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THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN

A Publication of The Episcopal Church in Alabama |4th Quarter, 2025 | Vol. 110, No.8

Sawyerville Christmas Party Brings Joy to the Black Belt Page 12

IN THIS ISSUE: 4 6 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 25 26 28 30 31

A Letter from Bishop Curry Equipping the Saints Capital Campaign Surpasses its Goal 2025 Clergy Conference Focuses on Adaptive Ministry Planning Be the Light, Shine On: Sawyerville Christmas Party Brings Joy to the Black Belt Diocese Announces 2025 Refresh & Renew Parish Grant Recipients Save the Dates Warmth, Welcome, and Women’s Leadership Mark ECW’s 136th Fall Conference We Sing a New Song Reconnection, Welcome, and Celebration of Faith at St. Matthew’s Annual Pig Roast St. Andrew’s Homecoming Brings Faith and Memory Together “The Cop Corner”: A Small Church’s Big Ministry of Hospitality The Sacred Work of Mentorship “For the Least of These”: The Story of Matthew 25 Project You are invited to attend a Cursillo Weekend Clergy and Staff Transition at Carpenter House

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“The Work God Is Dear Friends:

he catechism in our Book of Common Prayer tells us that the mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and with each other in Christ. The Church pursues its mission by praying, worshipping, proclaiming the Gospel, promoting justice, preaching, and loving. In his book, “Leap Over a Wall: Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians”, Pastor Eugene Peterson reminds us that God is first presented to us in scripture as a worker. In the beginning, God went to work, and work is the primary context for our spirituality. Work is our Holy Spirit-appointed participation in God’s work. We are anointed as disciples and called to follow Christ. As we do, we get involved in the reconciliation and restoration mission. This issue of our quarterly magazine highlights our work together. The breadth and depth of the ministry that happens regularly in our everyday lives in Alabama are stunning. This issue is a picture of the vibrant work underway in our communities, where each seeks to be a blessing to those whose lives they touch. Everything from successfully wrapping up our Equipping the Saints capital campaign, to a busy annual gathering of all our clergy, which included the ordination of a priest and three deacons, to Refresh and Renew Grant reports for 2025 in included. From the Episcopal Church Women’s Fall meeting in Montgomery, which explored the contemplative life through the eyes of an Episcopal nun, to the annual “Homecoming” at St. Andrew’s in Prairieville; from welcoming a group of Yale ministry interns to supporting an outreach serving first responders, and celebrating a 30-year-old ministry caring for neighbors in the Shoals—these stories and experiences reflect the rich diversity I encounter whenever I visit our parishes. My prayer is that as you look at these amazing stories, you’ll be inspired and comforted. The Gospel of Jesus is being shared within and outside our parish walls every day. The generosity of the people of our parishes is obvious. The lives of people touched by the work grow every day. John’s gospel records Jesus telling his disciples, “The

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Giving Us to Do” person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing.” (John 14:11) I hope you enjoy reading about the work that God is giving us to do and about those who have responded. As you read, God may speak to you about how you might join one of these inspiring ministries.

I am grateful for all you do in your ministry, and I am honored to serve as your Bishop. I hope I see you at church. Blessings,

A group photograph with Bishop Curry and ECW Board members during the Fall meeting in Montgomery.

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Goal: $7,500,000 Total Raised: $8,600,000+

Equipping the Saints Capital Campaign Surpasses its Goal By: Claire Cotten, Director of Mission Funding

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e did it! The Equipping the Saints Campaign has surpassed its goal and will strengthen ministry across our diocese for generations to come.

Together, we made this possible. Thank you to everyone who donated, attended events, hosted gatherings, championed the campaign, and prayed for this work and for our beloved church. To see a full list of donors, visit www.dioalasaints.org. We are especially grateful to the anonymous donor who offered a $1 million matching gift that inspired over 195 additional gifts totaling more than $1,134,000. This generous match encouraged broad participation and helped the campaign exceed its goal. On September 25, 2025, many gathered at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands to celebrate the success of the campaign and to thank God for the blessings of this work.

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CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW Goal: $7,500,000 •

$4,000,000 for Congregational Vitality – Creating an endowed fund that will support parishes in perpetuity.

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$2,500,000 for Camp McDowell – Renovating Eppes Hall, the pool bathrooms, and the septic system in Lower Camp.

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$1,000,000 for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage – Restoring the parish hall at Good Shepherd, Montgomery, and supporting reconciliation efforts.

Gifts and Pledges Received (as of October 30, 2025): $8,600,000+ Donors: Over 400 individuals and 42 parishes Monies Received: $6,221,754 already being put to meaningful use Outstanding Pledges: 93, representing only 31% of pledges, to be fulfilled over the next three years

PROJECT UPDATES CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY Diocesan Council approved the creation of a new endowed fund which will provide ongoing resources for parish renewal, leadership development, and ministry innovation in perpetuity, serving as an invaluable asset for our next bishop and future generations as they continue the work of ensuring every parish thrives. In mid-October, the third round of Renew and Refresh grants distributed more than $688,833 to 159 parishes for projects that remove barriers to growth.

CAMP MCDOWELL The septic system in Lower Camp has been fully restored! The project, which involved installing several new lines, was completed without disturbing any buildings or trees. The system will now sustain more than 100,000 flushes per year for many years to come. Work on the pool bathrooms is nearly complete. A leak was discovered during construction, and repairs are underway. We anticipate a toilet paper ribbon cutting in 2026! Meanwhile, the roof of Eppes Hall—its first replacement since the 1950s—has been completed. The new roof maintains the hall’s historic look while eliminating leaks. Architects and contractors have finalized plans for the bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, and back deck, with construction scheduled to begin early next year and finish in time for Summer Camp on Clear Creek 2026.

