Stewardship Sunday: Worship, Fellowship, and Opportunities to Serve
Celebrate Stewardship Sunday with us on Sunday, October 11!
Join us as we give thanks for our blessings and discover how Pastor Tim Forbess and United Church Homes are putting faith into action in Dayton’s Grafton Hill neighborhood. Under Pastor Tim’s leadership, a $30 million historic-preservation project will transform the former Longfellow School campus into an affirming, inclusive residential community for adults age 55 and older, including LGBTQ+ seniors and their allies. It will be the first senior living community of its kind in the Dayton area—and one of only a few nationwide.
Come at 9:00 a.m.—our new worship time—for a joyful service featuring special music and a sermon centered on gratitude and our shared vision for the future.
After worship, visit the Ministry Mall, where representatives from St. Paul’s many ministries will be ready to welcome you. Explore the ways our parish serves, meet people who share your interests, and find a new opportunity to get involved.
Then gather in the Parish Hall for our annual Stewardship Brunch. We will hear from Pastor Tim and learn more about the upcoming search for our new rector. Please sign up in the Cloister to bring a breakfast casserole, coffee cake, bagels, fruit, or another favorite morning dish to share.
Pledge packets will be distributed and mailed to parishioners who are unable to attend.
Whether or not you bring a dish, your presence matters. Come worship, connect, celebrate, and share in the life of St. Paul’s—we want you with us!
Join us as we give thanks for our blessings and discover how Pastor Tim Forbess and United Church Homes are putting faith into action in Dayton’s Grafton Hill neighborhood. Under Pastor Tim’s leadership, a $30 million historic-preservation project will transform the former Longfellow School campus into an affirming, inclusive residential community for adults age 55 and older, including LGBTQ+ seniors and their allies. It will be the first senior living community of its kind in the Dayton area—and one of only a few nationwide.
Come at 9:00 a.m.—our new worship time—for a joyful service featuring special music and a sermon centered on gratitude and our shared vision for the future.
After worship, visit the Ministry Mall, where representatives from St. Paul’s many ministries will be ready to welcome you. Explore the ways our parish serves, meet people who share your interests, and find a new opportunity to get involved.
Then gather in the Parish Hall for our annual Stewardship Brunch. We will hear from Pastor Tim and learn more about the upcoming search for our new rector. Please sign up in the Cloister to bring a breakfast casserole, coffee cake, bagels, fruit, or another favorite morning dish to share.
Pledge packets will be distributed and mailed to parishioners who are unable to attend.
Whether or not you bring a dish, your presence matters. Come worship, connect, celebrate, and share in the life of St. Paul’s—we want you with us!
Looking Ahead–Worship Services and Events
(All services with St. Mark’s are held at 10:00 a.m.)
PLEASE NOTE: The City of Oakwood is repairing a water line that runs under the street in front of the church. Street parking along Dixon Avenue may be limited this week.
Wednesdays at NOON - Deadline for this newsletter. Please send submissions to lois@stpauls-dayton.org
Sunday, October 4 - Outdoor Worship Service & Pet Blessing with St. Mark's - 10:00 a.m. on the greenspace at St. Paul's. Please bring a lawn chair and your pets to be blessed!
Beginning Oct. 11, Sundays at 9:00 a.m. - St. Paul's Worship Service with Holy Eucharist
Sunday, October 11 - Stewardship Sunday
Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.
Stewardship Brunch following the Worship Service
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 8 - Veteran Appreciation Sunday
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
Sunday, October 4 - Outdoor Worship Service & Pet Blessing with St. Mark's - 10:00 a.m. on the greenspace at St. Paul's. Please bring a lawn chair and your pets to be blessed!
Beginning Oct. 11, Sundays at 9:00 a.m. - St. Paul's Worship Service with Holy Eucharist
Sunday, October 11 - Stewardship Sunday
Worship Service at 9:00 a.m.
Stewardship Brunch following the Worship Service
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 8 - Veteran Appreciation Sunday
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
Building Community through Transition
Dear Church,
In the last weeks I believe we have made huge progress. It is because for some they are searching for what is working well and how we will do more of it. The focus has been naming who we are today, looking at what we have going for us instead of what was or what our deficits are. I believe we have been able to explore our core values, envision inspiring possibilities for the future. Yes there are things that we may have to adapt to, there may be triggers from the past, there may be the temptation to look in the rear view mirror and those things may produce certain feelings or cause us to want to re-invent them. When we can refocus the lens on today, I have to ask what is most helpful. What is working well and how we will do more of it. Changes our lens and allows us to write a new story. I believe what is helpful is to get to your notepad and pencil and start writing everything that is right with the church, with your faith, with your relationship with God. Build a gratitude list and thank God for what we have. I thank God for the stability that we have gained; for the community that is being built; for the openness to explore where we want to be or to begin to voice experiences with previous priests. I give thanks for the dedication and commitment of so many to carry on the tasks of keeping the church moving forward. For St. Mark’s I give thanks for their courage to adopt a school and begin a mentoring/tutoring/penpal program with the community. For St. Paul’s I give thanks as members are thinking and exploring how they might engage more with the community and the efforts of reaching into those who serve our community.
