Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
March 25, 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.
News
BIBLE STUDY & VIDEO REFLECTION
GIVE ME A WORD
With Bishop Russell Kendrick

Friends and neighbors,

Early each week during this time apart, I will post Bible verses focused on a particular word or phrase. I invite you to read, mark, and inwardly digest the daily selections. On Thursday [hopefully] a brief video will be available to frame the context of the passages and discuss some key points about the particular verses and how they relate to the weekly theme. This is new territory for all of us, so I thank you for your patience and understanding as we journey together. I know some folks like to “read ahead” but I am trying to pay attention to the Holy Spirit and adjust as the path ahead of us unfolds. So I am only planning for the first three weeks.

As always, Bible study is best done with others. Even though we may not be able to meet in-person, you can still gather by video. This can be made available via Zoom or other platforms. If you would like to know how, contact Jenn Johnson at jenn@diocgc.org .

A poem for the journey from Bilbo Baggins:

The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

~J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

+ Russell
ONLINE AND LIVESTREAM
WORSHIP OPTIONS
Many churches within our diocese and across the Episcopal Church are offering online and livestreamed worship services.

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.

RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CONGREGATIONS
FINDING CONNECTION
The entire world has found itself disrupted due to COVID-19, and we are learning new ways to remain connected to our church communities by modifying how we gather. Blessedly, we have online platforms and other technologies that allow us to do just that. The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast are continually updating our websites with resources on an array of church related topics for individuals and congregations during our time apart.

Visit The Episcopal Church website for more resources and guidelines.

EPPN CENSUS SERIES
WHY WE COUNT
The Episcopal Church urges all Episcopalians to take part in the 2020 United States Census. As an official partner, The Episcopal Church pledges to help the U.S. Census Bureau get a complete count and to help people to understand why it is so important. For the next several weeks leading up to Census Day, April 1, information will be shared by the Episcopal Public Policy Network about the ‘what’, ‘how’, and ‘why’ of the U.S. census in our communities and in our nation.


Stories
Share Your Story
During times of challenge and struggle God can seem far away, but the Holy Spirit is always with us. Bishop Russell invites you to share with him where you have seen God at work in your life over the past couple of weeks.
Announcements
MEN'S CONFERENCE
TALKS WITH DR. IAN MARKHAM
Dr. Ian Markham, Dean of the Virginia Theological Seminary, was this year's speaker at our Men's Conference. Due to the tremendous turnout and request of many, he graciously allowed us to record and post these sessions. There are four "talks" contained in the eight videos posted at the following link to YouTube. You can also find them by searching on YouTube using "Ian Markham mens conference" as search term.

FOR CONGREGATIONS
OPTION FOR ONLINE GIVING
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. Effective March 24, 2020, 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.  

You do not need a PayPal account to donate online. You can give via PayPal or a credit / debit card. 100% of your gift will be sent to the church you designate. 

Please include the name and town of the congregation in the text box “add special instructions” at the top of the donate form.  For example: “St. Michael’s, Ozark, AL”.  Questions? Please contact Kim Weinstein in the Diocesan Office at kim@diocgc.org.
UNITED THANK OFFERING
THE THEOLOGY OF GRATITUDE CONFERENCE NOW ONLINE
The United Thank Offering (UTO) and Bexley Seabury are moving The Theology of Gratitude Conference online in order to ensure the health and safety of all involved as well as to include more people in participating in the conference. The one-day live webinar conference will take place on April 24.

Join online
The Theology of Gratitude Conference is now free. Participants who paid to register previously will receive a reimbursement. However, all participants will need to register in order to ensure there is enough space on Zoom to accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Register here.
 
Join later
The main sessions will be recorded and made available to watch later for those who cannot attend the live webinar conference. Those videos will be available here.

Job Postings
Job postings are for paid positions at Episcopal churches, schools or related programs within the geographical boundaries of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

No postings at this time.
Diocesan Events [see more dates]
All Diocesan in-person events have been suspended at this time until at least April 12. If you are a member of a commission or committee please check with your chair regarding online meeting options.
Church & Community Events [see more dates]
All events have been suspended at this time until at least April 12. Please check with your church leadership regarding online options for church events.
Bishop's Calendar [see more dates]
All bishop's visitations have been suspended at this time.
Cycle of Prayer [see more dates]
March 29
St. John's, Mobile, AL

April 5
St. James, Port St. Joe, FL

March 29
Gulf Correctional Institution, Wewahitchka, FL

April 5
Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, FL
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