March 2025 Crosscurrent
March Newsletter
PREACHER'S PART
Dear Siblings in Christ,
As I write this newsletter article, the weather outside has warmed to a beautiful 62 degrees, and it feels like spring is just around the corner. Of course, living in Colorado, we all know that this is just the “false spring” that gets our hopes up right before we get more snow throughout the month of March.
Even if it is just false spring, I’ll take it. The winter months of cold and darkness can be especially challenging as we yearn for springtime to awaken us once again. The warmth in the air serves as a reminder that all things exist in cycles and for everything, there is a season. The real spring will come and we will again see buds coming up, hear birds singing sweetly, and enjoy more time outdoors than we have been. We will get a chance to experience that wonder and awe with child-like senses, opening our hearts and minds to what God will do next in this majestic and beautiful world we inhabit.
In our journey through Lent, we invite our church community to explore "Awe and Wonder" as we delve into the themes of beauty, wonder, meaning, curiosity, delight, connection, and self-giving. As we engage with these awe-inspiring themes, may we be moved to reflect, grow, and extend our sense of wonder to every corner of our lives.
The psalmist writes:
“By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
6 By your[a] strength you established the mountains;
you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs;
you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
Psalm 65:5-8
This Lent, let's not sink into solemnity but rather make space for the superb and push open our perceptions. Let’s acknowledge the incredible world around us that God has created – in the mountains and seas – the vast expanses of space – and the wonder of a child’s eyes as they watch bubbles and butterflies.
Let us elevate our spirits by recognizing the divine splendor that is with us in each day.
And so, I encourage you to enjoy the weather when it is nice. Keep hope when the snow returns. Await what God is doing next with child-like wonder through all of it. God is moving in your life in ways you may not yet perceive. Be blessed and be a blessing.
With love and blessings,
Rev. David Petty
As I write this newsletter article, the weather outside has warmed to a beautiful 62 degrees, and it feels like spring is just around the corner. Of course, living in Colorado, we all know that this is just the “false spring” that gets our hopes up right before we get more snow throughout the month of March.
Even if it is just false spring, I’ll take it. The winter months of cold and darkness can be especially challenging as we yearn for springtime to awaken us once again. The warmth in the air serves as a reminder that all things exist in cycles and for everything, there is a season. The real spring will come and we will again see buds coming up, hear birds singing sweetly, and enjoy more time outdoors than we have been. We will get a chance to experience that wonder and awe with child-like senses, opening our hearts and minds to what God will do next in this majestic and beautiful world we inhabit.
In our journey through Lent, we invite our church community to explore "Awe and Wonder" as we delve into the themes of beauty, wonder, meaning, curiosity, delight, connection, and self-giving. As we engage with these awe-inspiring themes, may we be moved to reflect, grow, and extend our sense of wonder to every corner of our lives.
The psalmist writes:
“By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
6 By your[a] strength you established the mountains;
you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs;
you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
Psalm 65:5-8
This Lent, let's not sink into solemnity but rather make space for the superb and push open our perceptions. Let’s acknowledge the incredible world around us that God has created – in the mountains and seas – the vast expanses of space – and the wonder of a child’s eyes as they watch bubbles and butterflies.
Let us elevate our spirits by recognizing the divine splendor that is with us in each day.
And so, I encourage you to enjoy the weather when it is nice. Keep hope when the snow returns. Await what God is doing next with child-like wonder through all of it. God is moving in your life in ways you may not yet perceive. Be blessed and be a blessing.
With love and blessings,
Rev. David Petty
Message from Pastor Donnie Sturgill
A few months ago, the crown of my watch, the part used to set the time, got caught on something and was pulled from the side of my watch. It is a quartz watch, meaning it is an electric watch that uses a quartz crystal to keep time. Being a quartz watch I would have been able to continuing using it without the crown, that is, until daylight savings time arrived in the Spring, to change the time on my watch.
My wife, Daphne, took the damaged watch to my brother, Philip, who is a jeweler. He told her he would give me a good deal on a new watch, which meant he would give it to me. Daphne and Philip looked over the watches in his jewelry store, looking for a watch they believed I would like.
