NEWS & STORIES

My name is Joanna Seibert and I am beginning my 18th year as a deacon licensed in the dioceses of Arkansas and the Central Gulf Coast. When I overheard a friend talking about the deacon formation program that started in Arkansas in the late 1990s, I immediately knew, “this is who I am.” Deacons at their ordination take a vow “in the name of Jesus Christ to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. “ (Book of Common Prayer, 543) My first s

"As you get ready to move into the Book of Acts, take a little bit of time to remember the path that you've walked. What story in the Gospel of Luke have you discovered in a new way? What encounter has deepened your faith? And what moment in these past few weeks did you find your own eyes open to the presence of God in a new way?" Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 22-24, the seventh week's reading from The Good Book Club. #News #goodbookclub #Lent #bishop

"What keeps you from recognizing the presence and power of God that might be visiting you? How do you stay awake to the goodness of God in a world that is so seemingly full of bad news? How might these readings challenge you to more deeply seek and serve Christ in this world?" Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 18-22, the sixth week's reading from The Good Book Club. #bishop #goodbookclub #Lent #News

"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen." Book of Common Prayer, pg 134. We were on a family rotation of every three hours at her bedside. We were the workers, the watchers, the weepers. We were weary. And she was dying. Someone r

"Look at each parable and consider how, and where, and when does it reveal something of this kingdom of God that is unlike the world. How does it reveal something of God's very yearning for your life and my life? How does it reveal something of God himself? The clue will be when you see something that surprises you or turns the world upside-down - it might be a way in which you see more like a child." Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 15 - 18, the fifth week's reading from The

"Strive first for the kingdom of God...this week as you go through the readings, write down some of the reactions and responses of the people around Jesus. Jot down some notes as to what Jesus is trying to tell us about what it means to be a disciple. When do these words comfort you and when do his words confront you? In other words, don't fast forward. Indeed the challenge maybe to read some of these words more than once; for if we believe what we pray - that God's kingdom w

Who is Jesus for you? Where, when, how has he traveled along with you in your life? Was he a miracle worker, a teacher, a healer? Did he raise you from the dead, or was he a companion along the way? How has his identity affected your own identity as his disciple? Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 8-11, the third week's reading from The Good Book Club. #diocese #goodbookclub #bishop #Lent #News

Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 5-7, the second week's reading from The Good Book Club. "How do these chapters of Jesus' ministry affect and guide your public ministry?" #goodbookclub #bishop #Lent #News

Bishop Russell reflects on Luke 1 - 4, the first week of readings for The Good Book Club. As you work your way through these first few chapters, I want to leave you with an image to ponder - that is to listen to the sermons and the songs and the sounds. Let your imagination go and ask yourself, "What is the musical melody of each of these stories?" and "What is the song in your own soul at this time in your life?" #News #Lent #bishop #goodbookclub

The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has joined The Good Book Club to read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts this Lent through Easter. Journey with us! Visit www.goodbookclub.org to learn more, sign-up, and discover all types of resources. The Good Book Club is an initiative of Forward Movement. Sally Crenshaw from Holy Trinity in Pensacola is our diocesan coordinator. If you would like to learn more about how to bring The Good Book Club to your parish, conta