THE

ApostleSeptember/October 2007 The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Vol. 92, No. 7 The Rev. John McKee “Kee” Sloan Elected Bishop Suffragan During a special meeting of the 176th Annual of Grace in Anniston; the Rev.Alicia Schuster- Diocesan Convention at the Cathedral Church Weltner, Canon for Congregational Develop- of the Advent in Birmingham on September ment of the Diocese of Atlanta; the Rev. 30, lay and clergy delegates elected the Rev. Andrew Waldo, rector of Trinity in Excelsior, John McKee “Kee” Sloan to serve as Bishop Minnesota; and the Rev. Patrick J.Wingo, rector Suffragan of the Diocese of Alabama The elec- of St.Thomas’ in Birmingham. tion, which required a simple majority of votes Kee’s ordination and consecration is unoffi- in both the lay order and in the clergy order cially scheduled for January 12 at the Cathedral on the same ballot, must now be ratified by a Church of the Advent (the date will be official participate in councils of the Church on majority of dioceses in The Episcopal Church after all the required consents have been given). national and international levels. and by a majority of bishops with jurisdiction. As our Bishop Suffragan, Kee will assist Bishop “I realize the importance of trusting God, Kee, who is currently serving as rector of Parsley in the pastoral oversight and ministry of and I am humbled to have been called,” Kee St.Thomas’ in Huntsville, was elected from our diocese. His primary responsibilities will emphasizes.“I am thrilled and excited and among six candidates on the third ballot.The include overseeing small church ministries, scared.” other five nominees were the Rev.William pastoral care of clergy, college ministries and “I have the highest respect for Kee, especial- Marc Burnette, rector of St.Andrew’s in multicultural ministry programs, and imple- ly for his gifts as a pastor and eloquent speaker,” Birmingham; the Rev. Robert Childers, rector mentation of our diocese’s ACTS 2 Campaign notes Bishop Parsley.“His very fine sense of objectives. Kee will humor will serve him well in the ministry of visit parishes for bap- bishop. I rejoice in his election and look for- GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY tisms and confirma- ward to serving with him in Alabama and the CAMP MCDOWELL tions, and he will larger church.” SUNDAY,OCTOBER 21 Trinity Commons: BECM’s New Home The dream is a reality! Thanks to the generosity of donors from around our diocese, Birmingham Episcopal Campus Ministry (BECM) now has a new home—Trinity Commons next to St.Andrew’s and the UAB campus on 10th Avenue South in Birmingham. Please see the story and additional photos on page 16.

Picnic at 4:30 p.m. Worship Service at 5:45 p.m. Please join in the celebration of new construction as we break ground for the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi! Becky Parsley, Bill Blackerby, Bishop Parsley, and Anne Blackerby at a recent dinner honoring Birmingham Episcopal Campus Ministry donors 2 • DIOCESAN NEWS The Rev. Alison Carmody Chosen for Clergy Leadership Project The Rev.Alison Carmody, associate rector of St. Stephen’s in personal growth as well as new visions for vigorous ministries. Birmingham, has been chosen to participate in the 22nd class Alison will attend a six-day conference in late October in West of the Clergy Leadership Project. Several hundred clergy were Cornwall, Connecticut, and she will meet with her clergy col- nominated from across the nation, and 30 participants were leagues for an additional three sessions as they prepare to equip selected on the basis of talent, experience, geography, leadership themselves to lead the Church in the 21st century.Trinity ability, and other criteria. Church,Wall Street in New York City and the Episcopal The Clergy Leadership Project is a national initiative Church Foundation initially funded this leadership model; Alison Carmody designed to develop and strengthen clergy leaders by supporting Trinity Church remains the sole sponsor of the project. Celebrating the Life and Ministry Virginia Theological Seminary of the Rev. Deacon Janet Mason Offers 2008 Summer Collegium The Rev. Deacon Janet Mason, who was Virginia Theological Seminary has announced that applications are now available serving at Christ Church in Tuscaloosa as for the third Summer Collegium—a nine-day ecumenical conference for clergy well as the chair of our diocesan Depart- of small congregations and their spouses for renewal and study.The 2008 ment of Mission and Outreach, died at Summer Collegium, which will run from June 25 to July 3, will focus on the home on Sunday, September 16. Her family, theme “Worship and Preaching in the Small Church.” Lilly Endowment Inc. friends, and clergy from around our diocese sponsors this continuing education program. If you are interested in attending, celebrated her life and ministry at her funeral please contact the Rev. Bill King at [email protected] or 205/715-2060 ext. 317 as service on September 27 at Christ Church. soon as possible. Janet Mason The Ascension in Vestavia Hills Celebrates the New Ministry of the Rev. Stephen Hood worked as a senior district executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Mandeville, Louisiana, before entering seminary. He completed his Master of Divinity degree with honors at the School of Theology at the University Clergy News of the South in 2002, and the Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, the Bishop of Louisiana, ordained him to the priesthood at St. John’s in Thibodaux. The Rev. Neil Kaminski will begin Stephen served as rector of St. John’s from 2002 to serving as rector of St. Francis of Assisi in 2004 and later at St. James, in Baton Rouge. In addition Indian Springs Village on November 1. Neil he served on the Diocese of Louisiana’s Commission on comes to our diocese from the Diocese of Deacons, as spiritual advisor for the diocese’s Happening the Central Gulf Coast. movement, and as the diocesan youth coordinator. He The Rev. Bill King is retiring as our and his wife, Emily, have a son, Rivers, and a daughter, diocesan Deputy for Ministry Development Bishop Parsley and Stephen Hood; photo by David Snow Anna Claire. and Clergy Deployment on October 31. Bill will continue to serve our diocese as the Bishop Parsley presided at the Celebration of New priest in charge of Trinity in Clanton as well Ministry for the Rev. Stephen Dale Hood at the as a consultant for the election of bishops and Ascension in Vestavia Hills (Birmingham) on September ongoing Alabama and international pilgrim- 12.The Rev. J. Mark Holland, rector of St. James’ in ages. Baton Rouge, gave the homily during the service, and the Rev. Robert Odom, associate rector of St. James’, The Rev. Deacon Katy Smith served as the litanist.A reception, catered by Ruth Snow began serving as a deacon at St. Stephen’s in and members of the parish’s ECW with flower arrange- Birmingham in October. Katy previously ments by Jan Ennis, followed the service. served at All Saints’ in Birmingham. The members of the Ascension welcomed Stephen The Rev. Charles Taylor, a retired as their new rector in May. He grew up in Richardson, priest of our diocese, is currently serving as Texas, and earned his BA in political science and English interim rector of St.Alban’s in Birmingham. at Texas A&M and Texas State Universities. Stephen Stephen Hood (center) with J. Mark Holland and Robert Odom; photo by David Snow

