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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

November 8, 2023

53rd Annual Diocesan Convention

"Be Transformed"

Come, "Be Transformed," during the 53rd Annual Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast to be held February 23-24, 2024, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama. Whether you come as a delegate or as a visitor, make your plans now to attend this yearly event centered around our collective life as Episcopalians along with diocesan business and elections.

There are some approaching due dates for items required by our diocesan canons, one of them being the election of delegates. Delegates are representatives elected by their home church and serve as the voice of their congregation to vote on diocesan business matters. If you are interested in being a delegate to the convention, speak with your clergy or senior warden soon. All delegate elections are required by canon to be held no later than 60 days before the first day of the convention, by December 24, 2023.

Registration will open for all attendees on November 24. Visit www.diocgc.org/2024-diocesan-convention, for up-to-date information.

Beckwith Announces Two New Program Directors

Director of Programs and Hospitality

The new Director of Programs and Hospitality, Ben Linder, is a lifelong Episcopalian with extensive experience in camp and youth ministry. 

Ben grew up attending Camp Mitchell in Arkansas where he served as their Program Director for two years. Ben later served as Program Director at All Saints Episcopal Camp in Kentucky, and City Year in Little Rock. Ben has experience as a Youth Minister and Missioner for Lifelong Formation in the Episcopal Church.

Ben will be joined by his three children Charlotte, Westley and Ollie who will live on-site at Beckwith. Ben and his family are excited to join the Beckwith family and can't wait to get started. Please help us welcome them to Beckwith. Ben@BeckwithAL.com

Assistant Director of Programs and Hospitality

Christian Williams will also join the Beckwith staff as the Assistant Director of Programs and Hospitality. Christian has worked with youth in the camp setting since 2016. As the Director of Programming at Trails End Camp, Christian created fun and exciting activities for campers throughout their summer. He was responsible for the daily activity schedules, the logistics, and preparation for activities and also facilitated a two-week off-campus outdoor excursion. 

Christian said "I am excited to come work at Beckwith and join the community. I can't wait for summer because every day at summer camp is a new adventure waiting to happen." Christian will live on-site at Beckwith and begin work with us on January 1.

In Case You Missed It

• October 25 edition of Coastline READ

The congregation of St. John the Baptist in Robertsdale has opened its doors to the community group, Baldwin County Angels who now have a much-needed space to conduct their ministry efforts alongside church members. The Angels are gearing up for the holiday season to help families with meals, gifts, etc. Stop by to pick up an "angel" from their giving tree or offer a donation. St. John is located at 22764 Hwy 59 S in Robertsdale, Alabama.

Holy Nativity Episcopal School in Panama City was named Best Private School in Florida by guidetoflorida.com! Way to go HNES!

SAVE-THE-DATE

53rd Annual Diocesan Convention

Friday, February 23, to Saturday, February 24, 2024

St. Paul's, Daphne

Visit our webpage at www.diocgc.org/2024-diocesan-convention for up-to-date information.

November 11: CPR Training Class; St. Monica's, Cantonment

November 11: The Market on Blue Angel Parkway; Holy Trinity, Pensacola

December 1 & 2: Winterfest Arts and Crafts Fair; St. Mary's, Milton

December 2: Advent Quiet Morning; Holy Trinity, Pensacola

December 2: Christmas Tour of Homes; St. Agatha's, DeFuniak Springs

Events beyond six weeks out can be found at www.diocgc.org/church-and-community-events

Part-time or full-time Director of Youth Ministry

Christ Church Parish, Pensacola is seeking a part-time or full-time director of youth ministry. To learn more about the position, visit their website.

UTO Offers a Challenge Grant to Benefit Jerusalem

The United Thank Offering—in partnership with the Good Friday Offering—will match up to $100,000 of donations given through December 15 to help sustain outreach ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which operates across several countries or territories and includes churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries.

“United Thank Offering has supported the diocese with over $1 million in grants since 1973, thanks to the generosity of Episcopalians everywhere,” said UTO Board President Sherri Dietrich. “We know people want to help those projects continue their work through and after the current heartbreaking conflict; this challenge grant will allow us all to make a powerful contribution to those impacted by this conflict.”

Matched donations to the United Thank Offering will be given in 2024 as a grant to the diocese to disburse where the needs are greatest.

MORE INFORMATION

Find free Advent and Christmas resources from The Episcopal Church

This Advent and Christmas, The Episcopal Church offers several resources to help you and your congregation share signs of God’s love through the coming of Jesus Christ—the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

LINK TO ALL RESOURCES

November 12

St. James, Eufaula

November 19

St. Paul's, Mobile

Printable versions of the prayer cycles are available at www.diocgc.org/cycle-of-prayer.

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.

"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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Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org.