A Publication of The Episcopal Church in Alabama |3rd Quarter, 2025 | Vol. 110, No.7
“It is a long walk to freedom…”
“…so you’ve got to keep the faith.”
– The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry
(27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church)
Dear Friends,
When Jonathan Daniels heard Martin Luther King’s call to come to Selma, he didn’t know what to do. He was only a seminarian. But at an evening prayer service, during his contemplation, he heard Luke’s Gospel (1:46-55) read, specifically a song we call the Magnificat or Mary’s song. As the lovely hymn of Jesus’ mother continued, Jonathan writes, “I found myself peculiarly alert, suddenly strung toward the decisive spirit-filled moment…then it came, ‘he hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things’, I knew then that I must go to Selma.”
So, Jonathan went to Selma, and for us, for our freedom, he gave everything. Jonathan came from a place of privilege, specifically white privilege. It was, as some would say, “none of his business”, and he could’ve said the same, but God wouldn’t let him. He had heard Mary’s song.
Jonathan had never really been to the South much and he didn’t know our ways or our words. The people who befriended him were mostly people of color who saw into his soul immediately. The other people were afraid and many resisted.
Each year, for nearly 30 years, on August 10, we celebrate the day of his martyrdom along with those other martyrs who gave everything. We give thanks for the gift of their witness. We give thanks for a chance to relive Jonathan’s story again, hear again how God is scattering the proud in their conceit. We also get a chance to see how we are healing and changing. We ask ourselves, are we hearing the song of Mary too?
This year, we gathered again, in record numbers, to listen to our former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry recall for us what it means to journey toward freedom. Being together in pilgrimage in Hayneville always causes me to think about all the other witnesses who call our church home in Alabama. This issue of our Alabama Episcopalian highlights the breadth and depth of our witness to the love of Jesus at work all around us across our Diocese.
From the witness of our dedicated Trustees, helping us live as faithful stewards of the wealth and blessings shared with us to fund our ministry, to the ministry of our Junior High outreach retreat at Camp McDowell, and the leadership of St. Andrew’s in the Central Alabama Pride Parade, we have no shortage of creative energy or commitment. We cherish the witness of the faith of 105-year-old Miss Lillian Thompson at St. Andrew’s Tuskegee, right alongside the
determined prayers of the Daughters of the King at Grace Church in Cullman, who prayed God would send them more children and youth, and God answered.
Our Diocese is blessed with abundant ministry for diverse witnesses sharing the gospel with the world. We give thanks for our global companions from Honduras who came to Camp McDowell this summer and our connection to the Holy Land through the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, even while we celebrate the Episcopal Church Women’s cookbook from Nativity in Huntsville and marvel at the growth of the community garden and food pantry created by Holy Trinity in Auburn.
Just as Jesus told us to go into all the world and proclaim the good news, all the witnesses in our churches in Alabama are working every day to faithfully live Jesus’ command. We cannot afford to take these or any of our ministries for granted. Instead, we can give thanks for each one and ask God to show us the next steps. Remember when Nicodemus visited Jesus, curious about how the Holy Spirit works? Jesus said, “…the wind blows where it will and so it is with the Spirit?” (John 3:8).
How is the Holy Spirit showing up in your life these days? St. Paul told us to look for love, joy, peace, patience, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and make note. God is at work in those places. Turn away from television and internet news and look for God’s work in the world. Ask the Spirit to come and cover our ministry and make us witnesses to life, hope, and peace through Jesus.
Here’s a favorite prayer we can pray that will help us. It comes from our Cursillo ministry:
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful. Grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen
Thank you for your faithful ministry, wherever you find your witness taking you. I am honored to be your Bishop, and I hope I see you at church, somewhere soon.
Blessings,
By: Quicy Hall, Member – Department of Racial Healing and Pilgrimage
On a warm August morning in Hayneville, more than 400 pilgrims gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jonathan Myrick Daniels. The pilgrimage drew Episcopalians and ecumenical partners from across the country to honor Daniels’ life and sacrifice, and to recommit to the Gospel call to justice, reconciliation, and love.
Jonathan Daniels, a 26-year-old seminarian at what is now called Episcopal Divinity School, traveled to Selma in 1965 after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s appeal for clergy and students to join the Civil Rights Movement. He registered voters, accompanied Black residents to segregated businesses, and mentored local children. On August 20 of that year, after being unjustly jailed for his participation in this work, Daniels was released and walked with a group of companions to Varner’s Cash Store. There, he stepped in front of a shotgun blast to save the life of 17-year-old Ruby Sales. His death, both tragic and heroic, shook the Episcopal Church and inspired a renewed commitment to the work of justice and discipleship.
This year’s pilgrimage began on the front quad of the Lowndes County Courthouse with prayer and the freedom songs that emboldened Civil Rights leaders, like “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” and “We Shall Overcome.” From there, pilgrims processed to the old jailhouse, where Daniels and his companions were held in inhumane conditions. The solemn walk continued to the site of the former Varner’s Cash Store, where Daniels gave his life. At each stop, prayers were offered for Daniels and for the martyrs of the Movement, whose courage continues to inspire.
The day culminated in a Holy Communion inside the courthouse, where pilgrims gathered to worship. The liturgy honored not only Daniels but also the many martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement,
lifting up their faithful witness as a challenge to us in the present. Former Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry preached a stirring sermon, emphasizing the ongoing need for continuing this difficult work with perseverance. “It’s a long road to freedom,” Bishop Curry preached, “… so you’ve got to keep the faith!”
During the pilgrimage, longtime pilgrims walked alongside first-time pilgrims, united in song, prayer, and reflection. What became clear was that Daniels’ witness is not merely a historical memory but a living challenge to all Christians to risk love and seek justice in our own contexts.
