Dear friends: As 2023 comes to a close, I want to thank you - yes, you! - for your role in our life together as a diocese. Without each of our 87 parishes and each of their parishioners, we would not be the vibrant, multifaceted, hope-filled corner of the Church that I am so proud we are. Visiting you all this year, I saw your willingness to innovate and try new things, your eagerness for healthy growth, and your immense love for God and one another. I see you, and I thank you.
“We’re here to equip, inspire, and support you - our parishes as you spread the life-changing love of Jesus through word and action.”
Looking forward, 2024 promises to be a milestone year for our diocese. We are embarking on the Equipping the Saints capital campaign, which will further strengthen our commitment to congregational vitality, support the growth of Camp McDowell, and advance our work in racial healing and pilgrimage. These three pillars of our campaign hold great significance, representing our dedication to nurturing the faith of our congregations, fostering spiritual growth in our youth, and working towards racial justice and reconciliation. This campaign is not just a series of projects; it's a testament to our collective resolve and a testament to our faith in action. It's a promise to future generations that the church, through us, will continue to be a place of growth, and a source of healing for all.
And that is where your role becomes pivotal. Your parish covenants are the bedrock of our diocesan work. They provide the support and the resources that make all this possible. Your generosity allows us to expand our outreach, nurture our communities, and live out our faith in tangible ways. The diocese is not just an institution; it is a resource, a source of inspiration, and a place of spiritual growth for each parish. Your commitment to this covenant ensures that we remain strong, vibrant, and effective in our mission. As we move forward into the new year, I ask you to prayerfully consider your parish's pledge for the 2024 covenant gift. Your support is not only a financial contribution, but an expression of your commitment to the mission and vision of our Diocese. Every contribution matters and is deeply appreciated.
Together, we have achieved great things, and I am confident that, as we embark on the Equipping the Saints campaign, we will continue to be a beacon of light and hope in a world that desperately needs the love of Jesus. Faithfully, Bishop G
Partner with the diocese through your parish covenant. What is a Parish Covenant?
All parishes are asked to give this annual gift to the diocese to fund our shared mission and ministries. It also allows the diocese to make a pledge to the budget of the General Convention, so that we participate in that larger ministry. The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church, and every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. This system of giving is central to the organization of the Episcopal Church. Individuals give to their parishes, parishes give to their diocese, and the diocese gives to the Episcopal Church. Together - with our worship, service, and gifts - we make one church.
What are the Covenant Guidelines?
Just as the biblical standard of the tithe is 10%, there are guidelines for the parish covenant. Congregations with income less than $150,000 are asked to give 10%. Congregations with income greater than $150,000 are asked to give 15%. The percentage calculation should be based on the “unrestricted and undesignated income of each parish.” Our Diocesan Convention set these guidelines in 2000 and reaffirmed them in 2003.
Why a Voluntary, Proportional Covenant? In the Diocese of Alabama, parish covenants to the diocese are meant to mirror an individual's tithe to their church. In many other dioceses, covenants are mandatory and are thus called "assessments." By requesting a voluntary covenant, the Diocese of Alabama invites parishes into relationship with the diocese. Through the scriptures, proportional giving has been the foundation for our response to God for the gifts that we have received. The practicalities of budgeting and managing the gifts require that the proportion or percentage be converted into a dollar amount. This calculation is an estimate but is necessary. It is for this reason we ask parishioners to estimate their pledge in dollars but stress the importance of beginning with a percentage of income. The system for funding our shared mission and ministry is the same. Each parish is asked to think first of their gift as a proportion of income and then to convert that figure into an estimate reported in dollars. We hope your parish will prayerfully consider the request for covenants and respond generously.
How and when does a parish make a covenant? Parishes are invited to submit their covenant renewal online by January 19th. Scan the QR code on the right to access the online form. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dara Miller, Director of Finance and Administration, 205-358-9225, dmiller@dioala.org.
