Around the Diocese
               E-news from the Episcopal Diocese
                                of the Central Gulf Coast

                                                     June 11, 2010

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Guidelines for Submission to AROUND THE DIOCESE

Around the Diocese is an e-newsletter for clergy, lay leaders, members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. The newsletter takes the place of The COASTLINE, the former printed copy of the diocesan newspaper.

We welcome submissions that have a connection to the ministry of parishes and ministries of the diocese and/or the approval of a diocesan commission, agency or department.

Please be sure to include:
WHAT:  Headline
WHAT & WHY: Paragraph
WHEN: Day, Date, Time
WHERE: Name of place
CONTACT: Name, Email, Telephone, Website

If your submission is an event announcement, don't forget COST and DEADLINE, if applicable. 


Please submit your entry by email to
coastline@diocgc.org.

A photo or graphic may be included as an attachment (jpg format, please) Please state the name of the person who took the photo(s) so photo credit will be given.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon.

Email Cindy McCrory at coastline@diocgc.org or call 251-279-8416 (Coastline office)
fax: 866-397-2246


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Greetings!

The Rev. Thack Dyson, rector of St. Paul's, Daphne, wrote a reflection in the parish newsletter I wish to share with you...


From The Tentmaker, St. Pauls', Daphne, newsletter

A Message from Thack
The spiritual discipline of self-examination has been on my mind a lot in recent weeks. Interestingly, it came to mind as I reflected on the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Like many of you, I was both angered and saddened by this environmental disaster. My initial anger was directed at BP and others who failed to have adequate safeguards in place to prevent such a catastrophe. I was saddened for three reasons. First, I grieve for the eleven employees who lost their lives in the explosion on the rig and for their families. Second, I grieve for the pollution of the Gulf waters and the effect this will have on animal and aquatic life. Finally, I am saddened for those who depend on the Gulf of Mexico for their livelihood. As I said, my initial anger was directed at BP and its associates.

It was then I did some honest self examination. In this context, self-examination is a spiritual practice that challenges us to take an objective look at our spiritual condition at any given moment. Many times, we find it's really much easier for us to focus on the character and personal shortcomings of another, rather than paying attention to our own. Jesus knew this about the human condition which prompted him to observe, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." Luke 6:41-42 (NRSV).

When I did some honest self-examination, I realized my blame was partially misdirected. As I reflected on my use of fossil fuel, my need to be able to get in my car and go where and whenever I wanted to, I concluded I had left a very important person out of my scope of blame. That person was myself. Until I learn to curb my use of fossil fuels and actively work toward the development of alternative energy sources, I will always be partially responsible for this and similar catastrophes. I think this is a good example of why I don't relish self-examination. It's too easy to find fault in myself. It's also an example of why I need to do it more often.    Peace, Thack

_____________

Another piece came in this week that I wish to share with you.  Take time to read The Rev. Steve Pankey's sermon (St. Paul's, Foley) from Sunday, June 6.  Download it here

Please send in any reflections, sermons or photos that are related to the oil spill crisis that originate from your parish and I will feature them in this e-newsletter.

_____________

Eugene Johnston of St. John's, Mobile, our Province IV ERD representative, announces VIGILance 2010, a National Hour of Prayer Vigil for God's Earth to be held Thursday, June 17th from 7 - 8 pm local time. The idea originated from St. John's Episcopal Church of Charlotte, North Carolina, a parish of the Diocese of North Carolina.
Download the story here
Customizable liturgical resources may be found on their website here.

______________

Thank you for reading. 
Peace.

Cindy McCrory
Director of Communications,
E-Content Manager
coastline@diocgc.org
The Coastline Banner



Header photo: Heron watching workers lay boom at the Weeks Bay entrance.   Photo by Cindy McCrory


The Revised Standard Lectionary
Year C
RCL

The Lessons Appointed for Use on
The Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 13, 2010


THE COLLECT

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Mary Magdalene, in a 19th century popular painting by artist Ary Schefer
Mary Magdalene

The Readings

"Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."   Luke 47-50
____________________________________

Bulletin Inserts
Beckwith campers participate in a litany for the waters

June 9, 2010 - The first session of Beckwith opened on Tuesday with 107 campers. Registration went very smoothly, according to Director Curt Kennington.

Camp Beckwith Litany

Wednesday evening campers were led in a Camp Beckwith Litany at Byrne Chapel, an  outdoor chapel constructed of stone pews laid in amphitheater style, and situated on the beach of Week's bay.  Fr. Albert Kennington, Dean of this week's camp session and father of Camp Director, Curt Kennington, wrote the litany earlier this week specifically for Camp Beckwith.

