October 12 2025
October 12, 2025
Pastor’s Discretionary fund - Every week it seems that someone calls the church or stops by with a request for some help While some of these folks have chronic struggles, many of them are momentary life setbacks where a difficult life event such as a job loss, illness, break-up, car trouble, or other, has suddenly put them in a tight spot.
When that happens, folks look for help and try to find someone to show them care, compassion, and kindness just as Christ did. They ask around town and eventually someone might tell them “I hear that the folks at St. Paul’s UMC can help” and that’s when they call us.
When that happens, I am so grateful that we have the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help out. Sometimes it’s rent money so a family doesn’t get evicted. Sometimes it’s gas so someone can get to work. Sometimes it’s a pair of shoes for a person who has worn the soles out of the ones they live in. To most of these folks, these things are not luxuries, they are lifelines.
The beauty of this fund is that it allows the church to respond quickly, without needing a line in the budget or a committee meeting to make a decision. Someone shares their story, and we get to say, “Yes. We can help.” And in that “yes” is more than money. It’s dignity, it’s hope, and it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. We love on people because God has loved on us.
Often, this fund fills up just as quickly as we get requests for it and I’ve had times that I have had to tell people “no” because it was run dry. We also track every request that comes in to ensure that we are helping instead of enabling. We want to ensure that our presence is healing and not hurting and that we are good stewards of the resources we have available.
And that’s why this October, we’re asking our congregation to go a little above and beyond in supporting it.
Think of it as fueling up the church’s tank for compassion toward our community when they’re in a moment of greatest need. Whether it’s five dollars or five hundred, every gift matters. A little extra generosity this month means we’ll be ready the next time someone walks through the doors, uncertain of what to do next.
Just mark your gift for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund or “Monthly Mission – October”. And as you do, remember: you’re not just helping pay a bill. You’re helping restore hope, renew strength, and remind people that God’s love shows up in very practical, very real ways.
Together, we can keep saying “yes”.
When that happens, folks look for help and try to find someone to show them care, compassion, and kindness just as Christ did. They ask around town and eventually someone might tell them “I hear that the folks at St. Paul’s UMC can help” and that’s when they call us.
When that happens, I am so grateful that we have the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help out. Sometimes it’s rent money so a family doesn’t get evicted. Sometimes it’s gas so someone can get to work. Sometimes it’s a pair of shoes for a person who has worn the soles out of the ones they live in. To most of these folks, these things are not luxuries, they are lifelines.
The beauty of this fund is that it allows the church to respond quickly, without needing a line in the budget or a committee meeting to make a decision. Someone shares their story, and we get to say, “Yes. We can help.” And in that “yes” is more than money. It’s dignity, it’s hope, and it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. We love on people because God has loved on us.
Often, this fund fills up just as quickly as we get requests for it and I’ve had times that I have had to tell people “no” because it was run dry. We also track every request that comes in to ensure that we are helping instead of enabling. We want to ensure that our presence is healing and not hurting and that we are good stewards of the resources we have available.
And that’s why this October, we’re asking our congregation to go a little above and beyond in supporting it.
Think of it as fueling up the church’s tank for compassion toward our community when they’re in a moment of greatest need. Whether it’s five dollars or five hundred, every gift matters. A little extra generosity this month means we’ll be ready the next time someone walks through the doors, uncertain of what to do next.
Just mark your gift for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund or “Monthly Mission – October”. And as you do, remember: you’re not just helping pay a bill. You’re helping restore hope, renew strength, and remind people that God’s love shows up in very practical, very real ways.
Together, we can keep saying “yes”.
Gathering
October 12, 2025 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Dominick Nors
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Gerry Cooper
Leader: Come, people of God, bring your whole selves to worship.
People: We come to share our lives and to listen for God’s voice.
Leader: Come with hearts open to the mystery of Christ’s presence.
People: We come, knowing God meets us in ways both ordinary and surprising.
Leader: Come as one body, many members, each with a story to tell.
People: We come to worship the Living God, who is known in scripture, in song, and in our very lives.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
*Worship Song
Forward Though the Ages
UMH #555
1. Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine;
gifts in differing measure,
hearts of one accord,
manifold the service,
one the sure reward.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
2. Wider grows the kingdom,
reign of love and light;
for it we must labor,
till our faith is sight.
Prophets have
proclaimed it,
martyrs testified,
poets sung its glory.
heroes for it died.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
3. Not alone we conquer,
not alone we fall;
in each loss or triumph
lose or triumph all.
