October 16th, 2026

Each week, St. Paul’s writes prayers for justice, hope, and healing for personal daily devotion.

St. Paul's livestreams our Sunday Service. You can find us on YouTube

or use the link below.

RECONCILIATION SUNDAY @ ST. PAUL'S

Nursery | (Children 3 - 5 years old) Staffed 8:45am - 12:30pm, the worship service can be heard within the Nursery. A changing table is available.

Children's Sunday School | 9 am | Room 112

Youth Formation: Gentle Movement Yoga | Sunday, October 18 from 9am - 9:50am | Room #110 | Brittany Morton will be leading a Youth Formation class on Intro to Gentle Movement. Brittany is a certified Yoga instructor with a focus on Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes Yoga's meditative benefits along with its physical poses and positions. Brittany is also an active member of St. Paul's. You may recall that her son was baby Jesus in last year's Christmas pageant. This program seeks to foster more awareness of the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, and provide coping skills for calming daily life. We are excited to offer this opportunity to the youth. Bring a friend! Please let Youth Director Jabriel Hasan (Jabriel's email) know if you plan to attend this special event.

Rector’s Bible Study | 9am in the Norwood Room | Join our clergy and volunteers as we explore the readings for Sunday worship. This informal setting offers the opportunity to ask questions, get to know others, and learn how to navigate the often- tricky and mysterious world of scripture. No prep work is required.

Children’s Chapel at the 10am Service | Children 3 years and older are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel. We’ll leave following the Gospel reading and return at the Passing of the Peace to take Communion with our families.

Special Guest Preacher for Reconciliaction Sunday | We will have a special liturgy of racial healing where we welcome to the pulpit the Reverend Dr. LaKeisha Cook, Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Rev. Dr. Cook brings a deeply spiritual and theological perspective to social justice issues, frequently speaking on the intersection of faith, race, and public policy. You can read an extended bio of our guest preacher HERE.

Visit the Faith & Action Voter Education Table | 11:30am in the Gathering Space | Voting is the way we give voice to the changes we want to see in the world. This year it seems the election process has become more confusing. Please stop by the Voter Education Table after church to learn about the November 3^rd election, get help making your plan to vote, and find about ways to volunteer and mobilize others to vote. Pick up a copy of the Faith & Action Voting Booklet or read it online HERE, that explains the three Constitutional Amendments on the ballot and provides a handy resource guide to voting and the election.

Faith and Action Forum: Reconciliation Sunday: Acknowledging Our History | 11:30am – 12:15pm in Scott Hall | Join a panel discussion with Tom Shoop & Lynn Blankman (co-chairs of Racial Justice and Healing Team), Michelle Walker, and Sr. Warden Bruce Yoder for the unveiling of a new public statement acknowledging core truths about St. Paul’s past. We will discuss how the statement was developed and why it is an important step toward documenting historical truth, claiming responsibility, and setting future intentions. 

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Annual Giving Campaign Update (as of 10/15):

Pledged Amount: $696,251 (Goal $950,000)

Number of Pledges: 159 (Goal 250+)

Thank you for your support!

Reconciliation Weekend 2026 | Saturday - Sunday, October 17th - 18th  | A weekend of events dedicated to recommitting ourselves to the ongoing work of truth-telling, repair, and racial justice and healing to foster God’s beloved community.  

Saturday, October 17th

• 10am - 12pm: Southside ReLeaf Tree Care Day | Hickory Hill Community Center (3000 E Belt Blvd) | Southside ReLeaf is dedicated to making Southside Richmond a greener, healthier, and more connected community. Join us for a tree care day to mulch and weed young trees as a tangible act of racial repair and environmental justice. All ages are welcome. Register HERE.

• 8:30am - 5pm: Walking with the Enslaved Pilgrimage | Special St. Paul's Edition | Walking with the Enslaved is a Spirit-led pilgrimage through Richmond’s sites of enslavement and resistance. Rooted in the intertwined histories of St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s Episcopal Churches, this journey invites participants to confront the truth of slavery, encounter stories of courage and resilience, and open pathways toward healing, reconciliation, and shared wholeness. Register HERE.

Sunday, October 18th 

• 10am Reconciliation Sunday | Holy Eucharist Rite II with a special liturgy of racial healing where we welcome to the pulpit the Reverend Dr. LaKeisha Cook, Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Rev. Dr. Cook brings a deeply spiritual and theological perspective to social justice issues, frequently speaking on the intersection of faith, race, and public policy.



