Equipping the Saints Devotional

Equipping the Saints

A 14-DAY DEVOTIONAL FOR THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF ALABAMA

Equipping the Saints

A

s we embark on the Equipping the Saints campaign together, I am filled with gratitude for the faith and commitment that

define our community. This capital campaign is more than a financial endeavor; it is a spiritual pilgrimage, an opportunity for us to strengthen our collective foundation and build a lasting legacy.

In the pages of this devotional, you will find reflections and prayers to guide you through a time of dis-

cernment. As we contemplate the ways in which we can support the future of our diocese, may these moments of reflection deepen our connection to God and each other.

May our generosity be a testament to the love of Jesus that binds us as a diocesan family. With open hearts and steadfast faith, let us step forward, knowing that together, we can accomplish great things for the glory of God. - Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry, Bishop of Alabama

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e Alabama Episcopalians are blessed to belong to a wonderful, vibrant, healthy church. Our church today is

thriving and strong because so many people have provided great leadership and generous financial support throughout the long history of the Diocese of Alabama. Through the Equipping the Saints campaign, we have an opportunity to continue that tradition.

We can ensure that the future of the Episcopal

Church in Alabama continues to shine brightly, sharing God’s love among generations still to come.

This devotional was written by some of the leaders of our diocese—names which many of you will recognize. We hope that you will be inspired by their thoughts. And we hope that you will prayerfully con-

sider how you can participate with us in Equipping the Saints.

- Will and Liesel French & Tom and Cornelia Heflin, Campaign Chairs

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DAY 1

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

MATTHEW 11:28-30

M

y grandfather was a kind and generous soul. Much of what I know about home and auto repairs and working with folks I learned from

my grandfather. He consistently invited me into whatever project he was working on or whatever conversation he was engaged in with his friends and neighbors. His influence deeply ingrained in me the importance of living a life

of invitation. My sense is that spirit of invitation that my grandfather so freely shared was a manifestation of his faith.

Throughout our sacred story we see our loving God inviting us into relationship. Yet maybe no more clearly is that spirit of invitation more pronounced than in the words from Matthew, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden...” Jesus is inviting us into a loving relationship with him that will provide us with both nourishment and rest for our souls. One of the greatest blessings of serving as your Assisting Bishop is to experience that spirit of invitation in our parishes week after week.

In fact, in my experience the more invitational the congregation the more the Equipping the Saints

community is thriving. Excellent clergy and lay leaders know that the secret sauce to healthy, growing congregations is to unabashedly share Jesus' Gospel message that we are all invited into a deeper relationship with God. The same is true with our beloved Camp McDowell. May we share God’s love that we have been invited to with all those we meet.

- Bishop Brian N. Prior, Assisting Bishop for the Episcopal Church in Alabama

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER How do you experience the spirit of invitation in your parish?

How do you experience the spirit of invitation at Camp McDowell?

How do you share God’s invitation to others?

Gracious and loving God, we give you thanks and praise for consistently inviting

us deeper and deeper into relationship with you. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit to follow in the Way of Jesus, the way of love, through inviting others into relationship with you. Amen.

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DAY 2

Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and see this great sight and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

EXODUS 3:3-4

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n county road 195 that leads to Camp McDowell, there’s been a church

named “I AM Church.” I remember seeing it first when my parents drove ten-year-old me to camp years ago. Why the name I AM church? God’s Church, I supposed, knowing the story of God speaking to Moses from the burning bush.

God is calling Moses to notice him—which a burning bush will do! God is calling Moses to come, to help, to leave his comfortable life and take on a life of Godly purpose. Moses’ first reply is, “Here I am.” After God explains what he wants from him, Moses turns his words around saying, Who am I to do this thing? Moses is arguing he may not be the right guy for the job. Finally, Moses’ heart is softened and answers God saying, “Who shall I say sent me?” God replies, “I AM.” God’s reply does not merely suggest that Moses tell them God exists, but also that God is present. I AM PRESENT. I am calling them out of sorrow into a new, fruitful future. “This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”

- Rev. Polly Robb, Rector of St. Luke’s, Scottsboro

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- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER How do you respond when our ever-present God invites you to do something bigger than you imagined?

