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.

Thirteen students receive diocesan scholarships

We are pleased to announce the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast provided monetary scholarships to 13 applicants who will matriculate this fall as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of our youth. Join us in congratulating these students. To learn more about our scholarship process, please visit www.diocgc.org/scholarships-and-grants. Each spring the diocesan finance committee assesses the availability of funds for scholarships. To contribute to the scholarship fund, click here (select 'college scholarships').

Upcoming Investiture of Presiding Bishop Elect Sean Rowe

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe will be installed as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

Each diocese across the Church has been asked to submit a "roll call" video greeting to be shown at the beginning of the livestream investiture service. We feel our best opportunity for the best turnout possible for our video will be at BayLights at Beckwith on Saturday, September 28. We have planned an exciting and fun way to celebrate and need as much participation as possible.

"PB for the PB": Three Ways to Celebrate Our New Presiding Bishop 

1) We invite all churches to participate by collecting jars of peanut butter and bringing them to Beckwith by noon on Saturday, September 28, during BayLights weekend. Peanut butter donations will go to local food pantries and blessing boxes to support those in need. Stay for BBQ lunch (buy lunch tickets here- proceeds from lunch go to programs and improvements at Beckwith).

2) After the PB collection, we’ll dedicate the new Holy Nativity Pavilion at 1 p.m., then gather by Weeks Bay to record our welcome video for Presiding Bishop-Elect Rowe. Be sure to wear your church logo apparel! 

This peanut butter drive and welcome video highlight our diocese’s commitment to serve alongside Bishop Rowe and reflect our shared mission of love and care. 

3) Stay tuned for details on watch parties for the livestream investiture service on Saturday, November 2, at 9 a.m. CT. If you would like to host a watch party, please contact the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism at lydia@diocgc.org.

For questions or more information, contact the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism, at lydia@diocgc.org.

Beckwith is located at 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope, AL

Cursillo #171

September 12-15

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

The Lay Rector is Necie Borroni of St. Paul's, Daphne.

Cursillo (“Cur see yo”) is a three-day weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationships with Christ. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in worship, prayer, study of scripture, and 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- the spreading of the Gospel.

LEARN MORE

Happening #62

September 20-22

Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 N 9th Ave, Pensacola

The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast presents Happening #62 for all 10th-12th grade students! Happening is a Christian experience presented BY teens FOR teens. Through videos, skits, talks, and more, you'll see how God and faith fit in with the flow of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel the love of God through community. We hope, at the end of the weekend, you'll go home knowing how to continue growing a relationship with God. It’s a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment. To learn more about Happening, visit www.diocgc.org/happening.

Cost is $75. Scholarships are available. Contact Meghan Johnson with inquiries.

REGISTER HERE

BayLights

September 27-29

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

Join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship in support of Beckwith, our beloved camp and conference center. We kick off on Friday night with dinner and music. Saturday is filled all day with activities for the whole family and a bbq lunch followed by more music and a low country boil in the evening. Plus, you won't want to miss the ticket draw down [BIG PRIZE!] and the silent auction.

DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

DETAILS, REGISTRATION, AND TICKET SALES

Pilgrimage to Birmingham

Saturday, September 28

Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation

The pilgrimage will include visits to

• Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, with choir presentation
• Kelly Ingram Park, with discussion with the sculptor of “Four Spirits”
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• A.G. Gaston Motel

Transportation:

The bus will leave from All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 South Ann Street, Mobile, AL, promptly at 6:45 am and return at approximately 8:30 pm.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a lunch and snacks. You may also want to bring coffee and breakfast finger food for the morning ride to Birmingham.

Cost is $15 per person to defray transportation and admission ticket costs.

REGISTER NOW

Enneagram Retreat with Dr. Joseph Howell

Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope, AL

The Spirituality of the Enneagram: Experiencing the wisdom of your true self

Join us as Dr. Joseph Howell and the faculty of the Institute for Conscious Being lead you through the basics of the Enneagram and provide you with working knowledge of this amazing ancient system. You will also have the experience of understanding your personality as well as your True Self, your essence.

REGISTER NOW

Racial Reconciliation: Sacred Conversations

Saturday, October 12, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

St. Francis, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL

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 the commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to 28 participants.

REGISTER NOW

Vote Faithfully: Episcopalians Engaging the U.S. Election - webinar with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Wednesday, September 18, Noon CT on Zoom

Join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry with guests from across the church exploring the meaning behind voting from a theological perspective that centers this civic action as one expression of caring for one another and God’s creation. Our panelists will offer framing for healthy, faith-based civic engagement from the theoretical to the tangible, including addressing why it is important for Episcopal churches to leverage our resources to help our broader communities vote.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

SAVE-THE-DATE Presiding Bishop-elect Rowe's Installation Service

Save the date for Presiding Bishop-elect Rowe’s installation service

As announced at the close of the 81st General Convention, the installation of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe will be a simpler, scaled-down event this fall with a view toward reducing carbon footprint and increasing virtual engagement and participation. 

The installation service will take place on November 2 at the Chapel of Christ the Lord in The Episcopal Church Center in New York City with a prelude beginning at 10 a.m. ET and the service starting at 11 a.m. ET. There will be an extensive livestream production to support churchwide access and participation.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

*The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is in the process of planning convocational watch parties. Stay tuned for more details!*