Dean's Message for July 16, 2026

Author:
July 29, 2026

Beloveds,

This Sunday, I will be away in Little Rock for the opening of the Icons in Transformation exhibit at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. I'm excited to experience this remarkable exhibition—and even more excited that St. Paul's will welcome Icons in Transformation to our cathedral this coming March, 2027. I'll look forward to sharing more when I return!

While I'm away, I am delighted to welcome The Rev. Matthew Dayton-Welch as our guest preacher. You may know Matthew as the son of our beloved parishioners, Liz & Jim Welch, but he has also become a respected leader in The Episcopal Church. He currently serves as Rector of the Church of the Epiphany in New York City, where he has led the parish through a season of growth and renewal.

Originally from Oklahoma, Fr. Matthew's ministry has taken him around the world—from serving as a U.S. diplomat in Jerusalem to supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and advocating for children and families throughout the Holy Land. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he brings a perspective that will resonate deeply in our cathedral community as we continue to honor both our history and our enduring commitment to Indigenous ministry and relationships throughout Oklahoma. I know you will extend a warm cathedral welcome to Fr. Matthew this Sunday!

As our summer continues to unfold—with visitors, worship, travel, camp, fellowship, and the many opportunities we have to grow in faith and welcome others into our community—I leave you with this Sunday's collect. It is a beautiful reminder that even amid full calendars and changing rhythms, God already knows our needs, our hopes, and even the prayers we have not yet found the words to offer.

May these words accompany you throughout the week ahead:

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Faithfully,

The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell +
15th Dean, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral

 

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