This year’s anniversary was strengthened by the collaboration of partner organizations committed to Daniels’ legacy, including the
Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, the Poor People’s Campaign, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Episcopal Divinity School. On the eve of the pilgrimage, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery hosted a vigil featuring the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, who preached a powerful message on how the Church can live into the hope that sustained Daniels and his companions during those dangerous and transformative days.
As pilgrims departed Hayneville, Bishop Curry’s charge remained with them: “the road ahead is long, but we do not walk it alone”. Daniels’ life, and the lives of so many martyrs of the Movement, remind us that love is stronger than death, and that God’s dream of justice and reconciliation is still being made manifest—here in Alabama and across the world.
Jonathan Myrick Daniels’ story is a reminder that discipleship is not a passive endeavor. His life calls us to action— wherever we are planted. This anniversary invites each of us to ask:
• Where is God calling me to stand in the breach for my neighbor?
• How can I confront injustice in my own community?
• What risks am I willing to take for the sake of love?
• The road ahead may be long, but the pilgrimage reminds us that we walk it together, with God’s Spirit leading us still.
By: The Rev. David and Phyllis Hall
Our Diocesan Trustees offer their time, expertise, and faithful stewardship to maximize the investment returns for our Diocesan funds and Parish Pooled Investment Funds and ensure that these shared funds grow and serve generations to come. Thanks to their leadership, a $2 million fund launched in 1997 now holds more than $33 million in shared assets.
Since 1997, Diocesan funds have been combined into one pool for investment. Known as The Consolidated Trust and Designated Funds of the Diocese, the fund was also opened to parishes with the driving principle that by pooling funds for investment, a more diverse portfolio is possible, thus increasing positive investment results. Started with just over $2 million, the fund today is approximately $33 million and includes over 160 separate sub-accounts. Nearly 50 parishes are participating, along with Camp McDowell, the Diocesan ECW, the Alabama Episcopal Foundation, the Nativity Historic Preservation Trust, Sawyerville, Happening, and Alabama Cursillo. The Fund also includes designated gifts and endowment funds of the Diocese. The Diocese imposes no fees for the management of this fund.
The fund is overseen by trustees who are elected by the Diocesan Convention. Chaired by the Treasurer of the Diocese, the Trustees meet quarterly to review performance, adjust managers, and review the asset allocation. CapTrust provides investment advice and reporting. The Trustees make investment decisions with the intent of maximizing return with reasonable risk and with attention to issues of socially responsible investing.
Hays Latimer Senior Lead Advisor & Shareholder
OneAscent Wealth Management Home Parish: St. Thomas, Birmingham
Mary Meadows Livingston President and Founder Abeona Wealth Home Parish: Cathedral Church of the Advent
David Cicero
Bray Distinguished Professor of Finance
Harbert College of Business Auburn University Home Parish: Holy Trinity, Auburn
Caroline Yielding Financial Advisor
SteelCrest Wealth Management Group, Morgan Stanley Home Parish: St. Luke’s, Birmingham
Phyllis Hall Diocesan Treasurer Home Parish: St. Luke’s, Birmingham
If your parish is interested in participating in the Pooled Investment Funds, please contact Connie Bryson, Director of Finance and Administration, at cbryson@dioala.org.
By: St. Andrew’s Church, Tuskegee
Editor’s Note: This story was submitted before the recent passing of Miss Alberta Lillian Simms Thompson on August 24, 2025. We have kept the original voice to preserve the authenticity of how the parish wished to honor Miss Thompson, while making slight edits and including brief information from her obituary. We share it now in gratitude for Miss Thompson’s remarkable life and faithful witness, giving thanks to God for the gift she was to our faith community. To learn more about her, please scan the QR code for a digital copy of her obituary.
Some people lead not with loud voices or bold gestures, but with quiet strength, influence, and a steady presence.
For more than 80 years, Miss Alberta Lillian Simms Thompson has been a leader at St. Andrew’s Church in Tuskegee. Through her thoughtful actions, calm demeanor, and deep listening, she has left a resounding impact on everyone who knows her.
She is known for her ability to listen thoughtfully and strategically to those who are blessed to seek her advice. With an unassuming and understated personality, she exerts quiet power whenever she steps into a room. Her leadership has never been about the spotlight. Instead, it shines through her care, her wise counsel, her thoughtful decision-making, and her guidance marked by empathy and integrity. Those who have sought her advice quickly recognize her gift for understanding people’s needs and helping them find their way. She embodies a strong moral compass, aligning her actions with her core values and showing us what it means to live faithfully and well.
Miss Thompson’s faith has always been her foundation. Her favorite scripture, Psalm 23, speaks of the Lord as a shepherd who leads with care and provides peace even in the darkest valleys—words that mirror the way she has lived her life. Her favorite hymn, “Love divine, all loves excelling” (Episcopal Hymnal 1982, #657), reflects the compassion, humility, and unbounded love that she has so consistently shared with others.
Beyond her quiet leadership, Alberta is a gifted artist whose wood carvings, paintings, and heartfelt poetry reveal her creativity and passion. Her insights and simple solutions come not from theory, but from the richness of her lived experience. In every conversation, and in every work of art, she offers something true, grounded, and enduring.
Born on July 13, 1920, Miss Thompson recently celebrated her 105th birthday, and we’ve all been blessed to have known her and celebrated with her. Even now, she remains an active member of our church and an integral part of our lives. With her gentle presence, soft but direct words, and unwavering honesty, she continues to inspire us. In years past, she also fellowshipped with the Washington National Cathedral. Her life is a testament to the power of quiet strength, the beauty of faith, and the blessing of a spirit that never ceases to guide.
