The St. Philip’s Home Missions Team is continuing its tradition of partnering with Tricounty Family Ministries to help brighten Christmas for Charleston families by collecting $25 gift cards to Walmart, Family Dollar, Big Lots, and Dollar Tree so that parents in need can have the joy of purchasing a gift for their child. This year, the Team is also working in tandem with one of our other home mission partners, St. John’s Chapel, a mission church within our diocese, to provide $25 gift cards to Walmart or Target for the hardworking teachers of Simmons-Pinckney Middle School, the only stand-alone middle school on the Peninsula.

In years past, our generous St. Philippian families and friends have donated enough gift cards that we've also been able to bless another home mission partner, Star Gospel Mission, with gift cards for the men who are in residence there as they transition from homelessness to being on their own and working. This year, we hope to be able to do that again, and maybe even to go above and beyond and bless the new and expectant parents who seek help from our newest partner, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center. 

The Home Missions Gift Card "Angel Trees," generously provided by the St. Philip's Flower Guild, will arrive in time for the Thanksgiving Day service. They will be decorated with the handmade ornaments that are Home Missions Team’s gift to you to serve as a “thank you” for your donation or as a reminder to bring a gift card back with you next time. Even with Thanksgiving coming late this year, the trees will be in the narthex for three Sundays! There will be plenty of time for everyone to pick out an ornament. (Word on the street is that these ornaments make terrific stocking stuffers and hostess gifts!) In addition to the trees in the narthex, there will also be a tree in the church office that will be available during the week.

But you don’t have to wait for the ornaments to appear to purchase your gift card! We encourage you to take a step of generosity now by purchasing a gift card and bringing it with you on Sunday, November 29, December 6, or December 13 and exchanging it for an ornament from one of the trees. The ornaments will also be available during the December 2 and 9 Wednesday night services! If for some reason you miss the December 13 deadline, you can still bring your gift card to the church office by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 14.

This is a great time to share the blessings that we have all received with those who have been less fortunate. Let’s make this the best year ever!