View as Webpage | April 22, 2026

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 Moment for Renewal (and a Shorter Newsletter)


Because I was away last week attending the annual Episcopal Communicators conference, this edition of Coastline is a bit more abbreviated than usual, focusing on upcoming events and key dates.


I’m grateful for the opportunity to step away for continuing education and connection with colleagues across the church. Time like this not only strengthens skills and sparks new ideas, but also renews the energy we bring to our shared ministry. Investing in the growth and well-being of church staff ultimately benefits the whole diocese, even if it occasionally means a lighter newsletter along the way.


Thank you for your understanding—and we look forward to returning to our regular rhythm in the next issue. Keep sending in your events, photos, and stories of how God is present in your communities!


Jenn Roberts

Missioner for Communications

In Case You Missed It

  • April 8 issue of Coastline READ NOW
  • Bishop Russell's Easter Message WATCH NOW
  • Scholarship Applications Now Open LEARN MORE
  • Commission on the Integrity of Creation April Newsletter READ NOW

One of the best ways we can celebrate the life of our diocese is by sharing what’s happening in your congregations. From special services and outreach efforts to fellowship gatherings and milestones, your photos help tell the story of our common life together. Use the easy form linked below to share your photos with us!

Submit photos HERE.

April 22: Earth Day Celebration "Walking the Way of Creation"; St. Simon's, Ft Walton Beach


April 23 - May 28: Christopher's Concert Series; St. Christopher's, Pensacola


April 26: Organ Recital Featuring Joel Gregory; Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile


May 1: Gloria Dei Chorale Spring Concert; St. John's, Mobile


May 2: Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour; Trinity, Apalachicola


May 7: Monthly Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour


May 15: Palafox Jazz Orchestra in Concert; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola


May 17: Choral Evensong for the Seventh Sunday of Easter featuring Bach Cantata No 140 with Orchestra; Christ Church Parish, Pensacola


June 5-6: Rummage Sale; St. Simon's, Fort Walton Beach


June 14: American Music Tapestry; St. Luke's, Mobile


June 22-25: VBS; Nativity, Dothan


April 6-16, 2027: "Footsteps of Paul" Pilgrimage; organized by St. Paul's, Mobile

Share your upcoming church event with the rest of the diocese. Send us details HERE.


Events beyond six weeks out can be found at www.diocgc.org/church-and-community-events.

19th Annual Wilmer Hall Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. CT

Wilmer Hall Children's Home, 3811 Old Shell Rd, Mobile


Join us on the front lawn of Wilmer Hall for our 19th Annual Pancake Breakfast! Enjoy pancakes, music by the Excelsior Band, jumpies for the kids, and MORE! All benefits go to Wilmer Hall.  


Get your tickets now at wilmerhall.org/events/pancake-breakfast or on the Donate page and comment 'Pancakes' in the Notes box.


Cash, check, and Venmo are accepted at the event! $6 per person or $20 per car for the drive-thru.


Beckwith Sunday Celebration

Sunday, April 26, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope


Every year on the last Sunday of April, we celebrate and honor our beloved Beckwith Camp and Conference Center across the diocese with Beckwith Sunday. This year, Beckwith is hosting a Holy Eucharist followed by a cookout and pool party to consecrate their new swimming pool! Join us in your favorite Beckwith attire!


If you would like to contribute to the continued fundraising efforts for the new pool, visit www.beckwithal.com/give.


RSVP to rhona@beckwithal.com

Worship in the Woods

Sunday, April 26, 2:30 p.m to 5 p.m. CT

Saloom Properties, 2835 Bookers Mills Rd, Evergreen


Worship in the Woods is a diocesan-wide gathering sponsored by the churches of Convocation IV!


Celebrating in God's Creation


Join us to walk the Stations of the Resurrection, celebrate the Eucharist in the Chapel of Divine Creation, and enjoy a shared meal provided by our hosts.


RSVP

Ordinations to the Diaconate

Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. CT

Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile


Join us in celebration and prayer as we gather for the Service of Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. CT at Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile, Alabama. This joyful occasion marks a significant step in the lives of James Wesley Holcomb III, Ellen Carol Knight Huckabay, and Jessica Meryl Walket, who are called to serve the Church and the world through ordained ministry.


All are welcome to attend in person or join via livestream.



Let us lift up our ordinands and give thanks for their faithful response to God's call!


WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations Workshop

Saturday, May 16, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 South 6th St, Apalachicola, FL


Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation


Join us for a workshop that will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. We explore ways to work together.


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 a commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to 28 participants. Registration closes on May 11.


REGISTRATION

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS


FOR SENIOR WARDENS

Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze - All senior wardens or anyone interested in learning more about the role are invited. Lunch provided. As the primary lay leader of your congregation, the role of senior warden is both sacred and significant. This workshop, led by Bishop Russell and your diocesan staff, will equip you with the essential skills and insights necessary to fulfill your responsibilities effectively and with grace. Another important aspect of this gathering is fellowship with other wardens from across the diocese, regardless of church size. RSVP to jenn@diocgc.org.


Submit a job posting for your church or Episcopal-related organizations HERE.

Part-time Youth Coordinator

St. Jude's, Niceville, is seeking a part-time,12-month youth coordinator. The position focuses on the ministry to and of the parish's youth, from 6th grade through 12th grade. This person will help shape our youth's faith and provide a safe place for them to develop relationships and explore the Christian faith. The YC will develop relationships with our youth and their parents using skills such as teaching, caring, organization, creativity, communication, and connection. The YC reports to the Rector. Contact Cathy Shea at bobandcathyself@cox.net. Church address: 200 N Partin Dr, Niceville, FL. Youth Coordinator Job Description.


Occasional Supply Musician

Church of the Advent, Lillian, is seeking an occasional supply musician to supplement their current part-time paid musician for Sunday services at 10 a.m. The church has an organ but is also looking for someone who can play piano, keyboard, guitar, or another instrument. Payment can be arranged. Contact the Rev. Tina Lockett at 412.400.7400. Church address: 12099 County Rd 99, Lillian, AL.

April 26

Visitation at St. Mark's, Troy

Worship in the Woods


May 2

Ordinations to the Diaconate at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile


May 3

Visitation at St. Mary's, Andalusia


May 9

Senior Warden Day at St. Francis, Gulf Breeze


May 10

Visitation at Holy Cross, Pensacola



Visit the church's website or social media page, linked in blue, for service time(s).

April 26

Beckwith


May 3

St. Paul's, Daphne


May 10

St. Michael's, Chickasaw

St. Michael's, Ozark

April 26

Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton


May 3

Walton Correctional Institution, DeFuniak Springs


May 10

Atmore Community Work Center, Atmore

Full year prayer cycles are available at www.diocgc.org/cycle-of-prayer.

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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 Wednesdays of each month. We welcome your input!


SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday before the publication date.


SUBMIT AN UPCOMING EVENT - posted on our website as received.


Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org or the editor, Jenn Roberts, at jenn@diocgc.org.


Update your email preferences by clicking on the "Update Profile" link below.

As a reminder, neither Bishop Russell nor any diocesan staff member will ever contact you via email or text message asking for special favors or gift cards. These types of messages are fraudulent, and you should never click on any links or respond to them.


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