The Episcopal Church in Alabama

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday I visited St Michael’s and All Angels in Fayette. As I preached about the beheading of John the Baptist, a very unsettling gospel, I was aware that there was an older woman giving me her rapt attention, from the front row only a few feet away. She was wearing a great white hat and seemed absorbed in every word, and in worship. As we exchanged the peace, she greeted me warmly and thanked me for my sermon.

Her priest told me her name is Agnes Doughty, and at 100 years of age, a faithful member and also someone who seemed to be “warming up” to female clergy. I smiled and realized how much her attention had encouraged me as I preached. I’m sure she does the same for many at St. Michael’s. Her peacefulness has to be the fruit of a faithfulness lived out for many decades, trusting God’s grace. As I reflected on Miss Agnes Doughty’s faith and peace, I realized that after last Saturday night’s events, being with her and the people of St. Michael’s was just what I needed.

In some of St. Paul’s last words from prison, recorded in Philippians, Paul encourages his church not to worry but to give thanks and pray in everything. Then he follows with a promise, and the “peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s life was difficult, painful, unpredictable. Instead of hopelessness, Paul’s faithfulness led him to hopefulness and God’s mysterious peace.

We live in an unpredictable world, amplified by real time video, constant internet communications, fast paced news, and incredible challenges. Faithfulness will lead us to anchor our hope in the life giving love of Jesus. Like Paul, in troubled times, we will discover a mysterious peace, leading to abundant grace and the ability to live life in Jesus. We come to church each Sunday to put ourselves in the path of grace and love that only Jesus can give us. We come to learn to live faithfully, to love each other and to love God. I give thanks for our 86 faith communities and their many faithful people of our Diocese. I invite us all to pray for peace. And as always, I hope I see you soon at church.

Blessings,
+Bishop G

Follow the link below for the latest news in The Episcopal Church in Alabama!
https://conta.cc/3WqpBFE

Bishop G recently visited St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Fayette for confirmations, where she was joined by the confirmands and Rector Danny Whitehead for a group photo. The Bishop’s chaplain, Wyatt, did a wonderful job!

In light of the violence at the political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania tonight, please pray for those who have died or were injured, and for peace.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to apply for the Renew and Refresh 2024 grants! The deadline for applications is fast approaching on July 31.

In 2023, 51 parishes received $236,000 in grants of up to $5,000. Through the program, parishes removed barriers to ministry and reported growth in many forms.

This year, the diocese is particularly interested in projects that welcome new people to your parish. We are looking to support efforts to create new worshiping groups, fellowship opportunities, or points of connection that share the Episcopal expression of the Gospel with more people, especially those not currently attending a church.

Eligible projects may fall into one of three categories:
1. Physical Plant: Signage, lighting, roofs, restrooms, kitchens, accessibility improvements, playgrounds, landscaping.
2. Communications: Live streaming equipment, marketing materials, initiatives to increase visibility and attract newcomers.
3. Programming: Enriching current worship services or adding additional services, starting or expanding small group offerings, creating meaningful connections with the surrounding community

If you have a need outside these categories, please contact The Rev. Canon Geoff Evans at [email protected] to begin a discussion. The grant committee may request a site visit to learn more.

Applications are open now through July 31.
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=-pGlftgDbE-2sDDBOA6ZtBIYMSxqRTxAmMDtNsys2X5UQUYwSEMyTDZDRjNZQklNWlEwS0dSUUNGNy4u

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-BCP, Collect for Independence Day

Applications are now available for those interested in serving as our next Diocesan Happening Coordinator! More information about the role, responsibilities, and job description can be found at the link below. If you are interested in serving this vital ministry to our young people, please fill out the application no later than July 25.

For more information or questions, reach out to Jen Manning, Missioner for Youth/Campus/Young Adult Ministries at [email protected] or (256) 655-5460.

https://forms.gle/oJBkJtYuGkDjh2bg8

Our Companion Diocese Committee was thrilled to extend an invitation to 14 teenagers and 2 adults from the Diocese of Honduras to travel to Alabama to attend Sophomore Camp at Camp McDowell in June.

