News & Updates | February 26, 2025 | www.dioala.org

Dear Friends,

In his book “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction,” Eugene Peterson teaches that the psalms were the “traveling songs” of the faithful pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem to the Temple. In the Temple, they received God’s forgiveness and were reminded of God’s mercy.  I can picture those pilgrims singing the words of Psalm 105, recalling Jacob, Joseph, Abraham, and Moses. I imagine sharing those words lifted their spirits and gave them energy for the hard miles and dusty roads.

The story of the Exodus and God's acts that freed His people sustain me when my spirit flags. We remember these same mighty acts of God in our prayers over the bread and wine on Sunday. Psalm 105 reminds us that even before Jesus, God was working to bring about our salvation using flawed and frail people who grew into God’s leaders and servants.



Lent is approaching quickly. I’ve decided to reread Eugene’s book as part of my prayer and preparation for Easter.  I’m ambitious in planning this before Lent begins because I usually resist this discipline.  Lent typically teaches me how my best-laid plans often fall short. But long obedience in the same direction can’t help but get me closer to God, even if I take breaks on the way. The thought of pilgrims putting one foot in front of the other to get to Jerusalem and God’s mercy encourages me to try it, too.

During this Lenten season, we are called to sing our songs of praise, too, remembering in the wilderness that the journey may be long and the road uneven, but following the example of our forefathers and mothers, our obedience to God’s call will lead us to freedom, hope, and peace. Following, “we give thanks to the Lord and call on his holy name,” and we trust because God is “mindful of his covenant forever.”  So, let’s keep walking, and I hope to see you at church!

Blessings,

An anonymous donor is matching gifts up to $1 million for the Equipping the Saints campaign. When we unlock this gift, we’ll reach the campaign’s goal. A gift of any size will make a positive impact on our beloved church.

Are you age 18-24 or the parent of someone age 18-24? Please take a few minutes to fill out the Diocese of Alabama Campus Ministry Interest form. This will help the Department of Campus Ministries create a database for college chaplains to reach out and get you plugged into the programs around our diocese for this age group!

You do not have to attend an institute of higher learning to participate in these retreats and programs! For questions or additional information, please contact Jen Manning, Diocesan Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, at jmanning@dioala.org.

2025 ECW Scholarship Program Open

You are invited to apply as a graduating senior or current student attending an institution of college rank. We will begin accepting applications on Friday, February 21.

All applications must be received no later than Wednesday, April 30. We encourage you to review the entire packet of information needed. If we receive an incomplete application, we will not be able to evaluate it.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Kathleen Franklin at kathleenfrnkln@gmail.com. Visit alabamaecw.org for more information.

Camp McDowell is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). With over 30,000 guests annually, an operating budget of over 5 million dollars, 150 full and part-time staff, and over 1,100 acres, the COO will be responsible for the overall operations of Camp McDowell. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit management, a passion for our mission and ministry, and the ability to lead diverse teams in a dynamic environment. View the job description here.

The Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills is seeking a part-time Youth Minister. Qualified candidates should feel passionate about helping youth in 6th-12th grades explore their faith, build relationships with each other, and deepen their commitment to Christ. View the job description here.

Saint Stephen’s Church, Birmingham, is seeking to hire a Children’s Ministries Assistant. This position is designed for a layperson of the Episcopal Church and will remain open until a Children’s Ministries Assistant is hired. The position is designed to be part-time and can be 10-20 hours a week (to be negotiated). Working on Sunday mornings on a weekly basis is required. View the job description here.

Saint Luke’s Church, Birmingham is seeking an enthusiastic and creative individual to join their Youth Ministry team and work with their young women in grades 7-12. This is a full-time Youth Minister position with benefits. For more information, please contact the Rev. David Hall at dhall@saint-lukes.com. 

St. Thomas Church, Huntsville, is looking to hire a Youth Director to create and organize youth gatherings, oversee youth acolyte scheduling, and youth Sunday School teachers. View the job description here.

St. James in Alexander City is searching for their next organist and music leader. Interested individuals can contact the Rev. Robert Iler at frrob7@gmail.com

The Church of the Nativity, Huntsville, is hiring a Director of Parish Engagement. This position will also serve as the point of contact for all non-parish events held at Nativity. View the job description here.

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