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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
May 10, 2023
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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. | | |
Update on School for Ministry from Dean Blaylock
It has been six years since our local formation began as the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast School for Ministry. In 2020, we graduated our first eight students (six priests, two deacons) and will graduate two more (one priest, one deacon) this June. We currently have eight students enrolled in the School for Ministry and have a new student joining us this fall.
We underwent a significant move last year (2022) when we were welcomed into the rectory at St. Mary’s in Milton, Florida. We moved the School from St. Agatha’s, DeFuniak Springs, to better accommodate and expand our mission of providing both lay and clerical formation in an accessible location. We have been blessed to conduct School weekends in the rectory at St. Mary’s along with retreat weekends for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation preachers.
CONTINUE READING
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Standing Committee: Honored to Serve
Written by Michelle Crawford
When Bishop Russell asked me to serve as his appointee on the Standing Committee, my first response was, “But I don’t know anything about finance and budgets!” I didn’t have any idea what the Standing Committee did and assumed it was all about money. It’s true, stewardship of the budget and funds of the diocese are part of that, but there is so much more!
In the past year, our committee has helped affirm candidates for the diaconate and priesthood, many of whom are graduates of our own School for Ministry. We have consented to the election of bishops in dioceses all over the country. And we have offered advice to Bishop Russell and our other leaders as they make difficult decisions about issues that have popped up in our own diocese.
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The Failure of Old Understandings and the Return to Foundational Texts
Written by the Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW
“…I am convinced that if the community of faith loses touch with its Scriptures, it loses its identity…when the Word is no longer proclaimed, taught, and heard individual Christians and churches have no basis for making ethical decisions and thus stand mute in the face of pressing problems in the church and society.” (M. Thomas Norwood, Jr. A Study of the Call of God in Genesis. Pittsburgh: The Kerygma Program, 1988)
In these past six years, I have devoted hour upon hour in search of and then reading, or listening to, literature and scholarship that pertains to the phenomenon of forced migration in the 20th and 21st centuries. Specifically, what are the etiologies of the ever-growing mass of people moving from one place to another and how has our global community responded to those who seek asylum from terrorism and other forms of oppression?
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Meghan Johnson joins the diocesan staff as youth coordinator
My name is Meghan Johnson and Bishop Russell has invited me to be the youth coordinator for the diocese. I’m so honored to have this opportunity to give back to the youth program and incredibly excited for what the future holds! I hope that by stepping into this role, I can gain new relationships with not only the youth but as well as the adults. By working hand in hand with all generations, I will be able to organize events that will nurture the connections of our young people with one another and with their church. Revitalizing Happening post-pandemic will also be a major part of my ministry.
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Camp Nurse needed for Camp Beckwith summer sessions
Camp Nurse needed for Session 1 (June 11-16), Session 2 (June 18-23), Session 3 (June 25-30), and Session 5 (July 9-14). We are looking for someone to work any/all of these sessions.
Main responsibilities include collecting camper medications and forms at check-in, managing and distributing medications, and providing first aid to campers/staff. Camp Nurse would stay on-site for the duration of the camp session. Room and all meals provided!
Pay is $500/session. Must be an RN or LPN.
Please email Rachel Gilliam at rachel@beckwithal.com if interested.
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The United Thank Offering VBS program
The United Thank Offering Board is very pleased to announce the release of our new gratitude-based vacation bible school program. This program, called Waves of Gratitude, includes not only classroom materials but also arts, crafts, and science projects. All materials are available on the UTO website and blog site for free as a download at UTO website, UTO Blog. UTO initially contracted with consultants and The Episcopal Church to develop this program to be used for the children’s program at General Convention last year. These materials have been modified to be used for vacation bible school across the church.
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Episcopal Relief & Development match giving opportunity
Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a campaign to support the organization’s efforts to alleviate the global hunger crisis and build resilience in communities worldwide. A group of generous donors has offered to match each gift made to the Global Needs Fund until May 25, 2023, up to $250,000.
LEARN MORE
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Commission on Affirmative Aging is seeking an Adventurous Aging Physician
Do you have a favorite physician specializing in: Aging, Orthopedics, Optometry or Cardiovascular Health? And senior yoga? Well, the Commission on Affirmative Aging is searching for the best and brightest to participate in their upcoming workshop on November 4th in the Pensacola area. Adventurous Aging: How to Stay Young at Heart.
The Rev. Sara Phillips would love to hear from you, (251) 709-7979!
