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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

March 9, 2022

Tragedies near and far

Crisis in Ukraine and resources to support

As we continue to watch the tragedy of war unfold in Europe, humanitarian efforts across the globe are in full force to help the more than 2 million people of Ukraine who are fleeing from the war and those who remain behind.

We are urgently called to pray for the safety of human life and for the end of this horrific conflict.

For a few ideas from our Book of Common Prayer:

• Supplication [it follows the Great Litany], p.154
• For Peace, p. 815
• For Human Family, p. 815
• For those who influence public opinion, p. 827

We also are called to respond. Currently, our support is best offered by means of monetary donations to the organizations equipped to offer aid:

• Episcopal Relief & Development (Donation Page)
• Episcopal Relief & Development (Resources for Congregations, including bulletin inserts)
• Read Episcopal Relief & Development's March 9 Press Release
• World Central Kitchen
• Amnesty International
• UN High Commission on Refugees
• UNICEF
• Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders
• Voices of Children 
• Sunflower of Peace 
• Save the Children
• CARE
• International Medical Corps

In case you missed Bishop Russell's message on February 25, you can read it here.

Wildfires in Panama City

Additionally, we ask for you to join your prayers with ours for friends, families and neighbors who live in Panama City as the area has suffered from a raging wildfire. As we learn of local needs from our churches, we will share them.

Missions of Outreach and Justice Prayer Cycle

Introducing a NEW cycle of prayer! Missions of Outreach and Justice Prayer Cycle is intended to make it easier for us to lift up those doing the work of restoration and healing through ministries and partnerships that promote outreach, mercy and justice. In these prayers, we seek to support those ministering and those receiving care.  

Petitions are offered in coordination with the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer [see below] for our churches, commissions and agencies.

If you would like to add or amend information about your parish’s outreach and advocacy activities, please contact the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism at lydia@diocgc.org.  

In Case You Missed It

• Camp Beckwith 2022 dates: MORE INFO
• Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation 2022 Calendar: VIEW CALENDAR
• Diocesan Convention Summary - Recordings of the Bishop's Address, missioner reports, keynote presentations, ministry videos and worship services are now available HERE. Photo Album: HERE.

Have you ever seen such a yummy looking King Cake float? Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores brought fun and evangelism to their local Mardi Gras parade this year with their festive float showcasing their church, thrift shop and day school! See more pics on their Facebook page.

Beloved Community Outreach Center of Mobile performed Ashes to Go at Public Safety Memorial Park on Ash Wednesday. "Remember you are dust, and to dust, you shall return." Blessings for a Holy Lent.

Becoming Beloved Community: Pilgrimage to Whitney Plantation

Begins March 5 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8271 Whispering Pines Rd, Daphne

Three-part series to experience the truth of plantation life for the enslaved person:

1. Prepare as a small community before the pilgrimage (March 5)
2. Travel to Whitney Plantation (March 19)
3. Gather again to continue community growth (April 2)

MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Walking the Mourner's Path Facilitators Training

March 17-19 at Beckwith,

The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is offering a Mourner’s Path facilitator’s training. Walking the Mourner’s Path is a grief program founded out of the need to answer the question, “Where is God in my pain?” The program partners with faith communities around the country to help them reach out and serve those who grieve in their church and their communities. To learn more about the program and training, visit www.mournerspath.com or contact the Rev. Dr. Joy Blaylock at joyblaylock@diocgc.org. 

REGISTRATION FORM

BECKWITH ACCOMMODATIONS FORM

Service of Repentance for Racial Injustice

April 2, 9:30 am CT at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 South Conception St, Mobile

Community-wide Service of Repentance hosted by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation featuring the Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf of the Diocese of West Tennessee, and the Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick as speakers and celebrants.

All persons are invited, regardless of race or faith.

There will be displays of youth art, essay, and poetry submissions (all with themes of antiracism, social justice, and racial reconciliation); opportunities to visit with representatives of local advocacy groups; and tours of Dora Finley Heritage Trail, Africatown, and other local sites.