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RACIAL HEALING AND PILGRIMAGE We expect that the renovation of the parish hall at Good Shepherd, Montgomery will be completed by the end of 2025! As of October 31, they are installing the handrails on the exterior ramp, unloading new cabinets for the kitchen, and beginning to sand the original wood floors. The restored space will be accessible to people of all abilities. Good Shepherd looks forward to welcoming pilgrims from across the country who travel to Montgomery for racial healing and reconciliation.

“I could not be more grateful for the success of the Equipping the Saints campaign. The work we’ve done together and the gifts that have been given will help to lead people in Alabama to Christ for generations to come. Thanks be to God!”

Good Shepherd finished interior hallway and ramp

Good Shepherd kitchen expansion in progress

— Bishop Curry Good Shepherd exterior update

THE MISSION CONTINUES While the campaign is complete, the mission continues. Parishes are invited to submit their annual covenant renewal by January 9, 2025. Gifts from individuals to the diocesan general fund continue to sustain our shared mission and ministry through the work of diocesan staff, departments, and committees. If you’d like to explore diocesan-level volunteer roles, please contact Elizabeth Blake at eblake@dioala.org. And as always, your prayers strengthen and sustain this work: Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. – The Book of Common Prayer, page 255 WWW.DIOALA.ORG | 9

2025 Clergy Conference Focuses on Adaptive Ministry Planning By: The Rev. Cameron Nations, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement 10 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

his year’s Clergy Conference, held October 22–24, 2025, at Camp McDowell, offered clergy and their spouses a welcome time of rest, connection, and renewal in the beauty of God’s creation. The conference focused on equipping clergy to navigate change and adapt to emerging realities in church life. Participants were joined by Jake Mulder, Assistant Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Seminary and co-author (with Kara Powell and Raymond Chang) of Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church and Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, and Building a More Diverse Tomorrow. Drawing from Future-Focused Church, Mulder led a series of interactive workshops designed to help clergy develop concrete ministry plans that respond faithfully to the evolving contexts of their communities. His sessions combined research-driven

The newly ordained pose with Bishop Curry and Assisting Bishop Prior

The Very Rev. Chris Epperson, Dean of All Saints’ Chapel and University Chaplain at Sewanee

Some clergy spouses gather for a group photo following their luncheon

insights with practical tools for leading churches through growth, transition, and innovation.

ministry “isn’t about us, but about what God does through us,” and that there is nowhere Jesus’s love can’t and won’t go.

A highlight of the week came on Thursday evening with a joyful ordination service. The Very Rev. Chris Epperson, Dean of All Saints’ Chapel and University Chaplain at Sewanee, preached a sermon rich with both levity and grace. He addressed those getting ordained, preaching about a Jesus we can’t contain, and about the expansive love of God that both compels and challenges all of us in ministry. Pulling from the early missionary journeys of the disciples described in Acts, Epperson reminded all of us that

The service celebrated the ordination of Paul Gaston Petznick to the Sacred Order of Priests, and Kristin Hanson Blackerby, DeQuincy Deshawn Hall, and Taylor Franklin Johnson to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Scan the QR code to view the digital photo album from the conference. WWW.DIOALA.ORG | 11

Be the Light, Shine On: Sawyerville Christmas Party Brings Joy to the Black Belt By: Kana Goldsmith, Executive Director – Sawyerville

ong before Advent begins its countdown to Christmas, Sawyerville is already preparing to Be the Light and Shine On. For us, it’s an all-year-round experience. You can’t pack up the light of Christ at the end of June and shove it in the Sawyerville shed—not when you’ve seen those toothy grins or heard the irresistible giggles of children who remind you what hope looks like. And so, even as summer fades, we begin our checklist: cookies, juice boxes, Santa suit, wooden ornaments. We call Principal Stephanie Richey at Greensboro Elementary School to coordinate. Christmas is coming. On the first Saturday of December, high school and college staff put studying for finals aside to do one thing: show up. The Sawyerville Christmas Party has become our joyful mid-year marker, a chance to gather again under the same roof where so many memories are made each summer. By 1:00 p.m., the gym is alive with the joyful chaos only Sawyerville can create: children laughing, staff cheering, and games unfolding in every direction. There’s a bouncy slide that seems to defy gravity and a “snowball fight” made possible only through Sawyerville’s creativity and a bit of imagination. Kids squeeze white playdough into tiny snowmen—something that must be mimicked here in the Black Belt, where real snow requires nothing short of a miracle. Just a few feet away, children sit at long tables covered in festive Christmas cloths, decorating wooden ornaments that will soon hang on trees across Hale County and beyond. And then there is the face-painting table—affectionately known as the “Table of Trust”. It takes a remarkable amount of courage to let a seven-year-old paint whatever they want on 12 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

your face, but our staff never hesitates. The younger children beam with pride, and the older ones walk away bearing brightly painted evidence of love, connection, and delight. Nearby, letters to Santa are written in careful handwriting, tictac-toe tournaments unfold, and small hands busily make toys to give to others. Every activity is a small act of generosity, creativity, or care—each one shining a little more light into this community we love. But more than the games and crafts, the best part of the Christmas Party is simply being together. One Intern put it beautifully this summer: “Sawyerville is a place where you have a code of behavior— and the behavior code is loving your neighbor.”

That truth becomes visible in every corner of Greensboro Elementary School during the Christmas Party: in the volunteers who treat every child like family, in the teenagers who return year after year to serve, and in the children who remind us that joy is meant to be shared. For a few hours on a December afternoon, the light of Christ shines unmistakably through this community, through laughter, through generosity, through the simple gift of presence. And as always, Sawyerville leaves with hearts filled, spirits renewed, and the conviction that the light we share in December is the same light we carry all year long. Be the Light. Shine On.

