THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF July/August/September 2021 • Vol. 106, No. 3

A Glimpse of Heaven in Sawyerville See page 6 dioala.org THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH In the Diocese of Alabama A community of about 32,000 baptized members in 87 parishes and worshiping communities and 8 college ministries. Established in 1830. Bishop The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry Carpenter House 521 North 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35203 205/715-2060 In the United States A community of about 1.9 million members in 109 dioceses in 16 nations. Established in 1789. Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Michael Curry Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 212/867-8400 The Anglican Communion A community of 80 million members in 44 regional and national member churches in more than 160 countries. Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. Justin Welby Lambeth Palace, London England SE17JU The Alabama Episcopalian Kelley Hudlow, Editor Miles G. Parsons, Art Director Georganne Perrine, Circulation Secretary Volume 106, Number 3 July/August/September 2021 USPS 070-910 ISSN 1041-3316 Periodical postage paid

The Alabama Episcopalian is published four times a year (March 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1). For the most current news about recent and upcoming events, please visit our diocesan website, www.dioala.org. Please send stories and photographs (full color, at highest resolution possible) to Editor Kelley Hudlow at [email protected] or 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203-2682; the submission deadline for each issue is February 1, April 1, July 1, October 1. Postmaster, parishes, and individuals, please send all address changes or additions to Circulation Secretary Georganne Perrine at [email protected] or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682. Keep up with the latest news from around our diocese between issues of The Alabama Episcopalian on our diocesan website, www.dioala.org. If you are not already receiving our “DioAla News Update,” you can sign up to receive a weekly email containing headlines with links to the latest news, photos, and videos about and from around our diocese. Simply send an email with your name and e-mail address to [email protected] and put “Headlines” in the subject line. You can “opt out” anytime. All address corrections or additions should be sent to Georganne Perrine at [email protected] or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203-2682. POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Georganne Perrine, Circulation Secretary, The Alabama Episcopalian, 521 North 20th Street, dioala.org Birmingham, AL 35203-2682.

2 | The Alabama Episcopalian The Alabama Episcopalian THE MAGAZINE OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ALABAMA

IN THIS ISSUE 5 Love Transforms Us 6 A Glimpse of Heaven in Sawyerville NEWS FROM OUR SHARED MINISTRIES 12 Faith Formation and Resources 14 General Convention Preparations: Diocese of Alabama Contributions 15 The Fruits of Keeping Sabbath 16 Doing Church: Liturgy and Music after the Pandemic 6 17 Nic Scheff, subject of the Movie Beautiful Boy, to kick off The Journey for the Department of Recovery Ministries A Glimpse of Heaven 18 Dioceses to offer Virtual Celebration of the Life and Work of in Sawyerville Jonathan Myrick Daniels 19 2022 United Thank Offering Grants 20 COMING HOME NEWS FROM OUR PARISHES 24 Food Truck Festival Raises $4,500 in One Night for Student Meals 25 Unlock Your Soul: The Enneagram and Living the Real Life Conference 26 Thirteen Participants from Around the Diocese and Beyond to Graduate Metagem Institute’s “Holy, Whole, and Bold: The Contemplative Path” Two-Year Program 27 Saving the Windows of St. John’s 18 28 CLERGY NEWS Dioceses to offer BOOK REVIEW Virtual Celebration 30 New Book Invites Us to Revisit a Familiar Story of the Life and Work of Jonathan Myrick 31 UPCOMING EVENTS Daniels

dioala.org | 3 4 | The Alabama Episcopalian Love Transforms Us

The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry

Dear Friends: friends, though some started as strangers. God’s love was changing us forever. wo years ago, I had the privilege of officiating at Love transforms us. Jesus knew that, and so he a graveside service for a person I had never met. made that a great commandment and assigned it as our TShe was the sister of a longtime member of All purpose. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus Saints, and I was honored to say prayers at this woman’s was a teacher, a rabbi. History tells us that teachers were graveside for them. I met her family and friends at their prevalent in Israel and usually gathered their students home on a rainy Saturday. from the best and the brightest. Jesus chose his students I pictured the service as simple and small, but people from the dropouts, rejects, and forgotten. The disciples of all ages filled the house. Wonderful food covered the were uncertain about Jesus’ teachings, but something table, and everyone was talking and laughing. When I inside told them they needed to learn. So, they followed came in, everyone greeted me with such warmth and the Teacher that led them to eternal life and abundant enthusiasm that before I knew it, I was enjoying myself. love. By calling the least among us to be his students, Je- A friendly cat joined me in my chair while a happy, sus showed us that all of us have a place in God’s school. lovable, fluffy dog roamed around among the crowd, The pages of this issue highlight the wonderful stealing treats. The decedent’s children began to tell me formation ministries around our diocese. I am amazed about their mother’s life. Her nieces and nephews talked at how our formation leaders have continued to offer about her sense of humor and her energy. She was so learning opportunities through the pandemic and reach alive in what they said that I began to expect her to walk new people. The love of Christ transforms us through the right into the room. miraculous ministry at Sawyerville, virtual book groups, When we got to the cemetery, it began to rain like intergenerational Vacation Bible School, the Journey cats and dogs. Everyone produced an umbrella, and Days Recovery Event, and the Virtual Celebration of we huddled together close to the grave, dripping and Jonathan Myrick Daniels. I want to thank all our dedi- bumping umbrellas with the wind howling. A few even cated teachers, formation leaders, clergy, Vacation Bible stayed in their cars and simply lowered their windows to School leaders, preschool staff. I want to thank all those hear the words I was saying. I stood as close to the car who serve on the many committees and departments that windows as possible and yelled. guide us to explore lifelong Christian formation. Each of We tried to spread the ashes gently, but they blew these formation leaders follows the Rabbi Jesus and leads all around us, like a cloud, but no one seemed to mind. us to transformation. Your gifts and energy are extraordi- We all got much wetter than expected, and not everyone nary blessings to us all! was able to hear the prayers, but at the end of it all, it Finally, I hope I see you at church! was a holy, extraordinary time. When I left the grave, waving goodbye to everyone, I realized how full I felt, Blessings, how much love I saw shared. It was as if that mother’s love for each of them was overflowing, splashing on each person, running over even to me. God’s love was pour- ing like rain all over us, connecting us as loved ones and

dioala.org | 5 A Glimpse of Heaven in Sawyerville Claire Cotten, Sawyerville Director for Development & Communications

n 2021 the Sawyerville Summer Learning program their grade level at the end of the school year. When we nearly doubled the number of students enrolled. This started planning for this summer, we planned to invite 40 Iyear, because of the implementation of the Alabama students and 12 teachers each week. By May, the program Literacy Act, we had to drastically change Summer had expanded to 76 registered students and 15 teachers Learning to accommodate the school’s and the students’ each week. needs. The Alabama Literacy Act requires schools to pro- Though the rapid growth was concerning, students vide summer learning, including 70 hours of reading, for benefited greatly from the 70+ hours of reading gained all students in grades first through fourth who fall below during the program. Students read in every way imag-