Read the litany here

See a slideshow of the service on our pastoral resources page

See photos of oil prevention efforts at the entrance to Weeks Bay


Stephen Ministry commissioned at Holy Cross, Pensacola

Submitted by Betty Enfinger, Holy Cross, Pensacola

A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
A Stephen Minister is a congregation member with gifts for care-giving who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
A Stephen Minister is a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing
emotional and spiritual care.
A Stephen Minister is a caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.
 
A Stephen Ministry was recently commissioned at Holy Cross. A class of lay ministers underwent extensive training for six months in Christian care-giving skills. Throughout the training, the theology of caring and working with the whole person was emphasized. The trainees are now ready to begin their ministries of caring for those who may be experiencing problems in their lives within Holy Cross. Each relationship will be held in strict confidence.

The Stephen Ministers have been trained in many different areas: hospital ministry; counseling for depression, suicidal tendencies, those undergoing separation/divorce, childbirth, single parents, shut-ins, retirement; end of life issues for the individual & family; those struggling with their faith in God-- in other words anyone who may need care.
 
The efficacy of the Stephen Ministry requires total involvement from the parish family. Members receive a "Needs Assessment" for each family asking who in the parish might benefit from a caring relationship. After the assessments are collected, forms are made available for referring loved ones and friends. At that time a Stephen Minister is matched with the referral, and a caring relationship begins.
 
We ask for your prayerful support of our new lay ministry at Holy Cross. If you have any questions about the work of the Stephen Ministry at Holy Cross, feel free to call Fr Jeff at the church office (477-8596) or our Coordinator, Barbara Kessinger at 478-7696.

More about Stephen Ministries
 

HAZMAT Training Saturday in Magnolia Springs

Submitted by Donna Eslinger, St. Paul's, Magnolia Springs

HAZMAT training class will be held Saturday morning at 9am at the Magnolia Springs Community Hall.  Classes will be taught by Magnolia Springs Fire chief Jamie Hinton and will last approximately three hours.

Training session info is coming in on short notice...our apologies...
Diocese co-sponsoring workshop on hunger and food security

In conjunction with alabamapossible from the Alabama Poverty Project
__________________

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD:

Feeding Godʼs Children
A Hunger and Food Security Workshop


GET RESOURCES YOU CAN USE IMMEDIATELY TO ADDRESS HUNGER IN SOUTH ALABAMA
Panels on local food ministries, government aid agencies, community gardens, and more

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? ALL ARE WELCOME...


Especially outreach ministers, social justice leaders, social workers, teachers, and any
people of faith concerned about addressing our community's hunger needs

Tuesday, June 22, 2010
9 AM - 1:30 PM

Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, Mobile
Registration - $15 - begins at 8:30 AM
Includes light breakfast, lunch
Please pre-register online: AlabamaPossible.org/rsvp

Co-sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, and the South Alabama Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church USA


St. Monica's, Cantonment has opening for organist/choir director

 

St. Monica's, Cantonment, FL is searching for an organist/choir director. This position consists of one Choir practice per week and one Sunday Service. Please contact St. Monica's at 850-937-0001 or by email:
office@stmonicas.gccox.com.

The applicant may also call Fr. Milledge Baker @ 251-359-7677 or email frmilledge@gmail.com.
 
Bishop Duncan confirms four, receives two and baptizes two at St. Monica's on June 6

By Viven Welch, Coastline Communicator for St. Monica's
BpvisitsStMon1
On Sunday, June 06, 2010, Bishop Duncan visited St. Monica's for the 10:30 service.  St. Monica's welcomed four new confirmands, Dodie Matlock, Jennifer Kizer and Lisa and Brandon Nagum.  Being received from The Church of England and Roman Catholic Church respectively were Nancy Johnson and Brian Cavanna.  Sisters Aubree and Renea Ahearn were baptized.

The Bishop and Kathy joined the congregation for a delicious potluck luncheon following the service.  Fr. Milledge Baker and Senior Warden John Velaski Sr, representing the Vestry. presented the newly confirmed and received, each with a personal Book of Common Prayer.  It was a special surprise for Viven Welch when Fr. Milledge and John also presented her with a prayer book/hymnal in recognition for her volunteer work on the newsletter, web site, bulletin and photography.

BpvisitsStMon1

June 12th
Annual Assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew to meet


The Annual Assembly of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew will be held at St. James on the second Saturday of June from 9:00 - 11:30 am.   All men are welcome to attend and join others from St. Paul's Daphne, St. James, Christ Church, Holy Cross and Holy Trinity of Pensacola.

The Brotherhood Service, will be followed by Holy Eucharist in the main Sanctuary.  Dick Hooper, Province IV Director will discuss overall activity followed by Bob Kreiner, Area Diocesan Coordinator.   Each Chapter Director will review their prior year activity and plans for the next 12 months.  Following the general business session, we have honored to have Father Thack Dyson talk to us about Prayer.

