October 2026

October is here, and it feels like fall is finally settling in. September gave us the opportunity to spend several weeks talking about prayer together in worship: what prayer is, what it is not, and some of the many ways we can make space for God in the middle of our everyday lives.
One thing I hope we carry with us beyond that series is the reminder that prayer does not need to be complicated. It does not require the right words, the right posture, or a perfectly quiet moment. Prayer can happen in the sanctuary, in the car, around the dinner table, on a walk, or in the middle of a difficult day. Sometimes it is speaking, sometimes listening, and sometimes simply remembering that we are not alone.
As we move deeper into the fall and the leaves change and leave their trees, I am grateful for the many ways people continue to show up, serve, care for one another, worship together, and make this community what it is. Your presence in the lives of one another and in this community is a lived expression of faith.
One opportunity to share that community will be our Trunk or Treat and Pumpkin Carving on Sunday, October 25 at 5:00 p.m. I hope you will come, bring your family, and invite your friends, neighbors, and others who may be looking for a fun and welcoming place to spend the evening. Events like this are a simple but important way for us to open our doors, build relationships, and remind our wider community that they are welcome here.
We are also partnering with Tesla to provide Thanksgiving and personal hygiene boxes for 30 families, and I invite you to help by bringing needed items to the collection box in the Chapel.
My hope for October is simple: that we continue to make room for God and for one another. Pay attention to the people around you. Check in on someone you have not seen for a while. Find a way to participate. And, somewhere in the midst of everything this month brings, continue your prayer practices.
I look forward to seeing what October holds for us together.
Rev. David Petty

October Mission - The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865.
From our iconic Red Kettle Campaign to our wide variety of available programs that serve local communities, the Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors. At the Colorado Springs Corps Community Center: Spiritual Support: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals in our community can connect with their faith and find peace. Our dedicated team of local chaplains and volunteers provides compassionate spiritual care, offering guidance, prayer, and support. Through individual counseling, group sessions, and community events, we help our neighbors explore their faith and develop a deeper connection with God.

By addressing the spiritual dimension of well-being, we aim to help individuals find healing, hope, and purpose. Our services are open to people in our area of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels accepted and valued.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual direction, or simply looking for a place to connect with others, we invite you to experience the transformative power of spiritual healing.

Homelessness: The Salvation Army is committed to providing long-term and temporary shelter and support to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness. Our local office offers a variety of programs and services designed to help people overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives. Many communities have emergency homeless shelters to provide a safe and secure environment for unhoused individuals and families to stay while they seek stable housing. We offer essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

Senior Services: We dedicate ourselves to serving seniors in our community. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and purpose. Our local team includes caring professionals and volunteers. They are dedicated to providing services for older adults. These services are designed to meet their unique needs. We offer a variety of programs and activities designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to our senior neighbors. From social gatherings and recreational outings to health screenings and educational workshops, we strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where older adults thrive.

Our goal is to enable seniors to maintain and strengthen their connections to the community. We provide practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to help older adults overcome challenges and further enrich their lives. If you’re an older adult seeking companionship, assistance with daily tasks, or simply a friendly face, we’re here to support you.

Family Services: is dedicated to strengthening families and empowering individuals in our area to overcome hardships. Here, we provide a range of support services to help families thrive. Our compassionate team works with families to address their unique needs and provide tailored solutions. Through counseling, support groups, and community programs, we strive to help families become stronger and more resilient. We offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can seek guidance, develop new coping skills, and work toward positive change.

Youth Services: The Salvation Army is committed to empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to thrive. Our local youth programs offer a variety of activities and services designed to inspire, educate, and support young people. Our dedicated local staff and volunteers are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and develop important life skills. Through mentoring, tutoring, summer camp, music programs, and recreational activities, we strive to help young people in our area reach their full potential.

Employment: For those stuck in long-term unemployment, The Salvation Army is a refuge of resources and support. We combat the symptoms of prolonged joblessness, as well as its root causes, through programs that address the mind, body, and soul. It’s a holistic approach that is creating sustainable change for millions of families and individuals every year.

“Do not judge according to appearance,
But judge with righteous judgment.
John 2:24

YOUR HEART CONDITION

Appearances don’t always tell the whole story.  Take John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.  In his early years, he appeared to be everything a Christian should be.  He memorized the Greek New Testament.  He took the gospel to the American Indians.  Yet, according to Wesley, he did these things because inwardly he hoped to gain God’s acceptance.  One day, he realized he needed to trust Christ for salvation.  When he made his heart right with God, Wesley began his true ministry.

Outwardly, we can look like we have everything together in the Christian life.  We can know every song in the hymnal,  dress in our “Sunday-go-to-meeting-clothes,” and participate in community service.  But God sees what humans cannot.  He looks at the condition of our hearts.
What is the condition of your heart?  Are you following Jesus with a sincere heart, or simply going through the outward motions of being a Christian?  Although we may be able to fool our friends, God always knows our true motivation for spiritual service. Take time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Him today.
 
“Beware you be not swallowed up in books!  
An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”
JOHN WESLEY

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

Thanksgiving is not that far away!  We are joining with Tesla to help 30 of their families with Thanksgiving and personal hygiene boxes. We need non-perishables, personal hygiene, and some clothing items. We will have a box in the Chapel for these items. We will take the items to the school on Wednesday, November 18th so the school can sort and prep the baskets.

The items needed are listed below. The items with the asterisk are the most needed.
Personal Hygiene – full sized please
 
*Body Wash
*Shampoo/Conditioner
*Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shoes: new or gently used
            Men’s - 8-13 especially sizes 10-11
            Women’s – 5-9 especially sizes 7-8
Men’s sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes M, L, XL
Women's sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes – S, M

Nonperishables for the Baskets
*Instant Mashed potatoes
*Stuffing
*Gravy mix
*Canned veggies
Grocery Cards in $25 increments
Cranberry sauce
Broth – Chicken or Vegetable
Mini marshmallows
Canned pumpkin pie filling
Cake mixes
Sugar
Instant coffee
Box of Tea bags
Bread mixes
French fried onions
Top ramen
Mac and cheese
Canned chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon
Canned soup
Spices

Thank you in advance for your help showing the children of Tesla that they are in our thoughts and a part of our community family.

10/1
Jan Andrew
10/2
James Ford
10/3
Denise Taplin
10/6
Sharie Dane
10/7
Kyla DeLaney
10/8
Alice Shartran
10/9
Doug Johnson
Christian Oberhofer
10/14
Carol Hilty
Don Lucke
10/17
Tom Dane
10/19
Margo Bowler
James Petty
10/22
Tobias Cox
10/30
Alex Couitt
10/31
Sue Grover

Jon Reimer & Kristina Kafka
October 22, 2016
10 Years

5:00p Youth Group