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.

54th Annual Diocesan Convention

The 54th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held at the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center on February 21-22, 2025, and hosted by Christ the King, Santa Rosa Beach.

All are welcome! Details for the convention can be found at www.diocgc.org/2025-diocesan-convention.

Registration for delegates closes on January 24 and for all others on February 15.

Pre-Convention Meeting for Clergy and Lay Delegates

The Pre-Convention Meeting will be held on Zoom on Thursday, January 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prior to the meeting, registered delegates will receive an email with the link to join. All clergy, lay, and youth delegates are asked to attend this informative meeting. Bishop Russell will give details about what to expect, budget highlights will be discussed, and we will go over electronic voting.

If you are a delegate, please be sure your church has registered you for the convention. On January 16, we emailed the Pre-Convention Meeting Zoom link to all registered delegates. If you are a delegate and did not receive the email, please let us know at jenn@diocgc.org.

Convention Workshops

We've just posted our line-up of convention workshops! The descriptions and bios for the presenters are on our website: www.diocgc.org/2025-diocesan-convention. Anyone is welcome to attend, but registration is needed. Each workshop will be offered twice, so attendees will be able to participate in two. Workshops will be held on Friday, February 21; time is to be determined.

• Remaking the Mission of the Church in a Changed World – led by the Rev. Jon Davis
• Understanding the Elusive Quest for Peace - led by Archdeacon Paul Feheley
• How Every Parishioner Can Stand in the Mental Health Gap – led by Anita Ford and Sue Rollins
• Rooted in Grace: Theology and Practice of Generous Living – led by the Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman
• Practical Ideas for Parish Creation Care Ministry - led by members of the Commission on the Integrity of Creation
• Invite – Welcome – Connect – with the Rev. Mary Alice Mathison and the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson

Lenten Book Study - Rachel Held Evans' "Inspired"

Bishop Kendrick has issued an invitation for our diocese to undertake a special book study through the season of Lent, reading Rachel Held Evans' "Inspired." The purpose of this study is three-fold:

• To enhance the bonds that make us one Body in Christ by sharing and studying together;
• To provide a poignant guide to assist us in naming and claiming our stories;
• To better discern our roles as disciples as shaped by the intersection of biblical stories and our own.

In addition to the study guide, video reflections will accompany each week's reading. It begins March 3! Here's a link to purchase the book.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE STUDY GUIDE AND WEEKLY VIDEOS

Other Lenten Resources

• Episcopal Relief & Development Offers Lenten Meditations by Jerusalem Jackson Greer 
• 40 Days of Welcome and Gratitude - United Thank Offering and Episcopal Migration Ministries

Cursillo Musicians Workshop

Friday, January 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

Open to everyone, whether you’ve been to Cursillo or not!

Players and singers are invited to join in music teams for Cursillo weekends, Camp Beckwith and Diocese events. If you play an instrument, sing and want to join in – come learn how to be part of a music team!

Let’s get to know one another and share our music, fellowship and fun. 

Topics include:

The day starts with a drum circle! Drums provided by Blues Angel Music.

• Creating and leading a successful music team
• Playing together cooperatively and professionally
• Choosing appropriate music for sessions and chapel services
• Music resources 
• Jam sessions to play and sing together
• Open mic
• Creating a pool of musicians to call on when needed

The workshop will be led by professional musicians, Cursillo music veterans and clergy within the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast (sponsored by the Cursillo Commission).

DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Happening #62

January 31-February 2

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast presents Happening #62 for all 9th-12th grade students! Happening is a Christian experience presented BY teens FOR teens. Through videos, skits, talks, and more, you'll see how God and faith fit in with the flow of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel the love of God through community. We hope, at the end of the weekend, you'll go home knowing how to continue growing a relationship with God. It’s a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and, most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment.

Here is a note to Happeners from Happening Lay Rectors Lucy Stevenson and Sarah Claire Carswell.

Want to know more about Happening and ways to support it through Caritas, prayers, and presence? Read this letter from Happening Coordinator Meghan Johnson.

DETAILS AND CARITAS LIST

2025 Men's Conference

Friday, February 28-Sunday, March 2

Bekciwth, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

"How the Desert Fathers Help Us Pray" with the Rev. Adam McCoy, O.H.C.

All men of the diocese are invited to the 42nd Annual Men's Conference. We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Adam McCoy O.H.C., presently a solitary monk not in residence and serves as assisting priest in two parishes in Cathedral City, CA. He took life vows in the Order of the Holy Cross in 1978. Subsequently, he has served as the Novice Master of the order and prior to the Calvary Monastery Retreat House in Santa Barbara, CA. In addition to his monastic responsibilities, Father McCoy has been a rector to two parishes and has led other ecclesiastical activities both in the Diocese of New York and the Diocese of Los Angeles. Father McCoy has written several articles relating evangelism to Anglican monasticism. He enjoys leading retreats for both clergy and laity and likes to discuss the influences of the Desert Fathers upon contemporary prayer life.

Cost varies. Please register and pay by February 21.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE | REGISTER ONLINE

Annual Senior Warden Day

Ready to lead in your Episcopal parish? Our tailored workshop for Senior Wardens equips you with vital skills for this sacred role. Explore spiritual, admin, and pastoral duties, fostering vibrant faith communities and stewarding resources effectively.

Even if you've attended a previous Senior Warden Day, please join us! There may be new information you haven't heard before, and you may be able to offer advice and encouragement to new wardens. All experience levels of wardens and anyone interested in serving as a future warden are invited to attend.

This event is intentionally held in person to promote fellowship, conversation, and community amongst those who serve the same leadership role in churches across our diocese, and we appreciate your effort to attend, especially those who travel from far away.

Please register by Wednesday, March 26. No charge to attend. Lunch provided.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Applications for the Young Adult Service Corps are now open!

Could serving with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) be your next faithful step? This ministry is for Episcopalians ages 21-35 who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the world. Applicants must have a high degree of maturity and possess a faith commitment, the willingness to be a humble guest, and the ability to be an authentic companion. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY