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

I have loved being a parish priest. I love people, preaching, pastoral care, and community. One of the things that made saying “yes” to Richard’s offer to join him in Alabama was that I still get to do most of those things in my varied role as Canon to the Ordinary.  

I have four preaching engagements scheduled in the coming weeks, and I was with the good folks of St. Mary’s on the Highlands this past Sunday. I will be meeting with search committees in Opelika, Rainbow City, and Montgomery in the next few weeks. I get to be with people, talk with them about what they love about their parish, and help them plan for their future. 

I also get to help them think about how to celebrate the rectors who have ministered to and with them so well, like Rob Iler, who served St. James in Alexander City for 14 years.

I have plenty that keeps me sitting at a computer and in meetings at Carpenter House – also an important part of my job – but I also have the joy and blessing of getting on the road and meeting you in your contexts. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I can’t wait to meet more and more of you as the months go on. 



We are going to do great work together!   

Call for Submissions: 2026 Third Quarter Issue of The Alabama Episcopalian

As we prepare for the 2026 third issue of The Alabama Episcopalian, we invite you to share news, updates, and reflections from your ministries and parishes.

Submissions should include stories, events, or insights that highlight the life and work of our diocese. They should be no longer than 700 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 this Friday, July 31st, 2026.

The Rev. Canon Cameron Nations Accepts New Call in South Carolina

Please join us in congratulating the Rev. Cameron Nations on his new call as Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

Cameron's last day at Carpenter House will be July 31. We give thanks for his faithful ministry among us. His leadership in lay ministry formation, vocational development, and discernment has had a lasting impact on our diocese, equipping countless individuals to discover and live into God's call.



Please send your congratulations and words of encouragement to Cameron at cnations@dioala.org. We also ask that you keep him, his wife, Carly, and their daughters, Cece and Clara, in your prayers as they begin this new chapter in their ministry.

Volunteers Needed for Christ Church, Fairfield Food Bank

Christ Church Fairfield is seeking volunteers to serve in its Food Pantry Ministry on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the church campus, 4912 Lloyd Noland Parkway, Fairfield, AL 35064.

If you are available to help, please contact Ruthie Thomas at 205-470-5412 or Edwin Murray at 205-760-0771. Your time and service can make a meaningful difference!

We are excited to have Bishop Richard Lawson as the speaker at this year's Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Hayneville, AL.

There is something profoundly moving about returning to a sacred place and remembering. As we gather in Hayneville in Lowndes County, we will remember the witness of Episcopal seminarian Jonathan Daniels and the other 14 martyrs who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. We hope you will join us as we gather together to remember, resolve, and carry on the work of building the beloved community. 

Questions? Contact Breanna Carter, Missioner for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage, at bcarter@dioala.org

St. Barnabas Church in Hartselle is seeking a Part-time Priest to work 2–4 Sundays per month. St. Barnabas is a parish for those seeking to grow closer to God through worship, prayer, scripture, and outreach. Full job description here. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Ed Tate at wallacetate@aol.com.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Indian Springs is seeking a part-time Parish Administrator, Monday-Thursday, 20 hours per week. The Parish Administrator provides essential administrative, financial, and communication support to ensure the smooth operation of the Parish. This role serves as the key point of contact for parishioners, staff, and vendors, maintaining financial records, preparing reports, and coordinating Parish communications. View the full job description. Interested candidates should email a CV and a letter of introduction to the Rev. Jamie McAdams at rector@saintfrancisindiansprings.org

St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain in Mentone is seeking a Director of Music & Pianist. This part-time position is responsible for music planning, scheduling practices and rehearsals, and providing piano music for Sunday morning worship service and other services where music is an essential part of worship. Full job description available HERE. Send applications to the Rev. Drew Brislin at drew@stjom.church

St. John's Church in Decatur is seeking a dynamic, faithful, and visionary leader to serve as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This individual will shape and lead a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry for children, youth, and families—cultivating a community where young people are known, loved, and empowered to grow into their identity and calling in Jesus Christ. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to: The Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector chase@stjohnsdecatur.org. Job description available here.

Church of the Nativity is seeking a creative and energetic person to serve as Director of Youth Ministry. The Church of the Nativity has a vibrant and welcoming youth ministry program and seeks a person with mature faith, strong relational skills, creativity, and positive energy who can engage youth and families in authentic, life-giving ways. An updated job description and application information are available HERE.

St. Thomas, Birmingham, is looking for someone to fill the position of Coordinator, Youth & Children Ministries. This is an exciting, part-time opportunity for someone who can connect with young people and coordinate programs that help them grow in their faith. Please review this summary of the job and email Rev. Susan Oakes at pastormo208@gmail.com for more detailed information.

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