Parish Covenants by the Numbers In 2022, dollars received from parishes increased by 4.21% from 2021 In 2022, the average covenant was 8.59% and $27,967 In 2023, 17 parishes increased their covenant percentage In 2023, on average, parishes increased their covenants by 2.93%
Our Diocese at Work 1
Renew and Refresh Grants
In 2023, the diocese piloted a new grant program for parishes with an average Sunday attendance of fewer than 150 people. The Renew and Refresh grants offered up to $5,000 for a project that would contribute to the overall enhancement of the church community. This includes, but is not limited to, updating landscaping, repaving sidewalks, repairing bathrooms, painting parish halls, purchasing new signs, and testing new ministry opportunities. This financial support aims to empower churches to initiate and complete projects that may have been delayed or deferred due to budgetary limitations. When we strengthen our parishes, our diocese becomes stronger, and in turn, the Episcopal Church becomes stronger.
51 parishes received grants $236,517 awarded in total Breakdown by project type: 19 grounds 12 interior enhancements 8 interior infrastructure 7 signage 6 building exterior 5 A/V technology 3 parking 2 ministry programming
Clockwise from top right: Some examples of how parishes used the Renew an d Refresh grants this year: Canterbury Chapel, Tuscaloosa used part of their grant to clean and replenish garden areas and also plant new shrubs and bushes; St. Stephen’s, Huntsville was able to install new interior and exterior signage; St. Barnabas, Roanoke painted exterior trim, doors, and wrought iron; St. Alban’s, Birmingham replaced old plywood restroom doors; St. Mathias, Tuscaloosa repaired exterior lights using some of their grant; St. Wilfred’s, Marion purchased a new exterior sign.
Creation Care Mini-Grants
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The Task Force for Creation Care piloted a new mini-grant program for parishes to take on a small creation care project. In its inaugural year, 11 grants were awarded for projects including creating a bee and butterfly garden, planting and caring for native plants, reducing energy usage, advertising a healing garden for community use, supplying a new outdoor/forest preschool, and offering educational opportunities.
Outreach Grants
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The Department of Mission and Outreach awarded 14 grants for projects including food ministries, laundry with pastoral care, beehives, diapers, special events for foster families and families with children with disabilities, memory respite programming, Spanish services and English as a Second Language classes, weekend backpacks for students, and a day program for cognitive/neurosensory divergent adults.
Stewardship Support
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28% of parishes utilized the diocesan membership to The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), and 26% of parishes benefitted from a presentation on stewardship or planned giving or a consultation with church leadership.
Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries
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Our Youth, Campus, and Young Adult ministries hosted over 15 events with 400 participants Youth Events this year included: Young People Paint Birmingham Rites of Spring Christmas Conference Convention Lock-In DioDay Episcopal Youth Event Happening Youth Department formation retreat and monthly meetings
Diocesan Youth Ministers retreats, trainings, and meetings Campus Events: 6 campus ministry sites Campus Ministry Pilgrimages Young Adult Events: Vocare Birmingham Young Adult Fellowship and Worship Gatherings Huntsville Young Adult Pub Theology
Sawyerville
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Sawyerville, a ministry of the diocese, creates opportunities for children and youth in Hale County through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships. 3 weeks of Summer Camp with 563 registered campers and 189 staff 3 weeks of Summer Learning with 124 rising Kindergarten-6th grade students and 28 teachers and staff Students received 60 hours of instruction in reading and 50 hours of instruction in math Students gained an average of 2 months of learning in reading and 2.5 months of learning in math 15 former campers and counselors from Hale County each received an $850 scholarship from the Leslie Manning Scholarship Fund 5 juniors and seniors from Greensboro High School participated in Sawyerville Mentoring 12 participants took part in Person2Person, a race relations pilgrimage to Montgomery
Lead your congregation in healthy and
Above: Group photo of clergy in the diocese at 2023 Clergy Conference, held at Camp McDowell. At right: Lay leaders and clergy gathered for one of three Parish Growth Conferences hosted by the diocese in 2023.
