and is now healed. St. Philip’s has had a prayer chain for about the last twenty years, and many of us have taken great comfort in knowing that our situation is getting prayed over “right now.” But now we have a new and improved prayer chain....
Do You Know of Someone Who is Hospitalized or Homebound?
If you know of a parishioner who is sick, hospitalized, homebound, or otherwise in need of pastoral care or prayer, please call the church office at (843) 722-7734. ...
The St. P's Giant Slayers Shut Down the Charleston Crushers 14-9 in First Win of the Season
In only the second game they've played (two were rained out and one was forfeited), the St. Philip's adult co-ed softball team, led by team captain Ryan "One-Way" Streett and manager Benjamin Singleton, notched their first win of the season last night! After being down 4-2 after the first inning, the Slayers brought in six runs against the Crushers, establishing a lead they never gave up. Congratulations, St. P's!...
Avocado Trees for the Children!
Each Saturday, the Dufatanye Organization (DO) in Rwanda holds a Children’s Bible and Breakfast Club at our ministry center. Using flannel boards and over 600 colorful flannel pieces, we teach a Bible lesson and then serve the children a breakfast of porridge or milk and bread. Sometimes, we have up to 250 children in attendance! We divide the children according to age, ...
Keep ReadingGrace and Mercy at Christmas
During this Advent season, as we anticipate the beauty of Christmas, I am forever grateful to those who have walked alongside of me in this ministry to our friends at the Dufatanye Organization (DO) in Rwanda. As we have shared during the prayers on Sundays at St. Philip’s, the DO is a nonprofit organization that ministers to victims of genocide and AIDS. This ministry a...
Keep ReadingWhere is Your Sanctuary? Your Dwelling Place?
I am grateful to several St. Philippians who have prayed for my little sparrow in Rwanda. Fraterine is a ten-year-old boy who, until the last year, has led a solitary life, away from school and simply drifting during the days because so many children made fun of his discomfiting, facial skin condition. Since discovering God’s little sparrow last summer, we from the Dufat...
Keep ReadingHis Eye is on the Sparrow
This past February, I returned to Rwanda for three weeks. For almost six years, I lived in Rwanda’s Northern Province, an area nestled in a chain of eight imposing volcanoes. Their towering spires appear to direct the earth’s timid gaze to heaven’s sublime and regal dominion. When they quake, fire and brimstone slide from their lips, demonstrating God’s almighty, o...
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