The Episcopal Church

in Alabama

News & Updates | September 13, 2023

www.dioala.org

Dear Friends: 

A new school year has begun and everywhere I turn I see something posted about a new beginning. Everything from football to high school, middle school, college and even preschool is kicking off a new season, signaling the end of summer. Since our parish life follows the rhythm of the school year, I’m excited about all the ‘new beginnings’ happening around our diocese. Years ago, a good friend gave me a plaque that reads, “all beginnings are difficult”. I think it was meant as encouragement, because any new beginning in life usually comes with both ups and downs. New beginnings remind me that God calls us to create.   

The Diocese of Alabama announces the national search for an Executive Director (CEO) of the McDowell Camp and Conference Center

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as the Executive Director (CEO) of Camp McDowell. With an operating budget of $4.4 million dollars, and 150 full and part-time staff this person will be responsible for the overall management, strategic planning, development of funding sources, while curating strong collaboration and partnerships within the Episcopal Diocese and beyond. This position requires a strong blend of leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills, passion for outdoor education, a sense of humor, experiential learning, and a deep faith.

The season between the World Day of Prayer and St. Francis' feast day is designated as the season of creation. The Episcopal Church offers a variety of resources for celebrating this season - including the liturgy most of us may be familiar with, The Blessing of the Animals. Remember, the connection to St. Francis is because of his belief that nature is the mirror of God - how might your congregation consider expanding this blessing to all of God's creatures and not just those we call pets? Could you host your blessing at a local park and include the birds and squirrels who gather? Could you visit a local animal shelter, with particular prayers for compassion? Might you bless the local salamanders who are endangered, the pollinators at a local community garden, or the wildlife at a nearby preserve? Could you invite the children in your midst to bring stuffed animals, representing all of God's creativity in the diversity of creation? A brief liturgy for the day from The Episcopal Church may be found here, and resources for the entire season are available here.

Youth Department Holds First Retreat in 2023

By Graham Boswell and Reese Fetner, YD Liaisons for Public Relations

The Alabama Episcopal Youth Department (YD) had an amazing time during their first retreat and initial meetings held at Camp McDowell from August 18th through the 20th. This short but impactful weekend served as a steppingstones for building strong bonds within the group and going over many leadership and communication skills. The time YD spent together laid the foundation for a strong and supportive community. The department members not only became more adept at working with each other but also developed the essential skills needed to successfully lead the youth for this upcoming year.

Continue reading.

Are you curious about discerning a call to ordained ministry?

Clergy and all lay people who are interested in learning more about the discernment process in the Diocese of Alabama are invited to meet at St. Stephen's, Birmingham.

Register here. 

Have questions?

Email the Rev. Cn. Kelley Hudlow.

From The Episcopal Church:

Episcopal evangelism grants available

for local and regional projects

Episcopal institutions are invited to apply for evangelism grants to support local and regional efforts to grow Episcopal ministries, resources, and gatherings. The application is available here, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 13. If you would like help filling out the application please contact Claire Cotten, Director of Mission Funding. The grants committee will consider proposals for up to $2,000 for individual faith communities and up to $8,000 for multi-church, diocesan, provincial, and other regional collaborations. A total of $125,000 is available for this funding cycle.

Please join us for a series on the "Intersection of Science and Religion", led by

The Rev. Rob Morpeth

9:15am, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Six Consecutive Sundays

We are privileged to present six sessions lead by The Rev. Rob Morpeth on the intersection of Science and Religion. These lessons present a fine, intellectually sound series of very timely topics and will certainly produce lively discussions. For a schedule of classes and topics click here.

Nativity, Huntsville is seeking a Director of Children’s Ministry. You can find more information here.

Holy Cross Trussville is in need of a part-time Parish Administrator. View the job description here. Resumes can be submitted here.

St. Timothy's, Athens seeks an Administrative Assistant to work 12 hours per week, including Wednesdays from 9-1 in the parish office and the additional 8 hours in a flexible location. For more information or to submit a resume and references email The Rev. Mary Catherine Akamatsu.

Holy Spirit, Alabaster seeks a part-time Director of Formation for Children and Youth. View the job description here.