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. | | |
Black History Month: Why Celebrate
by Joe McDaniel, Jr. and Valerie Mitchell, co-chairs of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
February’s designation as Black History Month invites intentional reflection and celebration. As the interracial co-chairs of the Diocese’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, we offer our perspectives on why Black history must be honored. While our viewpoints are shaped by our respective backgrounds – Valerie Mitchell, a white woman, and Joe McDaniel, an African American man – we are united in the conviction that celebrating Black history strengthens our community and furthers the work of reconciliation. Our reasons are set out in response to three questions:
- What does knowing Black history mean to you personally, and how has it changed the way you see the broader national or local history?
- In what ways does learning Black history matter for current conversations about race, policy, and community?
- What are the consequences — socially, culturally, or educationally — when Black history is omitted or marginalized?
CONTINUE READING
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The Liturgical Seasons
In Genesis 1:14 God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years…” God created a Seasonal rhythm as one of His first acts of creation. As part of God’s creation, we participate in this rhythm, and as followers of Jesus, we observe seasons through the symbols of our worship as we remember the seasons of Jesus’ life and death each year. This short article, written by the Rev. Linda Suzanne Borgen (St. Thomas, Greenville), for a Confirmation class, reminds us of the rich meaning of these symbols, and more importantly, of God’s deep love for His creation we express through them.
CONTINUE READING
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A Call to Prayerful Discernment Online Prayer Vigil
In a pastoral message given at the end of January, Bishop Russell called for prayerful discernment, asking individuals and congregations to observe an hour of prayer on Monday, February 2, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This video is the recording of the online prayer vigil offered by Bishop Russell and diocesan staff members.
WATCH NOW
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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.
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
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JUST ADDED! Convention Youth Lock-in!
All 9th-12th graders are invited to attend the annual diocesan convention Youth Lock-in!
Youth will be dropped off at St. Francis for a fun overnight full of food, games, worship, music, and learning about what happens at diocesan convention! Saturday morning, the youth will be transported to the Hilton on Pensacola Beach to participate in the last day of the diocesan convention. Parents will pick them up at the Hilton.
There will also be a Happening reunion during the lock-in.
Drop-off will be 6 p.m on Friday, February 27, at our host church, St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze.
Pick-up will be at noon on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, our convention site.
Event contact is Meghan Johnson at meghantj02@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION LINK
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5-Week Lenten Study
Reconciliation: From Ashes to Peace
Join us this Lent for a special 5-week Lenten Study titled Reconciliation: From Ashes to Peace, created for our diocese by Anita Ford, certified pastoral care leader in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
We’ve recently added a new component to our five-week Lenten study: weekly, facilitated Zoom sessions on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. throughout Lent. If you are interested in serving as a facilitator for your small group, we invite you to join a training session on February 5 at 6 p.m. Register for the Zoom link here.
MORE DETAILS
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In Case You Missed It
- January 28 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- Pastoral Message from Bishop Russell WATCH NOW
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation February Newsletter READ NOW
- Province IV Altar Guild January Newsletter READ NOW
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Each Sunday during the month of February, Good Shepherd, Mobile, joyfully celebrates Black History Month by honoring its rich heritage and recognizing both past and present members whose faith, leadership, and service have shaped our church and our community.
This year, Good Shepherd had the privilege of celebrating Dr. Angenia Clark, President of Fisk University. Dr. Clark was an active member of Good Shepherd’s EYC during the 1970s. This vibrant group of young people went on to successful careers in medicine, engineering, education, and the military. Their experiences together included bowling, a ski trip and a trip to the Bahamas. Notably, Dr. Clark was also the first female acolyte at Good Shepherd.
CONTINUE READING
| | | A group of over 35 Happeners and staff enjoyed a weekend of Christian fellowship at St. Christopher's in Pensacola. We are grateful to the staff and members of St. Christopher's for their support of this formative event. | |  | Remember the grant St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach received for its Blessing Bag ministry? That grant helped provide 400 boy bags and 400 girl bags that will go to students in Okaloosa County Schools this week! | | | Above: The congregation of St. John's, Pensacola, taken during Bishop Russell's annual visit on February 1. Below: Members also enjoyed a chili cookoff on the Friday before, sponsored by St. John's Live Oak Ladies. We hear there was a tie for first, with one of the winners being a young Navy guy who had never made chili before! | | | |
A long-awaited project at Holy Trinity, Pensacola, recently resulted in the building of 25 beds for children in need. Led by Ray Baquero and Michele Prehn and partnering with the national organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), parishioners funded the materials with additional support from a grant from Bishop Russell. Parishioners also donated a full set of linens for each bed.
