Looking Ahead–Joint Worship Services and Events with St. Mark’s
Sunday, May 24 - Pentecost - Service at St. Paul’s at 10:00 a.m.
Every time I feel the spirit moving I will sing… Let’s celebrate the birth of the church, let’s make it special and grand, and spiritually alive and fulfilling. Wear red if you like, and bring your spirit of celebration! COME and worship, Come and worship… It is Pentecost!
Tuesday, May 26 - Dayton Dragons Baseball Game 7:05 p.m. - Sign up in the Cloister
Saturday, May 30 - Luncheon at St. Paul’s beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall
Sunday, June 28 - Outdoor service - 10:00 a.m. Potluck Picnic to follow. Location will be Delco Park, Shelter #3.
Sunday, August 2 - Outreach Project and Worship Service at St. Paul’s - 10:00 a.m.
The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.
Sunday, October 4 - Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing - 10:00 a.m. Location to be determined.
Every time I feel the spirit moving I will sing… Let’s celebrate the birth of the church, let’s make it special and grand, and spiritually alive and fulfilling. Wear red if you like, and bring your spirit of celebration! COME and worship, Come and worship… It is Pentecost!
Tuesday, May 26 - Dayton Dragons Baseball Game 7:05 p.m. - Sign up in the Cloister
Saturday, May 30 - Luncheon at St. Paul’s beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall
Sunday, June 28 - Outdoor service - 10:00 a.m. Potluck Picnic to follow. Location will be Delco Park, Shelter #3.
Sunday, August 2 - Outreach Project and Worship Service at St. Paul’s - 10:00 a.m.
The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.
Sunday, October 4 - Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing - 10:00 a.m. Location to be determined.
Becoming Community through Transition
Dear Church,
As we witness the springing of spring, and the new life emerging all around us, know that there is also new life in Jesus Christ emerging and growing at the same time. Spring is a wonderful time to witness the handiwork of our Lord. I invite you to look around you, see and witness God active in the lives of our neighbors. See and hear Jesus in the eyes and actions of those we meet day to day. I sense an excitement in being the church. As we are being the church, we are being Christ to one another, we are holding people up, we are affirming, we are more attentive to their needs and how we can spiritually support them.
At our next Vestry meeting we will review the goals, and assess which goals can be revised in a manner that will make the parish more sustainable and increase our visibility in the community. One of the 3-month goals for both parishes is to have a collaborative event. This will be a Luncheon on Saturday, May 30th. This is a collaborative event between St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s, and Our Savior Lutheran. The goal is to bring together church people and the community so that we can build relationships. It is about living the gospel. At the luncheon we will decide on one charity where we can make the biggest impact and all ticket sale monies will be given by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Both churches have goals of developing more outreach projects. Both vestries will evaluate their goals, discuss critical mass theory, and choose a ministry where they will be able to make the biggest impact. The transition goal as well as congregational development model hones in on what will build deeper relationships with the community and have a more lasting impact, that is critical mass. The question remains: what will help the church move from a state of decline and stagnation to swinging back toward health? This movement is made
As we witness the springing of spring, and the new life emerging all around us, know that there is also new life in Jesus Christ emerging and growing at the same time. Spring is a wonderful time to witness the handiwork of our Lord. I invite you to look around you, see and witness God active in the lives of our neighbors. See and hear Jesus in the eyes and actions of those we meet day to day. I sense an excitement in being the church. As we are being the church, we are being Christ to one another, we are holding people up, we are affirming, we are more attentive to their needs and how we can spiritually support them.
At our next Vestry meeting we will review the goals, and assess which goals can be revised in a manner that will make the parish more sustainable and increase our visibility in the community. One of the 3-month goals for both parishes is to have a collaborative event. This will be a Luncheon on Saturday, May 30th. This is a collaborative event between St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s, and Our Savior Lutheran. The goal is to bring together church people and the community so that we can build relationships. It is about living the gospel. At the luncheon we will decide on one charity where we can make the biggest impact and all ticket sale monies will be given by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Both churches have goals of developing more outreach projects. Both vestries will evaluate their goals, discuss critical mass theory, and choose a ministry where they will be able to make the biggest impact. The transition goal as well as congregational development model hones in on what will build deeper relationships with the community and have a more lasting impact, that is critical mass. The question remains: what will help the church move from a state of decline and stagnation to swinging back toward health? This movement is made
when we know the needs of the community, or the special areas of our focus. The survey that I handed out and put in the newsletter last week is a tool that will not only help us define our Mission in the community. I encourage you to get information from teachers, police, fire fighters, first responders, social workers, schools, and so on. The information collected helps us to shape our goals, as well as write our profile when the time comes. The information also helps the church learn how the community views each parish. The questionnaire is crucial to our current process.
