THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ALABAMA May/June 2016 • Vol. 101, No. 3 2 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

Bishop Marray Nominated to Become Bishop of Easton

he Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, the Diocese of Alabama’s Assistant bishop, has been Marray became the Diocese of Alabama’s Assistant Bishop in 2012. In that role he shares nominated to become the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton. He collaborative and collegial ministry with the bishop, and diocesan staff and leadership. He Tis one of four candidates announced in April, by the standing committee of that was Bishop Assisting of the Diocese of East Carolina 2009-20012. From 2005-2008 he diocese. was the Bishop of Seychelles, Province of the Indian Ocean, and led the diocese through The election will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Trinity Cathedral in Easton. The re-imagination, change, and clergy and laity empowerment. When the diocese returned to other nominees are the Rev. Kathryn A. Andonian, Rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit sustainability, he returned to his family in the US. in Harleysville, PA; the Very Rev. Brian Grantz, Dean and Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Prior to being elected bishop, he served a small parish in Florida, and multi-church par- James in South Bend, IN; the Rev. John A. Mennell, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church ishes in his native country Guyana and the Bahamas, leading the revitalization of struggling Montclair, NJ. congregations of various sizes. He has also planted new churches and carried out numerous Sharing the news with the Diocese of Alabama, the Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan, Bishop of successful capital campaigns. He taught for 10 years in the Bahamas Public School System. Alabama said: Marray was the Province of the Indian Ocean’s representative on the Anglican Commu- nion Covenant Design Group and was later appointed by Archbishop Rowan Williams as “I’m proud to announce that our friend Santosh Marray has been nominated to Commissary to the Anglican Communion. become the 11th Bishop of the Diocese is Easton. He was not looking for a new job; Marray is a convert from Hinduism, the faith of his parents. His passion for Jesus and he loves our Diocese and is doing a great job. But his name was suggested there, and his Church is undergirded by his conviction that a loving Jesus who came looking for him they have recognized that Santosh is a gifted, talented servant of our Lord with a great in a small remote village in South America populated by majority Hindus and Muslims in amount of experience and skill. Guyana deserves his love and devotion. I hope you will join me in supporting Santosh and Lynn as they move toward this He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 1981, and bishop in 2005. He holds election on June 11th. If he is elected, I hope you’ll join me in rejoicing that our a degrees from Codrington Theological College, Barbados; the University of the West In- sister Diocese has elected a very fine Bishop; if he is not, I hope you’ll join me in re- dies, Barbados; General Theological Seminary, New York; the University of Wales, UK, and joicing that this very fine Bishop will continue to serve our Lord here with us. Either Colgate Rochester/Bexley Hall Divinity School. way, we will trust the Spirit to lead and strengthen us all to be about God’s work of Marray is married to Nalini ‘Lynn’ since 1977. They have two grown children, Ingram love and reconciliation in the Church and in the world.” and Amanda, a daughter-in-law, Tenille, and a granddaughter. Amazon shoppers can now support diocesan ministry at no additional cost

mazon shoppers now have an opportunity to support the ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of AAlabama at no additional cost. The AmazonSmile program allows shoppers to designate 0.5 percent of the purchase price of tens of millions of products. To support the diocese, visit AmazonSmile (smile. amazon.com) and log into your Amazon account. Before beginning to shop, select “Protestant Episcopal Church In Diocese of Alabama” to receive donations Youth at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Payne, from eligible purchases. AmazonSmile will remember present United Thank Offering Ingathering May 8. the selection, and then every eligible purchase at smile. amazon.com will result in a donation to the diocese. Correction For additional information about using amazonS- In our article “Elected to serve,” the March/April issue, we mile to donate to the work of the Diocese of Alabama mistakenly listed the Rev. Donna Gafford’s parish as St. Mar- visit: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/ch/about tins in the Pines, Seal. Her parish is St. Matthew’s in the Pines, Seale. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH In the Diocese of Alabama In the United States The Anglican Communion About 34,000 baptized members in 92 parishes A community of about An 80-million-member and worshiping communities and 8 college 2.4 million members in 119 dioceses worldwide community of campus ministries. Established in 1830. in the Americas and abroad. Established 38 provinces. in 1789. Bishop Archbishop of Canterbury The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Justin Welby Assistant Bishop The Most Rev. Michael Curry Lambeth Palace, London The Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Marray Episcopal Church Center England SE17JU Carpenter House 815 Second Avenue 521 North 20th Street New York, NY 10017 Birmingham, AL 35203 212/867-8400 205/715-2060 The Alabama Episcopalian is published 6 times per year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and Novem- The Alabama Episcopalian ber/December) by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Previous names for this publication include The Diocese of Alabama (1892), The Church Record Dave Drachlis, Editor (1893–1922), The Alabama Churchman (1923–1987), The Apostle (1988–1997 and 1999–2009), and The Alabama Apostle (1998). Periodicals rate Miles G. Parsons, Art Director postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama. Denise Servant, Circulation Secretary All editorial submissions should be sent to Dave Drachlis at [email protected]. The deadline for each issue is the first day of the Volume 101, Number 3 month of publication. ON THE COVER May/June 2016 Team Ennis. 2016 Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala USPS 070-910 All address corrections or additions should be sent to Denise Servant at [email protected] or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682. Story and photos ISSN 1041-3316 Pages 6 & 7 POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Denise Servant, Circulation Secretary, The Alabama Episcopalian, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682.

May/June 2016 From Bishop Sloan THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 3

“It’s All About Love”

became the Roman Emperor, and it soon became legal to be a Christian. Before long it was required that a person be a Christian in order to be a good citizen of It’s all about the Good News of the Rome. The Church came out of hiding and working against the prevailing culture and became the establish- love of God in Jesus Christ. ment. And the Church would never be the same. It may be that an unintended consequence of Constantine’s conversion was that the Church became we’re going to have to pay some attention to what he domesticated, or at least standardized. We all spoke the said we’re supposed to do: “Love one another as I have same language, all conducted the same liturgy, all wore loved you.” There can be no limits, no conditions. the same uniform. At the Council of Nicaea, which Love them all, every single one of them. Even the Constantine called to settle a controversy about the ones you don’t like, maybe even especially the ones you divinity and humanity of Jesus, the Church was given don’t like. a creed, and we were soon expected to abide by it: But what about the people we disagree with (you Nicene Creed, Nicene faith. know, the ones who are wrong)? Can we just condone Heretics were identified and dealt with, Crusades their heresies and sinfulness? Or is all of that just un- were launched, inquisitions were tasked with protect- important? ing the orthodoxy of the Faith. The Church broke and split and divided again and again, and our definition of what was good and right and acceptable became nar- rower and narrower. You don’t have to agree with people you think are wrong. You don’t have Hello, friends I believe that heresy is not the prima- to condone anything. ry enemy of the Church. Nor is divi- hen Cleopas and his friend came back You don’t have to agree with people you think from Emmaus to tell the disciples sion and schism what will do us in. are wrong. You don’t have to condone anything. Our they’d seen Jesus, they found eleven opinions are important, and so are our differences. W They’re just not as important as the love of God in Je- men who’d undergone an incredible transfor- It’s just my opinion, but I believe that heresy is sus Christ, which is the great gift we have been given, not the primary enemy of the Church. Nor is divi- and the great gift we have to offer to the world. mation. They had gone from huddling in fear sion and schism what will do us in. One of our great Shine on, Christians; shine with the Light of and defeat after the Crucifixion to proclaiming perils is the insistence that we must be correct, that Christ. It’s getting dark out there, and God’s people other people must agree and do things right, which is need to be loved and invited back onto The Way. the great Good News of Resurrection: “The Lord obviously the way we do them. The other great peril has risen indeed!” Their lives would never be is simple complacency – what if we all get so comfort- able that we just fall asleep and no longer see that the the same. world desperately needs what we have to offer? Now the Church is in the second decade of the A few weeks later, as they were all together in one second millennium – we are no longer what we used place, they were filled with the Spirit of God in such a to be, and not yet what we will be. Some call for a powerful way that they proclaimed this Good News in bold and possibly ominous new day, while others long the languages of all the people who heard them with to return to an imaginatively embroidered nostalgic Bishops express such enthusiasm that some of their hearers thought past. I think we need to hold fast to that which is they must be drunk. On that day, about three thousand good, and at the same time sing to the Lord a new people joined the disciples and their friends. Their song. gratitude for lives would never be the same. In the early years of Christianity it was against Ro- Easter Fund man law to be a Christian, and the Jewish authorities were threatened by the new movement. Some of the … hold fast to that which is good, leaders of The Way, as they called it, were arrested; oth- support ers were killed. Saul of Tarsus wanted to find Chris- and at the same time sing to the tians and hand them over to be punished. He was on Lord a new song. Dear Friends in Christ, his way to Damascus “breathing threats and murder Thank you for your generous and thoughtful against the disciples of the Lord” when he had a strong vision that brought him to his knees and blinded him. contributions to the Easter Fund. We are grate- His life, and the newly forming Church, would never But how do we know what to hold on to, and ful for all of your support, and especially for your be the same. what to have done with? I believe we need to remem- donations that will help us help those in need. It is For more than two centuries the followers of Jesus ber who we are and what we’re supposed to be doing. a blessing to do God’s work with you, our Diocesan Christ met in secret, and the Church grew. The Good It’s all about the Good News of the love of God in family. News spread across the known world, not just among Jesus Christ. It’s all about love. the Jews but also to the Gentiles. Constantine had a But whom should we love? Whom do we have to God’s Peace, dream that led him to fight an important battle un- love? What are the terms, the limits and conditions? If Kee and Santosh der protection of the Cross. He won that battle and we are at all serious about following The Way of Jesus,

