What students are saying:

“I have learned so much through this course. Deeply searching biblical texts and pondering its meaning has helped me more fully understand scripture and how it relates to my life today. I look forward, with excitement, to writing sermons because I know I am going to gain new insight. It has been exciting seeing my parish in light of the scriptures. I hope to encourage our church to keep doing the wonderful things we are doing for the spread of the Kingdom of God and to find ways we can do more!”

“By participating in this course, I have expanded my knowledge, enhanced my understanding, and developed the skills needed to prepare and give a sermon. It has given me a deeper love for God, and I know the Scriptures better. It is my hope that as a lay preacher, I can better share the Gospel and the love of Jesus.”

“I’ve experienced tremendous growth being part of this course. We are all called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus and should empower one another to step up to share how God is moving in our lives. I was particularly moved by how everyone from their diverse experiences brought different lenses to the Scriptures we studied together and how diverse the sermons were because of that.”

“I have become much more familiar with the Bible. My parish depends on Morning Prayer for a majority of our services. I can now add to that service with a sermon that connects with our parish members.”

“I feel like this course has really helped my faith grow. I had read the Bible before but never examined the scriptures this much. It gave me a deeper appreciation for all the work that is required to write a sermon and the challenge of listening to the Holy Spirit and not just my own voice. I hope I can support our clergy by preaching occasionally and giving them a rest, as well as support our church during the clergy transition by preaching and leading worship when needed.”

“My relationship with scripture is much stronger because I now have the tools to study and understand texts. The course has made me feel much more confident in myself as a speaker, and I hope this will get even better. My church depends on Morning Prayer, and I can now offer them better sermons. I have really enjoyed this course and am so grateful for the opportunity to join.”

YOUTH DEPARTMENT REPORT 2022-2023

SARAH COLEMAN HORNSBY, YOUTH DEPARTMENT CHAIR

The Youth Department is a group of 11 peer-elected youth who plan and run events for the youth of the Diocese, guided by six adult advisors, the diocesan Director of Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministry, and a Chaplain appointed by the Bishop.

The Youth Department makes every event the best that it can be, and the Holy Spirit is present throughout every event, as seen through our members’ smiles, laughs, and hugs. They make everyone feel loved and welcome no matter age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Throughout our events, service toward our community has been a vital component, whether by donating clothes to a local group home, raising money for the Selma relief program, or packing food packages for countries in need.

Our first event, in the fall of 2022 was packing food packages with Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable countries, with a goal to end hunger by 2030. All ages were invited to participate and we worked and worked and packaged nearly 20,000 meals. Christmas Conference was the highlight of 2022, and with a 3% increase in attendance compared to last year, it was our busiest event. Our service aspect of this event was raising money and supplies for King’s Home. Their goal is to help “youth, women and kids seeking refuge, hope, and help from domestic violence, neglect, abandonment, homelessness, and other difficult and impoverished conditions and circumstances.” They do this by raising money and accepting donations of warm clothes. We raised $709 and collected lots of clothing. We worshiped, worked, and played at Camp McDowell. We danced A LOT. This is our biggest event of the year and for good reason!

The Diocesan Youth Lock-in is a personal favorite of mine because of the connections made throughout this short event. Despite it being only one night, we came together and worked hand in hand with the adults attending the Diocesan Convention. We have two youth delegates participating in business meetings and voting. The rest of the Youth Department participates in activities held throughout the camp and both groups come together and worship in St. Francis for Morning Prayer, Compline, and Eucharist. I had the pleasure of giving a sermon at Morning Prayer, and our two youth delegates, Olivia O’Halloran and Lauren Jones, shared about Leadership Development and Camp McDowell with the Convention. Though this event is small, the love felt at this event is overflowing and unconditional.

Our fourth and final event this year was Rites of Spring, otherwise known as the EYC Convention. This event was held at Bethany’s Village at Camp McDowell March 24-26 and was open to all 9th-12th graders. Not only was this event fun, we also elected the 2023-2024 Youth Department. When coming to this event you may get to be a delegate for your church or even run for the Youth Department.

We have all had an incredible year serving on the Youth Department, and it was my absolute pleasure to serve as Chair for the 2022-2023 term. We have had an amazing year focused on service for our community and others, and I am excited to see what the next Youth Department has in store.

Sarah Coleman Hornsby, Nativity, Huntsville

2023-2024 Youth Department elected at Rites of Spring

NORTHERN DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES:

Finola O’Halloran, Nativity, Huntsville & Redd Redding, Trinity, Florence

CENTRAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES:

Graham Boswell, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham & Thomas Elliot Ferry, Christ Church, Tuscaloosa

SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES:

Catherine Lam, Holy Trinity, Auburn & Samantha Turner, Trinity, Clanton

AT-LARGE MEMBERS:

Ben Camp, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham

Sarah Dunlap, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham

Reese Fetner, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham

Lillie Hartley, St. Matthew’s, Madison

MC Laney, All Saints, Birmingham

Adeline Smith, St. Stephen’s, Birmingham