NEWS & STORIES

The Rev. David Clothier, EfM Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast Education for Ministry (EfM) offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith, connect Christian tradition with daily life, and grow in your ability to live out your baptismal calling. Through mentor-guided study, theological reflection, and small-group discussion, participants gain a richer understanding of Scripture, theology, and the Church's tradition while discerning how God is a

From the Rev. Joy Blaylock, PhD, Dean of the School for Ministry I have begun to get inquiries about our Lay School options for next year, so I want to share some pertinent information. The School for Lay Ministry offers five tracks: pastoral care leader, worship leader, preacher, catechist, and evangelist. You can find the application and a detailed description of each track here on our diocesan website: https://www.diocgc.org/_files/ugd/4525a9_b72707a49302441c83d5db419cb98

By the Rev. Dr. Brent Norris, Standing Committee president At the 55th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of the Gulf Coast, delegates passed a resolution to begin revising the diocese's canons to better guide the Church's work and mission in our present context. The resolution required that the bishop and Standing Committee invite nominations for lay and clergy members to serve on the committee and to assemble the committee in a way that reflects, as much as possible

Written by Joe McDaniel, Jr. On April 12, during Bishop Kendrick’s visit to Christ Church, Pensacola, he quoted from Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" in his sermon. To paraphrase, Frodo says he wishes the Ring had never come to him and that none of these events had happened. Gandalf answers that many who live to see such dark times feel the same, but people cannot choose the times they live in — they can only decide what to do with the time they are given. That passage is a

Our 2026 Senior Warden Day was held on Saturday, May 9, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Below are the various handouts given that supported the presentations. Bishop Russell's Presentation Handouts: Canon Ashley Freeman's Presentation Handouts: Dwight Babcock's Presentation Handouts: Links: Vestry Resource Guide Emergency Preparedness Safeguarding Racial Justice and Reconciliation Training Jenn Roberts' Presentation Handouts: Link: Article S

Status: In process; starting transition Contact: The Rev. Ashley Freeman, Canon to the Ordinary, at ashley@diocgc.org with inquiries. Location: 4875 Hwy 188, Coden, AL 36523

Today is Earth Day. If you forgot, that’s all right. I nearly did too. It can be one of those annual observances that gets buried by headlines, calendars, and the pace of ordinary life. And yet, perhaps this year more than many years, a moment to pause and remember the gift of creation might be exactly what we need. After all, this is where the story begins. “In the beginning…” Let there be light. Let there be sky. Let there be land and sea. Let there be plants and creatur

We are excited to announce that applications for the Episcopal Diocese Scholarship Program for the fall of 2026 are now open. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of our youth, we will once again offer scholarships to students entering post-secondary education this coming fall. Details regarding eligibility criteria, application, and deadlines are provided in the application linked below - due June 16. If you have any questions, please cont

2026 Easter Message from Bishop Russell [text]: About ten days ago, on Tuesday, I was on my way home from Texas, where the annual gathering of the House of Bishops had met. The journey home began with a two-hour shuttle ride from the camp to the airport, a ride that usually takes only one hour. It was not a good way to start the day, and as I was about to learn, it was a sign of things to come. Our destination was the Houston airport, where TSA wait times were running at abou

Join us for a diocesan-wide online prayer service, "Keeping Watch: Prayers of Lament and Hope," on Monday, March 30, at 6 p.m. on Zoom , as we gather in unity with Episcopalians across the church for a special vigil. Rooted in the invitation of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe , Bishop Russell will lead us through a service that offers a sacred space to pray for the continued conversion of our hearts and for God's blessing on our witness as we enter Holy Week. Churches across the

A Season of Renewal: Nominations Sought for The Committee to Review the Terminology and Canons of the Diocese At the 55th Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, the Convention adopted a resolution establishing a Committee to Review the Terminology and Canons of the Diocese. This resolution invites us into a season of prayerful renewal—an opportunity to reflect on how our governing documents serve the mission to which Christ calls us. The Canons of the D