6 | The Alabama Episcopalian inable, such as reading independently, reading digital- place at the time of our planning, we decided to re-open ly, hearing books read aloud, and more. At the time of Summer Camp at half capacity. We are looking forward writing, we are still crunching numbers from the students’ to being back to our usual 750 campers and 300 staff in pre- and post-tests, but I am proud to report that students Summer 2022. These smaller numbers did not diminish had an average growth rate of 10.7%. the amount of positive energy and joyful noise at camp! Meanwhile at Summer Camp, over 340 campers, ages As always, campers created artwork, made music, played 6-13, participated in three one-week sessions hosted by games, learned Bible stories, and, in place of our normal more than 100 staff members. Due to Covid restrictions in swimming activities, enjoyed a water play day complete

dioala.org | 7 with a giant inflatable water slide, dunk tank, and snow counselors from around the diocese stayed overnight at cones. This year’s theme was “All Things Are Possible,” Greensboro Elementary School. Counselors from the and after the pandemic, this verse feels true in a new way. local community slept in their own homes. There was Campers, counselors, students, and teachers were very, an obvious divide between the two groups: those “from- very glad to be back together again. here” and “not-from-here.” Generally speaking, this For 28 years, we have been developing our relation- also divided white and black youth. As things grew and ship with the communities in Hale County. We were able changed, it became clear that we could do more to foster to adapt our 2021 summer programs to meet the needs of friendships among the staff. In 2012, Sawyerville leader- Hale County because of the strength of this relationship. ship made a simple but meaningful change: every coun- At 28 years, the program of Sawyerville is considerably selor, no matter where they’re from, stays at the school. older than the campers, students, counselors, and interns They all sleep on air mattresses, shower in the locker who take part in its five programs. One of the best things rooms, and eat in the cafeteria. The staff is a cohesive to come from Sawyerville’s longevity is its gradual group, and the lines between from-here and not-from-here transformation from a mission project to a partnership, a are refreshingly fuzzy. partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Here’s another example. From its inception in 2014, and the residents of Hale County. Not only is Sawyerville Sawyerville Summer Learning has hired teachers from a shared ministry among the 87 parishes in our diocese, Hale County and from around the diocese. That arrange- but it is also shared by countless individuals, churches, ment was chosen with a partnership in mind. We have and organizations who call Hale County “home.” found that students are put at ease by familiar teachers Here’s an example of what I mean. When I first whom they know from their school. They are also excited staffed Sawyerville Summer Camp in the mid-2000s, to meet new teachers who come from around the state

8 | The Alabama Episcopalian dioala.org | 9 just to teach them. The teachers enjoy working together, Diocese of Alabama, gifts and resources that God calls us comparing best practices, and learning from one another. to share with our neighbors. When the best parts of Hale So much would be lost without the presence of both local County come together with the best parts of the diocese, and diocesan teachers. amazing things happen in the name of Jesus’ love. Being in a partnership means listening closely to Here’s one last example of the power of partnership community members when they share their needs. In at Sawyerville. One day, at Summer Camp, a camper 2019, we heard that children needed help transitioning walked down the hallway with her small group and coun- to kindergarten. Simultaneously, United Way of West selors. The hallway was full of the best kind of busyness. Alabama reached out to ask if we would work with them There were lots of cheerful, noisy children headed to to provide JumpStart, a kindergarten bootcamp program. their next activity. Big, bright bulletin boards depicted This summer was our second summer of JumpStart, stories about Jesus, faces in photos from that week smiled and 18 rising kindergarteners completed the four-week back at her from the walls, and Christmas lights twinkled program. When asked what they learned, students said, across the ceiling. The camper looked around at the joyful “my ABCs,” “letters, shapes, and numbers,” and “that you hubbub, the mash-up of people from different hometowns cannot get mad if you don’t get a sticker.” and of other races and denominations, all happy to be In all of our programs—Summer Camp, Summer together. She turned to her counselor and asked, “Is this Learning, Mentoring, Person2Person, and Scholarships— what heaven looks like?” Sawyerville builds upon the good things that already Our partnership with Hale County brings the king- exist in Hale County like gifted educators, strong fami- dom of God near. The love of Jesus is made visible in lies, and nurturing parishes. Sawyerville combines these the lives of the children, staff, volunteers, and friends of good things with gifts and resources from the Episcopal Sawyerville.

10 | The Alabama Episcopalian dioala.org | 11 News from Our Shared Ministries Faith Formation and Resources Kathy Graham, Lifelong Christian Formation Coordinator

everal times I have heard people ask why we do not keep a “vet- Sted” list of formation programs for adults on our website. We do have curriculum charts on the webpage for children, youth, and adult programs, but that does not mean that all are a perfect fit for every church. In a recent post, Sharon Pearson, retired editor at Church Publishing and Christian For- mation leader, wrote, “So many times in Christian formation the same ques- tions are asked: what are you using for your [fill in the blank] with [fill in the blank with an age group]. It is followed by countless responses of ‘use this,’ ‘we like this,’ or ‘I have heard this is good.’ That is NOT how to choose a curriculum for your church programs, no matter the age. It is good to get feedback from users to help you consider something you have already been researching. But first, you must do the work:What are the needs of your congregation or age group? Why are you seeking something new; what did you dislike about the previous program that is calling you to make a switch? What have you learned about the needs and desires of participants since last year?” Sharon offers some helpful advice on choosing curriculum: Please make sure whatever curriculum you choose helps the child, youth, or adult understand and live out their Baptismal Covenant in daily life. Be sure to ask - How does the content of the program help an individual: • Believe in God, the Creator? • Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? • Believe in the Holy Spirit? • Continue in the apostles’ teaching (learning) and fellowship (faith community), in the breaking of bread (Eucharist), and in the prayers (communally and individually)? • Persevere in resisting evil (cosmic, communal, and personal events and actions), and, whenever you fall into sin (turn away from God), repent (ask for forgiveness), and return (turn back) to the Lord? • Proclaim by word (telling your story) and example (how you live your life) the Good News of God in Christ (that Jesus came into this world to bring us back to God)? • Seek (look for) and serve (be in relationship) Christ in all persons (no matter race, ethnicity, gender expression, abil- ity, education, economics or politics), loving your neighbor (those in the community and world) as yourself? • Strive for justice (equal access to all of life’s privileges) and peace (living in harmony) among all people, and re- spect the dignity (honor and respect) of every human being? The Department of Christian Formation recommends the following websites as resources for evaluating curriculum and ideas: • Building Faith: A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary, buildfaith.org • Rows of Sharon: Thoughts of a Christian Education by Sharon Ely Pearson, rowsofsharon.com • Illustrated Ministry, store.illustratedministry.com The Department can recommend things for you to investigate and then you can decide if it best suits your mission and goal in your parish. There are curated lists of resources and links available at www.dioalaministries.org.

12 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from Our Shared Ministries

Recommendations from our Parishes Adult Formation • St. Stephen’s in Birmingham uses small group Bible studies and book groups alongside their Sunday morning forum series online (and now hybrid). Visit www.dioalaministries.org for a listing of books and topics. • St. Matthew’s in Madison has used ChurchNext online courses including Holy Grounds: Making Connections Between Coffee and Faith, From Palace to Public Square-The Way of Love, The Bible through the Lens of Conflict, Walk in Love: the Sacramental Journey, and “Yes,” We’re All Call to Mission. ChurchNext is available to parishes at no cost through the diocese. Visit www.dioalaministries. org to learn more. • St. Thomas in Huntsville participated in the Sacred Ground curriculum. “The material was thoughtful and thorough and provided diverse resources and topics through the lens of systematic oppression. It offers a gentle space for people from different backgrounds and perspectives to share about their own experiences—bolstering meaningful interac- tion while also heightening the awareness of our marginalized neighbors. It created a thirst in the community to engage more with those our parish community would identify as ‘other’ out of a respect and a commitment towards justice, healing, and reconciliation. We also greatly benefitted by a book study on Building Resilience: When There’s No Going Back to the Way Things Were by Alice Updike Scannell. It was helpful in navigating the changes we faced amid the pandemic as a parish community and as individuals. Scannell helped us navigate the practice of resilience and to better understand how vital this skill is if we are to thrive as Christ’s body as the world changes.” • St. Luke’s in Scottsboro used the book Jabbok in a book group to explore themes of forgiveness, being made in the image of God, faithfulness, and sharing stories.

