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 Easter Message
In “Divine Surprises,” Bishop Russell’s 2026 Easter message explores the unexpected nature of resurrection.
Through a personal story and the witness of the empty tomb, he reminds us that God is always at work—quietly and often unexpectedly—opening new ways forward.
Easter proclaims that new life is possible, even when we cannot yet see the way.
WATCH VIDEO OR READ FULL TEXT
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Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's Easter Message
Dear friends in Christ:
One of the paradoxical truths of our faith is that Easter morning begins with sorrow. In John’s telling of the Easter story, we can almost feel the panic and confusion of the disciples in the predawn hours when Mary Magdalene discovers that the tomb is empty.
Jesus had told them that he would rise from the dead, but how could they trust that promise after they had witnessed the brutality of his death on the cross? They were afraid, maybe even in hiding. As we know from the story of Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus, some of them were heading out of town as fast as they could go.
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In Case You Missed It
- February 25 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- 55th Annual Convention Summary READ NOW
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Due by April 10 Nominations for Committee to Review Terminology and Canons LEARN MORE
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation April Newsletter READ NOW
| | | A glorious Easter celebration at Good Shepherd, Mobile, where they rejoiced in a beautiful Holy Eucharist, celebrated four baptisms, and shared in the joy of an Easter egg hunt and festive reception. A truly wonderful day enjoyed by all! Help us joyfully welcome the newly baptized: Brielle, Keyshawn, Kashton, and Carlotta. Pictured are the newly baptized and their families. | |  | On Sunday, March 22, St. John the Evangelist, Robertsdale, welcomed local law enforcement to campus to dedicate Gilbert Hall as “Cops Corner.” The reception was attended by parishioners, Robertsdale Police Chief Daniel Steelman, and a representative from the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the space was blessed by Fr. Roy Elam, vicar. Inspired by a similar outreach at St. Barnabas in Hartselle, parishioners prepared the room as a welcoming place for officers, complete with refreshments and clean facilities. The space has been warmly received, and St. John’s is grateful to offer this meaningful community outreach. | | | During Lent, members of St. Paul’s, Foley, were invited to participate in a prayerful art project. Each Sunday, they were invited to place a piece of tissue paper on the outline of an icon of Christ to symbolize a prayer. The project was supervised by Kate Seawell, who is a professional artist and a very active member of St. Paul’s. Kate added the final details to the icon, which will remain in the sanctuary for the entire Great Fifty Days. The Lenten art project has become a tradition at St. Paul’s. In years past, projects included the Stations of the Cross and Stations of the Resurrection. | | | Members of the Green Team of St. Stephen's, Brewton, prepared milk jugs for planting by students at the church's preschool. After the milk jugs were ready, Green Team members also helped students to plant seeds in the jugs: lettuce, radishes, and mustard. Now that the seeds are coming up, future learning for students includes proper watering and getting the plants ready to take home! | | |
Pilgrimage to Equal Justice Initiative National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum
Saturday, April 18
Montgomery, AL
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation
Pilgrims will travel by chartered motor coach. In Montgomery, we will visit the National Memorial, the Legacy Museum, and the Sculpture Garden. The $20 registration fee will cover transportation in addition to entry tickets to the venues.
Pilgrims are responsible for bringing their own lunch and snacks.
Bus will depart from Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Daphne at 7:05 a.m. and return by 7 p.m. Full schedule available at the registration link.
REGISTER NOW | DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER
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Episcopal Night at the Ballpark
Sunday, April 19, 4 p.m. CT
Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola
Join us on the Coors Light Party Deck at the Blue Wahoos Stadium for a fun evening of baseball and Episcopal fellowship as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos take on the Knoxville Smokies!
Wear your Episcopal church gear!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. The ticket price includes admission, food, and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Only a few tickets left! Last chance!
BUY TICKETS
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19th Annual Wilmer Hall Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. CT
Wilmer Hall Children's Home, 3811 Old Shell Rd, Mobile
Join us on the front lawn of Wilmer Hall for our 19th Annual Pancake Breakfast! Enjoy pancakes, music by the Excelsior Band, jumpies for the kids, and MORE! All benefits go to Wilmer Hall.
Get your tickets now at wilmerhall.org/events/pancake-breakfast or on the Donate page and comment 'Pancakes' in the Notes box.
Cash, check, and Venmo are accepted at the event! $6 per person or $20 per car for the drive-thru.
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Beckwith Sunday Celebration
Sunday, April 26, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Every year on the last Sunday of April, we celebrate and honor our beloved Beckwith Camp and Conference Center across the diocese with Beckwith Sunday. This year, Beckwith is hosting a Holy Eucharist followed by a cookout and pool party to consecrate their new swimming pool! Join us in your favorite Beckwith attire!
If you would like to contribute to the continued fundraising efforts for the new pool, visit www.beckwithal.com/give.
RSVP to rhona@beckwithal.com
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Worship in the Woods
Sunday, 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
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Place article Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations Workshop
Saturday, May 16, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT
Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 South 6th St, Apalachicola, FL
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 May 11.
REGISTRATION
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS
FOR CLERGY, WARDENS, AND CHURCH DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATORS
Tuesday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom - Join Diocesan Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator, Deacon Pratt Paterson, to learn more about preparing your church for emergency situations. LINK TO JOIN
FOR SENIOR WARDENS
Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze - All senior wardens or anyone interested in learning more about the role are invited. Lunch provided. As the primary lay leader of your congregation, the role of senior warden is both sacred and significant. This workshop, led by Bishop Russell and your diocesan staff, will equip you with the essential skills and insights necessary to fulfill your responsibilities effectively and with grace. Another important aspect of this gathering is fellowship with other wardens from across the diocese, regardless of church size. RSVP to jenn@diocgc.org.
| | | Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal-related organizations HERE. | | | |
Part-time Youth Coordinator
St. Jude's, Niceville, is seeking a part-time,12-month youth coordinator. The position focuses on the ministry to and of the parish's youth, from 6th grade through 12th grade. This person will help shape our youth's faith and provide a safe place for them to develop relationships and explore the Christian faith. The YC will develop relationships with our youth and their parents using skills such as teaching, caring, organization, creativity, communication, and connection. The YC reports to the Rector. Contact Cathy Shea at bobandcathyself@cox.net. Church address: 200 N Partin Dr, Niceville, FL. Youth Coordinator 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.
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April 12
Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile
April 19
Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
Commission on the Integrity of Creation
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April 12
Northwest Florida Reception Center & Annex, Chipley
April 19
Okaloosa Correctional Institution, Crestview
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Latest Press Releases From The Episcopal Church
Mar 23
A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the March 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops
Dear people of God:
Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Introduction
The bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered from March 17-24 at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, Texas. Our gathering included 122 bishops and bishops-elect, representing 89 dioceses and special ministries across 17 countries and territories. As we conclude our meeting, we give thanks for the mutual affection and fruitful collaboration we experience during our time together, and we renew our commitment to bear witness with clarity and unity to the transforming power of the Gospel.
Reflections from our meeting
Our gathering was focused primarily on the challenges and opportunities before us as a church. We welcomed 12 representatives from Episcopal seminaries and local formation programs to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the state of theological education and our need to better integrate traditional and innovative modes of discernment, recruitment, and training for future clergy and lay leaders. We explored possibilities for expanding the work of church planting and the redevelopment of existing congregations.
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Apr 2
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.
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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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