News & Updates | April 29, 2026 | www.dioala.org

Transition: the act of passing from one state or place to the next…conversion…change

Dear Friends,

      I read a long time ago, “that the only being that actually enjoys change is a baby with a wet diaper.” For the most part, in my own life, that little joke rings true. Typically, change is hard, painful, disruptive, and also inevitable.  At the same time, change can be wonderful, even liberating.  Sometimes our conversion experiences are like that, and sometimes they are not so predictable.

      In scripture, the apostle Paul talked constantly about conversion, transformation, and change. Paul writes: “Be no longer children but grow up in Christ.”(Ephesians 4:14-15). Paul lived his life faithfully, expecting to change and be changed by God’s love and Spirit. He expected and encouraged followers of Jesus to “build each other up” in love, sharing food, shelter, hope, prayers, and patience as the Body of Christ. He encouraged us to love one another as Jesus loves us and, regardless of our circumstances, to nourish our hearts and spirits toward something Paul called ‘spiritual maturity’.

Applications for Diocesan Grants Open May 1

We are excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Grants for parishes will open this Friday, May 1, with a June 15, 2026, deadline.

These grants are designed to support ministries across the diocese in the areas of Creation Care, Renew and Refresh, and Outreach. Whether you are launching a new initiative or building on existing work, we encourage you to apply these resources and explore how they can support your parish’s mission.

If you missed today's webinar on how the application works, please head over to this page for a recording, the presentation slides, and a detailed breakdown of the application process. If you have any questions, contact the Director of Mission Funding, Sarah Banks Bosu, at sbosu@dioala.org.

Commission On Spirituality Spring Retreat

The Commission on Spirituality invites you to join the Spring Retreat with the Rev. Monica A. Carlson on Saturday, May 16, on the theme: The Rule of St. Benedict: What a Sixth Century Monk Can Teach Twenty-First Century Christians.

Listen with the ear of your heart to an exploration of the Rule of St. Benedict that helped shape Western Monasticism and the Episcopal/Anglican Church. Stability, obedience, and conversion of life are the monastic Benedictine vows, and the Rule provides practices that support these vows. Those same practices also have encouraged spiritual growth, depth, and maturity for everyday followers of Jesus Christ for almost 1500 years. With his practical and profound path to a life in which nothing is preferred to the love of Christ, Benedict offers his own experience of seeking God to each generation of Christians who come after him.

For more information and registration, click HERE.

Church Organ Seeking New Home

St. Dunstan’s in Auburn is parting with its organ and would like to gift it to a good home. If your church, or a church you know, is looking for an organ, we have one for you. It’s an Opus 8 from Bradford Organ Company, 11 ranks. For more information, please contact Thomas Joyner at thomas@stdunstansauburn.org. 

Camp McDowell invites you to join an evening of storytelling, live music from Laine Poole and Jimmy Gauld, a silent auction, raffles, and more as we support Bethany Camps, highlighting Special Session and Bethany's Kids at Camp McDowell.

For close to 30 years, Camp McDowell has been the home of Special Session and now includes Bethany's Kids, along with hosting many other ADA Camps outside our diocese. Our diocesan Abilities Camps at Bethany Village are the definition of unconditional, inclusive love. To support our camps and the campers who participate, consider purchasing a ticket to our upcoming fundraiser, participate in the silent auction, or donating using the link below. Discounted tickets available for those under 21.

ECW Convocation Meetings

Church of the Good Shepherd in Decatur is hosting a second artist in their North Alabama International Piano Series. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with internationally acclaimed concert pianist Aslan Chikovani.

📅 Friday, May 22

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Church of the Good Shepherd (3809 Spring Avenue, Decatur)

For questions, please email Patricia Pruitt at pruitt1123@gmail.com

About the artist:

Originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, Aslan Chikovani has been playing the piano since he was 6 years old. He has earned international recognition for his artistry, performing across Europe and the United States. He was considered by many as a virtuoso at 13. He was drawn to the University of Alabama by Professor Dr. Edisher Savitski, also from the Republic of Georgia, and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance, representing the highest level of formal training for concert pianists.

St. John's Church in Montgomery is seeking a passionate and dynamic Director of Children’s Christian Formation to lead and nurture the spiritual growth of their youngest members. The ideal candidate will be energetic, compassionate, and committed to creating meaningful experiences that cultivate children’s understanding of Christian teachings and values. For more information and the application, check the job description.

The Diocesan Formation Ministries is seeking a detail-oriented and ministry-minded Youth Formation Events Assistant (Part-Time) to support youth, campus, and young adult formation across the diocese. This role helps coordinate key events like the Christmas Conference and the Province IV Youth Networking Event, along with assisting with additional gatherings throughout the year. Up to 15 hours/month • Up to $5,000 annually + mileage. Apply HERE. Contact Jen Manning at jmanning@dioala.org for any questions.

The Episcopal Church in Alabama is hiring an Executive Administrative Assistant who will be the first point of contact for the Bishop of Alabama and will provide administrative and logistical support for the Bishop’s office and the Canon to the Ordinary’s office. The full job description is available HERE. Qualified candidates should email their applications to moeder@dioala.org.

The Church of the Ascension in Montgomery is seeking a full-time organist/choirmaster.  Send a letter of interest, resume, and at least three (3) professional references to musicsearch@coascension.org. Click here for the full job description.

Founders Place, a dementia‑friendly respite ministry supporting adults living with dementia-related cognitive change and their caregivers, is seeking a Director of Administration, Operations & Community Engagement. Founders Place is a ministry of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham. Send cover letter and resume to bwalton@saint-lukes.com to apply. Click here for more information.

Saint Stephen’s Church, Birmingham, is seeking to hire a Nursery Director to support its ministry with young children and families. Check out the full job description here.

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