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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
December 15, 2021
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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. | | |
Note: The Duvall Center will be closed on December 24, 27 and 31 for Christmas and New Year's holidays. | |
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Our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Kentucky and neighboring areas. This tragedy initiates our compassionate response on so many levels. Per the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, the most meaningful way we can help while search and rescue efforts continue is to offer monetary support. We invite you to direct donations to the following:
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Importance of Learning Our History
Reflection from Sarah Bolt, member of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
Many people don’t like history growing up because learning history at school can include a lot of memorizing dates and names with little substance to make the subject truly interesting.
There is a lack of connection between the history being taught and what else is happening around the world at the same time or within a few years. So, making the connection that Anne Frank, Barbara Walters, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were all born in 1929 tends to make people stop and think. History can also be complicated, but so much can be gained from learning it to help improve our future. Studying history matters because 1) knowing it allows us to fully grasp that some events and movements like the civil rights movement were not that long ago and 2) it helps us recognize the work is not finished.
CONTINUE READING
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The 2022 calendar of events for the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation is now available online. There are multiple Sacred Conversations workshops, pilgrimages and special speakers scheduled throughout the year.
2022 Calendar
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Walking the Mourner's Path Facilitators Training
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is offering a Mourner’s Path facilitator’s training at Beckwith, March 17-19, 2022. 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
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The Good Book Club for Epiphany 2022
Have you heard that the Good Book Club will begin again on January 6th? For the first time, an Old Testament book, Exodus, will be offered. From Epiphany on January 6 to Shrove Tuesday on March 1, the first twenty chapters of Exodus will be covered. For those who want to continue reading, a daily reading guide and an overview of the second half of Exodus will be provided. This second half will conclude on Easter. Both Forward Movement and organizations across the Episcopal church will provide resources to support the journey through Exodus. The Good Book Club's website: www.goodbookclub.org will give you much more information.
Sally Crenshaw is again serving as the Good Book Club Coordinator for our diocese. Contact Sally at crenshs@cox.net with inquiries.
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Share your photo, good news or ministry with the rest of the diocese. Send your story to us here. | | |
The children of Holy Nativity, Panama City got a visit from St. Nicholas! According to The Episcopal Church website: While Advent is a time of waiting with hope and patience for the coming of the Christ Child, celebrating the life of St. Nicholas offers a festive opportunity to focus more on giving than receiving. Nicholas, the 3rd century Bishop of Myra, serves as an example of living out service to Jesus Christ by showing God’s love to others through his protection of children, sailors, and all in trouble and need. St. Nicholas Day is traditionally celebrated on December 6. The night before, shoes or stockings are put out for St. Nicholas to fill with treats and small gifts that are meant to be shared with others. | |
Back in September, St. John's Pensacola held their inaugural #SJGivingDay to raise funds for their new Children's Center, Outreach Ministry, and Episcopal Relief and Development. Not only was the campaign a great success, but also gave members of St. John's the opportunity to share what they love about their church! If you would like to learn more about how to have a #GivingDay at your church, contact Rev. Christie Hord at christie@stjohnspensacola.org. | |
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On November 13, 2021, the Commission on Affirmative Aging hosted a four-hour workshop on “Adventurous Aging.” It was designed as a service to the community and approved for 4 hours CEU for diocesan clergy and healthcare workers. It was also designed to be a lot of fun. Participants heard informative talks from Mendy Henderson, PhD on “Concepts and Theories of Aging,” Gerry Phillips, MD on maintaining good cardiovascular health, Timothy Hecker, MD on maintaining good cognitive health, and Michael Ledet, MD on maintaining good sleep/wake cycles. Barbie Francez of Orange Beach led us in a fun half-hour of low-impact Zumba, and Jan Craver closed our time with a half-hour of Chair Yoga. A heart/brain healthy lunch was served and we believe a good time was had by all. One participant came because she could earn 4 hours CEU for the nominal fee of $15.00. She stayed because she enjoyed the speakers and activities so much. Upwards of fifty people attended and participated.