A catered lunch will be offered beginning at 11:15.

Assembly officers are:  Paul E. Banko, President, Jim Silverwood, VP, Bud Doyle (Treasurer) Father Don Smith, Chaplain.

Please join men from throughout the Diocese for an inspiring event.
June 16th: Summer Serenade features the


Submitted by Norman Vickers

One Drop Reggae Pensacola logo
The One Drop Reggae Band will perform for St. Christopher's Summer Serenade Series on Wednesday June 16 at 6:30 p.m. on the  church grounds.  This will be their third appearance for this series.

More details here
What is "one drop" rhythm/


June 18th
St. John's, Mobile hosting a Coffee Haus Benefit for ERD

St. John's, Mobile invites you to a Coffee Haus Benefit to support Episcopal Relief and Development and for the support of the Millennium Development Goals.

Proceeds are for the purchase of  goats, chickens, and geese for third world village families.

Date: June 18th
Time: 7 - 10 PM

Music will be provided by local musicians including Clay Rankin, Ron Brown, Jim Litchenberger, Bud Mclean and others.

Refreshments: Coffee, soft drinks, cookies and pastry

$5.00 donation
For more information please call 251.479.5474 or 251.751.1003

St John's Episcopal
1707 Government St (across from the cannon)
Mobile, Al 36604
www.stjohnsmobile.org
 


June 26th: Fish Fry at St. Augustine's, Navarre

Proceeds to go to Episcopal Relief and Development

 
Submitted by Libbi Crowe
The public is invited to fun, fellowship and fish on Saturday, June 26, 2010. That's when St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Navarre will host its first Fish Fry! The event will begin at 2 p.m at the church with proceeds to benefit both Episcopal Relief & Development   as well as the parish.  The cost for adults is $6 and children  can eat for $3.

St. Augustine's Navarre is located at 7810 Navarre Parkway in Navarre, next to the Lewis Funeral Home. The parish has been part of the Navarre community since 1984, and at our present location since 1985.

For more information, contact the church office at 850-939-2261  Monday-Thursday of each week from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Prayers for musicians


Marqua Brunette, Director of Choirs at Holy Nativity, Panama City, is planning a very special sunday honoring the choirs and music of Holy Nativity on the Sunday closest to June 20th, the day we pray for our musicians in our Diocesan Prayer Cycle.  A story will be in the Coastine following the event.

In the meantime, Marqua sent a book with Prayers for Musicians to share.  Download it here

Vacation Bible School offerings

Page set up on the website

A listing of VBS offerings around the diocese may be found on the diocesan website here.  The page is updated as more information comes in from churches.  VBS directors or clergy, please email me your VBS information if you wish to be on the list.  Thanks.    coastline@diocgc.org

New meditation books now available from Forward Movement

The Rev. Albert Kennington and The Rev. Dick Schmidt are contributing authors

Forward Movement Publications recently announced the availability of two new meditation booklets, one on Grief and the other on Divorce. 

The Rev. Albert Kennington, Associate Rector of St. Paul's, Daphne and the Rev. Dr. Dick Schmidt, former rector of St. Paul's, Daphne,  former Coastline Editor, and current Editor and Executive Director of Forward Movement Publications, are contributing authors in the book of meditations on Grief.  Fr. Schmidt's son, Arnie, also entered a meditation.

Each book offers a meditation for each day of the month and is available from Forward Movement for $3 each ($2 each for orders of ten or more). To order a booklet, click the image (on left) of the book you wish to purchase and the link will take you to a more detailed page for purchase online. 

Many thanks to Brad Turner, Marketing Coordinator for Forward Movement for sending me my copies for review.     
National Church News


Virginia diocese, Episcopal Church prevail with state Supreme Court

Court reverses lower court's property case judgment
By Mary Frances Schjonberg, June 10, 2010
 
[Episcopal News Service] The Supreme Court of Virginia on June 10 ruled in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church in a church property dispute. The text of the 32-page ruling is here.
A lower court had ruled that the nine breakaway congregations involved in the cases were entitled to retain all the parishes' real and personal property when they left the Episcopal Church and joined another denomination.

The Supreme Court held that although disagreements had caused "a division" within the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia, the breakaway congregations had affiliated with a church that was not a branch of either the Episcopal Church or the diocese. Such an affiliation is required, the court said, for Virginia's one-of-a-kind "Division Statute" (Section 57-9(A)) to apply.


More in Episcopal Life Online 

Upcoming events around the diocese


Please go to the online calendar for all Diocesan events


Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. 


Cindy McCrory
E-Communications Director
Coastline/Around the Diocese Editor
Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
coastline@diocgc.org