Have you ever found yourself asking NOT Who am I, but Why me?

What if our hearts were opened and, like Moses, we said, “Yes, I am ready to equip the saints?”

Gracious God, you are with us at all times, in all places, giving us life and calling us to love in big, bold ways. Grant us grateful hearts to recognize your grace and presence in our lives, in moments of sorrow and of joy, in moments of shared fellowship, journeys made, lives loved. All that we have is from you. Draw us ever closer to you, that we may be inspired to offer ourselves, the fruits of our labor and our love, for a future as bright as you imagine, for the sake of your Son our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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DAY 3

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

2 COR. 8: 1-2

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hese verses take me back to a time when a close friend in my Cursillo reunion group was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Our reunion group

became the care team for our friend and our prayers drove us to a much deeper relationship with God. During our friend’s ordeal, my mother died after battling Alzheimer’s for seven years. Instead of being down and depressed, I was filled with God’s love and even joyful that my mother was now out of pain … and that my friend would be soon.

Paul emphasizes the importance of finding comfort and strength in God during times of suffering. He shares how God comforts us so we can be a comfort to others. This reminds us that our trials can be opportunities to deepen our relationship with God and minister to those in need.

During his third missionary journey, Paul had collected money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia-Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea had given money even though they were poor, and they had given more than Paul expected. This was sacrificial giving; they were poor themselves, but they wanted to help. The point of giving is not so much the amount we give, but why and how we give. God does not want gifts given Equipping the Saints

grudgingly. Instead, he wants us to give as these churches did—out of dedication to Christ, love for fellow believers, the joy of helping those in need, as well as the fact that it was simply the good and right thing to do.

- Hank Poellnitz, President of Cursillo in Alabama

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Do you recall a time when a bad ordeal resulted in you feeling closer to God? Do you feel abundant joy from your giving?

How does your generosity compare to the standard set by the Macedonian churches?

How might the example of the Macedonian churches inspire more

joyful giving?

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude.

We thank you for the comfort and strength that you provide in times of suffering. May we always turn to you for solace, and in turn, be instruments of your comfort to others who are in need. Help us to be people of forgiveness and reconciliation, showing the same love and mercy that you bestow upon us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

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DAY 4

They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’

LUKE 24:32

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hen two friends share that their ‘hearts were burning within’ them on a road to Emmaus, there is an inherent gap in time in the story.

Two friends have a deeply meaningful conversation with a stranger, but it takes some time and a meal before they realize just how special that stranger truly was. We might say they had an ‘aha’ moment as they look back hours later, to know that the person they were traveling with was in fact their friend, Jesus Christ. After breaking bread together, after gathering around a table and praying, their eyes are opened, and they realize their hearts had been burning as they reflected on God’s word.

When we break bread together, the eyes of our community are opened to see the profound way that God is already at work in our lives. This means the sacramental way we gather frames the rest of our lives. God is certainly a part of all things, and we show up to church not to escape the present reality of our lives, but to see the way God is already shaping us, to see how the strangers and friends in our midst are the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and to learn how we

might faithfully respond.

- Rev. John Burruss, Rector of St. Stephen’s, Birmingham Equipping the Saints

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER When has your heart been burning within you?

How has your church life enabled you to see the world differently?

Who are strangers you have learned to see as Jesus Christ?

Gracious and loving God, open our eyes to see your presence in the world about us, and kindle in our hearts a burning desire to know you and to love you more, in Jesus’s name. Amen.

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DAY 5

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

PSALM 46:10

“P

ost-Apocalyptic Horror has been moved to the Current Affairs section.” That was the witty sign outside a bookshop back in 2020, when

things just couldn’t get any worse.

