NEWS & STORIES

Fourteen awesome youth from St. Christopher's EYC along with the Rev. Nick Phares, associate rector; Joe Taylor, Christian education minister; Michelle Haskew, parish administrator, and myself traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, at the end of July for our annual summer trip to serve in various capacities. During the week our teens spent time tutoring and mentoring children at Sparkle, painting homes, serving the elderly, and working at a local clothing and food distribution cen

St. John’s in Pensacola staged it very first WOW! Worship on White Island! In celebration of St. John the Baptist, the members of the parish gathered on the warm white sands of this tiny little island, White Island, which forms the entry to Bayou Grande, in Warrington, Florida. Thirty three souls celebrated the Holy Eucharist and three dogs were blessed. We were ferried to the island on pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and ski boats. Our very own Rev. Christie Hord made her entr

It was hot! The kind of hot and humid that you can see in the waves coming off the pavement... so hot it took your breath away when you stepped outside. This was the day for our feast celebration, Peter, Paul and Be Merry, to celebrate the lives and ministries of the saints Peter and Paul with our sister churches. The travelers in our progressive picnic began with a rich variety of appetizers, the delicious smell welcoming us into the parish hall of St. Peter's in Bon Secour.

In each of the last few years, Ryan Gillikan, junior warden of Immanuel Church, Bay Minette, and the local representative of Episcopal Relief and Development, has come up with a new, fun-filled, and productive way for parishioners to support ERD in Lent. Sometimes, she and the vicar, the Rev. Albert Kennington, do some friendly sparring about the goal. All is well, because ERD always wins. Perhaps only southern gentlemen in our politically correct Episcopal Church could h

"What made you sad/angry?" What bright spot have you found?" Several days following the devastating forces of Hurricane Michael, Katie Mears from Episcopal Relief and Development came to St. Andrew’s, Panama City. We sat around in the heat in the garage of the rectory - our “command post” - and talked about the overwhelming emotional surge that was happening in our parish. Katie suggested we give folks a forum to express their feelings, so among the first things we did was

The Rev. Jeff and Angela Garner are preparing for new adventures during their retired life. Photo credit: Jeff Garner. 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

For season of Epiphany we did things a little differently at the end of our services at Grace and St. Thomas. Instead of doing the blessing and dismissal inside our church, we immediately processed out after the post communion prayer, followed the cross straight out the doors, and offered our blessing and dismissal outside. At Grace, we were visible to travelers along Highway 98; and at St. Thomas, neighbors could hear us singing the final hymn. This all started after hearing

Above: St. Jude's bake sale for hurricane relief was supported by parishioners of all ages. (Photo by Michelle Crawford) The Community Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events on Niceville, Florida’s calendar. Thousands of people line the streets to watch the dozens of floats, marching bands, and groups walking in the parade and throwing candy. St. Jude’s Episcopal Church is located directly on the parade route, providing a unique opportunity for outreach and evangelism.

In March of this year, St. Andrew’s, Panama City welcomed a new ministry into their education building. The LGBTQ Center of Bay County (The Center) or more lovingly called “Room 6” operates the only youth program of its kind in the Panhandle of Florida, and St. Andrew's was more than honored to provide the space needed. The Center has created a “safe place” where diversity is celebrated, and all people are respected, valued and affirmed, inclusive of their sexual orientatio

It was a red, white and blue supper club at St. James Eufaula, on Saturday, June 16. An emotional flag retirement ceremony was held where many parish members remembered relatives and friends who were veterans. Everyone then enjoyed an All-American dinner of hamburgers and hotdogs with blueberry cobbler and apple pie a la mode for desert. Following dinner the group sang patriotic songs like "America the Beautiful," "This Land is My Land," "God Bless America" and many more. Tha