homeless

Faith Under Fire: Endurance, Division, and Mission—Reflections

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In the tapestry of Christian life, moments of challenge and division are woven side by side with threads of perseverance and hope. For the community of Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia, these scriptural themes offer both a mirror and a compass—reflecting our reality and guiding our mission.

Facing the Fire: Jeremiah’s Trial and Our Own

Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10 presents a scene of stark peril and steadfast faith. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking truth to power, is accused of weakening the resolve of Jerusalem’s defenders and is cast into a muddy cistern. He sinks—literally and figuratively—into the depths of despair. Yet, through the intervention of Ebed-Melek, Jeremiah is rescued, a vivid reminder that even when God’s messengers are marginalized and threatened, Divine Providence does not abandon them.

The story of Jeremiah resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt isolated for standing firm in their convictions. In the context of Saint Francis Parish, where outreach often means entering the “cisterns” of poverty, loneliness, and social injustice, Jeremiah’s courage is both an inspiration and a challenge. We are called to speak truth, even when it is unpopular, and to act in compassion when others are cast aside.

Like Ebed-Melek, our mission is to recognize when the vulnerable are at risk and to intervene with decisive kindness. The Parish’s outreach programs—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and accompanying the marginalized—are echoes of Jeremiah’s story, reminding us that the work of God sometimes happens in muddy places, out of sight, but never out of mind.

Running the Race: Perseverance from Hebrews

The letter to the Hebrews (12:1–4) continues this theme of endurance. We are exhorted to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” The imagery is athletic and communal: we are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses,” those who have gone before us, cheering us on as we strive to lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely.

At Saint Francis Parish, our race is not run in isolation. The collective witness of our members, past and present, inspires fresh commitment to serve our neighbors with love and humility. Whether it is the tireless volunteers who prepare meals for the homeless, the catechists who nurture faith in our youth, or the prayer teams who intercede for those in need, each member participates in a relay of grace.

Endurance is not just about surviving hardship; it is about transforming it. Hebrews reminds us that, in the struggle against sin and injustice, we have not yet “resisted to the point of shedding blood.” Our race requires that we remain steadfast, even when the path is steep or the finish line seems distant. In moments of fatigue or discouragement, we look to Christ—who endured hostility and shame for the sake of love—and find strength to continue.

Division for the Sake of Truth: Luke’s Fiery Words

Luke 12:49–53 introduces a more unsettling theme: “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” Jesus’ words about division—“from now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three”—remind us that the Gospel is not always a comfortable message. The peace Christ brings is not the peace of complacency, but the peace that comes from wrestling honestly with the demands of discipleship.

Saint Francis Parish is no stranger to the tensions that can arise when we take the Gospel seriously. Our outreach work sometimes draws criticism, our stands on justice may provoke disagreement, and our efforts at inclusion challenge the boundaries of comfort. Yet, it is precisely through such division—born not of malice but of fidelity to truth—that genuine community can emerge.

Jesus’ fire is the fire of transformation. It burns away indifference, ignites passion for justice, and compels us to confront the areas of our lives and society where reconciliation is needed. The divisions Jesus describes are not ends in themselves, but catalysts for deeper engagement with faith and with one another.

Saint Francis Parish and Outreach: Embodying the Scriptural Call

How does Saint Francis Parish embody these scriptural truths? By refusing to shy away from the muddy cisterns of our city, by running the long race of service and faith, and by stirring the fire of justice, the Parish seeks to be a living testament to God’s presence in Augusta.

  • Compassion in Action: Our outreach programs offer food, shelter, and companionship to those most at risk. Volunteers serve not only with their hands but with their hearts, recognizing Christ in the faces of the poor.
  • Faith Formation: Through adult education, youth ministry, and sacramental preparation, we equip our community to run the race with perseverance, grounded in the wisdom of the saints and strengthened by prayer.
  • Advocacy and Justice: The Parish participates in local initiatives for affordable housing, racial reconciliation, and support for refugees. We speak truth to power, even when it leads to uncomfortable conversations or division.
  • Hospitality and Healing: Saint Francis Parish opens its doors to all, fostering an environment where wounds are cared for and differences can be discussed openly, in the spirit of Christ’s reconciling love.

