ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s
Blue Christmas Prayers:
Devotionals with scripture are available in the St. Paul’s Chapel throughout the Advent Season. Pray, light a Candle, and connect with our Lord. Know that Christ is Born anew in each of us.
Sunday Worship in Advent:
9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s
11:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
Christmas Eve Worship Services:
5:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s
Lessons and Carols Joint Service:
Sunday, December 28, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
NO WORSHIP AT ST. PAUL’S on December 28
The Arrival of the Wisemen: Sunday, January 4
9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s
11:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
Devotionals with scripture are available in the St. Paul’s Chapel throughout the Advent Season. Pray, light a Candle, and connect with our Lord. Know that Christ is Born anew in each of us.
Sunday Worship in Advent:
9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s
11:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
Christmas Eve Worship Services:
5:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s
Lessons and Carols Joint Service:
Sunday, December 28, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
NO WORSHIP AT ST. PAUL’S on December 28
The Arrival of the Wisemen: Sunday, January 4
9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s
11:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s
St. Paul's Church Office is Closed
The St. Paul’s Church Office will be closed December 24 through January 4 and will reopen on Monday, January 5. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call 937-293-1154 and follow the prompt for pastoral care. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
A message from rev. jean vargo
Merry Christmas!
As I reflect on the promise of Hope, I pray that you may be renewed in the spirit of the living God. I pray that you celebrate the birth of our Lord in ways that add to your relationship with Christ, that empower you to be the light of Christ, that allow you to have the courage and drive to let go of things that separate you from the peace of our Lord Jesus.
On Christmas Eve, please join us at St. Paul’s at 5:00 p.m., or St. Mark’s at 7:30 p.m. On December 28 at 10:30 a.m. come worship with us at St Mark’s. We will have a joint worship of Lessons and Carols with the Eucharist. On January 4, Epiphany will usher in the wise men. This service marks the season when we hear about the different ways that our Lord makes himself known to us.
During Epiphany, Crazy Christians by Bishop Currie will be discussed as we hear how Jesus interacts with others. Please read the book, it is a beautiful easy read that empowers each of us to think and pray about how we too can follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The book speaks candidly about being the hands and feet of Christ. It teaches not the ways of the world, but ways that the world thinks of as crazy, a good and loving way to be crazy. A craziness that builds community, that forgives and lets go, a respect for all God’s people.
This season of Christmas and Epiphany, how will Christ be born anew in you? Pray and listen to the spirit, you might be surprised and refreshed. Have a great and blessed holiday.
–Rev. Jean Vargo
As I reflect on the promise of Hope, I pray that you may be renewed in the spirit of the living God. I pray that you celebrate the birth of our Lord in ways that add to your relationship with Christ, that empower you to be the light of Christ, that allow you to have the courage and drive to let go of things that separate you from the peace of our Lord Jesus.
On Christmas Eve, please join us at St. Paul’s at 5:00 p.m., or St. Mark’s at 7:30 p.m. On December 28 at 10:30 a.m. come worship with us at St Mark’s. We will have a joint worship of Lessons and Carols with the Eucharist. On January 4, Epiphany will usher in the wise men. This service marks the season when we hear about the different ways that our Lord makes himself known to us.
During Epiphany, Crazy Christians by Bishop Currie will be discussed as we hear how Jesus interacts with others. Please read the book, it is a beautiful easy read that empowers each of us to think and pray about how we too can follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The book speaks candidly about being the hands and feet of Christ. It teaches not the ways of the world, but ways that the world thinks of as crazy, a good and loving way to be crazy. A craziness that builds community, that forgives and lets go, a respect for all God’s people.
This season of Christmas and Epiphany, how will Christ be born anew in you? Pray and listen to the spirit, you might be surprised and refreshed. Have a great and blessed holiday.
