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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

October 27, 2021

All Saints' Day

All Saints’ Day, celebrated November 1 or the nearest Sunday afterward, is characterized by the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) as a Principal Feast, “taking precedence over any other day or observance” (BCP, 15). The day is set aside to remember and commend the saints of God, especially those who are not recognized at other points in the church year.

According to Holy Women, Holy Men, in the tenth century, it became customary to recognize on a single day “that vast body of the faithful who, though no less members of the company of the redeemed, are unknown in the wider fellowship of the Church” (Holy Women, Holy Men, 664). Over time, the day became associated with special remembrances of an individual’s family and friends.

While several churches abandoned the commemoration during the Reformation, the Feast of All Saints was retained on the Anglican liturgical calendar. All Saints’ Day began to assume the role of general commemoration of the dead: all Christians, past and present; all saints, known and unknown.

Because of the day’s association with the remembrance for the dead, many churches publish a necrology. This reading of the names of the congregation’s faithful departed may include prayers on their behalf. Such prayers are appropriate, as the Catechism reminds us, “because we still hold [our departed] in our love, and because we trust that in God’s presence those who have chosen to serve him will grow in his love, until they see him as he is” (BCP, 862).

The day is often characterized by joyful hymns, including such favorites as “For All the Saints,” “Who Are These Like Stars Appearing,” and “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” These hymns share motifs of rest, fellowship, and continued, joyful service to God—salient indeed on this day, as we remember “those of dazzling brightness, those in God’s own truth arrayed, clad in robes of purest whiteness, robes whose luster ne’er shall fade”!

Collect for All Saints’ Day

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Published by the Office of Formation of The Episcopal Church

What If…?

A Zoom for Trying New Things and Brainstorming New Adventures

For the past 18 months or longer, churches have been trying all sorts of new things from Zoom church to drive through pet blessings to virtual Christmas caroling to taking the indoors to the outdoors. We have learned so much and are still expanding our ideas of what could be… if we try! As things begin to feel a little more “normal” and in-person gatherings feel a bit safer, we can now try some of the things that have felt impossible the past year and apply the important lessons we have been learning. On Tuesday, November 16 at noon, join The Rev. Lydia Johnson and some special guests on Zoom to hear what folks have tried, are trying and want to try. This is also a space to ask questions, share your ideas and brainstorm with others about how to make your ideas a reality. No dream is too big or too small. All you need is a willingness to try. Register using the link below. 

REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THIS MEETING

Try Tank Invites You to Welcome Others This Christmas Season

Need a little help inviting folks to church? Need some ideas for how to follow up? Try Tank has an invitation for you to get creative this Christmas season!

It’s been a while since many of our parishes have felt like we could really invite new folks to church, especially at times when seating was limited and covid numbers were rising. Thankfully, at least right now, this season feels more hopeful, as if we can breathe a bit easier and begin inviting people to church again. For many, it seems so long ago that we were inviting new people, we are a little unsure and shy about how to do this in a post-covid context. Try Tank is offering an opportunity to join a cohort of others experimenting with innovative ways to invite and connect with your community. Click here for many information and to sign up!

https://www.trytank.org/christmas.html

Be sure to watch the video for more detailed information on the experiment. 

Cursillo is back!

Cursillo #166 is scheduled for January 20 to 23, 2022. If you:

• Are a Cursillistas, we need your help to register and sponsor pilgrims using this online form or this new printable form, 
• Were registered for a Cursillo that was canceled, just send an email to cursillocgc@gmail.com. We have a copy of your completed registration form, 
• Heard about Cursillo and want to learn more please talk to your clergy or visit the Cursillo website.

The Crafty Ladies of St. Mary’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Coden, AL, stuffed goodie bags for the residents of Murray House on Murray House Sunday, celebrated on October 24 this year. The St. Mary’s Angels will deliver them to Murray House this week.

If your church would like to send cards or care packages to the residents of Murray House, contact director Sharon Phillips at (251) 432-2272 to coordinate.

Almost 60 clergy from around the diocese gathered for the annual Clergy Conference at Camp Beckwith earlier this month. It was a reenergizing time with talks given by guests Dr. Bertice Berry and Captain Tim Kinsella. The conference was made complete by a jam session with some very musically talented priests! Many thanks to you all for supporting your clergy as they took time away for renewal with their fellow colleagues.

Tuesday, November 9 at Beckwith | 11:30 am CT

Luncheon for Retired Clergy, Spouses and Surviving Spouses

All retired clergy and their spouses and surviving spouses in the diocese are cordially invited to a luncheon hosted by Bishop Russell to share fellowship and catch up with distant friends. RSVP to the Diocesean Office at 850-434-7337 by October 29. View invitation.

Saturday, November 13 at Trinity Mobile | 10am to 2pm CT

Adventurous Aging: How to Stay Young at Heart

Presented by the Commission on Affirmative Aging. Join us for a day of learning how to stay young at heart. The exciting lineup includes Zumba with Barbie Francez, Chair Yoga with Jan Craver, Research on Senescence with Dr. Melinda Henderson, Cognitive Health with Dr. Timothy Hecker, Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Gerry Phillips, and Healthy Sleep with Dr. Mike Ledet. 4 CEU credits for clergy, nurses and other healthcare workers. $15.

MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

November 1 - Gulf Breeze Senior Center Grand Opening

November 13 - St. Paul's Chapel, Magnolia Springs 8th Annual Speckled Trout Fishing Tournament

No job postings at this time.

Presiding Bishop announces Episcopal Church delegation to United Nations COP26 conference

Following a churchwide call for applications, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has named 24 delegates*—selected from among 70 applicants—to represent the presiding bishop’s office at the United Nations 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as “COP26.”

During the Oct. 31-Nov. 12 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the Episcopal delegates will participate virtually in meetings, joining others—including delegates from the Anglican Communion and other faith-based partners—who will stand in solidarity with partner nations lacking access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Delegates will complete in-depth advocacy training prior to the official UN meetings, and will host public reports, discussions, and events throughout the process. They will seek to engage global leaders on The Episcopal Church’s climate change commitments and policy priorities for COP26, which are based on General Convention resolutions and can be found online.

CONTINUE READING

*You'll recall we announced last month that the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast's very own Rev. John George, rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Mobile, was selected as one of delegates to the COP26 conference.

October 31

Visitation - All Saints, Mobile

November 1

Celebration of a New Ministry - Trinity, Mobile & Mary Jayne Ledgerwood

November 3

Priesthood Ordination for Ansley Walker - St. Christopher's, Pensacola

November 7

Visitation - St. Luke's, Mobile

Visitation - St. Mark's, Mobile

November 9

Retired Clergy Luncheon - Beckwith

2021 cycles of prayer are available on our website at www.diocgc.org/cycle-of-prayer.

Earlier this month, Bishop Russell introduced the "Go Forward" campaign - a call for renewal, leadership, mission and unity. To learn more about the campaign's priorities and stay up-to-date on the latest news, visit www.goforwardcampaign.org.

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.

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