THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN 2026 SECOND QUARTER

THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN

A Letter from Bishop Curry God Gave the Growth

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth…” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Dear Friends,

I read somewhere that the months of May and June are the new December. I think that means that when it comes to our schedules, late spring is becoming as busy as the holiday time around Christmas – graduations, school year ending, proms, young people moving home from college, Easter season, and much more. In the past three weeks, I have had the honor of being part of the ordination of three new deacons and six new priests in our Diocese. The excitement and promise of these new servants are a blessing of hope for the parishes they will serve.

The process of ordination in our Church typically takes about seven years, from beginning to end, and involves many people along the way. Discernment committees, meetings with sponsoring priests and vestries, lots of prayers, educational preparation, and then God provides the blessing that makes their vocation official. At the end of the day, ordination is the setting aside of someone for service to God. Just as in baptism, confirmation, and reception, an ordained person takes on a new ministry with a new blessing. But as Paul tells us many times, “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit and …varieties of services, but the same Lord…the same God who activates all of them in everyone.” (1Corinthians 12:4-6)

For the past six years, I’ve occupied one of the “best seats in the house” in this great Diocese. As your Bishop, I’ve had the honor of helping to set many apart by baptism, confirmation, and reception. I’ve prayed for many who have come to reaffirm their decision to follow Jesus and have been amazed when others have spontaneously come down their church aisle to ask for a prayer. At our first convention together, I invited us to dream together about how our parishes could be a blessing to the world. At the same time, I wanted the Bishop’s Office and staff to strive to bless each of our parishes by walking alongside them in their ministry.

I hope the stories in this issue of The Alabama Episcopalian, along with the other 23 past issues, reveal some of those blessings in action. Our common life as a Diocese is filled with

stories of our parishes feeding and clothing the hungry, providing help to those touched by disasters, reaching out to the sick and those seeking justice and peace. I’ve been honored to ride in a cherry picker high above St. Stephen’s in Birmingham to bless their solar panels and then to humbly help bless their Labyrinth Memorial Garden, to help all our broken hearts begin to heal.

We’ve laughed together at Homecomings in Prairieville, celebrated the successful Equipping the Saints capital campaign, soaked up the sun at Great Episcopal Picnics, blessed the renovation of Eppes Hall and a new, improved septic system, and approved a new swimming pool at Camp to be built in August. We’ve prayed over new spaces at St. Thomas in Birmingham, Holy Trinity Auburn, St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands, and Good Shepherd in Montgomery. Our Diocesan Council recently approved the plans for the new nave at St. Catherine’s in Chelsea, and two years ago, we planted our new congregation, Riverside in McCalla. From blessing a new Casavant organ at St. Luke’s in Birmingham to a new playground at St. Andrew’s in Montevallo and St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain, our Diocese continues to grow beyond the pandemic days into a vibrant future. I wish I could share every story. All made possible by the grace of God and your stewardship and love.

We’ve done RevivALs and pilgrimages with my cousin, Bishop Michael Curry, even as we cheered for a new Presiding Bishop named Sean Rowe to assume leadership. We’ve used Refresh and Renew, Outreach, and Creation Care grants to share the gospel in hundreds of new ways. We’ve sent missions to Honduras and Africa, and hurricane and flood disaster relief to Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina.

I’ve traveled thousands of miles across oceans and states to represent this beloved Diocese, and on my travels, I’ve found that I was always happiest when I was home with you on Sunday. I have been most honored to advocate for and encourage the fantastic and inspiring ministry

of our amazing parishes and the ministries of Camp McDowell, Sawyerville, Episcopal Church Women, Daughters of the King, and the Youth, as simply the best in the world.

This Alabama Episcopalian has attempted to share only some of what is happening all around us, all the time. The space on the pages is limited, but the stories you’ve offered us have encouraged and affirmed our common life. The Kingdom of God is breaking in all over our Diocese and will certainly continue to do so under Bishop-Elect Lawson’s episcopal leadership. Someone said, “We always get the Bishop we need for the times we’re in.” That statement of faith tells me our 13th Bishop will be the perfect leader for our Church.

As my time as your Bishop comes to a close, I want you to know that Bill and I will be praying for you every day, just as we do now, and occasionally show up in a pew to worship with you. As I finish this work, please know that my heart is full of serving you and watching your faithfulness as you serve our Lord Jesus. I am grateful to everyone who has walked with me, prayed for me, made vegan dishes, sent cards and notes, or reserved my parking spaces. I am grateful for your support and your love, your patience, and your forgiveness. As St. Paul reminds us, according to the grace of God given…Jesus Christ is our foundation because we aim in all things, to be God’s servants, working together and always belonging to Christ.

Thanks be to God for our amazing ministry, and as always, I hope I see you at church soon.

Blessings,

Celebrating the 12th Bishop of Alabama

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Dear Diocese of Alabama,

Iam so grateful for your very warm welcome back to the Diocese. It’s very moving to reconnect with the diocese and meet so many new people and clergy.

In case you missed it, I’ve already announced that the Reverend Katie Pearson has accepted my call to serve as our Canon to the Ordinary. Katie is currently the Vicar of Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, where she and I worked together for nine years.

Katie brings extensive administrative experience. For example, she co-chaired the most recent Vice-Chancellor—or presidential—search at Sewanee, her alma mater. Katie also has a heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and she is a compelling preacher.

As Canon to the Ordinary, Katie will serve as chief of staff and as the point of contact for parishes seeking clergy.

A Word from Bishop-Elect Richard Lawson

Katie will begin work on July 6. In the meantime, I am so very grateful for the good and hard work of our interim Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Dr. Catherine Collier.