–Rev. Jean Vargo
2025 Contribution and Reimbursement Deadline
Please remember that in order to claim a charitable contribution tax deduction for 2025, all contributions must be received in the parish office or postmarked no later than December 31, 2025. The IRS has strict guidelines regarding this matter and no exceptions can be made.
Also, if you need to be reimbursed for any authorized church-related expenses that occurred in 2025, please complete a check request form (available in the parish office), attach your receipt, and turn it in to the parish office no later than December 31, 2025.
Your promptness is greatly appreciated!
Also, if you need to be reimbursed for any authorized church-related expenses that occurred in 2025, please complete a check request form (available in the parish office), attach your receipt, and turn it in to the parish office no later than December 31, 2025.
Your promptness is greatly appreciated!
Parish Life Events
Celebrating the season!
This past week, St Paul's celebrated the season with St. Mark's and our greater community. On Tuesday, the Staff, Vestries and Wardens of both churches gathered to share a festive meal.
On Thursday evening, we invited the greater community in to celebrate the season with caroling. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for us to be outside in the green space, but Paul Sampson created a winter wonderland in our Parish Hall that provided the perfect backdrop! We were joined by the Dayton Metro Barbershop chorus and our wonderful choir members.
On Thursday evening, we invited the greater community in to celebrate the season with caroling. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for us to be outside in the green space, but Paul Sampson created a winter wonderland in our Parish Hall that provided the perfect backdrop! We were joined by the Dayton Metro Barbershop chorus and our wonderful choir members.
Advent Book Study
Christmas: The Season of Life and Light
by Emily Hunter McGowin
We’ve been discussing how God changes our human existence, our glories, His expression of love. Join Kathleen and Laura Walters in the Cloister at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Mondays at 5:00p.m. The remaining date is Monday, December 22nd.
Advent and christmas resources
CRAZY CHRISTIANS BY MICHAEL CURRY - This book will change your Advent and Christmas because it helps us better understand how Christ will be born anew in us. Books are available in the church office for $10.
In addition to our Advent book study opportunity, you may want to take advantage of these Advent and Christmas resources offered by the Episcopal Church.
In addition to our Advent book study opportunity, you may want to take advantage of these Advent and Christmas resources offered by the Episcopal Church.
Blue Christmas Prayers
Devotionals with scripture are available in the St. Paul’s Chapel throughout the Advent Season. Pray, light a Candle, and connect with our Lord. Know that Christ is Born anew in each of us.
Upcoming Diocesan events
Epiphany Quiet Day at Proctor Center, January 17, 2026
Winter Faith Formation Retreat at Proctor Center, January 30-31, 2026
Vestry & Wardens Day at Christ Church in Glendale, February 7, 2026
In-person Safe Church Training at Proctor Center, February 19, 2026
Registration for all events is available on the diocesan website, https://diosohio.org/news/
Winter Faith Formation Retreat at Proctor Center, January 30-31, 2026
Vestry & Wardens Day at Christ Church in Glendale, February 7, 2026
In-person Safe Church Training at Proctor Center, February 19, 2026
Registration for all events is available on the diocesan website, https://diosohio.org/news/
Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
Angel Tree Items Due SUNDAY, December 21st!
We Ride Together: Where Hearts Carry the Weight and Hope Leads the Way
When you enter church on Sunday, you will see our Angel Tree and six wagons, part of our joint outreach effort with St. Mark’s. This holiday season, we hope to bring comfort and joy to families at Dayton Children’s Hospital who are spending the holiday fighting a childhood cancer diagnosis. Each foldable, easily stored wagon will be filled with thoughtful items carefully chosen to alleviate the financial and emotional strain of childhood cancer treatment, and provide “special touches” that make a hospital stay more comfortable and a holiday a little brighter.
Each tag on the Angel Tree lists requested items, such as gift cards, soft bedsheets, toiletries, and activities for the whole family. Please take a tag (or several tags!), purchase the listed items, and bring those items back to church to add to our wagons. If you are unable to purchase items, but would like to help, you may provide a financial donation to purchase the necessary items. Those donations may be given to Lois in the church office. All purchased items and donations are due by Sunday, December 21st. Thank you for your generous support!
