Dean's Message for Thursday, August 6, 2026

Author:
August 10, 2026

Beloveds,

This week, I've found myself reflecting with deep gratitude on six years at St. Paul's.

When I accepted the call to serve as your Dean in August 2020, the world looked very different. There was no grand installation filled with the usual embraces and celebration. Instead, we began this journey together during a season of uncertainty, learning how to be the Church in ways none of us expected.

Since then, we've shared baptisms and funerals, feast days and Holy Weeks, weddings and ordinations, moments of heartbreak and moments of incredible joy. We've welcomed new members, launched new ministries, celebrated milestones, and watched God continue to shape this Cathedral into a place of hope in the heart of Oklahoma City.

Thank you for the flowers, kind words, artwork, prayers, and warm celebration this past Sunday. Most of all, thank you for allowing me the privilege of walking alongside you in faith. It is one of the greatest joys of my life.

As we look ahead, I hope you'll continue to join us throughout these final weeks of summer. This Sunday marks our final Summer Organ Recital at 10:10 a.m. in the Music Suite on the second floor of the Parish House—a wonderful opportunity to experience beautiful music and learn about historic organs from around the world.

In the weeks that follow, we'll welcome Maggie Houston from City Care (August 16) and Ms. Harper from Emerson North High School (August 23) during Summer Formation as they share about two remarkable ministries making a difference in our community.

And looking just a bit further ahead, please mark your calendars for one of the Cathedral's most meaningful traditions: Oakerhater Sunday on Sunday, August 30. We will gather for one service only at 10:30 a.m. as we honor the life and witness of the Rev. David Pendleton Oakerhater, the first Indigenous person ordained as a deacon in The Episcopal Church and one of our Church's saints. It is always a powerful celebration of faith, reconciliation, and our shared history.

Thank you for all that you do to make St. Paul's the vibrant, welcoming, and faithful community that it is. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us in the years ahead.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our prayers for all members of your holy Church, that in our vocation and ministry we may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 817)

Grace and peace,

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

PS:
Don't forget—we're continuing to grow St. Paul's collective gift to St. Crispin's Camp & Conference Center through Sunday, August 9. Simply click the Give to St. Crispin's link and note "St. Crispin's" in the memo, or place cash or a check in Sunday's offering plate with "St. Crispin's" noted. Thank you for helping us celebrate 60 years of this beloved ministry!

 

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