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 SALT AND LIGHT: FROM THE BISHOP • 3 Passing Away and Forever Stamps Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Am I the only one who finds this a bit unsettling? All Saints’ Day comes each fall to remind us that I have become increasingly aware of a trend to speak of “passing away” is not what we believe happens when those who die as having “passed away.”This phrase has our physical life ends.The Christian view is that we die, always been around in the vernacular of our culture, but we are raised with Christ, and as the great old collect it is now heard ubiquitously on NBC and CNN, in the says we “go from strength to strength in the life of per- press, and in more and more personal conversations. I fect service in your heavenly kingdom.” Death is not an find this trend disquieting and wonder what it means. end; it is a passage, an awakening to life that we call eter- It may be in part something of a denial of death, as nal in the nearer presence of God.We do not just go if the word “died” is too painful to say. It may also be an away—we journey forward into a new, larger existence. indication of our increasingly one-dimensional, secular This larger life is mysterious to be sure, but very little age in which it is hard for many to imagine life beyond is clearer in the teaching of Jesus than his emphasis on the physical and material.The enchantment of worldli- God’s gift of eternal life, which begins now in him and ness is ever with us. stretches beyond death. St. Paul’s theology is continually To make matters worse I recently bought some infused with the hope of the resurrection.“As in Adam stamps at the post office that were described as “forever all die, so in Christ will all be made alive” (I Corinthians stamps.”They will always mail a letter regardless of 15.22). future postage increases, the eager clerk assured me. (I I wonder if the modern Church itself is not partly may add a pile of these to my lock box!) responsible for our lack of attention to this. Much mod- Somehow it has come to be that we speak of people ern theology does not put great emphasis on the eternal Photograph by Billy Brown “passing away” and of postal stamps that are “forever.” aspect of our faith.We are more likely to hear today that All Saints’ Day enlarges our view of life to its true Christian faith is meant to transform this world rather dimensions—we are transients on the way to eternity.We than ready us for the next. are made by God not for this life only, as blessed and Now it is absolutely true that the Gospel message is Somehow it has come to be that we speak magnificent as it is.We are made for eternity, for what meant to transform this world and that Christ shows us the Prayer Book calls “the communion of the saints in of people “passing away” and of postal how to live here and now.“The kingdom of God is in light.”We share this mystical communion in the Spirit the midst of you,” he said.The Easter message is not just stamps that are “forever.” . . .All Saints’ already with those who have died and go from strength about tomorrow but about today. It enables us to live to strength.Their prayers and their love continue to Day comes each fall to remind us that lives of radical hope in God’s present power to overcome touch us, as ours touch them.With them, on the other death in all its forms. It challenges us to do justice and “passing away” is not what we believe side of death, we shall “see face to face.” love mercy, to care for the poor and oppressed, and to I will never forget having tea once with Lady happens when our physical life ends. . . . sacrifice to make the world a better place for our having Ramsey, the widow of Archbishop Michael Ramsey.As been here.The quaint saying that Christians are “so All Saints’ Day opens our view of life up we talked, she often referred to Michael having gone to heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good” will not heaven. It was as natural for her to say it as if he were in to its true dimensions—we are transients do at all, not in the religion of Jesus. the next room. But there is much more to it.A retired priest once on the way to eternity. . . . Postal stamps This is what the communion of the saints is all observed,“I never hear the clergy preach about life after about. It is not “pie in the sky, bye and bye” theology. are not forever—people are, people who death. If you think that like a faded blossom we fall into To understand existence in its full eternal dimensions the ground and disappear, it is bound to do something know the deathless love of Christ. changes us now. to your view of life. It shrinks it.” Indeed it does. It reveals the sacred value of life and delivers us from deadly bondage to material things. It shows us that our lives have ultimate meaning and purpose. It frees us from THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH the fear of death so that we can live in abundance. It reveals to us that all life is bound up in a great mystical In the Diocese of Alabama In the United States The Anglican Communion About 34,000 baptized members A community of about 2.4 A 80-million-member wholeness and that nothing is lost.This gives us heart to in 91 parishes and worshiping million members in 119 dioceses worldwide community of live our lives in love now so that we will be ready for the communities and 8 college campus in the Americas and abroad. 38 provinces. ministries. Established in 1830. Established in 1789. heavenly realms where love shall be all in all. Archbishop of Canterbury Postal stamps are not forever—people are, people Bishop Presiding Bishop The Most Rev.Rowan D.Williams The Rt. Rev. Henry Nutt Parsley Jr. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Lambeth Palace, London who know the deathless love of Christ.We shall not just Carpenter House Episcopal Church Center England SE17JU pass away, but in John Donne’s words “at our last awak- 521 North 20th Street 815 Second Avenue ening we shall enter into that gate and dwell in that Birmingham,AL 35203 New York,NY 10017 205/715-2060 212/867-8400 house where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal The Apostle is published 9-10 times per year, with combined issues July/August and September/October, by music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no The Apostle the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Previous names for this publication have been The Diocese of Alabama Norma E. McKittrick, ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity in the habi- Editor (1892), The Church Record (1893-1922), The Alabama Churchman (1923-1987), The Apostle (1988- Miles G. Parsons, Art Director 1997), and The Alabama Apostle (1998). Periodicals rate postage paid at Birmingham,Alabama. tations of thy glory, world without end.” Denise Servant, Circulation Secretary All editorial submissions should be mailed to Norma McKittrick, Editor, The Apostle, 2156 Kent Way, Volume 92, Number 7 Birmingham,AL 35226; or E-mailed to [email protected]. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope September/October 2007 for any materials to be returned.The deadline for each issue is the 1st of the preceding month. Yours in the Risen Christ, USPS 070-910 All address corrections or additions should be mailed to Denise Servant, Circulation Secretary, The Apostle, 521 North ISSN 1041-3316 20th Street, Birmingham,AL 35203; or E-mailed to [email protected].

POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Denise Servant, Circulation Secretary, The Apostle, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203. The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley Jr.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 4 • THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS The House of Bishops Meets in New Orleans The House of Bishops held its regular fall meeting on September 19-25 in New Orleans, hoping to offer encouragement to the Church as well as to the city, which is continuing to recover from the hurricanes of 2005.The bishops’ spouses met concurrently under the theme “Marching with the Saints.”Archbishop Rowan Williams and members of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates met with the bishops and other invited guests on September 20 and the morning of September 21 to talk about a variety of subjects, including the recently proposed Anglican covenant and the Primates communiqué. During the afternoon of September 21, medical anthropologist and physician Paul Farmer, founder of Partners in Health programs in Haiti and around the world, joined the bishops in discussing various aspects of poverty and hunger relief targeted by the first of eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals.The bishops and their spouses spent September 22 doing hands-on work at rebuilding sites in New Orleans as well as along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.That evening Eugene “Gus” Newport, a program consul- tant for the Vanguard Public Foundation and the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, led a discussion on the role racism plays in hurricane-recovery efforts. The bishops held business sessions on September 24 and 25.The House of Bishops released “A Response to Questions and Concerns Raised by our Anglican Communion More than 1,000 people joined the bishops, spouses, and guests for the ecumenical worship service Partners” on Tuesday afternoon, September 25. Please see Bishop Parsley’s letter to our diocese at the Morial Convention Center on September 20;Archbishop Rowan Williams preached during the service, and dioceses presented donations totaling $931,000 for ongoing disaster relief and about the House of Bishops meeting and the communiqué and a statement about it by the Secretary recovery efforts. Episcopal Life Online photo by Matthew Davies General on behalf of the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council below. For more information please visit http://ecusa.anglican.org.

today. Let us not be misled by negative and ill-prepared A Letter from Bishop Parsley comments. A few of the elements of the document that I find to Our Diocese encouraging are as follows.We are clear, in response to New Orleans the request of the Primates’ Meeting, that non-celibate September 26, 2007 gay and lesbian persons are included among those to The Feast of Lancelot Andrewes whom the General Convention Resolution B-033 To the Clergy and People of the Diocese of Alabama: pertains.We reaffirmed this resolution that calls upon bishops and Standing Committees “to exercise restraint As I prepare to return to the diocese after participating by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate in the House of Bishops Interim Meeting in New to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a chal- Orleans since last Wednesday, I am attaching hereto the lenge to the wider Church and will lead to further communiqué that we have adopted in response to the strains on communion.”An Anglican subcommittee A group of bishops and their spouses spent part of September 22 requests of our partners in the Anglican Communion working on a home in the Katrina-devastated streets behind Christ had earlier found this resolution to comply with the Church Episcopal Cathedral in the Uptown neighborhood of New [please ask your rector for a copy of “A Response to force of the recommendation of the Windsor Report, Orleans. Episcopal Life Online photo by Matthew Davies Questions and Concerns Raised by Our Anglican as a footnote explains. Communion Partners”; or you can find it online at Secondly, we have said that the bishops pledge not the Primates’ Meeting,“we have a pastoral duty to www.ecusa.anglican.org—look for the “Priorities” sec- to authorize for use in our dioceses any public rites of respond with love and understanding to people of all tion at the bottom of the home page, and click on blessing of same sex unions “until a broader consensus sexual orientations . . . [It] is necessary to maintain a “House of Bishops: News from Episcopal Life”; at the emerges in the Communion, or until General Con- breadth of pastoral response to situations of individual bottom of that page, click on “More News”; then ven-tion takes further action.”This recognizes and pastoral care.”The listening process across the Com- scroll down and click on to the “House of Bishops affirms the common discernment of the Anglican munion on these matters is encouraged, and the response . . .”entry dated Sep 25, 2007]. Please read it Communion, which the Archbishop of Canterbury important role of the Anglican Consultative Council is carefully and know that it was written over a lengthy highlighted in his address to us and to which many stressed. Our hope that the Lambeth Conference will period of days and adopted by a very broad consensus of us have been trying to appeal for some time. include all duly elected bishops is expressed. of your bishops. Thirdly, the Presiding Bishop has developed a way There is more here to read and digest. I find the I believe that this communiqué represents a con- to have episcopal visitors provide pastoral care on her above points of our letter to be responsive to the con- siderable spirit of compromise and collegiality in the behalf for dioceses that request alternative oversight. Con- cerns of the Communion and to members of our House of Bishops, which I am pleased to see.There sultation with the Communion about this is encouraged, Church who may have been unclear about certain were only two voiced votes against its adoption and no and an appeal is made for the interventions by uninvited things.Your bishops are not of one mind on every minority report or open dissent.The communiqué will bishops, which imperil common prayer and long-stand- point of this document, and we continue to struggle be “spun” in different ways no doubt in accordance ing ecclesial principles of our Communion, is urged.We together with important and complex issues. But this with the biases of the press and the desires of different emphasize that “we appreciate and need to hear all voic- provides a place of coming together, which I find factions in the Church. I lament this, but it is the way es in the Episcopal Church.” encouraging at this moment. I ask that you read the of the world in which we presently live. I was particu- Throughout the communiqué we stress the love of communiqué for its own merit and take care not to larly disappointed by the inaccuracy of The New York God and of the Church for persons of all sexual orien- draw reductionist conclusions from what you may read Times article that appeared in The Birmingham News tations and the dignity of every human being. Quoting in the press or on the Internet.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS • 5