Children, Family, & Intergenerational Formation: • Christ Church in Tuscaloosa created a program called “Twilight” that featured a Godly Play lesson and fun activities as the church for children. While the children were engaged, their parents were invited to fellow- ship with other parents or given the chance to enjoy dinner out at a local downtown restaurant. Themes included God’s Green Earth, Pentecost Party, Superhero Movie Night, and Christmas in July. This proved to be a fun and engaging way to invite families back into the church community. • St. Stephen’s in Birmingham took a different approach to Vacation Bible School this year. The event was divided into four Wednesday evenings featuring different food trucks, live music, VBS activities for the kids, and fellowship for the adults. Other Wednesday nights during the summer offered bingo in the parking lot and picnics in the park. • St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands in Birmingham tried a new idea during the season of Advent: a reverse advent calendar. Instead of the usual advent calendar which provides a scripture to ponder or a treat to enjoy each day of the season, a reverse advent calendar directs the user to add a specific item to a bag or box that in turn is donated to a local agency. St. Mary’s collected over 50 boxes of items for St. Mark’s food ministry. This theme could be adapted for other collection efforts in your parish.

dioala.org | 13 News from Our Shared Ministries General Convention Preparations: Diocese of Alabama Contributions Deacon Judy Quick, Alternate Deputy, 80th General Convention and Chaplain, Standing Commission on World Mission

he in-person meeting of the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church has been postponed until July 2022, however, preparations are well underway. The draft Blue Book Reports of all the Convention entities and interim bod- Ties are online at www.generalconvention.org/bluebook2021. As you read through them you will be proud to see prolific participation by lay and clergy in the Diocese of Alabama. • Task Force on Church Planting and Congregational Redevelopment: The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, now the Presiding Bishop’s Staff Officer for Church Planting, offers her wisdom on innovative responses to evangelism from her experience with establishing the Abbey Worshipping Community in Birmingham. The report is beautifully written and offers enticing possibilities to grow God’s kingdom. • Task Force on Ministry with Individuals with Mental Illness: The Rev. John Stewart, Deacon at St. Matthias in Tuscaloosa, shares his devotion to the ministry to persons with mental illness with the wider church. He and the Task Force embrace NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as the “strongest organizations” to assist the Episcopal Church in its mental health ministries. The Task Force intends to provide mental health resources for dioceses, parishes, and individuals. • Task Force on the Theology of Money: The Rev. Candice Frazer, Chair of the Department of Stewardship and leader of stewardship workshops in the diocese, contributed her commitment that giving should reflect and support the Gospel call of Jesus. The Task Force encourages responsible investing in all areas of the Church and in our lives. The framework of the report is a Eucharistic Prayer which shows how we offer our God-given gifts in all that we are and all that we do. • Task Force on Clergy Formation and Continuing Education: Mr. Mark Smith, a long-time deputy to General Convention, contributed to the work of amending several sections of Canon III. • Disciplinary Board for Bishops: Mr. Mark Smith contributed to the adjudication of disciplinary decisions for several bishops. • Standing Commission on World Mission: The Rev. Judy Quick, Deacon at St. Stephen’s Smiths Station, serves as SCWM Chaplain and helped craft the Guiding Principles for World Mission and the Message to the Church. She also has been the SCWM liaison to a number of Constable Grants, one with the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) for a virtual Holy Land pilgrimage, one in partnership with GEMN (the Global Episcopal Mission Network) and the Office of Global Partnerships to develop the Global Mission Toolkit, and one in partnership with the Bishop Suffragan of the Armed Services and Federal Ministries to enhance curricula for Episcopal military chaplains. The Rev. Dr. Deonna Neal, Associate Rector, St. John’s Montgomery, serves on the Panel of Experts for the Just War Curricula. • Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance: The Right Rev. Kee Sloan serves on this standing committee which plans to release a draft budget in the fall of 2021. Many of the reports offer resolutions to support the mission of the church, honoring our baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. Have a look at the good work of our Church and be proud of the contributions of our Diocese to grow God’s kingdom at home and throughout the world. 2022 House of Deputies Legislative Committees Anne Kimzey – Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations Bob Boylan – Stewardship & Socially Responsible Investing The Rev. Candice Frazer - Stewardship & Socially Responsible Investing, Secretary The Rev. Josiah Rengers – World Mission, Assistant Secretary

14 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from Our Shared Ministries The Fruits of Keeping Sabbath Marilyn Lands, Member of the Commission on Spirituality

he practice of keep- well. A critical aspect of ing Sabbath brings Sabbath is that it be distinctly Tmany blessings and different from the other days much fruit to our lives. I of the week. The Hebrew began to keep Sabbath be- word for Sabbath means to cause my world-weary soul cease; therefore, we should needed to make space for exclude most of the things the Holy. I needed to get we do 6-days of a week and off life’s treadmill and into add unique items to our new my real life. No matter how agenda. badly the week had gone, I Sabbath-keepers grow knew on Sabbath I’d have closer to God. We can find the the opportunity to get it divine in both our churches right. Not right in judgment and our homes. Our dwellings or expectation but right in develop a sense of sacred the sense of where I would space, and our minds turn to focus my attention. ideas of writing our prayers Photo by Nikki Chenault, © 2021. Used with permission. Now I am a committed or family liturgy Sabbath Seeker, and I hope The joys of Shabbat are to encourage others to do the same. Keeping Sabbath is endless and can include time with family and friends, food transformative. It is life-changing and life-giving. Here are that nourishes both our body and soul (such as the antici- just a few of the many benefits that come from this reorga- pated sabbath meal), sleeping late, spending time in nature, nization of our days. praying, reading, and napping. Weekly practices can include Shabbat alters time. In Abraham Joshua Heschel’s book contemplative walking, bible reading, a period of silence, The Sabbath, he speaks of Shabbat as “an architecture in and gratitude. time” and our “great cathedral.” Most people who practice Sabbath-keeping is the best form of self-care avail- Sabbath feel they finally have space to think and that new able today. We can find genuine downtime and rest for ideas have room to emerge. They see new possibilities. re-creation and renewal. It balances our lives in a way that Sabbath invites us to set boundaries between ordinary life nothing else can. Practitioners begin to look forward to this and sacred life. In our modern 24/7 lifestyles, the need holy day and find they feel refreshed when it ends. to slow down is greater than ever. In his book The Rest of If you are curious about keeping Sabbath, start small. God, Mark Buchanan states that the “root idea of Sabbath is Try beginning with Friday or Saturday evening (or what- that all living things need stillness.” He reminds us that we ever day of the week works best for you and your family). should focus on being rather than doing. For me, keeping Make preparations for your meal. Set the table. Light the Sabbath is leaving the busy life for one that is quieter, slow- candles. Say prayers. Break bread with your family and er, and stiller. It is an interior journey, and the result is a friends. Express gratitude for the blessings of the week. feeling of being filled up and restored once again. I am then Once you’ve created a Sabbath habit, you can expand the able to approach the coming week with joy and anticipation time spent there and create other traditions. Many books instead of apprehension. and websites are devoted to this topic, so more information Keeping Sabbath can help us become more attentive, is available to guide your journey. For a resource list, you more observant, and more present in the moment. It gives may contact me at [email protected]. one time to discover what matters and provides a structure Sabbath is the best day of the week; you sit down with to our days. Your Sabbath heart will expand to the other God for a good, long visit. God gave us the gift of Shabbat. days of the week and will carry this mindfulness there as It’s time to open it!

