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.

Invite Welcome Connect Online and DioCGC Learning Cohort

Exciting news! All churches in our diocese now have free access to the Invite Welcome Connect online on-demand learning modules and materials—an incredible opportunity to strengthen your church’s ministry of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging.

What is Invite Welcome Connect On-Demand?

Guided by the Gospel imperative to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” the ministry of Invite Welcome Connect equips and empowers individuals and congregations to practice evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness. IWC On-Demand resources will let your teams take the training at their own pace, in their own way, and refer back to it whenever they need to. This video-based learning series is designed to help churches meet, welcome, and engage the community and newcomers in meaningful ways. It includes three core sections that guide churches in developing sustainable practices and programs for growing and deepening relationships. More information on how to access the resources is available at the link below.

And if you’d like to engage with the online materials alongside other churches in our diocese, join a learning and application cohort!

GET ALL THE DETAILS

Poetry for Teens

A poetry slam, an opportunity to meet authors and explore local literature, spoken word contests, and networking opportunities: All these and more will be featured at the SPEAK Poetry Conference to be held on Saturday, April 5, at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile. SPEAK is a space for young voices to grow, share, and make an impact.

SPEAK, an all-day conference for high school students, is the brainchild of Angelica Howard, an English teacher at St. Paul’s. A graduate of St. Paul’s and a 2017 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee for her college track and field career at the University of Alabama, she was honored as a 2023 Mobile County Public School System High School Teacher of the Year for her work at Vigor High School. She is the published author of “Thirty-Three: A Poetic Device,” a poetry journal. She is also a lifelong Episcopalian, having grown up at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Mobile, where she is a current member.

Angelica launched the SPEAK Initiative after being selected by Alabama’s Poet Laureate, Ashley M Jones, to receive a grant and to serve as one of five poetry ambassadors to various parts of the state. The SPEAK initiative empowers young people to express themselves through poetry. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Argenia Walker Clark, the first Black graduate of St. Paul’s and current President of Fisk University. Panels and breakout sessions will be led by accomplished writers and other creatives, educators, and community and faith leaders and will address the role of the written word in community building, racial reconciliation, empowering youth, serving marginalized communities, and bridging generational gaps.

The conference is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 19, as well as to educators and youth group leaders from around the Gulf Coast area. It is free of charge to all.

SPEAK Poetry Conference is partially sponsored by the Diocese’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation. Bishop Kendrick and several members of the Commission will be among the speakers.

If you know any aspiring young writers, poets, or activists, please encourage them to follow the link below to the conference Fact Sheet to get more information or to register for the conference.

FACT SHEET

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE | REGISTER FOR THE COMPETITION

Online Jerusalem Pilgrimage

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Invites You to "Walking the Way of Jesus: From Jerusalem to Your Home" – An Online Pilgrimage with Canon Richard Sewell

Join us for a free transformative online pilgrimage and a deeper exploration of faith, the Holy Land, and spiritual growth.

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Time: Two Sessions – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST & 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM EST

Location: Virtual via Zoom

This special event will feature a live Zoom conversation with The Very Reverend Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem. Canon Sewell will guide participants through the sacred journey of pilgrimage, the holiness of the Holy Land, and how the timeless lessons of this land can nourish and transform our spiritual lives.

This online pilgrimage is not just a conversation, but an opportunity to pause in the busyness of life and center yourself in a sacred moment of reflection, connection, and hope. Whether you are new to the concept of pilgrimage or looking to deepen your spiritual journey, this event promises to be a transformative experience.

About Canon Richard Sewell

The Very Reverend Canon Richard Sewell has served as the Dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem since 2019. He brings a wealth of experience from the Diocese of Southwark in the United Kingdom and is deeply engaged in interfaith dialogue. His insights into the socio-political landscape of the region, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, provide a rich and nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.

