October 19, 2025
October 19, 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 19, 2025 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Norm Thom
*Worship Hymn
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
UMH #206
WORDS: Kathleen Thomerson, 1966
© 1970, 1975 Celebration
1. I want to walk
as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars
to give light to the world.
The star of my life
is Jesus.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
2. I want to see
the brightness of God.
I want to look
at Jesus.
Clear Sun
of Righteousness,
shine on my path,
and show me the way
to the Father.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
3. I’m looking for
the coming of Christ.
I want to be
with Jesus.
When we have run
with patience the race,
we shall know
the joy of Jesus.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
*Opening Hymn
God of the Sparrow God of the Whale
UMH #122
WORDS: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1983
© 1983 Jaroslav J. Vajda
1. God of the sparrow
God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature
say Awe
How does the creature
say Praise
2. God of the earthquake
God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature
cry Woe
How does the creature
cry Save
3. God of the rainbow
God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature
say Grace
How does the creature
say Thanks
4. God of the hungry
God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature
say Care
How does the creature
say Life
5. God of the neighbor
God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature
say Love
How does the creature
say Peace
6. God of the ages
God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children
say Joy
How do your children
say Home
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Norm Thom
*Worship Hymn
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
UMH #206
WORDS: Kathleen Thomerson, 1966
© 1970, 1975 Celebration
1. I want to walk
as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars
to give light to the world.
The star of my life
is Jesus.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
2. I want to see
the brightness of God.
I want to look
at Jesus.
Clear Sun
of Righteousness,
shine on my path,
and show me the way
to the Father.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
3. I’m looking for
the coming of Christ.
I want to be
with Jesus.
When we have run
with patience the race,
we shall know
the joy of Jesus.
Refrain
In Him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
*Opening Hymn
God of the Sparrow God of the Whale
UMH #122
WORDS: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1983
© 1983 Jaroslav J. Vajda
1. God of the sparrow
God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature
say Awe
How does the creature
say Praise
2. God of the earthquake
God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature
cry Woe
How does the creature
cry Save
3. God of the rainbow
God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature
say Grace
How does the creature
say Thanks
4. God of the hungry
God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature
say Care
How does the creature
say Life
5. God of the neighbor
God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature
say Love
How does the creature
say Peace
6. God of the ages
God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children
say Joy
How do your children
say Home
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
A Word of Inspiration
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 3:1-11
Norm Thom
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.
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
Faith for a Thinking People
Rev. David Petty
1 Samuel 3:1-11
Norm Thom
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.
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
Faith for a Thinking People
Rev. David Petty
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
Rev. David Petty
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
Rev. David Petty
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
Norm Thom
Offertory
Sing Forever to the Lord
Jan Paige
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
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!
Norm Thom
Offertory
Sing Forever to the Lord
Jan Paige
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
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
Here I Am, Lord
UMH #593
WORDS: Dan Schutte, 1981 (Is. 6:8)
© 1981, 1983, 1989 Daniel L. Schutte and NALR
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in
dark and sin
my hand will save.
I who made the
stars of night,
I will make their
darkness bright.
Who will bear my
light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if You lead me.
I will hold
Your people in my heart.
2. I, the Lord of
snow and rain,
I have borne
my people’s pain.
I have wept for
love of them.
They turn away.
I will break
their hearts of stone,
give them hearts
for love alone.
I will speak my
word to them.
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.
3. I, the Lord
of wind and flame,
I will tend the
poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread
I will provide
till their hearts
are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Here I Am, Lord
UMH #593
WORDS: Dan Schutte, 1981 (Is. 6:8)
© 1981, 1983, 1989 Daniel L. Schutte and NALR
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in
dark and sin
my hand will save.
I who made the
stars of night,
I will make their
darkness bright.
Who will bear my
light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if You lead me.
I will hold
Your people in my heart.
2. I, the Lord of
snow and rain,
I have borne
my people’s pain.
I have wept for
love of them.
They turn away.
I will break
their hearts of stone,
give them hearts
for love alone.
I will speak my
word to them.
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.
3. I, the Lord
of wind and flame,
I will tend the
poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread
I will provide
till their hearts
are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
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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