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54th Annual Diocesan Convention
Welcome to the information hub for the 2025 Diocesan Convention!
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Convention Communications
The Diocesan Office will regularly send out electronic newsletters to a select mailing list with important details regarding the convention. You will find them posted in this section.
Convention Info
Details
The 54th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held Friday, February 21-Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center and hosted by Christ the King Episcopal Church, Santa Rosa Beach.
Pre-Convention Meeting
Thursday, January 30, TIME TBD on Zoom
All clergy and lay delegates are asked to attend the online only Pre-Convention Meeting. Bishop Russell and various staff members will provide important details related to the business of the convention including, budget, proposed resolutions, voting, schedule, etc.
The link to join the Zoom gathering will be emailed to all registered delegates prior to the meeting.
Schedule - subject to minor changes
Friday, February 21, 2025
Details coming soon
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Details coming soon
Business
Budget
Delegates
Delegates are both clergy and lay members of the Diocesan Convention who have seat, voice, and vote during the business meeting.
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Clergy delegates are parochial (assigned to a church) and canonically resident. Clergy who meet this criteria are automatically delegates; however, they must be registered to attend the convention.
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A lay delegate is a communicant in good standing of their congregation and is elected by fellows members to represent their church at the convention. Each church is entitled to a specific number of lay delegates based on number of congregants in good standing. All lay delegates must be registered to attend the convention. The registration form includes a section to report the date the lay delegate was elected. Per diocesan canons, all lay delegates must be elected and certified at least 60 days prior to the start of the convention. This years deadline is December 23, 2024.
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Each church is also entitled to an equal number of alternate delegates as delegates. Alternates are used to replace a lay delegate in the event the lay delegate can no longer serve. All alternates must be registered whether they plan on attending the convention or not. A delegate change form must be submitted in order for an alternate to take the place of a lay delegate and receive the appropriate voting credentials.
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Youth delegates and alternates are selected by their respective convocations. Any youth interested in being a youth delegate should contact their convocation's dean, found here. The youth delegate should be registered by their home church.
Reports - Due January 14, 2025
Commissions, committees, and program coordinators are asked to file written reports on the work and mission of their respective ministries over the course of the previous year. If you are the chair person of a commission, committee or program coordinator, please submit your report in Word format to jenn@diocgc.org.
Resolution for General Proposed Actions - Due January 7, 2025
A general resolution refers to a proposed action or decision that is presented to the legislative body of the diocese for consideration and potential adoption, essentially acting as a legislative vehicle to enact changes or take stances on specific issues within the diocese.
Standing Committee Nominations - Due January 24, 2025
The Standing Committee is the body of lay and clergy members of the Diocese authorized by the Canons of the Episcopal Church as the Bishop’s Council of Advice; members are elected by the annual Diocesan Convention or appointed by the Bishop. The Standing Committee’s major responsibility is to serve as the Bishop’s Council of Advice; they also have responsibilities involving such varied matters as the disposition of property, the election and consecration of bishops, ecclesiastical discipline as defined in Title IV, and the approval of candidates for ordained ministry. Each year new clergy & lay members are elected / appointed to replace retiring members or vacant terms.
Activities
Be sure to check back to this section often, as we will be adding additional activities and details as we have them!
Ministry Fair
This year there will be an expanded Ministry Fair (or exhibit hall) highlighting the diverse and vibrant ministries happening across our diocese. All exhibitors must be approved through the diocese office. To submit a request for space, please send an email to the Rev. Lydia Johnson. Registration and fee will be required once approved.
Workshops
There will be multiple workshop offerings at this year's convention. Stay tuned for the lineup! Workshops will be open for anyone - delegate or visitor- to attend!
Remaking the Mission of the Church in a Changed World – led by the Rev. Jon Davis
The world has changed, and the church needs to adapt to the uncharted territory of the 21st Century, a post-Christendom reality, and launch Fresh Expressions of the church in a world desperate for Good News. Statistics vary but it is fair to say that 80% of the American culture is either unchurched or de-churched and has become the 2nd largest mission field in the world today. Join in a conversation that will chart a path forward for greater mission opportunities that can reach people with the Gospel. A prime Fresh Expression that is reaching folks is what is known as the Dinner Church model and this will figure greatly in our discussion. There is hope for the church to move from a posture of decline to one of growth - having a positive impact on our communities. You can check out - https://freshexpressions.com/ and https://www.dinnerchurch.com/
Bio – The Rev. Jon Davis
The Rev. Jon Davis PhD is a bi-vocational priest on staff with Fresh Expressions NA and is the rector of St. Mark’s in Palatka Florida. He is a part-time seminary professor and travels the country training leaders and congregations in new missional models. He is the past Canon for Youth in the Diocese of Central Florida and past Executive Director of Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center and was a youth minister in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast at St. Andrew’s by the Sea in Destin from 1986-1991.
Understanding the Elusive Quest for Peace - led by Archdeacon Paul Feheley
The land where Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace was born has been the home of some of the most troubled and war-torn history of the last 2000 years. Within the last 16 months, our screens have been full of difficult pictures of war, destruction, violence, and death. This workshop will share some of the historical background of the conflict and speak to some of the current issues that make peace so elusive. Special attention will be given to the Palestinian Christians in Gaza and the West Bank and the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem. The last section will look at the responses from The Episcopal Church and then challenge all of us about what we can do that will make a difference in the lives of our brothers, sisters, and siblings in the land of the Holy One.