sustainable growth. The diocese is here to support Congregational Vitality in every parish. A healthy parish is one where both ordained and lay leaders are dedicated, people flourish in their faith, and the whole congregation shares a true passion for spreading the gospel. We are committed to cultivating congregational vitality in our parishes and worshipping communities, and we offer support and tools that will help ensure all parishes thrive for the next 100 years. We provide consulting, coaching, and programs to help your parish grow so you can create more opportunities for God to work through your congregation. Here are some ways we can help: Collaborate on a path to vitality designed for your parish Thriving looks different in every parish. We believe that congregational revitalization begins with pastoring, improving systems, and creating a dynamic ministry and mission. We have consultants with expertise in conflict transformation, community engagement, and governance/administration. We’ll work with you to identify where your parish is finding success and where to strengthen it for the future. Access tools and resources for your church Discover practical ways to keep your congregation engaged in worship, moving towards active discipleship, and focused on spiritual growth. Get diocesan support from our partners and departments. Reach more people in your community Take steps to make a lasting impact inside and outside your parish's walls by hosting events, experimenting with new ideas, and looking toward the future. Learn more: Contact Rev. Geoff Evans, Canon to the Ordinary, gevans@dioala.org, 205-358-9231.
A few ways the diocese supports parishes with Congregational Vitality:
13 clergy vacancies filled; as of November 30, all full-time clergy positions in the diocese have been filled! 12 vestry trainings for parishes hosted by the diocese 6 parishes are currently meeting with diocesan consultants 3 Parish Growth Conferences completed with 117 participants from 38 parishes
Live the Gospel. Preach the Gospel.
You’re called to build up the Church. We want to support you through Leadership Development. If you have a passion to serve the Church as a leader, we want you to have everything you need to proclaim the gospel and grow the church—clergy members and lay leaders alike. We are committed to creating resources, programs, tools, and coaching designed to help you lead effectively and minister to our brothers and sisters throughout the Episcopal Church in Alabama. Here are some of the ways we’re investing in our leaders: Leading in Hope Program This program is for the newly ordained, those in a new cure, or those new to the Episcopal Church in Alabama. It will help prepare you for your role in the church using the methods of training in adaptive leadership. Formation Events The Diocese of Alabama provides regular opportunities for clergy to gather for continuing education, fellowship, and worship. Clergy Conference is a three-day gathering at Camp McDowell, typically held in the fall, that includes programming for clergy and clergy spouses. Additionally, one-day Clergy Formation Events are held throughout the year and offer time for continuing education or reflection. Thriving in Ministry Program In collaboration with Virginia Seminary, this mostly online program offers coaching and peer support to develop skills and invest in the well-being of our clergy. Lay Preaching Course Expand your knowledge and touch more lives as you connect scripture with the life of your congregation, and learn to write and preach inspired sermons. Vestry Resources Learn the basics about serving your parish as a Warden or vestry member. Contact Rev. Geoff Evans, Canon to the Ordinary, gevans@dioala.org, 205-358-9231. For Youth Ministers and leaders The adult youth workers and volunteers serving our parishes belong to a group called “DYM” (Diocesan Youth Ministers). To receive information about meeting times, locations, and topics, please email Jen Manning, Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries at jmanning@dioala.org. For All Leaders: Convocation Gatherings Join one of our regional cohorts that offer support, accountability, and friendship for those who lead in our parishes. Learn more: Contact Rev. Kelley Hudlow, Canon for Vocations and Community Engagement, khudlow@dioala.org, 205-358-9233.
A few ways the diocese supports parishes with Leadership Development: 16 participants in the lay preaching cohorts 14 current seminarians and people approved for seminary 14 participants in Leading in Hope, the diocesan training for new clergy 6 new clergy from outside the diocese 5 newly ordained priests
Welcoming all to God’s backyard.