I am also delighted to announce that Ashley Haynes has accepted my call to serve as Executive Assistant. Ashley is currently the Parish Administrator at St. Francis of Assisi in Indian Springs. Ashley has also served as the Director of Human Resources at St. Vincent’s Health System.

She is an Episcopalian who loves the Lord and the people of the Diocese. She will play an essential role in organizing the diocesan calendar, overseeing hospitality for diocesan events and committees, and assisting clergy when they reach out to schedule a meeting with me. She begins work on June 15. In the meantime, I am very grateful to

Anne Tippett, who is serving as interim Executive Assistant.

All parishes and clergy have received invitations to the consecration at the Cathedral Church of the Advent on June 27 at 10 a.m., with details on how to RSVP. If you are interested in attending, please contact your rector or senior warden for instructions. This RSVP is required to ensure that each parish is included. Email alabamaepiscopal@ dioala.org if you have any questions.

The consecration will be live-streamed, too. If you cannot join us, please do say a prayer on that day that the Holy Spirit will inspire the Diocese of Alabama with faith, hope, and love in this new season of ministry.

—Richard, Bishop-Elect

“I am so grateful for your very warm welcome back to the Diocese. It’s very moving to reconnect with the diocese and meet so many new people and clergy.”

Ordination and Consecration of the 13th Bishop of Alabama

GOD WILLING AND THE PEOPLE CONSENTING,

THE VERY REVEREND RICHARD T. LAWSON III

WILL BE ORDAINED AND CONSECRATED A BISHOP IN THE ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, AND THE 13 BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL TH DIOCESE OF ALABAMA

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026 AT 10 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ADVENT 2017 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL YOUR PRAYERS AND PRESENCE ARE REQUESTED

FESTAL COLOR: WHITE STOLE

All parishes and clergy in the diocese have received invitations with details on how to RSVP. If you are interested in attending, please contact your rector or senior warden for instructions. This RSVP is required to ensure that each parish is included. Email alabamaepiscopal@dioala.org if you have any questions.

The service will be livestreamed on the Diocesan Facebook and YouTube channels, and a recording will be posted and shared afterward. Scan the QR code to visit the consecration webpage for more information.

A Legacy Passed Down: Three Generations of ECW Service

By: Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Director of Communications

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

The last time Alyce Daniel locked the doors of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Huffman, AL, she carried with her more than memories of a beloved parish. She carried decades of friendships, service, and faith formed within those walls.

“It was just sad,” she recalled quietly. “But there were so many good memories.”

After more than 50 years, Alyce still remembers her very first Sunday at St. Michael’s. She first walked through its doors at 22 years old, not realizing that one simple decision – saying yes to an invitation – would begin a legacy of ministry and service extending to her daughter, Fran Bramblette, and granddaughter, Gracie Bramblette.

“After church, I walked into coffee hour and was bombarded with questions,” Alyce remembered with a laugh. “‘Do you want to be on the Flower Guild? Teach Sunday school?’ That’s what churches do. They see a new person and invite them in.” A floral designer by profession, Alyce embraced the hands-on nature of parish life. “You do everything here,” she said. “And I wanted to.”

But one invitation in particular would shape the course of her ministry. Olivia Weingarten, a devoted Episcopal Church Women (ECW) leader at St. Michael’s, invited Alyce to attend an ECW gathering. “Come see what we do,” Olivia told her.

“That’s how it started,” Alyce said.

Centered in congregations, ECW empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to do Christ’s ministry in the world. Alyce accepted this ministry wholeheartedly as her calling, finding a source of mentorship, friendship, and belonging. Olivia became both teacher and trusted friend, guiding Alyce into a ministry that would remain part of her life for decades to come. Even after St. Michael’s Church closed due to declining membership, Alyce’s commitment to ECW endured.

Before she officially settled into a new church home at the Church of the Holy Cross in Trussville — where many former St. Michael’s members found their way — Alyce accepted the role of ECW president for the Birmingham Convocation.

“It was strange at first,” she admitted. “Being a president without a church. But my friends were there. And that meant everything.” In time, she would also serve as president of Holy Cross’ ECW, continuing the ministry that had first taken root years earlier at St. Michael’s.

“I think it was then that I realized the breadth of ECW. I was given the gift of seeing the beauty of women working together in mission, ministry, and fellowship.”

For Fran Bramblette, her mother’s installation as ECW president for the Birmingham Convocation was not simply something to witness – it became a turning point. She shared, “I think it was then that I realized the breadth of ECW. I was given the gift of seeing the beauty of women working together in mission, ministry, and fellowship.”

But her formation had started long before then. As a child growing up at St. Michael’s, Fran learned early what service looked like. She memorized the Lord’s Prayer at bedtime so she could help lead children’s church. The women of the parish helped shape her faith long before she had a name for it.

What began as helping alongside her mother became her own commitment through children’s ministry and Vacation

Bible School at Church of the Holy Cross, and diocesan work. Fran eventually served two consecutive terms as Birmingham Convocation ECW president, bringing renewed energy and fellowship to its gatherings. Later, she became president of the Diocesan ECW, helping guide the ministry through rebuilding efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, at the national ECW’s 51st Triennial, Fran was chosen by the women of the Diocese of Alabama to receive the Distinguished Woman Award, an honor recognizing her deep faith, strong convictions, and her desire to serve as the hands and heart of Christ. Those who serve alongside her describe a grateful spirit and a readiness to love and serve wherever she is called.

But the story does not end with Fran. Her daughter, Gracie Bramblette, grew up watching both her mother and grandmother quietly serve others — planning events, decorating church spaces, supporting ministries, and building community.

“Our church has a small congregation, and my mother and grandmother showed me that even if only 10 people show up regularly, you still go,” Gracie said. “They were always doing something for someone else. That stayed with me.”

