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: This will be the only Coastline published this month. The Duvall Center, office of the bishop and diocesan staff, will be closed December 23-27, for the Christmas Holiday. | |
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In this issue of "Coastline," we “sing the song of the saints of God” who carry the title of deacon. They embody humility, prophecy, perseverance, and servanthood, echoing the weekly refrain: “Let us go forth into the world and get to work!”
The diaconate dates back to the New Testament. Stephen, a deacon, was the first to be martyred for proclaiming Jesus as Lord (Acts 6:1–7:60). Paul also commended Phoebe, a woman deacon in the early church (Romans 16:12).
Throughout history, deacons have been “patient and brave and true.” Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) wrote Alice in Wonderland. Harriet Bedell served the Seminole people of Florida. Anna Alexander of Georgia taught children to read using the Book of Common Prayer. Even Francis of Assisi, who cared for the poor, was a deacon.
Today, deacons still serve among us in the Central Gulf Coast. I am humbled and grateful for their ministry and believe every congregation would be enriched by it. The video linked above beautifully demonstrates what it means to be called to the diaconate. We asked our deacons to share about their ministry. Below, you will read about the wealth of ways they serve as a bridge between the church and the world. If you ever feel called, let someone know!
+Bishop Russell
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Meet Our Vocational Deacons | |
Deacon Kay Dennis
My ministry as a deacon extends far beyond the church walls, reaching into the realms of writing, crafting, and raising awareness. My recent article, "Deacons: Bridging Church and Community," will soon be featured in "Diakoneo," the magazine of the Association of Deacons, underscoring my commitment to connecting faith with service.
Locally, I collaborate with St. Matthew’s in Chipley and St. Luke’s in Marianna, where a joint crafting group brings people together in creativity and compassion. The group’s projects include prayer shawls, soft prostheses for those who have undergone lumpectomies or mastectomies, and cell phone cases designed for nursing home residents. Embracing technology, this ministry even reaches a participant who joins faithfully via Zoom from Birmingham, demonstrating that connection and care know no boundaries.
Additionally, I have written a forthcoming fictional novel, "The Darkest Quest," which aims to bring awareness about the critical issue of human trafficking.
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Deacon Terry Goff
As a deacon of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Mobile, I’m honored to serve West and Midtown Mobile through the Redeemer Food Pantry and Blessing Boxes, and with the Clothesline Ministry at St. John’s. The Food Pantry operates Wednesdays from 4–5:30 p.m., providing groceries and homemade soups. Congregation members may also provide food to guests visiting on weekdays.
The Clothesline Ministry, open Tuesdays from 10 am–1 pm, offers clothing, books, and treats like milk, fruit, and sack lunches. Volunteers from Redeemer, St. John’s, St. Luke’s, and All Saints serve alongside guests who give back.
Support the Food Pantry by donating canned goods Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or send donations to Redeemer Episcopal (Venmo: @Redeemer-Episcopal, note “food pantry”).
The Clothesline Ministry urgently needs men’s coats, small and medium shirts, and pants of all sizes. Drop donations at St. John’s on Tuesdays, or email Deacon Terry (deaconterrygoff@gmail.com) for pickup. Your gifts are deeply appreciated!
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Deacon Rachel Iversen
As a deacon, I embrace my calling with a heart for service, referring to myself as “the traveling deacon.” My ministry spans several Pensacola-area parishes, interpreting needs, guiding transitions, and supporting congregations. At Christ Church, Pensacola, I assisted during the COVID-19 lockdown; while at St. Francis, Gulf Breeze, I helped navigate post-COVID services and introduced TryTank Research Institute resources. At St. Cyprian’s, I empowered leadership through the Iona Thriving in Bi-Vocational Congregations program. Assigned to St. Monica’s, Cantonment, during a time of loss, I uplifted the vibrant congregation, which thrives through ministries like a food pantry, Godly Play, and a new bell choir. I also helped realize the “Walk in Love” nature path, a Girl Scout project. Beyond parish work, I champion the Gulf Coast Freedom School, preparing for 50 scholars in Summer 2025, and advocate for the diocesan youth program, Happening. While discerning my future path, I remain joyfully committed to serving wherever needed.
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Deacon John Kendall
In my role as a deacon, ministry has flourished in service to both the local community and those who are often overlooked. St. Mary's food pantry has expanded with the ambitious goal of feeding 100 people each week. This effort has been supported by dedicated volunteers and generous financial contributions from the parish. Additionally, a meaningful relationship has been established with homeless students at Milton High School, providing essential support like gift cards, snacks, and clothing to youth who are without a stable home. This ministry is undergirded by the parish’s commitment to prayer and financial generosity. Beyond these efforts, I lead weekly worship services at Fountain Correctional Facility and Fountain Annex, St. Dismas, and Blackwater River Correctional Facility. Recently, new Bible study programs have been initiated, empowering inmates to lead studies in their own dorms, exploring scripture together one book at a time.
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Deacon Deborah Knight-Epps
At St. Cyprian’s, I serve in a multifaceted role, tending to the congregation through home visits and administering communion. My ministry extends beyond the church walls through Kairos Outside, a program that supports women affected by incarceration, a mission wholeheartedly supported by St. Cyprian’s parish. One of my heartfelt callings is as a watch care minister at Pensacola Cluster, a facility serving individuals with physical and mental challenges. In a powerful moment during a recent bishop’s visit, two residents expressed that no church had welcomed them before, to which I warmly replied, “We want you.” This dedication to the marginalized reflects Jesus’ call to care for the forgotten. I also lead Bible studies and offer pastoral care not only to the residents but also to the staff. Inspired by Micah 5:2, the small but faithful community of St. Cyprian’s believes that great blessings flow through their work. The parish continues to foster unity by participating in events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, walking side-by-side with residents of the Pensacola Cluster.
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Deacon Clelia Pinza-Garrity
As the diocesan Global Mission Advocate, I am facilitating a pilgrimage of solidarity to Jerusalem April 22-28, 2025. The pilgrimage is being co-sponsored by the College of St. George, where we will be housed. We will visit holy sites in Jerusalem, communities most affected by the war, and we will worship at St. Andrew's in Ramallah on April 27. Please contact me at garritycpg@gmail.com if you are interested.
I am also currently serving on the Commission on Ministry, the Diocesan Commission on World Engagement and Mission, and as the Diocesan Missioner for Global Refuge Ministries. I share much of my ministry through writing submissions to diocesan-wide publications. My most recent work has been with the Episcopal Church Office of Global Partnerships, where I interviewed Father Fadi Diab, rector of St. Andrew's in Ramallah. In my role as our diocesan Global Mission Advocate my main responsibility is to make known to all the life and work of our siblings throughout the Anglican Communion and to promote partnerships of all sorts with our siblings throughout the world.
Watch the interview with Father Fadi Diab, and read my latest article about that interview, HERE.
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Deacon Pratt Paterson
I serve in the diocese as the executive director of Wilmer Hall, one of our diocesan agencies. Wilmer Hall, now in its 160th year, provides housing and training to homeless young adults and young families, tutoring and educational support to children in three locations in Mobile, and serves food insecure families with a delivery-based food pantry. Earlier this year, my article, "Clarifying a diaconal call in serving young adults and families," was featured on page 10 of "Diakoneo" magazine of the Association of Deacons. I also serve as the deacon for Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile. At the Cathedral, I assist with worship and pastoral care and coordinate community engagement, including but not limited to the Cathedral's two feeding ministries.
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The Season of Advent: A Year-Round Call for Social Justice
By Joe McDaniel, Jr., a member of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council and serves as the co-chair of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast’s Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation
Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth, typically spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. While often confined to this liturgical timeframe, the spirit of Advent can and should extend throughout the year as a call to social justice and respect for the dignity of every person. The themes of hope, love, joy, and peace found in the Advent season resonate deeply with the call to uphold human dignity and enter into action for social justice.