dioala.org | 15 News from Our Shared Ministries Doing Church: Liturgy and Music after the Pandemic The Rev. Katherine Harper, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Birmingham

ver the last year, I have was deemed dangerous or not rec- heard and read much about ommended – rendering the beautiful Ohow it is the people who gift of song from our choristers as are the church – whether we are a possible means of making people gathering virtually through com- sick. Some churches have struggled puter screens or physically in the even to find musicians to perform pews where we have worshipped live in a time when music has been for generations. The being of the so deeply missed and needed. church is the people, illumined by As the rhythms of life in God’s love, guided by the ministry church are returning to a more of Jesus, and inspired by the Holy predictable beat, the Department St. Michael’s and All Angels in Millbrook Spirit. A pandemic cannot stop the of Liturgy and Music is still here essence of who we are. As we are celebrates their return to in-person worship while snapping a photo to send say “Happy Birthday” to for you, working to strengthen the church, what is it that we do? an absent parishioner. the worship life of congregations We join in the public worship of our around the Diocese of Alabama. Lord through lifting our voices in prayer and praise before we We are striving to respond to the needs of parishes while also are sent out into the world, going in peace to love and serve gauging what needs exist. A parish survey was developed and the Lord. distributed in June to gather information from small and large The ways we have gathered for public worship have been churches to understand what is lacking and what is available varied, and it has been hard for some who need to be gathered to share – from lessons learned to gifts of liturgical resourc- in the flesh to be re-energized. We lay and clergy people alike es. If you are serving at a parish in the diocese and you have have flexed our versatility muscles as we have tried using not taken the survey yet, please do so by visiting this link: different spaces and venues – parish halls, green spaces, and https://bit.ly/2021Lit_MusicSurvey. Still have questions? The basketball courts – for Sunday and weekday services. We have diocesan staff contact for liturgy and music is Kathy Graham worked to bend time and space to continue our rituals through ([email protected]), and she can help get you connected. pre-recording services, live streaming, and other means of We know, too, that the return of people to volunteer to technology to weave us together in sharing the Good News. positions of service in worship may be slow – and there is also There have been moments closest to God and bloopers we a need to refresh our memories about what we do as acolytes, would rather forget in the midst of these various and sundry ushers, altar guild members, etc. Mark your calendar for a small experiments. diocesan event on Saturday, January 22, 2022, when we will Some of the changes our parishes have incorporated have a joint acolyte and altar guild festival held at the Cathe- opened our eyes to new ways to do ministry. Other modifi- dral Church of the Advent in Birmingham. cations are happily left behind. What used to be one sound volunteer, or the flip of a button to turn on microphones, has transitioned into a team of tech-savvy people who run video, Giving Thanks for Our Musicians sound, and maybe even weave together videos from people’s As we give voice to the changes that we have homes. Altar Guilds, Flower Guilds, and acolytes have strug- experienced in the last sixteen months, it is also a space to gled to live into their ministries for the many months when give thanks to God for those who have put so much into parishes did not gather in person for worship. making worship beautiful. Mark your parish calendar to The ways we have shared musical talents have stretched celebrate church musicians and all ministry leaders on us – and spread us out, far apart from one another. Choirs have Sunday, September 26, 2021. If your congregation is been challenged by the logistics of rehearsing and recording, looking for an excellent resource for music, especially if copyright details, and the loss of singing in community on a you are without a full-time music minister, check out www. regular basis. Due to the spread of COVID-19 germs, singing musicthatmakescommunity.org.

16 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from Our Shared Ministries Nic Scheff, subject of the Movie Beautiful Boy, to kick off The Journey for the Department of Recovery Ministries he Episcopal Diocese of as a writer for ABC Family/ Alabama Department of Freeform’s series Recovery Road. TRecovery Ministries, Not He has also appeared on The One More Alabama (NOMA) Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today and Birmingham’s Addiction Show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross Prevention Coalition (APC) have and on CNN with Sanjay Gupta partnered to bring The Journey: A and ABC with Diane Sawyer. Series on Addiction and Re- His deeply engaging talks put a covery to Huntsville and North compelling human face on our Alabama. The series will begin nation’s substance use epidemic. with dinner and keynote speaker He encourages those who are Nic Sheff on Friday, September struggling to embrace help. 17 at the historic Merrimack Hall The Department of Recovery Performing Arts Center in Hunts- Ministries reached out to lead- ville, AL. Events will continue through the weekend and in ers of Huntsville-based Not One More Alabama (NOMA) to the month of October. and the Addiction Prevention Coalition with the prospect After a year of pandemic shut-downs resulting in of combining forces to reach a larger audience. NOMA is what experts believe fueled an alarming spike of overdose an all-volunteer non-profit organization formed in 2016 deaths in Alabama, the organizers believe it is imperative to to advocate for families who have been impacted by the reach all who are impacted by addiction and substance use disease of addiction. NOMA’s annual End Addiction HSV disorders and introduce them to the diverse treatment and Walk (formerly End Heroin HSV) will take place Saturday recovery options available. “The journey chronicled in the morning, September 18, 2021. Individuals and families book Beautiful Boy by Nic Sheff’s father, David, is a prime from all across the state will gather at Big Spring Park in example of what can happen to a seemingly perfect family,” downtown Huntsville to connect with treatment, grief and said the Rev. Paul Pradat of St. Thomas Episcopal Church recovery resources, celebrate recovery and honor the lives in Huntsville, one of the organizers of The Journey. lost to the disease. Sunday, September 19 has been desig- “Nic’s heartbreaking and inspirational life story in the nated by Bishop Curry as “Recovery Sunday” in Episcopal book and the movie starring Steve Carell and Timothee Churches across the Diocese of Alabama. The Department Chalamet shows us how addiction and mental illness affect of Recovery Ministries will be providing resources and the entire family – not just the individual. We believe Nic’s guidance for congregations that would like to educate and story reaches everyone, no matter where they are in this worship around this critical issue. journey,” said Selina Mason, who serves on the Board of Additionally, the Addiction Prevention Coalition (APC) Directors for NOMA and is a member of St Thomas in has organized a weekly continuing education workshops Huntsville. Nic is the author of the bestselling memoir, will be available virtually beginning the week of Septem- Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines. Nic is also the ber 20 and continuing through the remainder of September co-author with his father David of High: Everything You and into October. The Journey: A Series on Addiction and Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction, We All Recovery begins in September as part of the observance Fall Down: Living with Addiction, and also wrote Schizo, of National Recovery Month, but as the name of the event his critically acclaimed novel about a teen’s downward suggests, its message will continue long after the event spiral into mental illness. Nic drew upon his own history itself has ended. of self-harm and attempted suicide as a writer for Netflix’s For more information and resources, visit https://bit.ly/ series 13 Reasons Why and upon his experiences in rehab JourneySeries2021.

dioala.org | 17 News from Our Shared Ministries Dioceses to offer Virtual Celebration of the Life and Work of Jonathan Myrick Daniels

or over 20 years, the life and martyrdom of Jon- The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Kim Jackson, athan Myrick Daniels have been remembered who serves as a Senator for Georgia State Senate District 41, Fthrough a pilgrimage to Hayneville, Alabama, representing portions of Dekalb and Gwinnett counties. Kim co-sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama with works every day the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. Due to the ongoing to build a safer, pandemic precautions, the 2021 event will be a virtual fairer, and more celebration of Jonathan Daniels’ life and work combatting prosperous Geor- voter suppression. The Episcopal Divinity School at Union gia, and bring the Theological will join as a co-sponosr. diverse voices of The virtual celebration will broadcast on Saturday, her district to the August 14, at 11 am. The celebration will be streamed Capitol: immi- on the Diocese of Alabama website and social media. To grants, refugees, learn how to view the broadcast, visit www.dioala.org/ and people living JonathanDaniels. This is not only a momentous time in on the margins. our country’s history for discussions about race but also an An Episcopal opportunity to share the story with those who are unable to priest from the physically participate and with those who have yet to hear rural South, Kim the account of Jonathan Daniels and others killed during made Georgia home over a decade ago. After graduating the civil rights movement. The virtual celebration will from Furman University, Kim volunteered as an EMT and include prayers and the Roll Call of the Martyrs offered led her colleagues at Emory’s Candler School of Theology to from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Selma, the parish where advocate for Criminal Justice Reform in Georgia. Upon re- Daniels worshipped and helped to integrate, as well as ceiving her Master of Divinity, Kim commenced her vocation contemporary remarks from the Episcopal bishops from as an Episcopal priest. Over the past 10 years of ministry, she the Dioceses of Alabama and the Central Gulf Coast, com- has served as a college chaplain, a nationally renowned con- munity members, and representatives of Virginia Military sultant and preacher, and a parish priest. As the Vicar of the Institute. Church of the Common Ground, Kim co-creates Church with