Remember that awful year? It seemed that every week brought new fears, threats, and suffering. Well, just when we thought we were out of the woods and safely sipping tea at grandma’s house, there comes an ominous knock at the door. Some wolves are just never satisfied.

There’s nothing quite like a full-blown conflict in the Middle East to cause global anxiety. As I write, the depth of human suffering in Israel and Palestine is indescribable. I can’t imagine what it will be like on the day you read this.

Psalm 46:10 is a famous and inspiring verse. Often someone will quote it when they are urging people to develop their devotional life. Draw aside from the noise and rest in God. That’s the ticket.

Of course, that encouragement is always right and helpful. But Psalm 46 is not

about contemplative prayer. It’s about human response to disaster. It begins with this sobering perspective: “God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way Equipping the Saints

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Wow! Things on planet earth right now are not good, but we haven’t (yet) watched the mountains fall into the sea!

The poet’s point is this: Imagine the very worst—the mountains falling into the sea—and then take heart, be encouraged. Even if that were to happen, we will trust in God. So be still and know that God is in charge. He is loving, good, and powerful. We can afford to rest securely in God, no matter what wolf knocks at the door.

- Rev. Duncan Johnston, St. John’s, Montgomery

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What hardship or suffering are you experiencing today?

How does the knowledge of God’s goodness and power help you?

Is God leading you to devote regular time to prayer and meditation?

How can you organize your life so this becomes a reality?

What advice would you give to a friend who is anxious about the state of the world?

Loving God, thank you for your lordship over all the earth. Help me to know deep in my heart that you are in charge of all that happens and that your plans are the flourishing of all life. Keep me faithful in this hope, and bring it to completion on the great day when Christ returns to complete your reign. Amen.

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DAY 6

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope” PSALM 130:5

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ne of the most difficult aspects of faith is patience. Waiting for something that is unseen, something that is unheard, is challenging. Some-

times, all that is needed is a direct answer to a prayer or an undeniable sign that God is listening. However, the world would be all too perfect if that were the case, so leaning on the word of the Lord is important for us.

In a way, the challenge of being unable to hear or speak to God is a blessing.

Being able to believe in something, to wait for something that is unseen is called faith. Therefore, having patience throughout the spiritual journey is beneficial; it allows us to remain hopeful and not frustrated, as the verse above

tells us. As conveyed by the Psalm, the attitude toward waiting for the Lord is an attitude of hopefulness and trust, a type of trust that requires one’s full being, one’s soul.

Another thought: one of my favorite songs to sing at Camp McDowell is called “Waiting For Lightning” by Steven Curtis Chapman, later covered by Fran McKendree. In the song, Chapman asks, “Are you waiting for lightning? A sign that it's time for a change? Are you listening for thunder? While God quietly whispers your name?” The verse that has been selected for this devotion was the fifth verse. In the first through the fourth verses, the psalmist is in a bad

Equipping the Saints

place. He cries out to the Lord with the hope of being heard, and in order to hear the Lord, the psalmist must be patient. Just in the matter of a few verses, he finds that peace. The Lord answers him. So, I ask the question: Are you waiting for lightning? Are you listening for thunder? While God quietly whispers your name?

- Lillie Hartley, Chair of the Youth Department

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Has there ever been a time where you had to practice patience in your faith?

Was maintaining that patience difficult? If so, why?

How can you improve your patience when waiting for the Lord?

What are some things you can do while you are waiting for the Lord?

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that we have patience when listening for your answers, that we may remain hopeful in our faith.

Thank you for challenging us to strengthen our trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Equipping the Saints

DAY 7

Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:20

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here are two words from the outset of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that indicate everything has changed: “But God…” (Ephesians 2:4). God has in-

tervened in the world, the human condition, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility that we might be knit together with God and one another. Because of our merits, performance? No, because God is rich in mercy, extravagant in love.

