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.

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.

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. To learn more about being a delegate, take a look at this new Convention Delegate Guide created by the Rev. Katie Gillett, our convention secretary.

Standing Committee Member Nominations - Part of our convention business is electing one clergy and two lay people to serve on our Standing Committee for a three-year term. Delegates may make nominations now through January 28. LEARN MORE OR SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE.

General Convention Deputy Nominations - Another part of our convention business is electing four clergy and four lay deputies (and alternates) to the General Convention, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, July 3-8, 2027. Elected deputies and bishops from every diocese will gather to discern and participate in the polity of The Episcopal Church. Delegates may make nominations now through January 28. LEARN MORE OR SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE.

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

A Living Example of Diaconal Ministry

by the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Dean of School for Ministry and Missioner for Discipleship

I recently had a fruitful discussion with one of our priests about the role of deacons in our diocese and the impact on future generations. Since 2017, the School for Ministry has raised five locally formed permanent deacons, one of whom is the Rev. Kay Dennis of Marianna, Florida.

Kay is shining her light brightly in her community in a variety of ways, one of which is through her numerous newspaper articles and the publication of her own books. For Advent, Kay produced a beautiful book of devotions, and she has done so again for Lent. 

CONTINUE READING

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.

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations Workshop

Saturday, February 14, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

Grace Episcopal Church, 9101 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach

Sponsored 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 ways to work together.

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 vestry members) and at the diocesan level (including those serving on commissions, committees, agencies, or boards). It also qualifies for eight hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the full-day course. There is no fee to participate, but it requires a commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to 28 participants. Registration closes on February 9.

REGISTRATION | EVENT FLYER

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

Men's Conference

February 27-March 1, 2026

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

Men from across the diocese are invited to the Men’s Conference at Camp Beckwith for a weekend of rest, renewal, and brotherhood. This year’s conference features the Rev. Scott Gunn, who will guide us through the practices of The Way of Love as explored in his book "Exploring the Way of Love." Through worship, music, conversation, and unhurried time together, this retreat offers space to step away from daily demands and reconnect with God and one another. Come as you are and be part of a meaningful weekend in community.

CONFERENCE BROCHURE | REGISTRATION

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