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.

Help for West Texas

Bishop David Read of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas shared the community's sorrow and grief in this Episcopal News Service article about the tragic flooding in West Texas last week. The diocese has launched a donation webpage to receive financial contributions in support of its relief efforts. We invite your prayers and monetary giving.

Remembering the Martyrdom of Jonathan Myrick Daniels

By Joe McDaniel, Jr.: Member of The Executive Council for The Episcopal Church, and co-chair for the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation

This is the second of a two-part series about Jonathan Myrick Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage, which will be held on August 9, 2025, in Hayneville, Alabama. READ PART I

As we approach the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Jonathan Myrick Daniels' martyrdom on August 9, 2025, it is essential to reflect on this pivotal moment in American civil rights history. Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian and an active participant in the civil rights movement, sacrificed his life while working to promote justice and equality. His martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and the need for continued advocacy for civil rights.

On this significant anniversary, the celebration will be marked by a special Eucharist at the very courthouse in Hayneville, Alabama, where an all-white jury infamously acquitted Tom Coleman, the man responsible for Daniels' death. This setting is not merely a location but a powerful symbol of the systemic injustice that existed at the time and still resonates in today’s society. The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and a leading voice for social justice, will serve as the guest speaker, further elevating the importance of this occasion.

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Wilmer Hall’s Garden Grows Again Thanks to Extension Master Gardeners

By Mary Wilson, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University

Wilmer Hall Children’s Home has been a place of restoration in the city of Mobile since 1864. Recently, though, an area of the home itself was in desperate need of rehabilitation. 

A garden on the grounds, built a few decades ago by dedicated volunteers, had seen better days. The garden’s numerous raised beds had sat fallow for years, until Pratt Paterson, the home’s executive director, signed up for the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

“I lived in East Tennessee for a while and thought I was a good gardener, but it turns out I just had the perfect climate and dirt up there,” Paterson said. “I realized gardening is much different on the Gulf Coast and that I needed to learn new things to be a successful gardener in Mobile.”

Along with completing his Master Gardener intern coursework earlier this year, Paterson built relationships with those in the Mobile County Master Gardeners Association. The group decided to take on the Wilmer Hall Children’s Home garden as one of their volunteer projects. 

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Celebrate Wilmer Hall Sunday on July 27

Join us in honoring the long-standing mission and ministry of Wilmer Hall Children's Home, an agency of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Each year on the last Sunday of July, we take this opportunity to celebrate this organization that has served the Church and its communities since 1864.

Wilmer Hall was founded in 1864 by Bishop Richard Hooker Wilmer, the second bishop of Alabama, as a home for orphans and widows. More than 160 years later, they continue to carry out their mission to serve young people in need. They serve children and young adults through residential and educational programs, all aiming to provide each individual with the skills needed to be successful, contributing members of the community. They serve up to 150 children in their education programs and up to 36 young people in their residential programs at any given time. The residential programs serve young men and women, as well as young women with children. Wilmer Hall also operates a delivery-based food pantry.

To learn more about the mission and ministry of Wilmer Hall, to schedule a tour and/or lunch, please contact Executive Director Pratt Paterson at ppaterson@wilmerhall.org or Director of Development Mindy Inge at minge@wilmerhall.org. 

Wilmer Hall Prayer, written in 2018 by Fr. Albert Kennington

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus welcomed and blessed children with love: We give you thanks and praise for this Children’s Home, for the founders, for all who have served and supported this Home through the years, and for all who have found love and family in this Home. In the faith of our founders, we spread before you our prayers for all who live within the care of Wilmer Hall and for those who will do so in years beyond us. Raise up, we pray, in every generation, faithful people to support and sustain this Home following the way of our Savior Jesus Christ with whom we are bound in the best of bonds.  Amen.

Donations can be made online at www.wilmerhall.org or sent to Wilmer Hall Children’s Home, 3811 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608. Thank you.

Celebrate Bishop Russell's 10th Anniversary with RK Day

July 25 marks the 10th anniversary of Bishop Russell's consecration, and over the past decade, he has guided us with wisdom, humility, and a lot of heart. Always greeting us as “Friends and neighbors…” Bishop Russell has made every corner of this diocese feel like home—where we are seen, known, and loved.

In true Bishop Russell fashion, when asked how we should mark this milestone, he didn’t want a party. He asked us to serve one another in love.

So from now through July 25, we invite you to honor his 10 years by doing 10 acts of Random Kindness—big or small. Say thank you to a store clerk. Mow someone’s lawn. Write an encouraging note to someone who’s struggling. Volunteer at a food pantry. Make peace with a neighbor. However you choose to serve, do it with love.

Fill out this form to share how you celebrated his ministry. Tag your acts on social media with #FriendsAndNeighbors10 as a tribute to the way he’s taught us to live—not just as people in a pew, but as friends and neighbors in Christ.

Let’s celebrate Bishop Russell’s ten years the way he’s lived them: by loving boldly, serving freely, and welcoming all!

Screening & Conversation: "Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels"

Wednesday, July 23, 7-7:30 p.m. CT

Online

Join Episcopal Divinity School for a special screening of Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels, a powerful PBS documentary honoring the life of seminarian and civil rights martyr Jonathan Daniels. Narrated by Sam Waterston and featuring Daniels’ own words, the film explores his faithful witness and sacrifice during the movement for racial justice. The screening includes a pre-film conversation with Deacon Carolyn Foster and producer Lawrence Benaquist, and commemorates the 60th anniversary of Daniels’ martyrdom. Learn more and plan to join this year’s pilgrimage to Hayneville, Alabama, on August 9, 2025.

This event is co-hosted by EDS, the organizers of the Jonathan Myrick Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage, the Episcopal Chuch in Alabama, and the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

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Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage

Saturday, August 9, Hayneville, AL

Join fellow pilgrims from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in attending the annual Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Daniels' martyrdom, and our guest preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church.

We will carpool to Hayneville, departing from several locations around the diocese at around 8 a.m. If you would like to carpool, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting Nancy Bolton Beck at nboltonbeck@gmail.com or (713) 504-8216. If you prefer not to carpool, you can drive on your own and meet us there.

Our diocese’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation will have an information table on the courthouse lawn, where we will be gathering.

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Diocesan Acolyte Festival

Saturday, August 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT

Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St, Mobile

All acolytes, crucifers, and thurifers from across the Central Gulf Coast are invited to attend this special gathering. Whether you're a seasoned acolyte or simply curious about serving in this sacred ministry, all are welcome to come and learn more about the role of acolyte in the Episcopal Church. Experienced leaders in the liturgical arts will share their knowledge, skills, and wisdom. The day will also include fun games and a special closing Eucharist to celebrate our shared ministry.

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

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Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations Workshop

Saturday, September 6, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

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

Presented 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 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 vestries) and at the diocesan level (including serving on commissions, committees, agencies, or boards). It also qualifies for eight hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the full-cay course. There is no fee to participate, but it requires the commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to not more than 30 participants, but we must have at least 12 registrants to hold the workshop.

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Cursillo #173

September 11-14

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

Have you ever thought...How great would it be to get away for a weekend surrounded by beautiful scenery, great music, and laughter while worshipping with people who love and accept you just as you are? Well, do we have something for you!

The purpose of the Cursillo Movement in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is to help people understand and respond to their calling to Christian leadership in their parishes, social lives, and workplaces by enriching and deepening their existing faith.

We invite you to explore a wonderful Cursillo getaway at God’s Front Yard/Camp Beckwith. If you would like to know more, please reach out to the Cursillo #173 Lay Rector, Tonye Frith. 334-791-0831 OR visit www.coastalpilgrims.com.