The words above are a response, a prayer, a word of praise. The words come tumbling out in the way they do when we are delightfully overwhelmed, blessed and gifted in a way we did not expect and yet, blessed all the same. They are the words that come tumbling out when we’ve been loved. Not contingent love, but one way love, saving love, poured recklessly out upon us, the type of love that would bless Jew or Gentile, you or me.

- Very Rev. Craig Smalley, Dean and Rector of the Cathedral Church of the Advent

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER -

Can you remember a time when this type of love came upon you?

What did this love and grace create?

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What does it look like for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, to be rooted and grounded in his love through the Spirit?

Almighty God you are worthy of praise, rich in mercy, you display your saving, reconciling love in Jesus your Son. Plant in our hearts we pray, by your Spirit, new life, generous life, a life of praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 8

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

JOHN 10:10

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ome time ago in another community that has informed my journey, I was told I needed to work on living my life from the inside out rather than the

outside in. When I asked for an explanation, I was told that I looked at people and things that resided outside of myself to define who I was. I really needed to start on the inside and be comfortable with me. Only then would I see everything outside of myself in a much different way. Simply put, I would stop comparing myself to others and focus more on all that I have been blessed with, the abundance in my own life.

I would like to say that was all it took, but the truth is I must work at it daily.

The sense of community and accountability I find in church helps me to remember that important truth and supports me in making it a reality in my life.

The experiences I have at Christ Church and throughout the Diocese sharpen my vision. Sunday worship, Parish retreats, Diocesan Council, Summer Camp at McDowell are all opportunities that help me realize how truly blessed I am and point me toward that abundant life Jesus spoke of.

- Rev. Paul Pradat, Rector of Christ Church, Tuscaloosa

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- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What makes my life abundant?

What keeps me from recognizing my abundance?

What might I add to help me live an abundant life?

Lord, I am far too much influenced by what people think of me.

Which means I am always pretending to be either richer or smarter than I really am. Please prevent me from trying to attract attention. Don’t let me gloat over praise on the one hand and be discouraged by criticism on the other, nor let me waste time weaving the most imaginary situations in which the heroic, charming, witty person present is myself.

Show me how to be humble of heart. Amen.

- 12 Step Prayer Book

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DAY 9

Then Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

JOSHUA 3:5

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he first chapters of Joshua are characterized by excitement and fear. The Israelites have journeyed for forty years in the wilderness meaning that

the generation who were slaves in Egypt have died and the Israelites who pre-

pare to cross the River Jordan into the Promised Land have only known life in the wilderness. Add to that, they have only known one leader, Moses, who has just died on Mt. Nebo. Now the Israelites look across the river with a new leader and a new life knowing that this new life entails danger and uncertainty. In the midst of uncertainty Joshua calls the Israelites to rely on what they know— which is the steadfast love of God. The same Lord who delivered their parents from slavery in Egypt and who nurtured them with manna and water from the

rock in the wilderness is the same God who will provide for them in this next phase of their lives.

It is tempting to think that the Episcopal Church in Alabama faces a uniquely uncertain future, but that is not the case. The people of God are called in every generation to look across the river into the future that God promises, and it is only by the power of God which we know through faith that we are able to follow after what God promises. This Capital Campaign is our time to look into

the uncertain future and put our trust in God in the belief that God will do wonderful things through us.

- Rev. Geoff Evans, Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Church in Alabama Equipping the Saints

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER When have you been both fearful and excited for the future?

How has God led you through uncertainty?

What do you hope for the future of the Episcopal Church in Alabama?

Lord, anoint us for your purposes here in Alabama.

As we tread the verge of Jordan give us faith in your ability to work wonders among us. Amen.