The Service of Repentance will feature the Path to Peace Choir, and there will be a reception and light luncheon, with meet-your-neighbor opportunities.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Women's Spring Retreat

April 8-9 at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast Assembly of the Order of the Daughters of the King ® is excited to host a retreat for women this Spring at Beckwith Camp and Retreat Center. All women of the diocese are invited to join us.

A terrific schedule is planned. Bishop Russell will be with us, and he will celebrate the Eucharist and preach Saturday morning. There will be plenty of space and time to visit with friends, make new friends and just enjoy beautiful Beckwith. We will be focusing on prayer practices for our program. Please come ready to share different ways you like to pray - both alone and in groups. We will learn from each other!

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast

April 17, 5:30am CT at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

You are invited to share in The Easter Vigil & Holy Eucharist in “God’s Front Yard” on the shores of Beckwith Camp & Conference Center.​

Come join Bishop Russell and the Rev. John Talbert for one of the most ancient liturgies in the Christian Church called The Easter Vigil. Set within the Holy Eucharist, this service will include a series of Bible readings of God’s salvation story that will be presented with a creative flair and congregational involvement.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

March 12, 19, 26: Taize in the Atrium Lenten Series, St. Francis, Gulf Breeze

March 16, 23, 30, April 6: Simple Soup & Service, St. Mark's, Troy

May 7: Historic Apalachicola Home & Gaden Tour, Trinity, Apalachicola

June 11-24: Pilgrimage to Israel with the Rev. Thack Dyson, St. Paul's, Daphne

Christ Church Parish, Pensacola is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministry. Resumes must be submitted by April 1. DETAILS & JOB DESCRIPTION

New poll confirms Jesus remains important spiritual figure, but pandemic had effect on religious activity

A new national study, Jesus in America, was released today in a partnership between The Episcopal Church and Ipsos. The research found that while the majority of Americans polled believe Jesus was an important spiritual figure and want equality in society, it also showed Christians are not necessarily practicing what Jesus taught, and Americans feel judged when talking about their beliefs.  

The study also found that the global pandemic has negatively impacted participation in organized religion — or religious activity — and more people are finding spiritual fulfillment in nature. In addition, while the church has been a place of community and non-judgment, some Americans feel that churches that discuss racism and slavery are acting with the wrong intentions.

CONTINUE READING

For more information and the full range of results from the Jesus in America study, visit https://www.episcopalchurch.org/jesus-in-america/.

New resource: Global Mission Digital Toolkit

Becoming a World Where Love Is the Way: Guiding Principles for World Mission is a free, four-week study resource for Episcopalians seeking to learn more about our invitation to walk with others in global mission

Designed for individuals and groups with daily reflections, questions, actions and prayers and weekly group “discuss or do” guides - written by lay and clergy members worldwide.

The members of the current Standing Commission on World Mission (SCWM) offer this resource to The Episcopal Church as a gift.

Explore what it means to cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus, together

LEARN MORE

March 13

Holy Cross, Pensacola

March 14-22

Spring House of Bishops Meeting, Camp Allen, TX

Printable versions of the prayer cycles are available at www.diocgc.org/cycle-of-prayer.

Coming up for Lent 2, March 13 

We pray for Holy Cross, Pensacola as they partner with local middle schools through Hagar’s Basket. We pray their collections of personal hygiene items for students and families help limit distractions so they may focus on their education and loving one another. 

We pray for St. Mary’s- by-the-Sea, Coden, and the many ways they reach out to their community through ECW, Coach’s Club brunches, and their rice and beans ministry. We pray they continue to be a light of hope and place of great welcome in the Coden community. 

In October, Bishop Russell introduced the "Go Forward" campaign - a call for renewal, leadership, mission and unity in our diocese. To learn more about the campaign's priorities and stay up-to-date on the latest news, including our recent video shown at the diocesan convention, visit www.goforwardcampaign.org.

Make a gift or pledge HERE

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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