Dean's Message for July 23, 2026

Author:
July 29, 2026

Beloveds,

One of the great gifts of serving at St. Paul's is knowing that, even when I step away for a few days, the Cathedral continues to flourish. I am deeply grateful to the Rev. Matthew Dayton-Welch for leading us in worship this past Sunday, to our clergy and staff, and to all of the volunteers whose faithful ministries make it possible for this community to gather week after week. Thank you for the gift of allowing me time away—and for reminding me that the Church is never built around one person, but around Christ and the many hands and hearts that serve him together.

While I was away, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Icons in Transformation exhibition at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Little Rock. The exhibit, created by artist Ludmila Pawlowska, is breathtaking. Through contemporary works inspired by the ancient tradition of Christian iconography, I was reminded that beauty has a way of opening our hearts to God's presence and inviting us into deeper reflection.

What made the greatest impression on me, however, wasn't simply the artwork—it was the conversations surrounding it. People gathered to ask questions, learn, wonder, pray, and experience beauty together. That's exactly what excites me most as we prepare to welcome Icons in Transformation to St. Paul's next spring. Along with the exhibition itself, we'll offer lectures, conversations, tours, and opportunities for our wider community to engage with faith through art in meaningful and accessible ways.

In the weeks ahead, we'll continue sharing more about this exciting opportunity. For now, I simply invite you to look ahead with anticipation. God is continually at work, preparing us for new ways to grow, to welcome our neighbors, and to proclaim the Gospel through beauty, hospitality, learning, and worship.

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Faithfully,

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

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