• 11:30am – 12:15pm Faith and Action Forum | Reconciliation Sunday: Acknowledging Our History | Join a panel discussion with Tom Shoop & Lynn Blankman (co-chairs of Racial Justice and Healing Team), Michelle Walker, and Sr. Warden Bruce Yoder for the unveiling of a new public statement acknowledging core truths about St. Paul’s past. We will discuss how the statement was developed and why it is an important step toward documenting historical truth, claiming responsibility, and setting future intentions. 

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY @ ST. PAUL'S

The Feast of All Saints, Baptisms, and a Liturgy of Candle Lighting

Sunday, November 1st @ 10am | All Saints’ Day is a time to remember those who have died and entered into God’s nearer presence. Though they are no longer with us, their lives continue to shape us as guides, teachers, parents, mentors, and beloved friends. During worship on Sunday, November 1, we will observe this sacred day with a special Liturgy of Candle Lighting. Before the Eucharist, as our choir sings a beautiful movement from Duruflé’s Requiem, you are invited to visit the candle-lighting stations throughout the church and light a candle in memory of loved ones who have died. You may speak the names of several loved ones as you light a single candle. During the Eucharist, there will also be an opportunity to name the saints in your own life—those whose faith, love, and presence continue to inspire and sustain you. We invite you to join us in this time of remembrance, gratitude, and prayer as we honor those who have gone before us and celebrate the enduring bonds of love we share in God.

All Saints Sunday Forum | Nov. 1st @ 11:30am in Scott Hall | A Great Cloud of Witness | All are welcome to join us for an interactive celebration of both familiar and unexpected saints of the Church. (Have you heard of St. Eligius, the patron saint of gas station workers?!) There will be trivia and other games, as well as an opportunity to share stories about unexpected saints in your own life. Come prepared for fun and learning on this holy Feast Day.  

All Saints Festival in the Memorial Garden | Come dressed as your favorite saint! Games, prizes pinata, fun for children, youth and all ages! 

Choral Evensong for All Saints' Day | Sunday, November 1st @ 4pm | Join us for a service of Choral Evensong presented by the St. Paul's Choir. The liturgy will feature music by Philip Radcliffe, Howard Helvey, David Boulware-Kelley, C. Hubert H. Parry, and Arvo Pärt. Following the service will be a festive reception in the Atrium. Childcare will be provided. All are welcome!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Newcomers Lunch | October 25th @ 11:30am in the Norwood Room | Are you interested in learning more about St. Paul’s? A few times a year, the rector and members of our welcome team host a lunch especially for those who are new to St. Paul’s. And the definition of “new” is completely up to you! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our clergy and staff and to get to know others who are discovering St. Paul's. Please RSVP HERE. Questions? Contact Bo Cresswell (Bo's email). It's not too late to RSVP!

Prayer Vigil for City, Commonwealth, and Country | Monday, October 26th @ 6pm |

St. Paul’s Front Steps |During this time of turmoil and trial, we hold a vigil of prayer for the most vulnerable and powerless among us, lifting up our lament, fear, and hope to God’s redemptive and healing power. United as One Body, we make known the love and justice of Jesus of Nazareth for the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the stranger. This service is offered every last Monday of the month and is hosted by St. Paul’s in collaboration with the Downtown Community Ministry. Free parking available in St. Paul’s garage at 111 N. 8th Street. Contact Rev. Gwynn Crichton (Gwynn's email) for more information.

Election Day Prayers at St. Paul's | Tuesday, November 3rd | St. Paul's will be open 9am to 4pm for prayer on Election Day. From 12noon - 12:30pm, clergy will offer prayers and readings appropriate to this important day for all citizens, as we choose leaders and representatives for our Commonwealth.  Stop in the church and help us come together as faithful people, exercising our freedom to vote and asking for God's blessing on the candidates and the participants in the election process. 



Moms2 Group | Tuesday November 10th @ 6:30pm | | If you have a child or youth living at home, this group is for you! Fun and fellowship with other Moms at Brambley Park (1708 Belleville St.). Contact Linda Willis (Linda's email) to learn more.

Faith and Action Forum | Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness Services in the City of Richmond | Sunday, November 15th @ 11:30am in Scott Hall | What happens if you find yourself homeless in Richmond? How do you get into a shelter? How long can you stay? Where do you go when you leave the shelter? Join us to learn about the process of coordinated entry into the shelter system, the inclement weather shelter system, and pathways from shelters into permanent housing. Our guest speakers are Matthew Tucker, Director of Shelter at Caritas, and Choice East is the System Referral Coordinator at Homeward, the regional planning agency for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care.  