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AV/TECHNOLOGY Good Shepherd, Montgomery Messiah, Heflin Resurrection, Rainbow City

EXTERIOR-BUILDING Christ Church, Fairfield St. Andrew’s, Sylacauga St. Francis of Assisi, Indian Springs St. Joseph’s On-the-Mountain, Mentone St. Matthais, Tuscaloosa St. Peters, Talladega St. Phillip’s, Fort Payne St. Wilfrid’s, Marion Grace Church, Sheffield St. Andrew’s, Montevallo St. Luke’s, Scottsboro St. Mary’s, Jasper

Diocese Announces 2025 Refresh & Renew Parish Grant Recipients By: Anne Tippette, Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary

he Diocese is delighted to share the results of this year’s Refresh & Renew parish grant cycle. A total of 43 applications were received, with requests ranging from $1,500 to the maximum award of $5,000. Altogether, the Diocese has distributed more than $190,000 in grant funding to support parish projects to be completed by December 31, 2025. The Refresh & Renew grants offer parishes up to $5,000 for initiatives that strengthen and enliven their congregational life. This year, special emphasis was placed on projects that welcome and engage new people, especially those who may not currently be connected to a church community. Applications reflected a wide range of creative and practical ideas—from facility improvements such as lighting, painting, and signage upgrades, to new ministries focused on worship, fellowship, and outreach opportunities that invite deeper connection to the Episcopal expression of the Gospel. This diocesan investment helps parishes move forward with meaningful projects that might otherwise have been postponed due to limited budgets. As Bishop Curry often reminds us, “a rising tide floats all boats.” By uplifting individual congregations, we strengthen our Diocese—and, in turn, the wider Episcopal Church. 14 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

INTERIOR-ENHANCEMENT Epiphany, Leeds Grace Church, Woodlawn Holy Comforter, Gadsden St. Barnabas, Hartselle St. Paul’s, Carlowville St. Simon Peter, Pell City St. Timothy’s, Athens Christ Church, Albertville Grace Church, Anniston Grace Church, Pike Road

MARKETING Holy Spirit, Alabaster Riverside, McCalla St. Catherine’s, Chelsea St. Stephen’s, Huntsville St. Thomas, Birmingham The Abbey, Birmingham

PARKING Holy Apostles, Hoover St. Bart’s, Florence St. Michael’s, Fayette

PROGRAMMING Canterbury, Tuscaloosa Epiphany, Tallassee

SIGNAGE Grace Church, Cullman St. Mark’s, Birmingham St. Paul’s, Selma St. Stephen’s, Smith Station Trinity, Clanton

Save The Dates

195TH DIOCESAN CONVENTION W

e look forward to gathering for the 195th Annual Diocesan Convention, which will take place from Thursday, February 5, to Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Camp McDowell (105 Delong Rd., Nauvoo, AL). This year, our convention is on the theme “Good News for a New Day,” taken from Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. This theme invites us to embrace God’s everrenewing mercy and share the Good News of Christ’s love in fresh ways each day.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES Convention Registration: January 26, 2026 Pre-filed Nomination for Diocesan Office Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT. Submission of Resolutions: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm CT. Detailed information is available on the Diocesan Convention Webpage. Scan this QR code.

Attention 2025 Diocesan Convention Delegates Save The Dates E

veryone who was a delegate to the 2025 Diocesan Convention in Decatur, AL will be a voting delegate for the upcoming election of the next bishop of the Diocese of Alabama. Please mark your calendars for the following:

WALK ABOUT (TO MEET THE BISHOP CANDIDATES) Saturday, January 3, 2026, 1:00 pm St. Luke’s Church (3736 Montrose Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35213)

ELECTION CONVENTION (TO ELECT THE NEXT BISHOP) Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1:00 pm Cathedral Church of the Advent (2017 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203) Additional details will be shared in future emails to all delegates. Learn more by visiting the bishop search website at www.albishopsearch.org or by scanning this QR code.

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Warmth, Welcome, and Women’s Leadership Mark ECW’s 136th Fall Conference By: Diocesan ECW

cross three parishes in Montgomery, the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) gathered October 17–18 for their 136th Fall Conference. Organized with sessions at St. John’s Church, Church of the Ascension, and Grace Church in Pike Road, the twoday event celebrated faith, fellowship, and the enduring strength of women’s ministry.

The new Executive Board with Bishop G at the Installation Service. (L-R: Judy Spree, UTO Chair; Fran Bramblette, Past President; Lori Smith, outgoing President; Bishop Glenda Curry; Maggie Noland, incoming President; Lissa Weathers, Treasurer; and Jessica Garrison, President-Elect.)

Centered on the theme “Live in Gratitude, Walk in Faith,” the conference opened with a celebration Eucharist on Friday morning led by Bishop Glenda Curry, who commended the “strength and quiet power” of ECW’s work, from helping build more ministers to offering hospitality and the steady support they provide across the Diocese. “God has encouraged us to do that so His work will spread. There is a lot of work to do,” she said. “Keep calling other people.” In her sermon, Curry mentioned the Feast of St. Teresa of Ávila, lifting the saint’s legacy as a reformer whose life centered on loving better, praying more, and helping those around her—qualities she described as deeply resonant with ECW’s mission. This year, the conference welcomed Episcopal nun Sister Monica Clare, Sister Superior of the Community of St. John the Baptist in 16 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

Some participants during the business meeting.

New Jersey, as the keynote speaker, who brought both a personal connection to the region and a message of encouragement. Having grown up in Rome, Georgia, with family roots in Alabama, she said returning felt like “coming home.” The warmth of the women at the conference made that feeling immediate. “Being among these women has reminded me of that nurturing female energy, which is so important in the church,” she said. “When I was a child, the church ladies were the ones who made me feel loved and accepted. They were warm and kind. And I love that so many women are becoming priests now. There’s something different about female energy that is welcoming and warm, and they certainly bring food to the church. Food is such an integral part of our Christian faith. Everything is around a meal.” Sister Monica Clare, author of A Change of Habit, shared her story of leaving a career, marriage, and possessions to follow a monastic calling. Throughout the weekend, she spoke with humor and humility, breaking down stereotypes about religious life. “People think nuns are stern or unapproachable,” she said. “But we’re just normal people trying to live out our call from God in a unique way.”

The Rev. Frank Young and his partner, Martha Noble, outgoing ECW secretary.