Today, Gracie carries that legacy forward in her own way. As webmaster for the Diocesan ECW website, she brings creativity and digital outreach to the ministry. But her connection to ECW began years earlier, when she sat beside her grandmother at meetings and events. One day, she walked into a room full of women and announced, “Okay, girls, coffee time,” Alyce remembered. The room filled with laughter, and the moment stuck. When her mother became diocesan president, Gracie

stepped in to manage the website and social media. “I’ve handled the design and most of the marketing for the past few years,” she said. “It’s been amazing to meet people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

As a young woman in the church, Gracie hopes others her age will see ECW as a place where women of all ages are welcomed into fellowship, friendship, and ministry. “ECW is open to all,” she said. “The events and conferences are actually fun. The women are welcoming and interesting.”

Across three generations, the thread connecting Alyce, Fran, and Gracie has remained remarkably consistent: service rooted in faith and community. Through ECW, they have supported scholarships, fundraisers, and ministries such as “Baking for Books,” which provides financial support for seminarians. Along the way, they have also witnessed the deeply personal impact of those acts of generosity.

Alyce still remembers hearing a seminarian’s mother at Sewanee say, “You cannot believe how happy my son was to receive that check.” For Fran, ECW has created lasting relationships across parishes and generations. For Gracie, it has become both formative and deeply meaningful. “It’s a gift,” Fran reflected. “Our church is our extended family. ECW makes our family larger.”

What began with one woman saying yes to an invitation at coffee hour became a legacy of faith and service passed from

grandmother to daughter to granddaughter. Like the faith described in Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy, it first lived in Alyce, then in Fran, and now in Gracie — continuing to grow, serve, and inspire a new generation. All thanks be to God.

Diocesan Outreach Grant Helps Church of the Nativity Serve Huntsville’s Most Vulnerable

By: The Rev. Rosie Veal Eby, Associate Priest at Church of the Nativity

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n 2025, the Church of the Nativity in Huntsville received an Outreach and Missions Grant from the Diocese of Alabama to help fund the Community Warming Center for the Homeless. The parish began working with the City of Huntsville, Community Development Department, six years ago, when COVID was in full swing. So many of the shelters were at half capacity due to the need for social distancing, and the weather was becoming extreme.

We were able to utilize one of the gyms that the city owns for the space. Over the years, we have hosted the center in

various locations, including church basements, empty houses, and now the The Livin’ Room, a volunteer-driven organization that honors and aids our neighbors in a caring, neighborhoodlike way.

We used the funds to purchase new cots for the effort, as many of the cots we have had were used before we got them and needed replacing. We also purchased sleeping bags and basic supplies for when the center was open, such as overthe-counter medicine, cards, word-search books, and sudoku puzzles.

Our Parish and Community Engagement Coordinator, Kayela Allen, coordinated the sign-up genius for the meals during the day and for helpers to assist in the effort. We always need people

to help serve food, stay overnight, and help with breakdown, clean-up, and the blanket and sleeping bag laundering.

Even though the shelters are back to full capacity, places like the Community Warming Center are still in demand. The Warming Center is unique in the sense that we allow people to bring their pets, and we also do not require a photo ID. All of the overnight shelters here in Huntsville require an ID.

The Warming Center is truly a community effort, and the Church of Nativity is blessed to be a part of this important ministry. Often, we feel overwhelmed by the needs of those suffering around us and don’t know how to help. This project helps parishioners find where they fit in and use their gifts to support the effort. For some, it is simply making a casserole; for others, it is helping with the

“Often, we feel overwhelmed by the needs of those suffering around us and don’t know how to help. This project helps parishioners find where they fit in and use their gifts to support the effort.”

laundry or dropping off supplies. Many are willing to come to the center, and I am always grateful to those who take the night shift. The youth have even been able to participate by helping to set up cots, and the young adults gather to make biscuits while the Men’s Bible Study makes pancakes..

One night, a few years ago, I recall, I was on a night shift when a young man, about 20, came in at two in the morning with his dog. All of the cots were filled; he was thankful for the two blankets I had left, and he curled up with his dog in the corner and slept. The next morning, he thanked me for letting him stay and told me he had been camping under a bridge but was concerned that his dog was getting too cold. It had dropped to 15 degrees that night, and ice was everywhere.

When we are able, through grants and the willingness of parishioners to live into their baptismal covenant, we live into the Gospel message of loving our neighbor, and we bring the Kingdom of God that much closer to us. Thank you to the Diocese of Alabama for the gift of the Outreach and Missions Grant so that we can continue to make this ministry possible.

Discovering God’s Call at Vocare

By: The Rev. Dillon Green, Rector – St. Catherine’s Church, Chelsea

Earlier this year, 36 staffers and pilgrims gathered at Camp McDowell for the annual Vocare retreat. Vocare, a vocational retreat for young adults ages 18–30, is a spiritual sibling of Happening and Cursillo. Designed to provide young adults at a formative stage of life with space to hear God’s voice, Vocare — a Latin word meaning “to call” — encourages participants to see God’s hand at work in their vocational lives.

The main engine of the weekend was a series of talks given by staff on topics ranging from identity and spiritual journey to marriage and ordination. The staff, which included lay rectors, family group leaders, and spiritual directors, modeled for the pilgrims what a Christian community can look like. As the pilgrims let go of their sense of time and the staff builds relationships with them through reflective conversations and plenty of snacks, they begin to sense God’s call in their lives and to see more clearly the unconditional nature of God’s love.

Josh Hynds, a pilgrim this year, said, “This was an incredible weekend of love, joy, laughter, and tears that truly reminded me of my first time at Special Session in 2018. I got to participate as a pilgrim this year and hope to be back as staff next year”.

If you know of any young adults who could use a weekend full of relaxing and intentional reflection on God’s call for their lives, tell them about Vocare and encourage them to attend Vocare next year. Email vocareofalabama@gmail.com.