There will be opportunities for further discussion of been invited by Bishop these things in the days to come in our life together. I Charles Jenkins and the ask that you continue to pray for the unity and mission Episcopal Diocese of of the Church throughout the world, and I wish you Louisiana to witness every blessing in your worship and service of God. something of the min- istry of the Church as it plays its part in the heal- Statement by the Secretary ing and renewal of the city of New Orleans in General on behalf of the Joint the wake of Hurricane Standing Committee of the Katrina. So, after two days of engagement and Primates and the Anglican listening on the Thursday and Friday, Consultative Council members of the Joint Standing Committee London joined members of the September 27, 2007 House of Bishops and their spouses in partici- The Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and pating in active mission the Anglican Consultative Council accompanied the projects in the city of Archbishop of Canterbury to the meeting of the A young boy leans on the sign commemorating the blessing of the Church of All Souls by Archbishop New Orleans so griev- House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, which Rowan Williams and the Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, the Bishop of Louisiana. Episcopal Life Online photo by ously affected by Matthew Davies has been meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina. between Wednesday September 19 and Tuesday The past few days have been a time of enormous fact reflect the request of the Windsor Report for a September 25.We gathered at the invitation of learning and growth in mutual understanding. At moratorium on the election and consecration of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and the the same time, the conversation has been honest, candidates for the episcopate who were living in a House of Bishops in order to converse with them direct, and even painful at times.The Committee is sexual relationship outside of Christian marriage. about the current tensions encountered in the life of conscious that some of its members, in reflecting the Secondly, the Primates had asked that the Bishops, the communion. On Monday September 24, the very real concerns of the wider Communion, have as the chief liturgical officers in their dioceses, Joint Standing Committee met in formal session to spoken in a way that could be seen as challenging or should mutually undertake not to offer public litur- reflect on the conversations, both formal and infor- even offensive to the bishops of the Episcopal gies for the blessing of same-sex unions.Thirdly, the mal, in which they had participated over the previ- Church. Nevertheless, it has been important that Primates had offered suggestions for the sort of ous four days. each side has been honest and free to speak the pastoral care that could be offered in a way that The Committee would like to express their pro- message that has been laid on their hearts.The enabled interventions from other Provinces to cease. found thanks to the Presiding Bishop and the House words of the members of the Archbishop and of the While the Joint Standing Committee met in for- of Bishops for the generosity and graciousness of the Joint Standing Committee were met with patience, mal session on the Monday, the House of Bishops welcome that they have received.They had also generosity, and an intensity of debate on Monday began their consideration of the concerns expressed and Tuesday, which illustrates how seriously the to them by the wider Communion. Although their concerns of the wider Communion are taken by the response was not available to the Joint Standing Episcopal House of Bishops. Committee as they concluded their meeting on The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious Tuesday evening, they were briefed before departure that the very life of the Communion is standing at a by the Presiding Bishop.The formal response of the crossroads at present.The Anglican Communion is a House of Bishops is now available, and it is the family of 44 autonomous Churches.There is no intention of the Joint Standing Committee to central body that can pass judgment or issue direc- consult with one another in the preparation of a tions for the life of the Communion. At the same report to be submitted to the Archbishop of Canter- time, however, it is the responsibility of the Instru- bury by the end of the week offering an early ments of Communion to enable conversation and response to the statement that the House of Bishops discernment between the Provinces and Churches, have developed. and it was in this spirit that the Archbishop of The Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Canterbury and the members of the Joint Standing Consultative Council are grateful that the Committee have approached this meeting. Archbishop of Canterbury has indicated that he A central focus of the discussions has been the intends to consult widely with all the Primates and requests of the Windsor Report to the Episcopal with all members of the Anglican Consultative Church, as amplified by the Primates most recently Council as the Communion discerns the way ahead. at Dar es Salaam in February 2007. At that meeting, We call upon all Christian people to remember the Primates specifically addressed three questions the Churches and faithful of the Anglican Com- arising from the Windsor Report to the Episcopal munion in their prayers, trusting that the Holy House of Bishops.The primates had requested clari- Spirit will guide us into the wholeness of truth and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams addressing the House fication on the status of Resolution B033 of the life that is Christ’s will for his Church. of Bishops 75th General Convention and whether this did in

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 6 • DEACONS IN OUR MIDST/OUR COMPANION DIOCESE RELATIONSHIP Deacons in Our Midst By the Venerable Louise Thibodaux,Archdeacon

If I had to choose one symbol for the ministry of of every Christian’s call to serve others in Christ deacons that symbol would be a bridge.This image is and to serve Christ in others, it is but a small part very much in keeping with our charge “to show of our overall ministry. Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are Bishop Parsley has often described the dia- serving Christ himself” (Book of Common Prayer, p. conate as the nervous system of the body of 543).The Rev. Deacon David “Dave” Drachlis Christ.While much of the priest’s focus is within describes in his own words about what this aspect of the parish, the deacon, he explains, is called to live diaconal ministry means to him. immersed in the world, exposed to its pain and suffering.And like the human nervous system, the The Rev. Deacon David “Dave” Drachlis in Haiti THE REV. DEACON DAVID DRACHLIS deacon is called to sense and transmit the pain back The Rev. Deacon David “Dave” Drachlis was ordained in to the Church enabling the body to respond and the lack of safe drinking water, saw the lack of afford- 2004 and is presently assigned to St.Thomas’ in Hunts- work toward healing the wound.And so it is that able healthcare and education, and experienced the ville.Touched by the devastation and suffering he saw while where I have been touched and found my diaconal paralyzing effects of an unchecked criminal element. serving as a member of NASA’s Hurricane Recovery Team ministries. There in that troubled—yet beautiful—land we in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, he has continued to Late last year for example, as a new member of came face-to-face with our Lord in a suffering, yet actively participate in hurricane recovery ministries. Dave has our Companion Diocese Commission, I had the faithful, hopeful, gracious, and loving people. It is a served as chairman of the Huntsville Area Coordinated opportunity to visit Haiti with several members of the privilege to now have the opportunity to visit parishes Parishes Hurricane Relief Committee, and he now serves as Commission as it sought to help define our diocese’s and share their story and the many opportunities we assistant disaster coordinator for our diocese as well as cochair new companion relationship. It was for me a life- have to help ease their suffering and also to be help- of our Companion Diocese Commission. altering experience. In Haiti we saw firsthand the ing plan our first construction and medical missions. I As a deacon it seems that I am often most visible abject poverty that grips the poorest country in the am honored to be working with the commission and to the Church in the context of my role in the Western Hemisphere.We saw the heartbreaking mal- many good people of our diocese as together we seek Sunday morning liturgy.And although the deacon’s nourishment and disease that gives Haiti the highest simultaneously to live into both a new companion role—especially at table—serves as a visible symbol child mortality rate in the Americas.We experienced relationship and our baptismal covenant. Our Companions in Christ in Haiti MARY ELLIS BOYD’S [email protected] or 256/881-9302, or Anne Kimzey at hanahanford@ LEMONADE STAND HELPS yahoo.com or 334/834-2553. For information about Holy Cross Episcopal School please contact Catherine Brown at 205/629-3229 or [email protected]. BUILD A NEW SCHOOL In March 2007 Kevin Housman, Cathedral Church of TWO MISSION the Advent’s liaison to Haiti, gave TRIPS PLANNED a presentation in Children’s By the Rev. Bill King, Our Chapel explaining Advent’s part- Diocesan Deputy for Ministry nership with the Haiti Education Development and Clergy Foundation and our diocese’s Deployment commitment to the education, nutrition, and overall health of Six adults, led by children in Haiti. One of the Mary Ellis Boyd with Jameson Brown and Annie-Lura the Rev. Deacon Dave Advent’s specific goals is to replace Brown Drachlis of Huntsville a ramshackle school fashioned from are traveling to Haiti in scrap wood and palm fronds with a permanent cinder-block structure. mid-October for a After the presentation Mary Ellis Boyd, a nine-year-old enrolled at Holy Cross weeklong work session Episcopal School, a homeschool cover school in Trussville, entered the Sunkist Take a to assist Haitian carpen- Stand competition. Her essay, which included descriptions of conditions in Haiti and ters with the construc- her heartfelt desire to help the children, was selected as a winner, and Sunkist agreed tion of new desks for to sponsor a lemonade stand and match a portion of her profits. the six schools attached to Episcopal churches under the care of the Rev. Pere The lemonade stand was held at Pepper Place Market in downtown Birmingham Valdema and his wife, Carmel.The photo of the two desks was taken at St.Alban’s on Wednesday,August 15. Mary Ellis and her friends Jameson and Annie-Lura Brown, school in the mountain village of Crochu. Only walking paths lead into Crochu so along with their fellow students at Holy Cross, served refreshments and passionately all building materials have to be carried by donkey or horse. educated passersby about the plight of children in Haiti and how to help.The children A medical mission is planned for February 2-10. For more information please raised $1,248.Thanks be to God for their hard work and servant hearts! contact Anne Kimzey ([email protected] or 334/834-2553), Dave Drachlis To learn more about projects in Haiti, our Companion Diocese, please contact ([email protected] or 256/881-9302), or Bill King (205/715-2060 ext. 317 or Becky Rone at 205/226.3512 or [email protected], Dave Drachlis at [email protected]).