When you enter church on Sunday, you will see our Angel Tree and six wagons, part of our joint outreach effort with St. Mark’s. This holiday season, we hope to bring comfort and joy to families at Dayton Children’s Hospital who are spending the holiday fighting a childhood cancer diagnosis. Each foldable, easily stored wagon will be filled with thoughtful items carefully chosen to alleviate the financial and emotional strain of childhood cancer treatment, and provide “special touches” that make a hospital stay more comfortable and a holiday a little brighter.
Each tag on the Angel Tree lists requested items, such as gift cards, soft bedsheets, toiletries, and activities for the whole family. Please take a tag (or several tags!), purchase the listed items, and bring those items back to church to add to our wagons. If you are unable to purchase items, but would like to help, you may provide a financial donation to purchase the necessary items. Those donations may be given to Lois in the church office. All purchased items and donations are due by Sunday, December 21st. Thank you for your generous support!
Socks for Tots
"THANK YOU so much for the huge number of sock donations. They will be appreciated by all. Continuing contributions of kids and adult socks would be wonderful. God Bless.”
Please consider donating Socks for Tots, homeless preschool children at St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter. They are ages 2 - 6 years old. With the colder temperatures coming these socks will warm small feet.
There is a Socks for Tots box in the Narthex. Thank you!
Please consider donating Socks for Tots, homeless preschool children at St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter. They are ages 2 - 6 years old. With the colder temperatures coming these socks will warm small feet.
There is a Socks for Tots box in the Narthex. Thank you!
Food Bank Donations - Your Efforts Make a Difference!
Please continue to fill yellow donation bags with food (no glass jars please) and personal care items and bring them to church to be blessed and delivered to the Food Bank. If you'd like to see the difference being made (it is astounding!), please go to the Food Bank's website: thefoodbankdayton.org THANK YOU!
Please continue to fill yellow donation bags with food (no glass jars please) and personal care items and bring them to church to be blessed and delivered to the Food Bank. If you'd like to see the difference being made (it is astounding!), please go to the Food Bank's website: thefoodbankdayton.org 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. Vestry member 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. Vestry member Chris Brandt will take them to the Procter Center and is available to answer any questions!
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!
Engage with St. Paul's!
We truly appreciate those of you who read our e-newsletter. Please share the word by engaging with St. Paul’s on social media! Our Facebook and Instagram posts include additional information about events, thoughts from Rev. Jean, and videos of our services. Every follow, like and comment helps us engage with the greater Dayton community.
If you are on social media, PLEASE be sure to follow St. Paul's on Facebook (click on St Paul's Episcopal Church) and Instagram (click on Saint Paul's Episcopal Church) AND like or comment on our posts. This will help the algorithm boost our visibility on these platforms. Also, please ask your family and friends to do the same!
If you are on social media, PLEASE be sure to follow St. Paul's on Facebook (click on St Paul's Episcopal Church) and Instagram (click on Saint Paul's Episcopal Church) AND like or comment on our posts. This will help the algorithm boost our visibility on these platforms. Also, please ask your family and friends to do the same!
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 September 2025 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.
December Birthdays
Happy Birthday to those born in the month of December!
Colin Cunningham 12/01
Cynthia Butt 12/04
Carol Powell 12/09
Deborah Shuler 12/16
Charles Boyer 12/17
Faye Trombley 12/19
Linda Bumiller 12/25
Beverly (Bev) Parker 12/25
Randal (Randy) Young 12/26
Sam Davis 12/28
Colin Cunningham 12/01
Cynthia Butt 12/04
Carol Powell 12/09
Deborah Shuler 12/16
Charles Boyer 12/17
Faye Trombley 12/19
Linda Bumiller 12/25
Beverly (Bev) Parker 12/25
Randal (Randy) Young 12/26
Sam Davis 12/28