|
|
We Serve No King But Christ
|
Welcome, dear friends and neighbors! At Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, we gather as a community committed to walking in the footsteps of Jesus, the one true King. This week, our hearts and minds are drawn to the scripture lessons of 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, and Luke 23:35-43. These passages gently remind us of what it means to serve Christ above all, especially in a world where injustice and division can seem overwhelming.
|
Scripture Reflections: Leadership Reimagined
2 Samuel 5:1-3 recounts a pivotal moment for the people of Israel: the tribes come together to recognize David as their king. But this isn’t just about politics or power. It’s about unity and humble leadership. David is chosen not because he’s the strongest or the richest, but because he is a shepherd with a heart for his people. The elders affirm, “We are your bone and flesh.” These are words echoing the deep connection and shared humanity that God desires. Today, we remember that our ultimate allegiance isn’t to any worldly ruler, but to Christ, who calls us to care for one another with compassion and integrity.
|
Christ at the Center: A New Kingdom of Light
Colossians 1:12-20 paints a breathtaking vision. “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Christ is the center of the universe and the source of our hope. Our inheritance is not about privilege, wealth, or status, but about sharing in the light of God’s love. This kingdom is radically different from the empires of our world. It is built on reconciliation, grace, and mercy. Every time we say, “We serve no king but Christ,” we are declaring that our hearts belong to something greater than the powers that divide, exploit, or exclude.
|
The Cross and the Margins: Mercy in Action
Luke 23:35-43 brings us face to face with Christ’s reign from the cross. While others mock, Jesus forgives. While the world rejects, He welcomes. Even as He suffers, He extends hope to the penitent thief, promising paradise to someone society had written off. This is true leadership, one that chooses solidarity over domination, mercy over condemnation. If Christ’s kingship is marked by love for the marginalized, our own lives as His followers must reflect the same radical hospitality.
|
Justice and Faith: Standing Up in Christ’s Name
Here’s where faith meets action. To say “we serve no king but Christ” is to reject systems and attitudes that dehumanize. It means standing up against fascism, the urge to control through fear and force. It means opposing racism and any ideology that divides us by skin color, heritage, or background. It means speaking truth to oligarchs and structures that put wealth before the common good, and it means advocating for immigrants and refugees, who often find themselves at the mercy of unjust laws and rhetoric.
|
At Saint Francis Parish, justice is not a slogan, it’s a daily calling. Our outreach ministries strive to greet strangers as friends, to feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and listen to the voices often ignored. Each small gesture, sharing a meal, offering a kind word, walking alongside someone in hardship, is an act of resistance against a culture that prizes exclusion and division. When we welcome the outsider, we welcome Christ.
|
Community in Action: The Parish as a Living Witness
What does this look like here in Augusta? It looks like parishioners organizing food drives and standing with immigrant families navigating uncertain futures. It looks like educational programs that confront prejudice and teach empathy. It looks like moments of prayer for victims of hate and violence, and for those in positions of power who need the courage to choose justice.
|
We know that standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes it means risking popularity or comfort. But we remember that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and our strength comes from Him. United in faith, we challenge the status quo, not through anger or division, but through persistent love and hope.
|
A Call to Action: Living Our Allegiance
So, as you go about your week, remember: our deepest loyalty is to the King who wore a crown of thorns, not a golden one. Let us make Christ’s love visible by standing against hate, by refusing to bow before idols of power and wealth, and by standing up for anyone who is marginalized or mistreated. In every conversation, every outreach effort, and every prayer, let us echo, “We serve no king but Christ.”
|
May these scriptures inspire us to be bold and gentle, steadfast and compassionate. Let’s pray for the courage to see Christ in every person, and the grace to help build a parish and a world where justice and mercy walk hand in hand.
|
Blessings, friends! Let’s keep seeking, serving, and loving as Christ’s community, right here in Augusta and beyond.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us every Sunday at 3:00 PM at 557 Greene Street in Augusta Georgia in the sanctuary of the MCC of Our Redeemer. Rosary starts at 2:25 PM every Sunday.
|
|
November 23, 2025: The Solemnity of Christ the King
|
Mass Intention: For and end to fascism and abuse around the world.
|
|
November 30, 2025: First Sunday of Advent
|
|
Mass Intention: For all immigrants who are feeling hopeless in our country.
|
|
|
|
|
For the St. George family; Fr. Bryan Wolf; Mary Nehls; for Kelesh’s daughter; James (Cancer); Linda (Cancer); Jacob (Cancer); James Long (Cancer); Mickey; Jacob Williams; Kelesh and family; Lindsay; Sherlock Bones; Tatum Johnson (Job); Brittney (Cancer); Jennifer (DV Survivor, Homeless); Bishop James Long; David; John; Joy; Greenbear; Bishop Ben and Darlene Williams; Ryn Ingells; growth for our parish family; all those in the path of the wildfires and severe weather, end of hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East; for an end to gun violence.
|
|
|
|
|
Can't make it to Mass?
You can still join us virtually, you can by using any of the following outlets:
|
|
|
|
|
Action Alert!
|
Join us for this powerful movement to stand against fascism!
|
|
|
|
Support our Parish!
|
We are in desperate need to financial support to keep our parish going. Please donate today using the following links or QR Codes:
|
|
Venmo: @saintfrancisparish
|
|
CashApp: $saintfrancisparish
|
|
|
|
Joint Fellowship Opportunities
|
|
|
Parish Bible Study
|
Our Bible Study will resume January 8, 2026 with our study of the book of James.
|
|
|
|
Our Parish Outreaches
Human First Outreach
This ministry focuses on providing food and toiletry supplies to the homeless in the Augusta, Georgia area. We provide feminine hygiene products to those that need them and food for the pets of our homeless friends and family.
|
We are working to bring a human touch to this ministry as we encourage volunteers to engage with the individuals we are helping in a compassionate and loving way. We expect all volunteers to refrain from proselytizing and preaching to those we serve. Instead, take a hint from Hamilton “talk less, listen more”.
|
If you would like to donate to this important ministry, you can visit our Amazon wishlist and purchase items to be sent directly to us.
|
Reclaiming the Cross Outreach
Check out our newest outreach in which we work to set the record straight on what the Bible says about many of the issues facing our society today!
|
Reclaiming the Cross is an outreach of our parish headed up by Subdeacon Luna Godsey.
|
Podcast Outreach
|
|
|
Sunday Selfies
|
Don't forget to take your Sunday Selfie and send them to us! You can email them to us at info@oursaintfrancis.org or tag us on Facebook using #saintfrancisparish and #sundayselfie.
|
|
|
Our Parish goes social...
|
      
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
