View as Webpage

Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

April 13, 2022

*Be sure to check your email on Easter Sunday for a special message from Bishop Russell!*

When God Whispers

By Sandee Houston, member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Pensacola

My decision to become a host home for Afghanistan refugees probably stems from my dear parents who often quoted Luke 12:48, “To those whom much is given, much is required." My St. Christopher’s parish in Pensacola has a parish refugee liaison to Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program. Until this described experience, I had done little else except an occasional contribution of necessary items for refugees. On August 26, as I watched the news displays of the throngs of people at the Kabul airport needing refuge and seeking safety away from the Taliban, I began to hear a small whisper: “You have a large home with two empty bedrooms and a bath.”

Little did I know that very same day, some 7,708 air miles away on the grounds of the Kabul airport, there was a 36-year-old Afghan man who had served seven years as an interpreter for the United States military service. He and his wife and children were in serious danger awaiting a flight at the Kabul Airport to take them away from their homeland.

CONTINUE READING*

*click the link above for contact details to connect to the Refugee Resettlement Program.

From Tourist to Pilgrim: My Whitney Plantation Experience

By Nichelle Jones, member of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation 

While tourists and pilgrims are both on a journey, tourists visit places for pleasure, to satisfy their senses and interest, normally when vacationing often preoccupied, unaware and not in the present moment. Pilgrims have a sense of sacredness, often going on long journeys with a moral or religious purpose and tend to be in the present moment.

I have been blessed to live and visit foreign countries and numerous states in the 53 years since my birth. Each place I have visited created memories that seemed to last a lifetime. Visits to Mexico, Savanah GA, Vicksburg MS, New Orleans LA, Montgomery AL and even East Germany and East Berlin (when the Berlin Wall divided Germany). However, spending time at Whitney Plantation on March 19, 2022, the visiting experience was altogether different, for this time, I transformed from a tourist to a pilgrim. Now, my transformation didn’t happen instantly; it was one that took place gradually over three visits to Whitney.  

CONTINUE READING

Beckwith Sunday is April 24

Each year on the last Sunday of April, we celebrate the ministry of camp, our youth, and the role Beckwith plays in the life of our diocese. You are invited to wear your Beckwith apparel to church and congregations are encouraged to include Beckwith in their worship service! Resources are linked below.

BECKWITH SUNDAY RESOURCES

Applications for the 2022-2023 Lay Ministry School Certification Program

This is a reminder we are taking applications for our 2022-2023 Lay Ministry School Certification tracts up and until August 15, 2022.

If you have felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit or would like to “seek out” more in the exercise of your Baptismal call and covenant, please take a look at what our Lay School has to offer. We begin in September 2022 (10am-2pm) and will meet one Saturday a month until June of 2023. The cost per course is $300.

If you are interested in the School this fall, now is the time to reach out to your rector or priest-in-charge and your vestry. We are offering canonical certification in the following areas: Worship Leader, Preacher, Pastoral Care Leader and Evangelist.

COURSE OFFERINGS AND APPLICATION

For more information, please contact Dean Joy Blaylock: joyblaylock@diocgc.org. 

The people of Ukraine thank you

In the past three weeks, $31,500 in contributions have been received!

The people of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast have been exceedingly generous in their response to the plea to contribute funds for medicines and medical supplies to Blessings International for their Ukraine Medical Emergency fund. In the past three weeks, $31,500 has been received from people throughout the diocese. Your generous response to this tragic war has been amazing. Thank you.

Barry Ewy, executive director of Blessings, also sends a big “thank you.” In a call on March 30, he indicated that all funds that are contributed to the Blessings Ukraine Medical Emergency fund will be distributed to mission teams on the ground in Ukraine and Poland and mission teams that are preparing to leave for those countries. Funds will go only to those who will be offering direct medical care to refugees who have sustained war-related injuries; who have fled without medications essential for the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension; and to medical/surgical teams operating in hospitals in Ukraine. Income tax receipts will be forwarded to those whose information can be found on their checks at the appropriate time.

As a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, I am so proud and so heartened by your outreach, caring, and love of neighbor. We are blessed to have you among us. ~Peace, Deacon Clelia Garrity (St. Simon's on the Sound, Fort Walton Beach)

Service of Repentance Recording & Upcoming Study Guide

The recording of the Service of Repentance on April 2 can be found here.

Stay tuned for an upcoming study guide for use alongside the service video.

In Case You Missed It

• Diocesan lay preaching program highlighted by Episcopal News Service READ
• Camp Beckwith 2022 dates: MORE INFO
• Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation 2022 Calendar: VIEW CALENDAR

Postulant Stephen Pecot (Virginia Theological Seminary, '23) shared this good news with us recently: Last Saturday, Stephen Cook Ph.D., the Rev. Robert Flanagan ’03, D.Min. ’18 Ms. Michele Causton ’23, Ms. Vannessa McCormick, and Mr. Stephen Pecot ’23 organized the first annual “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk” at VTS. This was a walk for suicide awareness and prevention and was sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The walk raised over $13,000 (exceeding their goal of $5000). Seminary Dean Markham said, "But perhaps more importantly the walk reminded us all of the tragedy of suicide and the importance of making mental health and well-being a central priority. Suicide touches many families: it is important that we as a Seminary recognize this reality."

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

Ordination to the Diaconate

April 30, 11am, at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile

Bishop Russell will ordain Amanda Dosher and Kenneth White-Spunner to the Sacred Order of Deacons.

VIEW ANNOUNCEMENT

WATCH LIVESTREAM

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

Senior Warden Day

May 14, from 11am to 2pm, at St. Christopher's, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola

Senior wardens are invited to a day dedicated to them! Presentations will be offered by Bishop Russell and diocesan staff members. You’ll hear from a panel of experienced senior wardens who will give their insight on developing strong vestries, leading without clergy and weathering storms of various sorts. There will be ample time for your questions. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the role of senior warden, how the diocese can offer support, and make new connections with leaders from other congregations.

There will be a Zoom option, but in-person attendance is greatly encouraged. This day is a terrific opportunity to meet fellow senior wardens and get to know one another - helping to build a network of support in your unique leadership role.

REGISTRATION

Sacred Conversations on Racial Reconciliation

May 21, 7:30am to 5pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 S Ann St, Mobile

Join us for an interactive workshop that will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. We explore unconscious bias, prejudice, white privilege, and ways to work together to Become the Beloved Community. This offering is required for those in parish leadership (such as vestries) and at the diocesan level (including serving on commissions, committees, agencies, boards, etc.). It also qualifies for 8 hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the day course.

Presented by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation. Cost is free but requires the commitment to be engaged the full day. Lunch is provided.

REGISTRATION

April 29: Screening the Documentary "Youth v Gov" for Faith Climate Action Week, hosted by Gulf Coast Creation Care

April 30: Pancake Breakfast, Wilmer Hall Children's Home

May 5: Famous Fish Fry, St. Peter's, Bon Secour

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

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

No job post at this time.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Easter Message 2022

“Easter is the celebration of the victory of God,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry said in his Easter 2022 message. “The earth, like an egg, has been cracked open, and Jesus has been raised alive and new, and love is victorious.”

FULL TEXT AVAILABLE HERE

April 17

Easter Sunrise Service at Beckwith

Good Shepherd, Mobile

April 24

St. Paul's, Daphne

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 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.

Coastline is a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Update your email preferences by clicking on the "Update Profile" link below.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday prior to publication date.

SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website as received.

Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org.