Long ago, God said to Jeremiah, “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words…” (Jeremiah 18:1). Now, prophets were not typically called to go to watch someone make bowls, cups, and pots. You might say it was unprecedented; but Jeremiah accepted the call. He was brave, he went.

In 2017, we embarked on an unprecedented new ministry of forming our local school with the aim of forming men and women who could go out into today’s world and lead and serve with empathy, dignity, and passion. Eight students, our pioneers, answered our invitation and I am proud to say that they have accomplished the goals we set forth in formation. Like Jeremiah, they have been to the potter’s house, heard God’s words, and watched how God redeems even the vessels that seem spoiled or broken.

In the coming months, we lift up and celebrate six of our students who made it through our first season of graduation and have now completed their diaconal assignments which began in late June of 2020. Our other two students are now vocational deacons serving in their assignments.

(additional livestream links will be made available soon)

The Rev. Deacon David Chatel

St. Stephen’s, Brewton AL | Saturday, January 16, 11am

The Rev. Deacon David Clothier

St. Johns, Warrington FL | Wednesday, January 27, 6pm

The Rev. Deacon Lydia Johnson

Trinity, Mobile AL | Saturday, January 30, 11am

The Rev. Deacon John Talbert

St. Paul’s, Daphne | Tuesday, February 2, 6pm

The Rev. Deacon Mike Ballard

St. Paul’s, Mobile | Saturday, February 13, 11am

The Rev. Deacon Robert Donnell

All Saints, Mobile AL | TBD

We will again be participating in the 2021 Good Book Club, January 1 – February 16. Bishop Russell will be sharing weekly reflections on the Gospel of Mark. The readings can be found at www.goodbookclub.org.

Video reflections will be released the Thursday prior to the following week’s readings and available on our website here. Videos are suitable for individual or group study. Questions on how to host a Good Book Club at your church, contact Sally Crenshaw at crenshs@cox.net.

Happening, an annual youth retreat lead by the youth, originally scheduled for February of 2021, has been rescheduled and will take place at Beckwith. Open to teens in grades 10, 11 and 12. Registration is now open.

Lay Rector: Sarah Garner. Head Gofer: Graybill Partington.

March 26-28: Youth Staff Training. Register here.

April 9-11: Happening Weekend. Register here.

Registration is open. Staff applications are being accepted. Visit Beckwith's website for information on dates, rates and tiered pricing system.

Bishop Russell's Christmas Message - "The Light Shines in the Darkness" - WATCH

Views From the Bishop's Chair - note on recent events - READ

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has issued the following Word to the Church. A transcript of the statement follows:

"And now in the name of our loving, liberating, and life-giving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In another time of national crisis, another time of danger for our nation, in 1865 on March the fourth, Abraham Lincoln concluded his second inaugural address with these words:

January 16, 2021, 8:30am-4:30pm CST, Online

Join us for an interactive workshop which will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. We explore unconscious bias, prejudice 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, boards, etc.). It also qualifies for 8 hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the day course. No cost to attend, but does require a commitment to the full day.

February 26-27, 2021, Online

The upcoming annual diocesan convention will be held virtually in February 2021. Preliminary information for lay and clergy delegates was emailed to church leadership earlier this month. Visit our Diocesan Convention Hub for the latest information and details. We have just added new information!

Lay and clergy delegates may now make nominations here for Standing Committee members by January 15, 2021.

February 26, 6pm-7:30pm CST: Opening Service and Bishop's Address, livestreamed.

February 27, 9am-1pm CST: Convention Business Sessions, livestreamed.

NOTE: The Pre-Convention Meeting for lay and clergy delegates will be held online via Zoom on Sunday January 31, at 4pm CST. Details and a link to join the meeting will be emailed to delegates the week prior.

Now - February 25

Remember to keep logging your miles! We are taking a virtual trip around the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast! Engage your mind, soul and body, and learn about our diocese and our beloved Camp Beckwith. Our mission takes us about 540 miles from Beckwith and back, highlighting each of our 62 churches along the way.

The mission runs now until Diocesan Convention. There's still time to register.

FULL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION | DOWNLOAD FAQ FLYER

A unique opportunity in early care and education is available! St. John’s Episcopal Church is looking for an experienced, high energy individual to become the founding Director of the St. John’s Children’s Center. This full day, full year program will provide care to infants and toddlers (6 weeks to 3 years) in a relationship-based environment. The founding Director will help design the classrooms and playground, recruit and hire staff and lead marketing and enrollment efforts. This full time position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Coastline is a biweekly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - deadlines are 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month

SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website each Friday

Direct questions to communications@diocgc.org