Our work is to define who we are, and look at who the community thinks we are and then work at the redefining process. Our work is to discover peak experiences that grow us spiritually, and that empower us to be the church. Our work is to dream about the next chapter for our church. Our work is to build actionable plans, write a profile of who we are in 2026 based on our shared ideals. And our work as the people of God is to fulfill the dream that God has for us, to be the church in service and in prayer, to continually learn and grow in our relationship with God and God’s people.
I brainstormed, with the stewardship team, some of the opportunities for service to the church and to God: guess what, it was amazing how much we can do and are doing:
Check it out… music, choir, food pantry, acolytes, men’s group, altar guild, coffee/fellowship, book club, bible listening, movie night, office volunteer, serving at funerals, prayer shawl making, vestry, usher, lay reader, stewardship team, golf ministry, parish life, sharing home communion. Also game night, Sunday school, Care House, food pantry, audio, facebook and social media, website updates.
My dear friends in Christ, we have potential, we have the gospel, we have hope, we have prayer, we have an amazing God, and God’s got our back. Build your gratitude list, send it to me at jeanvargo@icloud.com
I look forward to our individual and shared worship opportunities. Blessings to you, may God tap you on the shoulder and show you all he is doing.
Rev. Jean Vargo
In the last weeks I believe we have made huge progress. It is because for some they are searching for what is working well and how we will do more of it. The focus has been naming who we are today, looking at what we have going for us instead of what was or what our deficits are. I believe we have been able to explore our core values, envision inspiring possibilities for the future. Yes there are things that we may have to adapt to, there may be triggers from the past, there may be the temptation to look in the rear view mirror and those things may produce certain feelings or cause us to want to re-invent them. When we can refocus the lens on today, I have to ask what is most helpful. What is working well and how we will do more of it. Changes our lens and allows us to write a new story. I believe what is helpful is to get to your notepad and pencil and start writing everything that is right with the church, with your faith, with your relationship with God. Build a gratitude list and thank God for what we have. I thank God for the stability that we have gained; for the community that is being built; for the openness to explore where we want to be or to begin to voice experiences with previous priests. I give thanks for the dedication and commitment of so many to carry on the tasks of keeping the church moving forward. For St. Mark’s I give thanks for their courage to adopt a school and begin a mentoring/tutoring/penpal program with the community. For St. Paul’s I give thanks as members are thinking and exploring how they might engage more with the community and the efforts of reaching into those who serve our community.
Our work is to define who we are, and look at who the community thinks we are and then work at the redefining process. Our work is to discover peak experiences that grow us spiritually, and that empower us to be the church. Our work is to dream about the next chapter for our church. Our work is to build actionable plans, write a profile of who we are in 2026 based on our shared ideals. And our work as the people of God is to fulfill the dream that God has for us, to be the church in service and in prayer, to continually learn and grow in our relationship with God and God’s people.
I brainstormed, with the stewardship team, some of the opportunities for service to the church and to God: guess what, it was amazing how much we can do and are doing:
Check it out… music, choir, food pantry, acolytes, men’s group, altar guild, coffee/fellowship, book club, bible listening, movie night, office volunteer, serving at funerals, prayer shawl making, vestry, usher, lay reader, stewardship team, golf ministry, parish life, sharing home communion. Also game night, Sunday school, Care House, food pantry, audio, facebook and social media, website updates.
My dear friends in Christ, we have potential, we have the gospel, we have hope, we have prayer, we have an amazing God, and God’s got our back. Build your gratitude list, send it to me at jeanvargo@icloud.com
I look forward to our individual and shared worship opportunities. Blessings to you, may God tap you on the shoulder and show you all he is doing.
Rev. Jean Vargo
Parish Life Events
THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH
Sing Along with the Choir!
As part of the Blessing of the Animals celebration/joint service at St. Paul's at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 4, Music Director Cara has invited any interested past, present, future, or wannabe SINGERS or CHOIR MEMBERS to join the St. Paul's choir that day!
There will be a brief rehearsal on Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the choir room. All are welcome as we sing some familiar songs: Peace Like a River, All Things Bright & Beautiful, All Who Hunger Gather Gladly, and We Are Marching in the Light of God.
Fr. Greg Sammons will lead the younger parishioners in The Butterfly Song as part of the Prelude. All kids are welcome to join the fun!
Sing Along with the Choir!
As part of the Blessing of the Animals celebration/joint service at St. Paul's at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 4, Music Director Cara has invited any interested past, present, future, or wannabe SINGERS or CHOIR MEMBERS to join the St. Paul's choir that day!
There will be a brief rehearsal on Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the choir room. All are welcome as we sing some familiar songs: Peace Like a River, All Things Bright & Beautiful, All Who Hunger Gather Gladly, and We Are Marching in the Light of God.