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 OUR COMPANION DIOCESE RELATIONSHIP/CAMP MCDOWELL • 7

ST. STEPHEN’S HOSTS FUNDRAISER By the Rev. Deacon Lynn Bullard Saving the Wildflowers St. Stephen’s in Huntsville By Betty McCutchen, a Member of Grace Church in Sheffield hosted a dinner and presentation about our companion diocese, Before the wooded Haiti, in August and raised more site for the new chapel than $2,700 for mission work.The at Camp McDowell was Rev. Deacon Dave Drachlis, our cleared for construction, guest speaker, shared stories and a Executive Director the wonderful DVD of photos he Rev. Mark Johnston took last year on a diocesan trip to invited some member of learn more about the needs of our our diocese and Master companions in Haiti. Gardeners from the If you would like to have a Shoals area to remove copy of the DVD or make arrange- and transplant wildflow- ments for Dave and/or his cochair ers, ferns, and oakleaf of the Haiti Companion Diocesan hydrangeas. Frank Commission,Anne Kimzey of Moses and Florence and James Dunn, Frank Moses, Jean Dunn (kneeling), Montgomery, to speak at your Elouisa Stokes of Betty McCutchen, Nancy Kelley, Suzanne Chasteen, parish, please contact Dave at Huntsville surveyed the Elouisa Stokes, and Faye Lacefield [email protected] or 256/881- site and tagged the 9302, or Anne at hanahanford@ plants suitable for transplanting, and as many as possible were moved to other yahoo.com or 334/834-2553. camp areas. Frank Moses and Maggie Johnston, director of the Environmental Center provided invaluable expertise for this project. CAMP M C D OWELL A Theology of “Green” Construction By the Rev. Mark Johnston, Executive Director of Camp McDowell I am excited about the pending construction of live and think. Experiencing the creation at Camp native plants (please see “Saving the Wildflowers” the new Chapel of St. Francis. Camp McDowell is a McDowell is one reason why it is such a spiritual above). Many of the gardeners took a Camp vibrant spiritual center of our diocese, and this is place for me and our guests, and at camp and McDowell plant home to propagate in their yards. going to be a diocesan chapel. through camp programs we often experience the Next, a local logger cut carefully selected trees As many of you know, I am a carpenter as well as awe, mystery, love, and wonder of God through the from the site and took the logs to a sawmill.The lum- a priest.When I build something, the core of the creation.To me it is no surprise that Jesus often went ber will be used to construct the chapel, and the work is my personal theology and spirituality. Building into the wilderness or a garden to pray.As the cre- remaining wood has been sold for pulp to make a house is ministry—and most certainly the construc- ation has become more a source for my spirituality, I paper. Most of the tops of the felled trees will be cut tion of this chapel is ministry too. have felt the responsibility to participate with it as a for firewood, and others will be piled to provide I have been asked by numerous people to write caregiver, evangelist, and activist. Construction of a wildlife habitat. Often in construction workers are about how the construction of this chapel will be building impacts the creation, and my primary moti- paid to remove trees, which are later burned, but by “green building,” which is important for the future vations for green building are to limit the negative being good stewards, we both saved and earned well-being of our planet.To understand the basis of impact on creation by the construction of and con- money and material from the site-clearing process. my concept of green construction, I think you need sequential future use of a facility. Of course we also selected the site for the new to know some of my theology and the theology of A place to begin is to examine concepts consid- chapel because of the beauty of creation—the forest the larger Church. I build in response to my belief in ered in the selection of the site for the new chapel. ecosystem—in that location. In addition to enhancing God—consequently, before you read my thoughts Centrally located near the soccer field, the chapel will our worship experiences, the many deciduous trees about green building, you will have to read a little bit be within easy walking distance for our guests—the left near the chapel will provide shade in the warm about my theology. (It’s just like a priest to write in less we drive our automobiles, the less negative impact months, and when they lose their leaves in the fall such a way!) we have on creation.Another factor was finding a site they will allow the sun’s rays to naturally warm the My spirituality, my understanding of God, has where minimal clearing and grading would have to be chapel in the winter.This simple green construction been shaped by numerous sources based on the done. Not only will the chapel fit well into our envi- consideration will conserve energy, save money, and Anglican three-legged stool of Scripture, tradition, ronment because of this thoughtful consideration, but limit our carbon footprint. and reason. As I have grown older, one of the sources we are also saving construction cost by limiting the I could go on and on—and I will do just that in of spiritual knowledge that I have grown to value digging. Furthermore, we will alter less habitat and a future issue of The Apostle. I will write more about more and more is God’s creation—the earth and its reduce our contribution to global warming by operat- green technology, which flows from green theology. many ecosystems. It seems that the more I learn ing machinery less. For more information please contact Mark at about God’s creation, the more I receive glimpses of Before the site was cleared, Camp McDowell’s [email protected] or 205/387-1806. the creator, and those glimpses have shaped the way I staff and guests transplanted hundreds of beautiful

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 8 • SAWYERVILLE DAY CAMP/FOR AND ABOUT YOUTH Sawyerville Day Camp—A Community Affair! By Leslie Bridgers Manning, Our Diocesan Youth Ministries Assistant entertained and inspired us. The Sawyerville Work Project is a soul-filling adven- On Tuesday, Smith Williams, a ture. Erasing the lines drawn by society and working Birmingham consultant, provided together to spread God’s love are the results of being cultural diversity training for the immersed in such a positive Christian community. For entire upper camp. On Wednesday, those 10 days our job is to teach, but forever, our job John Scalici, a talented drummer is to learn. and teacher, involved all the campers —Mary Keeley Mcallister, an Upper Camp workshop in a series of drumming workshops. leader and rising senior at the University of Alabama Special thanks to the Saweryville Leadership College students who sponsored lunch on Wednesday— the campers took extra time to fin- ish the delicious meal! On Friday, the lower campers enjoyed playing and learning at McWane Center in Birmingham, and the upper campers enjoyed riding the train and watching the animals at the Thanks to the support of people like you, the youth Birmingham Zoo. On Saturday, we sponsored a com- staff, and community volunteers, Sawyerville Day munity carnival, held a closing service for the campers, Camp #14 (June 23-July 1) was a tremendous success. and shared a covered dish lunch with the community. We all worked together to provide a week of fun and —Joanna Fitts Ware, cochair of the Sawyerville Work fellowship for 210 youth, age 6 to 14, from Hale and Project Commission Greene Counties.The day camp and our home base, fondly called “Commander’s Palace,” were both locat- ed at the West public school campus in Greensboro. Being on staff for Sawyerville work project is an Hale County school buses transported campers to amazing experience. Oftentimes, in projects such as and from the West campus and the Marion Military Sawyerville, I can find myself by giving my time in Institute swimming pool. service to others. This day camp is truly a community affair! The —Kirby Henslee, a first-time Sawyerville staff member following reflections from staff members and the pho- and rising freshman at the University of the South tos on these pages will give you an idea of what this There is a young man I know from Hale County annual camp means for everyone who participated. One of the greatest moments that has ever touched named James Tubbs. If there were a young person my life happened at the 2007 Sawyerville Work whom I could elect for mayor, it would be this intelli- I want to share with you some highlights of the Project. I never gained as much knowledge and as gent and compassionate young man. Mr.Tubbs is 11 week. On Monday, Dana Reed, a Christian musician many friendships as I did just hanging out with a years old and quite fond of well, everything. Interested from Nashville entertained and inspired the campers group of 12 preteen girls.When my 11-year-old in birds, learning people’s full names, turtles, and find- with his own music, which included the new hit Alexandria introduced me to her mom on the last day ing the perfect toy pig for his grandmother at the “Camp Sawyerville.”A University of Alabama African of camp, I felt a bond strengthen.When her mom zoo—he is always a joy to be around. American fraternity, known for its “Step Program,” also said,“Alexandria has told me so much about you,” my Every day at camp we take a trip—as a matter heart melted. Because to of fact we take two trips—to the Marion Military know that this whole Institute (MMI) swimming pool.We are always well camp has extended home taken care of while we are at this pool and have to the families of formed quite a bond with this institution over the campers really tells me years. On the last full day of camp, I went to ask our that this is a good thing friends at MMI if there was anything else we need- going on. I hope that this ed to do to “take care of business.”After the athletic good thing never stops, manager let me know how much we owed him, because we are making a which is an unbelievable deal when you realize how difference. much joy this experience brings to our campers, I —Emily Robins, a saw James Tubbs standing nearby. I introduced James senior at Mountain Brook to the men who make sure the pool is clean, avail- High school and member able, and ready for us to use each year. James’s face of our Diocesan Youth lit up.When he realized who they were and what Department gifts they brought to his life, he was beside himself. James walked up to each man, introduced himself, and said thank you.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 SAWYERVILLE DAY CAMP/FOR AND ABOUT YOUTH/AROUND OUR DIOCESE • 9

If there’s something I can take away from my time in Hale County this year it would be the importance of saying thank you. In watching James I remembered just how important it is to be aware of the immense gratitude I feel toward my St. Timothy’s Celebrates community and God. In watching James I remembered the importance of others names and reaching out to all people with a heart full of thanksgiving. In watch- ing James I remembered what it looked like to be aware of the entirety that God 140 Years of Ministry has given me. I remembered what it felt like to be humbled by grace and grati- St.Timothy’s in Athens celebrated its 140th anniversary on Saturday July 21. tude. By watching James I became a fuller and more thankful Christian. Most The festivities began at 3 p.m. with dulcimer music and a special presentation of importantly, I remembered how to be intentional about being so curious of others historical vignettes, and Bishop Parsley presided at the Celtic evensong service that I realize the immense gifts they are bringing to the table. at 4 p.m. Dinner on the grounds ended with a special cake and punch. It is an amazing thing to be welcomed into someone else’s community and treated like you are a part of the family for almost 10 days. It is an amazing gift to be able to walk alongside the staff, learn their stories, and watch them experience God’s fullness in that place. It is a gift to be humbled by an 11-year-old and moved by the Holy Spirit in that moment. Thanks be to God for the chance to live, work, and play within the Sawyerville Work Project community. —Leslie Bridgers Manning

Holy Trinity’s 50th Anniversary Celebration The members of Holy Trinity in Auburn have been celebrating their parish’s 50th anniversary with a year of special events including a parish picnic on Trinity Sunday, June 3, and a reception for former rector the Rev. Bill McLemore.The celebration will conclude on November 4 with a special luncheon featuring recipes form the parish’s new cookbook Saints and Simmers.