How to Join

To participate in this online pilgrimage, please use the Zoom link below:

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87557181835

Meeting ID: 875 5718 1835

Come prepared to be transformed. Let the sacred stories and wisdom of the Holy Land guide you toward a deeper connection with God, yourself, and the world around you. For more information, please visit the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer website (https://anglicanprayer.org/) or contact us at pfeheley@gmail.com

A Joyful Moment for the Baluba Healthcare Project – Our Mission in Zambia

By the Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW

In April 2018, I flew thousands of miles to visit Victor and Racheal Chimfwembe, an incredible couple who had developed a pastoral presence in a Zambian bush community inhabited by the Baluba. The Baluba community is isolated, without roads, electricity, or sanitation, and is situated quite near the dangerous Congo border. The purpose of my visit was to support Victor and Rachael in identifying ways in which they could provide basic healthcare for their community members who were continually expressing desperation when they spoke of the multiple unnecessary deaths experienced during childbirth, malaria outbreaks, accidents, and other treatable illnesses. Their pastors wanted to help them overcome these obstacles.

My time in Zambia was spent visiting the Baluba and investigating, along with Victor and Rachael, the various resources available in the nearest city, Ndola. [Read about Deacon Clelia's 2018 trip]

CONTINUE READING

Lenten Book Study - Rachel Held Evans' "Inspired" continues

It's not too late to join our Lenten Book Study and delve deeper into your own understanding of scripture through Rachel Held Evans' book, "Inspired."

To support your Lenten practice, the accompanying guide and reflection videos help facilitate group or individual study. Plus there is a Zoom gathering on Thursdays at noon with the Rev. Lydia Johnson for anyone looking for a discussion group. Subscribe below to receive the link each week.

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

Cursillo #172

March 13-16

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope

Cursillo (“Cur see yo”) is a three-day weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationships with Christ. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in worship, prayer, study of scripture, and interaction with other Christians. Its mission is to build up our parish churches by encouraging and empowering its members to prepare for doing the work of the church- the spreading of the Gospel.

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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

This event has been canceled. Stay tuned for future programs!

The Order of the Daughters of the King® Spring Assembly

Friday, March 21, 4 p.m. to Saturday, March 22, 3 p.m. CT

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope

A time for Daughters and guests to learn to reflect and meditate with Lella Lowe, chair of the Commission on the Integrity of Creation for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Her presentation is "As disciples of Christ, we are called to love God by loving all that God Created, as mediated through Christ" by exploring what that may look like in our own lives and in the lives of our faith communities. Also, Catherine Watson will present "Finding Faith through Blind Contours," a hands-on artistic workshop.

We will also be offering an opportunity to purchase DOK Mice (you may have seen the adorable mice at the convention), with all proceeds going to Camp Beckwith.

REGISTER

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations

Saturday, March 22, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

St. James, 100 St. James Place, Eufaula

Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation

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.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Annual Senior Warden Day

Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Francis, 1 St. Francis Dr, Gulf Breeze

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

Worship in the Woods

Sunday, April 27, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saloom Properties, 2835 Bookers Mill Rd, Evergreen, AL

Join us for a wonderful day in the woods with a special Stations of the Resurrection with Eucharist and fun fellowship. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket. Wear closed-toe shoes. A low "church" country boil will be provided. 

Come see the new chapel, too!

PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 25

Slay the Stigma of Mental Health: For Youth and Those Who Love Them

Wednesdays, April 30, May 7, and May 14, 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross, 7979 N 9th Ave, Pensacola

It’s tough being a teen today. Sure the statistics itemize the troubles, but our youth are the experts. They live the stress of balancing school, social media, home life, and all the personal interactions that come in a single day.

The Diocesan Mental Health Alliance will present a three-part series intended to destigmatize mental health concerns among youth, their parents, and those who love them. Attendees will receive tips, methods, and hard-core facts that can be deployed right away. Youth will learn (and

share) strategies via games, role-playing, and discussion. Adults and teens will learn the same information, sometimes together and sometimes in the large group.

Intended to take the place of Wednesday night programming, all churches are invited to join together to learn from our expert and each other through silly and serious discussion on how to bolster teens’ mental health.

MORE DETAILS AND RSVP

Applications open for Episcopal Church 2025-2026 educational scholarships

Applications are being accepted for a wide variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2025-2026 academic year. The deadline to apply online is April 4. All applicants must be Episcopalian.

The scholarships—derived from annual income of more than 45 trust funds established through bequests to The Episcopal Church—range from assistance for children of missionaries, bishops, and clergy to individuals seeking theological education and training. The maximum award is $10,000 per student.

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