A Diocese Making Christ Known: The January 2024 Communiqué

Dear brothers and sisters of the Gulf Atlantic,

Happy New Year to all of you. I pray your 2024 has started well and also that you are thriving in the Season of Epiphany. I love the season of Epiphany’s emphasis on Making Christ Jesus known, that he might be worshiped and obeyed from our neighborhoods to the ends of the Earth. It was recently pointed out to me that when Old Testament writers, like the Psalmist above, talked of the “ends of the Earth” they were speaking in part of us here in North America. As we face the difficult days, let us remember God’s faithfulness to bring the nations under His rule.

Now in my second year as your bishop, I am very grateful for your partnership in the Gospel and the ways the Lord is moving in our midst. Church Plants, revitalizations, laity networks, partnerships of generosity are happening all over the Diocese as a result of our obedience to the Lord’s Word and Spirit.

Last weekend, I was blessed to travel to the Mere Anglicanism conference in Charleston, South Carolina. Like much in our world these days, it was not without drama…

Epiphany greetings! It is a joy to celebrate Christ’s coming by reflecting on the innumerable ways we see the Lord’s glory throughout our diocese and in partnership with each of you. Thank you for your continued work to further God’s Kingdom. I am writing to invite you into two new relationships, both emerging from our five-year strategic plan. Before we get to the invitation, I want to provide a recap of the primary outcomes of the plan: four missional strategies and three new initiatives.

The missional strategies for the Diocese work to further the ministry of planting churches, raising leaders, strengthening congregations, and now include reaching the next generation of the Church. We have exciting updates in all four areas to share with you, some announcements regarding initiatives in the Strategic Plan, and invitations for you to join in the excitement.…

I have participated in many of the camps and retreats that we have coordinated as a diocese. I can tell you that I have personally seen lives changed, chains broken, and young people being set free by the power of the Gospel – I’ve seen, with my own eyes, many students start their discipleship journeys during these ministry sessions. There is a fire burning for the Lord in our youth and I want to see that deepen amongst them and spread to those who do not yet know Him. Will you join me in one or more of …

Women's Retreat at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral

Dynamos #34: March 1–3

Dynamos is an experience of Christ's love presented for high school students
by other high school students with the support and assistance of adult leaders & clergy. It is designed to give students opportunities to know Christ through teachings and prayer, to grow together in friendship and community, and challenges them to go confidently as disciples into the world. The next opportunity to attend is March 1–3. See this page for more information on becoming a participant.

Equipping the Saints: A Spring '24 Center for Ministry Event

The Equipping the Saints Weekend is designed to train parishes across our diocese in areas of ministry that were identified at the diocesan strategic planning meeting in May 2023. Each participant will get to choose ONE workshop and will receive 5 training sessions over the course of two days.  It will be a time of worship, connection and education; and we look forward to gathering together!

The Center for Ministry, a Strategic Initiative in the 2023-2028 Diocesan Strategic Plan, is hosting this event in partnership with the Cathedral’s Charles Simeon Institute. Event information and registration can be found here.

Anglican Frontier Missions Launches New 4-Week Curriculum

AFM has published Fulfilling the Great Commission Anglicanly, a 4-week introductory study on global missions. The teachings are fully online, and the materials include student handouts and leaders' guides. The weekly sessions include readings, group discussion time, and more. (A children's version is coming soon.)