Upcoming Youth Events October 21 Northern District Day at St. John’s in Decatur for 7th-12th graders October 28 Montgomery District Day for 7th-12th graders November 9-11 Fall Fling at Camp McDowell for 5th-6th graders December 28-10 Christmas Conference at Camp McDowell for 9th- 12th graders January 18-21 Winter Weekend at Camp McDowell for 7th-8th graders January 25-27 EYC Convention at the Ascension in Montgomery for 9th-12th graders The Rev. Bill McLemore, who served as rector of the parish from 1974 to 1986, was honored on July 22. March 7-9 Happening #52 at St. Stephen’s in Huntsville for 10th-12th graders March 15-20 Spring Break Conference/Mission Trip at Camp McDowell and beyond

For more information please contact Youth Ministries Assistant Leslie Bridgers Manning at [email protected] or 205/715-2060 ext. 325 or Deputy for Christian Formation and Youth Ministries Sarah Sartain at ssartain@ dioala.org or 205/715-2060 ext. 314.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 10• EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN/EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT E PISCOPAL C HURCH WOMEN Compiled by Sally Sinclair, Communications Chairman ERD Makes a Tangible Difference From the ECW President in the World By Alleen Cater, [email protected] By Judy Quick, Our Diocesan ERD Representative ECW has been in high gear! We’ve just The 2006 Annual Report quantifies how Episcopal Relief Philippines, and Afghanistan, in partnership with local dio- enjoyed a fine Fall Conference in Auburn, and Development (ERD) is making a tangible difference ceses and organizations, have helped fight the root cause including inspirational talks by the Rev. Dr. Julia in the world.“In 2006, we changed the lives of more than of hunger and poverty. Closer to home, the Hallelujah Gatta.We are grateful to all the women of the one million individuals and transformed communities Housing program is building affordable homes along the East Alabama Convocation (St. James’ in in 32 countries around the world,” notes ERD President Mississippi Gulf Coast with the goal of building 300 to Alexander City, Holy Trinity in Auburn, St. Robert Radtke.“ERD focused on fulfilling our mandate 400 affordable homes for people who live at 60 to 80 per- Dunstan’s in Auburn, Emmanuel in Opelika, through programs in three main areas: primary health, cent of the average median income. St. Stephen’s in Phoenix City, St. Barnabas’ in food security, and emergency relief and recovery. In our You can be sure that your donations to ERD make a Roanoke, and St.Andrew’s in Tuskegee) for host- efforts to fight preventable diseases, eradicate poverty, and tangible difference in the world! ing this so beautifully under the leadership of restore communities devastated by disasters, we use the Please remember the Gifts for Life Catalog. Looking Coordinator Tana Branch.Thanks so much, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a benchmark for meaningful gifts for Christmas this year? Why ladies! to measure our progress. Each of our international pro- not give a goat for income and nourishment or Thanks to the members of the UTO grams is structured to make the MDGs a reality for peo- provide clean, filtered water for a community? Committee for assisting Tora Johnson during her ple in the developing world.” Why not help a family rebuild their home or pro- term as Diocesan UTO Coordinator: Dawn The eight Millennium Development Goals are vide startup funds for a woman to start her own Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger;Achieve business to bring income to her impoverished Pilleteri of St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands in Universal Primary Education for Children; Promote family? These are a few of the many, significant Birmingham, Dr.Adriane Ludwick of St. Gender Equality and Empower Women; Reduce Child gifts that you can give in honor of a loved one, Andrew’s in Tuskegee, Douglass Porter of Holy Mortality; Improve Maternal Health; Combat HIV/AIDS, and they are found in the Gifts for Life Catalog at Comforter in Montgomery, Betty McCutchen Malaria, and Other Diseases; Ensure Environmental the Episcopal Relief and Development Web site, of Grace in Sheffield, Lucy Ware of Trinity in Sustainability; and Create a Global Partnership for www.er-d.org.Think about it—these truly are gifts Florence, Eddie Joyce Sexton of St. Paul’s in Development. ERD’s The Nets for Life Malaria Prevention that keep on giving. Many blessings to you all! Selma, Jackie Camper of Epiphany in Gunters- Program distributed 181,000 nets with training in eight If you would like more information or a presentation ville, and Joann Pope of St. Michael and All countries in sub-Saharan Africa to protect more than on the good work of ERD around the world, please contact Angels’ in Anniston. 500,000 people. Micro-loans, farming cooperatives, and Judy Quick at [email protected]. Thanks to the members of the Scholarship training programs in countries such as Burundi, the Committee for their hard work with Coordinator Nancy Thompson: Marilyn Atkins of St. Peter’s You can obtain a UTO Grant application in Wednesday, October 24. Registration will begin at 9:30 in Talladega, Sue Haygood of Holy Trinity in October from the Rev. Rob Morpeth at Carpenter am. with the meeting at 10 a.m.The convocation’s new Auburn, Jane Elliott of Holy Comforter in House. Please return your completed application to our officers will be installed. For more information please diocesan office by mid-December for approval by Bishop contact Fiona Watts at [email protected]. Gadsden, Cathy Blackney of Good Shepherd in Parsley, and be sure to mail a copy to our Diocesan St. Peter’s in Talladega will host the Cheaha Decatur, Darrah Stewart of St. Paul’s in UTO Coordinator,Tora Johnson, 525 Paige Hill Road, Convocation’s Fall meeting on Thursday, October 25. Greensboro, and Lisa Parrish of Ascension in Anniston,AL 36207. If you would like to view last year’s The Rev. Bob Blackwell and his wife, Kay, will talk Montgomery. application form in order to prepare for a formal appli- about their mission experience in Damascus, Syria. For The Bishop’s Guild, chaired by Linda cation, please contact Tora at [email protected]. further information please contact Sally Feuerlein at Kennedy of the Cathedral Church of the St. Michael’s in Huffman will host the [email protected]. Advent, will hostess the reception following the Birmingham Convocation Fall meeting on Ordination and Consecration of our new Bishop Suffragan tentatively scheduled for January 12, 2008.The guild includes the Birmingham Upcoming ECW Events and Deadlines Convocation and welcomes participation from October 11-12 118th Annual ECW Fall Conference in Auburn around our diocese. If you would like to help in October UTO Grant applications available from the Rev. Rob Morpeth at Carpenter House any way, please contact Linda at linda.kennedy@ October 24 Fall Meeting of the Birmingham Convocation bellsouth.com. October 25 Fall Meeting of the Cheaha Convocation Lastly, thanks to all the women of our diocese November 14 Annual crafts and food bazaar sponsored by the ECW of St. John's in Montgomery for their many ministries carried out with love, November 15 UTO Fall Ingathering Deadline; arrange a date with your rector on a schedule that will allow joy, and dedication. you to return your ingathering to our Diocesan ECW office by this deadline. Please check our diocesan ECW Web site, December 8 6th Annual St. Nicholas Day Bazaar sponsored by the ECW of Grace in Woodlawn www.alabamaecw.org, often for information on Mid-December UTO Grant Applications due to Carpenter House these and other items of interest. January Annual contributions due from parishes to our Diocesan ECW

Blessings! Please update your convocation coordinator and the ECW board when ECW leaders change at your parish.You can complete an online form at www.alabamaecw.org/2007ParishECWInfoSheet.pdf. For details and additional events please see the ECW Calendar/Handbook and visit www.alabamaecw.org.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 AROUND OUR DIOCESE • 11 Building a Church in Homer, Alaska By the Rev. Robert “Rob” St. Germain-Iler, Rector of St. Columba in-the-Cove in Owens Cross Roads