Conclusion: Hope in the Midst of Challenge

The stories of Jeremiah, the exhortations of Hebrews, and the fiery words of Jesus in Luke converge in a powerful call to the people of Saint Francis Parish and all who seek to follow Christ. We are invited to persevere through trials, to confront division for the sake of truth, and to intervene with compassion for those in the “cisterns” of suffering.

In Augusta, Georgia, the mission of Saint Francis Parish is not just to provide services, but to embody the living Gospel—a Gospel that comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable, that stretches us toward deeper faith and broader love. As we continue our journey, may we run our race with endurance, speak truth with courage, and kindle the fire of hope, confident that God walks with us every step of the way.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Beyond Vanity: Finding Meaning in a World of Distractions

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If you walk through the doors of Saint Francis Parish on any given Sunday, you’ll find more than stained glass and sacred hymns. You’ll encounter a community anchored in hope, wrestling honestly with the questions life throws our way. This week, as we reflect on scriptures from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and Luke, we discover an invitation—perhaps even a challenge—to look beyond our culture’s mirage of “more” and toward the richness of a life rooted in God and shared with others.

“Vanity of Vanities, All is Vanity”: The Restless Human Heart

The wisdom writer of Ecclesiastes minces no words: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The Preacher—a voice as ancient as human longing itself—names what so many of us sense but rarely say. Despite our striving, our labor, our pursuit of possessions and prestige, we find ourselves restless. Ecclesiastes 2:21–23 continues this lament: what do we gain from all our toil, if our days are filled with pain and our nights with worry? Even the fruit of our work may pass to another who did not labor for it.

It’s a sobering reminder—the futility of chasing after wind, of investing our souls in things that inevitably slip through our fingers. Yet, it’s not a call to despair. Instead, it’s a loving invitation to ask: Where does true meaning reside? What does it profit us to accumulate if our hearts remain empty?

At Saint Francis Parish, we see this yearning played out in the lives of those we serve through our outreach ministries. Whether it’s the neighbor struggling to pay rent, the parent seeking a better future for their child, or the volunteer searching for purpose, the question remains: Is there more to life than this endless cycle of working and wanting?

Setting Our Minds on Christ: A New Vision for Living

Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11 offers a brilliant, hopeful response to Ecclesiastes’ honest lament. Paul urges us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Our truest identity, he insists, is found not in what we possess, but in Christ—in compassion, kindness, humility, and love. The old self, driven by greed and anger, is to be set aside. In Christ, there is “no Greek or Jew… but Christ is all and in all!”

The outreach at Saint Francis is more than a program; it’s an embodiment of this new life. Volunteers and recipients alike are invited to look beyond the world’s definitions of worth. Here, people from every background gather as equals. The Blessing Bag Outreach and the community meals—they’re not just handouts, but opportunities to witness God’s radical inclusion. In giving and receiving, we taste the richness of the kingdom that Colossians describes—a kingdom where generosity replaces anxiety, and relationships are valued over riches.

The Parable of the Rich Fool: A Warning and a Way Forward

Jesus, in Luke 12:13–21, tells the story of a man who seemingly “had it all”—abundant crops, overflowing barns, a future secured. Yet, God calls him a fool, not for his success but for his shortsightedness. “This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The parable warns us: life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.

How often do we, too, fall into the trap of the rich fool? We make plans, store up treasures, seek security in things—only to discover that what we truly crave is connection, peace, and the assurance that we matter. At Saint Francis Parish, we see the other side of the equation—those who lack, who worry, who wonder where tomorrow’s bread will come from. But we also see the beauty that arises when resources are shared, when burdens are lightened by communal care.

Saint Francis Parish and Outreach: Living the Gospel

It’s easy to read these scriptures and feel chastised, but Jesus and the writers of Ecclesiastes and Colossians aren’t interested in shaming us. Rather, they long to open our eyes and hearts to the abundance that comes from living for God and neighbor. At Saint Francis Parish, outreach is not a side project—it’s the beating heart of the Gospel in action.

