March 27, 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
DIOCESAN NEWS
The Rev. Jeff Garner retires from Holy Spirit, Gulf Shores
As Angela and I were stationed in Montgomery at Maxwell AFB where I was teaching advanced degrees at Command & Staff and War College, we found ourselves enjoying the worship and many other social/spiritual growth opportunities at St. John's in the capital city. A "cradle Episcopalian," I became deeply involved as a chalice bearer and lector; and experienced many new thoughts that challenged my previous understanding of scripture and theology while participating in Education for Ministry (EfM). I also became very involved with the parish's youth group - eventually becoming a co-mentor. In my military career, I had many opportunities to witness first hand of the suffering and turmoil occurring in our world; and, though trained as a warrior, found myself pondering where and how I could make a difference for God in my years after retirement. 

COMMUNITY NEWS
Mobile priest takes on new role as volunteer chaplain for police and firefighters
[From the monthly newsletter of St. John's, Mobile] I have a confession to make: I’ve taken on a responsibility outside of my parish. Bishop Russell knows because I had to ask him to write a letter confirming my position in the diocese and recommending me. I know of only two other priests in the diocese that are also doing this work. What are we doing? We are working as volunteer chaplains for our respective Department of Public Safety divisions.

The Alabama attorney general convened a group of clergy in Mobile to discuss the opioid epidemic. There were presenters from several agencies, talking about the extent of the problem, its history, and current efforts to curb its continued growth. It was a great seminar, and I met a number of other Mobile clergy.

WIDER CHURCH NEWS
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls for Good Friday Offering 
to support ministry in Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
“The Good Friday Offering of our Church is one way to help connect the love of Christ on the cross with our support of the ongoing ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East,” Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry wrote to the bishops and clergy of The Episcopal Church. “Whether funding a hospital in Gaza or the West Bank, or an eye clinic in Aden, or women’s programs, or summer camps and leadership training for young people, the Good Friday Offering is making a difference in the lives of so many.”
 
In his Good Friday letter, Presiding Bishop Curry asks each Bishop and congregation to consider providing assistance for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
 
“I believe our partnership with those who keep the faith of Jesus alive in the region, where our Lord walked and began his movement, is a significant aspect of our work as part of the church catholic,” he wrote. 
 
Information, including bulletin covers and bulletin inserts on the Good Friday Offering, is available here.  
 
For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, Episcopal Church Middle East Partnership Officer, redmunds@episcopalchurch.org. 
DIOCESAN EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
RESOURCE | For Lent
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.

EVENT | Pilgrimage to Montgomery's EJI's National Memorial
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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.

Accordingly, we provide transportation and you bring your own lunch/snacks and buy your own admission tickets ($10) in advance. The day's schedule can be found on both the registration (for transportation only) and event flyer links below.

EVENT | Spring Assembly of The Order of the Daughters of the King®
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.

Questions? Contact Beth Moore at bethcmoore@bellsouth.net.

RETREAT | Clergy Spouse Retreat
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.

WORKSHOP | Becoming Beloved Community - Sacred Conversations
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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.

To learn more, DOWNLOAD THE FLYER >>


Visit the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation WEBPAGE>>
DISCIPLESHIP DAY
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.


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)
March 31
Visitation - AM, St. Simon's, Ft. Walton Beach
Visitation - PM, St. Agatha's, DeFuniak Springs

April 7
Visitation, St. James, Fairhope
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
March 31
St. John's, Mobile, AL

April 7
Murray House Assisted Living Residence, Mobile, AL
March 31
Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, FL

April 7
Jackson Correctional Institution, Malone, FL & Jackson Juvenile Offender Correctional Center, Marianna, 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, April 10. The due date for article submissions is Friday, April 5, at noon.