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.

54th Annual Diocesan Convention

The 54th Annual Diocesan Convention 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 - next week!

All are welcome! Details, including the schedule, for the convention can be found at www.diocgc.org/2025-diocesan-convention.

Registration for delegates is closed, but all others can continue to register through this Sunday.

Convention Study Material

An email was sent to registered delegates on Friday, February 7, containing the Study Material. The information is also available on our convention webpage.

Convention Workshops

We have a fantastic line-up of convention workshops! The descriptions and bios for the presenters are on our website: www.diocgc.org/2025-diocesan-convention. Anyone is welcome to attend, but registration is needed. Each workshop will be offered twice, so attendees will be able to participate in two. Workshops will be held on Friday, February 21, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Remaking the Mission of the Church in a Changed World – led by the Rev. Jon Davis
• Understanding the Elusive Quest for Peace - led by Archdeacon Paul Feheley
• How Every Parishioner Can Stand in the Mental Health Gap – led by Anita Ford and Sue Rollins
• Rooted in Grace: Theology and Practice of Generous Living – led by the Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman
• Practical Ideas for Parish Creation Care Ministry - led by members of the Commission on the Integrity of Creation
• Invite – Welcome – Connect – with the Rev. Mary Alice Mathison and the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson
• Developing Ministries for/to/with the Military – with the Rev. Paul McCabe/Chaplain (Major)

Holy Eucharist Closing Service

Holy Eucharist will close out our convention time together. All are welcome to attend. No registration is needed. Service will begin at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, February 22. Note: if you arrive early for the service, be mindful that convention business may still be wrapping up.

Lenten Book Study - Rachel Held Evans' "Inspired"

Bishop Kendrick has issued an invitation for our diocese to undertake a special book study through the season of Lent, reading Rachel Held Evans' "Inspired." The purpose of this study is three-fold:

• To enhance the bonds that make us one Body in Christ by sharing and studying together;
• To provide a poignant guide to assist us in naming and claiming our stories;
• To better discern our roles as disciples as shaped by the intersection of biblical stories and our own.

In addition to the study guide, video reflections will accompany each week's reading. It begins March 3! Here's a link to purchase the book.

Bookmarks containing the readings and links to each video will be available at the diocesan convention. Churches may request bulk quantities (up to 50) by emailing jenn@diocgc.org. While supplies last.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE STUDY GUIDE AND WEEKLY VIDEOS

VISIT LENTEN BOOK STUDY WEBPAGE

Other Lenten Resources

• Episcopal Relief & Development Offers Lenten Meditations by Jerusalem Jackson Greer 
• 40 Days of Welcome and Gratitude - United Thank Offering and Episcopal Migration Ministries

2025 Men's Conference

Friday, February 28-Sunday, March 2

Bekciwth, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

"How the Desert Fathers Help Us Pray" with the Rev. Adam McCoy, O.H.C.

All men of the diocese are invited to the 42nd Annual Men's Conference. We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Adam McCoy O.H.C., presently a solitary monk not in residence and serves as assisting priest in two parishes in Cathedral City, CA. He took life vows in the Order of the Holy Cross in 1978. Subsequently, he has served as the Novice Master of the order and prior to the Calvary Monastery Retreat House in Santa Barbara, CA. In addition to his monastic responsibilities, Father McCoy has been a rector to two parishes and has led other ecclesiastical activities both in the Diocese of New York and the Diocese of Los Angeles. Father McCoy has written several articles relating evangelism to Anglican monasticism. He enjoys leading retreats for both clergy and laity and likes to discuss the influences of the Desert Fathers upon contemporary prayer life.

Cost varies. Please register and pay by February 21.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE | REGISTER ONLINE

Adventurous Aging: How to Stay Young at Heart

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT

Trinity Episcopal Church, 3552 Morning Glory Ave, Baton Rouge, LA

The Commission on Affirmative Aging in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is taking its popular workshop on the road to Louisiana! Join us for a day of learning about how to stay young at heart. We have an exciting lineup:

• Recent Research on Senescence with Melinda Henderson, PhD, APRN, FAAN
• Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Terry Selly
• Healthy BP Tips with Dr. Gerry Phillips
• Pain Management with Dr. Lisa Perez
• Chair Yoga with Ms. Jo Rose

Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is included. Cost is $20.

We recommend you come ready for a fun day!

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION | DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

Annual Senior Warden Day

Ready to lead in your Episcopal parish? Our tailored workshop for Senior Wardens equips you with vital skills for this sacred role. Explore spiritual, admin, and pastoral duties, fostering vibrant faith communities and stewarding resources effectively.

Even if you've attended a previous Senior Warden Day, please join us! There may be new information you haven't heard before, and you may be able to offer advice and encouragement to new wardens. All experience levels of wardens and anyone interested in serving as a future warden are invited to attend.

This event is intentionally held in person to promote fellowship, conversation, and community amongst those who serve the same leadership role in churches across our diocese, and we appreciate your effort to attend, especially those who travel from far away.

Please register by Wednesday, March 26. No charge to attend. Lunch provided.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

February 13th is the Feast Day of Absalom Jones

February 13th is the Feast Day of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest ordained by the church. People of all backgrounds and faiths are invited to give generously to the Absalom Jones Fund in support of the work of two historically Black institutions of higher education in cultivating and preparing leaders: Voorhees University and Saint Augustine’s University.

Jones' witness to the way of Jesus included efforts to abolish slavery and to lift up all those cast down. He understood that education is the key to empowerment. We honor Absalom Jones by supporting our HBCUs, which prepare the talented leaders who will continue the work of building a more just and humane society.

Support this important ministry here: https://iam.ec/absalomjonesfund