The essence of Advent is rooted in the recognition of divine hope manifested through Jesus Christ. This hope is compacted in the notion of justice, as articulated in Isaiah 61:1, which states, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” This verse underscores a mission not just for the season of Advent, but as a lifelong commitment for believers to advocate for those marginalized in our communities. The imminent arrival of Christ invites us to reflect on the state of our society and acknowledge those who suffer injustice and inequality.
CONTINUE READING
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54th Annual Diocesan Convention
Registration is now open for the 54th Annual Diocesan Convention, which will be held at the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center on February 21-22, 2025, and hosted by Christ the King, Santa Rosa Beach. Watch Bishop Russell's invitation video here.
All are welcome! Details for the convention can be found at www.diocgc.org/2025-diocesan-convention.
We would like to note a version update to the hymn Bishop Russell referenced as the inspiration for this year's theme, "Sing the Love Amazing." The hymn is "O God Beyond All Praising."
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In Case You Missed It
- November 27 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- Navajoland Giving Tree Project LEARN MORE
- Episcopal Relief and Development Holiday Giving Match LEARN MORE
- Mobile Episcopal Youth Mission Trip LEARN MORE
- Commission on the Integrity of Creation December Newsletter READ NOW
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Wilmer Hall Christmas 2024 | |
Labor of love - The Rev. Eric and Connie Zubler spent four hours creating a beautiful labyrinth from shoreline rocks during a recent trip to Lake Michigan. Labyrinths can be used for prayer, meditation, and personal spiritual journeys. | |
The Lillian Community churches and businesses come together to post giant Christmas cards to share in the Lillian Recreation Park throughout the month of December. This photo is an entry from the Episcopal Church of the Advent, designed and painted by members of the congregation. They will stand among dozens of others in the community. | |
Share your special photos with us! Submit them HERE. | | |
Ordination to the Priesthood
Wednesday, December 11, 6 p.m. CT
St. John's Episcopal Church, 401 Live Oak Ave, Pensacola, FL
By the grace of God and the people consenting, the Rt. Rev. J Russell Kendrick will ordain Ted Allen Kirchharr to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ's one holy catholic and apostolic church.
Your prayers and presence are requested. The ordination service will be livestreamed. Reception to follow.
Clergy attending are asked to vest: alb or cassock/surplice and red stole.
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM
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Becoming Beloved Community: Racial Reconciliation Sacred Conversations
Saturday, January 11, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile
Join us for a workshop that will provide insights into the causes and
effects of racism. 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 vestries) and at the diocesan level (including serving on commissions, committees, agencies, or boards). It also qualifies for
eight hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the full-cay course.
There is no fee to participate, but it requires the commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to not more than 30 participants, but we must have at least 12 registrants to hold the workshop.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
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Happening #62
January 31-February 2
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast presents Happening #62 for all 9th-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.
Cost is $75. Scholarships are available. Registration is now open for Happeners, Youth Staff, and Adult Staff.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
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Signs for You: Episcopal Advent and Christmas Resources
The Episcopal Church is pleased to again offer special resources this Advent and Christmas to help you and your congregation share the "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10).
FIND LINKS TO ALL THE RESOURCES
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Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal related organizations HERE. | | |
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Part-time Organist
St. Cyprian's, Pensacola is seeking a part-time organist for 10 a.m. Sunday services. No choir. Prelude, hymns, and service music only. Paid. Contact senior warden, Cris Turnage at 850.293.5641 or cristurnage@gmail.com.
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December 15
St. James, Eufaula
December 22
St. Paul's Foley
December 29
Holy Nativity, Panama City
January 5
Epiphany, Crestview
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December 15
Gulf County Jail, Port St. Joe
December 22
Escambia County Jail, Brewton
Escambia County Jail, Pensacola
December 29
Jackson County Corrections Facility, Marianna
January 5
Holmes County Jail, Bonifay
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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 Johnson, at jenn@diocgc.org.
Update your email preferences by clicking on the "Update Profile" link below.
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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.
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE
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