April 24, 2019
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.

Discipleship | Discernment | Development
Bishop Russell's message for the season of Easter
DIOCESAN NEWS
Using Science to Find the Faithful
by Jeffrey Peters, Esri
“We’re not going to think ourselves into the new way of being,” [Young] says. “We’re going to have to act, and we can only do that by connecting with other people who are thinking differently and seeing things differently than we are. [People who] help call us into action outside our status quo.”

Recently, the work and ministry of the Rev. Kammy Young, our canon missioner for development: evangelism and mission engagement, was highlighted in an article written for WhereNext Magazine which addresses the issue of declining attendance in faith-based organizations. By using technology generally reserved for businesses to find and retain customers, the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and the Episcopal Church are hoping to engage unreached populations, connect with people where they are and understand the needs of the community in a new way.

Young has been working alongside church leadership to find "new ways to serve and connect with the community at large, not just those who regularly attend services. And they see location science as a tool to help drive those connections."

Celebrate Beckwith Sunday on April 28
Each year, the last Sunday in April, we celebrate Beckwith Sunday to honor the ministry of the camp and its role in the life of our diocesan community. Bishop Russell has approved and encourages the use of the Beckwith Creed, the Beckwith Sunday Prayers of the People, and The Great Thanksgiving found at www.beckwithal.com/beckwith-sunday.

Parishioners are invited to dress in their Beckwith camp apparel and to post photos on social media using the hashtag #BeckwithSunday. 
What are convocations?
Convocations are subdivisions of the geographical area of our diocese, stretching from the west in Mobile, Alabama across the coast of the panhandle to the east to Apalachicola, Florida, and as far north as Eufaula, Alabama. There are five convocations headed by clergy who are invited to serve as deans by Bishop Russell. There are 62 churches, and three agencies which make up our five convocations. Click HERE or the image below to see the map and listing of churches by convocation, and their deans.
49th Annual Diocesan Convention Dates
We will be shortening our 49th Annual Diocesan Convention down to two days next year instead of our traditional three. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Friday, February 7- Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile.
WIDER CHURCH NEWS
The following is Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s statement on the violence in Sri Lanka:
The joy of Easter was mixed with grief following the dreadful attacks that morning on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, bombings that left hundreds dead and wounded. Our hearts ache for the all those who mourn this week, and as Episcopalians join with countless persons of good will I’m praying for the power of love to overcome the forces of hatred and violence. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercies of God, Rest In Peace.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
The Episcopal Church
United Thank Offering set to award $1,535,740.55 after the 2018 Ingathering
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering is set to award $1,535,740.55 in 2019, thanks to increased giving by people from across the church in 2018. UTO funds are granted on an annual basis to support mission across The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion. 

The UTO 2018 Ingathering reflects an increase in giving of $15,495.15 over the 2017 thank offerings. Fifty-three Episcopal dioceses increased their giving. For a complete breakdown in giving by Province and Diocese since 2000, please visit: https://unitedthankoffering.com/ingathering/.

DIOCESAN EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
Pete Burgess to be ordained deacon this Saturday, April 27
Please join us on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 S Ann St, Mobile, Ala., as Bishop Russell ordains Pete Burgess into the Sacred Order of Deacons.

Burgess attended seminary at Virginia Theological Seminary and will serve at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mobile, upon his ordination.
DISCIPLESHIP DAY - Register by Wednesday, May 1
Presented by the Congregational Enrichment Venture

Saturday, May 4 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Jude's, Niceville
Evangelism 101 is a not-so-basic training designed to introduce a fresh, humble, effective and Episcopal approach to the spiritual practice of evangelism. Facilitated by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers and members of the Episcopal Evangelism Team, this training includes a host of resources for understanding the Jesus Movement, redefining and reclaiming evangelism, organizing a revival, sharing our stories, walking the neighborhood, improving hospitality, and more. Join us as we seek, name, and celebrate Jesus' loving presence in the stories of all people.

There will be a unified morning program, then two separate afternoon programs. All attendees will be able to take advantage of each program.

Event is free. Lunch will be provided. Donations accepted.

Registration is required. Everyone is welcome.

Upcoming Cursillo
Thursday, May 9-Sunday, May 12 | Beckwith

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.

WORKSHOP | Becoming Beloved Community: Racial Reconciliation Sacred Conversations

Saturday, May 11 | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | St. Andrew's, Panama City
Join us for an interactive workshop which will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. 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 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. There is no fee to participate but it requires the commitment to be engaged the full day. Limited to not more than 30 participants.

Beckwith Summer Camp Schedule
Registration is open and sessions are beginning to fill. 

  • Sr. High (9th-12th Grade): June 2-6 $400
  • Leaders-in-Training (LIT): June 6-7 $160
  • Session 1 (6th-8th Grade): June 9-14 $480
  • Session 2 (3rd-5th Grade): June 16-21 $480
  • Session 3 (7th-9th Grade): June 23-28 ​$480
  • Special Ministries: June 30-July 3
  • Session 5 (5th & 6th Grade): July 7-12 ​$480
  • Session 6 (6th & 7th Grade): July 14-19 ​$480
  • Session 7 (3rd & 4th Grade): July 21-25 $340
  • Family Camp (1st Grade+): July 26-28 $240 for 1 child & 1 adult; $48 per additional adult, $96 per additional child, or $144 per additional 1 child & 1 adult

CHURCH & COMMUNITY EVENTS
BISHOP RUSSELL'S VISITATION CALENDAR ( click here for full calendar)
April 24
  • Vocational Discernment Event, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile

April 27
  • Ordination to the Diaconate, All Saints, Mobile

April 28
  • Visitation, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile

April 29-May 1
  • Gathering of Leaders

May 4
  • Discipleship Day presented by the Congregational Enrichment Venture

May 5
  • Visitation, Christ Church, Pensacola
  • Vocational Discernment Event, Duvall Center, Pensacola
CYCLE OF PRAYER ( click here for full calendar )
Please join your prayers with others in our common witness as the Episcopal Church in the Central Gulf Coast
April 28
Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile

May 5
St. Monica's, Cantonment
April 28
Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton, FL

May 5
Walton Correctional Institution, DeFuniak Springs, FL
Also keep in your prayers all of those who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael. Reliefs efforts are still ongoing and will be for sometime. Please consider making a donation. DONATE.
IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS...
A newsletter for youth ministry leaders
Bishop Russell's Blog
A newsletter for church
leadership
How to submit items for publication in the Coastline
Use this form to: SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY


Due dates for submission are the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month. The Coastline will be published on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email communications@diocgc.org.

The next Coastline   will publish on Wednesday, May 8. The due date for article submissions is Friday, May 3, at noon.