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.

Bishop Russell's Advent Message

55th Annual Diocesan Convention: "Let There Be Light"

Mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention to be held February 27-28, 2026, at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. Our host will be St. Francis of Assisi Gulf Breeze. Our theme this year is "Let There Be Light" and will focus on creation and creativity!

Diocesan Convention is our primary gathering of clergy and lay representatives from across the Central Gulf Coast, where we worship together, make decisions that shape our common life, celebrate the ministries flourishing in our congregations, and discern how God is calling us forward. It is an essential expression of our shared governance and mission. We encourage members of every congregation to prayerfully consider serving as a delegate—your voice and perspective are vital to the life and leadership of our diocese.

Consider being a delegate! Serving as a delegate to our Annual Diocesan Convention in February 2026 is a meaningful way to represent your congregation, deepen your connection to the wider diocesan family, and take part in the life and leadership of our church. Delegates help shape the future of our diocese through prayerful discernment, shared conversation, and faithful decision-making. We encourage you to consider this opportunity for service and to prayerfully reflect on whether God may be calling you to represent your congregation at this important gathering.

Never been a lay delegate and interested to learn more? Take a look at this new Convention Delegate Guide created by the Rev. Katie Gillett, our convention secretary.

The canonical deadline for the election of lay delegates is Monday, December 29. Contact your church's leadership to find out when your congregation will elect its delegates.

And you don't have to be a delegate to attend the convention. Everyone is invited. Come enjoy our diocesan community! Registration is open!

VISIT THE CONVENTION WEBPAGE

The Inaugural St. Augustine's, Navarre/St. Simon's, Ft. Walton Beach/St. Francis, Gulf Breeze Chili Cookoff is in the books. St. Augustine took the trophy home for 2025! After each congregation hosted its own cookoff earlier this year, the three churches gathered for a friendly final showdown, all in the spirit of community-building, fellowship, and fun. Time to prepare for next year's competition! More photos on Facebook.

Happening #63

February 6-7, 2026

St. Christopher's, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola

Registration is now open for Happening #63.

Happening is a weekend retreat for teens in grades 9th-12th led by teens under the guidance of adult leadership. It’s a weekend of renewal, connection, and joy where high school students discover how their faith meets real life. Through music, laughter, talks, small groups, and powerful moments of worship, participants (“Happeners”) experience the love of Christ and the support of a caring Christian community.

HAPPENING WEBPAGE - read more details about Happening and register!

HAPPENING ANNOUNCEMENT - learn how you can help encourage teenagers to attend!

And if you know of a high schooler who has already been a Happener, encourage them to serve on the Happening Staff.

The cost is $75. Scholarships are available. For questions or financial assistance, please contact our Happening Coordinator, Meghan Johnson, at meghantj02@gmail.com.

55th Annual Diocesan Convention

February 27-28, 2026

Hilton Pensacola Beach

Join us as a delegate or a visitor for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention! St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze, will be our gracious hosts at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach. We are excited to share that our theme will be "Let There Be Light" with a focus on creativity and creation! Registration is now open, and all are welcome to attend.

VISIT OUR CONVENTION WEBPAGE

Beckwith Summer Camp Dates 2026

Episcopal Advent and Christmas resources are available

Individuals, congregations, and small groups can download Advent- and Christmas-themed graphics, a customizable video, curriculum, children’s offerings, podcasts, and much more from The Episcopal Church’s annual resource page. See individual listings on the page for resources available in Spanish and French.

We extend a special invitation this year to participate in Forward Movement’s AdventWord, an online Advent calendar that asks individuals, ministries, and congregations to reflect on a single word each day of Advent. Find Canva graphic templates for use in posting the word and a reflection on social media.

Throughout Advent, The Episcopal Church’s social media channels will include posts with basic information about church history, tradition, and more.

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