St. Paul's Cathedral OKC

During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re profoundly grateful for our Children’s Formation teachers at the Cathedral. Their dedication and passion for nurturing young minds, instilling values, and fostering a deep connection with faith inspire not just the children they teach, but the entire community. Through their guidance, patience, and love, they create a supportive environment where children can grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Their commitment goes beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders of our faith community and instilling in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and service to others. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our children’s lives and to our faith community as a whole.

🎶🎵Celebrating our talented Cathedral Choristers: Sunday, May 12, 5pm will be the final Choral Evensong of the season. Featuring the music of Mendelssohn, MacDonald, and Kelly, special Chorister Recognitions will also take place including the graduation of Head Chorister, Elsa Heater. Make your plans to bring a friend and enjoy a Sunday evening featuring OUTSTANDING worship and music with us, here at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Oklahoma City!

In the embrace of a 120-year-old building, history whispers through vibrant stained glass, weaving tales of times gone by. Today, its timeless beauty captivates two of the newest, youngest members, as they reach out to touch the colors of ages past.

Join us this Thursday for a special Holy Eucharist at noon here at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, as we celebrate The Feast of the Ascension. Experience the uplifting music of French composer Olivier Messiaen’s L’Ascension during our worship service, played by our Canon Precentor Joseph Ripka on Organ.

🎉 Join us in wishing a Happy birthday to the incredible Dean Katie Churchwell! 🎂 Your leadership at St. Paul’s Cathedral shines brightly, and your warmth touches countless hearts. Here’s to celebrating YOU today and always! 🥳

Stewardship Corner - The Gift of Time
This week, we focus on the gift of time. A precious resource, time holds the power to elevate spiritual growth, engage in community service, and nurture connections with others, thereby leaving a profound impact on individuals and the congregation as a whole. As a cathedral community we prioritize and value the gift of time in volunteer opportunities and encourage you to volunteer
at a Sunday service over the summer. We need help with Liturgical Ministries such as Acolytes, LEMS, Readers, Oblationers, Ushers, and A/V Team. We also need helpers outside the service - Welcome Team, and Sextons.
Our new summer worship schedule will begin on June 1, and it is the perfect time to ‘try out’ a ministry you’ve always been curious about. Email [email protected] and let us know where you’d like to serve!

We ♥️ our Cathedral Community! Fellowship within a church community is crucial for various reasons: It offers support, encouragement, and friendship on the faith journey. It facilitates empathy and understanding by sharing experiences. Participation in shared activities enhances spiritual growth through worship, study, and prayer. Lastly, it fulfills the Christian call to love and serve others within the community. At. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral all are welcome| all are invited.

Sunday Planner for May 5:
Sixth Sunday of Easter
8am Rite I Holy Eucharist - Chapel
9am Rite II Holy Eucharist - Cathedral
10:10am Formation for All Ages (Dean’s Class in DWH)
11:15am Rite I Holy Eucharist - Cathedral
4pm Youth Group - Undercroft
4pm Bible Project Class (Adult Learning Room)
5pm Draw Near Contemplative Service - Cathedral

Join us Sunday at 5pm for the final Draw Near Contemplative Service of the season. During this service, we will gather in quiet reflection, allowing space for personal meditation, prayer, and contemplation. It will be a time to connect with the divine in a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere.

Whether you seek solace, spiritual renewal, or simply a moment of stillness in your busy life, we welcome you to join us as we journey together towards deeper spiritual understanding and inner peace.

We look forward to sharing this sacred time with you!

Do you want to improve your prayer life but aren’t sure where to start? Join us on a journey of spiritual enrichment and connection! Meet the Dean at 10:10am THIS SUNDAY and explore the power of prayer with a comprehensive class on better utilizing our beloved BCP. Whether you seek solace, guidance, or gratitude, discover how to harness the words that resonate with your soul. You’ll learn how to find the perfect prayers for any situation, deepen your spiritual connection, and cultivate a meaningful prayer practice.
Unlock the transformative potential of prayer with our class on navigating the Prayerbook.

👏👏Absolutely astounding news! Sharon Ellington, the remarkable leader of St. Paul’s Mobile Meals Ministry, has been recognized by KFOR and First Fidelity for her exceptional community service while working at a nearby Chick-Fil-A. Her well-deserved recognition comes as no surprise to us, and we couldn’t be happier for Sharon. As the article aptly puts it, “Sharon Ellington. Serving up a warm meal, with a warm heart and a warm smile.” This sentiment resonates deeply with us, knowing firsthand the incredible care Sharon extends to Mobile Meals clients at St. Paul’s. https://kfor.com/news/pay-it-4ward/pay-it-4ward-fast-food-employee-serves-up-smiles/ (link also in stories)

Let’s discuss Sunday’s Gospel Reading from John 15:1-8. How does the imagery of the vine and branches illustrate the importance of staying connected to Christ? Any other reflections or parts of this Gospel that stand out to you? Share with us!

