Grateful for One Another

Dear St. Paul’s family,

When you think about what you’re grateful for, what come to mind?

Is it stuff? Experiences? People? Yourself? God?

As we enter November, I’m grateful for this church and the ways you care for one another. The time you give, the prayers you offer, the work you do, and the generosity you share make our life and ministry together possible. Some of that work is visible. Much of it happens quietly. Whether someone has told you recently or never mentioned it, I want to say “Thank you!”

This season invites us to consider how our care can extend further into our community. In the months ahead, I want us to give particular attention to building relationships with our neighbors. Who lives near our church? What matters to them? What brings them joy? What’s difficult right now? And what might we learn if we take the time to get to know one another?
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. To me, getting to know each other and those who live in our community seems like a good place to start. I encourage you to listen, learning names, showing up, and making room for people to share their gifts as well as their needs. Our neighbors have something to offer us, too. We can approach these relationships with curiosity and an openness to how God is already at work in their lives.

Here’s my simple invitation for November. Call someone you’ve been meaning to check on. Introduce yourself to a neighbor. At a church or community activity, spend a few extra minutes talking with someone you don’t know well. Ask a question and give them time to answer.

I also know that gratitude can feel complicated when life is hard. You don’t have to pretend everything is good to find something worth giving thanks for. Sometimes, the thing we’re most grateful for is having someone beside us while we face what isn’t good.

My hope is that St. Paul’s will be that kind of presence in our community as the hands and feet and heart of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful to share this work of ministry with you,

In Christ,
Pastor David Petty

November Mission – Rocky Mountain Kids

With over 29 years of service to teens, we have four community-based residential homes in Colorado Springs. We also have 1 high-level foster home for boys  ages10-13 as well.
The children and teens ranging from ages 10-20 are supported by a caring staff in a safe environment where they can heal from the abuse and neglect in their past. They are given opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, including school sports and enrichment programs. The teens are also provided with life skills training, educational support, and assistance for employment. These skills will help them succeed in life, whether their goal is to return home or emancipate and live independently. We see these kids’ trauma and help repair the wounds.

One of the homes even has an innovative apartment program, where a young man emancipating into self-sufficiency can use the upstairs apartment and "try out" his new independent status to prepare to transition out of our homes.

Typically, the length of stay for a teen in our program varies from 6 months to 2 years.
In December, we have a hands-on mission project of decorating Christmas stockings for the RMKids during Fellowship time. The exact Sunday will be announced.

“Whoever is wise will observe these things,
and they will understand the
loving kindness of the Lord.”
Psalm 107:43

IT’S A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
 
A woman once approached a man who had a sour expression on his face.  She encouraged that grumpy-looking man to be thankful.  He replied, “Thankful for what?
I don’t even have enough money to pay my bills.”  The woman thought for a moment, then said, “Well, then be thankful you’re not one of your creditors.”
If we try, we can always stop and find something to be thankful for!  Helen Keller noted, “I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some time during his early adult life.  Darkness would make him more appreciative of sight, and silence would teach him the joys of sound.”
We continually experience so many blessings in our lives that it becomes easy for us to take them for granted.  God’s mercies to us are new every morning.  Even in the midst of difficulty or heartache, we can find so many reasons to thank God.  It’s just a matter of perspective.  Make “Thanksgiving” the theme of your prayers this month.

“Keep your face to the sun and you will
never see the shadows.”
Helen Keller

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.

Have you been attending St. Paul’s for a while and wondered what it means to officially become a member? Are you newer to the church and interested in learning more about who we are, what we believe, and how we live out our faith together?
We will offer a New Members Class on November 8 for anyone who would like to learn more about St. Paul’s and explore the possibility of joining the church during Advent.
The class will be an opportunity to learn more about the United Methodist Church, the history and ministry of St. Paul’s, what church membership means, and the different ways you can become involved in the life of the congregation. There is no obligation to join simply because you attend; this is a chance to ask questions, get to know the church more deeply, and decide whether membership feels like the right next step for you.
This invitation is for both newer attendees and longtime participants who have never officially become members.
We would be glad to have you join us as you consider taking this next step in your life at St. Paul’s.

Dear St. Paul’s family,

This year, we are taking a simpler approach to stewardship. We won’t be holding a traditional stewardship campaign, but I am asking you to prayerfully consider your financial giving for the coming year and share your pledge with the church.

A pledge helps us plan. Knowing what our congregation anticipates giving allows us to build a responsible budget, make wise financial decisions, and put our resources to good use in ministry. It helps us understand which ministries we can sustain, whether and where we need to make changes, and where we might have room to grow.

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. – 1 Peter 4:8-10
We know that rising costs put pressure on the church’s budget and on your household budget, too. As the expenses of maintaining our ministries increase, many of you are also paying more for groceries, housing, utilities, healthcare, and other everyday needs. As I ask for your continued financial support, I recognize that, for many, continued giving requires difficult choices. Please consider what you can give willingly and sustainably in light of your circumstances.

Please share your anticipated giving for the coming year as soon as you are able, either by completing a pledge card or by calling/emailing the church office with your pledge amount. Your pledge expresses your current intention; if your circumstances change, just let us know so we can adjust our planning accordingly.

Ministry at St. Paul’s is made possible through the generosity of our members and our broader community. Your gifts support worship, nurture faith, sustain our shared church home, and help us care for our neighbors. They also reach beyond our walls through the mission and ministry of our worldwide United Methodist connection.