Each time a volunteer offers a warm meal, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement, we are reminded that true wealth lies not in accumulation, but in self-giving love. The lessons of Ecclesiastes find their answer in the work of Saint Francis: when we invest in people, when we allow Christ to reshape our priorities, the vanity of earthly pursuits is replaced by the joy of serving something—and someone—far greater than ourselves.

We are called, then, to hold our possessions loosely and our relationships tightly. Whether we have much or little, we are members of one body, woven together by the Spirit. The food we share, the time we give, the hope we kindle—these are treasures that moth and rust cannot destroy.

Practical Steps: Cultivating a Life Oriented Toward True Riches

How can we move from mere words to lived transformation? Here are some invitations inspired by this week’s readings and the witness of Saint Francis Parish:

  • Reexamine Your Priorities: Take time this week to reflect on what fills your thoughts, fuels your ambitions, and shapes your schedule. Where are you investing your heart?
  • Seek Things Above: In moments of stress or uncertainty, turn to prayer, Scripture, or the quiet presence of God. Let your values be shaped by the things that last—faith, hope, and love.
  • Give Generously: Find ways to share your resources, talents, or time with those in need. Whether through parish outreach or a simple act of kindness, discover the joy of giving.
  • Build Christ-Centered Community: Engage with others at Saint Francis Parish, not just on Sundays but through service and companionship. In lifting one another up, we experience the new life promised in Colossians.
  • Live Honestly: Let go of pretense and comparison. In Christ, the divisions of the world fall away. Celebrate the unique story God is writing in you and those around you.

Conclusion: The Gift of Enough

The ancient Preacher was right—much of life’s striving is vanity. But he did not see the whole story. In Christ, we are offered a new way: to seek what is above, to put on compassion, and to be “rich toward God.” At Saint Francis Parish, in the bustle of outreach and the quiet moments of prayer, we catch a glimpse of the kingdom Jesus proclaimed. A kingdom where every gift is received with gratitude, every neighbor is seen as kin, and every moment is an opportunity to love.

As you leave this reflection, may you find courage to release what is fleeting and to embrace what endures. In the end, the riches that matter most are those we share.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Hospitality, Service, and the Heart of Faith: Reflections from Saint Francis Parish

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Let’s start with a simple question: *What does it mean to be a Christian in today’s world?* It’s a question we all wrestle with at some stage—sometimes quietly in prayer, sometimes in the middle of a busy week, and sometimes when we see someone in need. If you’ve spent time at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia, you know these aren’t just abstract questions. They’re woven into our daily lives, conversations, and, most importantly, our actions.

This week, our lectionary readings—Genesis 18:1–10a, Colossians 1:24–28, and Luke 10:38–42—offer a kind of roadmap for living out our faith with purpose and love. Let’s take a walk together through these scriptures and see how they speak to us as a parish and as followers of Christ.

Welcoming the Stranger: Lessons from Genesis

First, picture this: Abraham is sitting by the oaks of Mamre, in the heat of the day, when three strangers appear. Without hesitation, Abraham rushes to meet them. He bows, offers them rest, water, and a feast. He doesn’t know who they are. He simply sees their need—and responds.

Genesis 18:1–10a is often called the story of Abraham’s hospitality, but it is so much more. It is a scene of radical, generous welcome. In the ancient world, the desert was a dangerous place, and survival often depended on the kindness of strangers. Abraham’s instinct is not to protect what he has, but to share it. His welcome is immediate, heartfelt, and complete.

We often romanticize these biblical moments, but imagine pausing your own busy day to prepare a meal for unexpected guests. Abraham’s example isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about recognizing the divine image in everyone who comes to our door.

And here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we try (however imperfectly) to live out that same spirit. Whether it’s providing meals through our blessing bags, opening our doors during the coldest nights, or simply greeting newcomers with warmth, every act of welcome is an echo of Abraham’s generosity. Our parish strives to be a place where all are received, not just with politeness, but with genuine care.

