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Dear friends,
Last week I was blessed to spend two days with our clergy and their spouses at our annual clergy conference at Camp McDowell. We talked about our ministry together, both the challenges and the gifts. On Thursday night, we ordained four deacons and one priest. Our preacher, The Reverend Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh, reminded us that as we minister to people in trouble, fear, sickness, or pain, we would be wise to remember that our job as clergy, is not to point people seeking guidance and support toward themselves, communicating that if they try harder or live right they can fix themselves.
Even as God has created us to be wonderful, inevitably we will all face powerlessness. Our job as clergy isn’t to tell our people that ordained people have all the answers to fix their problems, if they follow our advice. Rather, our job is to point to Jesus, the One who has all power. Our work is to remind our flock God’s kingdom is coming now and eternally.
I thought about this election season and how powerful the temptation is just now to divide into two groups, “Us vs Them”. How tempting it is to see those who vote differently or believe differently as our enemies. How easy it might be to find ourselves thinking about the results of the election as ultimate, which is what the devil likes to use to undermine our mission of love and bring us down.
The outcome of any election will always be temporal and while there are certainly important implications, many of which I can’t control, I want to remember that there is One who is bringing the true Kingdom into being. Jesus has already reconciled us to God and when I focus on him as the true source of life and hope, then whatever happens, I am enabled to walk with faith. I want to remember the Ultimate source of my hope is Christ. When we worship together, and share our stories of life and faith, we find hope and love will light our path...
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2024 Clergy Conference was a Success! | |
Thank you to all the amazing participants of this year's Clergy Conference! We are always thankful for your enthusiasm and dedication. It was a memorable gathering, with 98 clergy members and 13 clergy spouses coming together for a time of fellowship, reflection, and growth at Camp McDowell. We were also honored to witness the ordination of one new priest and four deacons, celebrating this momentous step in their ministries. For more information and photos from the conference, please Click Here. | Certification of 194th Diocesan Convection Delegates | |
We are excited to announce that the Diocesan Convention will take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025, in Decatur, Alabama, with activities beginning at 3:00 pm on January 30 and ending by 1:00 pm on February 1.
It is now time for delegates certification. Please complete this form to certify your lay delegates and alternate delegates by December 16.
Registration and hotel booking information will be available the week of November 4, with a $100 registration fee covering lunch and dinner on January 31.
More details will be shared via email, in this weekly E-News, and the Diocesan website. For questions, please email diocesanconvention@dioala.org.
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Join Us for Diocesan Day at Camp McDowell! | |
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Get ready for a fun-filled day of your favorite camp activities in Lower Camp! Kick off the morning by choosing your adventure: hiking, canoeing, arts & crafts, ropes course, or rocking on Eppes front porch.
After lunch in Eppes Hall, gear up for the Episco-lympics! Whether you bring a team, join one on arrival, or cheer from the sidelines, it's sure to be an afternoon of friendly competition and laughs. We’ll wrap up this exciting day with worship in Ascension Chapel.
Calling all camp friends and summer staff alumni—make it a reunion! Wear your Camp McDowell, Episcopal, or Olympic gear—or create your own team look! See you there! This day of camp fun is all for a great cause! There will be an opportunity to give to the Equipping the Saints campaign, including plans to revitalize Lower Camp. Register and donate Here!
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The Ascension Harp Series Returns
Don’t miss harpist Kaitlin Miller, on Sunday evening, November 3 at 7 PM at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 1912 Canyon Rd, Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The concert is free and open to the public and includes music of Henriette Renié, Claude Daquin, Franz Liszt, Marcel Tournier, Michael Glinka and others.
Kaitlin’s journey with the harp began at the age of three when she first heard its enchanting sound featured in an interview on the bonus features to a children’s film. Now an active musician and teacher residing in the Los Angeles area, she delights in sharing her love of this instrument with her community through orchestral, chamber, and solo performances. She is also an avid new music supporter and often collaborates with composers to premiere new works for the harp.
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St. John’s Episcopal Church Annual Bazaar 2024
Please join the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. John’s Episcopal Church at its annual bazaar and luncheon on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the Education Building at the church, 113 Madison Ave., Montgomery.
Each year the bazaar presents a unique Silent Auction opportunity thanks to the generosity of St. John’s members and friends. This year’s Silent Auction will be a haven for art lovers, antique collectors, and treasure hunters. Silent bidding will begin at 10 a.m. with closing bids due by 1:30 p.m. All proceeds are designated for the ECW’s outreach projects that benefit the local community.
For more information, please:
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Choral Evensong For Remembrance at The Advent | |
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The Cathedral Choir of the Cathedral Church of the Advent will lead a service of Choral Evensong for Remembrance on Thursday, November 7 at 5:30 p.m.
The time surrounding All Saints’ Day is marked by a period of remembering the faithful departed. All are invited to come and worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and find rest in the gospel message.
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CLERGY NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS | |
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Clergy Job Positions in our Diocese
For more information about clergy jobs in our diocese, contact:
Rev. Cn. Geoff Evans.
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LAY JOB OPENINGS IN OUR DIOCESE | |
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St. John’s Church in Decatur, AL, is seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector, chase@stjohnsdecatur.org. View the job description here.
St Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea, AL, seeks college students to work as staff singers in their choir for the 2024-2025 academic year. $75 honorarium per church service on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Interested students should email a resumé to mwestsoc@gmail.com.
St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City, Alabama, is looking to hire their next parish organist. Inquiries should be directed to the Rev. Robert Iler at frrob7@gmail.com. View the job description here.
The Episcopal Church of Epiphany, Guntersville is hiring a Children and Youth Minister. View the job description here.
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles seeks a part-time worker for their Little Apostles Infant Care Ministry. View the job description here.
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All articles placed in the e-news run for a period of two weeks upon submission. | |
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