May/June 2016 4 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN From Bishop Marray

A Holy Tension: Our Gift the Anglican Communion pilgrimage/sacred journey of the people of God faithfully other member churches without some level of awareness and purposefully indwelling the divine. And those who given to the other members. are insistent on its preservation, and are very determined Although and quite frankly, member churches may not to operate from the position of traditionalism, who see have to concur with the position of a member church that the world only through the lens of the past sadly diminish may discern a particular missional, doctrinal or canoni- the contribution of the prevailing generation’s discern- cal direction the Spirit is leading her at a particular time. ment. Discernment for me isn’t any one person, generation, We are designed for consultative collegial life and sharing group or church’s private unilateral possession, that’s not our as against seeking approval from the others. In all fairness, Anglican way. Each in our local context helps interpret and the Episcopal Church has been sharing its conviction of understand present realities through our sacred texts while discerning a church of inclusion of all with other member gradually influencing the transformation of the future. churches in the communion. Enshrined in this conviction are some historical realities this church continues to address daily, and chooses never to again repeat. Unfortunately, many member churches refuse to listen or share the vision “The spirit of Anglicanism allows the of this church. church to live contextually and expe- The communion describes the relationship between he Anglican Way is a particular expression Anglican Churches as ‘autonomy in communion’, that is, rience scripture as speaking to their member provinces are governed by their respective polity, of the Christian Way of being the One, Holy, ecclesiastical constitution and canons of law, doctrine, disci- Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. reality.” pline, worship and order, duly discerned and assented to by T their respective synods/conventions. It is un-Anglican for It is formed by and rooted in Scripture, shaped by one member church to unilaterally impose their authority its worship of the living God, ordered for commu- The spirit of Anglicanism allows the church to live over the other. According to the communiqué coming out nion, and directed in faithfulness to God’s mission contextually and experience scripture as speaking to their of the recently held Anglican Consultant Council (ACC) in the world. In diverse global situations, Anglican reality. We aren’t designed as a communion to have one meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, the church is reminded that sweeping broad brush reality to which everyone in their “the Anglican Communion finds its decisions through life and ministry witnesses to the incarnate, cruci- individual contexts, whether in South America, Africa, spiritual discernment in relationship, not thorough canons fied and risen Lord, and is empowered by the Holy Indian Ocean, Caribbean or USA and beyond, are hard and procedures. Primates Meeting, Lambeth Conferences Spirit. Together with all Christians, Anglicans hope, pressed into accepting even when their reality is inextrica- and ACCs are not a question of winning and losing, but of bly different. As a cross cultural Christian, I can unequivo- discerning together in love.” pray and work for the coming of the reign of God. cally confess to how the application and interpretation of Regarding the much publicized and widely discussed scripture is differently understood in different places. The Primates Meeting communiqués issued by the Primates The Anglican Communion is for me one of the most word of God is unchangeable, yet the Spirit of God grants after their January gathering, the ACC, as recommended by gifted and grace filled communities in the world of Church us the guidance and permission to pray it into life where the primates, committed the provinces to ‘walk together’ organizations. I must confess this is my own personal de- we live as we strive to live out our baptismal call. Should with each other. ACC16 neither endorsed nor affirmed scription and prejudice, and in all likelihood differ signifi- we fail as faithfully as we try, our merciful God promises the consequences contained in the Primates’ Communiqué. cantly from other people’s opinions. Nevertheless, I am forgiveness rather than condemnation! From all reports and confirmed by the six outgo- extremely proud to be an Anglican/Episcopal Christian, ing members of the Anglican Consultative Council and part of a community of faith that allows me the freedom of the Standing Committee (Helen Biggins, Church in to think and engage the world from a place of scripture, Wales, Joanildo Burity, Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil, tradition and reason. One of the distinguishing marks of “One of the fundamental realities of Bishop Ian Douglas, the Episcopal Church, Bishop Sara Anglicanism is in how we read and interpret scripture, our Communion is that it isn’t Macneil, Anglican Church of Australia, Elizabeth Paver, which for the most part becomes an ongoing engagement Church of England and Bishop James Tengatenga, Province of ‘God’s Word’. Tradition is the medium through which designed to operate as an exclusive of Central Africa and outgoing chair of the Anglican Con- our interpretation is preserved and handed down over sultative Council) in a clarifying comment said, “from our generations. This pilgrimage of holy reading continues the club with rules that exclude and rules perspective there did not seem to be a common mind on challenging and joyful task of drilling down through delib- that include ...” the issue, other than the clear commitment to avoid further erate prayerful communal engagement. Our collective and/ confrontation and division.” or individual biases and prejudices are shared as we each The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Justin discover new revelations and insights to gift the church. Welby, as primus inter pares (a first among equals amongst The ‘Word of God’ is a living breathing organic incar- One of the fundamental realities of our Communion fellow bishops), was asked to set up as Task Group with national presence in my life. I am always mesmerized and is that it isn’t designed to operate as an exclusive club the responsibility of maintaining conversation among the inspired when I read the early church fathers to see how with rules that include or exclude, with violations result- member churches of the Anglican Communion (38 prov- much of what they testified to in their generations find ing in unilateral expulsion. We are a body that respects ince/churches) with the distinct intention of “developing relevance, similarity and authority in our time. The work of the call of each church to mission and ministry, and are a more deeper and intentional relationship, the restoring of the Spirit connects the past with the present and points to held together by what has been long described as ‘bonds mutual trust, healing and legacy of hurt, recognition of the the future which by the Spirit to have a glimpse into. of affection’, that is, our koinonia (fellowship of love and extent of our commonality and exploration of our deep Tradition is the spiritual mechanism through which we common worship and mission). At the same time, it does differences to ensure they are held together between us in this era can indwell the spiritual discernment of sacred not give one member church arbitrary latitude to engage (member churches) in love and grace of Christ”. Accord- narratives across the millennia. Truth becomes an ongoing positions that don’t line up with belief and practice of the ing to the archbishop the Task Group is representative of

May/June 2016 Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 5

a wide cross section of women and men, lay and ordained Anglican theologians in mission theology, and could have Communion as its full member church. We cherish dearly from across the communion. T he membership includes become the most likely chair of the Anglican Consultative our place in the communion. Personally, I must confess our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, and Council. However, in his own words he said, “I believe that I am often wrong on many things, but on this I am my former archbishop, The Most Rev. Ian Ernest, Primate that my not pursuing election as chair of the ACC at this unequivocally indisputable correct. of the Indian Ocean. Hopefully, all of us across the com- time will best facilitate our walking together in unity as the Join me in thanking God for the primates of the An- munion will get an opportunity to listen and understand Anglican Communion, and that is my highest priority and glican Communion for whom I have the greatest respect the various perspectives and contexts we serve the mission my greatest hope and prayer”. Fellow Episcopalians in the and admiration, and personal friend of many including of God. I heard someone describe the process as con- Diocese of Alabama, please note we haven’t been kicked our own, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, the member sciousness building. out or expelled by the Communion; we retain our role and churches in 38 provinces in over 165 countries comprising As one would imagine, the gravity of the work as- over 80 million faithful baptized member of Jesus’ Church. signed this group is extremely complex and difficult. It is We commit to walk together with our beloved broth- authorized by the four instruments of Unity (Archbishop “If I learnt one truth from conflict ers and sisters in Jesus’ One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic of Canterbury, Primates Meeting, Lambeth Conference and Church to see the new thing God is doing in our world- ACC) to explore the compelling intricacies and unique mediation is that conflict could be wide Anglican family. characteristics and contexts that inhabit and/or enhance Finally, I recently listened to a presentation by The our individual missional landscapes. I invite your prayers opportunity.” Rev. Dr. Michael Battle who mentioned that in his opinion for God’s grace to prevail over this difficult task of far ‘the Anglican Communion is God’s project, we have a reaching consequences, and the courage of conviction to good ecclesiology and we were born in conflict’. If I learnt accept the recommendations, if any, from their findings. place as full member. one truth from conflict mediation, is that conflict could be I stand in complete solidarity with the Bishop of Con- As of now and hopefully for the foreseeable future and opportunity. necticut, a personal friend of long standing with whom I beyond, the Episcopal Church is the bona fide authorized waded into deep missional waters across the communion, Anglican Communion Church in the USA. The Episco- The Right Rev. Ian Douglas. He is one of the foremost pal Church is the only church recognized by the Anglican