Christ in Us: Paul’s Vision in Colossians

Let’s move to Colossians 1:24–28. Paul writes, “It is Christ whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone…so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” But before that, he says something surprising: “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

Paul’s words can be a little mysterious, but at the heart, he’s talking about a willingness to give of ourselves for others. Paul’s ministry is not simply teaching or preaching—it’s service, even when it costs him. He sees his life as being poured out for the sake of the community. He’s not boasting; he’s inviting us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ: that real discipleship often means sacrifice, patience, and carrying each other’s burdens.

At Saint Francis, we don’t have to look far to see this in action. Walk into any outreach event, and you’ll find volunteers moving tables, filling food bags, praying with those who need encouragement. You’ll see people giving their time, their resources, and sometimes their comfort. All of it is done not for recognition, but because Christ’s love compels us to serve. Paul’s vision of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” becomes real when we make space for Christ to work through us.

Choosing the Better Part: Martha and Mary

Now, let’s turn to Luke 10:38–42—the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus visits their home. Martha rushes about, concerned with preparations, and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha gets frustrated (and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way?), asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

This passage can be a tricky one. Is Jesus saying service doesn’t matter? Hardly. In fact, the gospels are full of commands to love and serve others. But Jesus is inviting us to remember the heart of our service: listening, learning, and being present to God. Martha’s work is crucial, but it needs to be rooted in relationship.

For all of us at Saint Francis—especially those of us who love to keep busy, who find meaning in action—this is a gentle reminder: don’t let your service become so hurried that you lose sight of the One you’re serving. Our outreach, our ministries, our programs—all of it flows from our life of prayer, our time listening to Christ, and our willingness to be changed by Him.

Bringing Scripture Home: Saint Francis Parish and Outreach

So, what does all this mean for us here in Augusta, Georgia? It means remembering that faith is never just about Sunday mornings or private devotion. It’s about embodying the hospitality of Abraham, the servant-heartedness of Paul, and the attentive love of Mary—right here, right now.

At Saint Francis, we see these lessons lived out every week. When volunteers greet guests by name, when someone quietly sits with a person having a tough day, when we pray together before serving meals—these are not small gestures. They are our daily “yes” to God’s call.

And yet, we’re all still learning. There are days when we feel more like Martha—overwhelmed, distracted, maybe a little resentful. There are days when the needs feel endless and our resources feel thin. But even on those days, we are not alone. Christ is with us, guiding, sustaining, and reminding us that every act of love, no matter how small, matters in His kingdom.

Our Duty as Christians: Living the Call

So here’s the heart of it: Our duty as Christians is to make room for Christ—in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. It’s to offer hospitality not just to those who look like us or think like us, but to every stranger at the door. It’s to serve, even when it’s inconvenient, and to do so with a spirit rooted in prayer.

We are called to be a parish that embodies hope, welcomes without reservation, and listens intently for God’s voice. That’s not always easy, and we’ll stumble along the way. But together, with the help of God’s Spirit, we can make Saint Francis Parish and Outreach a place where the love of Christ is not only preached but practiced—where every neighbor feels seen, valued, and loved.

So as we step into another week, let’s keep our eyes open for the stranger we can welcome, the burden we can help carry, and the moments when we can simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. That is our calling—and our joy.

May peace and grace go with you, always.

Bishop Greer

What makes Saint Francis Parish and Outreach so special?

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Have you ever wondered what it feels like to truly belong? To walk through a door and be welcomed, not just with a handshake, but with open arms and genuine joy? That’s precisely what you’ll experience at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia—a spiritual community rooted in Franciscan Old Catholic tradition and dedicated to radical inclusion.

Rooted in Franciscan Old Catholic Tradition

At the heart of Saint Francis Parish is a spirituality inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. Here, humility, service, and hospitality aren’t just ideals—they’re the living fabric of parish life. This Old Catholic community cherishes open dialogue, local leadership, and a deep respect for everyone’s unique journey. The Gospel isn’t just read; it’s lived out in everyday kindness and action.

Worship at Saint Francis is a blend of ancient tradition and modern inclusion. Each service invites full participation, weaving together reverence and joy. Everyone is seen as a reflection of God’s love—no exceptions.