18 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from Our Shared Ministries people who are experiencing home- ing a shotgun. When Coleman pointed lessness in downtown Atlanta. She and the shot gun at 17-year-old Ruby Sales, her spouse live on a small urban farm Daniels pushed Sales out of the way. He in Stone Mountain with goats, ducks, was killed instantly by the shot. Richard honeybees, and chickens. Morrisroe, a Roman Catholic priest, Jonathan Myrick Daniels was was shot in the back as he and the others an Episcopal seminarian killed while tried to get away. Coleman was acquit- working in the civil rights movement ted by an all-white jury. in Hayneville, Alabama. In 1965, in an- The offering from this virtual swer to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s appeal, celebration is designated for the Daniels came to Selma. He returned to Lowndes County Board of Education seminary to secure permission to return Scholarship Fund. To give to to Selma to continue work sponsored by the offering, please visit bit.ly/ the Episcopal Society for Cultural and DioAlaGive and select “Jonathan Racial Unity (ESCRU). He was one of Daniels Pilgrimage Offering” from a group of protestors arrested on August the drop down. For information on 14. The group was held in the jail in the celebration please contact the Rev. Hayneville for 6 days, and then unexpectedly released. Dan- Carolyn Foster at [email protected] (Diocese iels walked to a nearby store with a small group. The group of Alabama), of Mr. Joe McDaniel, Jr. at mcdanieljoe43@ was confronted by Tom Coleman, an auxiliary deputy, wield- yahoo.com (Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast).

2022 United Thank Offering Grants Rie Linton

he 2022 United Thank Offering Parishes interested in receiving a grant application materials are free PDF Calendar of Gratitude should Tnow available. The focus of this contact the Diocesan UTO Coordinator year’s grants is Care of Creation: Turn- Rie Linton via email. Contributing to the ing love into action by caring for God’s UTO Fund via in-gatherings and monthly creation to protect the most vulnera- contributions through the UTO app is an ble—who will bear the largest burden of investment in ourselves as the Diocese of pollution and climate change—through Alabama has received many UTO Grants, justice, advocacy, environmental repara- including two in the past year. tions, or the development of formation The United Thank Offering (UTO) materials. is a ministry of The Episcopal Church Because the UTO Grant deadline for for the mission of the whole church. submission of a completed application Through UTO, individuals are invited to (and required documents) is 5pm (EST) on Friday, February embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of 4, 2022 for dioceses of The Episcopal Church, we request gratitude. UTO encourages people to notice the good things all parishes interested in submitting a UTO grant proposal that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings submit these to the Diocesan UTO Coordinator Rie Linton and make an offering for each blessing using a UTO Blue ([email protected]) no later than November 15, 2021. This Box. UTO is entrusted to receive the offerings, and to dis- allows time to check and recheck all proposals before the tribute the 100% of what is collected to support innovative UTO Diocesan Committee votes on which proposals to mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church and send forward to Bishop Glenda Curry. It also gives Bishop Provinces of the Anglican Communion. Glenda time to review those forwarded and select which Forms and information are available here: https://bit.ly/ will represent the Diocese of Alabama. UTOGrants2022.

dioala.org | 19 Coming Home s vaccines became readily available and COVID precautions relaxed, our parishes began the process of returning to more normal gatherings. We would love to learn, see, and share how your parish marks their Acoming home. Email your photos and a short description to [email protected]. Check out what others have shared!

St. Andrew’s parish in Birmingham celebrated our “reopening” (masks optional if vaccinated, congregational singing allowed, and touching at the peace allowed) on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. It was the first time we welcomed all parishioners for in-person worship inside the church in more than a year without prior restrictions. We took advantage of the moment and had a parish photo made together after the service. The joy was palpable!

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Decatur celebrated Easter, masked and outside in front of the fire that burned as a vigil starting Maundy Thursday. Our first indoor service without a mask request for fully vaccinated people was on April 18. We sang joyful hymns and took communion by intinction for the first time in 13 months. Emotions ran high. Our folks are a small but closely connected group. We have held workdays for outdoor projects over the last year, so we have found ways to stay physically distanced but connected. New equipment and expertise from one of our gifted members enhanced our online service. Our outdoor community labyrinth has also been visited more frequently by members and non- members alike. Thanks be to God!!!

20 | The Alabama Episcopalian St Peters in Talladega “marked the occasion of emerging from the pandemic” with our Easter Sunday celebration with Bishop “G” and Katy Smith. We continue to connect with those not yet able or ready to gather in person by live streaming our Sunday services, email information updates, and monthly drive-by suppers.

St. John’s in Montgomery had a “Welcome to Summer” parish picnic on June 6. It was the first church gathering, other than Sunday services that St. John’s has had since the beginning of the pandemic. The sense of joy and excitement was palpable as so many parishioners came to the event to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by the Trinity Episcopal Church in Clanton has returned to Vestry. For some, it was their first time back at church in in-person worship and enjoyed several celebrations: over a year. There was plenty of food, lots of fellowship Mother’s Day and a Trinity Sunday birthday party. We are and laughter, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the variety of very happy to return as “the close community” we enjoy. inflatables set up. St. John’s is looking forward to restarting additional special events and parish get-togethers in the months ahead. In addition to in-person worship, St. John’s will continue to livestream Sunday services, as well as adult formation offerings and lay-led Compline services.

dioala.org | 21 At the Church of the Holy Spirit in Alabaster, we’ve been re-gathering in phases since the Fall of 2020, taking extra care and precaution to resume worship practices only when they seemed safe and appropriate. This year, on the Day of Pentecost, we gathered outdoors for a beautiful day of worship and fellowship, enjoying a service of Holy Eucharist and a parish picnic on the grounds. It was the first time we enjoyed a meal together since the start of the pandemic. We are excited and hopeful for the future as we look forward to resuming even more of the things we enjoyed together before the pandemic. Thanks be to God!

St. Luke’s parishioners spent a wonderful Saturday this month on the mountain in Sewanee. We began our fellowship together at the labyrinth at St. Mary’s Retreat Center. There we learned of the history of the ancient labyrinth, shared stories, and walked together. We enjoyed lunch at the Sewanee home of our rector, the Rev. Polly H. Robb. Afterward, some brave souls ventured out on a 4-mile Holy Hike, which allowed us time to reflect on God’s gift of creation.