Bishop Marray honored by General Theological Seminary

labama’s Assistant Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Santosh Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, Florida. Marray, was among three distinguished leaders During his time as Bishop of the Seychelles, the diocese Ahonored by the General Theological Seminary witnessed significant restoration of several diocesan build- May 11. ings; renewal in its spiritual life, mission, ministry and wit- ness to the community; lay and clergy empowerment; and Marray was awarded the seminary’s Doctor of Divin- strengthening of its financial sustainability. It effectively ity degree, honoris causa during the school’s 194th Com- became a healthier and more viable church; including mencement ceremonies. The other two recipients of the advocating in the province for the ordination of women trust and confidence of many in the nation, including honorary degree were A. Gary Shilling, an economist to the priesthood. Marray was the first bishop to ordain government leaders—as a bridge builder and reconciler. and columnist for Forbes Magazine, and the Rev. Becca a woman to the priesthood in the Province of the Indian In pastoral ministry, Marray has served in nearly every Stevens, an Episcopal priest, author, speaker, and social Ocean. He describes his ministry in the Seychelles as a possible parochial setting, including rural multi-church entrepreneur. call from God he could not resist, especially if he were parishes; urban, inner city, suburban settings; and in the “We are delighted to be honoring these great disciples to remain faithful to his vows and love for Jesus and his hinterland in Guyana. He has witnessed the revival and of Christ whose witness and wisdom inspire the entire Church. As Bishop of Seychelles, he gained the respect, growth of many struggling congregations, restored and/ General Seminary community, students, faculty, trustees or built several parish edifices, and led a number of suc- and alumni,” said the Rev. Timothy A. Boggs, Chair of the cessful capital campaigns. He is a strong advocate for the Honorary Doctorate Committee. gospel of reconciliation, and God’s love and salvation for The Very Rev. Kurt H. Dunkle, Dean and Presi- all persons. Marray has travelled extensively across the dent, added, “These three candidates represent the great Anglican Communion in mission and ministry, and his strengths of The Episcopal Church, and we are proud work in community service, social outreach, and justice to honor them at General Seminary. From life-long extend across many countries and communities. He lay service to holy activism to broad Anglican Com- has the distinction of being the first West Indian of East munion leadership, the achievements we are honoring Indian ancestry to be elected and consecrated bishop in are emblematic of the diversity of accomplishment in our the Anglican Communion, and to serve as bishop in both church and at General. I suspect Jesus is proud!” the eastern and western hemispheres. In announcing Marray’s selection, the school pointed Marray holds a Diploma in Pastoral Studies and a out that in addition to his current position he served five B.A. in Theology, magna cum laude, from Codrington other dioceses, Guyana, The Bahamas, Florida, Seychelles Theological College and University of the West Indies, and East Carolina; and three provinces of the Anglican Barbados; an S.T.M. in Christian Spirituality from The Communion, the West Indies, The Episcopal Church, General Theological Seminary; a Master of Law in Canon and the Indian Ocean. Prior to his call to be the Assistant Law at the University of Wales; a Doctor of Ministry from Bishop of Alabama, he served as Bishop Assisting in the Colgate Rochester Divinity/Bexley Hall Episcopal Semi- Diocese of East Carolina. Marray’s first episcopate was as nary, Rochester, New York. In 2008, he was awarded a Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles, Province Doctor of Divinity from Bexley Hall Seminary, Ohio, for of the Indian Ocean. He was elected to the position in From left, Dr. A. Gary Shilling, the Rev. Rebecca Stevens, the Very Rev. work in church growth and renewal and his involvement February 2005 while serving as Rector of St. Philip’s Kirk Dunkle, President & Dean GTS, and the Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray. in the wider Anglican Communion.

May/June 2016 6 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

11th Annual Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala draws large crowds ore than 2,200 people attended the 11th Annual Gumbo Gala hosted Activities included a Kid Zone offering face painting, inflatables including a large slide, and cookie decorating. Vendors sold a variety of wares including soap, to prayer by Episcopal Place Saturday, April 23 at Regions Field in Birming- beeds. Episcopal Place residents sold cookbooks and offered a drawing for a television. Mham. The annual event supports the independent living facility for Zydeco music was provided by the Swamp Poppas. seniors and disabled adults with limited income. Thanks to generous sponsors, great team participation, and high ticket sales, Gumbo Gala 2016 was a huge success, providing much needed support for the residents Episcopal Place, according to Pat Flowers, Director of Development for Episcopal Place. Episcopal Place is an independent living facility for seniors and disabled adults with This year 42 cook teams, served up a variety of gumbo ranging from chicken to sea- limited income. Proceeds from Gumbo Gala help provide services such as transporta- food and duck to alligator. Episcopal Place residents fielded two cook teams, the Cutie tion, subsidized or free hot lunches, housekeeping for sick or frail residents, enrichment Patooties and the Stud Muffins. Other teams represented churches, local businesses and activities, pastoral care, and an emergency relief fund. corporations, home cooks, and local restaurants.

May/June 2016 Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 7

2016 WINNING TEAMS

Most Spirit Third Place - Pelham Financial Trinity Commons Most Spirit Second Place - Ascension Gumbo Filers Most Spirit First Place - Apostles with Fire Chef’s Choice Chicken/Sausage Category - Arthur Gallagher & Co. Chef’s Choice Seafood Category - Spoon & Ladle Soup Company Chef’s Choice Specialty Category - Boateng’s Cajun Creations Gumbo Divine - St. Marc De Birmingham People’s Choice Third Place - Dyron’s Low Country People’s Choice Second Place - St. Martin’s Rouxstirs People’s Choice First Place - Arthur Gallagher Birmingham’s Best Gumbo Backyard Division Third Place - Estes Auto- motive Birmingham’s Best Gumbo Backyard Division Second Place - Pathways Birmingham’s Best Gumbo Backyard Division First Place - The Abbey Birmingham’s Best Gumbo Professional Division - Workplay

Winning team photos available at: http://bit.ly/1QYYzZm

May/June 2016 8 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

Diocese of Alabama ordains four Diocese approves transitional deacons four postulants to Four recent seminary graduates were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Diocese of Alabama in May. become candidates for • Tommie Watkins was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, Alabama’s Assistant Bishop, at St. Andrew’s in Birmingham on May 13. At press time he was scheduled to begin serving at Canterbury Chapel in Tuscaloosa Holy Orders June 1. • John “Trey” Kennedy was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan, Bishop of Alabama, at the Cathedral Church of he Diocese of Alabama has approved four postulants the Advent in Birmingham on May 14, and was scheduled to begin serving at St. Paul’s in Greensboro June 1. completing their second year in seminary as candi- • Tyler Richards was ordained by the Bishop Marray at Canterbury Chapel in Tuscaloosa on May 14. He was Tdates for Holy Orders. scheduled to begin serving at St. Andrew’s in Montevallo June 1. • Pamela Payne was ordained by Bishop Sloan at St. John’s in Decatur on May 21 and was scheduled to begin They are: serving at St. Michael’s in Fayette June 1. • Katherine Harper, who is sponsored by All Saints’ in Birmingham, and is studying at Seminary of the Southwest; • Corey Jones, who is sponsored by All Saints in Bir- mingham, and is studying at University of the South; • Jamie Osborne, who is sponsored by St. Thomas in Huntsville, and is studying at University of the South; • Worth Stuart who is sponsored by St. John’s in Montgomery, and is studying at Virginia Theological Seminary. Three parishes seek youth ministers Three Diocese of Alabama parishes are accepting ap- plications for youth ministry positions.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence is ac- cepting applications for a full-time youth director. The youth director will be a salaried staff position, report- ing to the rector. This person should have a working knowledge of the Episcopal Church, or the willing- ness to learn, and will serve as a Christian leader to the Tommie Watkins John “Trey” Kennedy people of Trinity Episcopal Church. The full position description is available at http:// bit.ly/22dTXqr. Interested applicants should email a résumé and list of references to the Rev. Andrew C. Keyse at akeyse@ trinityflorence.org. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Madison is accepting applications for a part-time Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Director. The selected candidate will report directly to the rector and work with an established community of youth volunteers and a Christian Formation Director. A complete position description is available at: http://bit.ly/1OwpegD. Contact Geoff Beech for information: 256-690- 8968 or [email protected]. St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur is ac- cepting applications for a Director of Youth Ministries. As a part of the parish’s program staff team, the Director of Youth Ministries will develop and admin- ister Christian formation programs for youth in the 6th through 12th grades. He or she will use current parish resources and cultivate new resources in order to grow our youth program both in size and in the impact it has on the lives of our youth and the whole parish. A complete position description and application Tyler Richards Pamela Payne instructions are available at: bit.ly/1TIpr1C.

