The Very Rev. Katie Churchwell, Dean of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and the Staff and vergers of St. Paul’s are thrilled to welcome the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church for their 2025 Annual Conference. Our vergers have worked to put on an educational and fun conference for all. Enjoy dynamic sessions, great food and fellowship, moving worship, and so much more!
Join us October 9, 2025, through October 12, 2025 in Oklahoma City, by clicking the REGISTRATION link.
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, OKLAHOMA CITY
WHY ATTEND?
Why Attend the 2025 Conference in OKC?
Connect in fellowship and community with fellow vergers from across the church
Discover new ways to enhance your ministry and support your congregation Join together in service, worship, and shared learning
Experience the energy and hospitality of downtown Oklahoma City with vibrant arts, culture, food, and history just steps away
Worship and learn at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, a stunning architectural and spiritual centerpiece of the city
We can’t wait to welcome you to the heart of Oklahoma!
THEME- KEEPERS OF THEME- KEEPERS OF SACRED STORIES SACRED STORIES
Conference Theme: Keepers of Sacred Stories Dignity, Discipline, and Devotion in a Changing Church
As the Church continues to evolve amid shifting cultural and spiritual landscapes, vergers serve a vital role not only as keepers of order, but as stewards of sacred memory. This year’s conference theme invites us to reflect on the ways vergers embody dignity, discipline, and devotion, helping their communities remain rooted in what is holy and enduring. Vergers are more than logistical leaders; they are liturgical storytellers. Through ritual, presence, and sacred space, they help congregations remember who they are, adapt to what is changing, and hold fast to the truths that sustain faith across generations. Our time together in Oklahoma City is especially meaningful in this light. Just steps away from the Oklahoma City National Memorial, we are reminded of the power of remembrance and the resilience that can arise from tragedy. Like the Memorial, vergers are called to carry the stories that bind us to ensure the Church remains a place of healing, continuity, and hope.
THEME- KEEPERS OF THEME- KEEPERS OF SACRED STORIES SACRED STORIES
In many Indigenous cultures, the role of the storyteller is sacred. Elders pass down identity through ritual, language, and shared memory preserving what is essential even as generations change. In a similar way, vergers are entrusted with the Church’s worship life, safeguarding liturgical practices and sacred spaces that ground us in who we are, while gently guiding us into who we are becoming. At the heart of this theme is a scriptural call from 2 Timothy 1:6–7: "Rekindle the gift of God that is within you... for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline." This verse reminds us that our calling is not passive preservation, but active, Spirit-led stewardship. Throughout the conference, we’ll return to several key truths: Vergers are both guardians of tradition and agents of renewal. Decline does not equal irrelevance; instead, it asks us to care for the Church’s story with greater tenderness and creativity. Sacred space and liturgical order matter more than ever, especially in times of uncertainty. And above all, faithfulness remains our vocation, even when the shape of the Church looks different than it once did. Our workshops will offer practical tools for storytelling, ritual, and liturgical leadership helping vergers lead with intention, form community through worship, and carry the story of the Church forward with love, courage, and hope.
SCHEDULE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 9
The Vergers Conference begins Thursday afternoon with registration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, where docents will offer guided tours of the Cathedral’s beautiful architecture and sacred spaces. That evening, we’ll gather for a reverent Choral Evensong with incense, followed by a warm Welcome Reception (with heavy hourdourves) in the Cathedral’s Dean Willey Hall a chance to meet fellow vergers, share stories, and enjoy a taste of Oklahoma hospitality.
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 10
We’ll start the day together with Morning Prayer in the Cathedral, followed by a full morning of formation sessions designed to support and inspire verger ministry. After a shared boxed lunch (provided by St Paul’s)we’ll visit the powerful and deeply moving Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, where we’ll reflect on resilience, remembrance, and the role of sacred presence in moments of grief. The evening is open for you to explore Oklahoma City’s vibrant downtown food scene at your leisure.
SCHEDULE SCHEDULE
OCTOBER 11
SATURDAY Saturday begins again with Morning Prayer at St. Paul’s, followed by a second round of rich formation sessions, including a special presentation on Indigenous storytelling and spiritual practice. The Vergers Guild Business Meeting will also be held in the late morning. After lunch provided at the Cathedral, enjoy time for FAM Museum with optional activities and time to explore. We’ll end the day in celebration with a themed Banquet Dinner hosted at the Cathedral, honoring our shared ministry with good food and joyful fellowship.
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 12
On Sunday morning, a deluxe continental breakfast will be available at 9:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s, with vesting at 10:30 a.m. in preparation for our final liturgy. We’ll close the conference with Holy Eucharist at 11:15 a.m., featuring a procession of vergers and a group photo in the Nave. An elevated coffee hour reception featuring a curated spread of light fare and delightful bites will be provided after service. Worshiping together in the cathedral space, surrounded by new friends and longtime colleagues, will be a fitting and beautiful end to our time in Oklahoma City.