Attending summer camp was a first-time experience for all of the campers who arrived from Honduras. They got to swim, hike, visit the farm, play games, participate in program/small groups, and made lots of connections with Camp McDowell campers and staff. Many churches in our diocese came together to provide meals, activities, and hospitality for the group as they made their way to/from camp and spent several days in Birmingham. It was reported that a good time was had by all!

Campers, counselors, and support staff have gathered at Camp McDowell for a week of fun, worship, and community building during Special Session since 1998. This is a week-long camp session for adults with disabilities that is staffed by high school and college-aged counselors, including members of our campus ministries and diocesan Youth Department. Special Session’s vision it to create a vibrant, loving community where all God’s children are celebrated.

In early June, this vibrant community once again gathered for activities like pie-in-the-face Bingo, arts & crafts, time in the pool, fishing, and talent shows. This year they also tried something new – making communion bread for the closing Eucharist together in the Teaching Kitchen! It was a holy experience where campers and staff joined together to talk about things they were thankful for while making and baking bread together.

Presiding Bishop Curry, Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe, and our Bishop G on the concluding day of the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

On the final day of the 81st General Convention, here are some selfies from Bishop Prior, of Bishop G, and the Alabama Deputation. What a joyous and Christ-centered week in Louisville, Kentucky! Thanks be to God!

While much of the business of General Convention deals with the Book of Common Prayer and our Constitution and Canons, the Convention represents so much more.

Our deputation sits between the Diocese of Navajoland on one side, the Diocese of Taiwan on the other, and our worship and debate has been presented in multiple languages, tangible evidence of the scope and diversity of The Episcopal Church. We do not always agree on every issue, but the atmosphere has been filled with joy, hope, and prayerful collaboration. The Holy Spirit is active in our church and we can all be excited about the future of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement!

The Rev. Michael Harber
Associate Rector
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Auburn, Alabama

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of Central New York, Bishop Frank Logue of Georgia, and our very own Bishop G are making the rounds in Louisville for the 81st General Convention! Photo credit: Unknown.

Bishop Prior bringing his selfie game to General Convention with Presiding Bishop-elect, Bishop Sean Rowe, and the Deputation from Alabama!

Deacon Carolyn Foster sending fun photos of the deputies as they begin the first evening legislative session.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, was elected and confirmed the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on June 26 for a nine-year term beginning Nov. 1. Read the release here: https://mailchi.mp/episcopalchurch/the-rt-rev-sean-rowe-elected-28th-presiding-bishop-of-the-episcopal-church-in-english-spanish-french?e=[UNIQID]

Photo credit: Randall Gornowich -
Bishop Sean Rowe walks with bishop colleagues to Christ Church Cathedral, Louisville, KY for the election of the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church on the morning of June 26, 2024.

Congratulations to Bishop Sean Rowe as our new Presiding Bishop elect, alongside Bishop Glenda Curry. Thanks be to God!

The Alabama Deputation has been playing an active role at the 81st General Convention.

First photo: Alabama Deputation we’re among the Eucharistic ministers at this morning’s service.

Second photo: Deputy Bob Boylan administering communion.

Third photo: Richard Norris and the Reverend Kelli Grace Kurtz of The Diocese of Los Angeles whose daughter lives in Alabama.

Deacon Carolyn Foster will again serve in the Eucharist service, this time at a Communion station. Here is a look behind the scenes at all the deacons getting ready for worship this morning.

Deputies Mike Harber, Shari Harrison, and Anne Kimzey attended the Sewanee Night Reception.

Our Deputation is joyfully representing Camp McDowell on “Camp Day” at General Convention.

First photo: The Deputation and Bishop G on the floor of the House following this morning’s joint session.

Second photo: Our ECW members got into the Camp spirit. The Diocese of Alabama is well represented by at the National ECW Triennial.

Third photo: Bishop Brian and Stacy Prior joined the Deputation at the Camp McDowell booth in the Exhibition Hall.

Fourth photo: Bishop Prior’s selfie with the Alabama Deputation.

Who have we visited with while at General Convention? The Rev. Seth Olson from The Church of the Holy Apostles in Hoover is with Bishop Lloyd Emmanuel Allen from The Diocese of Honduras, and Bishop G is with Christine Faulstich from Texas!

The marker in Louisville, Kentucky where Thomas Merton has his famous revelation.

The Alabama Deputation fuels up for their busy day!