Bio – Paul Feheley
A Canadian by birth Paul graduated from Trinity College Toronto with a Master of Divinity (Honours) degree doing a thesis in communications. In 2017, the College awarded him an honorary doctorate. Ordained in 1978 for the Diocese of Toronto he served in a number of parishes and represented the diocese at the Regional and General Synod levels, being named an Archdeacon in March 2004. From September 2004 to April 2020, he served as Principal Secretary to three different Canadian primates. He became the interim part-time global partnership officer for Africa for The Episcopal Church on August 1, 2020, and a year later moved to become the partnership officer for the Middle East. He has been seconded by the Anglican Communion a goodly number of times usually to serve the communication needs at two Lambeth Conferences, The installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Primates’ meetings, and the last six Anglican Consultative Council meetings. He was awarded the Cross of St. Augustine in November 2024. Along with his Middle East work he continues to be the incumbent of St. Michael and All Angels Church in Toronto and serves in a voluntary capacity as the national director of The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.
How Every Parishioner Can Stand in the Mental Health Gap – led by Anita Ford and Sue Rollins
The diocesan Mental Health Alliance is presenting workshops during the 2025 Convention on February 22 to equip parishioners on how best to love their neighbor struggling with mental health concerns. All convention attendees are invited to come and discover that mental health care is simply health care. In addition to providing resources, “How Every Parishioner Can Stand in the Mental Health Gap” will emphasize the prevalence of mental health challenges among those already worshipping in our pews and provide concrete methods to remove the cultural stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Bio – Anita Ford
Anita Ford - Born in Atlanta and raised in Columbus, Georgia; Anita Ford is a graduate of the diocesan lay school for ministry, a licensed pastoral care leader, and a trained Mourner’s Path facilitator. She has received continuing education equipping in depression and suicide, has been trained to provide initial help to adults experiencing a mental health or substance abuse challenge, and is certified to be a surrogate parent by the Florida Department and Learning Resources System. Anita is the pastoral care minister at St. Christopher’s in Pensacola and a pastoral care instructor/leader for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. She lives with her husband and their four-legged canine child, Charlotte Ann.
Bio – Sue Rollins
Sue Rollins - Sue is a retired Registered Nurse and a member of The Redeemer Episcopal Church in Mobile, where she serves on the pastoral care team. She is a member of the first Pastoral Care Leadership class in 2020-2021, a licensed pastoral care leader, a trained Mourner’s Path facilitator, and a pastoral care instructor/leader for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. She holds certification as an End-of-Life Doula from the University of Vermont.
Rooted in Grace: Theology and Practice of Generous Living – led by the Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman
"Rooted in Grace: Theology and Practice of Generous Living,” is a workshop designed to help you develop a personal theology of stewardship that inspires practical leadership. Grounded in scripture and the Episcopal Church’s traditions, we’ll explore how understanding God’s grace and abundance can shape your approach to stewardship as a leader in your church. In this workshop participants will learn simple, practical, and effective strategies for leading stewardship campaigns and models in their churches. Through our faith and leadership, we can inspire generosity, deepen faith, and foster a culture of gratitude within your congregation; helping others become more Rooted in Grace.
Bio – The Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman
The Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman has served Canon to the Ordinary in our diocese for almost 3 years. Originally from Baldwin County, Alabama, Ashley began learning about leading in stewardship when he served on the vestry at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Gulf Shores, AL. During his time in parish ministry and as a canon, Ashley has developed an enthusiasm for connecting theology with practical stewardship, empowering congregations to see giving as an act of faith and gratitude.
Practical Ideas for Parish Creation Care Ministry - led by members of the Commission on the Integrity of Creation
Members of the Commission on the Integrity of Creation will offer suggestions for forming a creation care ministry within your congregation, including getting buy-in from church leadership, forming green teams, and looking at how to weave this ministry into all aspects of parish life: spiritual formation, worship, building and grounds, fellowship/parish life and outreach. Hear concrete suggestions and be inspired to start and grow a creation care ministry at your church.
About the Commission on the Integrity of Creation
The Commission on the Integrity of Creation (CIC) recognizes that humans, being an embodiment of the divine image, are interconnected with all of creation. Our mission is to help churches in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast celebrate and heal all of creation in ways that fit their own congregation. As environmental crises accelerate and threaten all life along the Gulf Coast, especially those on the margins who bear the brunt of rising seas, extreme heat, more severe storms, and biodiversity loss, this mission could not be more urgent.
Invite – Welcome – Connect – with the Rev. Mary Alice Mathison and the Rev. Lydia Knizley Johnson
Details coming soon.
Worship
All of the worship opportunities during the convention, whether it be a Daily Office or Holy Eucharist, are open to anyone who would like to attend. More information to come.
Registration
All attendees to the annual convention are asked to register - even spectators - so that we have an accurate headcount for meals, seating, and materials. Fee will vary depending on participation type.
Churches of delegates are asked to register their delegates together at one time and payment is required prior to the start of the convention. Certification of Delegates will take place during the registration process.
The point-of-contact for all registrations is Jenn Roberts at jenn@diocgc.org.
VOTING CLERGY/LAY DELEGATE REGISTRATION
CLOSES ON JANUARY 24, 2025
Fee rate available soon.
Churches are asked to complete the registration/certification form* and make payment for their delegation.
This registration form is for the following:
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Clergy (parochial and canonically resident in this diocese). Fee $145
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Lay delegates. Fee $145
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Alternate delegates (whether attending or non-attending). Fee $0 - $50
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**Youth delegates. Free
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**Youth alternates. Free
*During the registration process, you will be asked to certify the election of lay and alternate delegates. By selecting yes, you will be prompted to provide the date of election.
**Youth delegates should be registered by their home church.
Each delegate must have their own individual email address and mobile device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc). This is a requirement due to the application we will use for quorum verification and voting.