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DAY 10

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

ISAIAH 40:31

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o often, adversity seems to wait for us at every turn. We think things are supposed to go a certain way only to have the rug pulled out from under

us. In my case, this had to do with a health crisis when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This led to me having to give up my career as an obstetrician/gynecologist—something I had worked my whole life to become. But I realized God was working in my life, planting seeds along the way that helped to prepare me for something even greater—becoming a full-time mother to our two young sons.

This verse of Isaiah contains a great promise of strength for the weary and promises us a renewed strength. God is our endless source of strength and He gives it to us generously. By acknowledging we don’t have the strength we need

on our own, we place our trust in God because only He can provide us with this strength. All we have to do is wait on Him with hopeful expectation, and because He is there, He provides us with all that we need because of how much we are loved. In the midst of hardship, all we have to do is look to Him as the one who works all things together for our good. In the New Testament, this promise is fulfilled through Jesus who said, ”Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). All we have to do is trust

and God takes care of the rest!

- Dr. Lori Smith, ECW President Equipping the Saints

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER When is a time that you found yourself in a crisis and in need of strength? What happened next?

Looking back, can you see how God was at work, providing you with the strength to overcome this challenge? Was this outcome better or worse?

Gracious and loving God, thank you for always being there for us to help guide us and strengthen us through the challenges we all too often are faced with. Thank you for loving us so much that you are always there to be that source of strength for us, believing in us and at the same time forgiving us when we stumble along the way.

Your unending love helps to strengthen us in ways we don’t always see or understand, but by placing our trust in you, the outcome is often so much more than we ever could have hoped for. Give us the eyes to see how you continue to bless us and guide us and how we can use this to in turn love and serve others in your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

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DAY 11

There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no slave or free;

there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

GALATIANS 3:28

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n Galatians 3:28, the apostle Paul delivers a powerful message of unity and oneness in Christ Jesus. He proclaims that we are all one in Christ, united in

His love and grace. This verse is a profound call to action, a message that reso-

nates powerfully in our world and diocese today.

In a world often marked by divisions, the message of Galatians 3:28 serves as a beacon of hope and a roadmap for racial healing. When Paul says, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no slave or free, there is no longer male and female" it’s an interesting dichotomy because there are clear differences in the world. We can name hundreds and hundreds of ways in which we are different, the unique ways in which God created us.

So, the question is, how are we one in Christ? Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “[W]e are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” We are God’s masterpiece. What a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ! As with any piece of art, no two strokes are the same. There is something unique and special about every aspect of the masterpiece, and when it’s all put together, it's beautiful.

As Christians, it would be diminishing to suggest we are all the same. We are one, not because we are the same, but because God has created us uniquely to live together so we can do good things. I believe God calls us to appreciate our Equipping the Saints

differences, while also recognizing we are all children of God. It challenges us to embrace and celebrate our diversity, understanding that our differences enrich the tapestry of our shared faith.

- Bre Mitchell, Missioner for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage for the Episcopal Church in Alabama

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What does oneness and unity mean to you?

What gifts and differences do you offer to the Body of Christ?

In the midst of so many divisions and differences, what do you believe will bring unity and harmony to God’s children?

We pray for unity and oneness in Christ among all your children. Your Word reminds us that we are all one body in Christ, and just as each part of the body has a unique role, we are called to work together in harmony.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be instruments of peace and reconciliation. Let us be known for our love for one another, as you commanded us. May we live in a way that reflects your love and draws others into your family. Amen.

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DAY 12

You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity,

which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 2 COR. 9:11-12

W

hen news brings details of what seem to be insoluble disasters, I am

grateful for places we can go to find peace and help in how to deal with

the chaos. Two places are one's parish and Camp McDowell. In those places we can find comfort and safety as we search for deeper purpose, hope and meaning. There we can also find that all are welcomed to the table.

Camp McDowell was extremely important in my formation as well as many others throughout the Diocese of Alabama. My experiences at Camp McDowell have been critical to my devotion of time and energy to establishing and devel-

oping our parishes. It may be said that I have been enriched in every way and, for that, I am overflowing with gratitude to God. The word "saints" is used 167 times in the New Testament. “Saints” include all of us who are part of the Jesus Movement. Our parishes and Camp McDowell are critical in equipping saints to carry the word of God and invite others to join in the Jesus Movement.

