News & Updates | July 01, 2026 | www.dioala.org

The music at last Saturday's consecration was so inspiring. Dr. Fred Teardo, Director of Music at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, led the Cathedral Choir with grace and passion. The anthem was Paul Mealor's setting of the Beatitudes, and it was deeply moving. We also sang Sanctuary ("Lord, prepare me..."), a song that generations of children have sung during Compline at Camp McDowell. 

The readers proclaimed the lessons from Isaiah and Hebrews with grace and conviction. Every person who served in the liturgy offered their gifts faithfully. Throughout the service, you could sense the Holy Spirit drawing the Diocese of Alabama together in prayer, praise, and Holy Communion. 



For me personally, it was a mountaintop experience with Christ and the Holy Spirit—one that I will carry with me always. 

Celebrating the Consecration of Our 13th Bishop

We give thanks for the beautiful service we witnessed last Saturday for the consecration and ordination of the 13th Bishop of Alabama, the Rt. Rev. Richard Lawson. More than 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, including over 20 bishops, clergy, lay leaders, and members of our diocese for this historic occasion.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this joyful celebration possible.

You can watch the sermon preached by the Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Bishop of Louisiana, and the recording of the service using the links below.

Lost and Found



We have a cassock and surplice, a stole, and a pair of glasses. If any of these items belong to you, please come by Carpenter House to pick them up by July 31st.

Prayer for the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, Bishop Richard commends this prayer for our nation from the Prayer Book — 

“Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” - A Collect for the Nation (BCP p. 258)

Please note that Carpenter House will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July.

Call for Submissions: 2026 Third Quarter Issue of The Alabama Episcopalian

As we prepare for the 2026 third issue of The Alabama Episcopalian, we invite you to share news, updates, and reflections from your ministries and parishes.

Submissions should include stories, events, or insights that highlight the life and work of our diocese. They should be no longer than 700 words and must include high-resolution photos. Please send your contributions directly to the Director of Communications, Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, at nana@dioala.org by Friday, July 31st, 2026.

The Sawyerville Summer Challenge is coming to a close! Join us in our effort to raise $50,000 by the end of Camp to support Sawyerville's ministry in Hale County, AL. 

Our Summer 2026 theme at Sawyerville is “Be the Light–Shine On.” This summer is about discovering how to show kindness, bring joy, and be there for others in simple, everyday ways. Being the light means choosing to care, to include, and to make space for one another. That light doesn’t stay at camp; it shines on in the places and people we go back to.

PLUS! This week only! An anonymous donor is matching gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000! Give a gift and have it doubled.

Deconsecrated chapel marks end of an era in ministry to older adults at St. Martin's-in-the-Pines

“The chapel steeple rose high above that eastern end of Birmingham as a witness of Christian love being practiced and lived in that space.”

That is how the Rev. Mary Anne Akin, a former chaplain at St. Martin’s-in-the-Pines, remembers the David Cady Wright Memorial Chapel, where generations of residents of the Birmingham retirement community gathered for worship, prayer, and fellowship, and where clergy and chaplains ministered to older adults across every stage of aging.

Following St. Martin’s-in-the-Pines’ transition from an Episcopal ministry to private ownership, Bishop Glenda Curry deconsecrated the chapel on June 10, marking the end of more than five decades of its ministry as a consecrated worship space within the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.

Join the Church of Ascension (1912 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216) on Saturday, July 18, 7:00 pm for The Birmingham Harp Series Presents: Joost Willemze, in concert; 

Featuring works by Bach, Chopin, Rameau, Daquin, Glinka, Grandjany, and others

Come and allow Joost to take you on a journey through time and space, through the underworld and to the heavens, and across a mesmerizing universe of string and rhythm. The program is free to the public, and all are welcome.

Joost Wiillemze is an accomplished harpist who has won countless awards and honors, including the International Harp Competition in Porto and the Suoni d’Arpa International Competition in Italy. He is currently a professor of Harp at Codarts Rotterdam, University of the Arts in the Netherlands.

St. Barnabas Church in Hartselle is seeking a Part-time Priest to work 2–4 Sundays per month. St. Barnabas is a parish for those seeking to grow closer to God through worship, prayer, scripture, and outreach. Full job description here. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Ed Tate at wallacetate@aol.com.

St. John's Church in Decatur is seeking a dynamic, faithful, and visionary leader to serve as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This individual will shape and lead a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry for children, youth, and families—cultivating a community where young people are known, loved, and empowered to grow into their identity and calling in Jesus Christ. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to: The Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector chase@stjohnsdecatur.org. Job description available here.

Church of the Nativity is seeking a creative and energetic person to serve as Director of Youth Ministry. The Church of the Nativity has a vibrant and welcoming youth ministry program and seeks a person with mature faith, strong relational skills, creativity, and positive energy who can engage youth and families in authentic, life-giving ways. Job description and application information available HERE.

St. Thomas, Birmingham, is looking for someone to fill the position of Coordinator, Youth & Children Ministries. This is an exciting, part-time opportunity for someone who can connect with young people and coordinate programs that help them grow in their faith. Please review this summary of the job and email Rev. Susan Oakes at pastormo208@gmail.com for more detailed information.

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