Working through Transition
Dear Church,
As we enter the next phase of the transition work, we also enter a process that will help us think differently. This begins with redefining what it means for St. Paul’s to be a healthy church. Our vestry believes these things are necessary for a healthy congregation: loving relationships inside the church and in the community; people are willing to serve; the church is known to the community and is a house of prayer for all people; it fosters relationships; and has a welcoming presence. A healthy church has a vision, cultivates disciples, nurtures others in the gospel and is grounded in prayer. It is being the church and living the gospel.
When we look at the concept of a healthy church and pair it with what it means to be sustainable and transforming, then we have a church that is ready to move from a place of decline to a place of health. As we tweak our thinking and our mission, we begin to build stability and sustainability. As we all take responsibility for our past and look at what we could have done differently, we begin to rewrite our story of St. Paul’s. The transition work moves us from focusing inward to an outward focus. This outward focus builds and strengthens relationships in the community, it shares our spiritual values with our neighbors, and it empowers St. Paul’s to be a spiritual hub for all people. The Rector needs to keep the focus on transformation, viability and sustainability. There is no quick fix. Every small act done in love adds to the story of who we are as a church. Taking all of this into consideration, as we establish goals for the transformation process, we move forward into the church that God desires for us.
As we enter the next phase of the transition work, we also enter a process that will help us think differently. This begins with redefining what it means for St. Paul’s to be a healthy church. Our vestry believes these things are necessary for a healthy congregation: loving relationships inside the church and in the community; people are willing to serve; the church is known to the community and is a house of prayer for all people; it fosters relationships; and has a welcoming presence. A healthy church has a vision, cultivates disciples, nurtures others in the gospel and is grounded in prayer. It is being the church and living the gospel.
When we look at the concept of a healthy church and pair it with what it means to be sustainable and transforming, then we have a church that is ready to move from a place of decline to a place of health. As we tweak our thinking and our mission, we begin to build stability and sustainability. As we all take responsibility for our past and look at what we could have done differently, we begin to rewrite our story of St. Paul’s. The transition work moves us from focusing inward to an outward focus. This outward focus builds and strengthens relationships in the community, it shares our spiritual values with our neighbors, and it empowers St. Paul’s to be a spiritual hub for all people. The Rector needs to keep the focus on transformation, viability and sustainability. There is no quick fix. Every small act done in love adds to the story of who we are as a church. Taking all of this into consideration, as we establish goals for the transformation process, we move forward into the church that God desires for us.
Each goal will be evaluated, and the planning and execution by the committee will ask:
How can this goal add health to our congregation?
How does this goal add sustainability to our parish family?
How are we transforming so that we have an engaging presence in the community?
The committee works these questions into the planning so that we tweak who we are and how we grow. As you can see, it is not business as usual, and it is not focusing on what we have always done. Our overall goal is to be biblically centered, living the gospel. The secondary goal is to focus on servanthood, connecting with the people of God, and being the church. When these are present, we form relationships that say I care, I support you, I pray for you, I invite you to hear the good news.
The million-dollar question is, what can we do differently to accomplish our transition? How will we shift from a comfort-driven focus to a mission focused on our changing culture? The first step is to set your phone alarm for 6:00 p.m. every day, and we all stop what we are doing and pray for the church, the community and our nation. Second, I ask each of you to align with a new vision for the church, embrace change so that we can reverse the current trend. Thirdly, everything we do should not focus on our preferences, but prioritize how we are in the community as church. And finally, join in Bible Listening every Sunday at 10:50 a.m. in the Library—coffee and food encouraged.
Blessings to you, and thank you for your commitment that empowers us to welcome and serve all in faith.
--Rev. Jean Vargo
How can this goal add health to our congregation?
How does this goal add sustainability to our parish family?
How are we transforming so that we have an engaging presence in the community?
The committee works these questions into the planning so that we tweak who we are and how we grow. As you can see, it is not business as usual, and it is not focusing on what we have always done. Our overall goal is to be biblically centered, living the gospel. The secondary goal is to focus on servanthood, connecting with the people of God, and being the church. When these are present, we form relationships that say I care, I support you, I pray for you, I invite you to hear the good news.
The million-dollar question is, what can we do differently to accomplish our transition? How will we shift from a comfort-driven focus to a mission focused on our changing culture? The first step is to set your phone alarm for 6:00 p.m. every day, and we all stop what we are doing and pray for the church, the community and our nation. Second, I ask each of you to align with a new vision for the church, embrace change so that we can reverse the current trend. Thirdly, everything we do should not focus on our preferences, but prioritize how we are in the community as church. And finally, join in Bible Listening every Sunday at 10:50 a.m. in the Library—coffee and food encouraged.
Blessings to you, and thank you for your commitment that empowers us to welcome and serve all in faith.
--Rev. Jean Vargo
Gratitude Abounds!
St. Mark's Presents Centennial Gift
To honor and celebrate our 100th anniversary, Jim Rudd, senior warden for St. Mark's, joined the service on Sunday, April 19 to present the generous gift of a "fair linen" on behalf of their congregation. It is custom-made for the lower altar and is used to cover the altar during a service of Holy Eucharist. According to a number of sources, the cloth is 100% linen to represent purity and also symbolizes the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped. It is embroidered with five crosses to represent the five wounds of Christ. Accepting for St. Paul's is Dana Cunningham, chair of the Altar Guild. Thank you, St. Mark's!
To honor and celebrate our 100th anniversary, Jim Rudd, senior warden for St. Mark's, joined the service on Sunday, April 19 to present the generous gift of a "fair linen" on behalf of their congregation. It is custom-made for the lower altar and is used to cover the altar during a service of Holy Eucharist. According to a number of sources, the cloth is 100% linen to represent purity and also symbolizes the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped. It is embroidered with five crosses to represent the five wounds of Christ. Accepting for St. Paul's is Dana Cunningham, chair of the Altar Guild. Thank you, St. Mark's!