May/June 2016 McDowellMay/June 2016 Messenger

The Alabama Folk School: We Teach Folk!

he Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell hosted the long-time favorite Bluegrass & Gee’s Bend Workshop from April 18-21, 2016 featuring instruction in banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, pottery, and quilting in the Gee’s Bend tradition. Critically Tacclaimed instructors included Herb Trotman, Ned Luberecki, Mary Ann Pettway, China Pettway, Robbi Podrug, Becky Buller, Chas Williams, Kenny Smith, Jason Bailey, Stephen Mougin, and Skip Ward. Students participated from across the state of Alabama. The workshop also attracted students from California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The Bluegrass & Gee’s Bend Workshop kicked off with a wine and cheese social on the first night. Workshops Save the Date! were held over the course of the four days in six classes. Students gathered the final night for an instructor concert Registration is now open for the popular Old Time featuring incredible bluegrass music played by ensembles of the guest instructors. That night also featured a silent Music & Crafts workshop from October 13-16, 2016. auction benefiting the Camp McDowell scholarship fund. Over $2,000 were raised thanks to the many items do- Workshops include banjo, basket making, fiddle, flatfoot nated and purchased through the auction. The workshop culminated on the final day with a student exhibition and dancing, Gee’s Bend quilting, guitar, mandolin, old time presentations. repertoire, painting, and ukulele. Visit www.alfolkschool. Many thanks go to Herb Trotman who served as the coordinator of Bluegrass & Gee’s Bend and Kathy Hinkle com for the full calendar of fall workshops. who coordinated the silent auction.

McDowell Messenger • May/June 2016 1 Check out our updates online and join us on social media! Debra Sanders ebra Sanders is a long time matriarch, everyone. I was working so I just said hello and friend and leader of Camp McDowell. She went about my business. When he went out I asked Dhas worked here the last 18 years in Eppes Carolyn who that man was, she looked at me and Kitchen, working as the manager for almost 11 years. said, “Well that’s Mark!”. Needless to say, he’s had his She will be retiring in July and when we say she will be hair cut ever since then. greatly missed, truer words have never been spoken. I set down with Debra to hear her thoughts on the last 2 decades of being part of the family. She re- Q: Who is one of the most memorable campers assures all of us that although she is retiring, we will or staff members? still see her all the time. A: I watched a lot of them grow up; the Kendrick girls and Ethan and Adam. Patrick Garman Q: How did you come to work? always stands out in my mind. He was the head A: My sister-in-law worked here and I started counselor I don’t know how many years ago. He was coming to work part time for her just a sweet, sweet person. There during the evening shifts so she was just something about Patrick could be at home with her kids. It that made him easy to work was 1998 or 1999. I had another job on Mon-Wed and then I with. I’m not saying everyone worked here through the week- else wasn’t easy to work with! I end. I remember I had only been haven’t seen him since he was working here 2 months and I fell head counselor. and broke my foot at home and I love them all. I think a lot was scared I wouldn’t have a job of all of them. I think that's why anymore! I became manager at it’s so hard to let go of the job Eppes about 10 or 11 years ago. itself. I wouldn’t even be leaving if it wasn't for my health. Other Q: What is one of your happi- est memories of working here? than that, I love working here. I A: It was during a Clergy love dealing with the kids. It gets Conference at Stough-- it might hectic but I have just loved work have been the first one I ever here.. I really have. They say God worked. Mark was grilling and blessed me when Mark hired me. all the clergy were out there and they decided to have pig hollering contest and Q: What are you going to do now? Johnny, my husband, brought this little, small pig up A: Nothing I can think of. I would like to quilt here. All the Clergy made a big circle behind Stough and do needlework when it’s not so hot. I like can- where Pop’s Garden is now and Amill got out there with his wine glass and started speaking in Italian ning which is something I haven’t done in years. I’d to the pig. The whole time he was talking the pig love to build me a little rose garden. was just running around and finally when he hol- I’ll have to get my grandson out there to dig my lered “SOOOIE” the pig just flopped down on the dirt though, he likes to work with me doing stuff ground. [laughter]. You know because the pig was like that. suppose to come to him and he was just a little pig and he just flopped down on the ground! Q: Is there any other job at camp you wished July 15-17, 2016 One of my fondest memories is Mark. When I you could have done? Have you ever served on Summer Camp Staff at first started I came up here to put my application in A: No, not at all. I loved the kitchen and enjoyed and I came into his office and here sits this man in wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell? Join us overalls with long, long shaggy hair. Yeah. Of course I working with the kids. for the Summer Camp Staff Reunion to reconnect was raised Assembly of God and I’m thinking, this is with old friends and share memories of summers the priest?!?! Ok. Q: If you could only eat one food everyday for past. Children and spouses are welcome to attend the rest of your life, what would it be? So I had been working a couple of weeks this family friendly weekend with activities for all and this man comes in the kitchen and speaks to A: Bacon [laughter]. ages. More information and registration is available online at www.campmcdowell.com under the Op- SAVE THE DATE.... portunities To Come To Camp tab. LABOR DAY GETAWAY @ Camp McDowell Farm & Folk Workshops, Traditional Camp Activities, Jam Sessions & More SEPTEMBER 2-5, 2016 *More details to come on our website under "Opportunities to Come to Camp"

2 May/June 2016 • McDowell Messenger Check out our updates online and join us on social media!

Q:Friendship What kind of ship never sinks? A: Friendship!

his little riddle is one of the many exchanges of light humor that may happen at summer camp amidst singing, laughter, and activity Twith a group of campers. The feeling of goodwill that surrounds it is clear: friendship is something that helps us stay afloat in life. But, unlike a ship that never sinks, friendships most definitely have their ups and downs, like all relationships of worth. The foundation of a friendship - whether established early or late in life - generally determines whether or not it will stay afloat or sink when navigating the choppy waters that may come about. At Summer Camp, where everything we do is geared to show how the world could be in worship, learning, rest and play, the potential for estab- lishing enduring and endearing friendships is great. When kids spread their wings and go to sleep-away camp, their sense of independence is strength- ened, many times through the encouragement of other kids doing the same thing. Opportunities abound to share ideas, to hear and be heard, to wonder, ponder, and establish a stronger sense of self as they learn more about who God is calling them to be in the world. With the guidance and leadership of church leaders and a caring and capable staff, Summer Camp becomes fertile ground for life lessons and life-long friendships based on common experiences and the freedom to grow and learn in the safety of community in God’s Backyard. There are numerous ways that we encourage and facilitate friendship during a summer camp session. Program time, the hour and a half following breakfast, is planned and facilitated by a diocesan priest who volunteers his or her time to help engage the faith of all children who come Order your child’s to Camp McDowell. Campers participate in group activities that are age-appropriate, theologi- cally sound, and thought provoking during the morning program time. Through free swims in Summer Camp Care Package online to receive the pool, adventures on Clear Creek in the canoes, exploring the many crevices and canyons of God’s Backyard, or through simply sitting with someone new at lunch, friendships are cultivated during summer camp at Camp McDowell. Join us this summer, for the first time or for the 50th time. We have expanded our Summer Camp sessions to include programming for children and youth in grief, for those with special 15% OFF needs, for those interested in exploring their musical passion, their sense of creativity, or their THE CAMP STORE interest in being a better steward of creation on the farm and in the garden. We have no shortage Use discount code Canteen2016 of ways to have fun at Camp and we have opportunities for every age camper! www.campmcdowell.com/shop

All are welcome with love and joy to experience the treasure that is summer camp. For more information, please visit our website or contact Stratt Byars ([email protected]) or Expires June 27, 2016 Susanna Whitsett ([email protected]).

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE 2016 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE 2016 ON CLEAR CREEK AT BETHANY VILLAGE

Our Time grief camp Entering 6th—8th For kids healing from loss and their adult caregiver. Adult and youth programs PRIMARY I—May 27-29 ...... (entering 1st-3rd with an adult) June 3-5 are separate until the closing meal and worship service.

JUNIOR HIGH I—June 1-7 ...... (entering 6th and 7th) Diocesan Homecoming Diocesan-wide retreat for all ages! An opportunity for fun, fellowship, & quality time; a wonderful June 10-12 weekend vacation for families, couples, or individuals! SOPHOMORE—June 10-18 ...... (entering 8th and 9th) Alabama Folk School - Youth Workshop Entering 5th—12th; Farming, pottery, indigo dye, natural paints and classes in fiddle & guitar with MIDDLER—June 21-26 ...... (entering 5th and 6th) June 14-17 plenty of summer camp fun! Basic music knowledge helpful. Special Session Summer camp for adults with mental disabilities - a loving celebration of camp community for all people! ELEMENTARY I—June 29-July 3 ...... (entering 3rd and 4th) June 21-26 (campers), June 19-26 (staff) Staffing opportunities for 16 yrs and older - a fun and meaningful experience of servant leadership! JUNIOR HIGH 2—July 6-13 ...... (entering 7th and 8th) CREATE! Entering 9th & 10th—leadership development through collaborative work projects and camp June 28–July 1 community, with time for worship, rest, and play!

SENIOR CAMP—July 17-26 ...... (entering 10th-12th) Bethany’s Kids I Entering 4th-6th—inclusion summer camp for typical kids & kids with disabilities. Experience and July 12-15 practice the way the world could be through worship, learning, rest and PLAY! ELEMENTARY II—July 30-August 3 ...... (entering 4th and 5th) Bethany’s Kids II Entering 6th-8th—inclusion summer camp for typical kids & kids with disabilities. Experience and PRIMARY II—August 5-7 ...... (entering 1st-3rd with an adult) July 19-22 practice the way the world could be through worship, learning, rest and PLAY! Bethany’s Kids Camper Buddies Entering 9th—high school grads. Experience the way the world could be as a companion for a July 11-15 and/or July 18-22 camper with disabilities. Buddies give non-skilled care while having fun in God’s Backyard! Summer Camp registration is now open! Summer Camp registration is now open! Camp McDowell, 105 Delong Rd, Nauvoo, AL 35578 • www.campmcdowell.com Camp McDowell, 105 Delong Rd, Nauvoo, AL 35578 • www.campmcdowell.com

McDowell Messenger • May/June 2016 3 Check out our updates online and join us on social media!

