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.

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT

All They Needed Was Someone to Open the Doors

By the Rev. John K. Talbert, rector of St. John's, Mobile

I had known Eric and Erik for only about 20 minutes before handing them the keys to our building. That was all the time we had. The entire process had unfolded in less than 48 hours.

Hurricane Isaias put the entire Gulf Coast on alert. In the four days leading up to landfall, I talked with friends from New Orleans to Apalachicola who were taking the necessary precautions. Our entire diocesan coastline was under a warning. Schools began announcing closures. Our Clergy Conference was canceled, and Bishop Russell called clergy and wardens together Thursday afternoon to confirm that everyone had completed their own preparations and secured their church buildings.

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More Neighbors Serving Neighbors After Hurricane Isaias

At St. Paul’s, Foley, the parish opened its parish hall as a storm shelter at 6 a.m. Friday, October 9, and welcomed approximately 101 guests over the next 28 hours. The church provided two breakfasts, a lunch, and a dinner. About 30 people stayed overnight, according to Junior Warden George Waller. St. Paul's is known in the community as a welcoming shelter year-round during inclement weather.

In Milton, St. Mary’s joined with St. Mary’s, Andalusia; St. Jude’s, Niceville; and St. John’s, Pensacola, to serve grilled lunches to community members affected by the storm. The team put the Holy Smoker to work, one of five large grill/smokers positioned at churches throughout the diocese to support emergency response and community engagement.

These ministries remind us that the church is more than a building. It is a community of people willing to show up when their neighbors need them most. Whether offering a safe place to rest or a hot meal and a welcoming presence, our congregations embody Christ’s love through practical acts of care.

We are grateful to these congregations and all who gave their time, resources, and gifts to serve their communities during a challenging time.

Upcoming Ordinations to the Priesthood

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations

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

Online via Zoom

Join us for a workshop that will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. We will 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-day course. There is no fee to participate, but it requires the commitment to be engaged for the full day. The workshop is limited to no more than 30 participants, but we must have at least 12 registrants in order to hold the workshop. Please register by November 2.

REGISTER | DOWNLOAD FLYER

Wilmer Hall's Fifth Annual Movie Night

Sunday, November 8, 5:30 p.m. CT

Wilmer Hall, 3811 Old Shell Rd, Mobile

Sponsored by Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance, a Higginbotham Partner, to benefit Wilmer Hall on Sunday, November 8. Join us on the front lawn (3811 Old Shell Rd) at 5:30 p.m. with your blankets, chairs, drinks, snacks, and whatever you need to get cozy for a night at the movies under the stars! There will be a dinner option on site, as well as a popcorn and candy bar!

The featured movie this year, “The Sandlot,” will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $40 MAX per family and are available for advance purchase at wilmerhall.org/events/family-movie-night or Venmo @wilmerhall.  

Please plan to join us for a great time and awesome family fun!

Retired Clergy, Spouses, and Surviving Spouses Luncheon with Bishop Russell

Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.

Christ Church Parish, 18 W Wright St, Pensacola

All retired clergy, spouses, and surviving spouses are invited to a special luncheon with Bishop Russell. Come learn, share, and catch up with distant friends.

Please RSVP by November 9 to 850.434.7337 or email jenn@diocgc.org.

Winter Woods 2027

January 15-18, 2027

Beckwith Camp & Conference Cener

Ready for summer camp but don't want to wait until June? Well, you don't have to! Join us for Winter Woods! All of the fun of summer camp (minus some of the water activities...brrr!), but during a winter weekend!

Winter Woods camp will be open to all ages of campers (rising 4th grade through current 12th grade), and campers will be placed in cabins with campers of similar grades — i.e., no younger campers will be bunking with older campers. 

Campers will enjoy craft activities, games, our high ropes course (Zipline, Giant Swing, & Leap of Faith), amazing programming from our Deans, bonfires, s'mores, and more! Come join us!

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Happening #64

February 12-14, 2027

Beckwith Camp & Conference Center

Registration is open for Happening #64!

Happening is a weekend renewal retreat led by youth for youth in 9-12th grades. High school students put together an incredibly moving weekend filled with learning, sharing, and building relationships. Through videos, skits, talks, and more, Happeners see how God and their faith fit in with the ups and downs of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel God's love and the love of their Christian community. We hope that, by the end of the weekend, everyone goes home knowing how to keep growing in their relationship with God and having a group of fellow believers to rely on. It's a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Veterans Day Service Livestream

Wednesday, November 11, 9:30 p.m. CT

Mark your calendar to join Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and Bishop Suffragan of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries Ann Ritonia for a livestreamed Veterans Day service at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Bishop Rowe will preside, and Bishop Ritonia will preach at a Nov. 11 Evensong service at the cathedral that will also be livestreamed. Bishop Rowe’s trip to Hawaii will include visits to troops at Okinawa and Pearl Harbor.

LEARN MORE about Armed Forces and Federal Ministries

Episcopal Church Executive Council Adopts Presiding Bishop's Strategic Plan

The Episcopal Church Executive Council convened in a regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19, at the church’s New York headquarters, where it passed resolutions to adopt The Episcopal Church's strategic plan and authorized officers to negotiate a purchase agreement for the sale of The Episcopal Church Center at 815 Second Ave.

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