Reflecting on what struck her most about the conference, she acknowledged the care and compassion of the women she met. “The main quality I’ve seen here is warmth and welcome. These women have the empathy, compassion, and listening skills that the world really needs right now. Everyone has been so kind, even asking about my nephew, who’s having health problems, and praying for him. I’ve felt so loved and held up in prayer all weekend. It’s like I want to do this forever.” She encouraged participants: “Never give up pushing for social justice. Never give up on the church, never give up on women’s rights. Just keep going.” The conference also included the commissioning of new ECW officers: Maggie Noland as president, Jess Garrison as president-elect, Kathleen Franklin as secretary, Lissa Weathers as treasurer, and Judy Spree as UTO chair. Past President Fran Bramblette presented the Past President’s pin to Dr. Lori Smith, the outgoing president who served in 2024 and 2025. Reflecting on her term, Smith said her journey began with a simple yes.

Dr. Lori Smith, outgoing ECW president.

“I am most proud of the collective work that our Diocesan ECW has done to be recognized as a leader at both the provincial and the national levels because of the work we can do with the help of the incredible women throughout the Diocese,” she said. “Being a part of ECW starts with an invitation and then building strong partnerships. Through these partnerships, ECW continues to strengthen its diocesan ministries—including scholarships, the Church Periodical Club, and the United Thank Offering—while supporting parish-level vitality as part of the Equipping the Saints campaign.” Among the clergy present, the Rev. Frank Young, recently retired from St. Stephen’s, Birmingham, was actively engaged, reflecting his long-standing connection to ECW. Having previously served as chaplain to the Diocese of Michigan’s ECW, he described ECW as “a tremendous asset to the church” and “a blessing to anyone who has the chance to work alongside them.” He expressed hope for the next generation of leaders: “It’s a time for transition, and it’s good to see young women in leadership positions, good for ECW and the Church.”

Fran and Gracie Bramblette with Sister Monica Clare.

Attendees also spent time touring each church building, enjoying the architecture, history, and sacred spaces. Carrie Shaw of St. John’s Montgomery said one highlight was the visit to Grace Church and its gardens. “The gardens were extensive, intricate brickwork, a variety of flowers and plants, sitting areas, and even a small koi pond,” she said. “I met the church cat, Gracie, and the history amazed me. The church was built in the late 1880s and didn’t have running water until the 1970s or air conditioning until the 2000s.” She praised Sister Monica Clare’s keynote as offering “humor, humility, and a compelling case for the importance of religious life today.” For Gracie Bramblette of Holy Cross, Trussville, the entire weekend was uplifting. “Each church had its own unique charm,” she shared. “Meeting Sister Monica Clare and hearing her incredible story, how she broke stereotypes with humor and grace, was inspiring and refreshing. She brought such warmth and fun to the conference. It’s an experience I will never forget.”

Some participants pose with Miss Karen Weber, Master Gardener at Grace Church.

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We Sing a New Song By: The Rev. Rosa Lindahl – Rector, Church of the Holy Comforter, Montgomery

hree years ago in these pages, I shared the story of a small parish that refused to “go gently into the night.” After years of decline, leaders of our parish gathered and, with no crosstalk, answered a single question: What do you see for Holy Comforter in five years? That day, after facing our deep fear and sorrow that we would no longer be in existence in five years, there was a dramatic shift. We left that meeting determined to stop worrying about whether we lived or died. Holy Comforter has always been an outward-facing congregation; we decided we could and would take a step in faith to find a way to be a blessing for Montgomery in a new way. By the following year, we had launched the “Many Colors Arts Collective” program. This is an arts-based day program that serves adults who are differently abled cognitively or are neurodivergent and need support during the day. Today, Many Colors serves 10 adults who range in age from 16 to 40, representing diverse backgrounds, including Black, White, Muslim, and Christian identities. With the help of local artists who mentor them and friends (volunteers) who work alongside them, they create stunning 18 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

artwork. At our recent annual art show, we sold over $4,500 worth of their artwork. Each Artist in Residence (our participants) receives 75% of the proceeds for whatever artwork they sell. They have also formed a musical ensemble called Many Colors Music Makers, which performs in a concert annually. The joy and community spirit that echoes down the halls of the once empty and forlorn hallways is stunning. When we decided to launch Many Colors, the leaders of Holy Comforter understood we needed to hold hope lightly. Serving in this way was no guarantee that the new program would bring new members to church and increase our Average Sunday Attendance. Just as we knew we couldn’t worry about living or dying, we had to surrender the need to control what this new program would mean for our parish growth. As we started gaining momentum, we experienced a devastating loss: our beloved organist choir director died very unexpectedly, less than a year after the death of our longtime administrator. It left us reeling. And then… something wondrous began to happen. We started to receive visitors who brought their young children with them, and they stayed. All Saints Church in Montgomery began the very painful process

of closing down as a parish. With guidance from the Diocese, we received the earth from their Memorial Garden and moved the plaque memorializing those who have been buried in that garden to Holy Comforter. In 2024, a number of their members joined our parish and immediately jumped in and got involved. To say that their presence has blessed us is an understatement. Then some more families came. After many years, we had enough children to delight ourselves with an honest-to-goodness Christmas pageant. We started a monthly family meal on Wednesdays that includes an intragenerational faith formation offering. To start this new school year, we had a Blessing of the Backpacks. We have young adults, so many that we were able to offer six of them modest financial assistance with their college and graduate school costs. As rewarding as these past three years have been, they have also been marked by profound loss and pain. In less than a year, three of our four staff members (including our organist-choir director) died very unexpectedly. We have had to lay to rest 10 other beloved members since August 2023. The sorrow is real, and yet, grace helps fill even the most painful of voids. New staff members have brought a new set of skills and new energy. Our latest members don’t replace those whom we have lost, but they, too, bring life and joy with them. I am particularly grateful for the addition of Dr. Kris Sanchack, who is now our accompanist-choir director and has helped us launch a monthly concert series, and is teaching us to sing a new song. In short, we have just been your basic thriving Episcopal parish—nothing out of the ordinary, and yet, so extraordinary for the bravery and courage it took the lay leadership and congregation to stop worrying about what might happen and start building a new future here and now. This year, we are committed to making our buildings and grounds as welcoming as possible for all individuals. That includes taking back parts of our facilities that were largely abandoned for almost a decade. We have installed a new HVAC system in that area, which is on the second floor of our building. We are applying for grants and fundraising to install a commercial-grade chairlift, making our facility more inclusive. Many Colors will be able to expand, and our new accompanist choir director, Dr. Kris Sanchack, will start a bell choir as soon as the upstairs is fully accessible. Here are three things these years have taught us: •

Be bold with trust, thought, and care. Don’t be afraid.