As we seek to “equip the saints,” we will grow our faith community, strengthen our ability to help ourselves and others deal with the chaos of life, and love each other as Jesus commanded.

- Rev. Doug Carpenter Equipping the Saints

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Where have you seen “saints” in your parish or in the Diocese help our communities and nation come together in love?

How has Camp McDowell helped in your faith formation or those you love?

Do you know of a more appropriate place than Jesus' table to proclaim that all are welcome?

Jesus help me to be an instrument of your peace. Amen.

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DAY 13

Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

LUKE 19:8-10

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t is easy to overlook the risky faith of Zacchaeus because we know him best

through a children’s Sunday School song. Zacchaeus needed to see Jesus

and so he risked his reputation and social standing. He ran, pushing his way through the crowds, and climbed a tree. Zacchaeus was lost, but he was eager to be found. The result was not only did he see Jesus, but he was seen by Jesus.

Zacchaeus responds with overwhelming gratitude. He promises to give generously and to right wrongs. He might have lost some respectability, but his risky actions and overwhelming gratitude led to his salvation. He was seen, named, and saved by Jesus.

Today, Jesus is still seeking out and saving the lost. Today there are people willing to take risks to see and be seen by Jesus. Today the response of those found

by Jesus continues to be gratitude. Today we continue to gather to give generously, to right wrongs, and to lift people up so that they can see and be seen by Jesus.

- Rev. Kelley Hudlow, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement

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- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Who or what is making it hard for you to see Jesus?

Who or what is lifting you above the crowds so that you can see clearly?

What are you willing to risk?

Today, how will you respond to being seen, named, and saved by Jesus?

Searching God,

I want to be found today. Give me courage to push through the crowds, so that I can better see you. Help me to be grateful, so that I may lift others up to see you too. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who seeks and saves the lost. Amen.

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DAY 14

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ EPHESIANS 4:11-12

I

have two Goddaughters, ages three and five. I love spending time with

them, because I never know what they will do next. They are full of surpris-

es, because, in the scheme of things, they’re still pretty new to this world. They have a lot to learn, and I have a lot to learn about them. God is still forming and shaping who they will be, and it is a wonder to behold.

God forms and shapes each of us, giving us gifts of the spirit to help build up the body of Christ. I am profoundly humbled by and thankful for the spiritual gifts God has given me that allow me to be your bishop. I pray often for the right use of these gifts and for the wisdom to see and empower the gifts of others.

Our capital campaign, Equipping the Saints, is an opportunity to do just that, only on a much grander scale. Through this effort, we will build upon the strengths of our diocese—our people and parishes, Camp McDowell, and our desire for reconciliation—so that our church will be made stronger and more vibrant, now and for the generations to come. My hope is that this campaign will set our diocese on a path that will lead Alabamians to Christ for the next

100 years.

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If that sounds daunting, it shouldn’t. God has already provided all that we need to achieve these goals. We have been formed and shaped by God to do this work, and we have many, many gifts to share.

As we look ahead to our capital campaign, pray with me for our diocese, that the love of Jesus will so inspire and unite us, we will grow our church beyond our wildest dreams, welcoming strangers, comforting those in any need or trouble, seeking the face of Christ, and always giving thanks and praise to God. - Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry, Bishop of Alabama

- QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What spiritual gifts did God give you?

How do you share your spiritual gifts with your family, your parish, your diocese?

What do you hope our church will be like in 100 years?

O God, our Creator,

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to use all the gifts you have given me to the glory of your name .

Remind me to recognize and empower the gifts of others.

May our works find favor in your sight. Amen.

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521 North the 20th Street Equipping Saints Birmingham, Alabama 35203 www.dioala.org