News & Updates | January 22, 2025 | www.dioala.org

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Dear Friends,


I came across a wonderful little video a few years ago. It begins with a businessman going about his usual day. Things don’t start out well and get worse. He starts to pull out of the driveway and almost runs over a child on a bike. He gets to his favorite coffee outlet, but a woman steals his parking place. In line, the man in front of him places an order for his entire office building. When he finally gets to the counter, he’s told it will be a few minutes because they have to brew a fresh batch...

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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.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

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. 

Give Today

We look forward to our 194th Diocesan Convention, which will take place from Thursday, January 30, to Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Decatur, AL, on the theme "Go Ahead to Galilee".


For detailed information—including the full agenda, a lineup of guest speakers, proposed resolutions, and live-streaming options—please visit the convention website.

Convention Website

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.

From Scratch at the Alabama Folk School

February 28-March 2, 2025

From Scratch weekend 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

Living the Way of Love: A 40-Day Devotional by the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan 

Living the Way of Love offers forty brief reflections about the seven Jesus-centered practices identified by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in “The Way of Love” initiative. Sullivan tells stories from her own and others’ experiences as a starting point for discussion about how to seek and find a deeper connection to God.


Rotating through each practice so that each is covered once a week, going deeper into the practice throughout the forty days, each reflection ends with questions designed to spur further discussion and assist readers in making the practices their own.


Perfect for using as a Lenten devotional or at any time of the year, the book includes a guide for creating a personal rule of life, and a downloadable Facilitator’s Guide.

Grab a copy

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 12th Ave. South. The concert is presented free of charge.

CLERGY NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS

Clergy Job Positions in our Diocese

For more information about clergy jobs in our diocese, contact:

Rev. Cn. Geoff Evans.

LAY JOB OPENINGS IN OUR DIOCESE

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.


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


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 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.


The Church of the Nativity, Huntsville, is seeking a talented and dedicated Director of Music and Organist to lead their music ministry. 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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