Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
July 22, 2020
Together, we are the body of Christ ~ transforming people from members into disciples, moving more deeply into God's call to life and ministry, and extending our mission beyond the status quo.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
ONLINE JULY 26 AT 10:30 AM CDT
WILMER HALL SUNDAY
Join us for a special online worship service to celebrate the mission and ministry of Wilmer Hall Children's Home, an agency of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

 
 
 

ONLINE AUGUST 4 & 5 AT 5:30 PM CDT
DISCIPLESHIP & IMPLICIT BIAS:
AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP FOR BECOMING MORE FAITHFUL LEADERS
Join us for a two-part interactive workshop, sponsored by The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Baptized for Life Committee.

Implicit bias refers to the perceptions, outlooks, beliefs and/or stereotypes that affect our actions unconsciously. Dr. Elizabeth Schlosser will lead us through a faith-based approach to understanding that we all have implicit biases and most go unaware that we have them. We will engage participants through activities, conversation, and by taking the Harvard Race Implicit Association Test (race IAT) with the intention of bringing awareness to implicit bias, followed by proven strategies and recommendations to mitigate biases.


Send in Your Plant-based Recipes for E-cookbook by July 31
In the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, we are taking a look at one of the most accessible actions that an individual can take to reduce their carbon footprint and care for our planet – eating fewer animal products.

A team is developing a diocesan-wide e-cookbook showcasing delicious plant-based recipes to help people make the transition away from eating meat and dairy, and hope to have all parishes represented. Submit your recipe below for your favorite plant-based (including no animal products…meat, milk, eggs, or cheese) recipe(s). Please complete the form by July 31. The e-cookbook will give people a tool for making the transition to eating lower on the food chain, thus helping to protect this fragile Earth, our island home. We are looking forward to receiving great plant-based recipes from throughout the diocese!


Use this printable form if you are unable to complete the online form. Print, complete and mail to Lella Lowe at 2609 Shay Court, Mobile, AL 36695. If you would like a form mailed to you, call 251-455-5073.

News
CENTRAL GULF COAST CDF FREEDOM SCHOOL IN THE NEWS

[Kevin Robinson, Pensacola News Journal, July 20, 2020]
Pensacola 'Freedom School' creates next generation of readers and leaders
Most school curriculum teaches children the history of the world.

A new summer education program at the Dixon School of Arts and Sciences teaches children they can change the world.

Launched this year at Dixon, the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program is a six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment program designed to serve youth in grades kindergarten through 12 who live in communities where quality academic enrichment programming is limited, too expensive or non-existent.

First and foremost, the program is intended to foster an appreciation of reading in the young "scholars" who participate. 

"We're looking at enhancing their reading and comprehension to the point that they can not only master and pass standardized tests, but also so that they have a sense of self-confidence and a love of just picking up books and reading," said program director Clexton Middleton.

CHRIST THE KING EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE NEWS

Libby Fisher, Mimi Gavigan, and Krissi Finch from Christ The King Episcopal Church are taking action to promote reconciliation between races in their local community of Santa Rosa Beach. “We wanted to offer a racial dialogue program at Christ the King,” Libby said. “From there, we found the Sacred Ground curriculum and had a great response from folks interested in participating.”

Around the Diocese
Have a photo from your church (ministry, program, staff member, service, "behind the scenes," etc.) you would like to see highlighted in our newsletter? Send it to us!
Announcements
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to receive 2020 UTO Grant

[Pensacola, FL / Mobile, AL, July 16, 2020] United Thank Offering announced the grant recipients for the 2020 granting year, and we are excited to share that the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will receive funding for the Becoming Beloved Community Outreach Center. The focus of the granting process this year was Bless: Share faith, practice generosity and compassion, and proclaim the Good News of God in Christ with hope and humility

Please be sure to direct any mail for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to our post office address: PO Box 13330, Pensacola, FL 32591-3330.
From The Episcopal Church
Season of Creation - September 1 - October 4
Devotions offered by four leaders

[June 29, 2020] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry and the leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared a series of devotions to observe the Season of Creation 2020, September 1–October 4.