A Safe Space for Every Person

What truly sets this parish apart is its unwavering commitment to being a safe space for all. In a world where too many have known exclusion or judgment, Saint Francis Parish is a sanctuary where you can breathe easy. Safety here is more than the absence of harm—it’s the presence of real care, respect, and affirmation.

Leaders and volunteers participate in ongoing training on trauma-informed ministry and anti-bullying. The parish’s non-discrimination policies are clear and strong: here, everyone is free to worship, serve, and thrive—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, or ability.

Families, youth, and adults all find support and kinship. The church’s physical space is thoughtfully designed to reflect and celebrate diversity, from signage to art to gathering places.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Celebrating

Saint Francis Parish doesn’t just welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals—it celebrates them! The guiding conviction is simple and profound: love is love, and every person is beloved by God.

  • Affirming Worship: Services include prayers, music, and readings that speak directly to the LGBTQIA+ experience. Inclusive language is the norm, and same-gender couples are joyfully included in all sacraments and blessings.
  • Visible Leadership: LGBTQIA+ individuals serve in all aspects of parish life, from music to outreach to governance, truly modeling the diversity of God’s family.
  • Pastoral Support: Dedicated groups and confidential counseling for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, and allies create safe spaces for growth and mutual support.
  • Pride and Visibility: The church is a proud presence at Augusta Pride and works with local LGBTQIA+ organizations. During Pride Month, rainbows abound and educational events welcome all.

Outreach That Makes a Difference

Community service is woven into the DNA of Saint Francis Parish. Inspired by the calling to serve “the least of these,” the parish runs:

  • Clothing and Essentials Drives: Regular collections and giveaways of clothes, hygiene items, and school supplies.
  • Advocacy for Justice: Workshops and resources on social justice—from LGBTQIA+ rights to housing and healthcare—encourage parishioners to be bold, compassionate citizens.
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local nonprofits amplify the church’s reach and impact across Augusta.
  • Bible Studies and Podcasts: Our parish offers Bible Studies and Podcasts for those who are eager to learn more about our faith and the faith of others.

A True Community of Belonging

Ask anyone what’s most special about Saint Francis Parish, and you’ll hear stories of belonging. The congregation is a beautiful mosaic of lifelong Catholics, newcomers, seekers, and those returning after years away—all valued, all welcomed.

The calendar is brimming with ways to connect: potluck dinners, study groups, retreats, and creative arts nights. Here, milestones are celebrated, losses are mourned, and life is shared.

Living Out Love Every Day

Perhaps the greatest gift of Saint Francis Parish is its relentless commitment to living out love. Faith isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about showing up for others, with humility and hope. There are no litmus tests here, only the invitation to journey together in service, worship, and celebration.

Come As You Are

Saint Francis Parish and Outreach is what church can and should be: a place where everyone belongs, where diversity is embraced, and where the love of God shines through every act of kindness. Whether you’re seeking faith, friendship, justice, or simply a safe space to be yourself, you’ll find a home here.

Want to experience it for yourself? The doors—and hearts—at Saint Francis Parish are wide open, waiting to welcome you just as you are.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Second Sunday of Lent – Transfiguration

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As we move to the Second Sunday of Lent, we continue our series on Becoming a Resisting Church. This Sunday we focus on the Transfiguration of our Lord.

Transfiguration is part of our move away from the temptation of the world such as power, greed, and authoritarianism. It is a transfiguration into the type of people Jesus calls us to be. And Jesus calls us to be compassionate, caring, and helpful to those most in need.

Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke about this in his writings about Life Together:

“God does not seek the most perfect human being with whom to be united but takes on human nature as it is. Jesus Christ is not the transfiguration of noble humanity but the Yes of God to real human beings, not the dispassionate Yes of a judge but [the] merciful Yes of a compassionate sufferer.”

Jesus seeks to make our world a more loving and compassionate place. He calls us to help the poor, homeless, immigrants, women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQIA community. He calls us to love rather than hate.

