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: During June and July, the Coastline will be published only once each month on the second Wednesday. | |
Hayneville, Alabama: Holy Ground
By: Valerie Mitchell, co-chair of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
This is the first of a two-part series about Jonathan Myrick Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage, which will be held on August 9, 2025, in Hayneville, Alabama.
August 20, 1965, was a sweltering day in Hayneville, Alabama, the kind most of us know all too well. It was a day of tragedy, but also a day of commitment, bravery, and, ultimately, sacrifice. On that day, Episcopal seminarian Jonathan Myrick Daniels was shot and killed while shielding a 17-year-old Black girl from a racist attack.
Alabama has many sacred spaces, many of which are connected to the civil rights movement. For Episcopalians in Alabama, perhaps the most significant is Hayneville. Each year, the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama jointly sponsor the Jonathan Myrick Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage to honor Daniels and the 14 others who gave their lives in the fight for civil rights in the state. The pilgrimage is a reminder that the equality for which they died is a continuing sacrifice.
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A Report from the Province of The Episcopal Church in Sudan and So. Sudan
By: The Rev. Clelia Garrity, LCSW
The Episcopal Church in Sudan and South Sudan has a rich and complex history shaped by missionary efforts, political upheaval, and rapid church growth. Today, the province faces significant challenges amid ongoing humanitarian crises, with communities grappling with displacement, famine, and the lingering effects of conflict. Despite these hardships, the church continues to foster resilience through ministries such as trauma healing, community banking, education, and grassroots advocacy. This report from our diocesan officer for Global Mission Engagement, the Rev. Clelia Garrity, offers an overview of the church’s evolving role and the vital work being carried out across the region.
Background History
The first major Anglican mission in Sudan was founded in Omdurman in 1899 under the auspices of the Church Mission Society. Widespread and aggressive evangelism initiatives led to a rapid conversion to Christianity throughout many communities in southern Sudan. Today, there are approximately 3,500,000 Anglicans in the Episcopal Province of South Sudan and an additional 1,000,000 in the Episcopal Province of Sudan, which has been a separate Anglican province since 2017.
Missionary activity came first under the Diocese of Jerusalem and then in 1920 as part of the new Diocese of Egypt and the Sudan, with Llewellyn Henry Gwynne as its first bishop. Rapid growth followed and a separate Diocese of the Sudan was formed with its own bishop (Morris Gelsthorpe) in 1945. In 1957 oversight for the Diocese of the Sudan was transferred from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Archbishop in Jerusalem. In 1974, when the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East underwent structural reform, Sudan became an independent province of four dioceses.
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In Case You Missed It
- May 28 issue of Coastline READ NOW
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Due by June 16 - Scholarship applications LEARN MORE
- Labyrinth Walks READ NOW
- School for Ministry Update READ NOW
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation June Newsletter READ NOW
| | | Pentecost is one of the principal feasts of the Church year, often referred to as the "birthday of the Church." It marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to share the good news of Jesus with people of every language and nation. We wear red to symbolize the passion, energy, and courage the Spirit brings as we continue Christ’s mission in the world. Pictured above: Congregations of St. Andrew's, Panama City, and St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach. | | Education for Ministry is a four-year program administered by the University of the South, Sewanee. Annie Christina and Pam Tanner co-mentor a group of 12 participants who meet weekly at Christ Church, Pensacola. Our theme this year is "Living into the Journey with God." As the Rev. Michael Hoffman says, “God is at work in the world and He has asked us to join him in the very redemption of the world.” The diocese’s canvas labyrinth is a perfect representation of the journey we walked during our end-of-semester celebration on May 27. We set our intentions and walked mindfully “as if you are kissing the earth with your feet” (Nhat Hanh) as candles glowed warmly and music softly played. We then shared our experiences, sensations and thoughts with each other. | | Share your special photos with us! Submit them HERE. | | | |
June 12: Christopher's Concerts; St. Christopher's, Pensacola
June 14: Pastoral Care Workshop; Holy Trinity, Pensacola
June 14: CPR/First Aid and Choking Rescue Training; St. Monica's, Cantonment
June 18: Wednesday Night Dinner; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
June 19: Christopher's Concerts; St. Christopher's, Pensacola
June 21: St. Monica's Monthly Learning Series: Intro to Chicken Keeping; St. Monica's, Cantonment
June 22: Te Deum (We Praise Thee); St. Dominic Catholic Church, Mobile
July 3: St. Peter's Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour
July 16: Wednesday Night Dinner; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
July 19: Back to School Bash; St. Monica's, Cantonment
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School for Ministry Graduation
Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. CT
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola
Join us as students of the School for Ministry (ordained and lay programs) will receive their diplomas and certificates of completion.
