Your Life, a Watered Garden
"Your Life, a Watered Garden"
Sermon by The Rev. Ed Bacon
January 4, 2026
This sermon invites us to choose a word or image to carry into the new year, shaped by grief, hope, and deep listening. I reflect on a vision of God not as a judge, but as a faithful gardener who keeps us watered with grace, forgiveness, and compassion. Drawing from Jeremiah, personal stories, and voices shaped by religious trauma, the message reminds us that we are not broken at our core, but full of grace. As we step into 2026, we do so as beautifully weird, deeply connected people, rooted in love and always held by a God who is on our side.
More Announcements
Join us March 13-15 for our Women's Retreat at Camp McDowell. We will practice rest, creativity, and wonder at the different ways we practice resilience-- all the while enjoying good company, good food, and wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell. Be sure to register above. Questions, email rneislar@allsaintsbhm.org
Sundays in Lent
Maybe you have seen a 'Children’s Pew Art' sheet in your pew? These are meant to be a simple way to invite our young friends to draw what they see in church, picture something they hear in the Bible reading, write a letter to God, ask a question, or create a prayer. We share in nurturing their spiritual lives, just as we promise at baptism. They learn by watching and listening. They absorb what is going on around them. So enjoy watching your child draw on them. You can take yours home to reflect on during the week, or let it stay for someone else to find. We truly love discovering these colorful reflections of faith all over the church!
Stories on the Way: Stories and Poetry for Lent Our faith is built on a collection of stories shared over generations. Jesus taught in stories. Stories are interwoven in our identities as beloved children of God. As we make our way through the season of Lent, you are invited to join us for three evenings of sharing stories and poems on Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, and March 11 . We will begin each evening at 5:30 with a simple supper. We will close out each evening with Compline (a short night prayer service). Use the link below to let us know if you will be joining us for dinner and if you will be bringing children. The Wednesday Atrium will be available. Please RSVP for dinner here Each evening, we will be joined by featured storytellers and poets. You are also invited to bring your own poetry or a favorite poem to share. Your host: The Rev. Kelley Hudlow Featured storytellers: February 25 Repentance The Rev. Kelley Hudlow The Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan March 4 Mercy The Very Rev. Richard Lawson, Bishop-elect Beverly Brasell March 11 Hope Jamie Parris The Rev. Dillon Green Dr. Shanti Weiland …and more!
The Very Rev. Richard T. Lawson III, dean of Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, has been elected the 13th diocesan bishop of Alabama. He was chosen on the first ballot at today’s special convention at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. Following the required consent process of The Episcopal Church, Bishop elect Lawson will be ordained and consecrated on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Birmingham. We give thanks for all who served in this search and ask for continued prayers during this time of transition.
We will have an all ages Bingo Night in the Great Hall on Wednesday, February 11 from 5:00 to 6:30pm . We are leaning into a Valentine theme and making it a relaxed evening for all generations to gather, play, and enjoy time together. This timing also works well if you are coming before or after choir rehearsals. We will have Roly Poly sandwiches, chips, and dessert available, with a suggested donation of $5 to help us plan for food. Come for a round or stay for the whole evening. Everyone is welcome.