Other goals that are currently in committee or implemented include the restoration of Adult Formation. Bible listening is offered Sundays at 10:50 a.m. at St. Paul’s, and on Zoom Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. On June 28th the two churches will gather for outdoor worship and picnic. Details are still being discussed. Also a fall musical event is in committee.
Thank you to all who so diligently are committed to the gospel and connected to the world. Brothers and sisters of the faith, go to Church, be fed and nurtured, hear his holy word, and be supported by those present. Sing and worship and allow the spirit to speak to you. Then go, be the Church. Be Christ to your neighbor, be the hands
and feet to all.
Blessings,
Rev. Jean Vargo
Other goals that are currently in committee or implemented include the restoration of Adult Formation. Bible listening is offered Sundays at 10:50 a.m. at St. Paul’s, and on Zoom Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. On June 28th the two churches will gather for outdoor worship and picnic. Details are still being discussed. Also a fall musical event is in committee.
Thank you to all who so diligently are committed to the gospel and connected to the world. Brothers and sisters of the faith, go to Church, be fed and nurtured, hear his holy word, and be supported by those present. Sing and worship and allow the spirit to speak to you. Then go, be the Church. Be Christ to your neighbor, be the hands
and feet to all.
Blessings,
Rev. Jean Vargo
Parish Life Events
New! May 31 — “Free Play in the Park” Young Adult Gathering
Sunday, May 31 beginning at 12:30pm, Cooper Park on St. Clair St.
The next Dayton-area Episcopal Young Adults (20s & 30s) Group gathering will be hosted at Cooper Park (next to the Main Library Downtown). You’re invited to gather together and connect with your inner child by enjoying unstructured play time in the park — activities ranging from croquet to crochet, frisbee to coloring.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Sexton at stephaniesexton96@gmail.com
Sunday, May 31 beginning at 12:30pm, Cooper Park on St. Clair St.
The next Dayton-area Episcopal Young Adults (20s & 30s) Group gathering will be hosted at Cooper Park (next to the Main Library Downtown). You’re invited to gather together and connect with your inner child by enjoying unstructured play time in the park — activities ranging from croquet to crochet, frisbee to coloring.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Sexton at stephaniesexton96@gmail.com
Summer Drop-in Choir Opportunities
While our adult choir is on recess for the summer, that does not mean the singing has to stop! There are four selected dates in which congregation members are invited to sing as part of the “Drop-in Choir" during the offertory. Rehearsal will take place on each of those mornings, at 9:00 a.m. in the choir room. Mark your calendar and plan to sing with us. No musical training or prior experience is necessary.
6/21/26 (also Father’s Day): The Gift of Love (sung to the tune, “The Water is Wide”)
7/5/26 (Patriotic music will be sung during worship): Let There be Peace on Earth
7/26/26: I’ve Got Peace Like a River
8/30/26: Morning Has Broken
While our adult choir is on recess for the summer, that does not mean the singing has to stop! There are four selected dates in which congregation members are invited to sing as part of the “Drop-in Choir" during the offertory. Rehearsal will take place on each of those mornings, at 9:00 a.m. in the choir room. Mark your calendar and plan to sing with us. No musical training or prior experience is necessary.
6/21/26 (also Father’s Day): The Gift of Love (sung to the tune, “The Water is Wide”)
7/5/26 (Patriotic music will be sung during worship): Let There be Peace on Earth
7/26/26: I’ve Got Peace Like a River
8/30/26: Morning Has Broken
Men’s Group – Kick Off Social Event
It’s BACK!! Yes, the Men’s Group is back, and the initial event will be 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24. The plan is to conduct a meeting of minds on the last Wednesday of each month. This is purely a social event, no programming, no pressure, no attendance roster. Show up, eat, drink, and be merry! The location will be published in the next newsletter and announced during the service. This group is open to all men of St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s. Feel free to invite your friends! Questions? Please contact St. Paul's Senior Warden, Chris Brandt at cbrandt0619@gmail.com.