We give thanks for the extraordinary gift of Miss Alberta Lillian Simms Thompson—a woman whose presence has touched generations, and whose witness continues to point us toward what is good, true, and life-giving.
By: The Rev. Geoff Evans, Canon to the Ordinary
Grace Church in Cullman has an influx of children, and they are working hard to develop a curriculum and recruit volunteers for Sunday School. This growth started when Grace’s Daughters of the King chapter began praying for the Lord to send more youth, children, and their families.
The Daughters (often referred to as the DOK) are a religious order including a rule of life, public vows, and a focus on prayer, service, and evangelism. There are currently 47 DOK chapters in our Diocese.
Janet Matthews, a member of the vestry and the DOK, said the Daughters regularly pray for the youth of the church, and starting last year, they used that prayer for the youth as a jumping-off point and began praying that God would send more youth, children, and their families to Grace.
What happened next is both miraculous and predictable – the Lord heard their prayer, and Grace has seen an influx of children and their families, hence the need to adjust their offerings and recruit more folks to help.
In my role with the diocese, I give considerable thought to how our churches can grow. At any point in the year, the Rev. Jane Ellis (a consultant for congregational vitality) and I are working with dozens of congregations to develop strategies for growth. And yet, if I am honest, I too often neglect the strategic power of prayer. It is easy for me to rush past prayer and immerse myself in numbers, budgets, and multiyear outlooks. The Daughters of Cullman reminded me that prayer is our most powerful tool for growth.
This is, of course, precisely what our Lord taught. That if we have “faith the size of a mustard seed,” we will say to mountains, “move from here to here,” and they will move. In faith and
through prayer, “nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). For me, it is all too easy to slide into the position of “little faith” which fixates on what we can do and accomplish without first seeking a move of God and then following after that movement. Thankfully, we have groups like the Daughters who help us remember our primary commitments and keep us grounded in God through prayer.
So, if you are a member of a church that is aging, start visioning the future by gathering a small group of people to pray for the Lord to send more people, more young people, and their
families. And then be prepared to minister to them by creating children’s chapels, children’s corners in the nave, Sunday School curricula, and a pool of children’s ministry volunteers. Please reach out to me if you would like to pray and brainstorm about this work. Additionally, if you are interested in joining the Daughters or starting a new DOK chapter, please contact Patti Whitaker at whitaker995@gmail.com or Miki Heaton at miki1957@bellsouth.net , and they will guide you through the process.
What happens when we pray for growth? God gives us growth.
By: Kana Goldsmith, Executive Director – Sawyerville
It all starts at 5:30 in the morning when the large on button is pressed on the 100-cup coffee maker in the cafeteria.
“Push the button with your right hand,” echoes the line from an old bus song, hanging in the air like the twinkle lights strung from the ceiling.
The slow percolator is like the sleepy-eyed high school staff making their way down the long hallways of Greensboro Elementary School, headed to the gym. The showers have just opened.
By 6:30, the coffee is hot. Staff cluster around cafeteria tables, unwrapping breakfast bars while sugar and cream swirl into the dark, delicious liquid that Miss Tracie prepped the night before. Her words ring out like a posted rule and a rite of passage:
“If you’re old enough to drink coffee, you’re old enough to clean up after yourself.”
By 7:13, the auditorium is packed. Over 100 staff members gather in a wide circle, arms linked, swaying together—right, left, right, left. And then it begins:
“It’s on now!”
“What time is it?”
“It’s time to get camp!” “Who’s it all for?”
“It’s all for the kids!”
“Whose house?”
“God’s house!”
“It’s time to get loud. It’s time to represent. Sawyerville, what time is it?”
This summer, Sawyerville’s theme was “Thanks be to God,” echoing the liturgical response to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” While service in Sawyerville might not always be peaceful, it’s certainly powerful—more like a speaker cranked just below the point of blowing, blasting clean versions of the best rhythm artists of the time.
From 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, every inch of Greensboro Elementary is transformed. Sawyerville college-age interns have patiently registered hundreds of campers while planning every minute of the day and decorating hallways and classrooms until the school becomes Camp. Summer Camp. Summer Learning.
Jump Start. A place bursting at the seams with energy and joy.
Classrooms and hallways come alive with reading and math, music and dance, science experiments and art projects, basketball and dodgeball, relay races, talent shows, and swimming. And everywhere, laughter. Movement. Learning. Growth. Camp is on.
The day doesn’t end when the last car door closes or the final camper climbs aboard the bus—it simply pauses.
Staff, sweaty and spent, collapse onto the cool floors of air-conditioned classrooms for a 45-minute rest. Outside the door, clergy sit quietly, ready to listen, reflect, and offer a kind word—or maybe just a piece of candy.
Then the rhythm picks back up. Camp meetings unfold with laughter and honesty, as the day is unpacked and retold. At 6:00 p.m., Evelyn Pritchard, Miss Tracie, and Star unveil the nightly feast, lovingly provided by parishes across the Diocese.
Next come Joy Stations—not just chores, but a shared practice of caring for the sacred space of camp: scrubbing toilets, sweeping hallways, mopping floors.
And then, back to the auditorium. The heart of it all. Staff gather on the floor, eyes fixed on the glowing screen as images from the day— captured by camp photographers —flicker by.
“May the work that I have done speak for me.”
And it does.
Each night ends in worship. Highs and lows are shared. Thanks is given. This is more than camp.
This is Camp.
Everyone who helped us reach $55,547 in the Countdown to Camp Summer Challenge!
