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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.

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT


St. Francis Episcopal Church Awarded Grant to Launch Community Healing Ministry

By Kim Giryluk, member of St. Francis and director of the Gulf Breeze Senior Center


St. Francis Episcopal Church is pleased to announce it has been awarded an $8,500 Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to launch a new community initiative, Healing for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit: Come and Be Loved. This funding will support a year-long series of monthly healing services designed to foster spiritual renewal, emotional well-being, and meaningful community connection.


Building on St. Francis Episcopal Church's ongoing commitment to serving the Gulf Breeze community through its Senior Center and no-cost mental health services, this new ministry offers a welcoming space where individuals can find hope, encouragement, and fellowship.


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In Case You Missed It

  • July 22 issue of Coastline READ NOW
  • 2026-2027 Diocesan Scholarship Recipients READ NOW
  • 55th Annual Convention Journal now available READ NOW
  • Watersheds of the Gulf Coast Eco-Region announcement READ NOW
  • Commission on the Integrity of Creation August Newsletter READ NOW

In July, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells, bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, visited the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mobile, serving as preacher and celebrant. Her sermon was heartfelt, inspiring, and deeply meaningful to all who gathered.


Following the service, the parish hosted a reception in Bishop Wells’ honor. She graciously shared her personal story, offering those gathered an even deeper glimpse into her faith and ministry. Members of her family joined her for both the service and reception, making the occasion especially meaningful.


It was a beautiful day of worship, fellowship, and love. The parish is grateful for Bishop Wells’ visit and for the many blessings she shared with the parish family.


Nativity, Dothan - Father Carl blesses students and their backpacks. From preschool to college, students are sent out covered in prayer, laughter, and the love of their Nativity family. Photo credit: Josh Hicks

St. Augustine's, Navarre - A beautiful baptism service and celebration in the Carlson Family. Photo credit: Marge Bell

One of the best ways we can celebrate the life of our diocese is by sharing what’s happening in your congregations. From special services and outreach efforts to fellowship gatherings and milestones, your photos help tell the story of our common life together. Use the easy form linked below to share your photos with us!


Submit photos HERE.

August 16: The Howlelujah Tour; St. Paul's Chapel, Magnolia Springs


August 19: An Evening of Anthems: Celebrating God's Creations; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze


August 23: Finding Light in the Darkness Mental Health Symposium; First United Methodist Church, Pensacola


September 3: Monthly Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour


September 16: Spiritual Direction Training at Blue Lake; Center for Sacred Space



September 26: St. Mary's Episcopal Church English Tea; St. Mary's, Milton


October 7: Healing Service; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze


October 11-14: Silent Retreat; Center for Sacred Space at Blue Lake United Methodist Camp


April 6-16, 2027: "Footsteps of Paul" Pilgrimage; organized by St. Paul's, Mobile

Share your upcoming community event with the rest of the diocese. Send us details HERE.


Events beyond six weeks out can be found at www.diocgc.org/church-and-community-events.

Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage

Saturday, August 15, Hayneville, AL


Alabama has many sacred spaces, places that are often connected with the civil rights movement. For Episcopalians in Alabama, perhaps the most significant is at Hayneville in Lowndes County, where Episcopal seminarian Jonathan Daniels was martyred in August 1965. The Jonathan Daniels pilgrimage has become a fixture for many and a reminder that the equality for which he gave his life is a continuing sacrifice.


There is something profoundly moving about going back to a sacred place and remembering, that enables the pilgrim to resolve, to repent, and to carry on the work of building the beloved community. Hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.


To read Valerie Mitchell's poignant reflection on the pilgrimage, visit www.diocgc.org/post/of-sacred-space.


MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Cursillo #175

September 17-20

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope


Take a moment to step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with God. A Cursillo weekend offers three days of prayer, fellowship, reflection, and encouragement in a welcoming Christian community. Led by Lay Rector Michelle Anchors of St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach, this experience is designed to deepen your faith and equip you to live it more fully in your daily life and your church. Registration is open, and thanks to the generosity of the Cursillo community, the cost is fully covered.


MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

BayLights

September 25-27

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 p.m. Dinner & music by The Collared Greens & Friends at the Holy Nativity Pavilion.


Saturday: Activities all day include the Bishop's BBQ lunch; Diocesan Ultreya; football games, beer, and boiled peanuts at Wilson Hall; Wacky Art with Rhona; giant swing; zip line; camp games; and the Real Fruit ice cream truck.


Saturday Evening: 6 p.m. Low Country Boil; 6:30 p.m. Live music with The Modern Eldorados; 8 p.m. Last ticket drawn & the silent auction closes.


Purchase your draw-down ticket to win the 2026 Street Legal Golf Cart or $5,000!


$125 draw-down ticket - includes dinner, drinks, and music Saturday night for two people, and you do not have to be present to win. The silent auction will be on display all weekend.


DETAILS, TICKETS, AND REGISTRATION

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations

Saturday, September 26, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 Whetstone St, Monroeville


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 September 21.


REGISTER | DOWNLOAD FLYER

Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal-related organizations HERE.

Part-time Accompanist

St. Christopher's, Pensacola, seeks a skilled, collaborative accompanist (10 hrs/week) to support vibrant worship. Duties include accompanying Sunday services and choir rehearsal (Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.), playing preludes/postludes, and assisting with special liturgies (Christmas, Holy Week, etc.). Music is primarily traditional hymnody with occasional special services (Celtic, jazz, Taizé). Candidates should demonstrate mastery of piano and/or organ, strong sight-reading and accompanying skills, and a collaborative spirit. Compensation is $16,000/year, with additional fees for weddings/funerals. St. Christopher’s is a welcoming, musically vibrant parish committed to inclusive community, located in a beautiful beach town. Submit résumé and references to music@scpen.org to apply. Church address: 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL. Accompanist Job Description.


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.

August 12

Visit to Westminster Village


August 15

Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage


August 16

Visitation at St. Thomas, Greenville


August 23

Vistation at St. Peter's, Bon Secour

Visitation at St. Paul's, Magnolia Springs


Visit the church's website or social media page, linked in blue, for service time(s).

August 16

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

St. Andrew's by the Sea, Destin


August 23

St. Francis, Dauphin Island

St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze

August 16

Conecuh County Jail, Evergreen


August 23

Baldwin County Jail, Bay Minette

Full year prayer cycles are available at www.diocgc.org/cycle-of-prayer.

Interested in helping grow veterans ministry and chaplaincy engagement in your church or diocese?


Episcopalians are invited to complete a brief survey offered by the Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries to help the office strengthen ministry with veterans, support chaplaincy discernment, and identify individuals and communities who wish to participate in this work.


By sharing your experiences, interests, and needs, you are helping The Episcopal Church better accompany veterans, support those discerning chaplaincy, and develop resources for dioceses and parishes. Responses may be used to guide future outreach, training, and connection.


COMPLETE THE SURVEY (offered in English and Spanish)

Subscribe to read the latest news from The Episcopal Church


Subscribe to the Public Affairs Office’s e-mail lists to receive the latest information about The Episcopal Church. “The Episcopal Church Press Release Digest” provides up-to-the-minute information about news, events, and resources from The Episcopal Church. The “Daily Scan” is a daily list of links to news stories in the mass media that highlight The Episcopal Church, Episcopal parishes and dioceses, and Episcopalians.


SUBSCRIBE HERE

About the Coastline


"Coastline" is an online newsletter publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. We welcome your input!


SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday before the publication date.


ARTICLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES


SUBMIT AN UPCOMING 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.


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