5 Questions with the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan, Founding Director of Threshold Center

“…Where The Holy Spirit Is Having a Dance Party”

By: The Alabama Episcopalian

Having grown up in a Catholic family, the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan describes faith as the steady rhythm of her early life—shaped by Sunday worship and nightly prayers with her parents, which nurtured a deep sense of closeness to God. As an adult, her journey took her through various careers and across places like California and Tokyo, but a profound turning point came after her best friend died of breast cancer. In response, she founded Project Compassion, a nonprofit supporting those facing death and grief, marking a shift toward a more heart-centered vocation. During this time, even as she felt God’s presence deeply, she wrestled to find a faith community that felt like home, often experiencing spirituality more in solitude—“running in the woods”—than within the walls of a church.

Over the past two decades, the Rev. Sullivan has spent her ministry creating spaces of connection, healing, and spiritual depth—from parish life to supporting the establishment of the Threshold Center. In this conversation, she reflects on her journey to the priesthood and her work at the Threshold Center.

1. What first inspired you to pursue ordained ministry?

The call to ordained ministry unfolded slowly. Even while I was exploring other traditions—including studying Tibetan Buddhism for two years—I was already thinking about seminary and wanting to learn more theologically. However, I hadn’t yet seen myself as called to the priesthood. A Buddhist teacher told me, “You were raised a Christian. Perhaps it’s time for you to go home,” and added, “Whatever you do, go deeply.”

At the same time, my husband, Malcolm, played a profound role in that journey. He was then a minister in the Baptist and later United Church of Christ tradition, and his faith was so strong, and his heart so kind and gentle, that I found myself thinking, “If that’s what it means to be a Christian, I want to be a Christian too.” So it was through our marriage that I found the deepest sense of belonging in Christ.

The clearest turning point came during a retreat, when a Ghanaian priest, the Rev. Canon Sr. Rosina Ampah, asked me, “Why are you not in the discernment process to become a priest?” Looking back, that question named something that was already growing in my life and opened the door to the priesthood.

2. In the Diocese of Alabama, you’ve served in a variety of ministries, including as Chair of the Commission on Spirituality. How have those experiences shaped your ministry, and what moments stand out most to you?

Spiritual formation has always been at the core of my ministry—along with preaching. It’s where my heart comes most alive. Serving as Chair of the Commission on Spirituality was especially meaningful because it allowed us to think creatively about how to engage people in deeper practices of faith. That work was influenced by my training in spiritual

“Spiritual formation has always been at the core of my ministry— along with preaching. It’s where my heart comes most alive.”

direction, where I learned to pay attention to how God is moving in people’s lives in very personal ways.

I’ve also been deeply shaped by the communities I’ve served, at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Alabaster, where I first began as a deacon and ultimately as a rector. I witnessed a parish navigate difficult conversations with profound respect and grace—especially around affirming same-sex marriage. At Saint Luke’s in Birmingham, we developed care teams and helped launch a memory care respite program that continues to serve families today. And during my time as interim rector at All Saints, I saw a community come together in extraordinary ways during the early days of COVID. Each place has taught me something essential about following Jesus and caring for others.

3. The Threshold Center is a ministry of Saint Stephen’s that you helped found in 2025. For those who don’t know, tell us what it is.

The Threshold Center is, at its heart, a place of connection. We hope to enhance the well-being of individuals and the community through programs that engage the heart, the body, and the imagination. We’re very clear that worship happens at St. Stephen’s—we are not a church—but we are a place where people can connect in a deeply spiritual way, including those who may have been hurt by the church or don’t feel ready to be part of one.

The Center is housed in what was formerly St. John’s Chapel, a building that had long been used by the community, including St. John’s Church for the Deaf. Even before the tragedy in 2022, there was a growing sense that this space could be used in a new way for the good of the wider community. After the tragedy, that vision became even more important as people searched for healing, connection, and meaning.

Seeing what it has become, I feel deeply affirmed in God’s grace and presence. It feels like the Holy Spirit is having a dance party—that’s how I see what’s happening here.

This is not the “Mary Bea Sullivan project.” This is God’s project. I’ve had the gift of helping to plant something, but

the growth—the life in it—has come from God and from the community. And it’s been a joy to watch that unfold.

4. Many who have benefited from your ministry have described you as someone who truly “listens with the ear of the heart.” What does that mean, and why is that important?

That phrase actually comes from St. Benedict. It means bringing your full presence to whatever—or whoever—you are encountering. To listen with the ear of the heart is to set aside your own agenda, your judgments, and your need to respond quickly. It’s to listen with curiosity and openness, even to people who are very different from you. It’s about receiving the wisdom of another person’s life. In pastoral care, this kind of listening is essential. People often think they need the right words to help someone who is hurting. But more often than not, what people need is your presence. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was this: when your parishioners are hurting, show up. They may forgive a bad sermon, but it’s much harder to forgive absence in a time of need.

5. Drawing from your work at the Threshold Center, what advice would you give to those who feel called to begin something new in ministry?

First, listen to the community you’re serving. Ask people what they need. Seek input not only from those who agree with you, but also from those who may see things differently. Second, pray a lot. And third, the budget is important in determining how to proceed with pacing and scale of the dream, but don’t let it squash the dream. If something is truly of God, the resources will come.

I also think it’s important to recognize that ministry has seasons. Some people are planters—they help bring something into being. Others are sustainers—they nurture and grow it over time. Both are essential. For me, it has been a profound gift to see the Threshold Center come to life. But I also know it’s not “my project.” This is God’s work, and it will continue to grow in ways beyond any one person.

