Dean's Message for September 24, 2026

Author:
September 28, 2026

Beloveds,

This Sunday, we begin something new at St. Paul's.

At 4 p.m., we will gather for Festal Choral Evensong with Chorister Investiture, celebrating the dedication, growth, and ministry of our choristers. Evensong is one of the Anglican tradition's great treasures, combining scripture, prayer, and music in a service that invites us into reflection, beauty, and wonder.

Following Evensong, we will continue the evening with the first of a new lecture series called Canon Conversations.

Over the coming months, Canons from across St. Paul's Cathedral and the Diocese of Oklahoma will help us explore the practices that shape a faithful life. These gatherings are not simply opportunities for conversation. They are invitations to engage deeply with the theology, history, traditions, and spiritual practices that form us as Christians. Whether you are someone who loves learning, enjoys asking difficult questions, or simply wants to better understand why we do what we do, Canon Conversations are designed with you in mind.

Our first conversation will be led by Canon Tony and will focus on Worship and Prayer. Why do Anglicans worship the way we do? How have our liturgical traditions developed over time? What is happening when we gather around word, sacrament, music, and prayer, and how do those practices shape who we become?

These are not merely academic questions. They are also practical questions about how worship forms our imaginations, our habits, and our lives. Worship is one of the primary ways God shapes us into the people we are called to be.

That connection feels especially fitting because our Faithful Life Focus continues to center on the practice of Worship.

And there’s something for children and youth, too! While adults gather for the Canon Conversation, children and youth are invited to a relaxed, age-appropriate time of Scripture, conversation, and connection with Page Jackson and Ashley Ozan, exploring the same Faithful Life Practice in ways designed especially for them.

Last Sunday, we were invited to think about worship not simply as something we attend, but as a practice that forms us through what we hear, say, sing, and do together. The Cathedral-wide practice is quite simple: try a worship service you do not normally attend.

This week’s Faithful Life Card: Worship. Find a new card in the pews each Sunday.

This weekend offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that!

Perhaps you've never attended Choral Evensong. Perhaps you've never stayed for an adult formation event following a service. Perhaps you've wondered why Anglicans pray the way we do or how worship continues to shape us long after we leave the church building.

I hope you'll come and find out.

Alongside these opportunities, our Cathedral community continues to gather in other ways. On Saturday morning, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will meet for breakfast, fellowship, prayer, and study. Later that morning, our Cathedral Social group will gather at Martin Nature Park for an all-ages hike and Holy Eucharist in creation. Though different in form, each of these gatherings offers an opportunity to practice a faithful life and to be shaped by Christian community.

Where is God inviting you to deepen your practice this week?

Perhaps it begins with a walk through the woods. Perhaps with breakfast and conversation. Perhaps with Evensong and a deeper exploration of worship itself.

Read more to choose a place and make room for God.

Grace and peace,

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

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