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 Concert:
Sunday, December 7, 7:00 p.m. Sonáre Chamber Ensemble at St. Paul’s
Free will offerings will support ABLE (ADVOCATES FOR BASIC LEGAL EQUITY)
Staff and Vestry Christmas Party:
December 16, 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Carols on the Green:
December 18, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Green Space at St. Paul’s
The community is invited to join us and the Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus as we welcome the season with song!
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 Concert:
Sunday, December 7, 7:00 p.m. Sonáre Chamber Ensemble at St. Paul’s
Free will offerings will support ABLE (ADVOCATES FOR BASIC LEGAL EQUITY)
Staff and Vestry Christmas Party:
December 16, 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Carols on the Green:
December 18, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Green Space at St. Paul’s
The community is invited to join us and the Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus as we welcome the season with song!
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
Thank you from Deacon otto
Beloved People of St Paul's,
It has been an honor and an adventure serving as your Deacon this past almost 8 years. Jamie, Kayla, Jeremiah, and I thank you for the loving sendoff last Sunday, Christ the King. Your cards and kind words brought tears; they will be cherished.
While I will not be with you on Sunday's, I will continue to check in and will be praying for you as you travel this interim voyage. I pray this time will provide healing and understanding as you deal with the past, and that this time will inspire you to a new vision; to continue and build on the energy I experienced in the Look Back, Look Forward. I pray for energy sufficient to carry St Paul's well into its second century.
Be the Church calls you to be.
Peace,
Otto, Jamie, Kayla and Jeremiah Anderson
It has been an honor and an adventure serving as your Deacon this past almost 8 years. Jamie, Kayla, Jeremiah, and I thank you for the loving sendoff last Sunday, Christ the King. Your cards and kind words brought tears; they will be cherished.
While I will not be with you on Sunday's, I will continue to check in and will be praying for you as you travel this interim voyage. I pray this time will provide healing and understanding as you deal with the past, and that this time will inspire you to a new vision; to continue and build on the energy I experienced in the Look Back, Look Forward. I pray for energy sufficient to carry St Paul's well into its second century.
Be the Church calls you to be.
Peace,
Otto, Jamie, Kayla and Jeremiah Anderson
a message from interim rector Jean vargo
St. Paul’s ADVENT is coming!!
And so are some great books
Christmas The Season of Life and Light by Emily McGowin. JOIN us for a look at Advent and Christmas, we will take a look past the cultural tapping into the timeless beauty of the season and this Holy time. God exchanges the glories of divinity for the vulnerability of a human existence. What does that exchange mean for us and our celebration of Christmas? All are welcome in holy conversation. This Book Study will be held every Monday at 5pm. The remaining dates are Monday, December 1, 8, 15 and 22nd. Books are available in the office for $15.
Crazy Christians by Michael Curry. This is a book Rev. Jean invites all to read this season of Advent. In it Bishop Curry empowers us to live and to love like Jesus. Bishop Curry says it may be considered crazy to the world, but it is being the church. Rev. Jean will hold Holy Conversations in January. This book will be the basis for part of the transition process. Books are available in the office for $10.
And so are some great books
Christmas The Season of Life and Light by Emily McGowin. JOIN us for a look at Advent and Christmas, we will take a look past the cultural tapping into the timeless beauty of the season and this Holy time. God exchanges the glories of divinity for the vulnerability of a human existence. What does that exchange mean for us and our celebration of Christmas? All are welcome in holy conversation. This Book Study will be held every Monday at 5pm. The remaining dates are Monday, December 1, 8, 15 and 22nd. Books are available in the office for $15.
Crazy Christians by Michael Curry. This is a book Rev. Jean invites all to read this season of Advent. In it Bishop Curry empowers us to live and to love like Jesus. Bishop Curry says it may be considered crazy to the world, but it is being the church. Rev. Jean will hold Holy Conversations in January. This book will be the basis for part of the transition process. Books are available in the office for $10.
ST. PAUL’s PLEDGE SUNDAY…..Pray, Pray about how you will invest in faith for the future, how you will say thank you to God our Father. Pray about how you will wrap others in the love and hope of our Lord. On Sunday, December 7th you will be invited to bring your pledge and your time and talent card forward at Communion and place them in the basket. We will bless them and pray for God to use it to his glory and for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
accepting nominations for vestry and convention delegates
The following parishioners have graciously agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee:
Charlie Campbell, Chair
Linda Bumiller
Mary Beth Coker
Jim Filson
Micky Neben
Margaret Sampson
Cheryl Strine
Please prayerfully consider helping St. Paul's move forward into our second century by serving on the Vestry or as a Delegate to Convention in 2026. Soon, the Nominating Committee will set up the nomination process and you will be invited to nominate yourself or someone else (please ask their permission before doing so).