Bound by God’s
far purpose
in one living whole,
move we on together
to the shining goal.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
*Opening Hymn
The Church’s One Foundation
v. 1, 2, 4 UMH #545
1. The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heaven he
came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood
he bought her,
and for her life he died.
2. Elect from every nation,
yet one o’er all the earth;
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith,
one birth;
one holy name
she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope
she presses,
with every grace endued.
4. Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits
the consummation
of peace forevermore;
till, with the
vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great
church victorious
shall be the church at rest.
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Dominick Nors
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Gerry Cooper
Leader: Come, people of God, bring your whole selves to worship.
People: We come to share our lives and to listen for God’s voice.
Leader: Come with hearts open to the mystery of Christ’s presence.
People: We come, knowing God meets us in ways both ordinary and surprising.
Leader: Come as one body, many members, each with a story to tell.
People: We come to worship the Living God, who is known in scripture, in song, and in our very lives.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
*Worship Song
Forward Though the Ages
UMH #555
1. Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine;
gifts in differing measure,
hearts of one accord,
manifold the service,
one the sure reward.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
2. Wider grows the kingdom,
reign of love and light;
for it we must labor,
till our faith is sight.
Prophets have
proclaimed it,
martyrs testified,
poets sung its glory.
heroes for it died.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
3. Not alone we conquer,
not alone we fall;
in each loss or triumph
lose or triumph all.
Bound by God’s
far purpose
in one living whole,
move we on together
to the shining goal.
Refrain
Forward through the ages,
in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits
at the call divine.
*Opening Hymn
The Church’s One Foundation
v. 1, 2, 4 UMH #545
1. The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heaven he
came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood
he bought her,
and for her life he died.
2. Elect from every nation,
yet one o’er all the earth;
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith,
one birth;
one holy name
she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope
she presses,
with every grace endued.
4. Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits
the consummation
of peace forevermore;
till, with the
vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great
church victorious
shall be the church at rest.
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
A Word of Inspiration
Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Gerry Cooper
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Message
Church – The Experiment
Dominick Nors
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Gerry Cooper
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Message
Church – The Experiment
Dominick Nors
Prayer
Prayer
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Dominick Nors
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us
our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Dominick Nors
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us
our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Giving Back
Invitation to Offering
Gerry Cooper
Offertory
Fanfare of Praise
By Jay Althouse
Sanctuary Choir
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dominick Nors
Doxology
Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Gerry Cooper
Offertory
Fanfare of Praise
By Jay Althouse
Sanctuary Choir
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dominick Nors
Doxology
Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Sending Forth
*Closing Hymn
We Are the Church
v. 1-4 UMH #558
WORDS: Richard K. Avery and Donald S. Marsh, 1972 © 1972 Hope Publishing Co.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the
church together!
1. The church is
not a building,
the church is not a steeple,
the church is
not a resting place,
the church is a people.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
2. We’re many
kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colors and
all ages, too,
from all times and places.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
3. Sometimes the
church is marching,
sometimes it’s
bravely burning,
sometimes it’s riding,
sometimes hiding,
always it’s learning.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
4. And when the
people gather,
there’s singing
and there’s praying,
there’s laughing and
there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying:
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
*Benediction
Dominick Nors
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
We Are the Church
v. 1-4 UMH #558
WORDS: Richard K. Avery and Donald S. Marsh, 1972 © 1972 Hope Publishing Co.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the
church together!
1. The church is
not a building,
the church is not a steeple,
the church is
not a resting place,
the church is a people.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
2. We’re many
kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colors and
all ages, too,
from all times and places.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
3. Sometimes the
church is marching,
sometimes it’s
bravely burning,
sometimes it’s riding,
sometimes hiding,
always it’s learning.
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
4. And when the
people gather,
there’s singing
and there’s praying,
there’s laughing and
there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying:
Refrain
I am the church!
You are the church!
We are the
church together!
All who follow Jesus
all around the world
Yes, we’re the
church together!
*Benediction
Dominick Nors
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Let’s show encouragement and thanks for their service.
Thank you both, for being the shepherds who know your flock and care for each one of us with tenderness. Your compassion, patience, and wisdom have touched our lives in so many ways. We pray God blesses you both as you bless us!
Thank you both, for being the shepherds who know your flock and care for each one of us with tenderness. Your compassion, patience, and wisdom have touched our lives in so many ways. We pray God blesses you both as you bless us!
