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.

"A Case for Love" Movie - January 23 Only

Excitement is building as we approach the nationwide theatrical release of "A Case for Love," a feature-length documentary inspired by the teachings of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. “A Case for Love” is presented by Grace-Based Films, a nonprofit movie company led by Episcopalians, and is set to hit theaters on January 23 for a one-day premiere that promises to be an unforgettable event.

The film features 14 individual stories drawn from diverse backgrounds and showcases ordinary people doing extraordinary things, echoing Bishop Curry's message of unselfish love. Its content covers a wide spectrum of experiences, from the pursuit of racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights to stories from the foster care system and the military. Each chapter is punctuated by insightful interviews with both everyday individuals and well-known figures, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, actor Sam Waterston, and the Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas.

What makes "A Case for Love" truly special is that is seeks to reach beyond the confines of church walls to engage a broad audience. Director Brian Ide shares, "We wanted ordinary people to watch it and feel like they could see themselves in one or more of those stories." The film seeks to bridge the gap between faith and the wider community, offering a universal message of love and connection.

The film's origins trace back to the global response following Bishop Curry's sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in May 2018. This unexpected wave of interest prompted conversations between Ide, fellow filmmakers, and the Rev. Charles Robertson, leading to the inception of Grace-Based Films.

To learn more about the film, its mission, and how to purchase tickets, visit the official page on the Fathom Events website: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/a-case-for-love/

Of Jerry Falwell, Jack Spong, and Me

by Valerie Mitchell, co-chair of the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation

I have served on the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast's Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation and am currently serving as co-chair of the commission. Every person’s experience is different, but this is a small personal story about one of my steps on the journey that we are all responsible for making toward respecting the dignity of every person.

I have been an Episcopalian for more than forty years, but, like many of you, I wasn’t always one. I grew up in the small city of Lynchburg, Virginia, the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. Our church was in the heart of the well-heeled part of town where the old Lynchburgians lived. This was the 1960s, and Lynchburg, like many towns in the South, was experiencing the turmoil that came with racial desegregation. I went to a racially segregated public school, as did virtually every child in town.

CONTINUE READING

Pilgrimage and Postcolonial Theology

by the Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW

If postcolonial theology is going to have a future, it must be embodied in new religious and social practices in our heterogeneous and richly textured social worlds, in which the local intersects with the global. These practices are counter-hegemonic, creative, and subversive, poised to produce new forms of beings and institutions in our church, community, and society. (Kwok Pui-Lan)

Everything has meaning only as it is located both in its particularity – whether social, cultural, gender, racial, or economic power relationship – and within a “densely woven web of relationality”. Therefore, no single nation or part of the world or race can be privileged over and above others. (Christopher Duraisingh)

CONTINUED READING

Becoming Beloved Community Racial Reconciliation Sacred Conversations

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

St. John's, 1707 Government 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 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 30 participants.

Please refer questions, by January 13, to Joe McDaniel, Jr. at 415-225-9066 or mcdanieljoe43@yahoo.com.

REGISTRATION FULL | DOWNLOAD FLYER

Bay Area Youth Bash - Convocational Youth Event

Sunday, January 21, 2024, 1:30 p.m to 4 p.m.

Trinity, 1900 Dauphin St, Mobile

Presented by DioCGC Youth Ministry and hosted by Trinity, the inaugural Convocational Youth Event for 6th to 12th graders will be a fun, free event for our young folks to meet, spend time together, and participate in a local outreach opportunity! Bring a collection of socks and undergarments for the community project.

The Convocation I Youth Event will be the first of five diocesan-wide gatherings held during 2024, so be on the lookout for the full schedule to post soon. [What is a convocation?]

Contact diocesan missioner for youth ministry, Meghan Johnson at meghan@diocgc.org, with questions or if you would like to be an adult volunteer.

REGISTER HERE 

53rd Annual Diocesan Convention

Friday, February 23, to Saturday, February 24, 2024

St. Paul's, 28788 N Main St, Daphne

Come, "Be Transformed," during the 53rd Annual Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to be held February 23-24, 2024, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama. Whether you come as a delegate or as a visitor, make your plans now to attend this yearly event centered around our collective life as Episcopalians along with diocesan business and elections.

Registration and up-to-date information is available on our website at www.diocgc.org/2024-diocesan-convention.

Men's Conference: "Rekindling the Gift of God Within"

Friday, March 1, to Sunday, March 3, 2024

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

All men in the diocese are invited to this annual weekend retreat of fellowship and formation. The guest speaker will be the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, retired bishop of West Texas.

Cost varies. Room and commuter rates available.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Cursillo #170

Thursday, March 7- Sunday, March 10

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. 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.

Cursillo is now accepting applications for Cursillo #170. Please consult with your clergy before submitting this online application.

Volunteer Opportunities at the General Convention

The 81st General Convention will take place June 23 – 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center. There are 800-1000 volunteer time slots that will need to be filled for the convention to operate smoothly. The registration system is scheduled to go live on Epiphany.

Scan the QR code on the right to be added to the mailing list for when more information becomes available.

Click HERE for the Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer!