Update on St. Francis, Charleston

St. Francis Episcopal Church in Charleston was forced to cancel services on July 22 after a roof failure and flooding at their worship space, Stuhr's Chapel in West Ashley. Initially it was thought that St. Francis might be displaced for up to eight weeks, but ongoing assessment has church leaders hopeful they can return on August 12.

For the next two Sundays St. Francis will be worshiping at a local chapel graciously offered by a Christian corporate neighbor. The Rev. Michael Shaffer, Priest-in-Charge, said he is grateful for the outpouring of support extended during the past week. For information visit the St. Francis Facebook page or contact Fr. Shaffer at 843-830-1220.

"Within 60 minutes of my email notification to the vestry last Friday of the flooding at Stuhrs, over 15 parishioners and friends of St. Francis arrived at Stuhrs with boxes and vans to help remove and store vestments, liturgical hardware and other important personal property items owned by St. Francis, so as to keep these items safe from further damage," Fr. Shaffer says.

Volunteer assistance, offers of help and prayers also came from former St. Francis members, friends at St. Stephen's, Charleston, as well Bishop Skip Adams and Archdeacon Calhoun Walpole. "This is what I refer to in my weekly blessing when I pray we might see the face of Jesus in everyone we meet,” Fr. Shaffer says.

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