In a world that continues to slide toward more and more hateful rhetoric, we are called to show more and more love. We cannot love our neighbors and hate the immigrant, the poor, the women, the people of color, and the LGBTQIA in our midst.

Today is the day to make a change. Today is the day for transfiguration.

Will you be transformed, or will you continue to follow the world?

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Baptism – The first step on our journey

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Baptism is the first step to being a full member of the body of Christ. This great sacrament mirrors the events we see in the Gospel this Sunday. Jesus takes time to visit his cousin John the Baptist and to be baptized in the Jordan River.

In this great scene from scripture, we find Jesus submitting to John, consenting to being baptized so that prophecy can be fulfilled. This act is one that is lost on most Christians. Jesus did not lord his Godhood over anyone, not even his own family.

Rather he submitted to being used by his Father and our Father so that the world could be saved. He was obedient even to death.

Today, so many Christians think that being a Christian is a badge of honor. Or worse, the feel that it makes them better than everyone else. They forget their baptismal vows to turn away from pride, averise, greed, hatred, and reject the ways of the evil one. They dedicate their lives to making others miserable and to lording over them their superiority.

Christian Nationalism is one of the sins that flies in the face of our baptismal vows. We are not here to build a Christian Kingdom. We are here to improve the world by helping those most in need. We are commanded to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. We are commanded to help the homeless, the sick, the prisoner, and those without support.

If we truly want to be followers of the Christ, true Christians, we have to set aside our pride and ego, humble ourselves like Jesus did, and care for those most in need.

I pray that you will join us this Sunday as we recommit to our baptismal vows.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Refugees and Asylum

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We celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, the revelation of Christ to the world. It is a great feast in which we remember the 3 wise men from the east and their journey to see the Christ-child. They were wise men and so they knew the risk they took traveling to see a “new king” in a land occupied by a foreign nation. This could go very badly for them.

Yet, they traveled a long distance to visit this child. They defied the king and refused to return to him with information about the location of the Christ-child. Their act of defiance caused both the death of the Holy Innocence but also provided the Christ-child and his family time to get away.

They headed to Egypt. They were refugees seeking asylum from this foreign and hostile government. Without passport or visa, they walked into Egypt to escape the risk to Jesus from the king. I am sure they heard the stories as they wandered through Egypt of the death of the babies in Judea. Mary would have been heartbroken to learn that other children died so that Jesus could live.

And so, we have this story that should be a tale to us today as we deal with refugees and those seeking asylum. We should treat them like we would treat the Child Jesus if he came to our country. This story plays out each day at our airports and our borders. We have the choice to be like the Roman’s and demand that they die rather than given them asylum. Or we could be like the Egyptians and welcome them in with open arms.

Today, these children of God need our help. They need protection, food, clothing, and a chance at a happy and fulfilled life. Are we willing to be real Christians and help them or are we more intent on building a wall and casting them back their country of origin so they can die at the hands of a repressive government? Remember, we will be judged on how we treat those most in need just like the story of the sheep and the goats.

I chose to help those most in need. And I hope you will join me!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Prepare the Way

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We start the season of Advent this Sunday. As part of our commitment to helping our community and to standing up against injustice, we are offering a class on December 3, 10, and 17 on How to be a Resisting Church. This study will focus on the teachings of Rev. Detrick Bonhoffer and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will learn how to resist injustice in a non-violent and peaceful way.

Also, we will focus on preparing the way of the Lord. This series will focus on various ways me can be more Christ-like all year long, but also during this Advent and Christmas season.

We start off this journey with the call to be vigilant. We are called to look at the signs of the times and to not allow them to drag us down, but to help us hope for the future to come. Jesus reminds us that we are not to be discouraged by all the evil in the world, but to take up our cross, to follow him, and to continue to do the work of the Gospel.

It is in this message that we are reminded that we must continue to help the poor, the homeless, as well as the widow and the orphan. Our mission to make a positive change in the world does not stop because others have decided to be evil. No, our mission is more important now more than ever.

