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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
March 23, 2022
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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. | | |
Diocesan lay preaching program highlighted by Episcopal News Service
A recent article published by the Episcopal News Service showcased the rising importance of local lay schools for ministry and the role graduates of the programs play in sustaining or even creating thriving worship communities. Our diocesan program and one of its students, Dr. Salem Saloom of St. Stephen's in Brewton, were highlighted to convey how lay preaching has become a vital complement to ordained ministry.
Our diocese is one of six selected to test the new lay preaching curriculum created by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation.
To learn more about the ministry of lay preaching, read the ENS article here.
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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 people of Ukraine who are fleeing from the war and those who remain behind. We are urgently called to pray and respond.
Resources for prayer 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
Resources to respond. Currently, our support is best offered by means of monetary donations to the organizations equipped to offer aid:
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Happening #59
March 25-27 at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Happening is a weekend spiritual retreat for teenagers led by teenagers and supported by clergy and adult staff - similar to Cursillo.
We invite your prayers for each of the Happeners and staff as they seek a fuller personal knowledge of and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to a deeper level of commitment and apostleship.
Click here for information on Caritas for Happeners and staff.
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Invite-Welcome-Connect webinar on May 4
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast supports the Invite Welcome Connect program as a resource for "equipping and empowering individuals and congregations to practice evangelism, hospitality and connectedness."
The desire to build authentic community is the common thread that connects all those wanting to put Invite Welcome Connect into practice.
CONNECT is the ministry of belonging. Connection helps guests and long-time members answer these questions: Where do I fit in? Can I make friends in this church? Is there room for me relationally? Can I find a place to belong and serve?
Join us on Wednesday, May 4th for 90 minutes of sharing best practices post-pandemic and creative ideas around CONNECT.
REGISTER HERE
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In Case You Missed It
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Camp Beckwith 2022 dates: MORE INFO
- Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation 2022 Calendar: VIEW CALENDAR
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Share your photo, good news or ministry with the rest of the diocese. Send your story to us here. | | |
Rejoice and be Glad!
Submitted by the Rev. Michael Schwarte
Bishop Russell pointed his car north and drove nearly three hours before arriving at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Troy, Alabama for his annual visit. Once there he was welcomed with open arms by all the faithful who were blessed to see him. Bishop Russell proceeded to bless, encourage and confirm five people who were prepared for confirmation.
Although the confirmation liturgy was Wednesday, March 9, we had our biggest turnout since COVID-19 shut us down two years ago. And what a joyful liturgy it was - complete with a beautiful reception in our parish hall to welcome the newest members of our community.
Bishop Russell slipped out quietly in the middle of our reception so he could make it home before midnight, but he left us all feeling so blessed to be part of a growing family of Christ-followers in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. On behalf of everyone here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Troy, thank you Bishop Russell, you always have a home away from home in Troy!
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Senior Center at St. Francis Gulf Breeze hosts Mardi Gras Party
Submitted by John Griffing
The Gulf Breeze Senior Center/ St. Francis of Assisi Church of Gulf Breeze held a great Mardi Gras party complete with live music, king cake and more.
Music was provided by Picking and Grinning band consisting of John Hutchinson, band leader and lead guitar; John Griffing, lead singer and bass guitar; John McDaniel, guitar; Bill Giryluk, guitar; Mark Davidson, percussionist; and Yellow, guitar. The band members practice at the Senior Center at St. Francis every Tuesday at 1:30 pm.
The Band played many tunes made popular by Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Fats Domino and Eric Clapton and the audience joined in to sing along. The event brought in a full house with many dressed in Mardi Gras colors.
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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. Click here for more details to submit works.
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
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Cursillo R& R/Ultreya
April 2, 11am to 1pm, St. Simon's on the Sound, 28 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SW
R&R for the Pilgrims of Cursillo #166, and Ultreya for the Cursillo community in the Central Gulf Coast.
Event contact: Stuart Ibberson, stu_1963@yahoo.com
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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 - Registration closes Friday, March 25
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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
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Ordination to the Diaconate
April 30, 11am, at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile
Join us for a service of Ordination to the Diaconate, pending approval of candidates by the Standing Committee and the Commission on Ministry.
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Clergy Spouse Retreat
May 13-15, at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Spouses and partners of clergy are invited to join Robin Kendrick for a weekend of rest, renewal and fellowship.
REGISTRATION
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Church & Community Events | |
Share your church event with the rest of the diocese. Send us details here. | | |
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March 23: Choral Evensong and Soup Supper, Nativity, Dothan
March 23, 30, April 6: Simple Soup & Service, St. Mark's, Troy
March 26: Taize in the Atrium Lenten Series, St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
March 26: Prayer Bead Workshop, Redeemer, Mobile
May 7: Historic Apalachicola Home & Gaden Tour, Trinity, Apalachicola
June 11-24: Pilgrimage to Israel with the Rev. Thack Dyson, St. Paul's, Daphne
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Christ Church Parish, Pensacola is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministry. Resumes must be submitted by April 1. Contact Traci Hart for more details. | |
From The Episcopal Church | |
Program, Budget and Finance committee seeks churchwide feedback on 2023-2024 budget
The Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance welcomes feedback from all Episcopalians on the 2023-2024 Episcopal Church budget as received from Executive Council. Click here for a copy of the budget and click here for the feedback form. Please submit comments by Friday, April 8.
This feedback request is the next step in the budget approval process. In November, the Executive Council Joint Standing Committee on Finance solicited churchwide feedback on the then-draft budget, highlighting three mission and values questions. The committee then presented an updated budget to Executive Council in January.
CONTINUE READING
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At spring meeting, House of Bishops speaks on Ukraine, anti-trans bills
In its first in-person assembly since September of 2019, The Episcopal Church House of Bishops gathered March 15-21 at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, for its traditional spring retreat. In addition to their primary activities of fellowship, study, prayer, and Sabbath, the 133 bishops and bishops-elect present held a business meeting the morning of March 19 that included the passage of pastoral statements/resolutions on the war in Ukraine and anti-trans legislation in various states.
The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, introduced the statement on Ukraine on behalf of the Rt. Rev. Mark Edington, bishop in charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, whose arrival at the gathering was delayed due to supporting churches in the region serving an influx of Ukrainian refugees.
CONTINUE READING
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Bishop Russell's Upcoming Visitations | |
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March 27
St. James, Fairhope
Happening Closing
April 3
St. John's, Mobile
April 10
Holy Trinity, Pensacola
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March 27
St. James, Fairhope
April 3
Immanuel, Bay Minette
St. John's, Mobile
April 10
Holy Trinity, Pensacola
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March 27
Gulf Correctional Institution, Wewahitchka
April 3
Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay
April 10
Jackson Correctional Institution, Malone & Jackson Juvenile Offender Correctional Center, Marianna
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Coming up for March 27
We pray for the people of St. James as they reach out to the Fairhope community in service: for hospitality and shelter to families in need with Family Promise, for pastoral care and compassion through Community of Hope International, for Meals on Wheels, emergency assistance, housing projects, and food pantries with Ecumenical Ministries Incorporated and Prodisee Pantry, through prison ministries with Kairos, and through construction and repair projects with the Great Day of Service outreach ministry.
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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
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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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Coastline is a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
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Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org.
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