By: Amy Brooks, Director of Communications – The Church of the Nativity (With contributions from Lea Ann Barnett and Janet Robbins)
It all began on Sally Stockton’s porch on Labor Day weekend in 2021. Life was beginning to return to normal after the pandemic, and Emily Rodgers had an idea. She gathered a group of women, including Sally Stockton, Lane Tutt, Sherry Boyer, and Lea Ann Barnett, and began to create a new Nativity Cookbook. It had been nearly 30 years since the last cookbook was published by ECW in 1993 in honor of Nativity’s Sesquicentennial. Emily Rodgers envisioned it to foster reconnection after months of isolation. Lea Ann Barnett suggested that the proceeds benefit the “One Body Accessibility Capital Campaign,” a facilities improvement effort that had been paused during the pandemic.
The Team Behind the Table
As interest grew, the team expanded. Lea Ann Barnett became the project chair, while Lane Tutt, Emily Rodgers, and Mickey Ellis formed the Advisory Board. Sherry Boyer, who suggested incorporating artwork from Nativity artists, became the Artist
Chair. Janet Robbins joined as Recipe Curator. Mickey Ellis also contributed the cookbook’s name, “Gatherings”.
After initial meetings and focus groups, the vision for the cookbook materialized: a modern book featuring recipes, stories, prayers, and artwork. Its core mission was “to honor, preserve, and pass on to future generations the long-standing traditions at Nativity which have nourished our parishioners and inspired us to gather around the table for food, faith, and fellowship”.
Requests for contributions were sent to the congregation. Jewell Reynolds and Sally Ann Culver curated classic recipes for a special “Heritage” section. Peter Cobun, a retired journalist, added historical “Did You Know?” notes throughout the book. Elaine Calhoun helped select recipes for six festive, churchbased holiday menus in the “Celebrations” section. Beth Thames served as the Stories Editor, conducting interviews and writing narratives. Over 100 members submitted recipes over the course of a year.
In 2023, during the Summer Lunch series, volunteers prepared selected recipes for parishioners, which served as both recipe testing and community building. Once the first draft was complete, 13 proofreaders volunteered to finalize the content.
We invited local artists in the congregation to join in the effort, and the results were stunning. Over 100 pieces of original artwork were submitted. Some artwork directly illustrates stories, such as June Denson’s “Consecrated Bear,” while others reflect thematic sections like “Celebrations”. Denise Schiber was commissioned to paint a charming scene of Greene Street Market Day for the “Farm to Table” section.
Breaking from traditional cookbook sections, “Gatherings” adopts a thematic approach, divided into seven sections that are related to different types of gatherings:
• The Family Table
• What Can I Bring?
• Farm to Table (featuring Greene Street Market)
• Company’s Coming
• Nativity Thanksgiving Luncheon and Bake Sale (a 140-year tradition)
• Heritage
• Celebrations
The cookbook also features 20 heartfelt stories from within Nativity, encompassing themes of laughter, love, tradition, and grace. These include recollections of events like the Thanksgiving Luncheon and Bazaar, and sentimental tributes from parishioners and clergy. These stories are intended to preserve the essence of Nativity life and its shared journey. As Father Michael Goldsmith states in the foreword, “there is joy, laughter, and deliciousness waiting for you in this book”.
“Gatherings” is currently available for pre-sales at $40 until November 15th, with a regular sale price of $48. Delivery is expected in mid-to-late November, making it perfect for holiday gifts. Scan the QR code for a sneak peek and to pre-order.
Lamentation fills my heart with the reports of famine throughout Gaza, missile strikes on Al Ahli Hospital and the Holy Family Church, extremist settler violence destroying sacred Christian sites in the West Bank, and the suffering of hostages and their families. As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, I weep over our beloved Holy Land.
My first Holy Land pilgrimage was in 1994, a time of relative peace after the Oslo accords. Our Palestinian Christian guide provided me with a perspective unknown to most Americans, offering a personal backstory to the raging conflict we see today. Those early pilgrimages (I returned in 1997) offered a new understanding of the complex history of this region.
We walked in the footsteps of Jesus in the traditional holy places. We glimpsed Jewish history at Masada, Qumran, the Holocaust Museums, and the Golan Heights—the Eye of Israel. We experienced the sacred traditions of the three Abrahamic faiths through the Holy Eucharist in the Garden Tomb, prayers at the Western Wall, and contemplation in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, where we pondered the stone where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac.
Pilgrimages in the 2000s became more meaningful. The holy moments of walking the Via Dolorosa with fellow pilgrims from Methodist and Baptist traditions and the renewal of wedding vows in Cana, however, were juxtaposed with the jarring
presence of a wall surrounding Bethlehem and settlements cluttering the hillside view of Jerusalem.
My most recent pilgrimages (2019, 2022) opened my eyes to the true heart of the Holy Land – The Living Stones. The ancient stones on the holy ground of Jesus’ life and ministry are the essence of pilgrimage, the thin places of personal transformation. However, visits to the humanitarian ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem revealed that Christ’s light shines brightly today, amidst the darkness of the current chaos and conflict.
Here are a few of the institutions that bear witness to Christ’s love and compassion:
• The Holy Land Institute for the Deaf in Jordan provides disabled adults with meaningful work in carpentry and sewing.
• The Arab Evangelical School in Jordan integrates blind, visually impaired, and sighted students in the classroom.
• The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre treats and empowers children with disabilities and offers support to their families.
• The Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah (West Bank) prepares young people for careers in hospitality/culinary arts or information technology.
• Al Ahli Hospital, Gaza’s oldest hospital, provides care to all, regardless of religion, political affiliation, or ability to pay.