BECOME A LUNCH BUDDY at Woodville Elementary for the 2026-2027 School Year | Put a smile on a child's face by building a relationship with a young student at Woodville. Lunch buddies are needed to help these young students become readers. The ability to read affects the rest of their lives and you can help make this happen. Volunteers are required to do CIS Volunteer Orientation training and spend at least one hour per week with their Lunch Buddy during school hours. Contact Annie Campbell to learn more (Annie's email).

Walking with the Enslaved: A Pilgrimage Toward Truth, Reconciliation, and Hope in Richmond | Walking with the Enslaved announces nine pilgrimages for 2026. 

October 17

November 21



Rooted in the intertwined histories of Richmond’s St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s Episcopal Churches, Walking with the Enslaved offers Spirit-led pilgrimages through historical sites of enslavement and resistance. Participants are invited to confront the truth of slavery, encounter stories of courage and resilience, and open pathways toward healing, reconciliation, and shared wholeness. 

To register for a pilgrimage or to learn more about Walking with the Enslaved, please visit www.walkingwiththeenslaved.org.

2026 Fall Emmaus Lunch Ministry Sign Up is Available | The Emmaus Ministry provides a complimentary hot meal to 120-180 downtown neighbors every Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This is a ministry of hospitality, where we “seek and serve Christ” in all who walk through our doors. In addition to lunch, we offer clothing and toiletries, health care screenings, social service referrals, and financial assistance. Each Thursday, we need 20+ volunteers for shifts of 1-2 hours, between 10am and 1pm to ensure our guests receive a warm welcome. Please sign up to volunteer HERE! Contact Nancy Chafin (Nancy's email) for more information.

Phoebe’s Fund October Recipient Spotlight | Phoebe’s Fund recently loaned $50 to Soleil in Rwanda through Kiva.org. Soleil has borrowed a total of $5,000 to further develop her business of community water distribution. She currently operates two Jibu water franchises and will use this loan to purchase a tuk-tuk vehicle for water deliveries. This will enable her to reduce current transportation costs and serve customers more reliably. Soleil is a dedicated and successful entrepreneur. Once she has repaid the $50 loaned by Phoebe’s Fund, the funds will be loaned to another borrower vetted by Kiva.

Join the Choir! | The St. Paul's Choir is always welcoming new volunteer singers to join us in worship and song. The choir season will resume weekly rehearsals on Thursday, September 10th. If you are interested in joining the choir or have any questions, please contact Dr. Christopher Reynolds (Chris's email). 

Care, Grief, and Grace | Are you caring for a loved one or navigating the pain of the loss of a loved one? You are not alone. This fall, the Rev. Andie Rohrs will be facilitating a safe, compassionate space to share, listen, pray, and find encouragement with others who understand. The forum (in person or virtual), days, and times will be mutually determined by the group that comes together. Contact Andie (Andie's email) if you are interested in participating.  

WOCA Invitation | If you’re a Woman of a Certain Age (retired or nearly so) who might be interested in joining others for a monthly dinner and conversation at a local restaurant, please send your name and contact information to Sue Wilson (Sue's email). 

Comforting Stitches | Mondays 2pm - 4pm | Room #213 | Comforting Stitches, often referred to as the "prayer shawl ministry", creates shawls, quilts, baby blankets, and scarves to offer comfort and celebrate life's transitions. This group meets on Monday afternoons at St. Paul's for creative work and fellowship.

Comforting Stitches is Offering Free Knitting Lessons | One of our members will arrange a convenient meeting time to meet and teach the basics of knitting and keep in touch with you until your skills are up and knitting!!

For more information, contact Rev. Andie Rohrs (Andie's email).

Online Wednesday Morning Reflections | Wednesdays from 10am -10:30am (Zoom) | Consider a time of quiet in your week. On Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. members of St Paul's gather on Zoom for quiet reflection. The format consists of reading one of the upcoming Sunday's readings and twenty minutes of silent meditation. Participants are invited to comment on the reading or the silence. Contact David Hoover (David's email) for more information.

St. Paul's Flower Arranging for Sunday Services | Please consider signing up to arrange a beautiful flower assortment one Sunday during the year. We are offering a simple flower arranging class for up to four people at a time, to ensure that everyone feels empowered to participate. Help us continue our ministry to foster beauty through God’s creation at St. Paul’s.