They chose a very nice Citizen watch that I like very much. There was one big difference between my new watch and one that I broke, my new watch is an “automatic” watch, also called a “self-winding” watch. I didn’t care what type of watch it was, it was attractive and it allowed me to check the time without taking my cell phone out of my pocket.
After about a week, I noticed the time on my watch showed it was a couple of minutes ahead of the correct time. I reset the time, synchronizing it to the time on my cell phone. A week later the time on my watch was once again two minutes ahead of the proper time. I knew it hadn’t wound down because if it had it would have lost instead of gained time.
Concerned that my new watch wasn’t functioning properly, I called Philip and told him it kept gaining time, about a minute every 2 to 3 days. He explained that a quartz watch might hold an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds in a month, but my mechanical watch only has an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a day.
He then gave me a little history lesson about mechanical watches and clocks. Some of you might have lived in a town that had a noon whistle. In factory towns the noon whistle often indicated to the factory workers it was time for lunch. It also indicated it was time for school children to go home for lunch. Some might not know the noon whistle also allowed people to set the time on their watches and clocks. This was necessary because the electric watch wasn’t invented until 1957, followed by the invention of the quartz watch in 1969.
Due to my newfound knowledge about mechanical watches and noon whistles, I began to think about my faith journey and the faith journeys of others. Over time, the direction of our faith and the ways we practice our faith can veer off track, just as the time displayed on a mechanical watch can become more and more inaccurate as time passes.
What can we do to prevent this from happening? In other words, when Christians begin to lose sight of the way they are to think, speak, and act, is there a “noon whistle” to help them recalibrate themselves with God? The answer is “yes,” but what works for one person doesn’t work for another. My faith noon whistle is the two greatest commandments; love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Just as the time on a mechanical watch must be regularly set, I must regularly make a conscious effort to remind myself to live by those great commandments.
I challenge you to find a way to live in a way that is pleasing to God. You can attend a Bible study, pick up a Upper Room from the narthex and read a daily devotional, or seek to learn from Christian writers and theologians. Be sure to do something. Your faith noon whistle doesn’t need to go off at noon, but it does need to be heard regularly to remind you to reflect on your faith to see if you need to make any adjustments.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
~Pastor Donnie
My wife, Daphne, took the damaged watch to my brother, Philip, who is a jeweler. He told her he would give me a good deal on a new watch, which meant he would give it to me. Daphne and Philip looked over the watches in his jewelry store, looking for a watch they believed I would like.
They chose a very nice Citizen watch that I like very much. There was one big difference between my new watch and one that I broke, my new watch is an “automatic” watch, also called a “self-winding” watch. I didn’t care what type of watch it was, it was attractive and it allowed me to check the time without taking my cell phone out of my pocket.
After about a week, I noticed the time on my watch showed it was a couple of minutes ahead of the correct time. I reset the time, synchronizing it to the time on my cell phone. A week later the time on my watch was once again two minutes ahead of the proper time. I knew it hadn’t wound down because if it had it would have lost instead of gained time.
Concerned that my new watch wasn’t functioning properly, I called Philip and told him it kept gaining time, about a minute every 2 to 3 days. He explained that a quartz watch might hold an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds in a month, but my mechanical watch only has an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a day.
He then gave me a little history lesson about mechanical watches and clocks. Some of you might have lived in a town that had a noon whistle. In factory towns the noon whistle often indicated to the factory workers it was time for lunch. It also indicated it was time for school children to go home for lunch. Some might not know the noon whistle also allowed people to set the time on their watches and clocks. This was necessary because the electric watch wasn’t invented until 1957, followed by the invention of the quartz watch in 1969.
Due to my newfound knowledge about mechanical watches and noon whistles, I began to think about my faith journey and the faith journeys of others. Over time, the direction of our faith and the ways we practice our faith can veer off track, just as the time displayed on a mechanical watch can become more and more inaccurate as time passes.
What can we do to prevent this from happening? In other words, when Christians begin to lose sight of the way they are to think, speak, and act, is there a “noon whistle” to help them recalibrate themselves with God? The answer is “yes,” but what works for one person doesn’t work for another. My faith noon whistle is the two greatest commandments; love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Just as the time on a mechanical watch must be regularly set, I must regularly make a conscious effort to remind myself to live by those great commandments.
