April Newsletter
March Newsletter
PREACHER'S PART
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
“Want to be friends?”
I often marvel at my children’s natural ability to make friends effortlessly at the park. They’d simply ask, “Want to be friends?” and, just like that, a new connection was formed. I've pondered why, as adults, we complicate what once seemed so simple. Over time, I've noticed how I’ve built walls around my time, energy, and even my willingness to engage socially. Despite considering myself outgoing, the thought of approaching someone new with the same straightforward invitation feels daunting.
Yet, this month, inspired by the greatest Inviter of all, Jesus, I’m reminded of the power of simple connections. He showed us the beauty of reaching out, of forming bonds across any divide. So, where God has placed us, let us seize the opportunity to connect, to grow where we are planted.
In the spirit of Easter, a time of renewal and rebirth, let’s apply these themes to our social lives as well. As we reflect on the resurrection, let's also revive our own willingness to extend a hand of friendship or ask for one in return. Just as Jesus opened the door to a relationship with Him, we too can embrace the call to form new bonds. Let's tear down the barriers we’ve meticulously built and adopt the childlike simplicity in connecting with others.
This season, let’s challenge ourselves to be as open and inviting as a child in a playground. May our actions mirror the inclusive love and warmth of Christ, making our hearts receptive to new friendships and our lives a beacon of His light and joy.
With love and blessings,
Rev. David M. Petty
“Want to be friends?”
I often marvel at my children’s natural ability to make friends effortlessly at the park. They’d simply ask, “Want to be friends?” and, just like that, a new connection was formed. I've pondered why, as adults, we complicate what once seemed so simple. Over time, I've noticed how I’ve built walls around my time, energy, and even my willingness to engage socially. Despite considering myself outgoing, the thought of approaching someone new with the same straightforward invitation feels daunting.
Yet, this month, inspired by the greatest Inviter of all, Jesus, I’m reminded of the power of simple connections. He showed us the beauty of reaching out, of forming bonds across any divide. So, where God has placed us, let us seize the opportunity to connect, to grow where we are planted.
In the spirit of Easter, a time of renewal and rebirth, let’s apply these themes to our social lives as well. As we reflect on the resurrection, let's also revive our own willingness to extend a hand of friendship or ask for one in return. Just as Jesus opened the door to a relationship with Him, we too can embrace the call to form new bonds. Let's tear down the barriers we’ve meticulously built and adopt the childlike simplicity in connecting with others.
This season, let’s challenge ourselves to be as open and inviting as a child in a playground. May our actions mirror the inclusive love and warmth of Christ, making our hearts receptive to new friendships and our lives a beacon of His light and joy.
With love and blessings,
Rev. David M. Petty
A Note from Pastor Donnie Sturgill
True confessions…I like snakes, especially garter snakes. The joy the return of my garter snakes after they come out of hibernation in late Spring is second only to the return of my beautiful tulips.
I know that for most of you, there are no words to describe your dislike of snakes. I don’t particularly desire to hold large or venomous snakes, but I still find them interesting.
In defense of those of you who don’t like snakes, according to a Gallup poll, the greatest fear among Americans is the fear of snakes. The fear of snakes is even greater than the fear of spiders and public speaking.
Fear is powerful, and the sources of many of our fears are complicated. There is clear evidence that some of our fears have come through an evolutionary process. In other words, some fears are wired into our brains, such as a fear of snakes.
Don’t get me wrong, fear has an important role in keeping us safe. Though snakes have an important role in the eco-system, they can, and do, cause harm to us humans. It is good to have a healthy fear of snakes as well as other things that can cause us harm such as lightning and hurricanes. But we shouldn’t overlook their benefits; lighting helps cleanse the atmosphere and hurricanes can help distribute water in areas of drought.
Though we might be predisposed to dislike snakes and other things that can harm us, fear is often triggered, such as by a parent telling a child that snakes can hurt them. Though true, I believe that a parent telling their child that snakes are inherently bad crosses a line. As I stated earlier, there are many benefits that come from snakes. Ignoring those benefits only serves to skew our perception of them and reject their contribution to the world in which we live.
Too often, we allow our fear of people who are different from us to be ostracized and rejected because they are different from us in some way. Our differences can be due to skin color, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political beliefs, social/economic position, etc. The list of our differences goes on and on, and how we face our differences has never been more critical in our world today.
It breaks my heart to see the hatred and violence and cruelty around me, many times due to triggers within our society that cause us to fear of the differences among us. Fear of others creates an “us” verses “them” way of thinking that can lead to the belief that one group is a threat to the other, which leads to much of the cruelty around us.
Jesus was constantly surrounded by people who were different from him. There were political and religious differences as well as social and racial differences. Yes, Jesus spoke freely spoke about his beliefs, but he didn’t promote violence and hate. He always sought to reconcile people with God.
