February 19, 2009
To the Rectors and Vestries
Of our sister churches in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina
Our Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ:
In our diocesan convention last fall, we brought before you the wonderful work and difficult financial situation of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Greenville. The work continues, as do the financial problems.
Bishop Henderson is convinced that the ministry of St. Francis is meeting a need among the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community. These South American, Central American, and Mexican immigrants have left behind conditions riddled with poverty, persecution, and hopelessness in search of a better life?just as many of our ancestors also did when they came to this country. St. Francis has become the spiritual home and worship center for these people, our brothers and sisters, in the Greenville area.
The major service St. Francis provides for the Hispanic community is the After-School Program. The cost is only $45.00 per month per child, which covers transportation from school to the church and snacks. We have three employees whose salaries are covered by grants and donations. The program is designed to help children with their English speaking skills and to assist with homework. Crafts and music classes are also offered. The primary objective here is to provide a safe environment for children less than 13 years of age while their parents are working. Many of the parents do not understand English well enough to help with homework and school related communications; we help fill the gap.
In addition to the After-School Program, during summer vacation St. Francis and Greenville Recreation jointly offered a summer day camp for children. Many of the children attended this camp on scholarships provided by donations.
For adults, St. Francis provides ESL classes. Thanks to a UTO grant, St. Francis has been able to offer counseling by two qualified counselors who help with family issues and marital problems. Parenting classes, nutritional programs and Red Cross classes are offered during the year.
The ministry of St. Francis also reaches out to those in need of food or clothing. God's Pantry is open four days a week from 10:00 to 12:00, providing food for approximately 300 people each month. Clothing is offered through the Clothing Closet, which is funded by donations of money and clothing.
Most importantly, St. Francis ministers to the spiritual needs of the community; we have three services each Sunday, two in English and one in Spanish. In 2008, 150 people were baptized, confirmed, or received. This year at Christmas we had an Advent 9-day Posada, a family event for worship and the celebration of Jesus' birth with attendance every night between 125 and 200.
This large ministry takes money, and we just don't have enough funds at the present. What the people are able to give is just not enough to cover the expenses. We average $3,000 per month income from the plate and rent of the facility to others, while our operational expenses run $8,000 to $10,000 per month. The staff is constantly searching for grant opportunities to help fund the programs.
If we receive enough support from grants and donations, it will be possible for us to continue our work in our present facility. We will need to renovate the buildings and perhaps using volunteers this can be accomplished. Alternatively, if we do not receive the necessary funds we may need to relocate the Hispanic congregation to another location or church facility that can accommodate our congregation.
We ask that as you make plans for your mission outreach funds you consider this mission field, right here in Upstate South Carolina, for a generous donation. We also ask that you keep St. Francis and the people it serves in your prayers.
May God continue to help us be faithful in the restoration of all people to him and to one another in Christ.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Robert Taylor, Priest-in-Charge
Gale Clark, Sr. Warden
For the Vestry and Congregation at St. Francis