•

Take small steps to move ahead and stop often to celebrate.

•

Ask the right question. It’s not, “Are we going to die?” It’s “what new way can we find, we who have been blessed, to be a blessing?

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Reconnection, Welcome, and Celebration of Faith at St. Matthew’s Annual Pig Roast By: LeeAnn Mack, Director of Communications – St. Matthew’s Church, Madison

t. Matthew’s Church in Madison, AL, has proudly celebrated the Feast of St. Matthew with a Pig Roast and Picnic for 25 years—filled with food, fellowship, and fun. Traditionally, the Feast coincides with the bishop’s annual visitation. Over the years, every bishop who has attended has raved about the delicious food, the joyful atmosphere, and the genuine sense of community that makes this event so special. For many parishioners, the Pig Roast is the highlight of the church year—a time to reconnect with friends, welcome newcomers, and celebrate faith in a uniquely delicious way. The tradition began thanks to the curiosity and initiative of charter member Jerry Windham. One day, Jerry came across an article titled “How We Roast Hogs in Mississippi.” Excited by the idea, he shared it with fellow parishioner Al Turner. Together, they decided to try it out, and thus the first 20 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

St. Matthew’s Annual Pig Roast and Picnic was born. What started as a small gathering of parishioners soon grew into a full-fledged community event, reaching new heights when the Rev. Steve Gruman became rector. Fr. Steve was known for his love of grand gestures, and the Pig Roast was no exception. He embraced it wholeheartedly, making it bigger, bolder, and even more memorable. About six years ago, parishioner Chef Jeff Anderson stepped in to oversee the event, bringing his professional expertise and meticulous planning to the table. He even created a comprehensive folder and PowerPoint presentation on “how to pull off a pig roast—and pull a roast off a pig.” There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make the event a success. For instance, some parishioners insist that the pig must be named ahead of time for it to cook properly. Early roasts involved

placing a steel plate in a pit filled with dirt, but over time, creativity and innovation transformed the cooking method. Now, the pig is carefully wired to a grate so it can be rotated for even cooking. Chef Jeff emphasizes one rule for the men tending the fire: “No matter what Randy Centanni says, never add more than four coals in each corner.” It is this mix of tradition, technique, and humor that makes this event so unforgettable. The event is not just about the main attraction—the pig—but also the side dishes that parishioners lovingly prepare. Tables overflow with fresh salads, creamy mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and indulgent desserts. Behind the scenes, the cleanup crew works tirelessly, leaving the grounds spotless. Parishioner Daryl Carpenter sums up the experience perfectly: his favorite part is “hanging out with the guys, smoking cigars, and poking the fire as the pig continues to roast.” The Pig Roast is also a powerful way to welcome newcomers. When parishioners Mark and Jann Eich visited St. Matthew’s for the first time in September 2003, Fr. Steve invited them to join the festivities. Although they didn’t know anyone, within minutes, Mark was flipping burgers at the grill, and Jann realized that St. Matthew’s was their new church home. Events like this transform visitors into a part of the family, making the parish’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community very real. Each year, the Pig Roast evolves. As older children grow up and move away, younger children step in to fill the space, and those who once attended as kids now bring their own families. Chef Jeff’s detailed folder ensures that the knowledge and traditions can be passed down to the next generation of pig roasters. Life, faith, and community truly come full circle at St. Matthew’s. Above all, the Pig Roast reflects the heart of the parish: generosity, hospitality, and a love for gathering together. Visitors are encouraged not just to attend but to stay, to share

a meal, to laugh, and to become part of the family. After all, nothing brings people together quite like food, and at St. Matthew’s, it’s always served with love.

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St. Andrew’s Homecoming Brings Faith and Memory Together By: Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Director of Communications

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he late Sunday morning sunlight spills through the stained-glass windows of St. Andrew’s Church in Prairieville, AL, warming the nearly two-century-old handmade pews that are filled to capacity. Outside, open fields stretch toward the horizon as more worshippers listen to the service through loudspeakers. Inside, the faint scent of old wooden boards speaks of generations who have prayed in this small, steadfast place, now gathered once more for their beloved annual Homecoming service. St. Andrew’s began humbly in the early mid-nineteenth century when the Rev. Caleb S. Ives traveled to Prairieville to lead Episcopal worship among the small but growing community of settlers who had come to the fertile Canebrake from the Atlantic states. Two decades later, under the leadership of the Rev. Francis R. Hanson, the congregation secured a three-acre plot for a church and graveyard and dreamed aloud of building what he described as “a neat and substantial church edifice.” That dream came true in 1853 when plantation owner Henry A. Tayloe provided enslaved labor from his nearby plantation. Two freed master carpenters, Peter Lee and Joe Glascow, led the construction of a simple wooden Carpenter Gothic structure based on the designs of noted architect Richard Upjohn, becoming Alabama’s first-ever Gothic Revival Episcopal church. On April 18, 1858, Alabama’s first Episcopal bishop, Nicholas H. Cobbs, consecrated the completed church, one that would come to symbolize both the faith and endurance of the Black Belt’s early Episcopalians. Before emancipation, St. Andrew’s served the planters of Perry, Hale, and Marengo counties, with records noting baptisms of both white families and enslaved persons. Local plantation owners would gather for worship in the morning, and enslaved people would worship in the afternoon. After the Civil War, the number of parishioners steadily decreased due to removals, deaths, and the general decline in the local population, leading to the end of St. Andrew’s regular worshiping congregation. Officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark on November 7, 1973, St. Andrew’s Homecoming began around 1950, when the bishop of the Diocese of Alabama and the suffragan bishop, in alternate years, started holding a service on the fifth Sunday of a late-summer or early-fall month. These gatherings drew people from far and near, and the service was followed by a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees in the churchyard. True to tradition, the old church was full to overflowing, as more than 130 people gathered to celebrate this year’s Homecoming. “Homecoming is about coming home—to fill this empty place and reconnect with the people we miss,” said Bishop Glenda Curry as she began her homily at this WWW.DIOALA.ORG | 23

