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. | | |
Congratulations!
We are delighted to announce the recipients of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast 2025 Scholarships! These students, who are pursuing collegiate degrees, have demonstrated commitment to their education, faith, and community.
We give thanks for their dedication and pray for God’s blessing on their studies and future callings. May their gifts and learning be used for the good of the Church and the world.
| |
Growing in Our Discipleship
Informational webinar on our Lay School for Ministry programs
Tuesday, August 26, 6 p.m. CT on Zoom
What does it mean to be a disciple? Within our Christian context, we would say we are learners of our rabbi, Jesus. Jesus proclaimed the good news, worshipped in the temple, healed, taught, and called others to be disciples as both learners and followers. The Lay School of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast offers five tracks that mirror the work of Jesus through Preaching, Worship Leader, Pastoral Care Leader, Formation/Catechist Leader, and Evangelist training. Many in our diocese are also being called to participate in this same work. We invite you to discern if one of these classes might give you the gifts you need to respond to that call. To learn more and have your questions answered, we invite you to attend this informational webinar.
If you are interested in joining us, please first consult with your clergy or vestry and begin the application process, which can be found on our website at https://www.diocgc.org/lay-ministry and by clicking on Course Offerings and Application.
JOIN THE MEETING
| |
Help Us Shape the New Diocesan Website!
We’re redesigning our diocesan website to make it more useful, accessible, and inspiring for everyone. Your input will help us understand what information and features matter most to you. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and share your thoughts. Together, we can create a website that truly serves our shared mission.
TAKE THE SURVEY
| |
In Case You Missed It
- July 9 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- Bishop Russell's Message on Murray House and St. Andrew's, Destin READ NOW
- Bishop Russell's 10th Anniversary Video Message WATCH NOW
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation August Newsletter READ NOW
| | | This summer, St. Andrew’s, Mobile, hosted five weeks of art classes for ages 7 to 99, filled with projects like pine-disc name tags, recycled-bottle robots, painted seashells, and colorful tie-dyed T-shirts. A highlight was creating a Mardi Gras bead mosaic with three silver and gold crosses inside a red heart—symbolizing God’s inclusive love for all. St. Andrew's looks forward to another summer of creativity next year! | Holy Trinity, Pensacola, held a lively evening Vacation Bible School in July, led by Kelley Theriot and numerous teen and adult volunteers. Through a variety of activities, 18 to 20 energetic children ages three to ten learned that they are amazing creations of God. These activities centered around themes such as GOD is always FOR YOU, WITH YOU AND LOVES YOU. Many of the children and family members returned Sunday morning for our Eucharist and to share a favorite song with the congregation. The week was certainly a blessing for the Holy Trinity congregation as much as it was for each beautiful child of God. | | The congregation of St. Andrew's, Destin, has begun worshipping in the auditorium of Destin High School. The high school auditorium was previously the sanctuary of Grace Lutheran Church. All are welcome to join them in their temporary space while they explore locations for a more permanent home. | Another bit of joyful news from St. Andrew's, Destin, is their postulant for Holy Orders, Ericca Cavender-Caldwell, has begun her journey northward to Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virigina where she will begin her three-year course of study leading to a Master of Divinity. Please pray for her. | | Scenes from the Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage last weekend. People from all over the diocese (and beyond) made the trip as a reminder that the equality for which Daniels and others gave their lives is a continuing sacrifice. | | Share your special photos with us! Submit them HERE. | | | |
August 20: Wednesday Night Dinner; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
August 30: St. Cyprian's Day Celebration; St. Cyprian's, Pensacola
September 4: St. Peter's Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour
September 11: Fall Health Symposium; First Baptist Church, Pensacola
September 11: 50th Anniversary Celebration; Epiphany, Crestview
September 18-20: 2025 Episcopal Creation Care Gathering; Procter Center (Dio of Southern Ohio), London, Ohio
October 17: Kairos Outside; Bethlehem Family Camp
October 18: BarBQue and Blues; Advent, Lillian
October 28: Chanticleer in Concert; St. James, Fairhope
Call for vendors: St. Paul's Magnolia Springs is now accepting applications for their Celtic Christmas Market on Saturday, November 15. Click HERE for details and application.
| |
Celebration of a New Ministry
Wednesday, August 20, 5:30 p.m. CT
Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 222 N Bonita Ave, Panama City
Join us as Bishop Russell and the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast joyfully celebrate the institution of the Rev. Forbes Sirmon as rector of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Panama City. This service marks the beginning of a new chapter in the parish’s ministry, as Fr. Sirmon leads the congregation in worship and service to the community.
| | |
Diocesan Acolyte Festival
Saturday, August 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile
All acolytes, crucifers, and thurifers from across the Central Gulf Coast are invited to attend this special gathering. Whether you're a seasoned acolyte or simply curious about serving in this sacred ministry, all are welcome to come and learn more about the role of acolyte in the Episcopal Church. Experienced leaders in the liturgical arts will share their knowledge, skills, and wisdom. The day will also include fun games and a special closing Eucharist to celebrate our shared ministry.
