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.

55th Annual Diocesan Convention: "Let There Be Light"

Mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention to be held February 27-28, 2026, at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. Our host will be St. Francis of Assisi Gulf Breeze. Our theme this year is "Let There Be Light" and will focus on creation and creativity!

Diocesan Convention is our primary gathering of clergy and lay representatives from across the Central Gulf Coast, where we worship together, make decisions that shape our common life, celebrate the ministries flourishing in our congregations, and discern how God is calling us forward. It is an essential expression of our shared governance and mission. We encourage members of every congregation to prayerfully consider serving as a delegate—your voice and perspective are vital to the life and leadership of our diocese.

Never been a lay delegate and interested to learn more? Take a look at this new Convention Delegate Guide created by the Rev. Katie Gillett, our convention secretary.

The canonical deadline for the election of lay delegates is Monday, December 29. Contact your church's leadership to find out when your congregation will elect its delegates.

And you don't have to be a delegate to attend the convention. Everyone is invited. Come enjoy our diocesan community!

Registration opens December 2.

VISIT THE CONVENTION WEBPAGE

St. Josephine Bakhita and the Holy Work of Racial Justice and Reconciliation

by Ethan Rowell, member of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation

St. Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869 in western Sudan to a respected and prosperous father in the village of Olgossa. In February of 1877, at no more than seven or eight years of age, she was abducted by Arab slave traders and forced to walk barefoot 600 miles to El Obeid, where she was bought and sold twice before her arrival. Over the course of twelve years, she was bought and sold three more times before being given away. Marked by the trauma of her abduction, Josephine could not even remember her own name and later adopted one given to her by the slave traders who abducted her and sold her into slavery: Bakhita. During her lifetime, Josephine served three families as a slave before being left in the care of the Canossian Sisters in Italy, where she became noted for her great kindness and courageous love, and later, with the help of those same sisters, an Italian court ruled that Josephine’s enslavement was unlawful and she was finally freed. After obtaining her freedom, she decided to remain with the Canosian Sisters, taking vows in 1896 to join the order. Josephine took up the holy work of racial justice and reconciliation by using her voice to courageously share her story with others, becoming an advocate for the freedom and dignity of all. 

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A Simple Advent and Creation-forward Advent Resources

Recommendations from the Commission on the Integrity of Creation

As we enter this season of hopeful expectation, you are invited to explore several thoughtful resources from the Commission on the Integrity of Creation that encourage simplicity, stewardship, and wonder. From a simple Advent offering of 12 easy, meaningful practices excerpted from "Our Father’s World" to "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings, Children’s Edition" by Gayle Boss, there is a recommendation for everyone. Additional resources for simple living are included to support individuals, families, and congregations seeking a gentler, more intentional approach to the season.

For a full list of these Advent resources, take a look at the Commission’s November newsletter, which highlights each recommendation in detail.

LINK TO NEWSLETTER

Happening #63

February 6-7, 2026

St. Christopher's, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola

Registration is now open for Happening #63.

Happening is a weekend retreat for teens in grades 9th-12th led by teens under the guidance of adult leadership. It’s a weekend of renewal, connection, and joy where high school students discover how their faith meets real life. Through music, laughter, talks, small groups, and powerful moments of worship, participants (“Happeners”) experience the love of Christ and the support of a caring Christian community.

HAPPENING WEBPAGE - read more details about Happening and register!

HAPPENING ANNOUNCEMENT - learn how you can help encourage teenagers to attend!

And if you know of a high schooler who has already been a Happener, encourage them to serve on the Happening Staff.

The cost is $75. Scholarships are available. For questions or financial assistance, please contact our Happening Coordinator, Meghan Johnson, at meghantj02@gmail.com.

Beckwith Summer Camp Dates 2026

Episcopal Advent and Christmas resources are available

Individuals, congregations, and small groups can download Advent- and Christmas-themed graphics, a customizable video, curriculum, children’s offerings, podcasts, and much more from The Episcopal Church’s annual resource page. See individual listings on the page for resources available in Spanish and French.

We extend a special invitation this year to participate in Forward Movement’s AdventWord, an online Advent calendar that asks individuals, ministries, and congregations to reflect on a single word each day of Advent. Find Canva graphic templates for use in posting the word and a reflection on social media.

Throughout Advent, The Episcopal Church’s social media channels will include posts with basic information about church history, tradition, and more.

Join the team shaping General Convention 2027

The Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements is seeking volunteers to serve on planning committees for the upcoming 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from July 3–8, 2027. Those interested in serving are invited to submit their names for consideration online by Nov. 30.

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