As we emerge from the pandemic, what better way to bring people together and support our local artists than with music? This summer, on Thursday evenings from 5:30–7 pm, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in downtown Auburn hosts open-air concerts featuring local and semi-local musicians from a wide variety of genres—classical music, singer-songwriters, traditional Irish music, and more. Musicians play and entertain from our Church’s front porch right in the heart of downtown Auburn delighting St. Matthew’s in Madison had the wonderful passers-by as well as those who choose to bring a chair and stay opportunity of having our very own “EYC-er” awhile. This event is popular with people of all ages (from bouncy share her talent as an accomplished violinist toddlers and avid young tree climbers to the senior members of with us on June 19. Emma Boyd gave a violin the community who, until now, have been reluctant to venture recital that filled the whole nave! Emma currently out). Our concerts even have a following in the canine companion attends Interlochen Arts Academy and has been community, including a few regulars! While this event is free, selected for the critically acclaimed National Youth we encourage donations for our musical performers. Music Orchestra of the USA, headquartered at Carnegie for a Summer’s Eve continues each Thursday through August Hall in New York City. We are so proud and in 19. Pictured: The dynamic duo Jacob Kite (13 years) and awe of this talented 17-year-old young woman! Shealyn Kite (11 years), from LaGrange, Ga. (a.k.a. Kite Strings), performed on June 3, 2021.

22 | The Alabama Episcopalian History Walkabouts at Trinity Florence

rinity, Florence is welcoming people back in- side our doors through a series of walkabouts Tled by our Junior Warden, Gil Self. Every space on Trinity’s campus has at least one story attached to it, and Gil has gathered up these stories through meticulous research. He’s been digging through old records covered in dust and yellowed with age. He’s conducted interviews and talked to some experts. He’s learned more about the symbols in the stained glass than most will ever know. He’s also a long-time member of Trinity, so he has some tender and personal stories about this place and this community. There are stories of our community encircling members who were hurting or sick or in need and praying for them, stories of families who lost children, and how we grieved with them (and still do). There are stories of faithful service, teenage mischief, music, Mardi Gras parties, and weddings. This past year has been isolating, disorienting, and strange. Stories keep us grounded and remind us of who we are. Gil’s walkabouts have helped us remember that we are a people with a rich history of worship, service, and love. We give glory to God for always working in us, inspiring us, and giving us strength, and we can’t wait to start adding more stories of deep faith to the legacy of Trinity.

Special Session gathered July 24-31 in Bethany Village On May 21, Camp McDowell was excited to welcome back at Camp McDowell. After months and months of Zoom campers to Summer Camp for Primary I. Each session was planning meetings, the staff was excited to be back in at 50% capacity and additional health and safety practices person. This summer 40 volunteer youth and young adult were in place. In total Camp welcomed nine sessions of counselors and 50 support staff welcomed 80 campers. The campers at Summer Camp on Clear Creek! camp theme was superheroes.

dioala.org | 23 News from our Parishes Food Truck Festival Raises $4,500 in One Night for Student Meals

n Thursday, May 13 (Ascension Day), more than 500 people gathered at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension for a food truck festival that raised close to $4,500 for a new outreach ministry called the Weekend Backpack Program. O The new outreach program aims to alleviate child hunger in Vestavia Hills by discreetly providing nutritious, easy-to-prepare food on weekends when other resources are not available for students. Ascension’s Vestry wanted to address this need in their neighborhood when they learned that 7.5% of children in the Vestavia Hills School System qualify for free and reduced lunch. In its second year (the first festival was in 2019), the food truck festival exceeded expectations. One of the event orga- nizers and the committee chair for the Backpack Program, Anna Colvin, said, “We really didn’t know what to expect. But now we know that we could have easily had at least two more food trucks.” Families and strollers lined the sidewalk leading up to the church. “It looked like a stroller parade,” one participant said. Full Moon BBQ, Corazon Mexican, Pazzo Big Slice, and Bruster’s Ice Cream were the featured trucks, all of whom said they would love to come back. “Food trucks and feeding local students -- it seemed natural to combine fundraising for the new outreach program with the festival,” said Chris Lambert of Ascension. The Rev. Jack Alvey, rector, said he believes the event was successful for several reasons. “It was a perfect storm. Ev- erything came together at the right time. The weather was perfect. People were ready to socialize with easing Covid restric- tions. The event benefited children in our community. And I think a few people wanted to hear The Parishioners play!” The Parishioners are a group of talented musicians who worship at the Church of the Ascension. The group started practicing about six weeks before the event and played an hour-long set. Alice LaGrone, one of the band’s singers, said the experience “nourished my soul.” The music also nourished the souls of those in attendance, as this was the first time many experienced live music in over a year. The leadership at Church of the Ascension hopes the food truck festival becomes a signature event. The Rev. Alvey said, “I hope the festival and the fundraiser invited the community to understand what we stand for at Ascension – ultimately what Christ stands for. We care about the community and the most vulnerable among us. We love each other. We love God. And we like to eat and have fun.” The Rev. Alvey says he hopes the festival and fundraiser will be an Ascension Day tradition for many years to come. Ascension Day is a major feast day on the church calendar and is celebrated 40 days following Easter when Jesus ascends into heaven.

24 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from our Parishes Unlock Your Soul: The Enneagram and Living the Real Life Conference

ould it be that in the end there are only two kinds of religions? One is a ‘rewards and punishments oriented’ model that emphasizes getting things correct or else. The other is ‘soul oriented’ emphasizing listening to and “Caccessing the inner uninterrupted streams of mercy, healing, and creativity pouring forth within each of us every second. I’m excited to explore this ‘Spirituality of Soul’ at the October ICB conference,” says the Rev. Ed Bacon, author of 8 Habits of Love, Episcopal priest, and special guest on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. For the first time in a year and eight months, the Institute for Conscious Being will hold an in-person Enneagram Confer- ence, and it will be at Camp McDowell. The Rev. Bacon is the keynote speaker and a leader of the gathering from October 8-10, 2021. Picking up on Bacon’s idea, Barbara Sloan was engaged in studying the Old Testament in EfM studies at St. Andrew’s, Bir- mingham, when she realized her old ideas of God just weren’t resonating with her anymore. She needed a new connection to the Divine. “The idea of a vengeful and angry, rewards and punishment, fist-shaking patriarch who acted like a mean Santa Claus with a list of what I had done right and wrong had to go,” Sloan says. “I needed a new vision of God.” Finding herself at a spiritual crossroads, she discovered a new pathway: The Enneagram. Her journey brought her to par- ticipate in Enneagram conferences featuring author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Joseph Howell. Howell, author of Becoming Conscious: The Enneagram’s Forgotten Passageway, and his wife Lark have taught the principles of the ancient personality typing system since the 1990s — in the US, England, and Egypt. In 2012, Howell formed The Institute for Conscious Being and brought together a team of his former students to serve as faculty members. Sloan is now among those skilled instructors, which also include ICB co-founder Lark Howell, Rev. John Ad- ams, Roger Conville, Rev. Nan Hornsby, Erika Jobes, Rev. Dr. Drexel Rayford, and Melanie Rodgers. Since creating ICB, Joe and the faculty have presented conferences throughout the country, and they attract students from around the world. The Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama, said about the event, “I am excited Ed Bacon will be working with the Institute for Conscious Being at their October gathering. I’ve had the benefit of Joe Howell’s teaching power with the Enneagram several times over the years. What a wonderful combination of talent and faith Joe and Ed and the ICB Faculty will bring to the fascinating material provided by the Enneagram. You will be guaranteed to see the life of the Spirit in a new way.” Drawing from their own experiences in applying the principles of the Spirituality of the Enneagram to every aspect of their lives, Dr. Howell and the Faculty will present an exciting conference program which, besides talks from Ed Bacon, includes Enneagram Basics, the Exploration of the Soul Child, live music by musicians Melanie Rodgers and Drexel Rayford, move- ment, small groups, interactive exercises, Consciousness Theatre, the Living Enneagram, down time for processing, and social and hospitality hours. The conference will be held at Camp McDowell Conference and Retreat Center in Nauvoo, Alabama or via live streaming. Discover more about the Conference and the Enneagram, Dr. Howell, and the ICB faculty at theicb.org. Registration is now open and space is limited.

