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Dear Friends,
A professor and writer, Robert Wuthnow*, says we transmit our ethical ideas by telling stories. He writes about a volunteer fireman and ambulance attendant named Jack. As a child, Jack had to have some teeth extracted. He was terrified. But a nurse standing by said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be right here beside you no matter what happens.” When he woke up from surgery, she was there. She had kept her word.
That experience of being cared for stayed with him. 20 years later, his ambulance is called to help a driver pinned upside down in his truck. Jack crawls in the window to get the man out of the wreckage. Gasoline is dripping on both Jack and his patient. The driver is terrified, and Jack tells him, “Don’t worry, I’ll be right here beside you, no matter what.” Once rescued, the driver tells Jack it was dangerous and crazy for him to stay. To Jack, it seemed natural.
| | Recap of the 195th Diocesan Convention: “Good News for a New Day." | | |
Nearly 400 clergy, delegates, and attendees from across the Diocese of Alabama gathered at Camp McDowell for the 195th Diocesan Convention, held February 5–7, 2026.
Centered on the theme “Good News for a New Day,” the annual convention invited participants to embrace God’s ever-renewing mercy and to share the Good News of Christ’s love in fresh ways each day. The gathering was inspired by the scripture from Lamentations 3:22-23:"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
“The Diocese of Alabama is a blessing to the world today in ways that I could not have imagined at my first convention. I have been amazed, delighted, surprised, and overwhelmed by your determination, energy, faithfulness, generosity, and deep love—for each other, for the world around you, and most of all, reflected in your love for Christ,” said Bishop Curry in her opening address.
In this article, we share highlights of our time together, along with presentation slides and transcripts of Bishop Curry's opening address, the Very Rev. Lawson's sermon, keynote presentation and reports from the various ministries.
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During this holy season of Lent, the Diocesan Taskforce for Creation Care is proud to offer the resource “Fasting from Waste” as an invitation to faithful reflection and practice.
Resources for Lent and Easter from The Episcopal Church can also be accessed: HERE
| | The 2026-2027 YD Application is online and ready for YOU! | | |
The Youth Department is run by the diocesan Director of Formation along with selected adult advisors, both clergy and lay. Our purpose is to build community and teach young people skillsets under three main umbrellas: general leadership skills, spiritual leadership, and mentorship/guidance.
YD members will participate in several retreats throughout 2026-2027:
- June 12-14 (lake!)
- Aug 28-30 (Camp McDowell)
- Nov 6-8 (Camp McDowell)
- Jan 8-10 (Camp McDowell)
For information on eligibility and other details, please visit the link below and be sure to complete your application by March 15, 2026.
Contact Jen Manning for additional information: jmanning@dioala.org or (256) 655-5460.
| | Programs at the Threshold Center | | |
We invite Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians alike to the 3rd annual diocesan LGBTQ+ retreat, March 27-29 at Camp McDowell.
This year’s program will be “From Tomb to Table” Led by Dr. Linn Tonstad, Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and author of Queer Theology, we will claim resurrection, pursue healing, and strive for justice as we strengthen community with one another.
Join us as we journey together toward Holy Week with teaching, worship, discussion, and activities. Registration is now open at www.dioala.org/events-news/. For questions or additional information, contact Quincy Hall at qtherevhall@gmail.com.
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St. Dunstan’s, Auburn, will host six of our community partners for a presentation about the needs in the Auburn-Opelika community and what these organizations are doing to respond. Each month St. Dun’s Buns, our baking guild, gives away nearly $1,000 to support local organizations serving the community. Beginning on Sunday, February 22 and lasting until Sunday, March 29, each Sunday will highlight one organization for a presentation with Q&A about what work they’re doing in the community.
The presentation starts at 6 pm in the nave and lasts about thirty minutes. The 5pm Eucharist will be followed by the 6 pm presentation, and then there will be a simple soup supper with more opportunity for conversation. There is no charge for the event and soup. For more information, contact St. Dunstan’s at admin@stdunstansauburn.org
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Church of the Good Shepherd in Decatur is hosting a musical concert with internationally acclaimed Joseph Lionel Fleetwood, an internationally acclaimed artist from Scotland, who performs an unforgettable evening of classical masterworks.
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Church of the Good Shepherd
Part of the North Alabama International Piano Series In association with Roithman Art. Donations are accepted.
| | CLERGY NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS | | LAY JOB OPENINGS ACROSS OUR DIOCESE | | |
Saint Stephen’s Church, Birmingham, is seeking to hire a Parish Chef. This is a Sunday-only position, except for up to six additional events during the year, and includes a competitive monthly stipend. Working closely with clergy, staff, and a team of volunteers, the Parish Chef will provide breakfast for the congregation most Sundays and prepare a simple dinner for the community supper following the Celtic service. The full job description is available here.
Saint Stephen’s Church, Birmingham, is seeking to hire a Nursery Director to support its ministry with young children and families. This position primarily works at the church on Sundays during worship services and when the nursery is open for a few special services and events throughout the year. The Director is also responsible for coordinating and scheduling the nursery staff. This planning can be done at the Director’s own discretion. Check out the full job description here.
Christ Church Tuscaloosa is hiring a Director of Youth Formation and Ministry responsible for the overall vision, leadership, and coordination of the church’s youth ministry (grades 6–12). This role includes overseeing weekly programs, spiritual formation, retreats, and milestone events; cultivating meaningful relationships with youth and families; and fostering a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for faith development in the Episcopal tradition. The full job description is available here.
The Church of the Holy Spirit in Alabaster is seeking to hire a Nursery Worker to care for children ages infant through 4 years on Sunday mornings and at additional parish events as needed. They will warmly welcome parents and coordinate with parents as needed. The full job description is available here.
| | All articles placed in the e-news run for a period of two weeks upon submission. | | |
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