So, we renew our commitment to those who need it most. We continue to call for help to maintain our blessing bag ministry. We will continue to bring services to those who cannot attend any other way. And we will continue to work to build up a congregation in the CSRA to offer an affirming and welcoming liturgical church.

We ask you to consider what you can do to live this message more each and every day.

Won’t you help us to the Prepare the Way?

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Resisting Hate

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Our Gospel this Sunday points to a dystopian future of our world. A future where the heavens are destroyed, and the earth is in ruin. Sadly, so many Christians cheer this type of future that they miss the entire message of the Gospel. They believe that Jesus’ words are truth, except when it comes to this Gospel.

You see, Jesus said that these events will occur before the generation he is speaking to passes away. That is about 40 years or so after that speech. This Gospel has been used to predict the coming of the end of the world and the “rapture” to scare people into submission.

During the previous election, many conservatives used this language and these types of dystopian imagery to scare people into voting for them. They not only misinterpret the scriptures, but they do the very thing Jesus cautions against: they combine Caeser and God.

We continue to find ourselves at the edge of a cliff. Many Christians have given their faith, allegiance, and whole selves to political leaders. They have decided that the church must be an arm of the government and do the bidding of the government. However, this is not what Jesus wanted. In fact, Jesus was crucified by a combination of government and religion.

2000 years later, we are right back where we started. Our parish, Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, refuses to be an arm of the government. We refuse to marginalize those in our midst that political leaders build their campaigns on the back of. We refuse to dehumanize people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, the poor and homeless, prisoners, women, and those who are elderly and in need of our support.

This Advent, we are offering a class on How to be a Resisting Church. We will look at the lives and messages of the Rev. Dr. Detrick Bonhoffer and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will learn their message of peaceful resistance to an unjust government. And we will offer this class to anyone who wants to participate.

December 3, 10, and 17 at 6:30 PM ET on Zoom, we will offer everyone a chance to take this class. To receive information on how to participate, you can email the parish at bishopgodsey@oursaintfrancis.org or fill out the form below.

We hope you will join us as we start this next chapter in our parish!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Stewardship for the new year

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 try not to talk about the finances of the church very often. I tire of all the preachers in the world who constantly work to pull every penny from their followers to get a new jet, new car, or a new house. However, the reality is that ministry cost money just like everything else in the world.

There are candles, batteries, hosting services, domain names, phone services, hosts, wine, supplies for the blessing bags, as well as many office supplies that are required to keep a parish moving forward. Unlike most pastors, I do not make a dime doing the work of my ministry. I am not paid or stipend for the work I do.

This weekend we read about another minister who had nothing. Elijah, a prophet in Israel, spent his time walking from city to city preaching the message given him by God without payment. All he asked was for a place to lay his head and some food. And in this particular passage, Elijah comes upon a widow living in an area of extreme drought and out of food herself. He asks her to make a couple of bread cakes out of what she had left for them to eat together.

Knowing that she was making their last meal for her, her son, and Elijah, she obeyed. And for this God blessed her with enough flour and oil to keep eating for a year! Rain finally came and her and the area around her was saved.

Also in the Gospel, we read about the widow who gave her last two pennies to help the ministry. Jesus praised her for her sacrifice saying that she would be blessed for giving of her need rather than giving little from her abundance like all the other people in the temple.

All too often, we refuse to help the ministry of the church thinking that someone else will help. We lament that we do not have the funds or that our money could go to better use. Each Sunday, I remind you all the work we do with the homeless and poor in our area. So many months now, I have taken money out of my own pocket to help keep our ministries here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach going.

We have one faithful servant of God who does help. And for their contributions we are eternally grateful. However, we need more people to step up and to help contribute to keeping out ministry alive. For the first time in my ministry of 26 years, this Advent, we will be holding a stewardship campaign to help keep our ministry going in the new year.

I am asking you to pray about how you might be a part of our ministry. Your financial support is vital if we are to continue our Masses on social media and our outreach to the poor and homeless. We want to start several small group programs in 2025 and need your help to make that possible.

This is your sign. We cannot go on without you!

I hope you will answer the call.

And I hope to see you in the pews on Sunday!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

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