194th Convention of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama
Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2025
Venue: Decatur, Alabama
The annual convention of the Diocese of Alabama will be held from January 30 to February 1, 2025. The Convention begins with workshops and a Celebration Eucharist on Thursday then continues with business sessions on Friday and Saturday morning. The convention adjourns by 1 pm on Saturday, February 1.
Certification of lay delegates begins October 15 and ends December 16. Certify your delegates Here
NEW! We are requesting that each parish confirm their clergy delegation and provide contact information. This will allow better communication to all prospective delegates. Please confirm your parish’s clergy Here.
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MEETING LOCATIONS & AGENDA
The convention begins with parish resources workshops on Thursday afternoon, January 30, at 1 pm followed by a Celebration Eucharist at 6 pm that evening. The first business session begins at 9 am on Friday, January 31, followed by resolution hearings and caucus elections later that afternoon. Friday concludes with a Celebration Dinner to honor the completion of the Equipping the Saints campaign. The final business session begins at 9 am on Saturday with the convention adjourning by 1 pm. You can view the preliminary agenda HERE.
- Thursday parish resources workshops will take place at the Doubletree Decatur Riverfront.
- Thursday worship will be held at the historic Princess Theatre.
- Friday and Saturday business sessions and provided meals will take place at the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion.
- Friday resolution hearings and caucus elections will take place at the Doubletree Decatur Riverfront.
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REGISTRATION
Registration is now available for certified lay delegates, clergy, seminarians, youth/college representatives, clergy spouses, and guests.
Click HERE for Main registration and HERE for Guest Registration. Register by January 13, 2025. ‘
Alternate lay delegates SHOULD NOT register unless they are tapped to replace a lay delegate or are planning to attend as a non-voting guest. Each individual must have a unique registration with their personal contact information, including an email address. Refer to our FAQ document for guidance on registration.
Registration fee is $100 for the convention and includes lunch on Friday, the Equipping the Saints Campaign Celebration Dinner on Friday, and light snacks and refreshments during the sessions at Ingalls Harbor. Discount codes are available for retired clergy, guests, seminarians, and youth/collegiate delegates.
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NOMINATION FOR DIOCESAN OFFICE
Nominations are now being accepted for the Standing Committee, the Diocesan Council, and the Disciplinary Board. Those wishing to participate in the life and governance of the Diocese of Alabama are welcome to nominate themselves or someone else to serve on a diocesan body. If nominating someone else, please ensure that you have spoken to this person and that this person is willing to accept the nomination. Nominations will also be taken from the floor at Diocesan Convention. Pre-filed nominations will close at 5:00 PM CT on Friday, January 24, 2025. Please use the nomination form linked here. If you wish to have a printed nomination form, please contact Elizabeth Blake at Carpenter House at eblake@dioala.org
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CALL FOR RESOLUTION SUBMISSION
Those wishing to submit a resolution to be presented at Convention may do so by submitting the resolution, in proper format, to diocesanconvention@dioala.org. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 10th at 5 PM.
LODGING
The host hotel for the convention is the Doubletree Decatur Riverfront, which is offering a special rate of $125/night for both Thursday and Friday nights. You can make your reservation HERE.
Other hotels in the area are offering special rates for convention attendees. They include:
- Courtyard by Marriott Decatur for $128/night – request “Alabama Episcopal Diocese Annual Convention”
- Hampton Inn Decatur for $130/night – request “AL Episcopal Diocese Annual Convention”
Questions? Contact diocesanconvention@dioala.org.
Meet Our Speakers
Melina Luna Smith
Melina Luna Smith is the founder of StoryMakers NYC, a clergy wife, and a mother of two teens. Drawing on her background in Social Work and Child Development and her eye for design, she imagined a fresh approach to engaging children through the imagination. With the trademark commitment to whimsy and beauty, Mel envisioned bringing the Bible to life through a creative approach. Eventually, with her team of writers, artists, and jacks-of-all-trades, Melina founded StoryMakers, a non-profit creative studio that produces imaginative gospel resources to foster connection and more fun for Sunday school programs and families.
Jim Davis
Jim Davis (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is teaching pastor at Orlando Grace Church (Acts 29), and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the host of the As in Heaven podcast and coauthor with Michael Graham of The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? He and his wife, Angela, speak for Family Life’s Weekend to Remember marriage getaways. They have four kids.
Michael Graham
Michael Graham (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) is program director for The Keller Center. He is the executive producer and writer of As in Heaven and coauthor of The Great Dechurching. He is a member at Orlando Grace Church. He is married to Sara, and they have two kids.