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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

January 26, 2022

Taking the Side of Love

By The Rev. David R. Chatel

The U.S. has been caught in a cycle of political and social polarization for some time now. Each of us can share stories of how this polarization is impacting our personal lives. We all know the experience of strained relationships, uncomfortable conversations, and at times, even real conflict. During the general upheaval of the last two years, it seems as though everyone has taken sides, and that everyone has their own version of what is true.

Taking sides is nothing new. It’s part of our sociological DNA as humans to separate into tribes for survival. While we’re no longer running from saber-toothed tigers and depending on our tribe for daily survival, a deep drive persists within the human experience to be part of a group…something bigger than ourselves. The shadow side of that human tendency lies in embracing extreme ideological polarization when we relate to each other. It’s far too common to witness behaviors from ideologically polarized groups that say, “Our group is the best, our way is the best way, and God agrees with us!” I believe something different is asked of those who would call themselves Christians.

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In Case You Missed It

• Camp Beckwith 2022 dates announced: MORE INFO Early bird discount ends January 31.
• Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation 2022 Calendar: VIEW CALENDAR
• Good Book Club for Epiphany 2022: MORE INFO

2022 Men's Conference

March 4-6 at Beckwith

The theme for this weekend of faith and fellowship is Sacred Ground: Reconciliation and the Beloved Community presented by the Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, bishop of Maryland. We will also be honoring the Men's Conference founders, Glenn Boom and Ed Rhoel.​

"How good and pleasant it is when brethren live together. It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down the beard." - Psalm 133

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Cursillo #166

March 10-13 at Beckwith

Cursillo #166 is rescheduled to March 10-13, 2022 (originally planned for January 20-23). The Pilgrims have been asked to email the Cursillo Registrar at cursillocgc@gmail.com if they wish to attend the rescheduled Cursillo. 

See the Cursillo website for more information. 

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. 

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BECKWITH ACCOMMODATIONS FORM

2022

January 29 - 2022 Taste of St. Peter's, Bon Secour

February 6 - Black History Month Festival Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile

Invite Welcome Connect Goes Digital

Registration is now open for the Invite Welcome Connect Digital Gathering 2022, to be held online, February 9, from 2-3:30pm. The online gathering will focus on two topics:

• How do we Welcome and Connect those who are on our congregation's Digital Front Porch, those whose initial contacts are online and invisible?
• How do we Re-Connect with parishioners who are no longer as active as they were in their pre-pandemic faith communities?
• 
  

The panelists, made up of both clergy and lay leaders, will discuss creative solutions and ways to address these questions in your congregation.

To register and learn more, visit the Invite Welcome Connect website.

No job posting at this time.

Episcopal Church welcomes new Safe Church manager, seeks youth ministry officer

The Episcopal Church Department of Faith Formation is pleased to announce the hire of a new half-time manager for Safe Church and special projects. After conducting a national search and subsequent interviews, the hiring committee unanimously selected Bronwyn Skov for the position. Skov will shift from her current role as officer for youth ministry in late February.

Due to the shift in the department, Faith Formation is now seeking applicants for a full-time officer for youth ministry.

READ MORE

January 30

Trinity, Apalachicola

February 6

Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores

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

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 offering a special campaign litany, 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.

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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