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. | | | Note: The Duvall Center Office of the bishop and diocesan staff will be closed on Monday, March 2. | |
Our Partnership with Al Ahli Hospital
by the Rev. Clelia Garrity, LCSW
Since October 7, 2023, I have witnessed with profound dismay and deep sadness the progressive destruction of the Gaza Strip and the shocking death of a staggering 64,000 children, including at least 1,000 babies. Overall, out of the approximately 2.2 million people living in the Gaza Strip in July 2023, an estimated 67,075 people have been killed and169,430 injured.
Early in the war, I registered for as many Zoom interviews with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and his clergy as possible. Their stories were heartbreaking. Their faith and their hope during this chaotic war were stunning. To say that they were and continue to be brave in the midst of imminent destruction and death is understating by far their commitment to continue their work throughout their communities. Work done to glorify God and to bring hope to those who walk in deepest darkness, paralyzing fear, and grief. Work done to ensure that God’s kingdom knows no end.
CONTINUE READING
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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
- February 11 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- Black History Month: Why Celebrate READ NOW
- The Liturgical Seasons READ NOW
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation February Newsletter READ NOW
| | | The congregations of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and St. Maurice Catholic Church in Brewton, Alabama, worshipped together for the diocesan-wide "A Call to Prayerful Discernment" Candlemas service on February 2. Held in the beautifully decorated sanctuary of St. Stephen’s, the liturgy was officiated by Lay Preacher Kathy Jernigan Ellis and Fr. Thomas LaPointe. A combined choir from both congregations, directed by Jason Beasley, offered music by Haan, Greif, Gibbons, Tallis, and Thomerson to a strong turnout on a very cold February evening. | |  | Share a photo of your special church or ministry event with the rest of the diocese! Use the form linked below. | | | |
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
February 28/March 7, 14, 21, 28: Taize in the Atrium; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
March 1: Steak & Beast Feast; Holy Nativity, Panama City
March 1: Lenten Seder Fellowship Breakfast; St. Jude's, Niceville
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Lenten Concert Series; St. James, Fairhope
March 4: Lenten Evensong; All Saints, Mobile
March 7: Pastoral Care: How to Cover Your Future; Holy Nativity, Panama City
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 15: Choral Evensong; Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile
March 21: Contemplative Forest Walk: Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve
March 29: Palm Sunday, Blessing of the Palms, Procession, and Holy Eucharist II; St. Jude's, Niceville
April 2: Maundy Thursday Service; St. Jude's, Niceville
April 3: Good Friday; Seven Last Words Service & Communion; St. Jude's, Niceville
April 3: Good Friday Stations of the Cross; St. Jude's, Niceville
April 4: Holy Saturday: Easter Garden, Egg Dyeing and Easter Story; St. Jude's, Niceville
April 5: Easter Sunday at St. Jude's; St. Jude's, Niceville
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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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CANCELLED Convention Youth Lock-in
After careful consideration and due to limited registration, the Convention Youth Lock-In has been cancelled. We are grateful to everyone who expressed interest and look forward to offering future opportunities for youth fellowship.
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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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March 1
Church of the Epiphany, Enterprise
Men's Conference
March 8
Holy Cross, Pensacola
St. Patrick's, Panama City
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March 1
Calhoun Correctional Institution, Blountstown
March 8
Century Correctional Institution, Century,
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Latest Press Releases From The Episcopal Church
Feb 18
Ash Wednesday letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe
Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church:
When God told Moses to lead the ancient Israelites out of slavery in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh stood in his way. Pharaoh wanted power and control over God’s people, and Exodus tells us that the more serious the situation got, the more hardened his heart became. Despite locusts and frogs and all manner of chaos in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh remained trapped by his view of the world, which had himself and his power at the center. He could not see that God’s imagination was far bigger and more expansive than his. He could not imagine liberation for God’s people—or for himself.
Today, in the opening collect of our Ash Wednesday service, we ask God to “create and make in us new and contrite hearts.” I think of Pharaoh’s hard heart, and sometimes my own, when I say that prayer, and never more so than this year.
CONTINUE READING
Feb 20
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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