Phyllis and David Hall Hall Hall: The Gift that Keeps on Giving by Danielle Dunbar

Phyllis and David with the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori and her husband, Richard, in Hall Hall at the blessing of Bethany Village. hyllis and David are two of the most genuine people you will ever meet. They also genuinely care spirit of Camp McDowell, where life is lighter and sillier and yet full of grace, and where about God’s call to serve both those in need and the Episcopal Church in Alabama, including the name of a building points to something deeper. Ptheir beloved Camp McDowell. Phyllis, a remarkable woman who is both a CPA and an attorney, The Halls, who are active in the Cursillo Community, know that much of our serves St. Luke’s, Birmingham and the larger community in compassionate ways. She is on the spiritual journey occurs in the world where we live out our faith. When we hear, “Fa- Vestry, serves as a Verger and Lay Eucharistic Minister, and has twice been the Cursillo Parish Lay ther, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you…” they Rector. In the Diocese, she just completed a term on Diocesan Council and is currently on the Finance understand we aren’t supposed to be armchair Christians. Committee. Phyllis is a member and past president of Birmingham Sunrise Rotary - think “Service Hall Hall provides a space at camp to learn and grow through a number of min- Above Self” - and has served on the boards of several “helping” organizations including the YMCA, istries and what we learn there should be taken out of camp and into the world, “as Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Red Mountain Theatre Company. faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.” Phyllis and David have provided an extraordinary financial gift to our Diocese which they recently increased to help complete Bethany David is bi-vocational which means he works both as a priest at St. Matthias in Village. Tuscaloosa and as a resource development professional. The common thread in those The Halls truly believe in the vision of our Bishop and the opportunities the careers are an interest in people and their needs. He is a member of the Commission on Bethany expansion brings to the Episcopal Church in Alabama. They are grateful to Ministry and Chair of the Diocesan Development Department. David is also a member be involved in our big family project. My hope is for you to meet them one day and and past president of Birmingham Sunrise Rotary and is often found connecting non- share in their optimism with hearts that overflow. My hope is that others will follow profit volunteers and executives with others who can be a positive influence on their their example and increase their current pledge to Bethany. Please consider joining the organizations. Halls, the Johnstons and so many others in making a pledge, extending your pledge, or Phyllis and David have left an indelible mark on Camp McDowell by way of Hall giving an additional gift. Send in the pledge form below so we can count your gift and Hall. The name of our new dance and performance hall makes me smile whenever I continue the work God has given us to do through the many ministries at Wonderful, hear it. It is delightfully fun to tell others the name of this building because it is in the Wonderful Camp McDowell and Bethany Village!

Please add this to (my parish’s)______pledge total. EAST ALA- BAMA In support of Bethany Village at Camp McDowell, I/we intend to contribute a total of $______. Payment of this gift is to extend over ______(three to five) years, beginning in 20______. An initial payment of $______is enclosed and I/we prefer to remit the balance q annually, q quarterly, or q monthly. I understand that this statement represents neither a binding obligation on my part nor the part of my estate, and that contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by law.

Full Name ______Address ______Phone______Email address______

Signature______

I prefer to receive statement information via q email or q traditional mail. Please make checks payable to Camp McDowell with Bethany Village in the memo line. Mail contributions to Danielle Dunbar: Carpenter House, 521 N. 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203

4 May/June 2016 • McDowell Messenger Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 9

Floods, earthquakes, refugee response, Episcopal Relief & Development present in a time of need by the Rev. Deacon Judy Quick, Diocesan Coordinator, Episcopal Relief & Development

A Prayer for Preparedness and Response: O God, our times needed care and assistance. To support Episcopal Relief & to the needs of children with disabilities who have fled are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your Development’s response, please donate to the US Disaster with their families to neighboring Jordan, the Holy Land never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Response Fund. Institute for the Deaf (HLID) has been working in the Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; Za’atari Refugee Camp since 2012. and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer Since 2013, the Za’atari Disability Center, with and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never EARTHQUAKES support from Episcopal Relief & Development, has to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your Earthquakes struck Ecuador and Japan very hard in provided a much-needed gathering place for addressing love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. April. the learning needs of children with disabilities who are — The Rev. Lyndon Harris, from the Episcopal Diocese of Episcopal Relief & Development urges prayers for all also affected by the traumas of war and displacement. New York disaster preparedness plan those impacted by the earthquakes that shook the two Some have visual impairments; others may have hearing regions. or mental disabilities. But all receive caring guidance, The coast of Ecuador was hit by a massive earthquake instruction and friendship through HLID staff and the FLOODS that registered 7.8 on the Richter scale and killed more center’s 14 volunteers, many of whom are living in the Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the than 270 people. Thousands of people have also been camp and looking to contribute the skills they used as two Episcopal dioceses in Louisiana, with the Diocese injured and displaced, especially in the coastal areas and teachers in Syria. of Texas, and has reached out to several more across the cities. “So many families fleeing catastrophe, war and death become region, following severe weather that caused tornadoes and Two earthquakes also struck the southern tip of Japan uninvited guests in another land, and many children with flooding from Texas to Tennessee in March and April. within 24 hours of each other. Following a series of disabilities become the most vulnerable,” says HLID Director Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the aftershocks, at least 42 people have been found dead and Brother Andrew L. de Carpentier, who launched the response efforts of the Episcopal Dioceses of Louisiana over 110,000 are reported to have been displaced from Za’atari Disability Center with support from Episcopal and Western Louisiana, following storms that knocked out their homes. Relief & Development and other organizations. “Thank power and caused widespread flooding across the state. Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to God for the goodness and kindness these guests meet on the way, Both dioceses are working through local churches and church partners in each country. like Mary and Joseph did in Bethlehem. Thank God that we are community ministries to care for vulnerable people and Please continue to pray for all those displaced by these able to help them pick up some of the pieces of their lives and look assist with needs such as food, fuel, temporary housing and disasters, and for first responders and volunteers who are after their children who already struggle with disabilities.” – supplies to clean and repair damaged homes and other working to rescue those in danger and care for people in Please continue to pray for all who are fleeing violence property. need. and unrest, all who are displaced by conflicts and war. Record floods struck Houston and parts of Southeast Contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Contributions to the Syria Crisis Response Fund will Texas on April 18. Thousands were evacuated and International Disaster Response Fund will support these help support relief efforts throughout the Middle East and over 1000 homes were flooded. Episcopal Relief & relief efforts. Europe. Development has partnered with the Diocese of Texas to provide temporary housing, pastoral care, and other To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s emergency assistance through a trained network of church REFUGEES programs worldwide, visit www.episcopalrelief.org or volunteers. It has been five years since the start of the Syrian contact the Rev. Deacon Judy Quick at [email protected] Please pray for people impacted by these most conflict, which has displaced over 11.4 million people – 205.669.6862 (home), 770.366.4034 (cell) or Marilyn Lands recent storms, and for those who are providing urgently half the country’s pre-conflict population. Responding at [email protected]. Two churches connect by Connie Blair

“Sharing the Love” was the theme when two of Alabama’s smallest companion Black Belt parishes came together April 24 to worship in the tiny historic village of Carlowville. The parishes are St. Paul’s Carlowville, established in 1838, and St. Paul’s Lowndesboro, established in 1857. The two have many things in common, including pre-antebellum roots and rich histories. They both have small but energetic and active congregations, and both share a priest. The Rev. Sherod Mallow serves each parish on alternating Sundays. The congregations celebrated Holy Eucharist together and then enjoyed a delicious brunch prepared and beautifully served by the Carlowville ladies. Both congregations are looking forward to coming together again soon in Lowndesboro.