It’s BACK!! Yes, the Men’s Group is back, and the initial event will be 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24. The plan is to conduct a meeting of minds on the last Wednesday of each month. This is purely a social event, no programming, no pressure, no attendance roster. Show up, eat, drink, and be merry! The location will be published in the next newsletter and announced during the service. This group is open to all men of St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s. Feel free to invite your friends! Questions? Please contact St. Paul's Senior Warden, Chris Brandt at cbrandt0619@gmail.com.
Join us for Bible Listening
Sundays at 10:50 a.m. in the Parish Library
Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
(https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84552326439?pwd=05TCyW32UkAdnVdVr1B5LREnmguTr3.1 )
Bible Listening focuses on listening to the voice of God. It is a time to share, and to move from hearing the word of God to acting on it. The scripture from the Sunday lectionary will be utilized.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Jeff Baldrige or Rev. Jean.
Sundays at 10:50 a.m. in the Parish Library
Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
(https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84552326439?pwd=05TCyW32UkAdnVdVr1B5LREnmguTr3.1 )
Bible Listening focuses on listening to the voice of God. It is a time to share, and to move from hearing the word of God to acting on it. The scripture from the Sunday lectionary will be utilized.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Jeff Baldrige or Rev. Jean.
St. Paul’s Book Lovers
St. Paul’s Book Lovers is a casual book club that meets in St. Paul’s Library from 1-3:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
On June 9th we will discuss And Then We Hit a Rock: A Family of Five, a Dog, and a Cat Living on a Sailboat for a Year, by Greg Buenzli. It’s a true story and very funny!
Traditionally, we meet in June at a restaurant before we break for summer. In September, we will choose books for the next year. Please join us!
Need more information? Call or text Bee Tanner at (937) 626-3368.
St. Paul’s Book Lovers is a casual book club that meets in St. Paul’s Library from 1-3:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
On June 9th we will discuss And Then We Hit a Rock: A Family of Five, a Dog, and a Cat Living on a Sailboat for a Year, by Greg Buenzli. It’s a true story and very funny!
Traditionally, we meet in June at a restaurant before we break for summer. In September, we will choose books for the next year. Please join us!
Need more information? Call or text Bee Tanner at (937) 626-3368.
Play Ball!
Join us for the Dayton Dragons baseball game on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are FREE, but limited. Tickets include admission, a hat, t-shirt, and ballpark food! See the display in the Cloister and sign up before May 19th to attend this fun event!
Questions? Call Paul Sampson at (937) 609-7944.
Join us for the Dayton Dragons baseball game on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are FREE, but limited. Tickets include admission, a hat, t-shirt, and ballpark food! See the display in the Cloister and sign up before May 19th to attend this fun event!
Questions? Call Paul Sampson at (937) 609-7944.
Remember to RSVP For Our Luncheon Event In May!
The congregations of St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s and Oakwood’s Lutheran Church of Our
Savior are working together to bring a fun-filled afternoon of socializing, deliciously
prepared food, music and more to the Parish Hall, Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30p.m.
Tickets are $15, payable by cash or check (make check out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church).
RSVP is requested by May 22.
To purchase your ticket, please call the church office at (937) 293-1154.
The congregations of St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s and Oakwood’s Lutheran Church of Our
Savior are working together to bring a fun-filled afternoon of socializing, deliciously
prepared food, music and more to the Parish Hall, Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30p.m.
Tickets are $15, payable by cash or check (make check out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church).
RSVP is requested by May 22.
To purchase your ticket, please call the church office at (937) 293-1154.
Let Us Know What You Think!
Submit brief articles, committee updates, thank-yous, or photos for us to use in our newsletter or on social media. Please send items to Lois at lois@stpauls-dayton.org. The deadline is every Wednesday at 12:00 noon for Friday publication.
Visit our website at https://stpauls-dayton.org/ and let us know what information you would like to see.
Follow St. Paul’s on Facebook and Instagram. Click on and share our posts.
If you have questions or suggestions, please let me know. Thank you.
– Jill Davis, Vestry Liaison to Communications
mom4hwb@gmail.com
Submit brief articles, committee updates, thank-yous, or photos for us to use in our newsletter or on social media. Please send items to Lois at lois@stpauls-dayton.org. The deadline is every Wednesday at 12:00 noon for Friday publication.
Visit our website at https://stpauls-dayton.org/ and let us know what information you would like to see.
Follow St. Paul’s on Facebook and Instagram. Click on and share our posts.
If you have questions or suggestions, please let me know. Thank you.
– Jill Davis, Vestry Liaison to Communications
mom4hwb@gmail.com
Upcoming Diocesan Events
May 24: Area-wide Confirmation Service at Christ Church Cathedral, 10:00 a.m.
