Stewardship Sunday: Worship, Fellowship, and Opportunities to Serve
Tree of Life – John speaks to us several times regarding the Tree of Life. In Revelation 2:7 he writes: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Two notables. First, John tells the churches to ‘hear’ what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Tough to do in the midst of life full of cacophony, overloads, go do’s, life requirements. But, if the church can rise above the noise, it can eat of the tree, maybe better, be sustained with the fruit given from God Himself. Question. How can the church ‘hear’ the Spirit?
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Stewardship is one of the simple, everyday ways we learn to “hear” the Spirit. The Tree of Life is a reminder that God is constantly trying to nourish us. When we pay attention to how we use our time, how we support one another, and how we give toward God’s work, we’re actually listening to His voice. Good stewardship slows us down just enough to notice what God is doing. It’s like tending a real tree: when we water it, prune it, and protect it, we start to see new growth. In the same way, when we tend to St. Paul’s—caring for what God has entrusted to us—we begin to hear His voice more clearly. Our stewardship pledges are the visible fruit of our generosity, providing nourishment and strength to St. Paul’s and enabling outreach programs that impact the community.
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Stewardship is one of the simple, everyday ways we learn to “hear” the Spirit. The Tree of Life is a reminder that God is constantly trying to nourish us. When we pay attention to how we use our time, how we support one another, and how we give toward God’s work, we’re actually listening to His voice. Good stewardship slows us down just enough to notice what God is doing. It’s like tending a real tree: when we water it, prune it, and protect it, we start to see new growth. In the same way, when we tend to St. Paul’s—caring for what God has entrusted to us—we begin to hear His voice more clearly. Our stewardship pledges are the visible fruit of our generosity, providing nourishment and strength to St. Paul’s and enabling outreach programs that impact the community.
Looking Ahead–Worship Services and Events
(All services with St. Mark’s are held at 10:00 a.m.)
Wednesdays at NOON - Deadline for this newsletter. Please send submissions to lois@stpauls-dayton.org
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. - St. Paul's Worship Service with Holy Eucharist
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints’ Sunday and Day of Change
If you have a loved one who died this past year and you’d like them remembered during the service on All Saints’ Sunday, please email their name to Lois in the parish office at Lois@stpauls-dayton.org, or call the office. All names need to be submitted by Monday, October 26.
Sunday, November 8 - Veteran Appreciation Sunday
On November 8 we will celebrate our Veterans. If you are a veteran, please give your name and branch of service to Lois in our parish office by emailing her at Lois@stpauls-dayton.org or calling the church office. All names need to be submitted by Monday, November 2.
Sunday, November 15 - 10:00 a.m. JOINT worship service at St. Paul’s
Rev. Vargo’s 45th Ordination Anniversary
Staff appreciation for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. - St. Paul's Worship Service with Holy Eucharist
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints’ Sunday and Day of Change
If you have a loved one who died this past year and you’d like them remembered during the service on All Saints’ Sunday, please email their name to Lois in the parish office at Lois@stpauls-dayton.org, or call the office. All names need to be submitted by Monday, October 26.
Sunday, November 8 - Veteran Appreciation Sunday
On November 8 we will celebrate our Veterans. If you are a veteran, please give your name and branch of service to Lois in our parish office by emailing her at Lois@stpauls-dayton.org or calling the church office. All names need to be submitted by Monday, November 2.
Sunday, November 15 - 10:00 a.m. JOINT worship service at St. Paul’s
Rev. Vargo’s 45th Ordination Anniversary
Staff appreciation for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s
Music Notes from Cara Whitby
Special music will continue to enhance our liturgies in the weeks to come. Here is a brief glimpse of our future musical offerings:
This Sunday, 10/25, our choir will sing a favorite, “If Ye Love Me,” by 16th century English composer Thomas Tallis.
All Saints’ Day, 11/1, we will be joined by guest oboist, Lauren Geerlings, and will hear a powerful and stirring vocal solo rendition of the spiritual “Wade in the Water,” sung by our baritone section leader, Chris Trimble.
May we all move forward with an upright heart as we prayerfully consider our support of St. Paul’s and its growing music ministry.
This Sunday, 10/25, our choir will sing a favorite, “If Ye Love Me,” by 16th century English composer Thomas Tallis.
All Saints’ Day, 11/1, we will be joined by guest oboist, Lauren Geerlings, and will hear a powerful and stirring vocal solo rendition of the spiritual “Wade in the Water,” sung by our baritone section leader, Chris Trimble.
May we all move forward with an upright heart as we prayerfully consider our support of St. Paul’s and its growing music ministry.
Stewardship Moments
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Parish Life Events
Men’s Group Will Meet Next Week!
Members of St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s, and their friends are invited to Eudora Brewing Company (https://www.eudorabrewing.com/) for the Men’s Group. Plan to meet at Eudora from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Please note that parking is somewhat limited, so carpooling is encouraged!