Closing Reflection

The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan will conclude her service as Executive Director of the Threshold Center in April, with Susanna Whitsett stepping into the role. Following a sabbath rest this summer, the Rev. Sullivan will listen prayerfully for her next vocational steps, which may include facilitating groups and retreats, writing, and offering spiritual direction. She also plans to remain connected to the Center as part of its core faculty. In June, she and her husband, Malcolm, will return to North Carolina. “I am profoundly grateful to John Burruss and the Saint Stephen’s community for their incredible support,” she says.

We give thanks for her faithful and transformative ministry and pray for God’s continued grace and guidance as she enters this new chapter.

Medical and Educational Mission Deepens Partnership with the Diocese of Honduras

By: Linda Hanson, World Missions Chair - St. Thomas in Huntsville

More than 30 years after St. Thomas Church in Huntsville began its medical mission partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, parishioners continue to deepen relationships and expand ministries of healing and education. From April 18 to 25 this year, 10 members of St. Thomas, along with three members from Holy Cross–Saint Christopher’s in Huntsville and St. Matthias’ in Tuscaloosa, completed a medical and educational mission in La Ceiba and La Línea, Honduras

The mission first began in Las Delicias del Norte and later in Colonia Episcopal at the request of Bishop Lloyd Allen of the Diocese of Honduras. In 2025, St. Thomas also began a partnership with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (HTEC) in La Ceiba to reopen its free clinic in Colonia Suyapa, which had closed during COVID. Bishop Allen has visited St. Thomas several times to assist with the parish’s Lobsterfest fundraiser, which supports not only the Honduras medical mission but

“The

also local outreach organizations such as Patterson Place, First Stop, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

In La Ceiba, the medical team treated 281 adults and 147 children with routine and urgent medical and dental needs, including minor outpatient surgical procedures, over three days. In La Linea, a nearby village with which HTEC has an ongoing relationship, 96 adults and 96 children were seen in one day. In La Ceiba, our patient numbers were lower this year than last, reflecting the positive impact of year-round care available at the HTEC clinic, which runs with financial support from St. Thomas to supply medications and medical providers. La Linea was roughly the same as last year, since they do not have access to a village clinic.

The inclusion of educational programs differentiates this mission from groups whose focus is strictly medical. Students in grades 7 to 11 at the Holy Trinity Episcopal School, a bilingual

mission first began in Las Delicias del Norte and later in Colonia Episcopal at the request of Bishop Lloyd Allen of the Diocese of Honduras.”

school co-located with HTEC, were taught science lessons on climate change, the solar system, Newton’s laws of motion, kinetic and potential energy, and thermodynamics. Of particular interest this year was a presentation to students in grades 6 to 11 on the recent launch of Artemis II and the science and technology that enabled the mission. Another focus this year was the design, testing, and implementation of an automated irrigation system for the church and school’s atrium courtyard. The project included a presentation demonstrating how science, engineering, technology, and teamwork can contribute to efficient food production while incorporating stewardship and sustainability as part of caring for God’s world.

Another aspect of the educational portion of our mission is our school supply packs. The children of St. Thomas packed 120 school supply packs with pencils, crayons, and other supplies as a service project. These were distributed to students at the school in La Linea, where we held our clinic. The students in La Linea were so excited to receive these gifts.We also enjoy learning more about the people of Honduras. We began our mission week with a worship service attended by members of the mission team and the parishioners at HTEC. The Rev. David Batiz, rector at HTEC, and Deacon Paolo Garcia led the service, along with assistance from the Rev. Jeannie Randall, who has been involved with Saint Thomas’ mission since its inception.

and Amerindian ancestry who originated in Saint Vincent and were transplanted to Roatan, then to northern Honduras. Each class offered a presentation celebrating Garifuna culture and heritage. Interesting and informative, the assembly culminated with all of us dancing together to Garifuna music.

The church also provided a delicious lunch for our mission team and parishioners in the school auditorium. Students at HTES invited us to an assembly commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people in Honduras. They are people of mixed African

As we forge this new relationship, we have been meeting with our mission partners at HTEC to determine needs and set goals. This is vital to ensuring we meet the needs of the people we serve in Honduras. As we move forward, we hope to add construction projects and additional support for the people of La Linea, in the form of educational programs and access to the year-round care provided at the HTEC clinic.

Holy Trinity Shares Food, Prayers, and Love

By: Kelley Young, Relational Mission Committee Member –Holy Trinity, Auburn

On a warm Saturday morning, in a trailer park community in Opelika, AL, Jim Floyd is pushing a heavy wheelbarrow full of food over bumpy, unpaved dirt roads — and he is happy to be doing it.

“This is an easy way to serve our neighbors,” Floyd said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in in helping feed these families, and I try not to miss a single month.”

Floyd, a member of Holy Trinity Church in Auburn, is one of the many regular volunteers who help at the church’s monthly food delivery in a local mobile home community. The delivery began roughly 10 years ago and has grown into a regular event where church members distribute fresh, nutritious food to community members in need.

“We get such beautiful produce,” said Sandra Clark-Lewis, a parishioner who was one of the event’s original organizers. “We distribute bananas, apples, peaches, strawberries, broccoli, carrots — you name it, and we’ve probably handed it out. It feels so good to be filling our neighbors’ baskets with such healthy foods.”

And that food is the product of a truly fruitful partnership. Holy Trinity’s Relational Mission Committee purchases fresh produce, along with staples like rice, beans, and meat, from the East Alabama Food Bank. Distributions take place at the neighborhood pavilion, which was built two years ago in collaboration with Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science. Our parish funded the materials, parishioners who serve as Auburn architecture faculty designed the structure, and students donated their labor to bring it to life.

“We distribute bananas, apples, peaches, strawberries, broccoli, carrots — you name it, and we’ve probably handed it out. It feels so good to be filling our neighbors’ baskets with such healthy foods.”

