News & Updates | January 15, 2025 | www.dioala.org

Dear Friends,

A New Testament professor once told me, “the central promise of the Bible is not I will forgive you.” Although that’s in there, the most frequent promise is that "I will be with you." When God comes to earth, his name is Immanuel, God with us. And when Jesus leaves, he promises to send the Spirit to be with us. The main story of the Bible is about God loving us, coming after us to save us, and claiming us to be God’s people.

As I watch the wildfires in California, the recovery from the hurricanes these past months, and even the looming Presidential transition, I’m reminded of something I learned from my spiritual director many years ago. He told me, “There’s no such thing as security, only holy insecurity.” I think that means that without our connection to Jesus Christ, we live with an illusion that we create our security. That kind of thinking doesn’t bring life. Only God can bring life, and he alone promises to be with us in the unknowns of life.

Our communities of faith offer us places to find connection, community, and abundant life.  If you find yourself worrying, say a prayer, find one of our churches near you, worship the One who gives us life, and reach out to someone less fortunate. These are just a few ways to be reminded that we are loved by a heavenly Father who is faithful. You are not alone. Times come and go; God’s love is steadfast and everlasting.  I hope I see you at church! 

Blessings,

If you would like to contribute financially to relief efforts for those affected by the wildfires in southern California, please send your online donations directly to the Diocese of Los Angeles' One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal here.

Alternatively, you can donate to the Episcopal Relief and Development or our Diocese by clicking here for a secure online donation. If you wish to make your contribution to our diocese by check, please mark your gifts as “California wildfires.” We will forward all gifts to the church in Los Angeles.

Now’s your chance to make a difference like never before! Every gift to Equipping the Saints will be matched dollar-for-dollar—up to $1 million. Your generosity will strengthen our parishes and expand our ministries across the diocese. 

New Clergy Called

We are glad to announce the calling of three clergy members to new congregations.

The Rev. Christopher Lynn Paul will have pastoral oversight for Trinity Church, Clanton, effective January 19, 2025, in the hope that God willing and the people consenting will become Priest in Charge after ordination.

The Rev. Lucian Cronkite will have pastoral oversight for St. Matthias’ Church, Tuscaloosa, effective February 2, 2025, in the hope that God willing and the people consenting will become Priest in Charge after ordination.

The Rev. William J. Fagan has been called to serve as Curate at the Cathedral Church of the Advent on October 25, 2024.

Nominations for Diocesan Office

Nominations are now being accepted for the Standing Committee, the Diocesan Council, and the Disciplinary Board. Those wishing to participate in the life and governance of the Diocese of Alabama are welcome to nominate themselves or someone else to serve on a diocesan body.

If nominating someone else, please ensure that you have spoken to this person and that this person is willing to accept the nomination. 

Nominations will also be taken from the floor at the Diocesan Convention. Pre-filed nominations will close at 5:00 PM CT on Friday, January 24, 2025. Please use the nomination form linked here. If you wish to have a printed nomination form, please contact Elizabeth Blake at Carpenter House at eblake@dioala.org 

Call for Submissions: 2025 First Quarter Issue of The Alabama Episcopalian

As we prepare for the first issue of The Alabama Episcopalian in 2025, we invite you to share news, updates, and reflections from your ministries or parishes. Submissions can include stories, events, or insights that highlight the life and work of our diocese. They should be no longer than 600 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 February 1, 2025.

Annual EYC Convention & YD Election Lock-In

All 9th-12th grade students are invited to participate in the Diocesan Youth Department’s annual EYC Convention Lock-In and Youth Department Election in Decatur, AL. The event will begin on Friday evening, January 31, with the election of the 2025-2026 Youth Department.

On Saturday, participants will join the Diocesan Convention at Ingalls Harbor. Check-in is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, and the Lock-In will conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1.

The cost to attend is $15, and financial assistance is available. For additional information, contact Ethan Evans, Youth Department Advisor, and EYC Convention Coordinator, at alabamayouth@gmail.com.

St. Matthew’s In-the-Pines Celebrates 70 Years

St. Matthew’s In-the-Pines, located at 38 Longview St., Seale, warmly invites all former members and friends to join them on Sunday, January 19, for their 70th anniversary celebration. The Eucharist will be celebrated by Bishop Prior at 10 a.m CT, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.

From Scratch at the Alabama Folk School

From Scratch weekend, February 28-March 2, 2025 is a workshop designed for true beginners.



If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or craft, this is the weekend for you.

This year’s offerings include classes with expert musicians, artists, and the return of beginner ceramics. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of Camp McDowell to explore during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax. More information about each workshop and registration can be found at: https://campmcdowell.org/dates-rates/from-scratch-2025

Music Series at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands

The Music at St. Mary’s series continues with a concert by Atlanta-based DUO CATANZA, Sunday, January 26 at 4 p.m. in Randolph Memorial Hall. The concert features Scott Plato & Bill Hearn playing classical guitars and more. Hear these prize-winners in the 2024 London Classical Music Competition, and then enjoy dinner in Five Points South afterward, or attend the regularly scheduled 5 p.m. service at the church, located at 1910 12^th Ave. South. The concert is presented free of charge.

Celebration of Epiphany Light at the Advent

In celebration of Epiphanytide, the Choir of the Cathedral Church of the Advent will offer A Celebration of Epiphany Light on Thursday, January 16, 5:30 p.m. in the Nave.

This special service will feature lessons and Epiphany carols in a manner much like our lessons and carols services during the Advent season. Whether you are on your way home from working downtown or simply looking for an opportunity to hear seasonal music and the gospel, all are warmly invited to attend this weeknight service.

The service will be live-streamed from here.

Free Alleluia III Songbooks for Parishes

Saint Luke’s, Birmingham, has several boxes of Alleluia III songbooks looking for a good home in a parish in the Diocese. Some have never been used, some are gently used, and some have been enthusiastically used. If you can provide a good home to some or all of these Alleluia III, please contact the Rev. David Hall at dhall@saint-lukes.com.  You must be able to pick them up at Saint Luke’s, Birmingham.

The Church of Ascension, in Vestavia Hills, is seeking a part-time Director of Family Ministries. Qualified candidates should feel passionate about forming young people (infant – 18 years old) in the knowledge and love of God in Christ Jesus. View the job description here.

All Saints Church in Homewood is hiring a Director of Finance to partner closely with their clergy, staff, and church leadership to manage and oversee all financial operations. Apply today here: https://indeedhi.re/3VAoYc0

The Church of the Nativity, Huntsville, is seeking a talented and dedicated Director of Music and Organist to lead their music ministry. This individual will play a pivotal role in enhancing worship experience through the power of music, directing the choir, and playing organ during services. View the job description here.

St. Philip's Church in Fort Payne is seeking a pianist to play on Sundays and special services. This is a paid position. Sunday service begins at 10:00. Please contact Ellen Brewer, music director, at breweredd@gmail.com or call the church at 256-845-1192.

St. John’s Church in Decatur, AL, is seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector, chase@stjohnsdecatur.org. View the job description here. 

St Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea, AL, seeks college students to work as staff singers in their choir for the 2024-2025 academic year. $75 honorarium per church service on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Interested students should email a resumé to mwestsoc@gmail.com.

All articles placed in the e-news run for a period of two weeks upon submission.

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