The season, which begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, is a time to join with the global Christian community in renewing, repairing and restoring commitments to God, to one another and to all of creation. For the four churches, it is also a time for strengthening relationships with one another. Through Scripture, hymns, advocacy and action, the weekly devotions, which are designed to be bulletin inserts for each of the five Sundays during the Season of Creation, begin Sunday, September 6, and invite people to live out their vocation as stewards of creation.

The Episcopal Church Becoming Beloved Community Rapid-Response Grants
Rolling Deadline from June 16 to August 15, 2020

The Presiding Officers' Advisory Group on Becoming Beloved Community Implementation is making funds available for groups working specifically to address the racial disparities laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic and for groups working to respond to racist violence and police reform. Across America, COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting People of Color in terms of health outcomes, access to testing and treatment, safe work environments, and more. At the same time, many recognize the pandemic of ongoing violence directed against black people and other people of color, especially at the hands of law enforcement personnel in communities in the Americas and beyond.

Responding to Racist Violence
Learn, Pray, Act: Resources for Addressing Racist Violence and Police Brutality

In this time of national upheaval, outrage, and fear, The Episcopal Church’s Department of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care and the Office of Government Relations have assembled resources to assist individuals, congregations and communities seeking to LEARN, PRAY and ACT. Please use and share these resources, and send your own resources and stories to reconciliation@episcopalchurch.org.

More Resources From The Episcopal Church
Diocesan Resources
Stewardship Resources from TENS
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is a current member of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship or TENS which provides the latest training, resources, and support for cultivating and nurturing the ministry of stewardship. Access details are found in the Green Sheet leadership newsletter.
Hurricane Season Emergency Preparedness
All of us along the Gulf Coast are critically aware that hurricane season is upon us. It is important that we ready ourselves for future potential storms, and remain prepared throughout the season. Careful delegation of roles and responsibilities and having a plan in place are key components to a congregation's vitality and ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the church, parishioners and surrounding community.

Online and Live Streamed Worship Options
Livestreamed services are being offered by churches across our diocese and beyond.

Visit the Episcopal Asset Map to see the options across the nation.

Visit the list of churches in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Online Giving for Your Congregation
Your financial gifts to your church are of vital importance to support their ongoing ministries to your church community and to the most vulnerable among us. The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is providing the ability to give online for congregations that do not have ways to collect an offering or donation electronically.

Diocesan Events [see more dates]
All Diocesan in-person events have been suspended at this time. If you are a member of a commission or committee please check with your chair regarding online meeting options.
UPCOMING
Saturday, July 25, 2pm CDT | Virtual Ultreya
Parishes and churches around the world are adapting to new and ever changing circumstances due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and Cursillo is no different! To that end, Coastal Pilgrims is hosting a Virtual Ultreya.

JOIN VIA ZOOM OR DIAL-IN 312-626-6799, ID#83654938958

SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, September 19, 9:30am to 2:30pm CDT | Discipleship Day Online
Marked as Christ's Own Forever: A Celebration of Living Baptized in Today's World with Dr. Lisa Kimball of Virginia Theological Seminary.

Discipleship Day will be a time to virtually gather as a whole diocese to investigate ways in which we might become more confident about our calling as the baptized faithful in this fast-changing world.

Details and registration coming soon.

RESCHEDULED-TBA Event with Dr. Catherine Meeks
Join us for a special event with Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. Stay tuned for new date and details.
Church & Community Events [see more dates]
No events currently posted. Please check with your church regarding options for church events.
Bishop's Calendar [see more dates]
Bishop Russell is currently on vacation.
Cycle of Prayer [see more dates]
July 26
Immanuel, Bay Minette

August 2
The Episcopal Church


July 26
Federal Prison Camp, Pensacola
REAP Re-entry Program, Pensacola

August 2
Barbour County Jail 24, Clayton

50th Jubilee Celebration
50TH JUBILEE CELEBRATION
All are invited to participate with us in our 50th Jubilee Anniversary. We've created monthly materials, resources, newsletters, etc. to help us celebrate in a unified way across the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast throughout 2020.



Coastline is a biweekly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - deadlines are 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month

SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website each Friday

Direct questions to communications@diocgc.org