<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast]]></title><description><![CDATA[diocgc]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/news-and-stories</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 14:28:04 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.diocgc.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Stewarding the Time Given: Finding Redemption in the Present]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 favorite in much...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/stewarding-the-time-given-finding-redemption-in-the-present</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a037254618ba45174fd3de4</guid><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 18:43:29 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Senior Warden Day]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 Submission Guidelines]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-senior-warden-day</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a03589b68a3e7adcb131f99</guid><category><![CDATA[Senior Warden Day]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 16:58:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_1cd9a508a0334e7fa675f49d37b15c3a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Congregation in Transition: St. Mary's by the Sea, Coden]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/congregation-in-transition-st-mary-s-by-the-sea-coden</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fb9e808a769b9e6e00e09b</guid><category><![CDATA[Transitions]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 20:11:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_487170b43345418cbc83de2e01c346ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_720,h_960,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Earth Day Message from Bishop Russell]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 creatures of every kind....]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-earth-day-message-from-bishop-russell</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e911ca25a9c96f142aaace</guid><category><![CDATA[Integrity of Creation]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:34:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://youtu.be/8Hft3pXW7DM" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Scholarship Opportunity for Fall 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 contact Diocesan...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/scholarship-opportunity-for-fall-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d7eb94c55f668b53079f53</guid><category><![CDATA[Youth]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:12:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_ae89aa4f5e924628b7be18459f783c0b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_900,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Easter Message from Bishop Russell]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 about four...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-easter-message-from-bishop-russell</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ce9077535e7bcd26982c38</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_a87ac86908be4945b876f404fd3b4b43~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_738,h_414,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keeping Watch: Prayers of Lament and Hope]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 diocese are...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/keeping-watch-prayers-of-lament-and-hope</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bd4c5bd037c0f2a949944d</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:22:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_c616d572636a401abb47054f32fa2e8e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_534,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nominations Sought for Canon Review Committee]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 Diocese of the...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/canon-review-committee</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ab4a9d6a10107e67a2c810</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:48:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_c8337515e3c0432297ad1e2c014cbc0c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_534,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Walking the Way of Creation]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the highlights of the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention  was a new liturgy developed especially for the convention, entitled "Walking the Way of Creation," which was held outside on the beach and concurrently inside in the main convention meeting room. The outside event ended at the shoreline near sunset. The diocesan Youth Delegation led the indoor Way of Creation! Many participants indicated that they wish to use the Way of Creation at their own churches, perhaps for Earth Day or...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/walking-the-way-of-creation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a8a03359c2d6395a44c5f1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:46:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_28ecf4cec1054b2fb96f38579ce7bc01~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Annual Diocesan Convention Summary]]></title><description><![CDATA[Held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach and hosted by St. Francis of Assisi, Gulf Breeze, February 27-28, 2026 Theme: Let There Be Light Main Convention Page: www.diocgc.org/2026-diocesan-convention   Convention Materials Convention Booklet Worship Bulletin Walking the Way of Creation Liturgy Reports to Convention Bishop's Address Download text version  Presentations to the Convention Written reports of the oral presentations by the various agencies and organizations will be published in the 2026...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-annual-diocesan-convention-summary</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a8978a59c2d6395a44aef6</guid><category><![CDATA[Diocesan Convention]]></category><category><![CDATA[2026 Diocesan Convention]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:10:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_1b34b50525b54c75b86d9279ca18f31f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Bishop's Address]]></title><description><![CDATA[55 th  ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION BISHOP’S ADDRESS THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE CENTRAL GULF COAST THE RT. REV. J. RUSSELL KENDRICK 27 February 2026     Good morning. So I was told some time ago that a homily was a short sermon. This is not going to be a homily, but I promise it will not be longer than 1 hour and 47 minutes.   This is my eleventh address as your bishop. Eleven years. Years that have included hurricanes, a global pandemic, institutional strain, and now a political climate that...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-bishop-s-address</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a24a4c3a2716aeb21888fc</guid><category><![CDATA[2026 Diocesan Convention]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:54:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_28aeb9a9b14c41c28cfd3f869769ade0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_737,h_413,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Our Partnership with Al Ahli Hospital]]></title><description><![CDATA[Authored by The Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW Since October 7, 2023, I have witnessed with profound dismay and deep sadness the progressive destruction of the Gaza Strip and the shocking death of a staggering 64,000 children, including at least 1,000 babies. Overall, out of the approximately 2.2 million people living in the Gaza Strip in July 2023, an estimated 67,075 people have been killed and169,430 injured. Early in the war, I registered for as many Zoom interviews with Archbishop Hosam...