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. | | |
Newly Ordained Transitional Deacons and Their Calls
With great joy, we share the calls of the diocese’s three newly ordained transitional deacons as they begin their ministries of service in congregations across the Central Gulf Coast.
The Rev. Deacon James Holcomb has been called to serve at Church of the Nativity, Dothan.
The Rev. Deacon Ellen Huckabay has been called to serve at St. James, Fairhope.
The Rev. Deacon Jessica Walker has been called to serve at Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores.
All three were ordained by the Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick on Saturday, May 2, at Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile. The Rev. Deacon Pratt Paterson preached a meaningful sermon reflecting on the ministry and calling of deacons in the Episcopal Church. Click here to watch the recording.
Thank you to Cindy McCrory of BlueRoom Photography for beautifully capturing the day. Click here to see the album.
We invite you to continue holding these new deacons in your prayers as they begin this next stop along their path to priesthood.
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Stewarding the Time Given: Finding Redemption in the Present
By Joe McDaniel, Jr.
On April 12, during Bishop Kendrick’s visit to Christ Church, Pensacola, he quoted from Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" in his sermon.
To paraphrase, Frodo says he wishes the Ring had never come to him and that none of these events had happened. Gandalf answers that many who live to see such dark times feel the same, but people cannot choose the times they live in — they can only decide what to do with the time they are given.
That passage is a favorite in much of literature. It has guided many lives: past mistakes need not define a person. What truly matters is how one stewards the time before them. Trust in God’s grace allows every misstep to be redeemed; by His mercy, failures are refined into wisdom, and the life lived now is shaped into His purpose.
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In Case You Missed It
- April 22 issue of Coastline READ NOW
-
Due June 16 Scholarship Applications Now Open LEARN MORE
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation May Newsletter READ NOW
| | | Episcopal Night at the Ballpark has become a favorite event in our diocese, with members from Dothan, Panama City, Mobile, Pensacola, and beyond attending this fun evening of baseball and fellowship! | | | Father Carl had graduating seniors join him at the altar to celebrate Eucharist during Senior Sunday at Nativity Dothan. | |  | Bishop Russell received and confirmed new members into the Episcopal Church at his annual visit to St. Mary's, Andalusia. | | | Such a blessing recently for St. Augustine's, Navarre, with the baptism of its youngest member. A beautiful service by Fr. Mark Waddell followed by a joyous celebration. | | | Last month, members of St. Cyprian's, Pensacola, held a Seder meal - a liturgical dinner that tells the story of the Exodus, and is designed to connect modern Christians to the ancient story of God's people. | | | Bishop Russell visited with the children of St. James Episcopal School, Fairhope, during their morning chapel time. | | | The women of St. James, Eufaula, recently hosted their annual “Tablescapes” fundraiser in conjunction with the Eufaula Annual Pilgrimage. This year’s Broadway-themed “Steal the Show!” display featured nine creatively decorated tables in the parish hall. More than 300 visitors attended throughout the weekend, helping raise funds to support ECW donations to ministries such as Camp Beckwith and Murray House. | | | |
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.
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May 14 - 28: Christopher's Concert Series; St. Christopher's, Pensacola
May 15: Palafox Jazz Orchestra in Concert; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
May 17: Choral Evensong for the Seventh Sunday of Easter featuring Bach Cantata No 140 with Orchestra; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola
May 29: Chamber Music Concert; St. James, Fairhope
May 30: St. Mary's First Annual Historic Walk; St. Mary's, Milton
June 4: Monthly Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour
June 5-6: Rummage Sale; St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach
June 14: American Music Tapestry; St. Luke's, Mobile
June 22-25: VBS; Nativity, Dothan
April 6-16, 2027: "Footsteps of Paul" Pilgrimage; organized by St. Paul's, Mobile
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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 is closed. To learn more about the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation, click here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS
TENS Webinar: Stewardship & Generosity Best Practices
A Free Webinar: Thursday, May 21, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. CT
Clergy and lay leaders are invited to a virtual workshop and training with Davey Gerhard, Executive Director of TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m. We will be talking about the theology and practice of faithful stewardship and generosity for congregations. Our gratitude for God's abundance shows through in our generosity towards our neighbors and our congregations. Learn tools and tips on how to create campaigns that are transformational, mission-focused, and uplifting. Please register for this free webinar, and join us on May 21.
| | | 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 5:30–6:45pm), 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 display mastery in piano and/or organ, with 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.
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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May 17
Visitation at Holy Nativity, Panama City
May 20
Seminary of the Southwest Graduation
May 23
East Carolina Bishop-elect Consecration
May 24
Visitation at Good Shepherd, Mobile
Visit the church's website or social media page, linked in blue, for service time(s).
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May 17
Chaplains to Retired Clergy, Clergy Spouses, and Surviving Spouses
Christ the King, Santa Rosa Beach
May 24
Trinity, Apalachicola
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May 17
Camden Work Release, Camden
May 24
Easterling Correctional Facility, Clio
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Latest Press Release From The Episcopal Church
May 12
Joint Standing Committee on Nominations opens nomination process for Episcopal Church leadership positions
The Joint Standing Committee on Nominations invites members from across The Episcopal Church to apply for the key churchwide leadership positions listed below. The priority deadline to apply online is June 15. Elections will take place at the 82nd General Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 3-8, 2027.
While applications will be accepted up to July 15, those received by the June 15 priority deadline will receive preferential review and consideration by the committee. Applications—which should be submitted electronically—will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The application form will help potential nominees discern whether they may be called to enter the application process. The process includes descriptions of each position and the unique gifts and skills sought for that role; the nomination process timeline; shared commitments and norms expected of leaders; and the church’s commitment to elected leaders. View the application form here.
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| | 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.
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