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Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
November 22, 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. | | |
Episcopal Preaching Foundation Commissioning
On Veteran’s Day weekend, a cohort from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast traveled to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to take part in the final commissioning of five of our lay preachers - Necie Borroni, Salem Saloom, Haden Tirey, Debbie Waldrop, and Jessica Walker. Our diocese was one of six chosen to take part in a two-year pilot program to raise up highly trained lay preachers and to establish a curriculum and program that can now be replicated across the country. To learn more, please visit this link.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Stephen Smith and Mr. Peter Wild, we began this journey two years ago. Those chosen to participate in this program were nominated by their parish priest or vestry. These leaders met monthly with Dean Joy Blaylock for learning sessions shaped by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation curriculum and also met several times for weekend retreats. These lay preachers covered specialized topics like responsible exegesis, the use of sanctified imagination, and the power of storytelling, as well as sharing their formation experience in their church settings by soliciting feedback from designated groups.
CONTINUE READING
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Come and See
by Hahn Tran
In October 2023, I embarked on a pilgrimage without any agenda but a quest to learn about the legacy of slavery in America, my adopted homeland. I am grateful for the invitation to participate in the pilgrimage for Racial Justice and Reconciliation from my fellow Deputies of Color, Joe McDaniel and Jill Showers Chow, from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Originally, I thought I would fly to Mobile, Alabama to visit only the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum in Montgomery. But God’s plan for me was to witness other historic places that would open my eyes to the Civil Rights Movement I had heard and read about. My friend Jill volunteered to drive me to see the places she knew. So for three consecutive days, we traveled 1,200 miles, through the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana into the historical places in the Deep South. Our first stop was the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, developed by The Equal Justice Initiative, "dedicated to the legacy of Black Americans who were enslaved, terrorized by lynching, humiliated by racial segregation, and presumed guilty and dangerous."
CONTINUE READING
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The Practice and Ministry of Spiritual Direction
By the Rev. Marshall Craver and Joe Taylor
Within the Christian faith, there are many spiritual practices to embrace as a means of being drawn into deeper communion with God. These practices open space within our spirit and assist us in becoming more aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in all of life. Many of these prayer forms such as the daily office, centering prayer, lectio divina, visio divina, guided meditations, body prayer, and many more are known and practiced within our diocesan community.
CONTINUE READING
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Episcopal Relief & Development announces opportunity for donors to double their impact during year-end Hope Match Campaign
Supporters of Episcopal Relief & Development can double the impact of their donations during the organization’s year-end Hope Match Campaign. From November 8 until December 31, qualifying contributions will be matched up to $750,000. Gifts to the Episcopal Relief & Development Hope Match Campaign will benefit the Global Needs Fund–a critical resource used to promote the health and wellbeing of children, facilitate activities that lead to women’s empowerment and help communities adapt to climate change.
LEARN MORE
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The Labyrinth and Meditative Garden at St. Christopher's, Pensacola
Are you looking for a quiet and calming place to reflect on your spiritual journey? St. Christopher’s Labyrinth and Meditative Garden is now open to everyone. You are welcome to silently walk the labyrinth or sit on a bench listening to the soothing sounds of the Trinity Fountain.
The Labyrinth and Meditative Garden is located near the corner of Maura St. & 13th Ave behind St. Christopher's Church (3200 N 12th Ave) and next to Holy Cross Cemetery. It’s open from dawn to dusk. Groups should contact the St. Christopher’s office at 850-433-0074 to schedule their visit. Click here for more information, including location details.
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In Case You Missed It
- November 8 edition of Coastline READ
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Share your photo, good news, or ministry with the rest of the diocese. Send your story to us here. | | |
On Sunday, November 5, Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile hosted its 200th Anniversary Celebration! Photos from the day can be viewed HERE. | Saturday, November 4, was National First Responders Day. St James in Eufaula honored its first responders by cooking an evening meal that was delivered to the local police station and the fire station for their Saturday night shift. On Sunday, Father Neil Kaminiski recognized first responders in the 10:30 a.m. service after which members served them lunch. Day in and day out policemen, firemen, and EMTs provide essential services to our communities that help us stay safe. This was St. James' way of saying thanks for doing a job that puts others first, and for being heroes in their community. | |
Resident Lula Little was honored at Murray House Assisted Living Residence by the Mobile Retired Educators Association. Ms. Little taught in the Mobile County School System for many years and was honored by her peers with a special celebration. | The Optimist Club of Perdido held its Annual Community Thanksgiving Service on November 12. This year's host church was the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lillian, AL. Attendees enjoyed great worship led by the St. Joseph Choir and Filipino Charismatic Community Choir. Participating clergy are pictured from left to right: Rev. Daniel W Randall of Lillian Methodist Church, Rev. Rick Long of The Gathering Church, Rev. Bryan Mack of New Mt. Marriah Baptist Church, Father Alwin Legaspi of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Tina Locket of Episcopal Church of the Advent, Dodd Bouchillon President of the Optimist Club of Perdido, Rev. Dean Conkel of Lillian Fellowship Church and Rev Greg Brown of Bayside Baptist Church. | |
Christmas Open House at Murray House
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Murray House, 1257 Government St, Mobile
Drop by Murray House to enjoy Christmas refreshments and to visit with the residents and staff. Casual tours of the facility will also be available.
Murray House in an assisted living residence and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. For more information call 251.432.2272.
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SAVE-THE-DATE
53rd Annual Diocesan Convention
Friday, February 23, to Saturday, February 24, 2024
St. Paul's, Daphne
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.
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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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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.
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From The Episcopal Church | |
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
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Bishop Russell's Calendar | | |
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November 26
St. Jude's, Niceville
November 29-December 1
Province IV House of Bishops
December 3
St. Andrew's, Mobile
December 10
St. Andrew's, Panama City
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November 26
Christ the King, Santa Rosa Beach
December 3
St. Andrew's, Mobile
December 10
Advent, Lillian
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November 26
Wilcox County Detention Center, Camden
December 3
Bay County Jail, Panama City
December 10
Calhoun County Jail, Blountstown
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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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Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org.
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