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. | | |
In light of the recent development of Hurricane Helene, please keep all who are in its path in your prayers. Your diocesan staff will be keeping in close contact with church leadership to ensure our churches are prepared and know we are ready to offer assistance as necessary. | |
Project Neighbors: 6 Part Series on Finding One Another Again
In a time of deep division and rising tension, how do we recapture the ethic of loving our neighbor? The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast invites you to join "Project Neighbors," a six-week video reflection series aimed at rediscovering hope, compassion, and connection.
Beginning October 8, each week’s session will focus on a key biblical value—hospitality, sacrifice, gratitude, compassion, and peace—guiding us toward healing and understanding. Through personal stories, scripture, and reflection, we’ll explore how these timeless principles can lead us back to each other in love. Whether you join individually or in a group, we invite you to walk with us as we seek to remember what truly matters: loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Let’s journey together toward a more hopeful horizon.
WATCH BISHOP RUSSELL'S INVITATION MESSAGE
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY VIDEO AND STUDY GUIDE
| |
Upcoming Investiture of Presiding Bishop Elect Sean Rowe
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe will be installed as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.
Each diocese across the Church has been asked to submit a "roll call" video greeting to be shown at the beginning of the livestream investiture service. We feel our best opportunity for the best turnout possible for our video will be at BayLights at Beckwith on Saturday, September 28. We have planned an exciting and fun way to celebrate and need as much participation as possible.
"PB for the PB": Three Ways to Celebrate Our New Presiding Bishop
1) We invite all churches to participate by collecting jars of peanut butter and bringing them to Beckwith by noon on Saturday, September 28, during BayLights weekend. Peanut butter donations will go to local food pantries and blessing boxes to support those in need. Stay for BBQ lunch (buy lunch tickets here- proceeds from lunch go to programs and improvements at Beckwith).
2) After the PB collection, we’ll dedicate the new Holy Nativity Pavilion at 1 p.m., then gather by Weeks Bay to record our welcome video for Presiding Bishop-Elect Rowe. Be sure to wear your church logo apparel!
This peanut butter drive and welcome video highlight our diocese’s commitment to serve alongside Bishop Rowe and reflect our shared mission of love and care.
3) Stay tuned for details on watch parties for the livestream investiture service on Saturday, November 2, at 9 a.m. CT. If you would like to host a watch party, please contact the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism at lydia@diocgc.org.
For questions or more information, contact the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism, at lydia@diocgc.org.
Beckwith is located at 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope, AL
| |
"A Case for Love" to be released Oct. 1 on streaming platforms
“A Case for Love,” a feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of love, will be released Oct. 1 on all cable, satellite, and digital platforms where films can be rented or purchased. Many Episcopalians across our diocese attended the one-day screening in January of this year.
The film includes interviews with Curry and other public figures. Well-timed for this election season, “A Case for Love” also features individual stories on the importance of acting out of love for one another instead of indifference, hate, and ignorance.
This past June, Bishop Russell and the Rev. Lydia Johnson used portions of this film as the framework for their week of summer camp with Senior High students. Bishop Russell says, "We found it very accessible and fruitful as a springboard for conversations on three aspects of the power of love: love magnifies, love includes, love heals. The movie is a very useful resource for congregational discussions for people of all ages."
If you would like to know more about the way the Bishop Russell and Rev. Lydia used the film, please contact Lydia at lydia@diocgc.org. There are other resources and study guides on the "A Case for Love" website.
LEARN MORE
| |
How street ministry and ministry of presence can move us toward racial reconciliation
Much of the work of the Commission for Racial Justice and Reconciliation, among many approaches, requires sacred conversations across all socio-economic barriers including those who are often described as invisible. Church Without Walls is a ministry working to overcome historical inequalities between races and forging respectful relationships across racial and ethnic lines.
Commission member Michael Foote held a brief interview with the Rev. Cn. Beth Tjoflat, Vicar and Canon for Urban Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida on how and why Church Without Walls came to be.
The Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat serves as vicar for St. Mary’s and Canon for Urban Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. Mother Beth has a passion for training and supporting those who are eager to engage in active ministry with those in their midst. She founded Church Without Walls, the diocese’s street ministry, in 2012. In 2017, she delightedly took on responsibility for St. Mary’s, envisioning a safe place that can serve as a collaborative for inner city ministry.
CONTINUE READING
| |
In Case You Missed It
- September 11 issue of Coastline READ NOW
- Diocesan Scholarship Recipients READ NOW*
- Construction Mission to the Dominican Republic LEARN MORE
- Resources for Season of Creation LEARN MORE
*Correction from September 11 edition: Diocesan scholarship recipient Chloe Ayres is a member of St. James, Fairhope, not All Saints, Mobile, as originally announced.
| | |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pensacola Chapter sponsors an annual fundraising gala called Pink in the City (PITC) every year to assist the following organizations: American Heart Association, NAMI, MSABC, Covenant Care for Alzheimer’s, Sickle Cell Disease Association, and Ascension Sacred Heart Diabetes Education. This event occurs the second Saturday in September and has been a tradition in Pensacola since 2013.