All are welcome to join. Reception to follow.
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Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage
Saturday, August 9, Hayneville, AL
Join fellow pilgrims from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in attending the annual Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Daniels' martyrdom, and our guest preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church.
We will carpool to Hayneville, departing from several locations around the diocese at around 8 a.m. If you would like to carpool, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting Nancy Bolton Beck at nboltonbeck@gmail.com or (713) 504-8216. If you prefer not to carpool, you can drive on your own and meet us there.
Our diocese’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation will have an information table on the courthouse lawn, where we will be gathering.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION | DOWNLOAD FLYER
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Diocesan Acolyte Festival
Save-the-date
Saturday, August 23
Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile
All acolytes, crucifers, and thurifers from across the Central Gulf Coast are invited to attend this special gathering. Whether you're a seasoned acolyte or simply curious about serving in this sacred ministry, all are welcome to come and learn more about the role of acolyte in the Episcopal Church. Experienced leaders in the liturgical arts will share their knowledge, skills, and wisdom. The day will also include fun games and a special closing Eucharist to celebrate our shared ministry.
More details and registration available soon.
| | Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal related organizations HERE. | | | |
Part-time Parish Music Director
St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, Magnolia Springs, is seeking a part-time Parish Music Director. Instrumental proficiency in organ or piano is necessary. Familiarity with liturgical worship forms and service music will be helpful to the successful candidate for this position. For more information and a detailed job description, please email the Rev. David Chatel at rector@stpaulsms.org. Church address: 14755 Oak St, Magnolia Springs, AL.
Part-time Youth and College Minister
Holy Cross, Pensacola, is seeking a part-time Youth and College Minister. This 20 hrs/week position focuses on building relationships with middle school, high school, and college students, creating a welcoming and authentic faith community. Responsibilities include leading youth group twice a week, launching a college ministry, and planning engaging faith-based activities. Set hours include Sundays, Wednesdays, one additional evening per week, and occasional events with flexible administrative time. The ideal candidate is relational, open-minded, and comfortable leading a diverse group of students in a way that encourages exploration and questions rather than prescribing answers. Experience in ministry or mentoring and a passion for inclusive, inquiry-based faith development are essential. Contact Janelle Berger at director@holycrosspensacola.org. Church address: 7979 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL.
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.
Part-time Musician
St. Andrew's, Mobile, is seeking a musician for 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship and Feast days. No choir. Contact Phyllis Findley at phyllis@phyllisfindley.com. Church address: 1854 Staples Rd, Mobile, AL
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June 15
St. John's, Pensacola
June 22
General Convention of The Episcopal Church
St. Andrew's, Mobile
St. Mary's, Milton
June 29
St. Matthew's, Chipley
July 6
St. Agatha's, DeFuniak Springs
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June 15
Holman Correction Facility, Atmore
June 22
Loxley Work Release, Loxley
June 29
Ventress Correctional Facility, Clayton
July 6
L.I.F.E. Tech Transitional Center, Thomasville
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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 Wednesday of each month. We welcome your input!
SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday before the publication date.
SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website as received.
Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org or the editor, Jenn Roberts, at jenn@diocgc.org.
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- 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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