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
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This week Bishop Russell is attending the House of Bishops annual spring meeting at Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Read below for the Episcopal News Service's summary of the gathering.
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House of Bishops opens spring meeting with exploration of the Way of Love
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service – Hendersonville, North Carolina] The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops has begun a four-day deep dive into the Way of Love, which Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls a rule of life for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
Curry explained to the house that the idea for the Way of Love, an intentional commitment to follow Jesus and adopt a set of practices, including turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go and rest, grew out of a meeting of a group of bishops, clergy and laypeople he called together to consider how to help Episcopalians keep Jesus at the center of their lives and at the center of the church.
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In case you missed it...
We posted our Diocesan Convention wrap-up in our last edition of the
Coastline, but you can get caught up by
CLICKING HERE.
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Life Together in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
by the Rev. Kammy Young
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Together – it’s the first word in our diocesan mission statement: “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.”
Recently Dr. Greg Garrett, a noted author and professor, spoke to our 48th Annual Diocesan Convention on the theme of "Life Together." Garrett invited us to break out into small groups and discuss a series of questions centered around our Life Together.
As I read through and listened to the discussions, the hard and essential work of following Jesus and getting involved in what God is doing didn’t seem quite so hard…it seemed like a natural extension of who we are and all we love!
Thanks to all who participated, we have good news to share about Life Together in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Here are just a few highlights that small groups shared about what they would want a stranger to know about us that might be life-giving:
“No matter what you’ve done, you can’t erase God’s love; every individual is a part of God’s team.”
“A lot of churches say everyone is welcome, but they mean ‘as long as you fit like us.’ Everyone is welcome not only to be here but to be who you are here.”
“God is love and will not leave you or forsake you; there is no fear in love; there is hope and a future; and you get to start over every week in the general confession!”
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During Lent there are many resources available to help you add a spiritual practice to your daily life, and The Episcopal Church has gathered many different options to use. Find one that calls to you.
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Report on the School for Ministry
by the Rev. Dr. Joy Blaylock, dean of the School for Ministry
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We are now half-way through year two of studies in the School for Ministry using the Iona Curriculum from the Seminary of the Southwest as our guide.
The main focus of year two has been on Church History. We have had many instructors who have given of their time and expertise and who will do so in the future: the Rev. Walter Kindergan, the Rev. Christine Hord, the Rev. Thack Dyson, and the Rev. Dr. Joy Blaylock.
The other corollary subjects that have been taught this year include: Liturgical History (the Rev. Albert Pruitt), Pastoral Care (the Rev. Thomas Nixon and the Rev. Dr. Joy Blaylock), Homiletics (the Rev. Dr. Cindy Howard and the Rt. Rev. J. Russell Kendrick), Leadership/Systems Theory (the Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepard), and New Testament (Mr. LaBron Chance).
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Victor and Our Mission in Zambia
by the Rev. Deacon Clelia Garrity, St. Simon's on the Sound, Ft. Walton Beach
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Victor Chimfwembe was born on November 15, 1986 in Zaire – now the Congo DR. Victor was abandoned at birth and received no care for the first four days of his life. He was found in the streets by a nurse who took him in and cared for him for the next four years. During that time, the nurse and her family immigrated to Zambia, and Victor's name was changed from Kanyinda Wanzolu Nsendula Lwakuma to Victor Chimfwembe.
Victor's adoptive family experienced a great deal of domestic violence – at one point Victor was stabbed during a family altercation – and by the time he was nine years old, Victor had been turned out into the streets, where he became one of the many abandoned street children of Zambia.
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Sharing the Light of Christ with the World: A Liturgical Practice for Any Season
by the Rev. Mary Alice Mathison, Grace and St. Thomas churches, Panama City Beach
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For season of Epiphany we did things a little differently at the end of our services at Grace and St. Thomas. Instead of doing the blessing and dismissal inside our church, we immediately processed out after the post communion prayer, followed the cross straight out the doors, and offered our blessing and dismissal outside. At Grace, we were visible to travelers along Highway 98; and at St. Thomas, neighbors could hear us singing the final hymn.
This all started after hearing a story from the Rev. Mike Michie, the Episcopal Church’s head of church planting infrastructure (meaning he does work with church planting and redevelopment).
Mike shared at clergy conference, the following: "There was a church that was closing, and in their final service the bishop processed the congregation out the doors. In the final blessing he told the people as they faced out into the world, 'This is now your parish.'"
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Digital Evangelism: A Success Story
by Michelle Crawford, St. Jude's, Niceville
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We all know that Episcopalians are leery of the word “evangelism.” When most of us hear it, we picture someone asking complete strangers if they know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and handing out tracts. But we’re learning that there are other ways to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ,” as we promise to do in our baptismal covenant. One of these ways is through the use of social media. This is a method that particularly appeals to the more introverted among us, who spend a lot of time talking to friends and acquaintances online but not necessarily in person.
Digital evangelism is something I’ve tried to do for years, before I knew there was a word for it. As Facebook manager for my church, I’ve been mindful of creating share-worthy posts that will intrigue page visitors into wanting to find out more. On my personal page I frequently share these posts along with checking-in at church, posting pictures of my kids there, and sharing additional content from pages like Episcopal Church Memes and the official page of the Episcopal Church. I like to share what makes the Episcopal Church different, because that’s what I love about it.