I weep for the Christian leaders of these humanitarian ministries as they endure unimaginable obstacles- military attacks, limited supplies and resources, and time-consuming checkpoints. These Living Stones persevere in their mission to love and serve the Lord.
In a recent address to the Church of England Synod, Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Archbishop Hosam Naoum affirmed that they are “battered and bruised but not defeated or crushed” and proclaimed, “Where the Church is wounded and constrained, we need the wider body of Christ to help us, to be the Church in brutal and damaging times”.
In his letter on the Crisis in Gaza, Presiding Bishop Rowe encourages Episcopalians to stand with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He reminds the Church to advocate with the Office of Government Relations and encourages donations to the Good Friday Offering and the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ).
AFEDJ, a nonpolitical, nonsectarian, 501(c)(3) organization, is the leading fundraising organization for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to mobilize financial resources for the diocese and its humanitarian institutions – its schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities. I invite you to visit their website www.afedj.org, and check out the Resources for Church Use webpage to learn about the humanitarian ministries and how you can support the vital work of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Is there Hope in the Holy Land? Absolutely!
Need a speaker to deepen your understanding of these humanitarian ministries? Contact the Reverend Judy Quick, jgquick@bellsouth.net. Participate in hope in the Holy Land.
By: The Rev. Derrick C. Hill, Chief Executive Officer – Camp McDowell
Beverly and I arrived at Camp McDowell on New Year’s Eve with our dog, Bleu, our cat, Meriwether, and enough belongings to get us started (the rest caught up with us a couple of weeks later). From the very first night in Scott House, Camp didn’t just feel like home—it was home, thanks to the warmth of the people who live, work, and visit here.
Since then, I’ve learned that Camp McDowell is beautiful in every season. Winter brought snow and ice that turned the grounds into a quiet, holy place, God’s backyard wrapped in white. Spring came with the drama of bigleaf magnolias unfurling, like creation itself waking up to proclaim, “All things are being made new.”
When snow closed the local schools, we invited neighbors to Stough Lodge for game night. It wasn’t a huge crowd, but it was the kind of gathering that made me think, Yes—this is how you build community. We missed the first progressive dinner after our arrival, Beverly’s mother passed away that week—but we’re looking forward to the next one. Beverly has already found her mahjong circle, and we’ve enjoyed good conversations around dining tables and by the swimming pool with our new neighbors.
In those early months, I began offering a Sunday evening Eucharist for residents and any groups on the property. That continued until “summer crunch,” when every waking moment is devoted to keeping the camp humming. I’m now dreaming about new times and formats that will provide a steady rhythm of worship—a place for reflection, prayer, and the breaking of bread together.
If you want to know why Camp McDowell thrives, look to the people who make it run. Our staff is extraordinary— hardworking, joyful, and deeply committed to hospitality.
We’ve shared laughter (including the day my new go-cart was gift-wrapped in plastic wrap on April 1st—touché), and we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder through challenges. We’ve delivered meals during storms so guests could stay safe in their lodges, weathered multiple power outages, and kept things going through packed weekends like Cursillo.
On July 1st, we welcomed Monica Romano as our new Chief Operating Officer—a role that had been vacant since December 1st. Monica brings vision and energy to the position once held by Whitney Moore-Shea, who for years carried both COO and CEO responsibilities with remarkable grace. Having now done both jobs at once for a season, I can say this with conviction: Whitney deserves a standing ovation.
In March, we were honored to host the House of Bishops. It was a week of holy work wrapped in laughter and connection—bishops watching March Madness in Hall Hall and Scott House, and a latenight UNO game echoing through Camp.We’ll host them again in the future, rotating with Camp Allen (TX) and Kanuga (NC)—the only Episcopal camps that can accommodate a gathering of this size. Weeks like that remind me that hospitality is not just about space and food, it’s a ministry.
Before the summer rush, I visited several parishes—a practice I plan to continue. Those visits reminded me that Camp McDowell is not an island; it is a ministry of the Diocese and of the wider church.
Beverly
We heavily depend on guest groups for financial stability, and weatherrelated cancellations do impact our bottom line. We’re working to grow support through gifts and grants so that we can remain faithful to our mission even when storms come. I want to strengthen our Episcopal partnerships and welcome groups whose work aligns with ours, because ministry grows when we share the table with others.
This summer, I learned just how full Camp McDowell can get. Over 800 beds—and every single one filled. From Bethany’s Kids, Special Session, and Youth Folk Camp, to outside groups like Quiet Waters, Florida College, and Hope Heals (four sessions!), Upper Camp has been alive with energy. Lower Camp carried on its beloved tradition of Episcopal Church Camp for rising 1st through 12th graders. What touches me most is how our accessible campus allows campers and families of all abilities to participate fully. The Kingdom of God looks a lot like this: everyone gathered at the table, no one left out.
One of the most delightful surprises has been the variety of groups that call Camp home for a few days—church retreats, Cursillo, confirmation weekends, search & rescue dog trainers, quilting guilds, fisheries conferences, Enneagram workshops, LGBTQ+ retreats, “forced family fun” reunions, memory care weekends, and grandparent/grandchild camps.
It’s a living reminder that Camp McDowell is more than a facility; it’s a crossroads where faith, learning, rest, and renewal meet.
I believe Camp McDowell is a sacred trust—1,140 acres of God’s Backyard, filled with memory, ministry, and possibility. My calling here is not only to sustain what’s been given, but to steward it faithfully— caring for the land, the buildings, and the mission so they will still be vibrant for generations to come.
To everyone who has welcomed us, prayed for us, or partnered in this work—thank you. This ministry is richer because of you.