Camp McDowell: your parish’s home-away-from-home for year-round worship, learning, rest, and play. It is a beautiful Alabama morning and I feel very blessed. God’s backyard is filled to the brim and I get to experience Cursillo, summer camp and Special Session. Each one of these gatherings is filled with warmth, love and laughter. Each is an opportunity for folks to learn, grow and share in their faith. Each is an experience where people are affirmed as a beloved child of God, uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit and invited to follow Jesus. Generation after generation Camp McDowell continues to be a sacred place that transforms lives. -Bishop Prior One of the largest Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers in the U.S., Camp McDowell is a ministry of the Episcopal Church in Alabama, and is “the heart” of our diocese: a destination, resource, and opportunity for every person to find community, experience growth, and connect with God. We’re committed to the life-changing ministry that is Camp McDowell - for people of all ages, roles, and abilities - and we welcome all to God’s backyard. What Happens at Camp McDowell? Programs include McDowell Summer Camp, Special Session, Conference & Retreat Center, Alabama Folk School, McDowell Environmental Center, McDowell Farm School. Learn more at www.campmcdowell.org.
Creating a culture of restoration.
We’re consolidating our efforts in Racial Healing so that every person in our diocese and beyond knows they are loved by God and by the Episcopal church in Alabama. Racial healing is a spiritual endeavor and a journey in which we learn from our history, look at our strengths and weaknesses, and find new ways to diversify our parishes and create beloved community. How are we doing that?
The ministry of Sawyerville Sawyerville is a diocesan ministry that creates opportunities for children and youth in Hale County through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships. Its programs work to serve God, broaden the horizons of participants and staff, and improve race relations in Alabama.
Creating space to remember and reconcile We’re committed to hosting and engaging with racial healing pilgrimages and historical education. Encouraging Anti-Racism Training Trainings are designed to foster empathy, understanding, and unity Providing opportunities to learn and grow among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our educational We offer training, studies, groups, and ministries focused on racial opportunities encourage participants to recognize the inherent huhealing, restoration, and unity. manity in everyone, transcending racial and cultural differences and Holding the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage striving towards a more inclusive and equitable church. Join us each August as we remember Jonathan Daniels, who was deFacilitating Parish and Diocesan Pilgrimages tained and murdered after picketing white-only businesses. HunAlabama is home to many sacred Civil Rights monuments, memoridreds gather to walk the path that Jonathan walked and to pray where als, and museums. If you would like to plan a pilgrimage to one of he died. Experiences like the pilgrimage crack open the toughest parts these sacred sites, our Missioner for Racial Healing would be delighted of our history so that we can learn, heal, and grow. to meet with you. Sharing the Sacred Ground Curriculum This 11-part series created by the Episcopal Church of the United Learn more about becoming a part of racial healing in the Episcopal States focuses on healing and education between all races. Sacred Church in Alabama: Contact Breanna Mitchell, Missioner for Racial Ground is available to all parishes. Healing, bmitchell@dioala.org, 205-358-9230
Our Diocesan Covenant for Our Shared Mission and Ministry
Dear friend in Christ, This annual report details the ways the diocese has used the generous gifts from parishes this year. The diocese is neither a single parish nor the bishops’ staff. It is our combined effort between all parishes, the bishops’ staff, and our shared ministries to grow God’s Church in Alabama. We hope the information we are providing will be helpful as you consider both our shared mission and your parish’s covenant gift.
We encourage you to share this report with other vestry members as you prayerfully consider and discuss your diocesan covenant for 2024. Thank you for your generosity in the past and for your gifts that will allow us to thrive in the coming year. We look forward to receiving your covenant by January 19, 2024. If you or your vestry would like to talk with me about your gift, I welcome the opportunity. You can reach me at gcurry@dioala.org. God’s peace,
Our Diocesan Covenant for Our Shared Mission and Ministry Our parish pledges % of its operating income in 2024 toward the support of our shared mission and ministry through the Diocese of Alabama. It is our estimate that this percentage, expressed in dollars, will be $ . This is our Diocesan Covenant for 2024.
Name of parish
City
Signature of rector, or senior warden if cure is vacant PLEASE SUBMIT BY JANUARY 19, 2024 You can submit your covenant one of three ways: 1.
Online by scanning this QR code on the right
2.
By email: Send to Dara Miller at dmiller@dioala.org. Please include “2024 Covenant” in the subject line.
3.
Mail to: Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Attn: Dara Miller, 521 20th St. North, Birmingham, AL 35203