Nominations will be accepted for the following positions:
Senior Warden, one-year term beginning in Feb. 2026
Junior Warden, one-year term beginning in Feb. 2026
Three Vestry members for three-year terms beginning in Feb. 2026
Four Delegates for the 2026 DSO Convention
Two Alternate Delegates for the 2026 DSO Convention
If you have any questions, reach out to one of the committee members or a current member of Vestry.
Charlie Campbell, Chair
Linda Bumiller
Mary Beth Coker
Jim Filson
Micky Neben
Margaret Sampson
Cheryl Strine
Please prayerfully consider helping St. Paul's move forward into our second century by serving on the Vestry or as a Delegate to Convention in 2026. Soon, the Nominating Committee will set up the nomination process and you will be invited to nominate yourself or someone else (please ask their permission before doing so).
Nominations will be accepted for the following positions:
Senior Warden, one-year term beginning in Feb. 2026
Junior Warden, one-year term beginning in Feb. 2026
Three Vestry members for three-year terms beginning in Feb. 2026
Four Delegates for the 2026 DSO Convention
Two Alternate Delegates for the 2026 DSO Convention
If you have any questions, reach out to one of the committee members or a current member of Vestry.
more than enough if god is at the center
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, a season of 25 days of expectant waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent is the season of holy anticipation. Too often we believe the myths of scarcity – that there is not enough time, not enough money, not enough hope. Advent overturns this fear. Advent tells us that there is always enough when God is at the center. December 1 also marks the official end of the current stewardship campaign. Our stewardship theme this year was inspired by the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitude – God was at the center.
On December 7 pledges for 2026 will be presented and blessed by Rev. Jean at the 9:30 Eucharist service. If you have not already pledged, study the Proportional Giving Guide that was enclosed with your pledge packet and prayerfully consider increasing your pledge by one or more of the percentages indicated. If each of us contributes just a little more, it will provide More than Enough funds for our beloved church to offer worship, music, fellowship, education, outreach to the community and to prepare for the future that God wishes for us. There is always enough when God is at the center.
Please make your pledge by December 1 if possible, but late pledges are always welcome. Visit http://vist.ly/4ei37 to pledge online and select “Pledge Fund.” You can choose a recurring pledge. If you would rather give open plate or speak with a warden or member of the vestry, indicate your preferences on your pledge card or pick up a new one at the church. This Advent, as we prepare our hearts and our homes for the arrival of Christ, let us also prepare St. Paul’s for the future, remembering that God is at the center.
On December 7 pledges for 2026 will be presented and blessed by Rev. Jean at the 9:30 Eucharist service. If you have not already pledged, study the Proportional Giving Guide that was enclosed with your pledge packet and prayerfully consider increasing your pledge by one or more of the percentages indicated. If each of us contributes just a little more, it will provide More than Enough funds for our beloved church to offer worship, music, fellowship, education, outreach to the community and to prepare for the future that God wishes for us. There is always enough when God is at the center.
Please make your pledge by December 1 if possible, but late pledges are always welcome. Visit http://vist.ly/4ei37 to pledge online and select “Pledge Fund.” You can choose a recurring pledge. If you would rather give open plate or speak with a warden or member of the vestry, indicate your preferences on your pledge card or pick up a new one at the church. This Advent, as we prepare our hearts and our homes for the arrival of Christ, let us also prepare St. Paul’s for the future, remembering that God is at the center.
Parish Life Events
Advent Book Study
Christmas: The Season of Life and Light
by Emily Hunter McGowin
Advent and christmas resources
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.
foraging for advent event - at the procter center - pOSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 6TH
POSTPONED UNTIL Saturday, DECEMBER 6TH from 2:30pm - 4:30pm
:
Join us at Procter Center for their Third Annual Foraging for Advent Event as we explore the season through our exploration of our natural world.
This fun event for all ages includes:
Foraging and hiking around Lake Leo in search of branches, berries, pinecones, and more to build and decorate our Advent wreaths
S’Mores & Hot Chocolate Bar
Candle Making
Blessing of the Advent Wreaths
Games
This event is great for individuals, church groups, community groups, families, couples, and more. Anyone and everyone is invited; minors must be accompanied by their responsible adults.
Bring a warm coat and gloves, some shoes for easy hiking, and a friend! We’ll provide the tools needed for cutting shrubbery and the bases for building the wreaths. Enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, roast some s’mores, and build a beautiful wreath to enjoy all of Advent.
Cost: $10/Household
Invitees: Everyone, all ages!
No Registration Deadline
Questions about this event?
Contact Procter Center at 740-490-6025 or info@proctercenter.org.