During this time of political, religious, and societal conflict, lets look for what we have in common with those who we see as different than ourselves. Maybe, then, we will discover that our fears due to our differences are unfounded. After God created all things, God said that it was good. I pray that we learn to see the world as God does, even when you see a snake.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:15-18
~Pastor Donnie
I know that for most of you, there are no words to describe your dislike of snakes. I don’t particularly desire to hold large or venomous snakes, but I still find them interesting.
In defense of those of you who don’t like snakes, according to a Gallup poll, the greatest fear among Americans is the fear of snakes. The fear of snakes is even greater than the fear of spiders and public speaking.
Fear is powerful, and the sources of many of our fears are complicated. There is clear evidence that some of our fears have come through an evolutionary process. In other words, some fears are wired into our brains, such as a fear of snakes.
Don’t get me wrong, fear has an important role in keeping us safe. Though snakes have an important role in the eco-system, they can, and do, cause harm to us humans. It is good to have a healthy fear of snakes as well as other things that can cause us harm such as lightning and hurricanes. But we shouldn’t overlook their benefits; lighting helps cleanse the atmosphere and hurricanes can help distribute water in areas of drought.
Though we might be predisposed to dislike snakes and other things that can harm us, fear is often triggered, such as by a parent telling a child that snakes can hurt them. Though true, I believe that a parent telling their child that snakes are inherently bad crosses a line. As I stated earlier, there are many benefits that come from snakes. Ignoring those benefits only serves to skew our perception of them and reject their contribution to the world in which we live.
Too often, we allow our fear of people who are different from us to be ostracized and rejected because they are different from us in some way. Our differences can be due to skin color, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political beliefs, social/economic position, etc. The list of our differences goes on and on, and how we face our differences has never been more critical in our world today.
It breaks my heart to see the hatred and violence and cruelty around me, many times due to triggers within our society that cause us to fear of the differences among us. Fear of others creates an “us” verses “them” way of thinking that can lead to the belief that one group is a threat to the other, which leads to much of the cruelty around us.
Jesus was constantly surrounded by people who were different from him. There were political and religious differences as well as social and racial differences. Yes, Jesus spoke freely spoke about his beliefs, but he didn’t promote violence and hate. He always sought to reconcile people with God.
During this time of political, religious, and societal conflict, lets look for what we have in common with those who we see as different than ourselves. Maybe, then, we will discover that our fears due to our differences are unfounded. After God created all things, God said that it was good. I pray that we learn to see the world as God does, even when you see a snake.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:15-18
~Pastor Donnie
April Mission Focus - Crossfire Ministries
God is doing amazing things at Crossfire Ministries, located at 3975 N. Academy Blvd. We are adding nearly 30 new families each day of service and are serving almost 500 families daily, Tuesday through Thursday and 250 families on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings. The fourth Tuesday night is our School Outreach which is open to school employees who need a little extra help and care. To open up more parking spaces for our guests, we are now having as many volunteers as will, park their cars at a neighboring church and we running a shuttle bus every 15 minutes daily. And we do not see the community need decrease, as many people struggle with the high cost of housing and living.
We pass out Bibles and offer prayer. About 70 to 80 percent stop by the prayer station. We gave away about 3000 Bibles in 2023. Daily we give out things from our thrift store in the form of store credits for our families in need. We average from $1000 to $2000 dollars given out for free each day. We are able to obtain a get a great deal of produce and fresh products from Care and Share and many local businesses but our budget for canned goods and hygiene products averages about $20,000.00 a month. We appreciate the support and help from area churches and individuals who help contribute to this need.
So far, we are continuing to be able to supply our guests with food, clothing, household goods and toiletries. God has been faithful and we give Him all the honor and glory.
I would personally love to give you a tour to see our facility and operations. If it is around our lunch time, I also would love for you to join us for lunch.
With gratitude and blessings,
Leslie Miller
Founder & Assistant Operations Manager
719-650-4336 (cell)
We pass out Bibles and offer prayer. About 70 to 80 percent stop by the prayer station. We gave away about 3000 Bibles in 2023. Daily we give out things from our thrift store in the form of store credits for our families in need. We average from $1000 to $2000 dollars given out for free each day. We are able to obtain a get a great deal of produce and fresh products from Care and Share and many local businesses but our budget for canned goods and hygiene products averages about $20,000.00 a month. We appreciate the support and help from area churches and individuals who help contribute to this need.
So far, we are continuing to be able to supply our guests with food, clothing, household goods and toiletries. God has been faithful and we give Him all the honor and glory.
I would personally love to give you a tour to see our facility and operations. If it is around our lunch time, I also would love for you to join us for lunch.
With gratitude and blessings,
Leslie Miller
Founder & Assistant Operations Manager
719-650-4336 (cell)
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
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.
