News & Updates | May 06, 2026 | www.dioala.org

Dear Diocese of Alabama,

I am so happy and humbled to be at work in the diocese. I've already had my first parish visitation at St. Francis of Assisi in Indian Springs, a church with inspired music and great people following Christ. I really enjoyed reconnecting with their rector, Jamie McAdams. This Sunday, I will be at St. Paul's in Carlowville, where Paul Petznick serves so faithfully as their supply priest. I can already tell that these Sunday visitations are one of the best parts of the episcopal ministry.

Bishop Curry and the diocesan staff have done a great job helping me build out my summer calendar. In addition to being in a different parish each Sunday, I will spend time at Sawyerville in the Black Belt, and at Special Session, Summer Camp, and Bethany's Kids at Camp McDowell. Keep these ministries and their leaders in your prayers, and especially pray that our campers experience the peace that passes all understanding, which is Christ's peace offered to us and to the world. As our Risen Lord says twice after his resurrection in John's Gospel, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19-21)...

Applications for Diocesan Grants Open May 1

We are excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Grants for parishes will open this Friday, May 1, with a June 15, 2026, deadline.

These grants are designed to support ministries across the diocese in the areas of Creation Care, Renew and Refresh, and Outreach. Whether you are launching a new initiative or building on existing work, we encourage you to apply these resources and explore how they can support your parish’s mission.

If you missed today's webinar on how the application works, please head over to this page for a recording, the presentation slides, and a detailed breakdown of the application process. If you have any questions, contact the Director of Mission Funding, Sarah Banks Bosu, at sbosu@dioala.org.

Department of Mission and Outreach Upcoming Webinars

The Department of Mission and Outreach is offering a May Webinar Series designed to support and strengthen parish‑based outreach efforts. Each session will take place at noon via Zoom and is open to clergy and lay leaders.

May 11 | Noon: Homeless & Displaced Persons Ministries

The Rev. Rosie Veal Eby and the Rev. Susan Oakes will lead a webinar on best practices for developing and planning ministries for people experiencing homelessness and marginalization.

Click here to join us on Zoom.

May 12 | Noon: Building Strong Communities

The Rev. Rob Iler and the Rev. Shari Harrison will lead a discussion on parish programs that foster strong, connected communities.



Click here to join us on Zoom.

May 19 | Noon: Food Security

A conversation highlighting parish programs that address food insecurity and respond to local needs.

Click here to join us on Zoom.

We hope these sessions will be a helpful resource for parishes looking to deepen or expand their outreach ministries and connect with others across the diocese doing similar work.

Church Organ Seeking New Home

St. Dunstan’s in Auburn is parting with its organ and would like to gift it to a good home. If your church, or a church you know, is looking for an organ, we have one for you. It’s an Opus 8 from Bradford Organ Company, 11 ranks. For more information, please contact Thomas Joyner at thomas@stdunstansauburn.org. 

Church of the Good Shepherd in Decatur is hosting a second artist in their North Alabama International Piano Series. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with internationally acclaimed concert pianist Aslan Chikovani.

📅 Friday, May 22

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Church of the Good Shepherd (3809 Spring Avenue, Decatur)

For questions, please email Patricia Pruitt at pruitt1123@gmail.com

About the artist:

Originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, Aslan Chikovani has been playing the piano since he was 6 years old. He has earned international recognition for his artistry, performing across Europe and the United States. He was considered by many as a virtuoso at 13. He was drawn to the University of Alabama by Professor Dr. Edisher Savitski, also from the Republic of Georgia, and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance, representing the highest level of formal training for concert pianists.

Choral Evensong This Sunday at Saint. Andrew's, Birmingham

To celebrate Mother's Day, join Saint Andrew's Parish in Birmingham on Sunday, May 10th, at 5:30 pm for a monthly service of Choral Evensong, preceded by an organ prelude at 5:15 pm. 

This beautiful, contemplative liturgy features sung prayers, psalms, and evening canticles—the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis—along with an introit, anthem, and hymn. It is a service where music and prayer flow seamlessly, offering a moment of peace and reflection to close your Sunday.

There will be a simple champagne reception in the nave after the service, and all mothers will receive a rose.

St. John's Church in Montgomery is seeking a passionate and dynamic Director of Children’s Christian Formation to lead and nurture the spiritual growth of their youngest members. The ideal candidate will be energetic, compassionate, and committed to creating meaningful experiences that cultivate children’s understanding of Christian teachings and values. For more information and the application, check the job description.

The Diocesan Formation Ministries is seeking a detail-oriented and ministry-minded Youth Formation Events Assistant (Part-Time) to support youth, campus, and young adult formation across the diocese. This role helps coordinate key events like the Christmas Conference and the Province IV Youth Networking Event, along with assisting with additional gatherings throughout the year. Up to 15 hours/month • Up to $5,000 annually + mileage. Apply HERE. Contact Jen Manning at jmanning@dioala.org for any questions.

The Episcopal Church in Alabama is hiring an Executive Administrative Assistant who will be the first point of contact for the Bishop of Alabama and will provide administrative and logistical support for the Bishop’s office and the Canon to the Ordinary’s office. The full job description is available HERE. Qualified candidates should email their applications to moeder@dioala.org.

The Church of the Ascension in Montgomery is seeking a full-time organist/choirmaster.  Send a letter of interest, resume, and at least three (3) professional references to musicsearch@coascension.org. Click here for the full job description.

Founders Place, a dementia‑friendly respite ministry supporting adults living with dementia-related cognitive change and their caregivers, is seeking a Director of Administration, Operations & Community Engagement. Founders Place is a ministry of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham. Send cover letter and resume to bwalton@saint-lukes.com to apply. Click here for more information.

Saint Stephen’s Church, Birmingham, is seeking to hire a Nursery Director to support its ministry with young children and families. Check out the full job description here.

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