News & Updates | December 20, 2023 | www.dioala.org

Dear friends:

Advent is drawing to a close and as we navigate this last week before the light arrives, how are you doing? If you’re like me at all, you are feeling just a little too rushed, with a little too much to do, and not quite enough time left. Each year, I plan to be ahead, but somehow time disappears, and Christmas comes, no matter what, ready or not. In some ways, that’s very comforting and reassuring. Our Lord comes to us, no matter what, and ready or not, he arrives. Jesus takes us where we are, and Christmas happens. Knowing that about God helps me slow down and let it happen.  

2024 Covenant Renewal

Dear friends: 

As 2023 comes to a close, I want to thank you—yes, you!—for your role in our life together as a diocese. Without each of our 87 parishes and each of their parishioners, we would not be the vibrant, multifaceted, hope-filled corner of the Church that I am so proud we are. Visiting you all this year, I saw your willingness to innovate and try new things, your eagerness for healthy growth, and your immense love for God and one another. I see you, and I thank you. Learn more about parish covenant renewals here.

Staff Transitions at Carpenter House

Bishop Curry announces the following transitions at Carpenter House: Archdeacon Marti Holmes is retiring the end of December. Ordained to the diaconate in 2011, Marti has served as deacon at Grace Woodlawn, Holy Apostles Hoover, All Saints, Montgomery, and in an interim assignment at St. Mary’s Jasper. Rev. Catherine Schiesz will become the next Archdeacon in January. Ordained to the diaconate in 2012, Catherine currently serves at Trinity, Florence. Debbie Donaldson, Director of Communications, is retiring at the end of December. Before serving the diocese, Debbie was Communications Director at All Saints, Birmingham. She will continue as editor and art director of the diocesan quarterly magazine, The Episcopalian. Miles Parsons is joining the staff at Carpenter House as the new Director of Communications on January 16, 2023. Miles currently serves as Communications Director at St. Mary's on-the-Highlands, Birmingham, and has been the Art Director for The Episcopalian since 2006.  

FROM SCRATCH: Beginner workshops

February 23 - 25, 2024 

The Alabama Folk School's "From Scratch" weekend is a workshop series designed for true beginners. If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or craft, this is the weekend for you! This year’s offerings include classes with expert musicians, artists, and the return of beginner ceramics. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of exploring Camp McDowell to do during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax. 

Register here

Questions? Contact AFS Registrar Jordan Hughes.

LAST CHANCE!

From now until December 31st, the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation is matching every gift to Sawyerville, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000 as a part of our Season of Sharing matching campaign! We have a chance to raise $40,000 by the end of the year to support all of Sawyerville's programs: Summer Camp, Summer Learning, JumpStart, Mentoring, Person2Person, and Scholarships. Click here to see your generosity doubled!

We invite you to join Lift Up the Vulnerable Longest Night Prayer Vigil at

St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 is the longest night, the winter solstice. It marks the shortest day of the year, the official start of winter. In the shroud of darkness within conflict zones, perils escalate. Raids, exploitation, and assaults lurk as imminent threats leaving children and women even more vulnerable. Please join this special reflective night to intercede for our world in distress and express gratitude through prayers, acknowledging how God’s unwavering faithfulness transforms lives. Learn more 

On Thursday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m., the Cathedral Church of the Advent will present A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, modeled after the service held annually at King's College, Cambridge, to be led by the Cathedral Choir. The Christmas narrative is told through scripture and song - a wonderful way to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons. Whether you are on your way home from working downtown, or simply looking for an opportunity to hear some seasonal music and the Gospel, all are warmly invited to attend this weeknight service.

Invitational Singing Leadership Workshop

February 3-4, Birmingham

Paperless singing is an ancient practice that has enabled music to be passed down for generations, without the need for hymnals or bulletins. Today, it is used to encourage faith communities to engage with one another, to spark joy and meditation, and to help people co-create something beautiful.

In this workshop, we will learn practices of effectively leading paperless singing in community. We will also share and learn songs that work well in small congregations, or in settings like house eucharists, feeding ministries and retreats. You do not have to be a paid church musician to attend! We believe that paperless singing can also encourage a community to grow deeper spiritually, in their capacity to invite and connect, and in lay leadership.

Ordination Announcement

God Willing and the People Consenting

The Right Reverend Glenda Sharp Curry

Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama

Will Ordain

Mary Katherine Kirk

To the Sacred Order of Priests

on

Thursday, January 4, 2024

At Half past Six O’clock in the Evening

 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Your Prayers and Presence are Requested

The Festal Color is Red

Part-time Clergy Job Positions in our Diocese

St. Thomas, Huntsville is seeking a Parish Administrative Assistant. View the job description here.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Clanton is seeking a part-time Parish Coordinator. View the job description here.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles seeks a part-time worker for our Little Apostles Infant Care Ministry. View the job description here.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville is seeking an organist. View the job description here.

USE LINKTREE TO FIND US EVERYWHERE!