News & Updates | July 23, 2025 | www.dioala.org | |
As I walked through the doors of the restaurant, my eyes were immediately drawn to a group of people across the way. I had only taken a few steps when folks in the gathering saw me, smiled, and waved me over. Handshakes quickly turned into hugs, followed by lots of cheerful variations of, “It’s really great to see you!” and “How are you?”
These friends of over twenty years—some of whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time—still gave off the warm familiarity of the classic TV show Cheers – where everybody knows your name! There’s nothing quite like walking into a gathering where you’re embraced and genuinely welcomed...
| | 2025 Grants for Parishes Are Open | |
Applications are still open for the 2025 Grants for parishes.
Grant Application Links
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
For more information and details of a proposed application preparation timeline, please visit the link below.
| | Support Flood Relief Efforts in Texas Hill Country | | |
As we continue to hold all those affected by the floods in Texas Hill Country in our prayers, we invite you to consider making a financial gift to one of these organizations:
The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
The Diocese has established a fund to assist those in need. Donate HERE.
The Episcopal Relief & Development
Here is a statement on how the Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to the floods. Donations will help their local partners respond to the emerging needs. Give HERE
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
This is a trusted fund established by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to support flood relief and rebuild efforts. Your donation will be distributed by the foundation to multiple regional nonprofits working on the ground. Give HERE
TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue)
TEXSAR is providing vital rescue services and will need continuous support. Click HERE to donate.
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
The Salvation Army is actively responding to the severe floods in Texas, offering emergency aid, food, beverages, emotional and spiritual care, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers across five states. When donating, please be sure to select "Texas Flood (July 2025)" from the dropdown menu under "What would you like your donation to support?" Click HERE to donate.
| | Call for Submissions: 2025 Third Quarter Issue of The Alabama Episcopalian | | |
As we prepare for the 2025 third issue of The Alabama Episcopalian, we invite you to share news, updates, and reflections from your ministries or 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 August 1, 2025.
| | 'Thank You' Video From Sawyerville | | Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Events | | |
Join us on Saturday, August 9, for the 2025 Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage in Hayneville, AL. We are honored to welcome the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, as this year’s guest speaker.
The pilgrimage begins at 11 a.m. with a procession from the town square to the historic county jail, where Jonathan Daniels and others were held after being arrested for protesting segregation in Fort Deposit. The procession then moves to the site of the former Varner’s Cash Store, where Daniels was killed, and concludes at the Lowndes County Courthouse with a service of Holy Communion held in the same courtroom where Daniels’ killer was acquitted by an all-white jury.
| |  | |
The Jonathan Daniels Youth Pilgrimage is a weekend of service and remembrance for youth grades 9th-12th grade. We will gather at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension (315 Clanton Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104), with registration from 6:00p-6:30p, on August 8th. The weekend will conclude on August 9th around 3:00p.
There will be a registration fee of $25, cash or check, for all participants. Make checks payable to The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama ATTN: Jonathan Daniels Youth Pilgrimage. If cost is a hinderance, scholarships are available.
For any question or concerns, contact Breanna Carter bcarter@dioala.org.
| | | Register Your ECW or Women’s Ministry | |
The National ECW is asking all parish and diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and Women Ministries to register their group. To better serve each ministry, contact information is needed. Registration is simple and can be completed by filling out the form below.
As this list of ministries is gathered, those that register will be able to receive support through a wider umbrella of services.
| |
Each year, the Diocesan ECW raises funds that go towards supporting our seminarians by helping them purchase books and other reading material needed while they are in seminary. This year we have ten seminarians, and the support we are able to provide them relies solely on donations we receive from our parishes, parish ECW's, and individual donations (which is where you can help) by going to the link listed below to make an online donation.
Checks are also welcome, and you can contact Staci Shaddix, our CPC Chair with any questions at stacishaddix@yahoo.com.
Our seminarians are so appreciative of the support, and your help makes all the difference, so keep our seminarians in your prayers and show your support today by making a donation.
| | 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 | | |
St. Thomas Church, Birmingham is seeking applicants for the position of Coordinator, Children & Youth Ministries. This is an exciting part-time opportunity for someone with a passion for children and youth who seeks a positive environment with great families, volunteers, and staff. If you are interested, email the Rev. Susan Oakes at pastormo208@gmail.com and include a brief cover letter. Full job description here.
St. Mary’s in Jasper is seeking a music minister who is available on Sunday mornings (and a few holiday services) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. who plays the piano (organ a plus), loves worship music, and loves people. Get the job description here. Interested persons should contact the Rev. Corrie Cabes at 817-454-6871.
Christ Church Tuscaloosa is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Children’s Ministry Intern this fall. The intern will receive mentorship and support from the Children’s Ministry Coordinator and will gain hands-on experience in ministry leadership, Christian education, and church life. Full job description available here
| | All articles placed in the e-news run for a period of two weeks upon submission. | | |
How to opt out of this weekly email:
By using the "SafeUnsubscribe" feature below you will automatically and permanently remove your email address from all Diocese of Alabama mailing lists. If you wish to unsubscribe only to this mailing list please email communications@dioala.org. and type the word "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. You can submit articles to Nana Afia Tenkoramaa at communications@dioala.org. The deadline for submissions is each Tuesday, and our newsletter is emailed each Wednesday.
Please send any mailing address changes or additions to Liza Lee Horton at lhorton@dioala.org.
| | | | |