"Pink Sunday," also a tradition, is a special day during PITC "Paint the Town Pink Weekend" when church worshippers are asked to show their support of Cancer Survivors by wearing pink to their own church or the church of their choice. St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, Pensacola, family eagerly participated in support of Cancer Survivors and Making Strides Against Brest Cancer this year by wearing pink to church on "Pink Sunday," September 15, 2024. They have definite plans to participate in this significant event again next year.
| | On Sunday, September 15, at St. Peter's, Bon Secour, Bishop Russell confirmed four new members into the Episcopal Church during his annual visitation. | |
Mother Tina at Church of the Advent, Lillian gave her congregation members bags of Little Jesus' along with a note to give out to others. The Davis family did just that - giving out almost 100! And someone new came to worship at Advent because he received this reminder that Jesus loves all! Evangelism in action! | On Sunday, September 22, Bishop Russell made his annual visit to Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores. As is his tradition, the bishop is assisted by a child from the congregation to carry his crozier and wear his mitre at the end of the service. | |
October 5: "Catch the Spirit" Arts & Crafts Festival; Holy Cross, Pensacola
October 5: Annual Bar B Que & Blues Event; Advent, Lillian
October 6: Celebration of Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi; All Saints, Mobile
October 6: Choral Compline at Nativity; Nativity, Dothan
October 6: Good Shepherd Goes Pink!; Good Shepherd, Mobile
October 9: Celebration of New Ministry for Justin Boyd; Grace, Panama City
October 8: Labyrinth Blessing; St. Augustine's, Navarre
October 11: Friday Night Parish Fish Fry; Good Shepherd, Mobile
October 11: St. Mary's Bayou Feast; St. Mary's, Andalusia
October 16: Wednesday Night Supper and Speaker Series; St. Francis, Gulf Breeze
October 23: God in All: Finding the Holy in Culture and the Arts; Nativity, Dothan
November 3: 170th Year Church Anniversary Celebration; Good Shepherd, Mobile
| |
Happening #62
September 20-22 rescheduled for January 31-February 2, 2025; location TBD
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast presents Happening #62 for all 10th-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. To learn more about Happening, visit www.diocgc.org/happening.
Cost is $75. Scholarships are available. Contact Meghan Johnson with inquiries.
REGISTER HERE
| |
BayLights
September 27-29
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope
Join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship in support of Beckwith, our beloved camp and conference center. We kick off on Friday night with dinner and music. Saturday is filled all day with activities for the whole family and a bbq lunch followed by more music and a low country boil in the evening. Plus, you won't want to miss the ticket draw down [BIG PRIZE!] and the silent auction.
DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER
DETAILS, REGISTRATION, AND TICKET SALES
| |
Pilgrimage to Birmingham
Saturday, September 28
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation
The pilgrimage will include visits to
- Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, with choir presentation
- Kelly Ingram Park, with discussion with the sculptor of “Four Spirits”
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- A.G. Gaston Motel
Transportation:
The bus will leave from All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 South Ann Street, Mobile, AL, promptly at 6:45 am and return at approximately 8:30 pm.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a lunch and snacks. You may also want to bring coffee and breakfast finger food for the morning ride to Birmingham.
Cost is $15 per person to defray transportation and admission ticket costs.
REGISTER NOW
| |
Enneagram Retreat with Dr. Joseph Howell
Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13
Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope, AL
The Spirituality of the Enneagram: Experiencing the wisdom of your true self
Join us as Dr. Joseph Howell and the faculty of the Institute for Conscious Being lead you through the basics of the Enneagram and provide you with working knowledge of this amazing ancient system. You will also have the experience of understanding your personality as well as your True Self, your essence.
REGISTER NOW
| |
Racial Reconciliation: Sacred Conversations
Saturday, October 12, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
St. Francis, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL
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 28 participants.
REGISTER NOW
| |
Other Upcoming Events
-
October 2-4: Clergy Conference at Beckwith REGISTRATION
-
October 17: Luncheon for Retired Clergy, Spouses, and Surviving Spouses DETAILS
| |
Presiding Bishop Investiture
Join the Churchwide Virtual Celebration
The Investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe
In this historic and joyful season, we invite you to pray for guidance for our church and our new presiding bishop as he leads us in envisioning the reign of God in our midst. May our celebration unite us as a sacramental community, and may we be filled with new energy to bear witness to God’s work of redemption.
Who: Everyone is invited!
What: The Episcopal Church will officially welcome the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as its 28th presiding bishop with a smaller, simpler investiture service aimed at reducing carbon footprint and increasing churchwide virtual participation.
When: Nov. 2, with a prelude featuring a “roll call” of dioceses starting at 9:30 a.m. ET. The service itself starts at 11 a.m. ET.
Where: The service will be livestreamed on this page and on The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. A recording will be posted and distributed after the service.
How can I participate? Churches, dioceses, small groups, seminaries, and other Episcopal communities are encouraged to organize watch parties to participate in real time with Episcopalians around the world. Find and download customizable invitation assets.
Visit the Episcopal Church's Investiture page for more resources, including an invitation from our current Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, a worship booklet, and children's page (coming soon).
| |
Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal related organizations HERE. | | |
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.
| |
September 29
St. John, Robertsdale
St. Jude's, Niceville
October 6
St. Christopher's, Pensacola
| | |
September 29
Dale County Jail, Ozark
October 6
Geneva County Jail, Geneva
| |
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.
| | |
- 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
| | | | |