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.

Be Curious

by the Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW - Deacon

Webinar resource for exploring mission through the lens of curiosity

As the diocesan Global Mission Advocate my task is to inform the people and churches of our diocese about current activities throughout the Anglican Communion and to present opportunities for the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to partner with some of our global brothers and sisters as they make the love of Jesus known through their teaching, preaching, and pastoral activities.

Soon after my appointment as a GMA I began to explore the many wonderful resources available through both the Office of Global Partnerships (OGP), the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN), and resources produced by the Lambeth Conference 2022. My journey through these resources and quite a few Zoom calls with regions such as Diocese of Jerusalem and the Episcopal Church of South Sudan have left me amazed at the faith that is at work in every nook and cranny throughout the globe both in and through our church. 

CONTINUE READING

Rio Grande Valley Mission Trip

July 28-August 1

Youth ages 16-19 are invited to share the love of Jesus and welcome newly arrived neighbors in Texas:

• Build a greenhouse at La Posada a shelter in San Benito, TX for women, children, and families who have come to the United States seeking shelter and safety.
• Work alongside Team Brownsville to provide food and essential travel items for families who have just crossed the Mexico/Texas border after a long and dangerous journey across thousands of miles.

For youth interested in this important mission trip, please have parent/guardian contact:

Deacon Clelia Garrity at 561-271-2890. Financial assistant available.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATIONAL FLYER

Diocesan Scholarship Program accepting applications for fall

We are excited to announce the relaunch of the Episcopal Diocese Scholarship Program for the fall of 2024. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of our youth, we will once again be offering scholarships to students entering post-secondary education this coming fall.

Details regarding eligibility criteria and application are provided in the application linked below. Deadline is June 30, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Diocesan Administrator Dwight Babcock at (850) 434-7337 or dwight@diocgc.org.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Beckwith Sunday on April 28

Every year on the last Sunday of April, congregations are invited to celebrate the mission and ministry of Beckwith Camp and Conference Center. Help us highlight our beloved Camp Beckwith in your Sunday service by asking folks to wear their Beckwith gear to church, use the special liturgy found at the link below, and consider making a gift to Beckwith in support of its many projects and programs. 

RESOURCES | MAKE A GIFT

YOUTH | Happening - POSTPONED

April 26-28

St. Mark's, 401 W College St, Troy, AL

Happening has been postponed until a later date, TBD.

Happening is a spiritual formation weekend presented BY teenagers FOR teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. Happening seeks to bring young people to a fuller personal knowledge of and relationship with Jesus, and to a deeper level of commitment and apostleship.

Adults include moms, dads, young adults, youth ministers, and clergy who are actively involved in Diocesan Youth Ministry.

Have questions about Happening? Send an email to meghan@diocgc.org.

Visit our Happening webpage at www.diocgc.org/happening.

Ordinations to the Diaconate

Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. CT

Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile, AL

The Commission on Ministry has recommended, the Standing Committee has certified, and the bishop has approved six candidates to be ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons.

Kay Dennis and Pratt Paterson who were approved for ordination to the Diaconate; and Leanne Beaumont, Pam Christian, Ted Kirchharr, and Jen Rice, who were approved for ordination to the Transitional Diaconate.

All are welcome to attend. Clergy are invited to vest in alb or cassock/surplice and red stole.

LIVESTREAM LINK

Becoming Beloved Community: Sacred Conversations

Saturday, May 4, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 1205 Holly Ln, Dothan, AL

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 26 participants. Lunch provided.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - register by April 24

Senior Warden Day

Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL

Senior Warden Day is a gathering tailored to equipping senior wardens with vital skills for this sacred role. Explore spiritual, admin, and pastoral duties for fostering your faith community and stewarding resources effectively. Open to all current and past senior wardens, and anyone interested in becoming one. Workshop is led by Bishop Russell and select diocesan staff members. Free! Lunch provided.

REGISTRATION

United Thank Offering: Over $1M awarded for projects welcoming "the stranger"

The Episcopal Church Executive Council approved more than $1 million in United Thank Offering grants supporting 20 innovative mission and ministry projects during its April meeting.

The funds come from the United Thank Offering’s yearly Ingathering, which includes monies collected in “blue boxes” at Episcopal churches, designated as thank offerings. This year’s total includes a special matching challenge grant to raise funds for the ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

VIEW LIST OF RECIPIENTS

81st General Convention

The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held June 23-28, in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Keep up to date with the latest news about GC81 by subscribing to the monthly newsletter at https://generalconvention.org/gco-enews-signup/.

For all resources related to the General Convention, visit https://generalconvention.org/.