May/June 2016 10 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

SAWYERVILLE NEWS by Claire Cotten, Sawyerville Day Camp Assistant Director for Development & Communications ‘Finding My Way’ is You can still participate Summer 2016 Sawyerville in Summer 2016! t’s not too late to support our summer offerings! Because of your generosity, all of Day Camp theme our programming is available free of charge to participants and staff. You can always Imake a gift online that will go directly to our programs. By simply tapping a few his month we’ll kick off our free summer day camp and free summer learning keys and clicking a few buttons, you can: program for children in Hale County. Kids ages 6-14 will come to Greensboro from surrounding neighborhoods to pray, play, and learn. • offset program supply costs for one camper for $5. T • offset a camper’s meals for one week for $25. At the day camp, we’re expecting over 700 registered campers and over 300 volun- teer staff - not to mention the countless volunteers who will serve meals, help at Family • provide water bottles for 100 campers for $80. Night, write Prayer Partner letters, and much more! • sponsor one camper for one week for $150. The camp will follow the theme “Finding My Way.” The campers will hear the sto- • sponsor one Google Chromebook for the YLP for $200. ries of Jonah, Ruth, the Good Shepherd, and the Prodigal Son. They’ll use art, writing, • sponsor the cost of dinner for one YLP Parent Night for $300. and song to unpack the lessons of grace and redemption found in those stories. At the • sponsor the facility fees for the YLP for $400. end of each week, campers and their families come to Family Night for a worship ser- • sponsor one Yellowhammer Learning Program student for $1,500. vice, hot dog dinner, and carnival. We’ll style the event as a “homecoming” and celebrate being found once again. You can also visit our Amazon “wish list” for the learning program. There This summer, 24 young people will join our ranks as paid interns with the day camp are still a few items we have yet to receive that we would absolutely love to have! (SDC) and paid teaching assistants with the learning program (YLP). These staff mem- Items range from superhero masks to math games and everything in between. Find bers represent eleven different colleges and universities across the Southeast. They will something in your price range and fulfill our wish! Once you’ve purchased a wish each bring unique skills to the table, and we’re very excited to have them on board. Say list item, be sure to email Claire Cotten at [email protected] so we know to re- “hello” to our talented team! move it from the list. View the list here: http://bit.ly/ylpwishlist. SDC Interns: YLP Teaching Assistants: Tim Callahan Alyson Carr Doss Cleveland Abby Greenwell Sawyerville Day Camp receives Adelaide Cochran Margaret Ireland Tye Edwards Jackie Jones Emily Hooker Anna Klopack grant from Alabama Power Sarah Hayden Logan Tatyana Lawson Murray Manley Christopher Murphree Foundation Jackson Massey Kayla Pilkington Austin Osborn Mollie Schaefer e’re happy to announce that the Alabama Power Foundation has awarded Kennedy Schwefler Gracie Thull Sawyerville Day Camp and the Yellowhammer Learning Program a grant of Murray Stuart Sullins Toomey W$40,000 for Summer 2016! This very generous gift will make a significant Anne Douglass Williams positive impact on our programming this summer. We’re so grateful to Alabama Power and especially to our friends in the Western Division Office. It’s all for the kids! In addition to the teaching assistants, twenty teachers will make up the rest of the YLP staff. These teachers will come from the local community and from Birmingham, Florence, and Nashville. Having certified teachers lead instruction in reading interven- tion, literacy, grammar, creative writing, and math will greatly enhance the quality of programming offered to our students. We’re so thankful for these men and women and for the gifts and talents they will share this summer. We hope you’ll keep up with us as we move through the summer. You can follow our progress in several different ways: • Social Media - We’ll use social media to share daily photos and updates. o SDC Facebook - Sawyerville Day Camp o SDC Instagram - @sawyerville o SDC Twitter - @sawyervillecamp o YLP Facebook - Yellowhammer Learning Program o YLP Instagram - @ylplearns o YLP Twitter - @ylplearns • Blog - Our blog is the place to read longer pieces about the camp and learning pro- gram. You can subscribe to the blog and receive an email each time we create a new post. That way you’ll never miss the news! Read and follow the blog here - https:// sawyervilledaycamp.wordpress.com/ • Website - The website is always a great place to find information about the ministry. Visit the website here - http://www.sawyervilledaycamp.org/

May/June 2016 Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 11

Sawyerville Leadership update eslie Manning has officially stepped down as Execu- our sights set on our strategic priorities that were identified retired from a successful career in software programming at tive Director, and Carole Kelly has started as the during our recent strategic planning. We look forward to BBVA Compass, and will bring lots of new gifts and talents LInterim Director. offering new programs throughout the year, creating a high to the SDC team. We are so grateful to Carole for taking on We are so very thankful for Leslie’s leadership over the performance permanent staff, securing reliable space for all this role! past nine years. During Leslie’s tenure, the day camp tripled programs, and developing a sustainable donor base. The search committee, led by Jim Park, is busy review- the number of sessions, campers, and counselors, and the Carole Kelly will lead Sawyerville Day Camp through ing candidates. If you would like to recommend someone Yellowhammer Learning Program was established and then the summer months until a new Director is called in the fall. for the role of Sawyerville Day Camp Executive Director, grew from a pilot literacy camp to a five-week learning Carole has been a dedicated volunteer for many, many years. please email the name and contact information to sawyervil- program. She originally coordinated meals for the staff and camp- [email protected]. As we move through this time of transition, we will keep ers and has served on the Sawyerville Commission. Carole B-Metro features the Yellowhammer Learning Program -Metro: The Magazine of Metro Birmingham Living recently published an article entitled “Plant a Seed” about the Yellowhammer Learning Program. Catherine Pittman Smith wrote the article and provided the beautiful photo- Bgraphs. Catherine wrote, “The YLP staff are not only closing the achievement gap and preventing summer reading loss in Greensboro; they are teaching these kids the love of learning—a love that comes from the heart. And when the heart leads, the minds will follow.” To read more and see the photographs, pick up the print version or visit B-Metro’s website: http://bit.ly/YLPbmetro. Thank you to Catherine and B-Metro for sharing this story! Parishioners at St. Philip’s in Fort Payne support Sawyerville Day Camp with a donation of swimsuits for campers. EYC members gather at Bethany for Rites of Spring and Diocesan EYC Convention By Susan Oakes, Diocesan Youth Ministries Coordinator t was a stellar group of about 52 campers and a wonderful experience at Rites of themselves to be considered to represent the youth of our great diocese. Spring April 1-3, at Camp McDowell. Making it even more special, the event The convention selected the Sawyerville ACT Test Prep Program to receive the Iwas hosted for the first time in Bethany Village. annual Thank Offering. I Rites of Spring is an important event because it includes our annual Diocesan It is a privilege to see these young people be and become the talented and faith- EYC Convention where new Youth Department members are elected to serve for ful humans that they are. So much growth, change, and light in the Diocesan EYC! the next program year. It’s also an emotional, bittersweet event as we say farewell to And it’s just a whole lot of fun to be on retreat with them. the outgoing members and get excited about what’s to come with the new members. Throughout the rest of the event, we got to ride bikes, play a variety of games, The elections were held on Saturday during two separate hour-long business hear program reflections led by two of our YD members, star-gaze at the pier, and sessions, one to elect district representative and the other to elect at-large members. Seventeen people ran and eleven were elected to serve. Each person who accepts a initiate Bethany with our youth presence in a big way. nomination stands before their peers and gives a two-minute self-introduction to tell I’m very proud of the outgoing members of the Youth Department. It’s been a the community about who they are and why they want to serve in this role. privilege serving with this group, growing in our faith and learning from our strug- It takes courage to do this and it allows the rest of the community to get to gles. On Thursday evening before the event, the outgoing members gathered at camp know each person who is running in a way that we might not otherwise. I am so for an “awards banquet.” Each member received a superlative award fitting his or her proud of each of the amazing youth who accepted their nomination and presented personality. Congratulations to this group for a fantastic year together!

New district representatives are, from left, Ava Claire Mattox, New Youth Department at-large members are, from left, Hayden Dunbar, Outgoing Youth Department members displaying their “awards” Ellen Waller, Andrew McDowell, Josh Carter, Alec Bonner and Isabel Boyd, Annie O’Neill, Nic Parmer and Meredith Schoel Liv White (not pictured).

May/June 2016 12 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

Alabama Daughters of the King Gather for Spring Assembly ore than 50 members of the Order of the King. The pros and cons of different types and styles Daughters of the King of the Diocese of Ala- of leadership, using biblical leaders as examples, were Mbama gathered in Hall Hall at Camp McDowell, reviewed. Participants discovered and learned about their Saturday, April 9, for the group’s 2016 Spring Assembly. own individual leadership attributes. The Rev. Dr. Deborah Jackson, Associate Dean for A brief business meeting provided updates on the up- Community Life at the University of the South, School coming Province IV Summer Retreat and the Province of Theology in Sewanee, TN and National Junior DOK IV Fall Assembly in Kanuga. Chaplain was special guest speaker. She addressed the A closing Eucharist in the St. Francis Chapel was theme, “Whom do you follow; how will you lead?.” The celebrated by Rev. Jackson; and, a delightful meditation The Alabama Diocesan DOK will gather in assembly Group explored servant leadership in the church and as on Jesus as the Good Shepherd was offered by Dr. Yolanda again this fall. Information about the 2016 Fall Assembly a part of the vow of service made by Daughters of the Seawright, the Diocesan President. will be available later. Diocese now offers ChurchNext online Christian formation & community building

he Diocese of Alabama Department of Christian Formation has obtained a Church- The courses have already been used in the diocese with positive results: Next online Christian formation subscription and invites parishes to begin using it I used a Church Next series on Lay Eucharistic Minister Training to train a group at St. to introduce this concept of online learning and community building. T Mark’s who were seeking approval from the bishop to serve as Lay Eucharistic Ministers and The subscription can be used in the parish setting for a Sunday morning or other Visitors. The Church Next training was good and helped me organize the material I wished class, and in small group and group home settings. to convey to those being trained. I would recommend its use to other parishes. ChurchNext provides outstanding mainline Christian teaching on relevant top- The Rev. Jayne Collins Pool, Rector ics with trustworthy religious teaching from an informed and moderate perspective. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Birmingham Courses are led by clergy and educators who are excited about the possibilities online learning holds. We used Church Next to help with our Baptismal preparation. Parents who used it said ChurchNext offers online Christian formation learning any time, any place with they liked and enjoyed the videos. It was helpful for those that could not attend a face-to-face Internet access, to help you shape disciples, help people cross important thresholds, meeting due to living out of town or scheduling difficulties. and train effective church leaders. There are more than 200 courses in the Church- The Rev. Blake Hutson, Rector Next course library/catalog: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/ to choose from. The Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Hoover courses fall into three basic areas: • Adult and young adult formation (Bible studies, theology, etc.); Diocese of Alabama parishes and groups interested beginning to use the diocese’s • Threshold crossing (preparation for baptism, confirmation, marriage, etc.) and: ChurchNext subscription are encouraged to complete the electronic form on the De- • Leadership (church marketing, church board leadership, how to run a vacation Bible partment of Christian Formation webpage at: (www.dioalaministries.org). For addi- school, etc.). tional information, contact Kathy Graham, Lifelong Christian Formation coordinator at: The ‘for groups’ courses include downloadable Facilitator and Participant guides [email protected]. designed to equip anyone to lead.