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/our-partnership-with-al-ahli-hospital</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699cefd8f1d815afdb2133ba</guid><category><![CDATA[Global Mission Engagement]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:32:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_a3bd6514663544deaf58c036029b2491~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_678,h_455,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Study Material for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention]]></title><description><![CDATA[Complete Study Material Packet Below are the individual documents included in the Study Material for the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention. All delegates should review the Study Material in its entirety prior to the convention. Should you have any questions, please contact Jenn Roberts at jenn@diocgc.org . Printed Materials will be available at the convention. Study Material Bishop's Memo and Important Details Schedule of Events and Convention Agenda Youth, Lay, and Alternate Delegates Clergy...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/study-material-for-the-55th-annual-diocesan-convention</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698e410efa83b7028356a6cb</guid><category><![CDATA[2026 Diocesan Convention]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:26:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_e3a27560005945efadfae306c2154a9b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Black History Month at Good Shepherd, Mobile, AL]]></title><description><![CDATA[by Kris Branch, member of Church of the Good Shepherd, Mobile Pictured: Front Row (L-R) – Georgia Kennedy, Louise Butler, Daisy Branch, Julie Cox, Ykenna Edwards, Dr. Angenia Clark, Joan Duggins, Vera Finley. Second Row –(L-R)  Kris Branch, Angelica Howard, Andrew Howard, Elizabeth Schlosser, Rev. Ken Cumbie, Tyra Lancaster, Rodney Duggins. Photographer – Mr. Edward Brewster Each Sunday during the month of February, Good Shepherd joyfully celebrates Black History Month by honoring our rich...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/celebrating-black-history-month-at-good-shepherd-mobile-al</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698cc3670e15f11823ce0e14</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:14:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_c29635b7aa5e4f3a917f3a0b05cbdeae~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Liturgical Seasons]]></title><description><![CDATA[Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Greenville, AL Rev. Linda Suzanne C. Borgen In Genesis 1:14 God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years…” God created a seasonal rhythm as one of His first acts of creation. As part of God’s creation, we participate in this rhythm, and as followers of Jesus, we observe seasons through the symbols of our worship as we remember the seasons of Jesus’ life and...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/the-liturgical-seasons</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b9cedd471d728ee6caf53</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:58:35 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Call to Prayerful Discernment Online Prayer Vigil]]></title><description><![CDATA[Download the liturgy In a pastoral message  given at the end of January, Bishop Russell called for prayerful discernment, asking individuals and congregations to observe an hour of prayer on Monday, February 2, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This video is the recording of the online prayer vigil offered by Bishop Russell and diocesan staff members.]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/a-call-to-prayerful-discernment-online-prayer-vigil</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698bee793faa9e439bf00ee4</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:52:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://youtu.be/okc-Bz9_yZI" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Black History Month: Why Celebrate]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Joe McDaniel, Jr. and Valerie Mitchell, co-chairs of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast February’s designation as Black History Month invites intentional reflection and celebration. As the interracial co-chairs of the Diocese’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, we offer our perspectives on why Black history must be honored. While our viewpoints are shaped by our respective backgrounds – Valerie Mitchell, a...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/black-history-month-why-celebrate</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b92bb0a33f86ef415f0b8</guid><category><![CDATA[Racial Justice & Reconciliation]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:50:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_69a095d097544dca86d0b8eecfdd68db~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_898,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Pre-Convention Meeting Recording]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Pre-Convention Meeting was held on Zoom on Sunday, February 1. Presentation slides]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/2026-pre-convention-meeting-recording</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6980eabd423a54390b97cc3e</guid><category><![CDATA[2026 Diocesan Convention]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:28:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_e3a27560005945efadfae306c2154a9b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Meginniss memorial included in new WWII exhibits in the state’s Museum of Alabama]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Steve Murray and Albert Kennington     The Museum of Alabama at the state’s Department of Archives and History is dedicated to telling the stories of Alabamians throughout history, using records and artifacts to connect today’s visitors with the experiences of those in the past. Prominent in this telling has been the service of Alabama men and women in uniform, both within the state’s borders and around the world.   Following years of planning and five months of construction, the Museum...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/meginniss-memorial-included-in-new-wwii-exhibits-in-the-state-s-museum-of-alabama</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697a4e4bb3cf8ba238461659</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:09:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_13fb1862ab34408585a63d1432e28d8d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pre-filed General Resolution to the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention]]></title><description><![CDATA[January 28, 2026 MEMORANDUM To:  All Rectors, Vicars, and Priests and Senior Wardens in charge of congregations From : Bishop Russell Kendrick Reference:  Pre-filed General Resolutions to the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention Rule VI of the Rules of Order of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast states that “…pre-filed resolutions shall be distributed to each congregation within the Diocese no later than thirty (30) days prior to the first day of each Convention”. Included with this memorandum...]]></description><link>https://www.diocgc.org/post/pre-filed-general-resolution-to-the-55th-annual-diocesan-convention</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697a36ebff1fc7c003323558</guid><category><![CDATA[2026 Diocesan Convention]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:20:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4525a9_e3a27560005945efadfae306c2154a9b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Post</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>