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Thursday, December 16, 7pm CT - Zoom
Racial Reconciliation Speaker Series with Dr. Joy Banner
Dr. Joy Banner is the communications director for the Whitney Plantation and co-founder of The Descendants Project, a foundation created to eradicate the vagaries of slavery, including economic injustice, violent plantation tourism narratives, environmental racism, and systemic oppression of the descendant community. After earning a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, Dr. Banner taught business communications, marketing, and entrepreneurship at the university level, advancing to chair of the Management program. Joy is a proud member of the local descendant community with local ancestral roots that can be traced to the 18th century. Her passion is advocacy for economic inclusion, business ownership, and representation of descendants within the profitable heritage tourism business.
JOIN BY ZOOM
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51st Annual Diocesan Convention "Go Forward"
The first round of information regarding our annual convention, to be held February 17-19, 2022, was emailed earlier this month to clergy and senior wardens in charge of congregations. Over the coming weeks, more details will be finalized. Until then, keep visiting our convention webpage, www.diocgc.org/2022-diocesan-convention, for the latest updates and information.
Members in good standing are elected by their congregation to serve as a delegate for a one-year term. If you are interested in representing your congregation at the upcoming convention, speak with your clergy or senior warden. The deadline for election is December 19.
Registration for all convention attendees is now open. REGISTER HERE.
Have a great idea for a Convention workshop?
We would like your input - we plan to offer a selection of workshops centered around mission and ministry. Share your idea by January 3, 2022.
Submit your idea using this form.
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Youth Events
REGISTRATION OPEN!
February 4-6 at Beckwith
Happening #59
This event will be open to youth in grades 10th-12th. Happening is a weekend spiritual retreat for teenagers led by teenagers and supported by clergy and adult staff.
REGISTER HERE for Youth Staff or Youth Happener
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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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2021
Sunday, December 19, 10:30am CT- Lessons & Carols Service at All Saints, Mobile
Sunday, December 19, 10:30am CT - Advent Lessons & Carols at Church of the Nativity, Dothan
Sunday, December 19, 4pm CT - Organ Noel at Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores
Sunday, December 19, 4pm CT- St. Paul's Singers Christmas Concert at St. Paul's, Mobile
Tuesday, December 21, 6pm CT - Longest Night Service at St. Christopher's, Pensacola
Wednesday, December 22, Noon CT - Longest Night Service at Church of the Nativity, Dothan
Friday, December 24, 5:30pm CT - Christmas Eve Service at Immanuel, Bay Minette
Friday, December 24 - multiple services - Christmas at the Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile
Upcoming in 2022
May 20-28 - Pilgrimage to Israel with St. Paul's Chapel, Magnolia Springs
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Vestry Resources
This is a typical time in the rhythm of the church when vestries welcome new members and bid thank you to those who have faithfully served. If you are looking for information on your new role or need a refresher, Vital Practices is a great place to start. ECF Vital Practices is a ministry of the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) whose mission is to be a comprehensive and holistic resource that helps vitalize Episcopal faith communities. Vital Practices offers vestry members and other people of faith, resources and tools to respond to the changing needs of the Church.
VISIT ECF WEBSITE
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No job posting at this time. | |
From The Episcopal Church | |
Applications open for Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps 2022-2023
Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), the international missionary program of The Episcopal Church, is accepting applications for 2022-2023 placements. The deadline is January 21, 2022.
Now in its 20th year, YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-30 the opportunity to follow the Way of Love into deeper relationship with God and the global Anglican Church while spending a year living and working with communities around the world.
Learn more about YASC—including videos and blogs—and find the application form and instructions at episcopalchurch.org/yasc.
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Bishop Russell's Upcoming Visitations | |
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December 19
St. Andrew's, Panama City
December 24
St. Thomas, Laguna Beach
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December 19
Church of the Nativity, Dothan
December 26
St. Mary's, Andalusia
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December 19
Gulf County Jail, Port St. Joe
December 26
Escambia County Jail, Pensacola
Escambia County Jail, Brewton
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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 about Camp Beckwith, visit www.goforwardcampaign.org. | |
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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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