By: Sam Herman, Event Coordinator & Youth Minister at Church of the Ascension, Birmingham
In July 1998, shortly after my 11th birthday, my mom loaded my two younger siblings and me into the car and drove us to Camp McDowell for the very first Special Session, a week-long camp for adults with disabilities staffed by high school and college students and an adult support staff. There is no way I could have imagined that that week would become my annual family reunion, and the sun of my calendar year that the other 51 weeks orbited around. Now, in 2025, I find myself in the privileged position of working as an intern to Jen Manning, Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, and the first project she asked me to coordinate was a Jr. High Summer Outreach weekend at McDowell, which would include a kickoff event for this year’s Special Session.
The first major group activity at Special Session every summer is a large social gathering, usually held at Phifer Hall. Everybody in the community attends, and the emotional energy created by 150 campers and staff who have not seen each other in a year is high. It makes for a chaotic couple of hours, and having a well-planned set of activities is crucial to maintaining some semblance of order. The goal for this Jr. High retreat was to gather kids from across the diocese and have them help organize and host this social event.
In the last few weeks of May, as Jen and I worked together in preparation, I reflected on the fact that the kids who would be attending would not be much older than I was when I first experienced Special Session nearly 30 years ago. The Jr. High Youth (representing six parishes across the diocese) arrived the night before the session began. On that first evening, after some icebreakers, we divided into groups and set about organizing and preparing the activities for the following day. The theme for the week was “All Things Beach”, and naturally, there were a lot of essential tasks to delegate, such as cutting red felt into triangles to make watermelonshaped sunglasses, and checking to be sure the adhesive on the back of the googly eyes would hold fast to the paper cup octopuses the campers would be making. I volunteered to manage the assembly line responsible for creating over 150 beach-themed jello cups. Everybody pitched in, and we worked until after 10 p.m., when we finally had Compline and called it a night.
The following day, after a chilly morning at the swimming pool, we reconvened at Stough Lodge to gather and transport our supplies. We topped our jello cups with sand (crushed graham crackers) and gummy sea creatures, loaded the karaoke machine and limbo pole into the car, and made our way to Phifer Hall. The anticipation was palpable as the youth decorated every corner of the space, preparing the activities and snacks they had organized the night before; then we waited.
This community social always starts slowly. The space remains empty for a while. Then there were a few quiet steps. Then a few more. Laughter. A rocking chair gets dragged into the shade. The air begins to warm as more people arrive. Some are young, some are old. Some use a wheelchair, while others come on rollerblades. Even more people arrive. Familiar voices as well as new ones fill the space until every corner of the room is bursting with activity.
Over the next few hours, as the intensity of the party went from a crawl to a brisk stroll, and finally to a metal-pedaled sprint, I could see my younger self in these youths: at first wide-eyed and anxious, then cautiously open-hearted, and finally completely immersed in the joy of serving. At a certain point, it became difficult to distinguish between a staffer and a camper, a volunteer and a chaperone. Nobody was performing; love was real, and it was all for free. Old stories were shared, new stories were born, and the walls of Phifer Hall seemed to lean in and listen, as if these stories magnetized the very air we were breathing.
How powerful it can be to build bridges between communities. Every summer since I was 11 years old, I’ve seen the kingdom of God manifest itself through the people who attend Special Session, and this year I felt the beauty of the full circle: one generation planting seeds, and the next helping them grow.
By: Mary Olson, Parishioner and Special Projects Coordinator for the Macon County Food Pantry
Three years ago, a couple of people from Holy Trinity Church, Auburn, had a meeting with Mr. Guy Trammell, the director of the Macon County Food Pantry, to explore ways to address the problems of food desert areas in Macon County. He suggested that we might make it possible for people to grow their own vegetables by giving away container gardens. So, our garden project was born. We started with just a few in the first year, but thanks to generous funding from our relational mission committee, we have increased the number every year. By the end of the 2025 season, we will have given out more than 350 kits, including 209 this year.
The kits are distributed in various ways, mostly at community events. They include a five-gallon container, a bag of garden soil, a package of seeds, and an instruction sheet. This year, we have set up our booth at such events as the Possum Festival in Franklin, the Wellness Festival in Shorter, and the Senior Olympics in Tuskegee. We visited the Senior Citizens’ Center in Notasulga, where everyone signed up for and received a garden kit. We also delivered kits to the New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Hardaway and several to the Food Pantry for people who had requested them. Wherever we put up our sign “FREE Container Garden Kits,” we attract a crowd.
Our committee includes members from both Holy Trinity and Macon County, with professors from Auburn and Tuskegee universities, and master gardeners. The Food Pantry is under the administration of the Macon County Ministers’ Council. Once a month, volunteers provide food distribution delivered by the East Alabama Food Bank. Emergency boxes are also available on request at other times. In the summer, the Food Pantry provides food for school children in the county because they miss the free lunches they get during the school year.
Mr. Trammell, who is enthusiastic about the impact of this project, shared: “Our hopes are that our children in Macon County will try agriculture and even plant crops in their yards. The soil is rich and the climate is ideal. We have long growing seasons, so hopefully the Container Gardens can become first steps for those wanting to experiment in agriculture.”
He also acknowledged the energy and excitement that project volunteers bring to the various festivals they attend. “I believe the excitement from the volunteers carries over into our clients, and that should give encouragement for them to be successful in this project. This is a great effort that I believe will yield good benefits in the communities of Macon County as they see what they can produce for their families.
By: Jen Manning, Missioner for Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministries
In June, almost 150 LGBTQ Episcopalians and allies registered to walk with St. Andrew’s Church in the Central Alabama Pride Parade. St. Andrew’s participates in the parade each year, and this year invited the larger community to join them. It was a beautiful celebration of community, acceptance, and love, as so many gathered together in Birmingham. Please see the reflection below, which was part of a letter sent by the Rev. Peter Helman, rector of St. Andrew’s, to his parish after the event.
