I am sending you a big hug and continuing to pray that all are well!!! This week's Gospel is the Gospel of the Canaanite woman who persists and persists, wading through the disciples and Jesus' own defenses, to convince Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus exclaims, "Woman, great is your faith!"I find this to be a remarkable Gospel, particularly this year as the Gospel falls during the week of the 100th anniversary (August 18, 2020) of the 19th amendment, which provided women the right to vote. Women's suffrage was a huge step forward for our country, and while, at the time, it only guaranteed the right to vote to white women, it was a step forward in our country's history toward full participation and protection under the law. (Women of color received this guarantee 45 years later with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.)

While the journey to true equality continues, women like the Canaanite Woman, the Woman at the Well, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Forten Purvis join a long line of women faithfully advocating for what is true, right, and good.

Jesus and the disciples did not want to hear this woman, but she persisted and hear they did. I believe that Jesus' ministry and the ministry of the Church changed because, out of the faith, hope, and love, this amazing mother was driven by her love for her child to challenge Jesus himself. Because of her faithfulness, Jesus was able to see the full potential of everyone being involved in the ministry of sharing Christ's love. Our church and our country are better when full participation happens. No one is excluded from God's love and grace. No one should be excluded from the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, rights that God desires for all people. 

--Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 

As Episcopalians, we commit to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of all. One of the many important ways we go about this is voting faithfully in our local and national elections. As you look toward the Nov. 3 election, be sure to check your voter registration information! If you qualify to vote absentee, you can go ahead and request your ballot today. Go to  scvotes.gov. When you vote this November, be sure to stop by the office for your #votefaithfully sticker! 

While scrolling Instagram, be sure to follow @smifsc for the Three-Word Gospel on Tuesdays, a brief summary of the upcoming Gospel, and ComplinefromHome postings, short evening prayers or thoughts, Monday through Friday.

Should you be in need of pastoral care, please use the dedicated extension,(Ext. 201) when you call the parish office, 803.787.0392.