dioala.org | 25 News from our Parishes Thirteen Participants from Around the Diocese and Beyond to Graduate Metagem Institute’s “Holy, Whole, and Bold: The Contemplative Path” Two-Year Program

Photo from the “Contemplative Rhythm of Life” intensive held at Camp McDowell (2019). Row 1 L-R: the Rev. Mary Catherine Akamatsu (Executive Director), Beverly Greenaway (St. Thomas Huntsville), the Rev. Monica Carlson (Faculty), Barbara White (Nativity, Dothan). Row 2 L-R: Mary Ann Allan (Grace, Sheffield), Elisebeth Bashinsky (St. Luke’s, Birmingham), Marilyn Lands (Nativity, Huntsville), Beth Gregory (Faculty), Libby Potter (St. Thomas, Huntsville) Row 3 L-R: Linder Gilmer (Weatherly Baptist, Huntsville), Dianna Dabbs (Nativity, Huntsville), Christine Starnes (Nativity, Huntsville), Mary Foster (St. Mary’s on-the-highlands, Birmingham), Karen Davidson (Grace Lutheran, Huntsville,), Jeff Akamatsu (Faculty). Row 4 L-R: Robert Allan (Grace, Sheffield), Beth Cook (Faculty), the Rev. Basye Holland-Shuey (Faculty), Karen Price (St. Matthew’s, Madison), Nancy Gauldin (St. Luke’s, Scottsboro)

oly, Whole, and Bold: The Contemplative Path” is loss. She has received critical acclaim for her revolutionary new a two-year program in which the participants have translations of the mystics, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and “Hbeen formed for transformative action in the world Julian of Norwich. She is the award-winning author of God of through living more fully from Christ who dwells within. Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, The program included online learning and five weekend Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation, intensives, where participants gathered in Christian community and Mother of God Similar to Fire, a collaboration with iconog- to further their formation and deepen their commitment to the rapher, William Hart McNichols. Her latest book, Wild Mercy: journey into God. Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was Participants explored various integrative and spiritual published in Spring 2019. She lives with her extended family in practices; the lives and writings of Christian mystics; unitive and the mountains of northern New Mexico. nondual consciousness; the Christian wisdom tradition; the nature of contemplation and action; God’s creation as the first Bible; “Laying Down Your Burden: Cultivating a Feminine Sabbath the coherence of science and religion; and how to live into and Practice” from one’s inherent union with God. The graduation will be in the A Day with Mirabai Starr afternoon of Saturday, August 21 as part of a full day event with Saturday August 21, 2021 Mirabai Starr. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mirabai Starr writes creative non-fiction and contemporary Location: translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World All Saints Episcopal Church Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and 110 W Hawthorne Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209 now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, To register for this event, please visit: metageminstitute.org/ Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of mirabai/

26 | The Alabama Episcopalian News from our Parishes Saving the Windows of St. John’s The Rev. Danielle Thompson

hortly after I arrived at Grace Episcopal Church in Sheffield, AL, a new friend, Ninon Parker, invited me to visit Historic St. John’s Church, a 169-year-old parish in neighboring Tuscumbia. Imagine my surprise to learn from SNinon, while sitting with her in St. John’s pews, that Grace maintains pastoral responsibility for this jewel of a historic church! I was also moved to hear about Ninon and her mother’s ministry as trustees of the parish and about the rich history and depth of human experience to which the building--the oldest Carpenter’s Gothic church in the state of Alabama--bears witness. That history and experience etched into the church’s elegant stained glass windows commem- orate a young man killed in the Battle of the Wilderness in 1862, his brother lost to the major Yellow Fever epidemic of 1878, and a family of five who perished in a tornado in 1874. Due to the grace of God, the loving care of Ninon’s fami- ly, the prayers of our local community, and due especially to the faithfulness of previous generations, the Holy Spirit is present and alive at St. John’s! In gratitude for the gift and responsibility of caring for this historic parish, Ninon has embarked on a stained glass restoration project with a master craftsman, Bill Dodds of Wippell. He has done extensive work at Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence. A generous grant from the Alabama Historical Association helped to kickstart Bill’s work and Ninon’s community fundraising campaign, which began in earnest this summer. We in the Shoals are eager to share the beauty and history of St. John’s with the Diocese of Alabama. So, if you find yourself in or near the northwest corner of our state, please contact Ninon Parker ([email protected]) or Grace Church (256-383-2014) to arrange for a tour! Tuscumbia also boasts a beautiful downtown and is the home of Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. Most impor- tantly, I ask your prayers for Bill, for Ninon, and for this project. We hope to see you soon at St. John’s and Grace!

dioala.org | 27 Clergy News Transitions & Announcements

Both the Rev. David Meginniss and the Rev. Dr. Catherine The Rev. Donna Gerold is serving as Interim Rector at Collier retired from Christ Church, Tuscaloosa. Their last Trinity, Wetumpka. Sunday was June 6. The Rev. Bob Blackwell is serving a parish in South The Rev. Rebecca Debow retired from St. Luke’s in Carolina as Interim Rector for one year. Birmingham. Her last Sunday was April 11. The Rev. Lynn Bullard accepted a call to serve as deacon at The Rev. Andrew Pearson resigned as Dean and Rector of St. Matthew’s, Madison. Her last Sunday at St. Stephen’s, the Cathedral Church of the Advent. His last Sunday was Huntsville was June 6. May 16. At his request and with the consent of Bishop Curry and the Standing Committee, on May 17, 2021, he The Rev. Steve Gruman’s book Good Enough: A Priest’s was released and removed from ordained ministry of The Tale is now available through Amazon or can be ordered Episcopal Church. from your favorite bookstore. He wrote this book just before he retired from St. Matthew’s Madison. The Rev. Clark Hubbard is serving as the Interim Rector for Holy Cross, Trussville. The Rev. Roy Pollina’s book Justified by Her Children: Deeds of Courage Confronting a Tradition of Racism is now The Rev. Paul Elliott is serving as the Interim Rector for available for purchase. Roy serves as the regular supply Christ Church, Tuscaloosa. priest at Christ Church in Albertville.

Canon Craig Smalley is serving as Interim Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Birmingham.

In memoriam

he Rev. Wilton Bunch died at home on May 16, 2021. Wilton had a remarkable career in orthopedic surgery Tand academia. In 1997 he graduated from Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, CA, and was ordained an Episcopal priest. He served as the Professor of Ethics at Bee- son Divinity School in Birmingham and subsequently joined the philosophy department and taught ethics in the Honors College of Samford University. He served as a priest associate in church- es in Birmingham including The Church of the Holy Apostles and Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn. He is survived by his wife Vicki, his son Brent and his grandchildren Owen and Charlotte. He is preceded in death by his son Wesley and daughter Brenda. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to GraceWorks 5712 1st Ave N, Birmingham AL.

28 | The Alabama Episcopalian Clergy News Ordinations

Lee Wilkins was ordained to the diaconate on April 28, 2021, at Holy Trinity in Auburn. She will serve as deacon at Holy Comforter in Montgomery.

Jose Fernandez was ordained to the transitional diaconate on April 30, 2021, at the Church of the Epiphany in Leeds. He will serve as a priest associate at Holy Apostles in Hoover.

Sarah Watts was ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 18, 2021, at the Church of the Nativity in Huntsville. She will serve as associate rector at St. John’s in Decatur.

Gregory Evans was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 2021, at Christ Church in Tuscaloosa. He will serve as priest associate at Christ Church Tuscaloosa and will serve at St. Paul’s Greensboro.