If you are interested in being added to the DioALA LGBTQ+ email list, please contact Jen Manning at jmanning@dioala.org.
Dear friends in Christ~
What a magnificent witness we shared at Birmingham’s Pride Parade on Saturday! Our parish’s participation was extraordinary—a vibrant testament to the love of Christ and our commitment to justice, dignity, and the radical hospitality that is at the heart of the Gospel and Saint Andrew’s love for Birmingham.
Saint Andrew’s fielded the largest entry in the entire parade. But beyond the numbers, what truly moved me was witnessing the many hours of faithful preparation that made our witness possible—truly a labor of love in service to our LGBTQIA+ siblings and neighbors.
My gratitude goes out first to the dedicated members of St. Aelred’s Guild and the Pride Committee, whose careful planning and coordination continue to make this ministry possible. The creativity and devotion of the Red Egg Guild volunteers, who lovingly decorated over 500 eggs with olive wood crosses, creating beautiful symbols of new life and hope. The artistry of our flowermaking volunteers, who crafted over 1,000 paper flowers, transformed our gathering into a garden of celebration. And we celebrate the ministry of coordination that brought together waivers, vehicles, decorations, and the countless details that allowed us to walk together in unity.
I’m also deeply grateful for our diocesan partners who joined us in this witness, and for parishes throughout Birmingham and across the state who stood with us to proclaim that The Episcopal Church is indeed a place where all are welcome, all are loved, and all are valued as beloved children of God
As someone who arrived at Saint Andrew’s almost two years ago and experienced the Pride Parade for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the joy, the beauty, and the profound sense of purpose that filled our community. Each step we took was indeed a living prayer—a proclamation that love is stronger than hate, that the dignity of our neighbors cannot be diminished, and that justice is not just an ideal but a calling we actively pursue.
This Pride Parade represents one of our largest annual outreach efforts, and it embodies so beautifully what it means to live out our baptismal vows. In promising to strive for justice and peace, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, we don’t simply speak words—we walk them out, literally and figuratively, in the streets of our city.
Where love is, God is there. And in our presence together—joyful, colorful, fearless—Christ was present in Birmingham, working through us as his hands and feet in a world that needs our witness to the transforming power of unconditional love.
By: The Revs. Jeannie Randall and Josiah Rengers
This summer, the Companion Diocese Commission for Honduras and Camp McDowell hosted 14 students from three Honduran bilingual Episcopal schools before, during, and after the Sophomore Camp session in June. The students’ chaperones, the Rev. Olga Barrera and Gabriela Zacapa, served on the session’s program staff. This was a truly beautiful experience of cultural exchange and global friendship. The students quickly formed friendships with the U.S. American campers and thoroughly enjoyed their experience at camp.
One of the students, Freiry Banegas, said, “My experience at Camp McDowell was one like no other, and I will forever be grateful for it as it will be one of my greatest memories. Everyone in the camp was nice and welcoming to me, making my shyness go away and allowing me to be more social with them.” Another camper, Ana Maria Benitas, wrote, “My experience at Camp McDowell was one of the best ones I’ve ever had. From the moment that we arrived at camp; everyone was really welcoming and made me feel at home. I made many friends during our stay at camp, and I thoroughly enjoyed every activity I participated in with them. Every day was filled with several fun activities that I will never forget; each night, before bed, we always mentioned what our favorite part of the day was and why, which made our experience unforgettable.”
We are grateful to the two chaperones who came as well. The Rev. Olga Barrera, rector of Iglesia Episcopal Espíritu Santo, Tela, wrote, “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to participate in my second year as chaperone with Gabriela, and feel blessed to
have taken part in such a powerful experience at Camp McDowell. We hope this initiative continues year after year, strengthening the bonds of friendship and faith between the Diocese of Alabama and the Diocese of Honduras.”
Gabriela Zacapa, principal of the Buen Pastor Episcopal school, said, “The young participants thrived. They had the opportunity to enjoy a cultural exchange with others at the camp while also practicing English as a second language. For us, as chaperones, it was not only a chance to care for them, but also to learn from them and from the incredible logistics and leadership demonstrated by the camp staff. It was inspiring to witness young people serving their peers with such dedication and joy. Above all, what made this camp truly special was its spiritual foundation. Each day began and ended with a worship service, giving all the honor and glory to God. It was beautiful to see how the youth grew in their faith and learned that it’s possible to have fun in a wholesome, healthy way—without the need for drugs, alcohol, or even technology. They found joy in nature and in meaningful connections with those around them.”
Many folks throughout the Diocese helped make this adventure a success. Camp received donations from churches and individuals that covered the fees for all fourteen campers. The Cathedral Church of the Advent and St. Thomas in Huntsville provided vans for transportation needs. Christ Church, Tuscaloosa, prepared welcome bags with toiletries, water bottles, and treats for the campers, which were ready for them when they arrived late the evening before the session began. St. Bart’s, Florence, and St. Michael’s provided meals needed for the extra days at McDowell.
The Church of the Ascension in Vestavia welcomed the group for Sunday worship and provided lunch. After the meal, their youth director, Sam Herman, and a team of Ascension youth combined with our group for a trip to the McWane Science Center to watch a movie and experience the science center.