Once a month, early on a Saturday morning, the food bank’s truck pulls up to the pavilion, loaded with anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds of food. Neighborhood residents and church members of all ages, including parishioners from St. Dunstan’s in Auburn and Emmanuel Church in Opelika, work together to unload the massive pallets of food onto the pavilion’s built-in shelving and sturdy picnic tables.

Once the neighbors have finished registering, bilingual volunteers, including parish associate rector David Peeples, lead the group in prayers in English and Spanish. Volunteers distribute food as the line of residents carrying laundry baskets and cardboard boxes snakes through the pavilion. Volunteers like Floyd carry the food home to residents’ trailers using wagons and wheelbarrows.

In 2025, Holy Trinity served an average of 58 families each month. With grocery prices rising, Rector Pete Burgess is grateful the parish can help.

“At a time when non-profits and agencies are themselves dealing with increased uncertainty and rising needs, it is a gift to see the members of our parish remain steadfast not only in the project of distributing food, but more fundamentally to the challenging and transformative work of building relationships and community in Christ’s name,” Burgess said.

The monthly food delivery is just one of several efforts Holy Trinity coordinates with the neighborhood, offering support, prayers, and a consistent reminder to residents that they are seen and valued.

Every August, Holy Trinity’s ECW partners with local non-profit Esperanza House to supply the neighborhood’s children with backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies. Several parishioners work with Esperanza House to tutor elementary and high school students after school each week. And over the years, special events like the “Share the Warmth” coat and clothing drive, the “Shoe Your Love” shoe drive, and an angel tree at Christmas — help residents with seasonal needs as they arise.

While parishioners provide food, clothes, and support to the mobile home neighborhood’s residents, they’re getting something in return: the opportunity to serve, a chance for lively Saturday morning fellowship, and the building of a bond with neighbors that is strengthening over time.

“When I help with the food delivery, I get to observe many acts of kindness and see what resilience looks like in people who live under very harsh circumstances,” said Susan Brown. “The residents we serve live in small homes in which up to seven or eight family members are living, and yet, in December, their trailers are decorated with Christmas lights; they teach us about hope.

“Every single time I volunteer, I come away feeling like I am the one who has been given a gift.”

Supporting Our Seminarians Through the Church Periodical Club

By: Kathryn Adams, CPC Diocesan Coordinator

The Church Periodical Club (CPC) is a long-standing ministry of The Episcopal Church, dedicated to providing books, educational materials, and other resources to seminarians, clergy, and mission partners. Through grants funded by generous donations, CPC helps equip those preparing for ministry with the tools they need for study, formation, and faithful leadership.

The Diocesan ECW is honored to support this important work by raising funds that directly benefit seminarians from the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Seminary is both a calling and a commitment. The academic demands are significant, and the cost of books and theological resources continues to rise. CPC grants help ease that burden by providing funding for essential texts, commentaries, and other materials that support our seminarians’ growth in knowledge and faith.

When you give to the Church Periodical Club through the Diocesan ECW, you are investing in the future leadership of our diocese. Your gift is a tangible way to encourage and support those who are discerning and preparing for ordained ministry. It is also a beautiful expression of our shared commitment to nurture the Church’s mission for generations to come.

We invite individuals, ECW chapters, and parish groups across the diocese to contribute to this meaningful ministry. No gift is too small—every donation helps place valuable resources into the hands of those who will one day preach, teach, and shepherd God’s people.

Together, we can ensure that our seminarians from the Diocese of Alabama are supported, encouraged, and well-equipped for the work to which God has called them.

Last year, we were able to give all the seminarians $400 toward books to support their study and growth. We currently have 11 in the state of Alabama. There will be a turnover of four graduates and four new seminarians who will begin formation during the year.

Currently In Formation and Recent Graduates:

Amanda Boyce (Hybrid M.Div., Duke ’28/’29)

John Gilmer (M.Div., Sewanee ’28)

William Lewis (Part-time Anglican Studies ’28)

Stewart Miller (M.Div., VTS ’28)

Julia Sanford (M.Div., Sewanee ’27)

Kyle Munroe (M.Div., VTS ’27)

Mary Ann McCarty (Anglican Studies, Bexley ’27)

Mawande Mzongwana (Continuing Studies, Bexley ’26)

Taylor Johnson (Anglican Studies, Bexley ’26)

Kristin Blackerby (M.Div., VTS ’26)

Quincy Hall (M.Div., Bexley ’26)

In addition to the above list, we could have about four individuals beginning formation this fall.

Even if you are unable to contribute at this time, you can still support this ministry with the following prayer:

A Prayer for Our Alabama Seminarians:

Lord Jesus, we ask your special blessing on the seminarians of the Diocese of Alabama as they prepare for ordained ministry. We pray they will grow in faith, hope, and charity. May the gifts of the CPC aid them in their studies, that they will be formed for ministry with a compassionate heart, a hunger for understanding and wisdom, and a desire to inspire others in answer to your call. When they are lonely or discouraged, fill them with your peace and the knowledge of our care for them. May your spirit be known by them and through them, for your glory and honor and the furtherance of your kingdom. Amen.

For more information about the Church Periodical Club, please visit churchperiodical.com. If you would like to help coordinate fundraising in your parish for CPC grants, please contact Kathryn Adams, CPC Diocesan Coordinator, at kadams@christchurch1828.org.

Thank you in advance for supporting this wonderful ministry. You can donate online using the QR code below. Please make checks payable to: ECW, Diocese of Alabama, and include For CPC in the memo line. Mail to: Diocese of Alabama ECW, 521 N 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Onward In Faith We Go. Onward In Christ We Stand. Onward In Love We Grow.

By: The Rev. H. Mawande Mzongwana, Priest-in-Charge – Good Shepherd, Montgomery and St. Andrew’s, Tuskegee.