Thank you for all the ways you give your money, time, energy, and love to this congregation in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ.

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.

11/1 Elaine Biever
11/3 Bryan Critchlow
11/10 Clara Richter
11/15 Teri Kitch
11/16 Dean Heikkla
11/18 Rich Fletcher
11/30 Nancy Gehrung

Chris & Mark Rankin
November 28, 1998
28 Years

SAINT PAUL’S UMC 4TH ANNUAL
COOKIE WALK
INFORMATION SHEET FOR BAKERS, 
HELPERS, and ARTISTS/CRAFTERS
 
BAKERS:
Calling all Men, Women, and Youth:
            Get ready to Bake, Bake, BAKE………….here’s the plan ………….
     Bakers from the Church will commit to baking several dozen homemade cookies.  For this fund-raiser please fill out a Cookie Commitment Card showing the number of dozens of homemade Christmas-type cookies you are willing to bake.  Place your Cookie Commitment Card in the labeled box at the Cookie Walk Station located in the foyer.
     Our target is to receive cookie commitments totaling 500 dozen!  A Cookie Commitment Card will be in the Bulletin every Sunday, and extras at the Cookie Walk Station in the foyer about a month before the Cookie Walk event. 
     Bakers can make their cookies as plain or fancy as they like; however, the more festive-looking cookies are often picked first.  Cookies should NOT be larger than a 1 1/2” diameter Oreo cookie.  The smaller size cookie allows shoppers to fit more variety into their purchased Large ($12) boxes or Small ($6) boxes.  For safety and sanitation purposes, shoppers are given plastic gloves to wear when selecting their cookies.   Bakers will deliver their cookies in boxes (shirt gift boxes) or decorative tins or plastic containers with lids, to SPUMC on Friday, December 4 between 9am and 4pm, OR on Saturday, December 5 before 8:30 am.  
 
     All Bakers should display the names/type of cookies on their containers.  We will have separate tables for cookies with NUTS and those WITHOUT NUTS.  If any are SUGAR-FREE or GLUTEN-FREE, label these as well.  If you want your container returned, label with your name.
 
 
HELPERS:
Calling all Men, Women, and Youth:
                       Get ready to help us do several tasks as follows…..
                               (We’ve got tasks for those who want to either SIT or STAND)!!
          On Friday, December 4 between 9am - 4pm, we need to do the following….
Decorate cookie tables
Prepare a coffee hospitality area
Fold boxes and ID Small or Large boxes
Put labels on customers cookie boxes
Line each box with plastic bags
Prepare a greeting area to distribute plastic gloves to ALL customers
Tape signage around the building, (outside and inside) for directions to Fellowship Hall
Prepare a check-out area with 4 chairs
Prepare holding tables to stack cookie boxes, gloves, and aprons.
Prepare two holding tables for cookies w/ NUTS, SUGAR-FREE, or GLUTEN-FREE cookies
Receive cookies from Bakers and arrange according to types
Set up the Silent Auction area
Set up the Artists and Crafters area
            On Saturday, December 5, COOKIE WALK begins at 9:00am.  
Please arrive 30 minutes before we open doors for customers.
 
Helpers will wear a unisex apron with church logo during their shift (10 aprons will be provided)
Accept cookies from Bakers who deliver them before 8:30  
             on Saturday, December 5.  Arrange them according to type.
3 Helpers needed at greeting area to distribute boxes and required plastic gloves to ALL customers.
4 Helpers needed at the check-out area to calculate cost of purchased items and provide receipt.
Helpers will remove empty cookie containers and rearrange table with other cookies.
Helpers should walk among the guests and answer questions as needed.
HELPERS….. Please fill out a Cookie Commitment Card and place it in the labeled box at the Cookie Walk Station located in the foyer.
ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS:
Who are we looking for? 
 
     An Artist or Crafter is a person who has a particular hobby or handicraft that you enjoy, or maybe it’s something to pass the time, or maybe even at one time you had a small business.   A person like this can turn imagination into something that another person can hold.  For example, some artists and crafters may use fabrics, yarns, blocks of wood, sequins, patterns, easels, hooks, oils, acrylic fibers or paints, styrofoam, ribbons, glue, crochet or knitting hooks, weaving looms, or creating stationary or cards, or etc, etc.…..(the list is endless).   If you are one of these types of people who love crafting, and continue to enjoy your craft, we would like for you to donate one of your handmade items to our St. Paul’s fund raiser.
    
    An anonymous person once said:
“Every handmade piece carries the heart of its maker.
To create with your hands is to leave a piece of your spirit in the world.”
Artists and Crafters….
To submit the information regarding your handmade item in advance, go to the Cookie Walk Station located in the foyer, pick up a blank index card.  Write your name, your phone #, a brief description of the donated item, and write down the selling price.  Put your finished information index card into the BOX labeled Cookie Commitment Card.  This $ money will also go to our St. Paul’s fund-raiser – the Cookie Walk.  
***Bring your own handmade donated item, including the needed information, to the Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 4  between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  
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Many thanks in advance to those of you who are generously giving your time and effort to make this fund-raiser a success.  If you have any questions, call
Cynthia Hibbetts – 214-600-0849 and leave a voicemail.
Grace and peace to you all.

5:00p Youth Group