year’s Homecoming service on Sunday, October 12. “You have helped keep the old parishes of the Black Belt connected and continue to share God’s Word with your community, and I am thankful for that.” Parishioners returning to St. Andrew’s—affectionately known as “the little red church” for its red-brown exterior—often speak of this historic building as a living companion. “When you sit here, you can feel all the prayers that have soaked into the wood,” said a group from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greensboro, AL, whose family has attended services here for generations. “We come here every year. It’s a tradition.” This continuity is what makes Homecoming Sunday so special. Descendants travel from miles around, filling the pews and spilling onto the lawn, gathering to remember and give thanks. This year, Bishop Curry joined parishioners from more than six Episcopal congregations, confirmed three new members, and celebrated the ongoing life of the church. Since 1916, the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Demopolis has served as St. Andrew’s unofficial vicar. The Rev. Evan Thayer, the current vicar, is passionate about preserving St. Andrew’s for future generations. He describes its story in part as one of “people, the people who came out here to build lives and fortunes, through the toil of enslaved labor. It’s the story of craftsmen, who, though enslaved, found expression in the creation of a beautiful place of worship.” With help from the Diocese’s website initiative for small parishes, Thayer recently launched a new website that gathers the rich history and stories of St. Andrew’s in one place. At St. Andrew’s, preservation goes beyond digital archives; it lives in the careful hands that mend, paint, and restore. Over the years, generous donations and diocesan grants have supported the careful restoration of St. Andrew’s, including exterior painting, stainedglass windows, and cemetery monuments. In 2023, for instance, the church received a $5,000 Renew and Refresh Grant from the diocese to continue the stainedglass restoration, along with an additional $4,000 grant to support a new educational program preserving the church’s history for future generations. For most of the year, St. Andrew’s—located on County Road 12 in Gallion—stands in quiet witness, its pews empty, its doors closed against the shifting Alabama weather. But once each year, the stillness breaks. Voices rise again within the old pine walls, and the prayers of a century and a half are renewed in chorus. Except for a few minor changes, St. Andrew’s stands much as it did when built. Through hardship, dwindling population, and changing times, it remains a steadfast beacon of faith, fellowship, and God’s enduring goodness. 24 | WWW.DIOALA.ORG

“The Cop Corner”: A Small Church’s Big Ministry of Hospitality By: The St. Barnabas Family

or years, St. Barnabas Church in Hartselle was easy to miss, tucked between the high school stadium, the middle school, and the town’s largest funeral home. We prayed. We served. We gave. But to most, we were just a parking lot. Some didn’t know our name; others couldn’t find us on a map. That began to change the day we decided to do something simple but meaningful: we opened our doors to our local police officers. No big plan. No campaign. Just a prayerful idea to offer thanks and a safe place to be.

The idea grew from a simple conversation. In March of this year, during a vestry meeting, our treasurer, Jim Archuletta, who is a retired police officer, spoke about how difficult it was for officers on patrol to find a safe place to rest. The vestry voted unanimously to establish a small police substation at the back of the break room, equipped with two tables, a refrigerator stocked with snacks, and a combination lockbox for keys. We shared the news of what St. Barnabas was doing with the Morgan County Sheriff, the Hartselle Police Chief, and the area Trooper station, and we followed up in person at Fraternal Order of Police meetings. Slowly, the word spread. As a result, something remarkable is happening. Patrol cars sit in our lot. Officers stop to chat at the door. Smiles are exchanged. Trust is built one quiet moment at a time. When officers offer money, we politely refuse; our parishioner, Ray Salamone, puts it this way: “It is what it is. We don’t want any money; it’s free. It’s our sincere thanks to law enforcement.” Occasionally, a $5 or $10 bill will show up in the icebox or get jammed in the fridge door, but it goes straight to buying more beef jerky. The Corner is maintained entirely by the members of St. Barnabas and is an ongoing task.

Ed Tate, and his wife Sheila Tate, with Officer AL Ballesteros

We call it “The Cop Corner.” Officers now have a welcoming space to recharge, grab a snack or drink, use a clean restroom, or spread out reports at a table instead of on their dashboards or in a gas station. They can come any time, day or night.

It is not really about the conveniences or the snacks but the message behind them: that hospitality matters, that kindness opens doors, and that God’s love can be felt in the simplest of spaces without strings attached. St. Barnabas may not yet have seen a surge in attendance, but it has become a place where people know they are welcome, including officers, neighbors, and anyone else. If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond that parking lot, come and see. You don’t need a reason. Just bring yourself. There’s room for you here.

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The Sacred Work of Mentorship By: The Rev. Carolyn Foster, Deacon – St. Mark’s Church, Birmingham

or the past three years, I have had the privilege of mentoring some bright and energetic students from Yale Divinity School as part of a summer internship program at the Center for Public Policy and Public Theology. No, I did not attend Yale. My connection with Yale comes from my relationship with the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, who founded the Center in 2022 after retiring as pastor at Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, NC. Bishop Barber also co-chairs the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. I serve as a Tri-chair of the Alabama Poor People’s Campaign. When the Center established its summer internship program, I was asked to serve as a mentor to the selected students. It was felt that my work as an interfaith community organizer for

Greater Birmingham Ministry and my diaconal ministry of advocating for and with people impacted by systemic poverty and racism aligned with the Center’s mission of connecting faith and justice. They wanted my work and experience to inspire and equip aspiring faith leaders to lead with a moral framework in their vocation and work for justice. This year, the interns were all Episcopalians. They were Nana Boahen from Ottawa, Ontario; Robin Brown from North Carolina, and Tonita Branan from Georgia.