Homer had been gathering for more than 50 years, meeting on Saturdays in borrowed churches but never in a building of their own.The vestry of St. Augustines’ recently had been awarded a $63,000 UTO grant.That was not sufficient to hire a contrac- tor and build a church, but it was certainly enough for a substantial beginning—so Paul called Marcus and me. The Diocese of Alaska owned property overlook- ing the Kachemak Bay, and plans were drawn for a 24 by 44-foot structure that On August 19, a 50-year-old Episcopal congregation Marcus’s Ohio complement in Anchorage.We drove included a nave, restroom, kitchen, and an office.A in Homer,Alaska, gave thanks for 6 members of the to Homer the next day and settled into the homes of vestry member e-mailed me the plans—I pronounced Diocese of Alabama and 14 members of the Diocese St.Augustines’ parishioners for the next 10 days.The the project feasible and compiled a materials list. of Ohio.The team of 20, including 8 youth, spent 10 next morning, we headed to the job site where I I talked about the trip at a diocesan Fresh Start days at the westernmost point of the continental celebrated Eucharist using a stack of lumber for an (for incoming clergy) meeting where the Rev. Diane United States this summer building a parish home for altar. Hill of St. Mark’s in Birmingham expressed interest. St.Augustines’ (dubbed so for the two saints by that In preparing for the construction team, eight 30- The trip also was advertised in our diocesan Blue name) in the Diocese of Alaska. foot pilings had been driven into the unstable ground Sheet and The Apostle, where Keith White of Alex- The journey to the end of the road, as Homer is and now stood at varying heights in a large rectangle. ander City saw it. My 12-year-old son, Jacob, and known, began four years ago in Sewanee,Tennessee. The first day’s work included cutting the pilings to Lynn and Juliana Larson of St. Columba joined the That’s where I met the Rev. Marcus Cunningham, level heights.The next morning, we met early to build mission team. Marcus Cunningham, meanwhile, who is now rector of St. Matthew’s in Brecksville, a beam foundation above the pilings. On the third involved the youth group at St. Matthew’s in Ohio, and the Rev. Paul Klitzke, who is a priest and day, we built floor joists, followed by the plywood Brecksville, and in all 14 members of the parish signed missioner for the Alaska Wilderness Mission Camps. floor.We had a great group of workers—we’d drop a on for the adventure. Marcus and I were entering our first year at the piece of wood into place, and six people were there The Alabama contingency left Birmingham School of Theology at the University of the South at with hammers. International Airport on July 8 and rendezvoused with the time, and Paul was a middler Next came the walls, including a large window preparing for deployment in the detail behind the altar, which land of the midnight sun. overlooked the picturesque bay. It didn’t take long for me, a Then, with time pressing in, we former general contractor, and completed the roof structure. Marcus, an avid woodworker, to As we bid our Northern forge a friendship centered on our friends good-bye, all of us knew common carpentry interests.We we had built more than a wood- often dreamed aloud of a joint en structure—we had built mission trip when our seminary friendships and we had built up days ended and our parish min- the body of Christ.“It is just istries began, and Alaska sounded wonderful what they’ve done just adventurous enough. Paul for us here,” St.Augustines’ encouraged us and kept in touch parishioner Catherine Knott when he left Tennessee for his new wrote to my wife later.To post two years later. express their thanks, the people Shortly after his arrival in of St.Augustines’ draped a large Anchorage, Paul learned about St. banner over their front door as Augustines’ parish. Served during they welcomed a standing-room the summer months by the Rev. only crowd of 27 to their first Robert Cooper of the Diocese of Eucharist in their new home. Western Louisiana, the church in The Alabama Gang: Keith White, Lynn and Juliana Larson, Rob and Jacob Iler, and Diane Hill

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 12• AROUND OUR DIOCESE Your Parish Archives: What To Save By James L. Baggett,Archivist, Birmingham Public Library

Every parish has a history, as historic documents, record and we all share an obliga- parish activities as well as tion to preserve that history changes in the church build- for those who come after us. ing.You may also wish to The leadership of your collect photographs of rec- parish should make sure that tors, vestry members, and documents recording the church-related events. congregation’s history and Financial and business activities as well as docu- records of the parish, includ- ments needed for future ing treasurer’s records, general operation are archived. ledgers, budgets, and annual Be sure to preserve doc- financial reports should be uments relating to ownership preserved, but there is no of the church property such need to archive routine as copies of deeds, mortgages, financial materials. Keep and leases. Material relating utility bills, canceled checks, to the church building check stubs, monthly check- should also be saved, espe- ing account statements, and cially architectural drawings contracts and warranties on and building specifications, minor equipment like fax contracts relating to major machines or photocopiers for construction, and contracts however long you need them relating to equipment and A 19th-century photograph of Trinity in Demopolis decorated for Christmas for bookkeeping purposes— maintenance, including pest after that they have no control. Always preserve doc- historic value. uments relating to gifts to the church, both financial Because most parishes have a small amount of gifts and items such as memorial windows or pews. storage space, limit what you archive to items that Other documents that should be preserved document the history of your church. Don’t keep old include copies of church registers that record bap- newspapers, magazines, or books that do not contain tisms, confirmations, first communions, marriages, information on your parish. Likewise, old Bibles, and burials as well as vestry minutes, which provide hymnals, and prayer books should not be archived the best record of the governance of the parish, and unless they provide some information on the minutes of annual meetings and groups related to the parish—just because something is old does not mean parish including alter guilds and Episcopal Church it is historically significant. Women.You should also archive membership lists, Parishes can establish their own archival program parish directories, and lists of vestry members and or work with an institution like the Birmingham committee members along with parochial reports. In Public Library to place records in an established addition, all correspondence, including letters, archival facility.The Birmingham Public Library has memos, and e-mail messages relating to church activ- served as the archives for the Episcopal Diocese of ities, should be preserved.When possible, also archive Alabama and several parishes for almost two decades. the papers and sermons of rectors and other clergy We regularly assist parishes with the preservation of who serve the parish. their records, and we offer a free workshop on Documents that record the life and activities of “Organizing and Preserving Your Church Archives.” the parish include Sunday bulletins, church newslet- For more information on archiving your parish records ters, and programs for special events such as concerts, please contact me at [email protected] or 205- 226-3631. Christmas plays, weddings and funerals, posters, and Parish register from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in flyers. Photographs, which are sometimes overlooked Cahaba dated 1845-1869

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 AROUND OUR DIOCESE • 13 The Church of the Epiphany Says “Hello” By Church Member Michael Flores

We would like to say “Hello.”We are the Church of Epiphany needs. His presence has made the Epiphany in Tallassee. Our small but vibrant our period of loss more bearable, and the community has undergone some major changes in grace of his spirit has helped us to move the past year, and we would like to share our story forward. with you. The cycle of the church is comfort- Our church began as a group of people who ing in that our prayer is focused on a gathered to pray.Through their prayers and action moment in time.With that in mind the Church of the Epiphany took root in Tallassee Larry suggested that Lent would be the and began to bear fruit. From a small prayerful perfect time to share our particular group to a new church building and a growing Episcopal prayer with the rest of Episcopal community. Tallassee. So he instituted a Lenten Series, and we invited everyone in the surrounding area. With the coming of Easter a sense of renewal is always in the air, and our prayerful Easter celebration raised a “joyful noise unto the Lord.”The addi- Easter egg hunt tional musicians let it be known that a Place but also a Hallowed Place. moment of celebration was upon us. Special liturgical Many times members of this church see needs, and moments as these stay with you, and the talents of rather than ask the vestry to address the matter, they these individuals was truly a blessing. just go where their prayer leads them. Families with After the service we held an Easter picnic. One young children have moved into our church, and there thing that Epiphany does well is picnic, and we had a was not an adequate place for them to play. So while great celebration.We held an Easter egg hunt, and the vestry had an area fenced, others took it upon children with baskets overflowing laughed and yelled themselves to raise the money needed for playground throughout the afternoon. Later, when the children equipment.They held a yard sale to raise the money— and their parents walked across to the assisted living so thank-you to Betty and Jimmy Weldon for our play- home and delivered Easter baskets, the faces of our ground equipment. neighbors and our children were mirrored in each On June 3, Bishop Miller came to Epiphany to other—it was hard to say who smiled more. celebrate a service of Confirmation, and while six indi- With Easter behind us and the Resurrection with viduals were confirmed and two received, all of us us, Epiphany moved on to the next project.A mem- recited the Baptismal Covenant and renewed our com- ber of the church had made a contribution for the mitment to God and to each other.After the service purpose of building a columbarium on the church we had a covered dish lunch—and celebrate we did. grounds, and this seemed the time to make all the One of the larger events in our area is Relay for previous plans a reality.Through the hard work of our Life, and a member of our church felt that this would Senior and Junior Wardens and Larry, these plans on be the perfect way to give something back to the larg- paper are now an actual memorial.Through their er community.Through the hard work of this one hard work and ability to bring others to the project, individual, the members of our church shared a very Epiphany will soon complete the project.We hope special moment. Our Relay for Life was held at the Bishop Miller, Rector Larry Sharpton, and confirmands with the coming of spring will also come the rain, football stadium in Tallassee, and we gathered there to which will make additional plantings a success.The cheer one of our new members as she marched past Not all change has been welcomed. Fr. Buddy columbarium will mark Epiphany as not only a Holy with other survivors.An act of kindness while well Oliver, our priest and friend, died, and his leaving had intended many times is just a passing moment, but a profound affect on the members of this prayerful now because of this one person’s hard work “survivor” community. Fr. Buddy was the reason my family settled in no longer just a word but a face. at Epiphany. His sincere manner and down-to-earth You may have noticed that our church has been sharing of the Gospel message was always one of the referred to in many ways but not as a parish.We hope highlights of our week. that after the next diocesan convention that will no Buddy’s death was a time of searching for our longer be necessary.The Church of the Epiphany will church, not so much of families looking for somewhere petition the convention to be raised to the status of a else to pray, but rather for someone to pray with us. parish. Previous vestries have worked toward this goal, Epiphany is a place of prayer, a Holy Place, and when and we pray that all of this work will finally come to you find such a place you do not leave but rather invite fulfillment.We ask for your prayers and hopefully your others to pray with you. applause after our petition is granted, and if you find With great guidance, direction, and help from yourself in Tallassee on any Sunday come pray with Bishop Parsley, a priest was found for Epiphany.The us—and maybe, if you’re lucky, stay for the picnic. Rev. Larry Sharpton has been the priest and friend Relay for Life