May/June 2016 Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 13

Thriving beans & rice ministry serves Tuscaloosa families t began less than a year ago, and today the St. Matthias Episcopal Church Beans and such as peanut butter, onions, sweet potatoes, stuffing, macaroni & cheese and children’s Rice Ministry is providing food assistance to more than 150 Tuscaloosa area families books. They gather again at the church on the following Saturday to distribute the Ieach month. packages. The food, which is staged in the narthex, is delivered to waiting vehicles in “Our Beans and Rice Ministry has grown by leaps and bounds,” said John Stewart, the parking because many of the recipients are elderly or disabled. a deacon candidate and member of St. Matthias. Since the ministry began in August The ministry has done more than provide help to families in the community who 2015, St. Matthias parishioners have distributed more than three tons of pinto beans and need assistance. “Beans and Rice has helped to bring our parishioners closer together enriched rice. through a shared call to servant ministry,” explained Stewart. On the second Sunday of the month St. Matthias parishioners gather after church “Our special angels are our young people -- Gracie, Zoe and Elijah -- who are mes- to assemble packages of pinto beans, enriched rice, bread, and a variety of other items sengers of food to guests in waiting cars,” said Stewart.

Ducks paddle for charity in Huntsville

raft of ducks of the plastic species paddled for charity in Huntsville May 7 as a string Aof thoroughbreds ran for the roses in Louisville. Some 100 spectators were on hand at St. Thomas Church in Huntsville for the Great Derby Day Duck Race. In addition to the race on Aldridge Creek behind the church, the day’s events included a variety of good food including home-smoked BBQ and derby pie, children’s activities, a bonnet contest, and a visit and a special performance by “Disco Duck.” The day’s activities were capped by a big-screen view of the Kentucky Derby, and an evening meal. Proceeds from the annual event sup- port First Stop, a ministry to the Homeless in Huntsville, and Special Session, an Episcopal summer camp for mentally and physically chal- lenged adults and young people.

May/June 2016 14 • THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Around Our Diocese

UPCOMING EVENTS

E-FORMATION 2016 Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins could artistic skills, but June 6-8m Online & not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. to share with ETS, Arlington, VA Their outrageous antics have delighted local gossips in the like-minded Is your congrega- small town of Sweetgum and the eyes of Texas are upon people and tion getting seri- them, as their self-righteous Aunt LaMerle is quick to point experience new ous about its online out, and a jaw-dropping ways of express- presence, or hoping high-stakes wager is ing your faith in to take it to the next made on who bakes the a loving and inspiring environment. Visit www.kanuga.org/ level? Would you like to learn with other ministry practitio- best red velvet cake for liturgicalarts for details and to register. ners using technology in faith formation, communication, the family reunion. A and other ministries? If so, jump-start your learning with parade of wildly eccen- EVANGELISM MATTERS hands-on training and big-picture inspiration at e-Forma- tric Verdeens gathers on November 18-19, Dallas, TX tion 2016. Join our supportive learning community June the hottest day of July, Save the dates for Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal 6-8 by webinar for $89 or at Virginia Theological Seminary smack-dab in the middle Church Evangelism Conference on Nov. 18-19 in Dal- for $289. Details at: http://bit.ly/1qgMlWg of Texas tornado season, las, TX, for anyone who would like to learn more about and things spin hilari- evangelism and available resources to share our faith. This GODLY PLAY CORE TRAINING ously out of control! innovative churchwide event is co-sponsored by Forward June 23 – 25, St. Stephen’s, Admission is $15 which includes complementary hors Movement and the Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop’s Birmingham d’oeuvre and beverage at intermission For additional infor- Office, and is hosted by the Diocese of Dallas and Church Core Training is the mation visit http://bit.ly/21hZKJA or contact Nell Rich- of the Transfiguration, Dallas, where the activities will be essential training for all ardson – (205) 305-2011 [email protected] held. Among the planned activities are an address by Godly Play teachers and is “Evangelism Matters is an exciting venture which will recommended every year for JONATHAN DANIELS PILGRIMAGE & YOUTH LOCK-IN allow Episcopalians to share, learn and grow our capacity the first three years of your August 13, Hayneville, AL for evangelism,” commented the Rev. Canon Stephanie practice. Learn the processes Save the date for the 20th Annual Jonathan Daniels and Spellers, the Presiding Bishop’s Canon for Evangelism and and Core stories of Godly Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Reconciliation. “People often speak as if Episcopalians don’t Play as well as the theology behind these practices. This time Hayneville. A pre-pilgrimage youth lock-in is planned for ‘do’ evangelism, and that’s just not true. We’re serious about of retreat will strengthen your understanding of children’s the Church of the Ascension in Montgomery the evening sharing good news and growing new relationships every- spirituality and leave you spiritually refreshed. For bro- before. Details about the event will be forthcoming soon. where.” chure, registration, and detailed information visit http://bit. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, plus plenary sessions ly/1rXnRlW LITURGICAL ARTS CONFERENCE and workshops by evangelism leaders. A portion of the August 21 – 26, Kanuga Conference Center, NC Saturday events will be live webcast to allow for individual “THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR” (DATE CHANGE) Join us for a memorable, creative and spiritually uplift- and group viewing during conventions, discussion groups, June play dates, Epiphany, Leeds ing week at the 19th annual Liturgical Arts Conference at and local evangelism gatherings. For more information The Church of the Epiphany will present the Red Velvet Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, N.C. Now contact Spellers at [email protected] or Gunn Cake War, a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and know as FACE (Faith, Art and Creative Expression), you at [email protected] Jamie Wooten, June 9, 10,11,12, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and will be taught and guided by many experts in their field. June 19 at 12:30 p.m.. Tickets go on sale May 16. In this This week offers not only an opportunity to increase your God’s Welcome 5-Day Retreat with Bishop Sloan and Dr. Amy Oden slated for October at Bethany Village by Jennifer Roth-Burnette ou are invited to participate in God’s Welcome, a 2015 retreat on Praying with the Psalms saw participa- 5-Day contemplative retreat at Wonderful, Wonder- tion by Episcopal laity and clergy from across our diocese. Yful Camp McDowell, Oct. 16-21. Those retreats were held at the beautiful Camp Su- For five wonderful days, come immerse yourself in matanga, and we are quite thrilled to be able to offer the study and reflection on the spirituality of Christian hos- October 2016 retreat at Camp McDowell! pitality, in the company of the Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan and Dr. This is a wonderful opportunity for contemplation Amy Oden. Each day will be shaped by a Benedictine and growth—for five days away from your busy life to rhythm of prayer, fellowship, learning, and periods of si- bask in God’s hospitality. The cost is $750 and covers lent contemplation, as well as free time for recreation and room, board and tuition. A $50 deposit is required. Space relaxation. The retreat will take place in the fully acces- is limited, so register today! Navigate to registration two sible Bethany Village area at camp. ways: 1) Go to http://northalabamaumc.org and use the The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, the Academy for search for “Academy 2016” then look down the list for Spiritual Formation, and the North Alabama and Ala- Episcopalians attending the August 2015 5-Day Retreat are, from left, the October 16-21 item, or 2) Use this shortened url: bama-West Florida Conferences of the United Method- Jennifer Roth-Burnette, Canterbury, Tuscaloosa; Bunny Cox, Christ http://bit.ly/1qU9Chj ist Church are sponsoring this ecumenical retreat. All Church, Tuscaloosa; The Rev. Andy Thayer; Ascension, Montgomery; Ellen For more information about the 5-Day Retreat, are welcome! This retreat series has traditionally drawn Patterson, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham; Greg Snyder, All Saints, contact Pat Luna at [email protected] or 334-202-9440; Montgomery; and Stanley Rich, St. Andrew’s, Birmingham. Christians from many different denominations. or Kathy Norberg at [email protected], or 850- The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama joined in co-spon- spirituality in an ecumenical environment. My husband 324-1015. Speak to a fellow Episcopalian who has been sorship of these 5-Day Retreats beginning in 2014, to Marc and I served on staff at their first 5-Day Academy there or feel free to contact me at j.rothburnette@gmail. foster the creation of a time and place for contemplative retreat on Celtic Spirituality in May 2014. The August com, or on Facebook.

