News & Updates | June 5, 2024 | www.dioala.org

Dear Friends, 

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going…and soon all those around will warm up in its glowing”… says the first line of a favorite from our Alleluia III songbook called, “Pass it On.” We were blessed to see that phenomenon become reality last year when we tested an idea with our first round of Refresh and Renew grants last June. 51 parishes responded with 51 ways they could remove barriers to ministry in their parishes. With awards equalling $236,000, we saw churches get better lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, repaired bathrooms, microphones, air conditioners, new nurseries, a dishwasher, new paint, new signs, and more. Thank you to all who took time to participate in the application and award and building their ministry process. 

What began with just a small spark of money spread through our network of faith communities called the Episcopal Church in Alabama like wildfire. The grants were so helpful, we’re coming back with “Refresh and Renew, Round #2”. Please read on and let’s continue to build God’s kingdom and spread the love. I look forward to seeing what happens this time and I hope I see you somewhere at Church!  



Blessings,

Renew & Refresh 2.0

The Renew and Refresh grants are back!   

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 gevans@dioala.org to begin a discussion. The grant committee may request a site visit to learn more.  

Applications are open now through July 31. 

Continue here

St. Dunstan’s Summer Music Series

Thursdays in June and July from 5:30-6:30pm

136 East Magnolia Ave • Auburn, AL 36830

St. Dunstan’s Summer Music Series is back for a fourth year. Come out to St. Dunstan’s front porch each Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm in June and July to sit under the trees and listen to some talented local musicians. Bring your cooler, your family, your chair, and the best part is it’s free.  

The music begins on Thursday, June 6 at 5:30pm in front of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church (136 East Magnolia Ave). For more information, check out stdunstansauburn.org

Task Force for Creation Care: Apply for a $250 Mini-Grant!

Attention all parishes! The Diocese of Alabama Task Force for Creation Care is excited to announce a $250 mini-grant opportunity for projects that enhance your parish's care of creation efforts. This grant is designed to support innovative and impactful initiatives within our diocese.

Last year, our grants made a difference by funding projects such as:

• Bee and butterfly gardens
• Planting native species
• Replacing outdated light bulbs
• Improving HVAC efficiency
• Installing sprinklers
• Marketing community creation care events
• Winterizing parish halls

What could your project be? Here are some ideas:

• Replacing outdated lighting or light bulbs
• Expanding recycling capabilities
• Planting native plants
• Buying reusable dishes for your parish hall to replace disposable ones
• Hosting a community event or lecture on creation care

Important Details:

• Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Project Completion Deadline: December 2024
• Eligibility: Grant funds must be used within the parish and cannot be passed on to external organizations. Only one application per parish is allowed.

If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to the Rev. Sarah Smith Halloran at rector@graceepiscopalpikeroad.org.

St. Andrew’s VBS

July 8-12, 2024 (Mon-Fri) 9:00AM - 12:30PM

1024 12th St. South • Birmingham, Alabama

“Sea” you there! It’s Free!

Children of every faith welcome!

Open to kids entering K5 - 6th Grade.

Lunch served every day!

www.standrewsbham.org

Register here!

Lunch and Learn Series: Having Courageous Conversations About Race

Join us for a six-week journey through Courageous Conversations About Race by Glen E. Singleton, a lunch and learn series designed to foster meaningful dialogue and understanding. This series will offer a space for participants to engage in open dialogue and explore various perspectives.

When: Multi-Session Gathering (June 6; June 13; June 20; June 27; July 18; July 25)

Where: Zoom

For More Information and Registration Link: https://bit.ly/SummerLunchAndLearn 

Questions/Concerns: Breanna Mitchell, bmitchell@dioala.org

Riverside Episcopal Church in McCalla

The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama is pleased to announce that a new parish, Riverside Episcopal Church, is flourishing in McCalla! We invite anyone and everyone to join us for worship and fellowship each Sunday at 10:00 A.M. at McAdory Middle School! Please bring family and a friend to experience God's Word and Love with us!

riversidemccalla.org

Eppes Hall at Camp McDowell

Eppes Hall at Camp McDowell has been a place of spiritual and physical nourishment for many over the years. If you have any images of this historic building, please consider sharing them with Claire Cotten (ccotten@dioala.org) or Miles Parsons (mparsons@dioala.org). We are looking for photos from every decade.

Photo: The first Eppes Hall at Camp McDowell in the 1950s.

House of Deputies Necrology

It is the custom of the House of Deputies to pray for deputies to General Conventions who have died during the previous triennium or who have not been memorialized at a previous convention. 

As deputies meet and prepare to convene in Louisville, we are asking your assistance in compiling this memorial list. Please consult with senior deputies, former deputies, and others (such as secretaries of diocesan convention or your diocesan historiographer/archivist), determine who from your diocese should be included, and to send me the following information: 

• Deputy’s Name and Order of Ministry 
• Diocese 
• The General Convention(s) at which he/she served as deputy (an approximation is acceptable) 

Please send information to The Rev. Seth Olson at seth@holyapostleshoover.org. He will be accepting names by e-mail before the General Convention in Louisville.

Thank you for helping the house honor its deceased members.

The Church of the Nativity, Huntsville is hiring a Ministry Coordinator to engage members of the parish to serve in ministry roles including worship services, outreach opportunities, and parish and community events. The job description can be found here.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles seeks a part-time worker for our Little Apostles Infant Care Ministry. View the job description here.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma is hiring a part-time organist. For more information, please contact parish@stpaulselma.org.

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery is seeking a Director of Communications for a full-time position. The job description can be found here.

Trinity Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Florence, Alabama are looking for a full-time Collaborative Youth Minister to serve their active and growing group of young people in grades 6-12. View the job description here.

All Saints in Birmingham is hiring a Parish Coordinator! If you, or someone you know, is interested in working in a creative and collaborative environment, send a cover letter and resume to: office@allsaintsbhm.org. The Parish Coordinator is a key role that works closely with All Saints clergy, staff, and members to organize and implement meaningful ministries. Job description: https://bit.ly/4aaOzwz

Lay job openings will be placed in the e-news for two weeks upon submission.

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