REGISTRATION REGISTRATION
Registration now open! (add registration button to right)
2025 VGEC Annual Conference
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
127 NW 7 Street Oklahoma City, OK 73102 October 9-12th, 2025 th
There are 2 types of Registrations:
1. For Vergers attending the conference - $250
2. For Non Verger Guests - $35 registration plus à la carte meals and activities
SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, the VGEC provides a limited number of scholarships to cover $200 of the registration expense. The Mark Emory Graham Scholarship Fund of the VGEC makes these grants possible. They are intended to develop the ministry of the verger and will be considered for junior vergers, new vergers, or first time attendees, or those with a financial need. Click HERE to complete an online scholarship application. The president of the VGEC will review the requests and will contact each member making a scholarship request. The process is very easy, so if you are interested, please complete the form today. The scholarship covers $200 of the registration fee but not transportation, lodging, or additional food or other expenses. Please contact the VGEC president at president@vergers.org if you have questions about the scholarship or the application process. If you are applying for a scholarship, do not put in your credit card information when registering for the conference. Select the Pay Later option.
Oklahoma City is an attractive destination, offering a remarkable blend of affordability, safety, and culinary excellence. Oklahoma City is home to multiple award-winning chefs, such as James Beard Award winner Chef Andrew Black, who leads Perle Mesta, and other standout restaurants like Grey Sweater that offer unique dining experiences. Alongside its vibrant arts scene, plentiful parks, and welcoming community, Oklahoma City lives up to its nickname, "The Big Friendly," making it an appealing place to live and thrive. Come find out why it is such a w d f l l ll h !
Oklahoma City has seen remarkable growth alongside our cathe new era. The revitalization of the district has transformed our identity; we are no longer viewed as just a dusty cow town on the plains though we still have cows! Our generous residents have committed to an improvement tax, generating revenue that has empowered the city through targeted projects. This has attracted a younger demographic and sparked the emergence of new businesses and attractions. At the cathedral's doorstep, you'll discover vibrant communities filled with engaging experiences, including museums, art and music venues, restaurants, a top-tier zoo, outdoor activities to thrill, theater, ballet, and Philharmonic performances, alongside professional sports. We are situated right in the heart of it all, and we are thrilled to be woven into this community.
Scissortail Park
Downtown OKC
First Americans Museum
OKLHOMA CITY OKLHOMA CITY ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS
What’s there to do in OKC? What isn’t there to do? From treasure-filled museums to fun and funky festivals, outdoor recreation to loads of shopping and so much more, come discover all there is to do in Oklahoma City. Just steps away from St. Paul’s Cathedral, the historic Automobile Alley, Midtown and Downtown areas all offer tremendous shopping, dining and attractions. Close to St. Paul’s, the Bricktown Water Taxi, Factory Obscura, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, and Riversport, are must see and do! Just a short drive or uber away, Stockyards City, Science Museum Oklahoma, First Americans Museum (FAM), National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and Oklahoma City Zoo are also award winning, world class stops worth a visit. For more information check out the VisitOKC site!
Bricktown Canal
First Americans Museum
ACCOMODATIONS ACCOMODATIONS
There is no official conference hotel; however, we highly recommend the following accommodations near St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Downtown Oklahoma City. We encourage you to explore these options, visit hotel websites, and use your preferred booking platform to make your reservation. The OKC Streetcar offers convenient service throughout downtown, with pick up near each hotel and a stop located right next to the Cathedral for easy access.
ACCOMODATIONS ACCOMODATIONS
The Skirvin Hilton OKC – 0.3 miles (6-min. walk)
Sheraton OKC Downtown – 0.4 miles (8-min. walk)
Colcord Hotel (Curio Collection by Hilton) – 0.5 miles (10-min. walk)
Courtyard by Marriott OKC Downtown – 0.7 miles (13-min. walk)
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel – 0.8 miles (15-min. walk/5-min. drive)
Aloft OKC Downtown-Bricktown – 0.8 miles (15-min. walk/4-min.drive)
Holiday Inn Express Bricktown – 0.9 miles (15-min. walk/4-min. drive)
Hyatt Place OKC Bricktown – 1 mile (5-min. drive or 20-min. walk)
Renaissance Waterford OKC – 5.5 miles (10- to 12-min. drive) *Not downtown
PLACES TO EAT
Whether you're looking for a restaurant with white tablecloths and prime top sirloin, a hole-in-the-wall local favorite with down-home cooking or something inbetween, Oklahoma City has treats for all tastes and budgets. Explore the diverse cuisine that Oklahoma City restaurants offer, from Lebanese food to Japanese and more. Don't forget to check out the Oklahoma City food truck scene for an exciting change when you're on the go.
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) is just a 15–20 minute drive from Downtown Oklahoma City, where St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and many of our recommended hotels are located. Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis are readily available, and all major car rental companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are accessible at the airport.
If you plan to stay in the downtown area, renting a car is not necessary. Many OKC visitors staying downtown see no need for a rental car. With so much to explore within walking distance—and convenient access to the OKC Streetcar, which stops right next to the Cathedral—you can easily enjoy your stay without needing to drive. That said, it’s entirely your choice based on how much you’d like to explore beyond the downtown core.