O“There

is but one living and true God, ever- lasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Ghost.”

Article I of the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, Book of Common Prayer (p. 867)

ne of the most intriguing aspects of Anglican doctrine that resonated with me throughout my discernment for ordained ministry was Article I of the ThirtyNine Articles of Religion. It professes our shared faith in the Holy Trinity. This article stood out to me during a critical time of discernment in 2024 because of its insistence on unity. At a time when my heart, mind, and intuition did not always seem to align, the fear of the unknown coexisted with the desire to seek God daily and to share in the peace and knowledge of a loving God.

This Article, coupled with sharing in weekly Eucharistic worship with the people of God, brought me back to my senses each week. I pondered on the sacrifice of the incarnate Christ who loves and calls gently and tangibly through his flesh and blood. It made me remember that yielding to the call of God did not have to be a decision that I made in my own strength, but through faith in God. The God who, from the days of the patriarchs, called and equipped ordinary people to serve the Kingdom through acts of love and humility.

I have been deeply touched by the opportunity to journey with the beloved in their walk with Christ. I have been moved by those who have shown courage and faith in entrusting me with both their hopes and fears in their journey with Christ. I have also been blessed to share stories of joy, such as my first day celebrating the Holy Eucharist at Grace Church in Pike Road, and stories of hope, such as preaching at St. Andrew’s in Tuskegee about the hope of the Resurrection for my deceased mother and for all those who have died in the Lord. I have likewise been blessed to share stories of courage, including a moment of crisis in which I was able to share the love of God with an undocumented immigrant.

Article I encourages and reminds us that the unity of the Godhead remains constant even in a world marked by division and change. I am inspired by the promise that God’s Word does not cease even when all else fades: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). This assures us that God is not bound by the limits of this world, even as all creation “waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” (Romans 8:19). Because of this, we are free to dream boldly of the Kingdom.

Blessings to you and your loved ones.

A Child’s Gift, A Bishop’s Memory, A Full Circle Moment

By: Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Director of Communications

What could move a second grader who had never painted to pick up a paintbrush for the first time? In Philipp’s case, it was, in his own words, “a swirl of happiness.”

Six years ago, on January 18, 2020, Philipp watched history unfold as the Diocese of Alabama elected its first-ever female bishop. He was too young to fully understand the significance of episcopal ministry or the weight of the moment surrounding Bishop Glenda Curry’s election. But he understood joy, and joy moved him to create.

Though he laughs now that he “knew he couldn’t make a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa yet,” the second grader still felt compelled to paint something for the priest he had grown up knowing as rector of All Saints Church in Birmingham.

On a piece of cardboard, he painted a sunrise with a cross standing boldly at its center. On the back, he wrote the day’s date and added the words, “a swirl of happiness.”

The cross, to him, represented the Christian faith and the calling of a bishop, while the bright colors reflected joy.

“I think this painting reflected the joy of the occasion and my hope that these colors would lighten Bishop Curry’s journey,” he said.

It was, in every way, a child’s offering: simple, sincere, and freely given. And Bishop Curry kept it. Long after the ceremonies ended and headlines faded, the cardboard painting remained in her office at Carpenter House for six years, through meetings, celebrations, challenges, and the passing of ordinary days.

“She could have thrown it away,” Philipp said quietly. “I know she may have received numerous and even more valuable gifts, so it’s humbling that she’s kept this in her office all this time.”

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter, the story returned to where it all began. When Bishop Curry returned to All Saints for her annual visit, Philipp was among the youth group to be confirmed. Years after watching Bishop Curry’s election as a child, Philipp now knelt before her to publicly affirm his faith through confirmation.

“This is really a special day for me,” John said. “Having Bishop Curry here and being confirmed by her makes it deeply personal for me. I feel relieved now. There’s so much calmness in me.”

His mother, Anne Philipp, watched the moment with pride. “It’s a privilege to be the parent of such a kind-hearted child,” she shared. “I’m proud that he has chosen to grow in his faith.”

Others at All Saints have long noticed the same quiet thoughtfulness. The Rev. Ranie Neislar, associate rector, described Philipp as “one of the most thoughtful people.”

“He offers some of the most insightful comments and questions, no matter what they are covering,” she said. “I’m not surprised at all that he made the painting that stood out to Bishop.”

Philipp hopes to continue growing in his faith and become more involved in spreading the Gospel through mission work.

Perhaps that is the lasting beauty of the cardboard painting. A child offered joy freely. A bishop chose to treasure it. And years later, both arrived at another sacred moment together, reminding us that sometimes faith grows through the simple holiness of being remembered.

2026 Gumbo Gala in Photos

Serving Hope for 20 Years: 2026 Gumbo Gala Recap

By: Aspen Burgess, Development Director – Episcopal Place

For those who may not know the history, Gumbo Gala began 20 years ago in response to an influx of residents who relocated to Episcopal Place after Hurricane Katrina. Many had lost their homes, communities, and sense of normalcy. The first Gumbo Gala was created to raise support for their needs and to offer a comforting taste of home during a time of profound upheaval.

Two decades later, that same spirit of compassion continues to guide us. Today, Gumbo Gala is Episcopal Place’s annual fundraising event, supporting essential resident services throughout the year, including two weekly worship services, subsidized daily meals, and a food and personal care pantry.

Episcopal Place would like to begin by thanking everyone who joined us, cooked with us, cheered with us, or supported us in any way during our 20th Anniversary Gumbo Gala, held on April 18th, 2026, at Cahaba Brewing. This milestone year was special, and your presence made it unforgettable.

We were honored to have seven churches field gumbo teams this year. Their creativity, generosity, and community spirit are the heart of this event. Simply put, we cannot do the Gumbo Gala without our gumbo teams, and we are deeply grateful to each of you. Your participation directly fuels these programs and ensures that our residents—many of whom live on limited incomes—receive the support, dignity, and community they deserve.