IRS:
As tax season unfolds, some of us are greeted with tax bills and some with unexpected refunds—a chance to splurge on wishes outside our budgets. This year, St. Paul's has carefully adjusted our budget to ensure we're using our resources wisely and we have made a number of challenging cuts. If you find yourself with a little extra due to a tax refund, consider supporting St. Paul's with a little extra. Your generosity helps us provide essential services, from housing families in need to enriching youth programs, congregational care, and inspiring worship. Every contribution extends our ability to serve in Jesus Christ's name. Thank you for your continued support and for considering St. Paul's in your giving.
As tax season unfolds, some of us are greeted with tax bills and some with unexpected refunds—a chance to splurge on wishes outside our budgets. This year, St. Paul's has carefully adjusted our budget to ensure we're using our resources wisely and we have made a number of challenging cuts. If you find yourself with a little extra due to a tax refund, consider supporting St. Paul's with a little extra. Your generosity helps us provide essential services, from housing families in need to enriching youth programs, congregational care, and inspiring worship. Every contribution extends our ability to serve in Jesus Christ's name. Thank you for your continued support and for considering St. Paul's in your giving.
Hospitality
Thank You to the folks who were the March Fellowship team, Dixie Barnes, Baily, Jasper and Scarlett Brant, Carolyn Sherman and Donna Cramer. They made it easy for me to leave Fellowship at 11 am to lead the Good Enough Sunday Class. I appreciate the willingness to take over and do the work.
Please remember Fellowship could really use some cookies or other goodies. These can be brought in anytime> Please mark them “Fellowship” and put them on the counter in the kitchen.
We are hosting an intermission for the Homeschool Music program’s concert on Friday, May 9th. We need a lot of cookies. These can be homemade or store-bought. These also can be brought to the church at any time > Please mark them “concert”.
May 2, late morning (Time to be determined): We are putting on a BBQ for the TESLA students to celebrate the end of the school year. This will be outdoors in the west parking area. It would be great to have members of the congregation to help with cooking and serving.
May 9, The In-home School music students who rehearse here on Mondays and Wednesdays will be presenting their spring concert. As a way to say how glad we are that they are at St. Paul’s, we are going to be serving cookies, lemonade, and iced tea during the concert’s intermission. THIS IS A COOKIE CALL!!!!!! We are planning on 300 attendees…That’s a lot of cookies! If you are baking or at the grocery store please make or pick up some cookies and bring them into the church. They can be put in the freezer in the back of the kitchen that is marked VBS or marked “Concert “and placed on the counter. I would also appreciate a few volunteers to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up.
June 9, We have a Youth Choir visiting us and they will be providing some of their music during the service. We want to say, “Thank You” and welcome them with a potluck right after the service. St. Paul’s will be providing the dessert so plan on bringing a main dish, side, or salad to serve 12(since we are hosting the youth and their adult advisors)
Again, Thank You to all who signed up to help with Sunday Hospitality.
Please remember Fellowship could really use some cookies or other goodies. These can be brought in anytime> Please mark them “Fellowship” and put them on the counter in the kitchen.
We are hosting an intermission for the Homeschool Music program’s concert on Friday, May 9th. We need a lot of cookies. These can be homemade or store-bought. These also can be brought to the church at any time > Please mark them “concert”.
May 2, late morning (Time to be determined): We are putting on a BBQ for the TESLA students to celebrate the end of the school year. This will be outdoors in the west parking area. It would be great to have members of the congregation to help with cooking and serving.
May 9, The In-home School music students who rehearse here on Mondays and Wednesdays will be presenting their spring concert. As a way to say how glad we are that they are at St. Paul’s, we are going to be serving cookies, lemonade, and iced tea during the concert’s intermission. THIS IS A COOKIE CALL!!!!!! We are planning on 300 attendees…That’s a lot of cookies! If you are baking or at the grocery store please make or pick up some cookies and bring them into the church. They can be put in the freezer in the back of the kitchen that is marked VBS or marked “Concert “and placed on the counter. I would also appreciate a few volunteers to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up.
June 9, We have a Youth Choir visiting us and they will be providing some of their music during the service. We want to say, “Thank You” and welcome them with a potluck right after the service. St. Paul’s will be providing the dessert so plan on bringing a main dish, side, or salad to serve 12(since we are hosting the youth and their adult advisors)
Again, Thank You to all who signed up to help with Sunday Hospitality.
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
“Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10
Spotless White
It can be hard to get back on our feet when we stumble and sin. We feel guilty, maybe ashamed, and don’t like ourselves very much. We hate that we seem to struggle in the same areas over and over again. Disappointed with our failures, we become more vulnerable to further temptations, which only leave us feeling worse.
Thank God that we don’t have to remain trapped in this undertow of emotions!