(L-R) Tonita Branan, Nana Boahen, Robin Brown

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For Nana and Tonita, this was their first time in Alabama, which is considered the epicenter of the civil rights movement. Robin’s parents live in Birmingham, but she knew little about Alabama’s history. The interns spent their first week learning about Birmingham by visiting the Civil Rights Institute, Bethel Baptist Church, Temple Beth-El, and Greater Birmingham Ministries. “My classmates and I enjoyed our time in Alabama. Working with the Rev. Carolyn, the Poor People Campaign, while being immersed in living history, was truly transformative”, said Nana Boahen.

Interns pay a visit to Bishop Curry at Carpenter House

There were numerous opportunities for the interns to connect faith and justice with Episcopalians who have been working in the area for years. They worked with the Rev. Gerri Aston and learned about food insecurity at St. Andrew’s, they met with the Rev. Mark LaGory at the Firehouse Shelter learning about homelessness, the Rev. Jose Fernandez discussed immigration issues, the Rev. Jack Alvey and Bill Gamble talked with them about racial reconciliation and they accompanied me to All Saints in Birmingham where I had been invited to speak about the Poor People’s Campaign. The interns worked at Christ Church in Fairfield’s summer program, taught VBS at St. Mark’s, attended two Bishop Search Listening Sessions, and worshipped at The Abbey. They enjoyed having the opportunity to meet Bishop Glenda Curry, hearing her story of establishing the Rosa Parks Museum, and getting a preaching lesson from the Rev. Canon Kelley Hudlow. They were given many opportunities to preach at St. Mark’s, Christ Church, and Good Shepherd in Montgomery. I am humbled to be a part of the internship program at Yale Divinity School and to have the opportunity to mentor future faith leaders to work for a just society.

L-R: Dr. Martha Bouyer, Nana Boahen, Tonita Branan and the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Wilder at the Bethel Baptist Church

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“For the Least of These”: The Story of Matthew 25 Project By: Matthew 25 Committee, Trinity Church, Florence

“What you did for the least of these you did for me.” (Matthew 25:45)

or over three decades, the Matthew 25 Project at Trinity Church in Florence has quietly served individuals and organizations in our community with needs both great and small. The project has always operated in the background, but the impact of the ministry on the community is clear. It has delivered time, talent, and treasure to fifteen community organizations in the last year, and there’s more to come as Matthew 25 embarks on a lead outreach role in the life of Trinity Church. The Project began in the 1990s as a behindthe-scenes outreach arm of the official outreach efforts at Trinity. Quiet service has been its guiding spirit, working mainly in the shadows, doing what it could, and giving what it had to meet the needs of the Shoals community and the Trinity congregation. Trinity has regularly budgeted for outreach, and parishioners have always given generously to meet the most pressing needs of the community in Florence and the surrounding Shoals area. Even in lean fiscal years, the parish has consistently stepped up to address unmet needs. The enthusiastic allocation practice of the church, however, often meant that the outreach budget was spent early in the fiscal year, sometimes by the end of the first quarter. The Matthew 25 Fund was created to bridge the gap.

The Rev. Callie Plunket-Brewton with Mr. Lee Henderson, a Matthew 25 member.

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According to Mary White, a longtime champion of Trinity’s outreach efforts, Matthew 25 had no other goal but to serve and received funding directly from the annual church budget, often as much as $20,000 per year, to supplement the regular outreach budget. The money raised would be allocated to extraordinary needs as the church and the committee became aware of them. Money was raised through direct donations, estate gifts, the sale of Christmas cards drawn by children in the parish, and other sources. Matthew 25 used these funds to fulfill outreach commitments made to local organizations, as well as to assist with tornado relief, fund a mission trip, help parishioners with unexpected burdens, and address other needs as they arose. In 2009, clergy and committed parish members planned an audacious campaign – to raise and give back to the community $1 million over ten years. St. Francis was a high-profile outreach initiative that eventually involved three partner churches in Florence: St. Bartholomew’s, First Methodist, and First Presbyterian. The accomplishment of the St. Francis Project was even more remarkable given that it began during the economic downturn following the financial crisis. In the end, Trinity exceeded the overall goal, raising and distributing $1.3 million in the community. The list of organizations supported by St. Francis included Cramer Children’s Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Lauderdale County Drug Court, the Salvation Army, Shoals Community Clinic, YMCA of the Shoals, and many others. During this ten-year flourishing, Matthew 25 continued, but on a much more modest scale, while the public energies of the parish flowed into St. Francis. In the last year, Trinity’s rector, the Rev. Callie PlunketBrewton, has charged Matthew 25 to embrace a more public role and do more to meet the needs of the community. With

a newly reconstituted committee including Matthew 25 veterans, new members, and participation from younger parishioners, the Matthew 25 Project has hit the ground running. The Project has distributed over $55,000 to organizations, including Home Free Haven, Samaritans Purse, the Guardian Ad Litem program, UNA Respite Special Needs Caregivers, the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama, including Meals on Wheels, West Texas Flood Disaster Relief through the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, Safe Place domestic violence shelter, and The Caring Place. Matthew 25 does more than write checks, however, and was one of the lead sponsors for a recent fundraising concert – Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s – organized by Russell Mefford from St. Bartholomew’s with his band The Fiddleworms. The concert raised money and awareness for The Healing Place, a long-serving grief counseling organization in The Shoals. Members have served and coordinated parish volunteers for The Help Center, an interdenominational ministry providing food and utility assistance. At The Help Center, Matthew 25 members interview clients, work on infrastructure improvements, and assist with the general operations of this important ministry. When the local fire department requested assistance with fire suppression blankets for electric car charging stations, Matthew 25 purchased enough blankets for each station with plans to provide additional blankets to crews throughout the Shoal. Likewise, sponsors supply closets at local schools in three different school districts on both sides of the river, which Trinity members keep stocked with snacks, sanitary products, clothing, and school supplies, as well. With the example of so much past service to inspire us, Matthew 25 at Trinity is raising money by listening to community needs so that we might better do the good work that God is calling us to do. WWW.DIOALA.ORG | 29