Jesus said to his disciples, ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

There’s a serene elegance in the simplicity of a midweek Eucharist service, isn’t there? It’s the quiet moment of communion and reflection amidst the busyness of life, where you can find solace and spiritual nourishment. We encourage you to join us each and every Wednesday at noon and take that moment for your spiritual health.

🏕️Is your kiddo registered yet for .crispins summer camp?! If not, this is the week to do it, and get those summer plans in place. St. Crispin’s provides an inspiring environment for children to learn and grow. Our beloved Diocesan camp fosters independence, social skills, and resilience through activities like teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor exploration - all with the nurture of loving young adults and caring clergy. Plus, it’s a lot of fun, and the food is outstanding!! Don’t delay - register today! https://stcrispins.org/camp or link in our stories.

SPCKids is wonderful for so many reasons:
It provides a safe and engaging environment where children can learn about spirituality in a way that’s tailored to their age and understanding. Interactive lessons, songs, and activities make learning about faith fun and memorable. Additionally, children’s church fosters a sense of community among our Cathedral kids and helps them build relationships with peers and adult mentors. We’re so grateful for this special place where children can explore their faith and grow in their understanding of spiritual concepts.

👼🏼The warmth of love and prayers stitched into every fiber: Deacon Tracy crafted a cherished baby blanket for Caroline (& Robert) Dennis’s soon-to-arrive grandchild. Joined by Dean Churchwell, they blessed this precious gift with abundant prayers and overflowing love, heralding the arrival of a new family member.

Who wore it better? Twinning at the “office!” 😃😃

Here at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, behind the scenes volunteers are the silent heroes. These amazing humans are often unseen but are weaving threads of support, dedication, and selflessness to elevate every endeavor, yet their impact resonates loudly in the hearts they touch! THANK YOU to all the selfless individuals who help make SPC the place it is!

🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️ A run to remember! St. Paul’s was well represented at the OKC Memorial Marathon events on Saturday and Sunday! Lauren Bass and Ashley Ozan ran the half marathon, Erin White ran the full marathon, Patty Morgan and Ashley volunteered, George O. And Carter W. ran in the kids race, and our own John Koons helped with the water station! Who did we miss?!?! Let us know if you were there or participated! We’re so proud of EVERYONE who participated or volunteered.

✌🏼Remember just TWO services today! 11:15am and 5pm, with an all-parish potluck after in the East Garden. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share, chicken will be provided. Happy Marathon Sunday, everyone!!

This past Sunday’s Gospel Reading is from John 10:11-18:

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

As you reflect on this scripture, we wonder, how does Jesus as the Good Shepherd challenge or deepen your understanding of leadership and care for others? Share your reflections in the comments and let’s discuss!

Who’s ready for OKC Marathon Weekend? Reply with a 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️ if you’re running so we can cheer you on! This Sunday is a bit unique due to the race events downtown. Join us for worship at 11:15am (race route roads should open by 10:30am but give yourself extra time), or 5pm, followed by a festive all-parish potluck (Cane’s chicken provided) in the East Garden. Bring a favorite side or dessert to share and let’s have some FUN!

Friends looking for marathon parking this weekend… St. Paul's Cathedral OKC is selling spaces in both lots to raise money for the Cathedral Choir pilgrimage to the UK in 2025. Lots open Saturday at 5:30 am and Sunday at 4:30 am. A great cause! *Cash and Venmo accepted. Thank you for your support.

🚙 A parking lot for missions and ministry? Yes! It might interest you to learn that despite St. Paul’s status as a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we are still required to file a tax return because the Cathedral garners revenue by leasing our North and South Parking Lots to neighboring businesses in Downtown Oklahoma City. This supplementary income plays a vital role in sustaining the mission and ministry of our cherished community. Do you have any creative ideas for leveraging our property to generate further income in service of our mission? Please share your insights with Lauren Bass at [email protected].

With deep sadness we share the death of a beloved longtime member Stephen G. Long, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The funeral service for Stephen will be held here at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10am. All are welcome and invited to participate and celebrate Stephen’s life.The Long Family asks that in lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts be directed to St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Memorial Fund in Stephen’s honor. O God of grace and glory,
we remember before you this day our brother Stephen. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn.
Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May Stephen, with all the faithful departed,
rest in God’s peace and rise in glory.
We ask that you keep the entire Long Family in your prayers during this difficult time.