May/June 2016 Around Our Diocese THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN • 15

WHAT’S NEW/NOTEWORTHY AT THE EPISCOPAL BOOK STORE By Cindy Funderburk, Manager

The Faith of Christopher Large knows just how to reassure Small in this warm and Hitchens: The Restless tender story about a child’s biggest worry and a parent’s Sould of the World’s endless capacity for love. This irresistible, heartwarming BISHOPS’ VISITATION Most Notorious Atheist story is a perfect introduction to God’s unconditional by Larry Taunton love. Full color. SCHEDULE (Thomas Nelson, Sunday, June 5 hardcover) Reflections for 10:30 a.m. Bishop Marray Epiphany, Tallassee Larry Taunton, the Ragamuffins: executive director of Daily Devotions Wednesday, June 8 Fixed Point Foundation, from the Writings 7:00 p.m. Bishop Sloan St. Andrew’s, offers a very personal of Brennan Montevallo perspective of one of Manning edited our most interesting and by Ann McMath Sunday, June 12 most misunderstood Weinheimer 9:30 a.m. Bishop Marray St. John’s, Decatur public figures. Taunton (HarperOne, 12:00 p.m. Bishop Sloan St. James’, traces Hitchens’ spiritual paperback) Alexander City and intellectual development from his decision as a Manning shares teenager to reject belief in God to his rise to prominence his joyful message Sunday, June 19 as one of the so-called Four Horsemen of the New in a powerful new 9:30 a.m. Bishop Marray St. Joseph’s, Atheism. While Hitchens was, in the minds of many way with his first- Mentone Christians, Public Enemy Number One - away from ever collection of 11:00 a.m. Bishop Sloan St. James’, public view, a warm friendship flourished between daily devotions. For Livingston Hitchens and the author; a friendship that culminated in every day of the two lengthy road trips where, after Hitchens’ diagnosis of year the beloved Sunday, June 26 esophageal cancer, they studied the Bible together. The author of Ragamuffin Gospel and The Boy Who Cried 10:00 a.m. Bishop Marray St. Barnabas, Faith of Christopher Hitchens gives us a candid glimpse into Abba offers a verse of scripture, and a complementary Roanoke the inner life of this intriguing, sometimes maddening, reading from his own writings. Whether your life has and unexpectedly vulnerable man. already been changed by Manning’s dynamic version Sunday, July 10 of the good news or you are meeting him here for 11:00 a.m. Bishop Sloan St. Paul’s, ESV Student Study Bible by the first time, Reflections for Ragamuffins will open your Carlowville Crossway Bibles (available in mind and heart to a profound new experience of God’s Grey or Coral imitation leather) unconditional love. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year Award for Outposts of Hope by Bibles, the ESV Student Study Douglas D. Webster Bible is adapted from the ESV (Cascade Books, Study Bible and is ideally suited paperback) CLERGY NEWS for students who are serious The original The Rev. Mary Balfour Dunlap will begin work- about God’s Word and wanting recipients of the Letter ing with Christ Church Fairfield part time beginning to learn more about what the of First Peter inhabited June 5. She completed her ministry with St. Michael’s Bible teaches and how the Bible a radically different in Fayette May 15. applies to all of life. social context from This ESV bible provides introductions and timelines our own. We do not The Rev. Robert Fowler has accepted a call as rec- for each book of the Bible; 12,000 clear, concise study live under Roman tor of St. Luke’s in Jacksonville. notes; nearly 900 “Did You Know?” facts; 120 Bible imperial rule. Slave character profiles; and 15 topical articles. It also features a labor is not the driving glossary of key terms, more than 80 maps and illustrations, force of our economy. an extensive concordance, and 80,000 cross-references. Women are not under the church is the believer’s opportunity under pressure to These and many other patriarchal domination reveal the goodness of God. Suffering and submission are features make it the in our culture as they essential for Peter’s Christ for culture strategy. Sacrifice is most comprehensive and once were. Society has changed, but what is beyond the leverage of the gospel. Cross-bearing humility is the content-rich student dispute is that Western culture remains antithetical to strategy for relating to culture and Christlike humility is Bible available today. God’s will and hostile to the Jesus way. The imperial essential for living in the household of God. Caesar has been replaced by the imperial self. The Pax No Matter What by Romana has been replaced by the American Dream. Debi Gliori (Red Wagon Western capitalism still trades in the bodies and souls of PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW HOURS – The Book Books, Board Book) human beings. Culture obsesses over sexual freedom and Store is open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to I’m grim and material indulgence. Idolatry is pervasive. Autonomous 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. grumpy, says Small to individualism is the ideal. For information about these and other books, or to have the staff Large, and I don t think First Peter is about the inevitable clash with culture research and special order a particular book, please contact the you love me at all. But that ensues because of the good news of Jesus Christ. The Episcopal Book Store, 2015 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, nothing could be further Apostle Peter’s bottom-up profile of costly discipleship AL 35203; 205-323- 2959; [email protected]; or visit from the truth -- and is far more radical than we may realize. Hostility against the bookstore online at www. episcobooks.com.

May/June 2016 THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN Washing clothes instead of feet: Trinity Clanton offers special Maundy Thursday service

rinity Church in Clanton held a special Maundy Trinity’s rector, who Thursday service this year in a nontraditional setting led the service with T– a laundromat. As part of the service, the parish the Rev. CJ Van Slyke, washed clothes instead of feet. Trinity’s deacon. Each quarter Trinity partners with Suds-R-Us in “Some of them sat and none of us will ever be the same. That is what sacra- Clanton and the national Laundry Love program to offer down with us and others continued washing their clothes, ments are all about -- we are changed --we are cleaned a free clothes-washing ministry. On March 24, Trinity pausing as we walked around with the bread and wine.” up.” “We paid for 202 loads of laundry that afternoon and Laundry Love is an extension of the church’s Beans hugged a lot of people as they were leaving with clean & Rice Ministry. “We have been aware for some time clothes,” he continued. of the condition of clothing being worn by some adults After the Maundy Thursday service, a parishioner and children coming to our food ministry. Having clean told King, “I have never felt closer to God than at that service.” Then she asked, “But, tell me, why did we do it clothes to wear helps to instill some hope in the lives of that way?” He responded, “You have answered your own the people we serve, explained King.” question.” According to its website, Laundry Love began in “Washing already clean feet is not what Jesus would California, resulting from a conversation with T-Bone be doing,” he explained. “While his disciples’ feet were (Eric), a homeless gentleman living in Ventura. In one dusty from their walking the road into Jerusalem, our particular conversation, a question was asked of him: feet are not dirty. Dirty laundry and not having enough “T-Bone, how can we come alongside your life in a way money for clean clothes takes away hope, dignity and that would matter?” His response was honest and practi- joyfulness. The sacrament most needed here on Maundy cal. “If I had clean clothes I think people would treat me conducted their quarterly ministry in the context of a Thursday was clean clothes. That was what we offered like a human being.” Maundy Thursday service. in the most loving way possible. And then with each of During their quarterly ministry, Trinity provides quar- The service began with singing of “Shall We Gather our laundry guests, we also shared the bread and wine ters for up to five loads of wash per family. at the River,” followed by prayer, and the reading of the blessed,” said King. The next Laundry Love by Trinity in Clanton will be Gospel, according to the Clanton Advertiser which cov- “Every single person accepted the bread and the Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., just a few days ered the special event. cup as a generous gift? No one refused our gift of clean before the start of the 2016-2017 school year. “Every person in the Laundromat received Holy clothes or our gift of the bread of life,” said King. “That Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of The Clanton Advertiser. Communion during the service,” said the Rev. Bill King, is what Maundy Thursday is all about, we are changed The advertiser also contributed to the article. Department of Christian Formation offers summer Sunday suggestions ummer is almost here, and many families will be away from more. There is also a page on how to create an altar or sacred space church during the summer months. The Diocese of Alabama wherever you may be. SDepartment of Christian Formation has developed a series of The lessons are available on the Department of Christian Summer Sunday Lessons for use at home or away on vacation. Formation website at: http://bit.ly/1YvTJJb. There is a lesson page for each Sunday beginning Sunday Information on creating a home altar is available at: http://bit. May 29 and continuing through Sunday, Aug.7. Lessons include ly/1VYG13D Scripture readings, wondering questions, activity suggestions, and

THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN The Alabama Episcopalian is published six times a year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and November/December). For the most current news about recent and upcoming events, please visit our diocesan Web site, www.dioala.org. Please send stories and photographs (color, if available) to Editor Dave Drachlis at [email protected] or 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203- 2682; the submission deadline for each issue is the 1st day of the month of publication. Postmaster, parishes, and individuals, please send all address changes or addi- tions to Circulation Secretary Denise Servant 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 Web site, www.dioala.org. If you are not already receiving our “Web Site Update,” you can sign up to receive a weekly e-mail containing headlines with links to the latest news, photos, and videos about and from around our diocese. Simply send an e-mail with your name and e-mail address to [email protected] and put “Headlines” on the subject line. You can “opt out” anytime.

May/June 2016