NEWS & STORIES

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

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 E

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 publi

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 polit