October 23rd at 5 pm - We will be hosting our Annual Community Pumpkin Carving and Soup supper. We need 12 crockpots of soup, with ingredient lists for people with allergies to see which soups they can enjoy. Get out your fall comfort soup recipes! The whole community is invited to make a mess with the Methodists during our fall community soup supper. We provide pumpkins, carving utensils, space to make a mess, and the soup.
If you can make a donation to help us make this event possible, we'd really appreciate it. If you need a hot meal and can't afford the donation, that's ok too. The most important part is that we gather, we get messy, and celebrate being together.
A signup sheet went around on Sunday, Sept. 28. The signup sheet will also be available on the Volunteer Table.
There will also be spaces for volunteers to help.
If you can make a donation to help us make this event possible, we'd really appreciate it. If you need a hot meal and can't afford the donation, that's ok too. The most important part is that we gather, we get messy, and celebrate being together.
A signup sheet went around on Sunday, Sept. 28. The signup sheet will also be available on the Volunteer Table.
There will also be spaces for volunteers to help.
Get ready kids - and adults too!
Circle Sunday October 26th on your calendar. It’s time for St Paul’s annual spookiest, wildest and most fun time of the year - Trunk or Treat!
Kids: 5:00 is the time to arrive dressed up in your spookiest, scariest or handsomest, prettiest costume. Check out all the other kids’ costumes and have fun in the huge Bounce House!
Adults: this is the time for your to decorate your trunk, organize that terrific candy stash and watch the fun.
5:15 Ghoul’s Grill opens with traditional Halloween fare - hot dogs, chips, and something to drink.
At 5:30 the Costume Parade begins, followed by the main event - Trunk or Treating!
Candy donations will be accepted starting Sunday September 21st; there will be a decorated box in the Narthex. But feel free to provide your own wrapped treats on October 26th.
You don’t want to miss this event. And don’t worry - the ghosts are friendly!
Circle Sunday October 26th on your calendar. It’s time for St Paul’s annual spookiest, wildest and most fun time of the year - Trunk or Treat!
Kids: 5:00 is the time to arrive dressed up in your spookiest, scariest or handsomest, prettiest costume. Check out all the other kids’ costumes and have fun in the huge Bounce House!
Adults: this is the time for your to decorate your trunk, organize that terrific candy stash and watch the fun.
5:15 Ghoul’s Grill opens with traditional Halloween fare - hot dogs, chips, and something to drink.
At 5:30 the Costume Parade begins, followed by the main event - Trunk or Treating!
Candy donations will be accepted starting Sunday September 21st; there will be a decorated box in the Narthex. But feel free to provide your own wrapped treats on October 26th.
You don’t want to miss this event. And don’t worry - the ghosts are friendly!
Colorado Springs Christmas Chorus
Do you like to sing Christmas Carols?
Once again, the Colorado Springs Barbershop Christmas Chorus is gearing up for a fun-filled November and December. If you like to sing Christmas carols, then this is the place to do it. There is a caveat: All men and any woman who can sing either the Tenor or Alto part in an SATB choir are welcome. We sing in the Barbershop style which means that the melody line is what appears to be the Alto voice in the SATB choir and it's an octave lower than written. We provide sheet music and learning tracks.
As it says in the flyer, we rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Thursdays in December. We will start on the 3rd of November and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
Rehearsals (@ St. Paul’s UMC) 7:30 – 8:30 pm November 3,10,17,24
Performances (location TBD) December 4,11,18
Songbooks are provided and will be used during the performances.
For more information: Russ Josephson (719) 426-1621
Do you like to sing Christmas Carols?
Once again, the Colorado Springs Barbershop Christmas Chorus is gearing up for a fun-filled November and December. If you like to sing Christmas carols, then this is the place to do it. There is a caveat: All men and any woman who can sing either the Tenor or Alto part in an SATB choir are welcome. We sing in the Barbershop style which means that the melody line is what appears to be the Alto voice in the SATB choir and it's an octave lower than written. We provide sheet music and learning tracks.
As it says in the flyer, we rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Thursdays in December. We will start on the 3rd of November and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
Rehearsals (@ St. Paul’s UMC) 7:30 – 8:30 pm November 3,10,17,24
Performances (location TBD) December 4,11,18
Songbooks are provided and will be used during the performances.
For more information: Russ Josephson (719) 426-1621
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