Fr. Greg Sammons will lead the younger parishioners in The Butterfly Song as part of the Prelude. All kids are welcome to join the fun!
Blessing of the Animals
The Outdoor Worship Service & Pet Blessing at St. Paul’s will begin at 10:00 a.m. We will gather on the green space near the fire pit. Please bring your own lawn chair for seating. Coffee hour will follow outdoors. If weather is inclement, the service will move to the Parish Hall. Please watch your email and the St. Paul's Facebook page for an announcement from Rev. Jean if the service needs to be moved indoors.
The Outdoor Worship Service & Pet Blessing at St. Paul’s will begin at 10:00 a.m. We will gather on the green space near the fire pit. Please bring your own lawn chair for seating. Coffee hour will follow outdoors. If weather is inclement, the service will move to the Parish Hall. Please watch your email and the St. Paul's Facebook page for an announcement from Rev. Jean if the service needs to be moved indoors.
New Worship Service Time Begins October 11th!
St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s wardens met and after thoughtful negotiations, we are adjusting our worship times. This change is due to the needs of the parishes and will be reviewed by the wardens the first part of January. New worship times will begin Sunday, October 11 – 9:00 a.m. for St. Paul’s and 10:30 a.m. for St. Mark’s. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rev. Jean.
St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s wardens met and after thoughtful negotiations, we are adjusting our worship times. This change is due to the needs of the parishes and will be reviewed by the wardens the first part of January. New worship times will begin Sunday, October 11 – 9:00 a.m. for St. Paul’s and 10:30 a.m. for St. Mark’s. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rev. Jean.
Members of St. Paul’s Men’s Group enjoyed fantastic September weather on Eudora’s patio last week.
Join Book Lovers!
Bee Tanner would like to invite all St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s parishioners to join Book Lovers! We meet in St. Paul’s library at 1:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Look in the Cloister for our flyer with all of this year’s selections.
October 13: Discussing The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. A woman scientist is remembered for her beauty and marriage to an Austrian arms dealer. She overheard the Reich's plans, fled to Hollywood and became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. As a scientist she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication.
November 10: Discussing The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. Story of Theodore Roosevelt's harrowing exploration of an uncharted Amazonian river, filled with adventure, hardship, and a remarkable feat that changed the map of the western hemisphere.
December 8: Discussing The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. A disillusioned journalist takes a cross-country train journey at Christmas, encountering mysteries, adventures, and rediscovering love.
Look in the Cloister for our flyer with all of this year’s selections. We look forward to seeing some new faces! Drop in, there’s no commitment!
Questions? Please contact Bee Tanner at tannerb@woh.rr.com or 937/626-3368.
Bee Tanner would like to invite all St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s parishioners to join Book Lovers! We meet in St. Paul’s library at 1:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Look in the Cloister for our flyer with all of this year’s selections.
October 13: Discussing The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. A woman scientist is remembered for her beauty and marriage to an Austrian arms dealer. She overheard the Reich's plans, fled to Hollywood and became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. As a scientist she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication.
November 10: Discussing The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. Story of Theodore Roosevelt's harrowing exploration of an uncharted Amazonian river, filled with adventure, hardship, and a remarkable feat that changed the map of the western hemisphere.
December 8: Discussing The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. A disillusioned journalist takes a cross-country train journey at Christmas, encountering mysteries, adventures, and rediscovering love.
Look in the Cloister for our flyer with all of this year’s selections. We look forward to seeing some new faces! Drop in, there’s no commitment!
Questions? Please contact Bee Tanner at tannerb@woh.rr.com or 937/626-3368.
Movie Night – Thursday, October 22
FIELD OF DREAMS (1989) starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan and Timothy Busfield was the winner of numerous awards. The iconic quote, "If you build it, they will come" sounds like it could be a parable. Join us for dinner at 6:00 p.m., movie at 6:30 and popcorn throughout.
FIELD OF DREAMS (1989) starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan and Timothy Busfield was the winner of numerous awards. The iconic quote, "If you build it, they will come" sounds like it could be a parable. Join us for dinner at 6:00 p.m., movie at 6:30 and popcorn throughout.
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.
Gratitude Abounds!
A big high-five for Ellen Walters for planting autumn mums near the church's main entrance. Thanks for bringing the seasonal spirit, Ellen!
Thank you to our fabulous Music Director Cara Whitby and our outstanding choir members for all they add to our worship services! Dana Cunningham captured this photo on the choir’s first Sunday last week.
Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
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/
Oct. 10 Wild Faith: An Eco-Celebration for the Season of Creation, 10 am at Procter Center. Registration
Nov. 13-14 Better Together: Fall Youth Retreat at Procter. Registration
Nov. 20-21 – 152nd Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Tell Out My Soul: Proclaiming Lives Transformed in Jesus Christ
Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Tell Out My Soul: Proclaiming Lives Transformed in Jesus Christ
Hilton Columbus/Polaris
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/
August 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