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 14• AROUND OUR DIOCESE

U PCOMING R ETREATS,CONFERENCES, AND S PECIAL E VENTS

“WORSHIP” James Elliott Jr., rector of Holy Comforter in Gadsden, at Wednesdays in October Series at Nativity in Huntsville [email protected], or the Rev. Bill King at 205/715- October 3 “Why Worship,” the Rev. Sarah Gaede, Rector 2060 ext. 317 or [email protected]. Bishops’ Visitation Schedule of St. Bartholomew’s in Florence October 14, Sunday “THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU October 10 “Common Prayer,” the Rev. Dr. Julia Gatta, 9:30 a.m. Bishop Parsley, St. Simon ODD” Professor of Pastoral Theology at the University of the Peter’s, Pell City South School of Theology November 9-11 at St. Mary’s Sewanee—A Center for Spiritual 10:30 a.m. Bishop Miller, October 17 “Enriching Your Worship—New Ideas in the St. Luke’s, Jacksonville Liturgy,” the Rev. Bruce White, Rector of St. Michael Development and All Angels’ in Anniston Bishop Parsley will lead this October 17, Wednesday October 24 “Wrestling with the Trinity,” the Very Rev. retreat, which will focus on 7 p.m. Bishop Parsley,Trinity Henry Hudson, Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Little Flannery O’Connor’s stories and Church, Bessemer Rock the encounters with grace revealed October 21, Sunday The clergy and parishioners of the Church of the in her writings.“Their honesty about our human nature, 10 a.m. Bishop Miller, Nativity in Huntsville cordially invite everyone to this their humor, and their startling rendering of the work of St. Barnabas’, Roanoke the Holy Spirit make them an evocative centerpiece for year’s Wednesdays in October. Evening Prayer begins at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Parsley, Grace reflection,” he notes.Worship and Bible study will enrich 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. and a presenta- Church, Cullman tion by a guest speaker at 7 p.m. To make reservations or the retreat time. For more information please contact St. October 28, Sunday for more information please call the parish office at Mary’s Sewanee at 800/728-1659 or StMarysSewanee@ 10:30 a.m. Bishop Miller, 256/533-6969. bellsouth.net, or visit www.StMarysSewanee.org. Holy Cross,Trussville “WATERSHEDS AND WARMING” WORKSHOP “DREAMS—WINDOWS TO THE SOUL” WORKSHOP October 11 at the Junior League Building in Birmingham November 4, Sunday November 16-17 (Friday from 6:30 to “Care of Creation” Retreat 10:30 a.m. Bishop Parsley,All Saints’, 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to October 12-14 at Camp McDowell Montgomery Our Diocesan Stewardship of Creation Task Force has 4 p.m.) at St. Luke’s in Birmingham Our diocesan Commission on 10:45 a.m. Bishop Miller, St. received a $6,500 grant from World Wildlife Fund for Francis’, Indian Springs providing programs on “Watersheds and Warming.”The Spirituality invites everyone to this Task Force will host an all-day workshop in Birmingham special workshop led by the Rev. on Thursday, October 11, for the Task Force Liaisons, Bob Haden, director of the Haden November 11, Sunday interested clergy and parishioners, faith leaders of other Institute, which offers certified train- 9 a.m. Bishop Miller, Good denominations, and watershed and community leaders in ing in dream group leadership and Shepherd, Montgomery the priority Alabama watersheds. In addition the Task spiritual direction in the Jungian, Force will host a Care of Creation Retreat at Camp mystical, Christian tradition. Bob is a November 14, Wednesday McDowell on October 12-14, with featured speakers priest, spiritual director, and pastoral 6 p.m. Bishop Parsley, St. Don Elder, River Network; Dr. Bill Deutsch,Alabama counselor, as well as a diplomate of Philip’s, Ft. Payne Water Watch; and Maggie Johnston and the Camp the American Psychotherapy Association. He coauthored the Soul’s Labyrinth and is currently writing a book on McDowell Environmental Camp Staff. Participants will November 18, Sunday receive a six-week “Watersheds and Warming” education Biblical dreams. For more information please contact 10 a.m. Bishop Miller, Holy Nikki Chenault at [email protected] or Sarah program for teaching in their local parish.The retreat Cross, Uniontown; St. programs will focus on watershed impacts of global Sartain at Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham,AL 35203-2682; 205/715-2060 ext. 314. Michael’s, Faunsdale warming, and our measurable response. For more infor- 11 a.m. Bishop Parsley, Cathedral mation about either of these events, please contact Michael FIFTH ANNUAL CHURCH MUSIC CONFERENCE Church of the Advent Churchman at [email protected] or Eleanor January 25-26 at the University of Alabama School of Music DelBene at [email protected]. Everyone is cordially invited to attend the fifth annual November 25, Sunday BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE ON SHARED MINISTRIES church music conference at Moody Music Building on 10:30 a.m. Bishop Parsley, St. October 23 at St. Bede Catholic Church in Montgomery the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. Featured Michael’s, Birmingham The annual Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic musicians include Daniel Roth, organist at St. Sulpice in Bishop Miller, Paris, and Faythe Freese, associate professor of organ at Bishops’ Conference on Shared Ministries will be held at Emmanuel, Opelika St. Bede Catholic Church in Montgomery on Tuesday, the university. For more information please contact October 23.The day will begin with registration and [email protected] or visit www.music.ua.edu/ refreshments at 9:30 a.m. and end around 2:30 p.m. organ/events. American Academy in Rome, cordially invite everyone Keynote speaker Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, the head of to join them on a magnificent eight-day pilgrimage in EPISCOPAL PILGRIMAGE TO ROME Rome, the “Eternal City,” with three optional days in the Catholic military ordinariate for the United States June 17-24 either Venice or Florence.This is the fourth Italian and a former naval chaplain, is keenly aware of the diffi- The Rev. Susan Sloan, pilgrimage Susan and Daniel have organized, and they a culties of military chaplains in these times from both rector of St. Stephen’s in re drawing on their many years of conducting adult- Catholic and Protestant perspectives. His insights will give Huntsville, and Dr. Daniel education programs to make this a most rewarding exper- participants a vivid description of what it means to expe- Lesnick, a medieval and ience. For more information please contact the Rev. rience ministry and ecumenical cooperation “in the Renaissance historian and Susan Sloan at 256/881-7223 or Dr. Daniel Lesnick at trenches.” For more information please contact the Rev. Lifetime Fellow of the 205/423-9982 or [email protected].