Committee Corner
A New Worship Opportunity: BIBLE LISTENING starts SUNDAY at 10:50 a.m. in the Parish Library
Join us for a time of sharing where and how we hear the voice of God in our lives.
Bible Listening (as opposed to Bible Study) focuses on listening to the voice of God. It is a time to share, rather than discuss or debate. Bible listening’s goal is to move from hearing the word of God to acting on it, therefore it does not include teaching. Sometimes various translations are used to enrich the listening experience. The scripture from the Sunday lectionary will be utilized.
The format is as follows:
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Jeff Baldrige or Rev. Jean.
Join us for a time of sharing where and how we hear the voice of God in our lives.
Bible Listening (as opposed to Bible Study) focuses on listening to the voice of God. It is a time to share, rather than discuss or debate. Bible listening’s goal is to move from hearing the word of God to acting on it, therefore it does not include teaching. Sometimes various translations are used to enrich the listening experience. The scripture from the Sunday lectionary will be utilized.
The format is as follows:
- Reading (Word/Phrase): A reader reads the passage slowly. Participants listen for a word or phrase that strikes them, sharing it briefly without discussion.
- Second Reading (Life Application): The passage is read again, preferably from a different translation. Participants reflect on where this passage touches their life today and share it with the group.
- Third Reading (Action): The passage is read a final time. Participants reflect on what God is calling them to be or do in response.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Jeff Baldrige or Rev. Jean.
First Small Church Summit Gathers at Procter Center
Last weekend, I attended the Small Church Summit offered by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. I debated going—does St. Paul’s actually qualify as a small church? However, as I am always looking for an excuse to visit Procter and for ways to improve communications for St. Paul’s, I went. Luckily for me, Claudia Hurd, Jim Rudd and Katherine Wagner from St. Mark’s also attended. They were extremely gracious about including me and we had a delightful time together.
There was so much worthwhile information shared (I took 8 pages of notes!) that it's difficult to convey, but here are a few highlights from Bishop White’s opening presentation.
Churches of ALL sizes, locations and conditions can become more faithful, healthy and effective with God’s help. She encourages all of us to determine:
What is sustainable?
What is our purpose in our congregation?
Keynote presenter the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota, was inspiring. He emphasized how smaller congregations allow deep connections. He encouraged us to embrace the gift of being small and invest energy into building lay leadership, which makes the biggest impact on the health of a congregation.
The response from all attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and the Diocese plans to offer this type of meeting again. I would encourage you to attend if you are able.
–Jill Davis, Vestry liaison to Communications
Churches of ALL sizes, locations and conditions can become more faithful, healthy and effective with God’s help. She encourages all of us to determine:
What is sustainable?
What is our purpose in our congregation?
Keynote presenter the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota, was inspiring. He emphasized how smaller congregations allow deep connections. He encouraged us to embrace the gift of being small and invest energy into building lay leadership, which makes the biggest impact on the health of a congregation.
The response from all attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and the Diocese plans to offer this type of meeting again. I would encourage you to attend if you are able.
–Jill Davis, Vestry liaison to Communications
Parish Life Events
St. Paul’s Book Lovers
St. Paul’s Book Lovers is a casual book club where we have great conversations and get to know each other. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether you’ve read the current book or not. We meet in St. Paul’s Library from 1-3:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
St. Paul’s Book Lovers is a casual book club where we have great conversations and get to know each other. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether you’ve read the current book or not. We meet in St. Paul’s Library from 1-3:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
Our book for May 12th is A Time of Terror, by Allan W. Eckert. It’s about the Great Flood of Dayton in 1913 and is very well researched.
Our book for May 12th is A Time of Terror, by Allan W. Eckert. It’s about the Great Flood of Dayton in 1913 and is very well researched.
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 (Amber Rose?) 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.
Need more information? Call or text Bee Tanner at (937) 626-3368.
Save the Date
Join us for the Dayton Dragons baseball game on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are FREE, but limited. 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.
Questions? Call Paul Sampson at (937) 609-7944.
Jimmy Leach Jazztet – Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church (20 W. First St. Dayton) cordially invites everyone to a delightful jazz concert featuring trumpeter and singer Jimmy Leach this Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. Jimmy and his Jazztet will perform the great jazz standards of the 20th century. Reception to follow.
Don’t Miss 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.
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
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 1: AI & Prompting: Empowering the Church for Today and Tomorrow online workshop from 9:00-Noon.
May 1-2: Becoming Beloved Community Retreat with Diocese of Ohio at Bellwether Farm in Wakeman.
May 2: In-person Safe Church Training at Procter Center, 10:00 a.m.
May 16: Rogation Celebration at Procter, 10:00 a.m.
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.
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 1-2: Becoming Beloved Community Retreat with Diocese of Ohio at Bellwether Farm in Wakeman.
May 2: In-person Safe Church Training at Procter Center, 10:00 a.m.
May 16: Rogation Celebration at Procter, 10:00 a.m.
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.
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!
Food Bank Donations - Your Efforts Make a Difference!
Please 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. Questions? Please contact Diane Labrie. THANK YOU!
Please 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. Questions? Please contact Diane Labrie. THANK YOU!
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.
April Birthdays
Debby Subashi 4/04
Carolyn Angel 4/06
Carolyn Kiefaber 4/13
Betsy Burns 4/18
Jean Ireland 4/28
Jane Huson 4/30
Carolyn Angel 4/06
Carolyn Kiefaber 4/13
Betsy Burns 4/18
Jean Ireland 4/28
Jane Huson 4/30