March 2026 Copy Copy

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Spring is in the air. Birds are singing their songs, flowers have begun to bloom, and I can start to hear the sound of lawnmowers in the neighborhoods around me. After a long winter, the world feels like it is stretching awake again. Little by little, color returns. Life returns. Energy returns. And even if the weather still shifts from warm to cold and back again, there is no mistaking it: something new is happening.

That is part of why these words from the prophet Isaiah feel so fitting this time of year: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” In Isaiah, God speaks these words to people who had known disappointment, displacement, and weariness. This was not a shallow promise that everything would suddenly become easy. It was a reminder that even in places that felt dry, stuck, or hopeless, God was still at work. As I watch the tulips in my front yard change, I am reminded of how the sunshine is providing energy for them that will help them be more vibrant next year.

For the people of God in Isaiah's time, new life was already breaking through. The question was not only whether God would do a new thing, but whether the people would have eyes to see it.

That feels true for us, too. Sometimes God’s new thing comes in dramatic ways, but often it begins quietly, like blossoms opening almost unnoticed or green shoots pushing through the soil. It can look like renewed courage, a deeper kindness, a healed relationship, a fresh sense of purpose, or a community choosing hope when despair would be easier. Resurrection does not only belong to Easter morning. It continues wherever God brings life out of what seemed lifeless.

And as we move through this season, we are also moving toward Pentecost, toward that day when the Holy Spirit rushed in like wind and fire and gave birth to something new in the life of the church. May this be a season when we pay attention, when we listen closely, and when we ask God to open our eyes to the new thing already springing forth among us.

The Christian Healing Network dba Mission Medical Center was established in 2004 by a group of church leaders who noticed a lack in available health services for people that were uninsured.

MMC operates with only 2 full time employees, 3 part time employees, and over 65 active and extremely loyal volunteers, 24 of which are healthcare providers who regularly see patients. Last year, we saw nearly 600 patients and provided $192,000 in free medical visits.

Our primary care clinic is our busiest clinic and is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm. We offer hour-long appointment times so our providers can spend time getting to know the patient, adequately treat their concerns, and offer spiritual care services as needed and/or requested. Through our primary care program, we offer free laboratory testing to our patients through our partnerships with Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp. We work with Colorado Springs Imaging to obtain x-rays and CTs when we need them for our patients. We have a small in-house lab and can run a few tests right in the office, including hemoglobin a1c, glucose, and UA testing.

MMC also has a fully operational dental clinic with 7 volunteer dentists, 4 dental assistants and a dental hygienist. We have dental x-ray machines, including a panoramic x-ray machine. We perform deep cleanings, fillings, extractions, and extensive oral hygiene education. Lastly, MMC has a Spiritual Care Center staffed with volunteer chaplains. We believe faith and medicine working together improves the lives of patients.

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.

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.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact
Valerie Cox @ 660-2446 or Valerie.cox29@outlook.com

On May 8th and 15th the Home School Music Program will be having their Spring Concerts. St. Pauls’ is providing goodies for intermission on both days. We need lots of cookies, brownies, lemon bars. Also, sugar-free and gluten free options. Items may be homemade or store bought and can be brought in between May 3-8. Please mark them “CONCERT” and bring them to the kitchen.

There will be a sign-up sheet on the Volunteer table starting in April for helpers. The concerts start at 6 pm, you would need to be there at 5:30.

Carol Horst 5/2
Jeanette Oberhofer 5/2
Brian Marsh 5/3
Caleb Williamson 5/3
Stan Chamberlain 5/6
Jorja Horst 5/8
Scott Kruse 5/9
Donita Nelson 5/9
Dominick Nors 5/12
Susan Cox 5/18
Paul Fredell 5/18
Doug Coffee 5/21
Julie Coffee 5/23
Kristina Kafka 5/23
Christine Sturgill 5/25
Tara Kruse 5/28
Julie Becker 5/31

Bryan Critchlow & Judy Laux
May 3

Missy & Marty Brandt
May 17, 2003
23 Years

David Eckman & Barbara Ballheim
May 19, 2023
23 Years

Margo Bowler & CLM Twinkle Gordon
May 21, 1973
53 Years

Mark & Jorja Horst
May 22, 2004
22 Years

Rich & Teresa Fletcher
May 26, 1996
30 Years

11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group7:00p Vocal Fusion