Members of St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s, and their friends are invited to Eudora Brewing Company (https://www.eudorabrewing.com/) for the Men’s Group. Plan to meet at Eudora from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Please note that parking is somewhat limited, so carpooling is encouraged!
Make Plans to Attend Waffle Shop
Save the Date: November 11-14 (New schedule: Wednesday – Saturday!)
Waffle Shop is a 4-day fundraising event held November 11-14, 2026 at Christ Church in downtown Dayton. Through the sale of waffle and sausage lunches (and more!) Christ Church raises funds for mission. This spring, they distributed $9,400 in grants to 14 local organizations from the 2025 Waffle Shop proceeds.
Save the Date: November 11-14 (New schedule: Wednesday – Saturday!)
Waffle Shop is a 4-day fundraising event held November 11-14, 2026 at Christ Church in downtown Dayton. Through the sale of waffle and sausage lunches (and more!) Christ Church raises funds for mission. This spring, they distributed $9,400 in grants to 14 local organizations from the 2025 Waffle Shop proceeds.
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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.
Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
Day of Change on November 1!
On Sunday, November 1, remember to set your clocks back one hour, and MAKE A CHANGE! Bring your loose change to church that Sunday and make a difference in the lives of those who seek assistance at the House of Bread.
On Sunday, November 1, remember to set your clocks back one hour, and MAKE A CHANGE! Bring your loose change to church that Sunday and make a difference in the lives of those who seek assistance at the House of Bread.
Socks for Everyone
St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter needs socks of all sizes for their clients. Please add your donations to the box in the Narthex. Questions? Please contact Cathy Fain. Thank you!
St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter needs socks of all sizes for their clients. Please 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!
Egg Cartons for the Procter Center
Please place your clean dozen-egg cartons on the table next to the library off the Parish Hall.
Please place your clean dozen-egg cartons on the table next to the library off the Parish Hall.
Food Bank Donations - Your Efforts Make a Difference!
Please place filled yellow donation bags in the wagon in the Narthex.
Questions? Please contact Diane Labrie.
Please place filled yellow donation bags in the wagon in the Narthex.
Questions? Please contact Diane Labrie.
Around the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Ongoing: Nominations Open for Convention Elections. More information at https://diosohio.org/offices-for-election/
Ongoing: On the first Thursday of each month from June through November, The Episcopal Church's Public Policy and Witness team will host a series of “Vote Faithfully” ZOOM calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. More information at https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/06/02/episcopalians-called-to-vote-faithfully-as-church-renews-expands-election-engagement-efforts/
Ongoing: On the first Thursday of each month from June through November, The Episcopal Church's Public Policy and Witness team will host a series of “Vote Faithfully” ZOOM calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. More information at https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/06/02/episcopalians-called-to-vote-faithfully-as-church-renews-expands-election-engagement-efforts/
Nov. 13-14 Better Together: Fall Youth Retreat at Procter. Registration
Nov. 14 – Mental Health First Aid Training, 9 am at Procter Center.
This is a comprehensive course that equips participants with the skills to assist those developing mental health problems or experiencing a mental health crisis. With the evidence-based practices provided by this program, individuals can actively contribute towards building mental health literacy and better responding to signs of mental illness. Cost: $20, registration deadline Nov. 5. https://diosohio.org/event/mental-health-first-aid-training/
This is a comprehensive course that equips participants with the skills to assist those developing mental health problems or experiencing a mental health crisis. With the evidence-based practices provided by this program, individuals can actively contribute towards building mental health literacy and better responding to signs of mental illness. Cost: $20, registration deadline Nov. 5. https://diosohio.org/event/mental-health-first-aid-training/
Nov. 20-21 – 152nd Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Each year the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio gathers for our annual convention, with Friday workshops, meals, and Eucharist, and Saturday business session. We are joined this year by the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, who will be keynote speaker and preacher at Eucharist on Friday. Bishop Curry is known worldwide for his message of “radical, sacrificial love” grounded in the way of Jesus.
Registration is free and open through November 6, and you’re invited to join!
Click Here to learn more and register
Each year the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio gathers for our annual convention, with Friday workshops, meals, and Eucharist, and Saturday business session. We are joined this year by the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, who will be keynote speaker and preacher at Eucharist on Friday. Bishop Curry is known worldwide for his message of “radical, sacrificial love” grounded in the way of Jesus.
Registration is free and open through November 6, and you’re invited to join!
Click Here to learn more and register
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/
September 2026 Vestry Meeting Minutes
Prior meeting minutes are posted on the St. Paul's website, click HERE to view. The Vestry meets at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. Our next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on August 19. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Wardens and Vestry members with any questions.
Financial Report
The Financial Executive Summary for June 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.
October Birthdays