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 AROUND OUR DIOCESE • 15

hat’s New/Noteworthy at Mark Your Calendar the Episcopal Book Store W Christmas Conference (9th-12th graders) December 28- Birmingham. For more information please contact Music 30 Associate Charles Kennedy at 205/226-3505 or My First Picture Book about Jesus by [email protected]. Bethan James and Nadine Cursillo Weekend #160 October 18-21 Wickenden Diocesan Convention February 21-23 in Birmingham October 28-November 1 “A New Set of Christian Values This picture book offers a celebration of Diaconate Informational Meeting October 13 in an Increasingly Fundamentalist World—Spirituality bright pictures and simple words, a first Conference” led by the Very Rev. Sam Candler at Kanuga EYC Convention (9th-12th graders) January 25-27 introduction to Jesus as the baby in the Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. For manger as well as the man who calmed the storm, fed Fall Fling (5th-6th graders) November 9-11 more information please call 828/692-9136, e-mail info@ hungry people, cared for young and old, people he Happening Weekends (10th-12th graders) #51 kanuga.org, or visit www.kanuga.org. November 2-4, #52 March 7-9 knew and also strangers. Jesus made friends with those November 9-11 “The Truth Shall Make You Odd”retreat who had no friends, and he showed us how to live well Montgomery District Day (7th-12th graders) October led by Bishop Henry Parsley at St. Mary’s Sewanee—A and love as God loves us. 28 Center for Spiritual Development. For more information please Northern District Day (7th-12th graders) October 21 see the description on page 14 or call 800/728-1659, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.StMarysSewanee.org. Understanding the Sunday Scriptures,A Spring Break Conference/Mission Trip March 15-20 Companion to the Revised Common Winter Weekend (7th-8th graders) January 18-21 November 10-16 “A Glimpse of the Kingdom—Icon Lectionary Year A by H. King Writing with Teresa Harrison” at Kanuga Conference Oehmig Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. For more informa- As the Episcopal Church prepares to October 12-14 “The Edge of Adventure” retreat led by tion please call 828/692-9136, e-mail [email protected], or visit adopt The Revised Common Keith Miller at St. Mary’s Sewanee—A Center for Spiritual www.kanuga.org. Lectionary, H. King Oehmig offers this Development. For more information please call 800/728-1659, November 11-16 “People Get Ready:A Fresh Start in new commentary designed by lay leaders, lectors, teach- e-mail [email protected], or visit www.StMarys Proclaiming Christ—Transformation and Renewal V” Sewanee.org. ers, Bible study groups, youth groups, and vestry mem- cosponsored by Kanuga, the Episcopal Church Office of bers for in-church programs as well as home outreach. October 13 Diaconate Informational Meeting at 10 a.m. at Black Ministries, and the Union of Black Episcopalians at It will help readers follow the lectionary and engage in All Saints’ in Birmingham. For more information please see the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North a disciplined reading of Scripture according to the article on page 1 or contact the Venerable Louise Thibodaux, Carolina. For more information please call 828/692-9136, e- wisdom of the Church, not necessarily according to Archdeacon, at [email protected] or 205/715-2060 ext. mail [email protected], or visit www.kanuga.org. personal preference. 325. November 12-16 Fly-fishing Retreat at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. For The Divine Hours, Pocket Edition by October 14 Evensong presented by the Cathedral Choir at more information please call 828/692-9136, e-mail info@kanu- Phyllis Tickle 4 p.m. at the Advent in Birmingham. For more information please contact Music Associate Charles Kennedy at 205/226- ga.org, or visit www.kanuga.org. Ideal for anyone who wants to carry a 3505 or [email protected]. “small chapel” of prayers with them, November 16 Midday Musical Menu featuring organist this book offers a convenient, easy-to- October 23 Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Bishops’ Richard Webb at 12:30 p.m. at the Advent in Birmingham. use, deeply spiritual guide to a devo- Conference on Shared Ministries featuring keynote speaker For more information please contact Music Associate Charles tional practice that extends all the Archbishop Edwin O’Brien from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kennedy at 205/226-3505 or [email protected]. St. Bede Catholic Church in Montgomery. For more informa- way back to Christ and the twelve Apostles. The Divine November 16-18 Marriage Enrichment Retreat led by tion please see the description on page 14 or contact the Rev. James Hours gathers one full week of fixed-hour prayers, the Rev. Clay and Jane Turner at Kanuga Conference Elliott Jr., rector of Holy Comforter in Gadsden, at jim156@bell- providing a convenient companion for travelers, office- Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. For more informa- workers, and people on retreat or pilgrimage, as well as south.net, or the Rev. Bill King at 205/715-2060 ext. 317 or tion please call 828/692-9136, e-mail [email protected], or visit [email protected]. newcomers to this age-old spiritual practice. www.kanuga.org. October 26 Midday Musical Menu featuring percussionist Ancient Christian Devotional:A Year Gene Fambrough at 12:30 p.m. at the Advent in of Weekly Readings edited by Thomas C. Oden and Cindy Crosby religious readers who open it will be atheists when they force for evil? Everyone looking for a reliable assessment By helping us read holy writings with put it down.” In The Dawkins DELUSION? Atheist of The God Delusion and the many questions it raises— ancient eyes, the Church Fathers help Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine,Alister including, above all, the relevance of faith and the us drink deeply from the only water and Joanna McGrath evaluate Dawkins’s ideas, which quest for meaning—will welcome the The Dawkins that can give us true life.This guide to prayer and reflec- have received wide coverage, fueled much passionate DELUSION? tion combines excerpts from the writings of the Church debate, and caused not a little confusion.Alister, who for Fathers as found in the Ancient Christian Commentary a time was an atheist, earned a doctorate in molecular For information about these and other books or to have a on Scripture with a simple structure for daily or weekly biophysics before going on to become a leading staff member research and special order a particular book, reading and prayer. Christian theologian. He wonders how two people, who please contact the Episcopal Book Store, 2015 Sixth have reflected at length on substantially the same world, Avenue North, Birmingham,AL 35203; 205/323-2959; The Dawkins DELUSION? Atheist could possibly have come to such different conclusions e-mail: [email protected] can also visit the Fundamentalism and the Denial of the about God. He subjects Dawkins’s critique of faith to bookstore online at www.episcobooks.com.The bookstore Divine by Alister McGrath and rigorous scrutiny, and his exhilarating, meticulously is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Joanna Collicutt McGrath argued response deals with questions such as Is faith and Sunday from 9:30 to 1 p.m. Note: The bookstore In his book The God Delusion, world- intellectual nonsense? Are science and religion locked in will also be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on renowned scientist Richard Dawkins a battle to the death? Can the roots of Christianity be Saturday November 3, 10, and 17, and December states:“If this book works as I intend, explained away scientifically? Is Christianity simply a 1, 8, 15, and 22.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 16• AROUND OUR DIOCESE Trinity Commons: BECM’s New Home By the Rev. Bill Blackerby, Chaplain

The dream is a reality! Trinity lunches.Trinity Commons is Commons has opened the open five nights a week, and doors on a new era in the life students from UAB, of Birmingham Episcopal Birmingham-Southern, and Campus Ministries. Students Samford are enjoying studying are worshiping, studying, and and hanging out together. socializing in this beautiful The possibilities for special student center that sits like a programs seem almost too many to number. Here are just a few of the things in beacon on the hill overlooking the works: a student-organized film festival, a workshop series on work and the the UAB campus. meaningful life, and a lecture series featuring Episcopal faculty from Birmingham A lot is happening already! area campuses. Attendance is up since Sunday The dedication of Trinity Commons will take place in conjunction with next evening worship moved to the year’s diocesan convention. More details about this will follow in the coming new chapel the first Sunday in August.The number of students attending Thursday months. In the meantime, we do hope you’ll drop by to see this beautiful sight and lunch is growing immensely with more than 70 students on hand for two recent to say hello!

The Episcopal Church Women of St. John’s in ture the work of local artists and craftspersons as well November 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information Montgomery cordially invite everyone to “Prosper as a bake sale and silent auction—and Grace at the please contact St. Stephen’s at 205/967-8766 or the Work of Our Hands,” the annual crafts and food Table, the parish’s popular cookbook. For more informa- [email protected]. bazaar on Wednesday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to tion please contact the parish office at 205/595-4636 or 2 p.m. in the parish hall. Lunch will be served from [email protected]. The members of St. Mark’s in Boligee are invit- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.All proceeds go to community out- ing the people of our diocese to help rebuild Boligee reach projects. For more information please contact the The members of St. Stephen’s in Birmingham Morning Star Baptist Church, one of the churches church office at 334/262-1937 or churchoffice@stjohns- cordially invite everyone to two special events—the burned by three college students last year.The church montgomery.org. Heart to Hand Craft Shop on November 13 from 9 had no insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding, and a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the parish’s upcoming about $600,000 has already been raised, but $150,000 The Episcopal Church Women of Grace Mexico Mission Trip and a “Taste of Gumbo” art is still needed. If you would like to help please send Church in Woodlawn (Birmingham) cordially show and sale, showcasing the artwork of renowned your contribution to the Friends of Hale County— invite everyone to the 6th Annual St. Nicholas Day artist Tazewell Morton to benefit the parish ECW’s Morning Star Baptist Fund in care of Lamar and Bazaar on December 8.The daylong event will fea- outreach programs, on November 27 at 7 p.m. and Associates CPA, 700 27th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The grounds of St. Alban’s in the Bluff Park area of Hoover (Birmingham) have been designated a Servicios en Español/Services in Spanish “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Iglesia Episcopal de la Gracia Sábado 6 p.m. Federation (NWF) thanks to the hard work of the 901 Kingman Road Saturday 6 p.m. Primary Sunday School class.After participating in a Birmingham,AL 35235 Godly Play lesson about creation, the children 205/838-2565 explored the parish grounds looking for different nat- Iglesia Episcopal de Todos los Santos/All Saints’ Domingo 9 a.m. ural habitats and completed an NWF application.A 3rd Avenue NE/PO Box 401 Sunday 9 a.m. sign posted near the parish’s gardens recognizes the Aliceville,AL 35442 certification. 205/372-4071 Iglesia de la Ascensión/Ascension Ultimo Domingo de Mes 315 Clanton Avenue 2 p.m. MAILING ADDRESSES AND Montgomery,AL 36104 Last Sunday of the month DEADLINES 334/263-5529 2 p.m. Postmaster, parishes, and individuals, please Iglesia Episcopal de la Gracia/Grace Church Domingo 10:30 a.m. send all address changes to Circulation Secretary 5712 First Avenue North (Bilingüe) Denise Servant, Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Birmingham,AL 35212 Sunday 10:30 a.m. Street, Birmingham,AL 35203-2682; 205/715-2060 (Mrs. Magaly) 205/937-2441 (Bilingual) ext. 300; E-mail [email protected]. Please send all submissions to Editor Norma English classes are offered at La Ascensión/Ascension in Montgomery every Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. McKittrick (205/979-2680). Please E-mail text to If you would like to serve as a tutor for one or more of the weekly classes, please contact Pam Long at [email protected]; mail photographs and printed 334/590-1441 or [email protected]. For more information about services and/or Spanish-speak- materials to 2156 Kent Way,Birmingham,AL 35226. ing classes, please contact the Rev. Dr. Hernan Afanador, our Diocesan Missioner for Hispanic Ministries, The submission deadline for the December issue at 205/381-4885 or [email protected]. is November 1.

THE APOSTLE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007