Dean's Message for September 17, 2026

Author:
September 17, 2026

Beloveds,
What a wonderful beginning to a new program year at St. Paul’s!

On Sunday, Dean Willey Hall was filled with conversation, laughter, familiar faces, new introductions, and opportunities to discover the many ways we share life together. Our Ministry Fair was about more than signing up for something. It was an invitation to consider where God might be calling each of us to make room—for one another, for service, for prayer, and for God.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the Ministry Fair—or if you’re still considering where you might serve—the invitation is still open. [Explore our ministries and sign up here.]

That invitation is at the heart of our year together.

As we explore what it means to live a faithful life, I hope you will remember that faithfulness is not measured by how much we can fit into an already-full calendar. Sometimes it means doing something. Sometimes it means setting something down. Sometimes it means showing up for worship, sharing a meal, serving alongside someone new, sitting quietly in prayer, or simply allowing ourselves to rest in the presence of God.

Throughout this year, we will offer many ways to explore those practices. You’ll find Faithful Life Cards in the pews each Sunday with something to carry into your week. You’ll see tokens of Time, Talent, and Treasure inviting you to consider what you have to offer. Our formation, fellowship, service, and worship opportunities will give us places to practice a faithful life together.

But none of these is meant to become one more thing you have to do.

They are invitations.

So as this new season begins, perhaps the question is not, “What should I add?” but rather, “Where might I make room for God?”

You don’t have to have the answer today. Pay attention. Try something new. Return to something you’ve missed. Come to Evensong on a Sunday afternoon. Join a class or a ministry. Take your Faithful Life Card home and let the question sit with you for a few days.

And through it all, remember that you do not practice a faithful life alone. We are learning and living it together.

One final invitation: to all of our ministry leaders and volunteers, I hope you’ll join me at my home this Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m.–noon for our Ministry Leader & Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. It is our opportunity to celebrate you and thank you for the many ways you help make our shared life at St. Paul’s possible. RSVP to spcoffice@stpaulsokc.org. 

I am grateful to begin another year with you!
Grace and peace,

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

Have you checked out our New ‘26 Fall Planning Guide? Let’s Live a Faithful Life together this Fall at St. Paul’s!

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