May 31: End of Year Celebration for DSO Youth at Kings Island.
June 4-7: Silver & Gold Adult Camp at Procter.
Summer 2026: Camp for all ages at Procter Center.
These are a sample of the events offered by our Diocese. Registration for these events and more is available on the diocesan website, https://diosohio.org/news/
May 31: End of Year Celebration for DSO Youth at Kings Island.
June 4-7: Silver & Gold Adult Camp at Procter.
Summer 2026: Camp for all ages at Procter Center.
These are a sample of the events offered by our Diocese. Registration for these events and more is available on the diocesan website, https://diosohio.org/news/
Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
Socks for Tots
Socks for Tots benefits homeless preschool children at St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter. They are ages 2 - 6 years old. Add your donations to the box in the Narthex. Questions? Please contact Cathy Fain. Thank you!
Socks for Tots benefits homeless preschool children at St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter. They are ages 2 - 6 years old. Add your donations to the box in the Narthex. Questions? Please contact Cathy Fain. Thank you!
LIONS Recycle For Sight…and St. Paul’s Helps!
Do you have old or extra eyeglasses you no longer use? Please bring them to St. Paul's and deposit them in the Lions Club box in the Narthex. This will be an ongoing opportunity to help others! Thank you!
Do you have old or extra eyeglasses you no longer use? Please bring them to St. Paul's and deposit them in the Lions Club box in the Narthex. This will be an ongoing opportunity to help others! Thank you!
Request From the Procter Center
The Procter Center Farm is requesting donations of empty dozen-egg cartons to support their work. They can reuse your clean, old egg cartons for selling free range chicken eggs at markets. The farm is a production and educational, six-acre, diversified vegetable and livestock farm in central Ohio and is part of the ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
If you’d like to donate your clean dozen-egg cartons, please drop them on the table next to the library off the Parish Hall. Senior Warden Chris Brandt will take them to the Procter Center and is available to answer any questions!
The Procter Center Farm is requesting donations of empty dozen-egg cartons to support their work. They can reuse your clean, old egg cartons for selling free range chicken eggs at markets. The farm is a production and educational, six-acre, diversified vegetable and livestock farm in central Ohio and is part of the ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
If you’d like to donate your clean dozen-egg cartons, please drop them on the table next to the library off the Parish Hall. Senior Warden Chris Brandt will take them to the Procter Center and is available to answer any questions!
Food Bank Donations - Your Efforts Make a Difference!
The bees, butterflies, moths, and Hummingbirds have started their pollination dance at the Canterbury Court Butterfly Garden for the 2026 summer season. They need your help to provide the food and nesting habitat
The bees, butterflies, moths, and Hummingbirds have started their pollination dance at the Canterbury Court Butterfly Garden for the 2026 summer season. They need your help to provide the food and nesting habitat
vestry meeting Minutes
The Vestry is eager to establish better communication with the Parish, and will be making the minutes to Vestry meetings more accessible. Prior meeting minutes are posted on the St. Paul's website, click HERE to view. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Wardens and Vestry members with any questions.
Financial Report
The Financial Executive Summary for March 2026 from Finance Chair Randy Young is below.
Diocese of Southern Ohio eConnections Newsletter
Keep up with what is happening in the Diocese of Southern Ohio by subscribing to their eConnections Newsletter! It is published every other Tuesday and is filled with news, events, and opportunities around the Diocese and beyond.
May Birthdays
Celebrate our May birthdays!
Charles (Charlie) Campbell 05/01
Reid Ammer 05/07
Emily Cobb 05/11
Janet (Jan) Campbell 05/12
Linda Miller 05/14
Nicholas (Nick) Subashi 05/15
Sara Woodhull 05/17
Judy Cook 05/20
Riley Brandt 05/21
Matthew (Matt) Beck 05/23
James (Jay) Woodhull II 05/26
Steven (Steve) Gilbert 05/27
Nedra Smolka 05/30
Charles (Charlie) Campbell 05/01
Reid Ammer 05/07
Emily Cobb 05/11
Janet (Jan) Campbell 05/12
Linda Miller 05/14
Nicholas (Nick) Subashi 05/15
Sara Woodhull 05/17
Judy Cook 05/20
Riley Brandt 05/21
Matthew (Matt) Beck 05/23
James (Jay) Woodhull II 05/26
Steven (Steve) Gilbert 05/27
Nedra Smolka 05/30