This month, we enter a new season. It’s still summertime, but for the first time, Pastor Donnie’s article won’t be alongside mine. Personally, I am grieving this loss. Though Donnie is just a phone call away, he is no longer my colleague, mentor, or the friend I’d chat with on a Wednesday afternoon about deep theological questions.

As we move forward, it’s important to acknowledge the grief that many of us may feel. There will be moments when we want to call Donnie as we always have, but now we give him space to discover his next steps in retirement. So how do we process this grief? How do we begin to heal?

Grief is a natural response to change and loss, even when change comes with blessings. Social science reminds us that transitions involving beloved people can stir up sadness, anxiety, gratitude, and hope. These feelings are valid and shared by many in our community.

Scripture reminds us, “There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). The Psalms assure us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Jesus himself promised, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice” (John 16:22). God comforts us so that we may comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

So, this month, we allow ourselves to grieve, trusting that the time for mourning will give way to a time for dancing.

There is a quote that contains a deep spiritual truth although its origins may be a bit unusual. In the Disney+ television series “WandaVision” there is a moment where two characters are discussing grief. One character says “It’s like a wave washing over me again and again…It’s going to drown me” to which the other responds “I've always been alone so I don't feel the lack. It's all I've ever known. I've never experienced loss because I've never had a loved one to lose. What is grief, if not love persevering?”.
The grief we feel now comes from the love we shared with Pastor Donnie, and the love and care he gave to all of us. We will miss him, but the love remains—and that is a gift we will carry into this new season together.

Gracious God,
We thank you for the gift of Pastor Donnie’s ministry among us, for the love and wisdom he shared, and for the ways he shaped our lives and our church. As we grieve his daily presence, comfort us with your Spirit. Help us honor our feelings, support one another, and look with hope to the future you are preparing for us. Bless Pastor Donnie in his new season, and bless our congregation as we walk forward together.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With love and blessings,
Rev. David Petty

Missions:

Give yourselves a pat on the back !!!! You all were so generous in your monthly mission donations. Our total from January through May was $3,346.00. Thank You All.

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

In support of our mission, the RMHCSC cornerstone programs are the Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® (located in Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs).

Our core values provide the foundation for decision-making and building for the future.
· We lead with compassion
· We are deeply respectful
· We act with integrity

We are firmly committed
Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our purpose is to care for families with children who are ill or injured.

Non-Discrimination Statement
As our core values affirm, we commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all people.

The doors to our Ronald McDonald House® remain open for all seriously ill, hospitalized children and their families, ensuring they are together during a time of medical crisis. Just as accidents, injury and illness are the great levelers, so are dignity, kindness and equity.
As a temporary home-away-from-home, families stay within steps and eyesight of their sick child. All races, colors, religions, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, gender identification, gender variances, marital status, military status and/or physical or mental disabilities are welcome in the “House that Love Built”.

Through 2022, Operation School Bell, Assistance League of Colorado Springs, has clothed over 100,000 students. During the 2021-2022 school year, Operation School Bell provided over 700 clothing items for elementary aged students, 655 hoodies and 40 backpacks for middle and high school aged students, and 1100 Famous Footwear gift cards for youth in need in El Paso County.

The program works closely with counselors/liaisons in schools where there is a high need of assistance based on Federal Guidelines derived from free and reduced lunch numbers. Clothing and gift cards are given to designated school personnel and then distributed as needed within their school population. Operation School Bell has been very fortunate to partner with Pikes Peak United Way to assist in receiving additional coats for children. For the second year, Widefield High School is again holding a coat and blanket drive to help us keep youth warm.

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.

We have had a busy spring: Palm Sunday, Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Donnie’s Farewell.

The focus now will move to planning for Rally Day. This will be on September 14th, so mark your calendar. We will celebrate coming back from our summer activities and look forward to Fall. We will have a potluck as part of the day’s celebrations.

“To the man who pleases Him, God gives
wisdom, knowledge, and happiness.”
 
  

Journey With Jesus

When we are learning how to swim, it is understandable that we might be somewhat afraid and over resistant to get in the pool.  But after a bit of time and a lot of lessons, we have no problem floating,and we master strokes that carry us through the water.  It feels good to swim.  We can’t wait to get to the pool.  We dream of competing and immerse ourselves in practice and endurance.  Our ability soon seems above and beyond anything we thought we’d achieve when we started out in the tadpole class.

So it is when we start our journey with Jesus.  We don’t know him very well.  We begin to spend time with him, and he speaks to us.  We sense that he knows us.  We feel his love more and more.  We learn how to worship.  We draw closer and closer to him.

How does this happen?  When we delight in the Lord, we spend time with him, as with a friend.  We speak to him and he speaks to us.  Our love grows and our hearts want more and more knowledge of him.  He gives us great pleasure and happiness.  He becomes our desire, our friend, our Savior, and our comforter.

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.

Jasper Brandt 7/1
Clarine Smith 7/6
Kristen Garnhart 7/9
Mary Coutts 7/11
Mike Pfahl 7/12
Bob Rickett 7/13
John Pooler 7/17
Axel Witham 7/18
Helen Bookman 7/21
Darlene Lundberg 7/21
Lori Thom 7/22
Diane Hance 7/23
Christina Rankin 7/24
Brantley Ford 7/25

Betsy Meikle 8/2
Mark Horst Jr. 8/4
Jeremie Pfahl 8/7
Diane Shearer 8/10
Janette Bell 8/11
Lisa Mowery 8/13
Mark Patzke 8/15
Chuck Miller 8/16
Susan Peters-Rizk 8/17
Jackie Fletcher 8/25

Dominick & Nathan Nors
July 2, 2021
4 Years

Diane & Tom Hance
July 4, 1989
36 Years

Diann & Don Geoffroy
July 10, 1971
54 Years

Paul & Ginny Fredell
July 14, 1973
52 Years

Eldon & June Cornish
July 22, 1956
69 Years

Mike & Jaymie Pfahl
August 4, 2001
24 Years

Jayne & John Gnadt
August 5, 1989
36 Years

Donnie & Daphne Sturgill
August 9, 1980
45 Years

David & Amberly Petty
August 14, 2009
16 Years

Marje & Rodger Erickson
August 16, 2008
17 Years

Aaron & Addi Ford
August 18, 2023
2 Years

Ethan & Laurie Gabriel
August 23, 2000
25 Years

Bob & Dixie Barnes
August 28, 1960
65 Years

July

7/2 Youth Painting the Youth Room

7/18 Youth Movie Night

August

8/11-12 Office Closed

8/18 office closed
Home School Camp Registration Day
Jubilee Bells Return 6:30p

8/25-8/29
Home School Fall Camp