You are invited to attend a Cursillo Weekend By: David Collette, President of the Alabama Cursillo Secretariat

or nearly 50 years, the Episcopal Cursillo movement has helped Christians across Alabama and beyond deepen their faith, renew their commitment to Christ, and discover new ways to serve the Church and the world. Rooted in prayer, worship, study, and community, Cursillo offers a framework for living out one’s baptismal vows with joy and purpose.

What is Cursillo? Cursillo (pronounced ‘kur-SEEyo’) is a Spanish word meaning ‘a short course.’ Originating in Spain in the 1940s, the movement spread worldwide and was introduced to the Episcopal Church in the 1970s. The Diocese of Alabama held its first Cursillo weekend in 1979, with nearly 9,000 Alabama Episcopalians having attended a Cursillo weekend. Each Cursillo weekend is a spirit-filled retreat designed to renew faith and strengthen discipleship. It is led entirely by laypersons and clergy from within the diocese who have previously attended Cursillo. The weekend centers on the basics of the Christian faith— grace, prayer, study, and action—through a series of short talks, small group discussions, music, prayer, and worship. Participants are called ‘pilgrims’ because they are on a spiritual journey—one that continues long after the weekend ends.

A Weekend of Renewal Cursillo weekends begin on Thursday evening and conclude on Sunday afternoon. Throughout the three days, participants live, worship, and learn together, surrounded by a community that models Christ’s love and acceptance. Talks and meditations are presented by both lay and clergy team members, covering a variety of spiritual themes.

Life after the Weekend The most important part of Cursillo begins when the weekend ends. Participants are encouraged to live out their renewed faith through the Fourth Day—the rest of their lives. This involves continuing spiritual growth and mutual encouragement through small-group gatherings, known as Group Reunions, and periodic diocesan or regional gatherings, called Ultreyas. Cursillo is not intended to replace one’s parish involvement; rather, it strengthens it. Many participants find new energy for ministry, lay leadership, and service in their local parishes as a result of their experience.

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Leadership The Alabama Cursillo community is guided by a volunteer Secretariat composed of lay and clergy members who work to keep the movement running smoothly. The Secretariat chooses the leader of each weekend, who in turn selects a staff to guide and serve the pilgrims on their weekend.

A Vibrant and Welcoming Community Cursillo is open to all baptized Christians who consider an Episcopal church their spiritual home and are active in their parish. Cursillo is perfect for those who desire a closer relationship with Christ and a deeper understanding of their role in the Church. There is no cost to attend a Cursillo weekend as it is a gift from those who have gone before.

How to Attend Interested Episcopalians should begin by speaking with their parish priest or another Cursillista (a person who has attended a Cursillo weekend). They will help you complete an application and identify a sponsor who will pray for you, guide you through the process, assist you in finding a Reunion Group, and support you afterward. A list of upcoming Cursillo weekends, along with application deadlines, is included in this article. Additional information can be found on the Alabama Cursillo website at alabamacursillo.org.

Living the Cursillo Way The gift of Cursillo is not simply the weekend itself but the lifelong renewal it inspires. It reminds participants that each of us is called to be a witness to God’s grace in our daily lives—in our families, workplaces, and parishes. As one Cursillista put it, ‘Cursillo gave me the tools and the confidence to live my faith more intentionally. It wasn’t the end of something—it was the beginning.’ De Colores!

2026 ALABAMA CURSILLO WEEKENDS • April 9-12 (application deadline March 4, 2026) • May 28-31 (application deadline April 23, 2026 • October 8-11 (application deadline September 3, 2026) Attendees will arrive at Camp McDowell with their sponsor between 5:30 and 6:30 pm Thursday afternoon and return from Camp at approximately 7 pm Sunday evening.

Clergy and Staff Transition at Carpenter House Bishop Curry has announced the following transitions at Carpenter House:

Conclusion of Ministry

Bishop Brian Prior’s ministry as Assisting Bishop will end effective December 31, 2025.

The Rev. Geoff Evans, Canon to the Ordinary, has accepted a position as rector of St. James in Jackson, Mississippi. His last day at Carpenter House is December 19, 2025.

Claire Cotten, Director of Mission Funding, has accepted a position as a remote Advancement Officer at Sewanee: The University of the South. Her last day at Carpenter House is December 19, 2025.

New Calls

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Collier will serve as Acting Canon to the Ordinary effective January 1, 2026

The Rev. Cameron Nations, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement, will serve as Vicar of Riverside Church in McCalla effective January 1, 2026

We give thanks for the faithful leadership of these individuals and ask that you lift each of them in prayers in their new journeys. WWW.DIOALA.ORG | 31

521 NORTH 20TH STREET, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203–2682 www.dioala.org

The Episcopal Church of Alabama Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682 Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry Assisting Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior The Alabama Episcopalian Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor Miles Parsons, Art Director Vol. 110, No.8; 4th Quarter, 2025; USPS 070-910 ISSN 1041-3316 Periodical postage paid

Saturday, February 14th Love Your Neighbor 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile: 9AM St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Greensboro, AL $25 www.sawyerville.org

POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Liza Lee Horton, The Alabama Episcopalian, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL, 35203-2682. The Alabama Episcopalian is published quarterly. Please send stories and photographs (full color, at the highest resolution possible) to Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor at nana@dioala.org. The submission deadlines for each issue are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Parishes and individuals, please send all address changes or additions to Liza Lee Horton, lhorton@dioala.org, or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682