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
DETAILS & REGISTRATION
| |
Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations Workshop
Saturday, September 6, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola
Presented by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation.
Join us for a 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, or boards). It also qualifies for eight hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the full-cay course. There is no fee to participate, but it requires the commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to not more than 30 participants, but we must have at least 12 registrants to hold the workshop.
DETAILS & REGISTRATION
| |
Cursillo #173
September 11-14
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Have you ever thought...How great would it be to get away for a weekend surrounded by beautiful scenery, great music, and laughter while worshipping with people who love and accept you just as you are? Well, do we have something for you!
The purpose of the Cursillo Movement in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is to help people understand and respond to their calling to Christian leadership in their parishes, social lives, and workplaces by enriching and deepening their existing faith.
We invite you to explore a wonderful Cursillo getaway at God’s Front Yard/Camp Beckwith. If you would like to know more, please reach out to the Cursillo #173 Lay Rector, Tonye Frith. 334-791-0831 OR visit www.coastalpilgrims.com.
| |
BayLights
September 26-28
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship in support of our beloved Beckwith Camp and Conference Center.
Friday Night: 6:30 pm Dinner & music by The Collared Greens
Saturday: Activities all day include the Bishop's BBQ lunch, Diocesan Ultreya, football games on the big screen and boiled peanuts in Wilson Hall, Wacky Art with Rhona, giant swing, zip line and camp games
Saturday Evening: 6:00 pm Live music with The Modern Eldorados and the Low Country Boil - 8:00pm Last ticket drawn & the silent auction closes
Purchase your draw-down ticket to win a 2025 Evolution Electric Classic 4 Street Legal Golf Cart or $5,000!
REGISTER AND/OR PURCHASE DRAW DOWN TICKETS
| | Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal related organizations HERE. | | | |
Part-time Youth and College Minister
Holy Cross, Pensacola, is seeking a part-time Youth and College Minister. This 20 hrs/week position focuses on building relationships with middle school, high school, and college students, creating a welcoming and authentic faith community. Responsibilities include leading youth group twice a week, launching a college ministry, and planning engaging faith-based activities. Set hours include Sundays, Wednesdays, one additional evening per week, and occasional events with flexible administrative time. The ideal candidate is relational, open-minded, and comfortable leading a diverse group of students in a way that encourages exploration and questions rather than prescribing answers. Experience in ministry or mentoring and a passion for inclusive, inquiry-based faith development are essential. Contact Janelle Berger at director@holycrosspensacola.org. Church address: 7979 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL.
Occasional Supply Musician
Church of the Advent, Lillian, is seeking an occasional supply musician to supplement their current part-time paid musician for Sunday services at 10 a.m. The church has an organ but is also looking for someone who can play piano, keyboard, guitar, or another instrument. Payment can be arranged. Contact the Rev. Tina Lockett at 412.400.7400. Church address: 12099 County Rd 99, Lillian, AL.
Part-time Musician
St. Andrew's, Mobile, is seeking a musician for 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship and Feast days. No choir. Contact Phyllis Findley at phyllis@phyllisfindley.com. Church address: 1854 Staples Rd, Mobile, AL
| | |
August 17
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
St. Andrew's By the Sea, Destin
St. Luke's, Marianna
August 24
St. Francis, Dauphin Island
St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
| |  | |
August 17
Conecuh County Jail, Evergreen
August 24
Baldwin County Jail, Bay Minette
| |
About the Coastline
"Coastline" is an online newsletter publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. We welcome your input!
SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday before the publication date.
SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website as received.
Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org or the editor, Jenn Roberts, at jenn@diocgc.org.
Update your email preferences by clicking on the "Update Profile" link below.
| | | As a reminder, neither Bishop Russell nor any diocesan staff member will ever contact you via email or text message asking for special favors or gift cards. These types of messages are fraudulent, and you should never click on any links or respond to them. | | |
- Connect with the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast -
MAILING: PO BOX 13330, PENSACOLA, FL 32591-3330
PHYSICAL: 201 N BAYLEN ST, PENSACOLA, FL 32502
PHONE: 850-434-7337 | FAX: 850-434-8577
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE
| | | | |