Upcoming Vestry Nominations | The Vestry Nominating Committee is charged with selecting a slate of four persons to serve on the Vestry. The Committee is composed of five persons from the congregation, along with the four members of the outgoing Vestry class (Debbie Cole, Mike Francis, David Ready, Bruce Yoder). The Junior Warden, Doug Callaway, serves as an observer. The Nominating Committee will meet in December. If you would like to serve on this Committee, please contact Bruce Yoder, Senior Warden (Bruce's email) by October 25th.

Birth, Death and Funeral Announcements | If you are not currently receiving emails from St. Paul's regarding birth announcements, death announcements and funeral updates, and you would like to receive these emails, please contact St. Paul's’ Director of Communications and Digital Evangelism Matthew Cole (Matthew's email) and he will add you to the email list to receive these notices.  

Protect yourself from phishing. St. Paul’s clergy and staff will never ask for an urgent favor, the purchase of gift cards or other financial instruments via email.

When in doubt, please call the church office at 804-643-3589.

Linda Willis

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Linda's email



Jabriel Hasan

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Jabriel's email

Children, Youth and Family Newsletter | Stay updated on all of St. Paul’s offerings for our children, youth and families! Please contact Linda Willis (Linda's email) to receive the Family Newsletter and the Youth Newsletter directly to your inbox.

Chrismas Eve Pageant Volunteers Needed | It’s time to prepare for our annual Family Christmas Eve Pageant! We are inventorying costumes and recruiting Mary and Joseph, the Angel Gabriel, and the Prophet. These characters will have small speaking parts. We need your help with setting up the props, helping with sound, guiding sheep and shepherds and angels. We also need two people to become the camel! If you would like to help, please contact Linda Willis (Linda's email).

Stroller Parking | We have a parking spot for strollers now! Right outside the Nursery. Thanks to the Guh family for being our first “parkers”!

Moms2 Group | Tuesdays @ 6:30pm | September 1st, November 10th, March 2nd, May 11th | If you have a child or youth living at home, this group is for you! Fun and fellowship with other Moms at Brambley Park

(1708 Belleville St.). Contact Linda Willis (Linda's email) to learn more.

New Leadership in Acolyte Ministry | We are excited to announce that Brian Carr will serve as the new Acolyte Master for our acolyte ministry. Brian and his wife, Scott, have been involved at St. Paul’s since 1997, raising their two sons who both served as acolytes! Brian has also been involved in leadership on many levels, from helping with the St. Paul’s renovation project, to serving as Sr. Warden. Thanks to Brian for offering his gifts! Our acolyte ministry is a great way for our kids and youth to get to know the church, each other, and develop leadership skills. If you’d like to know more about how to get involved, please reach out to Brian at (Brian's email). 

First and Third Sundays

September - April

Children's Sunday School | 9 am | Room 112

Youth Faith Formation | 9 am | Room 110 | Join us as we invite participants to explore ways that they experience God's love in community.

Second Sundays

September - April



Second Sunday Family Worship Service | 4:30pm - 5:15pm in Scott Hall | Join St. Paul's families and clergy for a late afternoon worship service designed for children and families. Drawing from the Book of Common Prayer, this is a casual and engaging intergenerational service with communion. Children and families are active participants in all aspects of this service. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Linda Willis (Linda's email).

5:15pm | Simple Kid-Friendly Supper

5:15pm | Youth Group and a Simple Youth-Friendly Supper

Last Sundays of the Month

August - April

Family Breakfast | 9am in Scott Hall | Everyone is welcome to enjoy this delicious breakfast. Enjoy fellowship and a great meal before our Sunday Worship Service. At St. Paul's everyone is family!

Every Sunday

Nursery |  (Children 3 - 5 years old) Staffed 8:45 AM - 12:30 PM, the worship service can be heard within the Nursery. A changing table is available. 

Children’s Chapel | Children 3 years and older are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel. We’ll leave following the Gospel reading and return at the Passing of the Peace to take Communion with our families.

Worship Bags and Book Cart | Every child is welcomed to utilize the worship bags in the narthex. Our worship bags contain drawing paper, crayons and children's bulletins, ensuring that all of our families are part of St. Paul's vibrant worshiping community. Our book cart is regularly updated and contains books for children of all ages. Please return bags to the narthex and books to cart.

Family Worship Space| St. Paul’s is committed to creating an inclusive worship experience for every child. Families are invited to join their young children at the Family worship space in the front of the sanctuary. This carpeted area with pillows and games allows our youngest members to fully participate in the service. Our ushers will be happy to direct you.