When we invite Jesus into our lives and ask God to forgive our sins, the scarlet scars of our mistakes fade into spotless white. Like a muddy brown field blanketed by snow, we find ourselves just as pure choices, but we can absolutely count on God’s grace to wash us clean. We don’t have to try and change ourselves—we’re already becoming more like Jesus, a new creation.
Psalms 51:10
Spotless White
It can be hard to get back on our feet when we stumble and sin. We feel guilty, maybe ashamed, and don’t like ourselves very much. We hate that we seem to struggle in the same areas over and over again. Disappointed with our failures, we become more vulnerable to further temptations, which only leave us feeling worse.
Thank God that we don’t have to remain trapped in this undertow of emotions!
When we invite Jesus into our lives and ask God to forgive our sins, the scarlet scars of our mistakes fade into spotless white. Like a muddy brown field blanketed by snow, we find ourselves just as pure choices, but we can absolutely count on God’s grace to wash us clean. We don’t have to try and change ourselves—we’re already becoming more like Jesus, a new creation.
Communion for the Homebound
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, 719-597-2824.
April Birthdays
Don Zimmerman 1st
Rusty Lindell 2nd
Rachel Petty 2nd
Molly Carpenter 3rd
Daphne Sturgill 3rd
Kim Looney 3rd
Twinkle Gordon 4th
Rachel Ford 5th
Laurie Gabriel 8th
Anne Sater 9th
Pat Fleeman 11th
Lisa George 11th
Carol Lindell 11th
Georg Gehrung 12th
Scarlett Brandt 13th
Polly Cox 13th
Madge Burbach 14th
Linda Patzke 15th
Kailey Cox 20th
Art Gibbens 21st
Jeanne Marsh 26th
Scott Mowery 26th
Marje Erickson 27th
Rusty Lindell 2nd
Rachel Petty 2nd
Molly Carpenter 3rd
Daphne Sturgill 3rd
Kim Looney 3rd
Twinkle Gordon 4th
Rachel Ford 5th
Laurie Gabriel 8th
Anne Sater 9th
Pat Fleeman 11th
Lisa George 11th
Carol Lindell 11th
Georg Gehrung 12th
Scarlett Brandt 13th
Polly Cox 13th
Madge Burbach 14th
Linda Patzke 15th
Kailey Cox 20th
Art Gibbens 21st
Jeanne Marsh 26th
Scott Mowery 26th
Marje Erickson 27th
April Anniversaries
Doug & Julie Coffee
April 18, 1981
43 Years
Rachel & Patrick Ford
April 19, 1997
27 Years
Schedule of Weekly Online & In-Person Events
View our calendar online
Sunday
9:30a Worship & Youth Sunday School
9:45a Children’s Sunday School
10:30a Fellowship Time
10:45a Exalt!
11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group
Monday
12:00p Pikes Peak Home School Band & Symphony
6:30p Jubilee Bells
7:00p Vocal Fusion
7:30p Barbershop Chorus
Tuesday
11:00a Line Dancing
Wednesday
8:30a Wednesday Morning Bible Study
12:00p Pikes Peak Home School Band & Symphony
6:30p Sanctuary Choir
Thursday
5:00p Brewing Faith
April Events
4/1 Church Office Closed
4/7 New Sermon Series "Cultivating Community"
5/10 Pikes Peak Home School Music Concert
5/12 Mother's Day Brunch
5/19 Pentecost
5/19 Vocal Fusion Concert
5/27 Office Closed for Memorial Day
Mother’s Day Brunch--May 12th: Back by popular demand, the annual Mother’s Day Brunch will soon be taking reservations. Watch for signup sheets on Sunday mornings beginning in mid-April, or contact the church office and reserve your table. Again, this year, the Picnic Basket will be catering the meal following the church service, so bring the whole family for a hassle-free celebration. The menu will include quiche, French toast with fruit compote, fresh-baked ham, breakfast burritos with all the toppings, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and fruit juices, as well as a variety of continental breakfast items. Suggested donation (remember, no tax or tip!) for adults is $30, with children under 12 eating free. If your budget won’t cover that cost, just give what you can—but come and enjoy the fellowship.
Getting your Ducks in a Row--June 8th: Whether financial and estate planning, keeping medical records, planning for emergency evacuations, or simply making our lives less stressful, we all know we should be better organized. Since we don’t know where to start, we procrastinate. Senior advisor Judy Rough has spent her career helping older clients organize their lives. Though she lives in Denver, she has offered to sponsor a free community seminar at St. Paul’s. The only cost will be for binder materials, available upon registration. The workshop is only a starting point; be prepared to devote some time to following her advice. We’ll enjoy a potluck brunch followed by a half-day workshop. So, sharpen your pencils, bring that egg casserole, and prepare to get your “ducks in a row.” Remember to invite all your friends, since this is a community outreach from St. Paul’s. Contact Jeanne Marsh (719-229-1708) or the church office to register.
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