View as Webpage

Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

August 23, 2023

Note: The Duvall Center office of the bishop and staff will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day.

The Cost of Compartments

by the Rev. David Chatel, member of the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation

The summer of 2020 seems like ages ago, especially for those of us who have no daily reminders of how painful it was to watch cities burn and the social fabric of a nation erupt in division. In truth, it wasn’t very long ago at all. I don’t know about you, but part of how I coped with everything that I saw and experienced during that time was through compartmentalization. I allowed myself to feel the emotion of it, but only to a point. When it became too painful, I would shut it off and put it in the compartment labeled, “I’ll deal with this later.” We were in the midst of a developing pandemic in which there were so few answers and more questions every day. On top of the steadily climbing COVID casualty count was the social and political unrest of a country boiling with unresolved racial tension and partisan political battles. It was an unprecedented time, and no one knew what was ahead. 

As soon as I climbed into the car to be a part of a pilgrimage to George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, I unknowingly opened the, “I’ll deal with this later” compartment. We were halfway there when the pain and sadness of that summer resurfaced.

CONTINUE READING

Commission on the Integrity of Creation

by the Rev. Joy Blaylock

As we gathered last Sunday, I was visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mobile, Alabama. Before our worship began, the senior warden brought me a prayer from Episcopal Relief and Development addressing the fires in Hawaii. We also added those who are recovering from massive floods and other natural disasters.

Before COVID-19 reared and challenged us all, a diocesan Creation Care Team was formed and began to do some work. However, like many ministries, it was shelved during the time we buckled down to take care of ourselves and our neighbors.

We have reconvened the team and have named it the Commission on the Integrity of Creation. With support from Bishop Kendrick, we have begun to name our mission and vision for providing resources and encouragement to congregations who may be interested in forming Green Teams or using other environmental best practices. We recently shared an approved liturgical resource that can be found here: https://seasonofcreation.org

CONTINUE READING

Marvelous turnout for the 2023 Diocesan Acolyte Festival

The 2023 Diocesan Acolyte Festival was hosted by Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, August 19.

We had a terrific turnout of 20 adult and 33 youth acolytes representing 10 churches from across the diocese.

The acolyte festival offered participants the opportunity to delve deep into the liturgical arts by attending a selection of workshops such as Processions, Instructed Eucharist, Holy Smoke, and Spirit of the Acolyte. Attendees were treated to the Bishop's Acolyte Olympics which infused fun into the day and reinforced skills learned during the workshops.

The day culminated in a beautiful Festival Eucharist where all of the acolytes processed in their vestments. The service recording is available HERE.

There is a photo album on our Facebook page filled with images of the day. You can view the album HERE.

Save-the-date!

Discipleship Day 2023

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Discipleship Day in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast! Mark your calendars for an enriching and inspiring day on Saturday, October 28, as we gather once again to strengthen our faith and community bonds. Our keynote speaker, Steven Tomlinson, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in the field of leadership and administration. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a selection of workshops focused on equipping church leaders with new skills that will revitalize existing ministries and pave the way for exciting new ventures.

NEW Location: St. Jude's Episcopal Church, 200 Partin Dr, Niceville, Florida

Workshop details and registration will be available soon.

In Case You Missed It

• August 9 edition of Coastline READ

Bishop Russell with Father Tom Nixon, Logan (confirmed), and Torri Babine (received) at St. Michaels Ozark August 13.  

Becoming Beloved Community Sacred Conversations

Saturday, August 26, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Rd, Mobile

Presented by the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation

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 vestry members) and at the diocesan level (including those serving on commissions, committees, agencies, or boards). It also qualifies for eight hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the full-day course. There is no fee to participate, but it requires the commitment to be engaged for the full day. Limited to 30 participants.

Please refer questions, by August 21, to: Joe McDaniel, Jr. 415-225-9066 or mcdanieljoe43@yahoo.com

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Happening #61

Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10

St. Simon's on the Sound

28 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach

Registration is now open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.

Teenagers in grades 10, 11 and 12 are invited to a weekend Christian experience presented by their peers. It's a weekend filled with so much love and laughter and sometimes tears and healing. Happening is a safe space to nurture and grow in relationship with Christ. Come be transformed!

Youth who have already attended a previous Happening are encouraged to serve on the youth staff.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Pilgrimage to Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Saturday, September 9

Jackson, MS

Explore the movement that changed the nation. Discover stories of Mississippians like Medgar Evers,

Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, as well as those who traveled many miles to stand beside them, come what may, in the name of equal rights for all.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Cursillo #169

Thursday, September 14 to Sunday, September 17

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope

Cursillo (“Cur see yo”) is a three-day weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationships with Christ. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in worship, prayer, study of scripture, and interaction with other Christians. Its mission is to build up our parish churches by encouraging and empowering its members to prepare for doing the work of the church- the spreading of the Gospel.

DETAILS & APPLICATION

BayLights

Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October

Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

BayLights is the annual diocesan homecoming and event fundraiser for Beckwith Camp & Retreat Center. Come out for good food, fun, music, and fellowship. Stay at Beckwith for the whole weekend or come for a special event. You won't want to miss the drawdown to win a week in Tuscany, Italy or the Caribbean island of Antigua - winner's choice - for 2 or 4 people. Plus the popular online auction begins in September.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Fall Clergy Conference

October 4-6 at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

All clergy in the diocese are invited to attend the annual retreat to relax, renew, and have fellowship with colleagues. Dr. Mark Jefferson will be the guest program leader.

REGISTRATION

Clergy Spouse Retreat

October 6-8 at Beckwith, 10400 Beckwith Ln, Fairhope

Robin Kendrick would like to extend an invitation to all clergy spouses to attend a weekend getaway to relax and enjoy Beckwith and the surrounding Fairhope area.

If you are a clergy spouse and did not receive an email from Robin earlier this week, please send an email to communications@diocgc.org to be sure we have your contact information.

More details and registration are forthcoming. Stay tuned.

September 7: Fish Fry; St. Peter's, Bon Secour

September 9: The Market on Blue Angel Parkway; Holy Trinity, Pensacola

POSTPONED EVENT: "For I Was a Stranger"; Wilmer Hall Children's Home (was originally planned for September 21 - now to be held February 1, 2024)

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.

Prayers for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry was admitted to the hospital this past Thursday night, Aug. 17, with a reoccurrence of the internal bleeding that required him to be hospitalized over Memorial Day Weekend.

Doctors were able to intervene and monitor earlier in this instance, and Bishop Curry’s whole medical team is weighing the potential benefits and risks of surgery to remove his right adrenal gland and an attached mass, which appears to be the source of the internal bleeding. Please pray for the doctors’ discernment.

August 27

St. Mark's, Troy

September 3

St. Agatha's, DeFuniak Springs

September 6

Celebration of a New Ministry - St. Francis, Gulf Breeze (Christian Rabone)

September 8-10

Happening #61

September 10

St. Cyprian's, Pensacola

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.

Update your email preferences by clicking on the "Update Profile" link below.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE - due the Friday prior to the publication date.

SUBMIT AN EVENT - posted on our website as received.

Direct inquiries to communications@diocgc.org.