Susan Oakes was ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 26, 2021, at St. Stephen’s in Birmingham. She will serve as the transitional deacon in charge at St. Peter’s Talladega.

dioala.org | 29 Book Review New Book Invites Us to Revisit a Familiar Story A review of T.K. Thorne’s Behind the Magic Curtain: Secret, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham Civil Rights Days The Rev. Kelley Hudlow

. K. Thorne took nearly ten years to research and write the “every human being is created in the image of God and is enti- “untold or forgotten stories of those who worked for peace tled to respect as a fellow human being.” Thorne notes that the Tand racial progress under extraordinary circumstance in backlash was swift with each of them receiving vicious letters, extraordinary times.” Her intention is not to revise the truth of late-night phone calls, “and from inside their congregations, Birmingham’s painful and dark history during the 1960s Civil admonishments that their’ job was to tend to the spiritual needs of Rights Movement. Instead, the invitation of Behind the Magic their congregation, not to lead a social revolution.’” Curtain is to look again into the darkness and see that “individ- In the 1963 mayoral election between and ual lights grew—some from shades of gray Albert Boutwell, who was considered a racial that bloomed into sparks, some lanterns of moderate, Bishop Carpenter, a member of courage.” the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Much of the exploration of those tense went on record supporting the call for new years in the Magic City is from the per- leadership. After a runoff, the people of spective of Tom Lankford, a Birmingham Birmingham chose Boutwell as mayor and News reporter. As a journalism student at the nine White moderates for the council. On in 1958, Lankford the heels of this election began Project C, a had a run-in with the Klan and, as the editor series of demonstrations targeting downtown of the Crimson-White, endorsed George lunch counters and boycotts of stores. These Wallace’s opponent. As a student, Lankford demonstrations would bring the Rev. Dr. met Vincent Townsend, general manager and Martin Luther King, Jr. to Birmingham. King assistant to the publisher of the Birmingham chose Birmingham because of the commit- News. Lankford joined Birmingham News in ment of the demonstrators and “because the 1959, and through his relationship with the city’s climate had improved to the point they police, he had a front-row seat for the turbu- felt demonstrations could be held without lent times of the 1960s. anyone being killed.” Through Lankford’s vantage point, In those tense days, the diocesan offices Thorne tracks the growing tensions in Bir- continued to host meetings and negotia- mingham. The Klan intimidated locals who spoke out in support tions. What was being discussed was not the goal but the tactics of school integration. Eugene “Bull” Connor rose to power. and timing. The world would watch arrests, police dogs, and Lankford’s questionable decision to help Bull Connor secured firehoses turned on children; would read a plea from the group of the reporter inside scoop, access to Klan meetings, and led him White ministers for peace and Dr. King’s stinging indictment; and to the Trailways bus station as Klansmen attacked Freedom would grieve the murder of four little girls. Riders in 1961. Episcopal bishops are just two of the unsung white allies With the increasing tensions and violence as a backdrop, introduced to readers. Thorne’s engaging storytelling offers up Thorne tells the story of local leaders, business people, and the smaller, quieter acts of courage that have been overwhelmed students who took on social change. It is this story that will be by the bold actions that captured the spotlight. In explaining her of particular interest to Episcopalians as the familiar names of approach, Thorne writes that as “human beings, we are hardwired Bishops Charles Carpenter and George Murray enter the story. to simplify and categorize, but we lose important perspectives if In 1962, the diocesan headquarters hosted interracial meetings we look back from our time or our cultural evolution—such as to encourage honest and safe communication between Black and it may be—to put history in simplistic boxes. Only pieces of the White leaders. complete truth of anything can ever be told, but we must tell all In response to ’s fiery segregation speech in that we can.” 1963, Bishops Carpenter and Murray joined other ministers in Thorne does not rewrite history but instead returns to fa- publishing a response. This statement called for people to respect miliar stories looking for allies. She reminds us that it takes both the law, to respect the decisions of the courts, and declared that quiet acts of courage and bold acts of defiance to effect change.

30 | The Alabama Episcopalian Book Review

We can celebrate the actions of Bishop Carpenter and Bishop us who hope to be allies in the ministry of justice and reconcil- Murray in speaking out against violence and facilitating conver- iation by showing us the myriad of ways that we can make a sations across difference while also appreciating the importance difference. of the bold words and leadership of Dr. King. The protests and T.K. writes at her mountaintop home near Birmingham, unrest of 2020 led many people of faith to take classes, read Alabama, often with a dog and cat vying for her lap. Behind the books, join discussion groups, and wrestle with what actions Magic Curtain is available now from NewSouth Books at your they should take to make a difference. Thorne’s book challenges favorite bookseller. Upcoming Events August 6-8, Happening #78 at Camp October 16-17 Cursillo Saturday & Staff McDowell Training During this three-day weekend, the participants spend Join your Cursillo friends for a weekend at Camp McDowell. time seriously considering the person and teaching Meet your Reunion Group, Ultreya, and Cursillo Weekend of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving Friends for fun and fellowship. If you are a musician, be sure atmosphere. They are provided with opportunities to to bring your instrument. There will be a Staff Training on share, discuss, learn and live with fellow Christians in Saturday during this event. Space is limited. Learn more at an environment of acceptance and understanding. Please alabamacursillo.org/events. visit our website for more information, fun pictures, and all upcoming applications: happeninginal.weebly.com. September 17-19 The Journey: A Series on Addiction and Recovery August 14 at 11 am Virtual Celebration The Department of Recovery Ministries, Not One More of the Life & Work of Jonathan Myrick Alabama (NOMA) and Birmingham’s Addiction Prevention Daniels Coalition (APC) have partnered to bring The Journey: A The virtual celebration will broadcast on Saturday, August Series on Addiction and Recovery to Huntsville and North 14, at 11 am. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Kim Alabama. The series will begin with dinner and keynote Jackson, who serves as a Senator for Georgia State Senate speaker Nic Sheff on Friday, September 17 at the historic District 41, representing portions of Dekalb and Gwinnett Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center in Huntsville, counties. The watch the virtual event, visit AL. NOMA’s annual End Addiction HSV Walk will be on www.dioala.org/JonathanDaniels. Saturday. Sunday, September 19 has been designated as “Recovery Sunday” in the Diocese of Alabama. Learn more at August 14-15 Cursillo Saturday https://bit.ly/JourneySeries2021. Join your Cursillo friends for a weekend at Camp McDowell. Meet your Reunion Group, Ultreya, and November 5-7, Happening #79 Cursillo Weekend Friends for fun and fellowship. If you During this three-day weekend, the participants spend time are a musician, be sure to bring your instrument. Space is seriously considering the person and teaching of Jesus Christ limited. Learn more at alabamacursillo.org/events. in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. They are provided with opportunities to share, discuss, learn and live August 28 DOK Hybrid Fall Assembly at with fellow Christians in an environment of acceptance and Camp McDowell understanding. Please visit our website for more information, The Daughters of the King of the Diocese of Alabama fun pictures, and all upcoming applications: happeninginal. will celebrate their Hybrid Fall Assembly August 28 weebly.com. at Camp McDowell from 9 am to 3 pm. At this annual business meeting, a budget will be approved, and November 20, Pre-Advent Reflection Day newly elected and appointed officers will be presented. The Commission on Spirituality presents the Rev. Paul Pradat Registration is due by August 18. Learn more at https:// as our Pre- Advent Reflection Day Speaker. The event will bit.ly/DOKFall2021. be held at St. Stephen’s Birmingham. Registration 8:30 am. Program begins 9 am- 1pm. Lunch included. Registration link: https://bit.ly/PreAdventReflectionDay2021.

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