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Dear Friends,
I read about a preacher who had a birdhouse for bluebirds to nest in. He put it in his yard on a wooden post. All the neighborhood cats climbed up the wood and turned the new nest, chicks and all, into a grave. So, he replaced the wooden pole with a metal one. The bluebirds came back and rebuilt the nest, made some babies, and took turns protecting the chicks or hunting for food. As he watched the process, he concluded: “This is what hope looks like, stubborn hope…like the bluebirds making space for life in the midst of death.” He writes: “The hope of Easter is that not even crucifixion can put an end to God’s work of making space for new life. God turns a grave into a place of new birth. God is stubborn for hope and…life.” “The Christian life is all about nesting, about creating a home for the gospel, a shelter for hope, joy, and all good things.”
What leads to this Easter faith is following Jesus to the cross and participating in the remembrance of the gift of the Resurrection. Beginning Maundy Thursday, we will celebrate the last meal Jesus had with his closest disciples. On Friday, we will live the story and the prayers leading to Jesus’ death on the cross. Then, on Saturday, we’ll celebrate the first service of Easter with the Great Vigil beginning at dusk. On Sunday, we continue to celebrate with Resurrection services at all hours of the day in each of our 87 parishes. I invite you to find a place to worship where God is calling you.
| | From The Desk of Bishop Curry: Sawyerville Leadership Transitions | | |
Dear Friends,
Kana Goldsmith, Executive Director of Sawyerville for the past three years, concludes her leadership of this wonderful ministry on April 1. Kana’s vision, commitment, and service have certainly shaped Sawyerville into a faithful and thriving ministry that has touched countless lives across our Diocese. As Kana leaves us, she says, “As this chapter comes to an end, I find myself seeking God’s will for me in the roles I now return to more fully: preacher’s wife, mother, wife, spiritual director, and freelance writer. And I carry with me what Sawyerville has taught me.” Please join me in thanking Kana for her service by sending notes to her at kana@sawyerville.org.
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Carrie Dennis, Assistant Director of Sawyerville these past three years, has been selected to lead Sawyerville as Interim Executive Director this year. Carrie has worked closely with Kana since 2023, has a deep love for the mission, and brings wisdom and enthusiasm to the work. As Bishop, I deeply appreciate Kana’s devotion and service as well as Carrie’s experience and willingness to put her considerable gifts to work in the Interim. I believe Carrie will be surrounded by a supportive Department, dedicated clergy and coordinators, with and strong leadership across the community. I look forward to a wonderfully creative, blessed summer 2026.
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Joining Carrie, I am happy to welcome the new Assistant Director, AnnaGrace Parmer. AG joined Sawyerville in 2021 as a high school staffer, later serving as Camp Manager and Coordinator. AnnaGrace is completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia this spring in American Studies and Youth and Social Innovation. She can be reached at annagrace@sawyerville.org.
Please keep Kana, Carrie, and AnnaGrace in your prayers as they embark on their new challenges. Thank you all for supporting the incredible ministry of Sawyerville for the sake of all the communities of Hale and Green counties and beyond. As I learned many years ago at Sawyerville, “It’s all for the Kids.” And for the Lord.
Blessings,
+G
| The First Quarter Issue of The Alabama Episcopalian is Available Online | |
We’re excited to announce that the first 2026 issue of The Alabama Episcopalian is now available online.
This issue highlights stories from both our Electing Convention and the 195th Diocesan Convention, while also capturing the vitality of our parishes across the Diocese. It offers a glimpse into what Bishop Curry describes as a “holy adventure”.
We invite you to explore this issue and take a few moments to complete the online survey on the back cover to help us improve this magazine.
Submission for the next issue of the magazine is open from April 1 to May 1. Please email your submissions to nana@dioala.org.
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Calling all Vestry Members, Clerks, and Treasurers
Come learn about best practices for church governance and strategies for growing your church's witness, mission, and engagement.
Topics will include - the keys to parish growth and congregational vitality, faithful and effective stewardship, the essentials of parish governance, and how to embody gospel hospitality.
Also, learn from fellow vestry members and parish leaders from across the diocese and leave with more connections and friendships to aid in your service to the Lord through your ministry on the vestry.
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Jr. High students (rising grades 7–9) are invited to join us for a meaningful and fun summer outreach experience. Participants will gather at Camp McDowell for a few days of service, connection, and encouragement while learning about two important ministries in our diocese: Special Session and Sawyerville.
The cost for the trip is $200, and financial assistance is available. This is a wonderful opportunity for Jr. High students to learn about outreach ministries in our diocese, build friendships, and serve others in meaningful ways. Space is limited, so sign up today. For more information and registration, click HERE.
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Join St. Mary's Church in Jasper for a Community Prayer Walk at Gamble Park | April 3rd, 5:30 p.m., 1225 Gamble Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501
This is the second year that St. Mary’s, Jasper, will take the Stations of the Cross service off campus and invite the local community to walk the “way of the cross.”
A homemade cross, made by Clay Cabes, the son of the Rev. Corrie Cabes, is carried by a variety of folks along the path, as people stop, reflect, and pray. This year, St. Mary’s, Jasper First Methodist, Covenant Church of the Nazarene, The Trace Church, Cornerstone Church, Long Memorial United Methodist Church, and other people of faith in the community will participate.
Contact Corrie at rector@stmarysjasper.org for more information.
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Saint Stephen’s, Birmingham, invites clergy, therapists, and spiritual directors to a retreat on the theme Nourish: A Contemplative Retreat for the Caregivers of Souls.
Led by Charlotte Donlon and Gisela Kreglinger, this retreat offers a sacred pause for those who spend their days tending to others’ spirits.
Through guided yet spacious time, gentle silence, and creative stations designed to nourish mind and soul, you are invited to rest, reflect, and receive.
Date: April 15, 2026
$30 Registration includes coffee, snacks, and lunch.
Click HERE to sign up. Detailed information about this retreat available in this document.
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Episcopal Place calling all Gumbo Teams!
Sign your parish up to compete in the 20th Annual Gumbo Gala, Episcopal Place's beloved fundraiser where local chefs, backyard cooks, and gumbo lovers go head-to-head for gumbo glory!
Team sign up: Email aburgess@episcopalplace.org to click here to sign up.
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Counselors Needed for Special Session at Bethany Village
Special Session is a week-long camp session for adults with disabilities. Now in its 28th year, Special Session is a unique camp experience where high school and college-age counselors are paired with campers from all across the country to participate in various camp activities, including canoeing and arts and crafts.
The theme for Special Session 2026 is “Our Campers Are The G.O.A.T.s (greatest of all time) and runs from May 30th to June 6th, 2026.
Counselors must be ages 16-23. Adults older than 23 years old are invited to apply to be on the support staff. and the staff fee is $150 (Includes all meals and lodging). Note: Scholarships are available. Email at alabamaspecialsession@gmail.com with any questions.
| | CLERGY NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS | | LAY JOB OPENINGS ACROSS OUR DIOCESE | | All articles placed in the e-news run for a period of two weeks upon submission. | | |
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