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Immanuel hosts StorySharing event
by Jan Ingram, Immanuel, Bay Minette
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“Warm, wonderful, caring.” Those are a few of the words participants used to describe a StorySharing event for Immanuel Episcopal Church in Bay Minette, AL. I was chosen by Immanuel to be our evangelism catalyst and decided to invite the neighbors in my cul-de-sac. I made Valentine-themed invitations to the special night and hand delivered them. The event was held at a popular steak and seafood restaurant the week of Valentine’s Day.
Nine neighbors braved the rainy evening to enjoy good food and to share their own personal stories of love. I explained the purpose of the dinner citing Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Royal Wedding address and his efforts to promote love through his books and sermons. Most attendees had heard of the “Love Preacher.” The participants expressed a desire to know and “love their neighbors” and be a part of a better community.
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Beckwith Summer Camp Schedule
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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
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DIOCESAN EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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EVENT | A Talk by Civil Rights Leader Bob Zellner
Sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church and the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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Wednesday, March 20 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | All Saints Episcopal Church
All Saints Episcopal Church and the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation invite you to a talk by civil rights leader Bob Zellner
6 p.m. Lenten Service in Main Church
6:30 p.m. Meal in Stirling Hall
7 p.m. Address by Mr. Zellner in Stirling Hall
All are welcome. Meal and service not required.
If joining for meal, please RSVP to 251-438-2490 or office@allsaintsmobile.org
Bob Zellner is an influential leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He is the son and grandson of Ku Klux Klan members, but he has risked his life in the fight for equality. Mr. Zellner was an organizer of the Freedom Riders of 1961 and was the first white southerner to serve as Field Secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He has worked alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, Rosa Parks and many other civil rights leaders. He is now the individual that a new generation turns to with questions.
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WORKSHOP | Outreach and Stewardship
Presented by the Congregational Enrichment Venture (CEV) team
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Saturday, March 23 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Jude's, Niceville
The Congregational Enrichment Venture team would like to invite you to attend this all day workshop focused on exploring new and creative ways to further the Kingdom of God, not merely to survive but to be a vital and viable congregation. Church teams of two or more people are encouraged. Cost is $50 per church team.
There will be two presenters at the March 23 event:
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OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
led by the Rev. Hendree Harrison
from the Diocese of Kentucky
Dwelling on the Word on Outreach
What does outreach look like?
Ways to reach out to and be more involved in your community
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STEWARDSHIP
led by the Rev. Reid McCormick
from the Diocese of Central Florida
Dwelling on the Word on Stewardship
Stewardship as a way of life
Ways to practice stewardship: Consecration Sunday and Project Resource
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EVENT | Pilgrimage to Montgomery's EJI's National Memorial
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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Saturday, March 30 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Equal Justice Initiative's National Memorial for Peace & Justice
The Commission for Racial Justice & Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is hosting a pilgrimage to Montgomery, AL visiting the
Equal Justice Initiative‘s National Memorial for Peace & Justice and the Legacy Museum. The cost for transportation, in a luxury, air-conditioned, restroom equipped motor coach, has been paid for by patrons who support the Commission’s work. Depart and return: Christ Church Pensacola.
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EVENT | Spring Assembly of The Order of the Daughters of the King
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Saturday, March 30 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Simon's on the Sound, Ft. Walton Beach
"Be Still and Know..." from Psalm 46 will be the theme for The Order of the Daughters of the King Spring Assembly. Bishop Russell Kendrick will be the celebrant and homilist at the Eucharist and Province IV president, Dr. Jane Searcy, will be the keynote speaker. All Daughters of the King and those interested in knowing more about the Order are invited. Details are included in the Registration Form.
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RETREAT | Clergy Spouse Retreat
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Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 | Beckwith
Clergy spouses in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast are invited to join Robin Kendrick for a weekend of rest, renewal, and fellowship. Activities will include yoga, pour painting, waterfront activities, nature walks, and social time. We are planning for a fun event off property Saturday afternoon - stay tuned for the details. Click the registration link for schedule.
Cost varies. Contact Beckwith with questions at 251-928-7844.
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WORKSHOP | Becoming Beloved Community - Sacred Conversations
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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Saturday, April 6 | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | St. Christopher's, Pensacola
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.
The event is limited to not more than thirty (30) participants. There is no fee to participate but it requires the commitment to be engaged the full day.
Visit the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
WEBPAGE>>
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CHURCH & COMMUNITY EVENTS
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March 16
March 20
March 23
March 27
March 30
March 31
April 2
April 3
April 6
April 10
Now through April 5
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March 11-16
Spring House of Bishops
March 17
Visitation - AM, Holy Nativity, Panama City
Visitation - PM, St. Patrick's, Panama City
March 24
Visitation - AM, St. Mark's, Troy
Visitation - PM, St. Michael's, Ozark
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Please join your prayers with others in our common witness as the Episcopal Church in the Central Gulf Coast
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March 17
St. Christopher's, Pensacola
March 24
Chapel of St. Dismas, Atmore
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March 17
Graceville Correctional Facility, Graceville
March 24
Gulf Correctional Facility, Wewahitchka
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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.
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A newsletter for youth ministry leaders
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A newsletter for church
leadership
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How to submit items for publication in the
Coastline
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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.
The next
Coastline
will publish on Wednesday, March 27 . The due date for article submissions is Friday, March 22, at noon.
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