:
Join us at Procter Center for their Third Annual Foraging for Advent Event as we explore the season through our exploration of our natural world.
This fun event for all ages includes:
Foraging and hiking around Lake Leo in search of branches, berries, pinecones, and more to build and decorate our Advent wreaths
S’Mores & Hot Chocolate Bar
Candle Making
Blessing of the Advent Wreaths
Games
This event is great for individuals, church groups, community groups, families, couples, and more. Anyone and everyone is invited; minors must be accompanied by their responsible adults.
Bring a warm coat and gloves, some shoes for easy hiking, and a friend! We’ll provide the tools needed for cutting shrubbery and the bases for building the wreaths. Enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, roast some s’mores, and build a beautiful wreath to enjoy all of Advent.
Cost: $10/Household
Invitees: Everyone, all ages!
No Registration Deadline
Questions about this event?
Contact Procter Center at 740-490-6025 or info@proctercenter.org.
Christmas Flowers
Would you like to remember - or give thanks for - a loved one(s) this coming Christmas season? Consider a donation to the Altar Guild Sanctuary Fund for the Christmas poinsettias that will adorn the altar area. ($40 suggested minimum) The name of the loved one(s) you would like to honor/remember will also be included in the Christmas bulletin. Please respond by Friday, December 12 in one of several ways.
- Mail donation and names to be honored/remembered to the church. Put “Christmas Flowers” in the notes
- Use the St. Paul's App or visit stpauls-dayton.org. Click the Giving button and complete the form. Remember to select Flowers-Christmas. Indicate the name(s) in the Notes section. (First-time users will need to create an account and will have the option to pay the 1.5% fee to maximize their donation to St. Paul's).
- Pick up an envelope in the Narthex and complete. Mail to the office or place in the offering plate.
New Outreach Opportunities
Coming Soon: Joint Outreach Project with St. Mark's
We Ride Together: Where Hearts Carry the Weight and Hope Leads the Way
Dayton Children’s Hospital has 12 inpatient rooms on the oncology floor, each home to families facing the overwhelming reality of a childhood cancer diagnosis. This holiday season, we hope to bring comfort and joy to these families by gifting each one a foldable, easily stored wagon filled with thoughtful items. Each church will be responsible for filling six of the wagons. Sign up sheets will be posted soon for necessary items; monetary donations are also welcome. Look for further details in next week’s e-newsletter.
Dayton Children’s Hospital has 12 inpatient rooms on the oncology floor, each home to families facing the overwhelming reality of a childhood cancer diagnosis. This holiday season, we hope to bring comfort and joy to these families by gifting each one a foldable, easily stored wagon filled with thoughtful items. Each church will be responsible for filling six of the wagons. Sign up sheets will be posted soon for necessary items; monetary donations are also welcome. Look for further details in next week’s e-newsletter.
Canterbury Court Baking Supplies (Due Nov. 30th)
Canterbury Court is having their annual bake sale. In the past, St. Paul’s members have been very generous donating baking supplies. I’m hoping we can help them out again. Proceeds from the sale go towards activities for the residents. Items can be placed in the box marked for Canterbury Court in the Parish Hall. The last day to donate is Sunday, November 30. Thank you! ~Nancy Downey
This year they can use the following supplies:
This year they can use the following supplies:
- Sugar
- Toffee Chips
- Chocolate Chunks
- Vanilla Wafers
- Vanilla Extract
- Brownie Mix
- Butter Crisco
- Butter Cake Mix
- Baking Soda Brown
- Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Canned Peaches
Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
Socks for Tots
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 will be 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 will be 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!
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.
Follow St. Paul’s on Social Media
Did you know you can follow St. Paul’s on social media? You can find videos from Rev. Jean, posts on upcoming events, and pictures from St. Paul’s all on Facebook and Instagram. Click the buttons below to follow St. Paul’s today!
November Birthdays
Happy Birthday to those born in the month of November!
Steven (Steve) Walters 11/02
Sharron Lewis-Watts 11/06
Otto Anderson 11/10
Donn Kremmel 11/10
Jennifer (Jen) Brandt 11/13
Julia Wheeler 11/14
Noah Leighner 11/15
Benjamin Miller 11/15
Jay Izor 11/20
Jeremiah Anderson 11/23
Kayla Anderson 11/23
Linda Berutti 11/27
Steven (Steve) Walters 11/02
Sharron Lewis-Watts 11/06
Otto Anderson 11/10
Donn Kremmel 11/10
Jennifer (Jen) Brandt 11/13
Julia Wheeler 11/14
Noah Leighner 11/15
Benjamin Miller 11/15
Jay Izor 11/20
Jeremiah Anderson 11/23
Kayla Anderson 11/23
Linda Berutti 11/27