On a recent Saturday, more than 60 parishioners and community volunteers transformed the church parking lot into an assembly line under the guidance of SHP volunteers. The beds were built and stained with a natural vinegar-and-steel-wool finish.
Holy Trinity is now forming a volunteer team to deliver and assemble beds quarterly, bringing the gift of a safe and comfortable place to sleep to children in need.
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February 14: Pre-Lent Quiet Morning; Holy Trinity, Pensacola
February 15: A Classical Afternoon; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
February 15: Bluegrass Eucharist with Echo Valley; Trinity, Apalachicola
February 17: Youth Sponsored Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper; St. Jude's, Niceville
February 18: Ash Wednesday Services; St. Jude's, Niceville
February 21: Pastoral Care Workshop; Holy Trinity, Pensacola
February 21, 28/March 7, 14, 21, 28: Taize in the Atrium; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
February 25/March 4, 11, 18, 25: Lenten Dinner & Programs; St. Jude's, Niceville
February 25/March 4, 11, 18, 25: Lenten Supper Program; Immanuel Bay Minette
March 4: Lenten Evensong; All Saints, Mobile
March 8: Choral Evensong for the Third Sunday in Lent; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
March 14: Holding Our Prayers; Praying with Anglican Prayer Beads; St. Mary's, Andalusia
March 15: Choral Evensong for the Season of Lent; St. Luke's, Mobile
March 21: Contemplative Forest Walk: Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
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Black History Program featuring Joe McDaniel, Jr.
Sunday, February 22, 11 a.m. CT
Macedonia Baptist Church, 3802 N 9th Ave, Pensacola
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
We invite you to join us as we welcome Joe McDaniel, Jr. for a timely and thoughtful presentation entitled:
“Religious Rhetoric and the Civil Rights Movement: Past Lessons for Present Justice.” This gathering will offer space to reflect on the enduring role of faith in movements for justice—and how those lessons continue to guide us today.
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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
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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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Pastoral Care: How to Cover Your Future
March 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT
Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 222 N Bonita Ave, Panama City
The Commission on Affirmative Aging is conducting an informative workshop focused on area seniors' preparation for their future (end-of-life). Do you have the necessary documents in case of an emergency? Are you staying physically active? What questions do you have but are uncomfortable asking?, etc.
A healthy lunch will be included with the $20 charge. Please dress comfortably for the light chair yoga sequence and come prepared to have a good time!
Workshop Sessions:
- The Four Documents with Melinda Henderson, Ph.D., APRN, FAAN, and Brian Leebrick
- Pilates with Melanie Cox
- Cardiovascular Health with Gerry Phillips, MD
REGISTRATION
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Cursillo #174
March 12-15
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Cursillo (“Cur see yo”) is a three-day weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationships with Christ and others. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in interaction with other Christians. Its mission is to build up our parish churches by encouraging and empowering its members to prepare for doing the work of the church.
MORE DETAILS
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Worship in the Woods
April 26, 2:30 p.m to 5 p.m. CT
Saloom Properties, 2835 Bookers Mills Rd, Evergreen
Worship in the Woods is a diocesan-wide gathering sponsored by the churches of Convocation IV!
Celebrating in God's Creation
Join us to walk the Stations of the Resurrection, celebrate the Eucharist in the Chapel of Divine Creation, and enjoy a shared meal provided by our hosts.
RSVP
| | Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal related organizations HERE. | | | |
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.
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February 15
Good Shepherd, Mobile
February 22
Annual Diocesan Convention
Episcopal Relief & Development
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February 15
Bay Correctional Facility and Juvenile Facility, Panama City
February 22
Blackwater River Correctional Facility, Milton
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Latest Press Releases From The Episcopal Church
Feb 9
Letter to Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe from Anglican Church of Canada Archbishop Shane Parker
This past Friday, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe received this generous letter from Archbishop Shane Parker of the Anglican Church of Canada. Bishop Rowe says, "I am grateful for his prayers for us all in this time of unrest, and I wanted you to know that our ministry and witness has not gone unnoticed by our siblings in Christ in Canada."
READ HIS LETTER HERE
Feb 6
The Episcopal Church Weekly
Read this weekly roundup of press releases, announcements, and other updates from The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
READ WEEKLY HERE
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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
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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.
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. | | |
- 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
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