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Diocese of Alabama,
I am very happy to report that Kana Goldsmith has agreed to become our Interim Canon for Parish Vitality and Vocations, beginning September 1. Kana most recently served as the executive director of Sawyerville, our thriving ministry and camp where children in the Black Belt experience the Gospel and Christian community. Kana is deeply trusted by those who have worked closely with her, and she brings a love for our Lord, our diocese, and our clergy.
In this new role, Kana will have two distinct but related responsibilities. She will oversee the discernment process, including recruiting and supporting anyone who senses a call to become a priest or deacon. Kana will work closely with the Commission on Ministry and its chair, the Reverend Mike Harber. She will oversee clergy programs, including Clergy Conference and our annual class for clergy recently ordained or new to the diocese.
The second area of responsibility is parish vitality. Kana will work most closely with small parishes as they develop strategies for sharing the Gospel in word and deed and for financial sustainability. I have asked her to create a small church network for the diocese, which is a request from a number of our churches. Kana will also develop a team of consultants, lay leaders, and clergy with wisdom and expertise who can provide extra support when a church is at a crossroads for any number of reasons.
Please join me in welcoming Kana back to Carpenter House. Her email address is kgoldsmith@dioala.org, and her office number is 205-358-9226.
—Richard
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Phishing Email Alert
Please disregard and delete any email claiming to be from Bishop Richard that does not come from his official diocesan email address. Bishop Richard will never ask you by email to send money, purchase gift cards, or handle a financial request discreetly. Do not reply, click any links, or provide personal information.
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Planning an Estate or Stock Gift? We’re Here to Help
As you plan your estate, remember your parish can accept any type of gift because the diocese is here to help.
If you are giving from your IRA Distribution or stock account, please contact Connie Bryson, Director of Finance and Operations, at cbryson@dioala.org. Most brokerage checks don't include identifying information, and we want to attribute your gift to you.
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The McDowell Environmental Center will be hosting a 5K and Fun Run on September 26th at 8 am at Camp McDowell. The funds from this race will go to supporting future generations of students who come to learn at the McDowell Environmental Center. The deadline for sponsors is September 1st, so if you, as an individual or your business/organization, would like to sponsor, please email Hunter Watson by the 1st. Sponsorships can be monetary or in the form of merch from your business. For individuals who want to sign up to race, the t-shirt deadline is also September 1st, so you are only guaranteed a shirt if you sign up before then.
The race will take place throughout upper camp (about 25% road / 75% trail) and gives participants a chance to see the beauty Camp McDowell has to offer. On the day of, a raffle will also be held after the race, with a chance to win cool merch from local businesses and the camp store.
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Calling all College Students
Are you—or a student you know—heading to college this fall? Our Diocese's campus ministries offer students a welcoming community where they can connect, grow in faith, and find support.
Please send your information to Jen Manning, Missioner for Formation, and we’ll connect them with the right campus ministry. We are continuing to add new ministries, so check back often.
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The Choir will sing the Office of Compline on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Compline is one of the ancient monastic services sung before the close of day.
The service will be led entirely by the Choir out of the Book of Common Prayer and will provide a time of reflection, prayer, and reverence. We invite you to come and pray this special service with us, surrounded by the beauty of holiness.
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A Look Back Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama
Last Saturday, hundreds of pilgrims gathered in Hayneville to walk, pray, and remember at the annual Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage.
Together, we honored those who gave their lives for justice, renewed our commitment to continue their witness, and carried forward the work of building the Beloved Community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this sacred gathering possible. Your presence and faithful service made the day especially meaningful.
We invite you to watch the full recording and explore the digital photo album.
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Clergy and Lay Leaders of Color Retreat | Sept. 12, 2026 | Register Here
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Candidates for Ordination's Fall Meeting with COM and Standing Committee| Sept. 17
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Clergy Conference | October 14-16| Camp McDowell
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ECW Fall Conference | October 23rd-24th
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Scottsboro Boys Pilgrimage | October 30
| | | | CLERGY NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS | | LAY JOB OPENINGS ACROSS OUR DIOCESE | | |
The Diocese is hiring a Finance and Administrative Assistant to support the organization's accounting and financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, and assisting with month-end and year-end close processes. This role requires strong analytical and organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. View job description here. Send resumes to Makenzie Oeder.
St. Luke's Jacksonville is hiring a part-time Parish Secretary who provides essential administrative and communication support to ensure the smooth operation of the parish. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. This role serves as a key point of contact for parishioners, staff, and vendors, prepares reports, and coordinates parish communications. Full job description here. Please email your resume and cover letter to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Attn: The Rev. Robert Fowler: Robfowler3@gmail.com to be considered for this position.
St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain in Mentone is seeking a Director of Music & Pianist. This part-time position is responsible for music planning, scheduling practices and rehearsals, and providing piano music for Sunday morning worship service and other services where music is an essential part of worship. Full job description available HERE. Send applications to the Rev. Drew Brislin at drew@stjom.church
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.
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