I challenge you to find a way to live in a way that is pleasing to God. You can attend a Bible study, pick up a Upper Room from the narthex and read a daily devotional, or seek to learn from Christian writers and theologians. Be sure to do something. Your faith noon whistle doesn’t need to go off at noon, but it does need to be heard regularly to remind you to reflect on your faith to see if you need to make any adjustments.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
~Pastor Donnie
Lenten Sunday School Study
Lenten Sunday School Study
Our Lenten Sunday School study is “Savior, What the Bible says about the Cross.” We will start on Sunday, March 9 and end on Sunday, April 6.
The Bible uses many images to understand the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Savior, the author guides us through these images to achieve a richer understanding of the Christian faith. By exploring the mystery of salvation through the cross, we can deepen our love for God and others and strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus.
Each week is self-contained and there will be a summary sheet for each class that will be
available in class and on-line. There will be a video segment for each week. There is a sign-up sheet on the Volunteer Table for anyone who wants to order the book.
Our Lenten Sunday School study is “Savior, What the Bible says about the Cross.” We will start on Sunday, March 9 and end on Sunday, April 6.
The Bible uses many images to understand the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Savior, the author guides us through these images to achieve a richer understanding of the Christian faith. By exploring the mystery of salvation through the cross, we can deepen our love for God and others and strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus.
Each week is self-contained and there will be a summary sheet for each class that will be
available in class and on-line. There will be a video segment for each week. There is a sign-up sheet on the Volunteer Table for anyone who wants to order the book.
March Mission Focus - UMCOR
For more than 80 years, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has alleviated the suffering of individuals, families and communities affected by both natural and humanmade disaster.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR has provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild
fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of those who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR has provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild
fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of those who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
UMCOR Health Kit
*During March, our Mission collection will be going to UMCOR. We are asking you to go the extra mile and give an additional $12.00. This extra giving will be used to purchase the supplies and pay for shipping for an UMCOR Health Kit. We will be putting the Health Kits together on Sunday, March 30th. You can also donate on-line. Missions Team will purchase the supplies and have them ready for assembling. There is a tremendous need for Health Kits …from North Carolina to California.
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Each communion Sunday thereafter we will have a basket for those who feel called to give above and beyond their pledge. This "second-mile" giving will help fund the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps meet community needs as they arise, such as gas, lodging, clothing, etc. Feel free to bring your spare cash and change to help make a change in the lives of those in need.
Hospitality
Potlucks
What wonderful music we have enjoyed over the last year! Thank you, Dominick, Nathan, Bryan, Cynthia, Choir members, Bell Choir Members and musicians! Let us come together on Sunday, March 2nd to recognize our Music Department at a Potluck following church. Hospitality will provide a cake and beverages. Please bring a dish to share that serves 10.
Palm Sunday Potluck will be on Sunday, April 13th. Put the date on your calendar now.
What wonderful music we have enjoyed over the last year! Thank you, Dominick, Nathan, Bryan, Cynthia, Choir members, Bell Choir Members and musicians! Let us come together on Sunday, March 2nd to recognize our Music Department at a Potluck following church. Hospitality will provide a cake and beverages. Please bring a dish to share that serves 10.
Palm Sunday Potluck will be on Sunday, April 13th. Put the date on your calendar now.
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
The Lord replied, ”My presence will go with
you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
True Rest
We often schedule time for rest or
vacation and then wonder why we don’t
feel more refreshed. Rest does not always
come from lack of activity. Sleepless nights
remind us that it takes more than simply
lying down and closing our eyes. Anxious
thoughts spinning through our mind while
we try to relax make it clear that we can’t
just flip a switch and turn our minds off.
True rest comes when we experience
God’s presence in our lives. Our day may
be filled with activities, meetings, and
conversations, but if we’ve invited God into
the corner of our schedule, we can trust his
timing and let go of the stress that comes
from trying to control everything.
God is in control of your life and will give
you the rest you need.
you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
True Rest
We often schedule time for rest or
vacation and then wonder why we don’t
feel more refreshed. Rest does not always
come from lack of activity. Sleepless nights
remind us that it takes more than simply
lying down and closing our eyes. Anxious
thoughts spinning through our mind while
we try to relax make it clear that we can’t
just flip a switch and turn our minds off.
