News & Updates | November 29, 2023 | www.dioala.org

Place both feet firmly in front of you. Make sure you feel stable and well balanced. Now reach out with your left hand and grab the rope firmly. When you’re ready reach out with your right hand and firmly grab the other rope. Once again, make sure you feel well grounded in your stance. Wait for it, soon one or the other or even potentially both of the ropes you are embracing will make every effort to pull you in their direction.

St. Catherine's, Chelsea Celebrates First Eucharist

in Spanish

On Saturday, November 18^th, St. Catherine's Episcopal Church in Chelsea opened its doors to its Hispanic neighbors for their first Eucharist spoken primarily in Spanish. The service was the result of a relationship that began earlier this year as we expanded the reach of our food pantry. With the help of a Hispanic family who are long-time members of St. Catherine's, the information about our monthly food pantry was shared with members of the Hispanic community who were in need. Our food pantry guests increased in numbers, and as it did our relationships with this gracious community developed. In return, they asked if we could have a eucharist followed by a meal they would prepare to show their appreciation. For a non-Spanish speaking priest, developing the liturgy in Spanish was no easy task, but St. Catherine's has several Spanish- speaking members who served as translators. The service was far from perfect, but the love and warmth that was shared during the service clearly transcended any language barriers that may have existed.

After the service all 85 guests and members crowded into the small parish hall to share the delicious meal our Hispanic neighbors provided. I looked around at the glorious chaos; there weren't enough tables or chairs, but there was plenty of food, smiles, and love. It was perfection. I was reminded of Paul's message to the church in Corinth, "God says my grace is sufficient – my strength is made perfect in weakness." Our weakness, our imperfections were made strong and whole that afternoon. God never ceases to amaze.

Rev. Sally Herring, Priest-in-Charge.

Planting a new Episcopal church in McCalla

By Rev. Geoff Evans

If you have driven from Hoover toward Tuscaloosa recently then you have likely noticed a large new building being constructed just south of the Interstate. This is the Medical West Hospital. a new 200-bed facility that is part of the UAB Health System. The area around the hospital is developing rapidly with new homes being built in nearly all directions. Earlier this year Bishop Curry noticed this development and said to several of us “Why don’t we plant a church in McCalla?”

The 193rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama will be held in Montgomery, Alabama, on Feb. 8-10, 2024. The meeting will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery. The tentative schedule includes an optional visit to the EJI museum and Memorial on Thursday morning, followed by convention registration at the Renaissance from 3-6:00 pm. Convention will conclude at approximately noon on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Certification letters were mailed and emailed to all parishes the week of November 13. Access the online certification form here. Delegates to Convention must register by January 20 2024, using this link. 

Click here to book your accommodations for Convention

Click here for a preliminary schedule and FAQs.

For questions regarding convention, email diocesanconvention@dioala.org or leave a voicemail at 205.358.9227.

From now until December 31st, the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation is matching every gift to Sawyerville, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000 as a part of our Season of Sharing matching campaign!

We have a chance to raise $40,000 by the end of the year to support all of Sawyerville's programs: Summer Camp, Summer Learning, JumpStart, Mentoring, Person2Person, and Scholarships. Click here to see your generosity doubled!

A special message from Sawyerville Executive Director Kana Goldsmith

Greetings! Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministry of Sawyerville. As we prepare for Summer 2024 I wanted to share what your financial support means to the community of Hale County and the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. It’s about loving God and loving your neighbor. And it’s about living into the trust of a partnership. Let’s take a closer look at what your gift gives to all five of our programs. Read more.

St. John's Poppy Sunday

On November 12, 2023, the St. John's clergy, parishioners and guests gathered in the labyrinth garden for a service of healing and remembrance as part of the nationwide Veteran's Day weekend events. Known as "Poppy Sunday" at St. John's, veterans are encouraged to wear an emblem of their military service. Volunteers installed hundreds of ceramic poppies courtesy of The Alabama Poppy Project. All participants were provided with paper poppy lapel pins from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Rev. Dr. Duncan Johnston composed and gave a lovely liturgy to mark the event. Poppy Sunday is a tradition at St. John's. All are welcome to come in and pray for someone on their heart.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles seeks a part-time worker for our Little Apostles Infant Care Ministry. View the job description here.

St. Joseph's, Mentone is seeking a pianist to play on Sunday morning, and occasionally for other services. Please email office@stjom.church or 256-634-4476 for more information.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Huntsville is seeking an organist. View the job description here.

Nativity, Huntsville is seeking a full-time Director of Christian Formation. You can find more information here.

USE LINKTREE TO FIND US EVERYWHERE!