It was a grand adventure for all and couldn’t have been accomplished without those who planned and participated in the event, especially the Revs. David Peeples, Danny Whitehead, Jamie McAdams, and Miss Claire Cotton, Director for Mission Funding at the diocese. This was undoubtedly a blessing for our diocese, the Diocese of Honduras, our guests, and our campers from around Alabama. Most of all, we want to thank the amazing staff and crew who make Camp McDowell truly wonderful.
By: Miki Mahan Heaton, Diocesan DOK Vice President, DOK & Province IV Secretary.
For the past 48 years, the Daughters of the King Province IV Fall Assembly has been a cherished gathering at Kanuga, fostering community, faith, and fellowship among Daughters from across the Province. This year, we are thrilled to announce a significant change in venue as we move to Wonderful, Wonderful Camp McDowell! This transition promises to bring daughters to a camp designed for those with mobility issues but situated in wooded surroundings. We will continue all our long-standing traditions, fellowship with Daughters, and promote spiritual growth.
As we prepare for this year’s assembly, we anticipate a wonderful turnout of Daughters from across our Province, all eager to engage in meaningful discussions and deepen their faith. Our lineup of guest speakers is sure to inspire and enlighten all attendees. The move to Camp McDowell represents not only a change in location but also an opportunity to embrace new experiences and deepen our connections with one another. The natural beauty and serene environment of Camp McDowell will provide the perfect backdrop for reflection, worship, and spiritual bonding.
In addition to our inspiring speakers, the assembly will feature a variety of engaging activities designed to foster connection and spiritual growth. Morning Coffee and Bible Study start your day with fellowship and reflection. Ending our day with a beautiful evening eucharist service, where we will come together in worship and community. As we do every year, we will honor and remember our departed daughters in a heartfelt Departed Daughters Ceremony. For fun this year, you can enjoy a screening of the powerful movie Philadelphia 11 and popcorn to go with it! Throughout the assembly, there will be ample opportunities for fellowship, laughter, and singing together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As we look forward to this year’s assembly, we invite all Daughters to join us for a transformative week filled with faith, fellowship, and inspiration. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or new to the Daughters of the King, you are welcome to be part of this special gathering. For more information and registration, please scan this code.
By: Kathleen Franklin, Diocesan ECW Scholarship Chair
Each year, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) gives away thousands in scholarships to students across our diocese. Over the last decade or more, the diocesan ECW has provided over $100,000 in scholarships to students. This past academic year, we awarded $9,750 to 21 students attending universities across the country. Scholarships are awarded based on a 40% need, 40% church involvement, and 20% merit criteria. We are proud to announce our recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year:
This is the second-largest group of recipients in recent history to have received this scholarship. The ECW is only able to provide funding to these 20 accomplished students with your support. The more that is given to ECW Scholarship Funds, the more we can provide to students, clergy, and laypeople per year. The ECW relies solely on donations, and to ensure your donation benefits scholarship recipients, all donations must be received by December 31, 2025. Any donation given after the specified date will be designated for the 2026-2027 year.
On behalf of the ECW, we thank you for your kind donations this past year and are grateful for the prayerful consideration you give towards donating this year. Applications for ECW College Scholarships for students entering their freshman or sophomore year of college will open beginning in January 2026. All required information must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Applications for the Women at the Well Scholarship must be submitted at least two months before the event.
To donate to the ECW Scholarship Fund, please send a check to: ECW, Diocese of Alabama 521 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Please note on your check ECW College Scholarship Fund OR ECW Women at the Well
For more information or questions regarding donations to scholarships and applications, please contact Kathleen Franklin, ECW Scholarship Chair, at kathleenfrnkln@gmail.com.
With deep gratitude for their faithful service, we share news of new calls, transitions, and retirements among our clergy. We invite you to join us in giving thanks for these devoted servants of God and in praying for God’s continued blessings as they begin their next chapters.
• The Rev. Ed Bacon is interim rector at All Saints’ Church, Birmingham.
• The Rev. John Bagby is interim rector of Holy Comforter Church, Gadsden.
• The Rev. Andrew S. Brislin is rector at St. Joseph’s onthe-Mountain, Mentone.
• The Rev. Greg Evans is assistant vicar at Riverside Church in McCalla.
• Mrs. Jennifer Grissom is lay pastoral leader at Riverside Church, McCalla
• The Rev. Mawande Mzongwana is associate rector at St. John’s Church in Montgomery.
With faith and anticipation, the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama invites you to join our journey toward calling our 13th Bishop. Our search represents a prayerful process of reflection on the challenges and great opportunities our diocese will face in this next chapter of our history. We have listened to the dreams, needs, and concerns of our faith community, including laypeople, clergy, seminarians, Episcopalians of color, our youth, and young adults. We have sought a diversity of ideas and opinions to create a thoughtful and comprehensive profile of the diocese and the Bishop we seek.
For the complete diocesan profile, scan this QR code to visit our website for the magazine version or to download a PDF. Whether you are discerning a call to serve as bishop or simply curious about the life of our diocese, we invite you to join us in prayer and hope for this next chapter in our shared journey of faith.
Peace be with you, Bishop Search Committee
521 NORTH 20TH STREET, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203–2682 www.dioala.org
The Episcopal Church of Alabama Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry
Assisting Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior
The Alabama Episcopalian
Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor
Miles Parsons, Art Director Vol. 110, No.7; 3rd Quarter, 2025; USPS 070-910 ISSN 1041-3316
Periodical postage paid
POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Liza Lee Horton, The Alabama Episcopalian, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL, 35203-2682.
The Alabama Episcopalian is published quarterly. Please send stories and photographs (full color, at the highest resolution possible) to Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor at nana@dioala.org.
The submission deadlines for each issue are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Parishes and individuals, please send all address changes or additions to Liza Lee Horton, lhorton@dioala.org, or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682