True rest comes when we experience
God’s presence in our lives. Our day may
be filled with activities, meetings, and
conversations, but if we’ve invited God into
the corner of our schedule, we can trust his
timing and let go of the stress that comes
from trying to control everything.
God is in control of your life and will give
you the rest you need.
Communion for the Homebound
St. Paul’s members- we need your help. If you know of anyone in our St. Paul’s family who is homebound, in a nursing home, or unable to come to church for a while, please let me know their name and phone number. I will be happy to contact them and see if they would appreciate having communion brought to them. Lu Petersen, 597-2824.
March Birthdays
Aaron Ford 3/5
Jeff Green 3/6
Kathy Litton 3/6
David Reither 3/11
ZiZi DeLaney 3/12
Donna Rickett 3/14
Baily Brandt 3/15
Darlene Woods 3/16
Sylvia Edwards 3/19
Meagan Horst 3/26
Jeff Green 3/6
Kathy Litton 3/6
David Reither 3/11
ZiZi DeLaney 3/12
Donna Rickett 3/14
Baily Brandt 3/15
Darlene Woods 3/16
Sylvia Edwards 3/19
Meagan Horst 3/26
March Anniversaries
Doug & Betsy Meikle
March 8, 1997
28 Years
Deb & Travis DeLaney
March 23
Susan & Barry Rizk
March 31, 2021
4 Years
March 8, 1997
28 Years
Deb & Travis DeLaney
March 23
Susan & Barry Rizk
March 31, 2021
4 Years
Schedule of Weekly Online & In-Person Events
View our calendar online
Sunday
9:30a Worship & Youth Sunday School
9:45a Children’s Sunday School
9:45a Youth Sunday School10:30a Fellowship Time
5:00p Youth Group
Monday
12:00p Pikes Peak Home School Band & Symphony
6:30p Jubilee Bells
7:00p Vocal Fusion
7:30p Barbershop Chorus
Tuesday
11:00a Line Dancing
Wednesday
8:30a Wednesday Morning Bible Study
12:00p Pikes Peak Home School Band & Symphony
6:30p Sanctuary Choir
Thursday
9:30a Friendship Bible Study
5:00p Brewing Faith
Events during March and April!
March
3/2 @ 10:45 am Music Appreciation Potluck
3/4 @ 5:00 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
3/5 @ 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service
3/8 @ 10:30 am DKG
3/9 Daylight Savings Begins
3/11 @ 5:00 pm DKG
3/12 @ 6:30 pm Boy Scouts
3/14 – 3/15 NYLT Boy Scouts
3/18 @ 6:00 pm One Board Meeting
3/20 @ 11:30 am Worship Team Meeting
April
4/5 Girl Scout Pinewood Derby
4/10 6:30 pm Boy Scouts
4/11-4/12 NYLT Boy Scouts
Holy Week
4/13 10:45 am Palm Sunday Brunch
4/17 @ 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Soup and Service
4/18 @ 7:30 pm Good Friday Service
4/20 @ 9:30 am Easter Sunday Service
10:30 am Easter Egg Hunt
10:45 am Easter Fair
4/25 Stroke Screening
3/2 @ 10:45 am Music Appreciation Potluck
3/4 @ 5:00 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
3/5 @ 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service
3/8 @ 10:30 am DKG
3/9 Daylight Savings Begins
3/11 @ 5:00 pm DKG
3/12 @ 6:30 pm Boy Scouts
3/14 – 3/15 NYLT Boy Scouts
3/18 @ 6:00 pm One Board Meeting
3/20 @ 11:30 am Worship Team Meeting
April
4/5 Girl Scout Pinewood Derby
4/10 6:30 pm Boy Scouts
4/11-4/12 NYLT Boy Scouts
Holy Week
4/13 10:45 am Palm Sunday Brunch
4/17 @ 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Soup and Service
4/18 @ 7:30 pm Good Friday Service
4/20 @ 9:30 am Easter Sunday Service
10:30 am Easter Egg Hunt
10:45 am Easter Fair
4/25 Stroke Screening
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