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In Case You Missed It
- April 12 edition of Coastline READ
- Bishop Russell's sabbatical video message WATCH
- The Rev. Lydia Johnson's Easter message WATCH
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Correction: Bishop Miller's first name was incorrectly spelled in the April 12 edition of Coastline. The correct spelling is Steven. | |
Share your photo, good news, or ministry with the rest of the diocese. Send your story to us here. | | |
Bishops everywhere! While Bishop Russell is on sabbatical, the Rt. Revs. Ci Jones, Steven Miller, and George Young are making visitations in his stead. Here are some photos from a few of their stops: | |
The Rt. Rev. Ci Jones at St. John's, Monroeville | |
The Rt. Rev. Steven Miller at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile | |
The Rt. Rev. George Young at Christ Church Parish, Pensacola | |
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During St. Thomas, Greenville's Lenten Lunch Offering, they presented to the Butler County Ministerial Association a check for $717 to be used toward the good work this ecumenical group of pastors does in caring for the Greenville community.
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St. Paul's Chapel, Magnolia Springs' wooden exterior doors were refinished just before Easter, restored to beauty, and prepared for longer service. On Sunday, April 23, Fr. David Chatel led the congregation out at both services for a blessing of the doors, including a call to extend hospitality to all.
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Happening Reunion
Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church - Youth House*
3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL
*The Youth House is located across the north side of the church on Maura St.
All Happeners are invited to the upcoming reunion for Happening #60. This will be a time to reconnect with friends you met at Happening. Come out and join us for fellowship, fun, and food!
Contact: Meghan Johnson at meghantj02@gmail.com
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Senior Warden Day
Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church
401 Live Oak Ave, Pensacola, FL
All senior wardens or anyone interested in learning more about this important vestry role are invited to attend this annual gathering. During our time together, you'll watch a video from Bishop Russell (pre-recorded since he is on sabbatical!), be presented with an array of helpful information from various diocesan staff members, and hear from a panel of experienced senior wardens who look forward to sharing their experiences leading vestries. There will be ample time for your questions. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the role of a senior warden and how the bishop and diocesan staff can offer support. One of the best parts of the day is meeting other senior wardens helping to build a network of support in your unique leadership role.
Lunch will be provided. The cost is free.
RSVP to jenn@diocgc.org by June 1.
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Evangelism Brainstorm Sessions
First Wednesday of each month on Zoom
Two session times are available: Noon and 6pm
Join the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson, Missioner for Development and Evangelism, on Zoom for an hour of ideas for engaging and serving our neighbors during the season of Thanksgiving through Christmas, then on to Epiphany, Lent and Easter. If you have evangelism ideas you would like to share, please join the session or contact Lydia at lydia@diocgc.org.
Register in advance for these gatherings by using the links below.
For lunchtime gatherings (12pm CT), register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsf-6pqz0tGNJdo91XisMEEwQJbQBMNnbh
For evening gatherings (6pm CT), register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcOiorDgtHNT8-8S0SN6M4-c-_h3i4T5d
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Save-the-Date
Diocesan Acolyte Festival
Saturday, August 19, at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S Conception St., Mobile, AL
More details to come.
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Church & Community Events | |
Share your church event with the rest of the diocese. Send us details here. | | |
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Invitation to Holy Land Pilgrimage in October
The Rev. Thack Dyson, rector of St. Paul’s in Daphne will be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land October 4-18, 2023.
If you would like more information please call or email Terri McMillan in the church office, 251-626-2421, officestpaulsdaphne@gmail.com.
Everyone registering for the trip must accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel throughout the pilgrimage. It requires a lot of walking on uneven rocky ground and climbing steps throughout the journey.
The trip is fast paced and sites are not handicap accessible.
2023 Trip Video Link: https://youtu.be/HneNkdjOh3c.
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No postings at this time. | |
From The Episcopal Church | |
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Registration is now open for “It’s All About Love,” a festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, to be held July 9-12 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Register at https://allaboutlove.sched.com.
The festival kicks off at 6pm on Sunday, July 9, with a revival worship service featuring Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. It closes at noon on Wednesday, July 12, with a festival Eucharist preached by Ms. Julia Ayala-Harris, President of the House of Deputies.
In between, “It’s All About Love” will focus on three Jesus Movement festival “tents” organized around Evangelism, Racial Reconciliation and Creation Care. Each tent will offer an evening revival worship service and mainstage speaker, plus dozens of day-time workshops, panels, practice opportunities, and other ways to engage.
Discounted room blocks have been reserved at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor, and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace. To learn more, become a sponsor, propose a workshop or panel, reserve an exhibit table, or sign up for updates about mainstage speakers and workshop offerings, visit: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/its-all-about-love.
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Bishop Russell's Upcoming Visitations | | |
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April 2 - July 2
Sabbatical
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May 14
Beloved Community Outreach Center
United Thank Offering
May 21
St. Thomas, Greenville
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May 14
Atmore Community Work Center, Atmore
May 21
Camden Work Release, Camden
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Please be sure to direct any mail for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to our post office address: PO Box 13330, Pensacola, FL 32591-3330. | | |
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Coastline is a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
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