With gratitude to our sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who invested in this mission, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel. Your commitment helped make our 20th anniversary celebration our strongest yet.

We are also grateful for the support of our additional sponsors:

• BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama

• LeafFilter

• Coca-Cola

• T-Mobile

• Protective

• LeafGuard

• SPM

• Office of Hunter Williams

• Campisi Law

• Matt and Amanda Ennis

Your partnership strengthens Episcopal Place and directly impacts the lives of the residents we serve.

FOLK CAMP

July 25-28, 2026

“AFS has become, over the years, the place I think of if I need something to look forward to, or a dear memory to encourage me. The friends I’ve made are friends for life.”

-Cindy Armstrong, Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat

Join us for a fresh take on our summer youth-focused workshops! Folk Camp is open to kids of all ages accompanied by an adult 25+ and is recomended for rising 5th-12th graders. You’ll choose a major area of focus: art, music, or farming, then have plenty of chances to take mini classes and participate in summer camp classics like hiking, canoeing, and pool time! This event is geared toward parents or guardians bringing a child or children. We also welcome pairings of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and godparents. If you’re unsure how your group fits, contact us!

To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

C OST

Communal Cabin Bunkbed, Meals, & Tuition Per Camper for Three Nights: $350

Private Lodge Room, Meals, & Tuition for 2 Campers for Three Nights: $900

*$100 for each additional camper in lodge room

M AJOR O FFERINGS

MUSIC

Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, or Fiddle

Music students will spend time working with their instructors as well as making music with fellow campers. Our instructors are professional musicians and educators from around the Southeast. Music students will have fun listening to and learning old tunes and styles from before recorded music. This class will give students the tools to go home and continue their musical adventures after the workshop is over.

CRAFT & FARMING

Mixed Media Art

Campers will be working with various mediums including collage, clay, sewing textiles, printmaking, painting, and more. Our approach to creativity is low pressure and lots of fun! We hope that you’ll leave with some lovely works of art, some new tools in your creative toolbox, and the confidence and inspiration to keep creating art on your own.

Farming

Campers who participate in farming will learn about the food we eat and how it gets to our plates. Students will participate in sustainable agriculture, team-work, and hands-on caring for our gardens and farm animals.

Cursillo: A Journey, Faith, and Action

By: David Collette, President - Alabama Cursillo Secretariat

Cursillo is a joyful Christian community rooted in sharing Christ’s love with one another and with the world. The journey begins with a three-day weekend at Camp McDowell and continues throughout your life as you join thousands of fellow Cursillistas across the Diocese of Alabama.

Through Cursillo, participants are encouraged to deepen their spiritual lives in three essential areas: piety (worship and prayer), study (growing in understanding of God’s word), and apostolic action (bringing others to Christ through daily witness). This ongoing commitment—often called the “Fourth Day”—is where faith is lived out in everyday life, supported by Christian community.

If you are interested in learning more about Cursillo or if you would like to attend an upcoming weekend, we encourage you to speak with a member of your parish’s Cursillo community or your clergy. For additional information, please contact:

• David Collette, President, Alabama Cursillo Secretariat — david.r.collette@gmail.com

• Tara Nicholas, Applications Coordinator — taranicholas21@gmail.com

Upcoming Cursillo Weekends

• October 8-11, 2026 (final weekend of 2026)

Application deadline September 4

• April 8-11, 2027

Application deadline March 5

• September 16-19, 2027

Application deadline August 13

• November 4-7, 2027

Application deadline October 1

Church of the Epiphany, Leeds, Welcomes New Rector

The Church of the Epiphany, Leeds, joyfully welcomes Father Curtis Kennington as its new rector. Father Kennington will begin his ministry at Epiphany in June, and the parish is excited to begin this new chapter together in faith, fellowship, and shared ministry.

The Rev. Curtis Kennington with Church of the Epiphany parishioners.

New Clergy Calls

• The Rev. Sarah DiCarlo-Watts is Priest-in-Charge at St. Stephen’s Church, Huntsville.

• The Rev. Massey Gentry is Interim Rector at Church of the Resurrection, Rainbow City.

• The Rev. David Hall is Interim Associate Rector at Church of the Ascension, Montgomery.

• The Rev. Quincy Hall is Priest-in-Charge at St. Andrew’s Church, Montevallo, and St. Mark’s Church, Birmingham.

• The Rev. Taylor Johnson is Curate at St. Matthew’s Church, Madison.

• The Rev. Curt Kennington is part-time Rector at Church of the Epiphany, Leeds.

• The Rev. Mawande Mzongwana is Priest-in-Charge at Good Shepherd, Montgomery, and St. Andrew’s Church, Tuskegee.

• The Rev. Jeanne Randall is Priest-in-Charge at St. Timothy’s Church, Athens.

• The Rev. Randy Sellers is Rector at the Church of the Holy Cross, Trussville.

• The Rev. Richelle Thompson is Priest-in-Charge at St. Stephen’s Church, Eutaw.

Correction

An article in the 2025 fourth issue of The Alabama Episcopalian (“The Sacred Work of Mentorship,” by the Rev. Carolyn Foster) incorrectly stated that Robin Brown, one of the interns from Yale Divinity School, has familial ties to Alabama and was unfamiliar with its history. Robin Brown has no familial ties to Alabama and had previously studied the state’s history.

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

Bishop-Elect: The Very Rev. Richard T. Lawson III

The Alabama Episcopalian Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor

Miles Parsons, Art Director Vol. 111, No.2; 2nd Quarter, 2026; USPS 070-910 ISSN 1041-3316

Periodical postage paid

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 Sat, Aug 15, 2026 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM