October Newsletter
October Newsletter
PREACHER'S PART
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
—Matthew 7:12
In these times of division and unrest, this timeless teaching from Jesus feels more important than ever. Today, many are tempted to draw lines—whether political, socioeconomic, or geographic—that divide us. Yet Christ’s call invites us to look beyond these divisions and seek unity, seeing ourselves in every person we meet.
This October, we embark on a spiritual journey together. In a world where some may seek to divide, we will respond as Christ teaches us—with compassion and kindness. We will campaign not for any political party, but for the Christian values of love, respect, and unity. As politicians campaign for office, we will champion the cause of kindness as a Christian witness.
John Wesley, over 250 years ago, offered timeless advice to those voting in an election in England. His words still resonate with us today as we navigate our own political landscape:
As United Methodists, we know differences of opinion within our denomination and across our connections exist. I believe we are better for a diversity of thought. What unites us is far more powerful than what divides us—our desire for a better future and our conviction to treat one another with love, compassion, and kindness.
So, I invite you this month to join me in campaigning for kindness and compassion. Let’s commit to showing love in every interaction, and together, be the reflection of Christ’s grace in the world.
In a world that feels divided, let’s remember that Christ unites us in love. Together, we can be beacons of kindness, compassion, and hope. May God bless our efforts as we seek to reflect His love in all we do.
Blessings,
Pastor David
—Matthew 7:12
In these times of division and unrest, this timeless teaching from Jesus feels more important than ever. Today, many are tempted to draw lines—whether political, socioeconomic, or geographic—that divide us. Yet Christ’s call invites us to look beyond these divisions and seek unity, seeing ourselves in every person we meet.
This October, we embark on a spiritual journey together. In a world where some may seek to divide, we will respond as Christ teaches us—with compassion and kindness. We will campaign not for any political party, but for the Christian values of love, respect, and unity. As politicians campaign for office, we will champion the cause of kindness as a Christian witness.
John Wesley, over 250 years ago, offered timeless advice to those voting in an election in England. His words still resonate with us today as we navigate our own political landscape:
- Vote for the person you believe is most worthy—without fee or reward.
- Speak no evil of the person you vote against.
- Take care that your spirit is not sharpened against those who vote differently than you.
As United Methodists, we know differences of opinion within our denomination and across our connections exist. I believe we are better for a diversity of thought. What unites us is far more powerful than what divides us—our desire for a better future and our conviction to treat one another with love, compassion, and kindness.
So, I invite you this month to join me in campaigning for kindness and compassion. Let’s commit to showing love in every interaction, and together, be the reflection of Christ’s grace in the world.
In a world that feels divided, let’s remember that Christ unites us in love. Together, we can be beacons of kindness, compassion, and hope. May God bless our efforts as we seek to reflect His love in all we do.
Blessings,
Pastor David
A Note From Pastor Donnie
Newsletters are back on my agenda since I have completed all 20 classes of my Course of Study. Though it hasn’t been an easy journey, the classes have helped me be a better pastor. Thank you for allowing me to set aside time from some of my regular responsibilities to complete my coursework.
The last two months I have been thinking a lot about pigeons. That’s right, pigeons! Three or four years ago I began feeding birds, placing bird feeders near a water fountain in my back yard. They attracted many species of birds, some more desirable than others. Many gold finches and sparrows stop by for a meal, as well as some species of black bird. It was frustrating when the black birds would chase away the smaller birds. The experts at Wild Birds Unlimited recommended I purchase a cage to go around the bird feeders, which only allows the small birds to eat from the birdfeeder. Though the blackbirds can’t reach the food in the birdfeeder, they can eat the bird food that falls to the ground. This measure assures that all the birds are provided food.
One day, a pigeon showed up at the bird feeders, then, a couple more, and a couple more. My wife, Daphne, can’t stand them. In some ways I can’t blame her. Pigeons have a nasty reputation. They can carry diseases and their droppings can cause damage to buildings and create unsanitary conditions. Some call them “flying rats” because of their scavenging behavior. However, they are not related to rats and do not pose the same health risks as rats. Actually, pigeons have an interesting and impressive pedigree. If you want to learn more, I suggest you go to the following link: https://pigeonsmatter.com/are-pigeons-considered-pests/.
Pigeons have more attributes than most believe. When pigeons grow in large numbers in urban areas, they can create many problems, but that is not the case in my back yard. Four to six pigeons visit to eat the limited amount bird food that falls to the ground, and I admit, I have become rather fond of our, often shunned, visitors.
An article about a small group of people from Scotland, the Happy Feet group in Glasgow, who help local pigeons that have acquired a condition they call “string foot.” This happens when string, thread, and human hair gets wrapped around the pigeon’s feet and toes. Over time, as the string and hair wrap tighter, cutting off the blood flow to their feet and toes, causing toes and feet to die. The Happy Feet group have untangled string and hair from the feet of 150 pigeons in the past year. They haven’t helped a large number of pigeons, but they are making a small difference. In an online BBC article I read, a member of the group said, “We are helping the pigeons, helping the volunteers, but we are also engaging with the public. Initially people are sort of in awe that anyone would bother to help a creature that’s considered by some as flying rats, dirtying our streets. But we consider that they are here because humans took their ancestors from the wild. We used them for food, kept them in doocots, used them for messages, for eggs, for their flesh. We also used them in the wars and for pigeon racing. But now they are effectively discarded onto our streets.”
When I read about the Happy Feet group, and how they help pigeons that were once used to serve humans, only to be discarded, I thought of the people who are used by our society, only to be discarded when they are viewed as no longer serving a purpose. It’s bad enough that we do it to animals, but to do it to our fellow human beings is a tragedy.
There are many ways you can help people. I contribute financially to our church, and I also support Children International, Springs Rescue Mission, and I privately help people I find are in need. If you don’t have any idea where to give, or are looking for additional place to give, I encourage you give to the church’s Pastor Discretionary Fund. We don’t give cash to people and we only help them once. If they need some help with their utility bill, we deposit the money directly in their Colorado Springs Utility account. I pray you will continue to faithfully participate in our church’s ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. Whether you serve people through your financial gifts or other acts of compassion, do so with love.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
~Pastor Donnie
The last two months I have been thinking a lot about pigeons. That’s right, pigeons! Three or four years ago I began feeding birds, placing bird feeders near a water fountain in my back yard. They attracted many species of birds, some more desirable than others. Many gold finches and sparrows stop by for a meal, as well as some species of black bird. It was frustrating when the black birds would chase away the smaller birds. The experts at Wild Birds Unlimited recommended I purchase a cage to go around the bird feeders, which only allows the small birds to eat from the birdfeeder. Though the blackbirds can’t reach the food in the birdfeeder, they can eat the bird food that falls to the ground. This measure assures that all the birds are provided food.
One day, a pigeon showed up at the bird feeders, then, a couple more, and a couple more. My wife, Daphne, can’t stand them. In some ways I can’t blame her. Pigeons have a nasty reputation. They can carry diseases and their droppings can cause damage to buildings and create unsanitary conditions. Some call them “flying rats” because of their scavenging behavior. However, they are not related to rats and do not pose the same health risks as rats. Actually, pigeons have an interesting and impressive pedigree. If you want to learn more, I suggest you go to the following link: https://pigeonsmatter.com/are-pigeons-considered-pests/.
Pigeons have more attributes than most believe. When pigeons grow in large numbers in urban areas, they can create many problems, but that is not the case in my back yard. Four to six pigeons visit to eat the limited amount bird food that falls to the ground, and I admit, I have become rather fond of our, often shunned, visitors.
An article about a small group of people from Scotland, the Happy Feet group in Glasgow, who help local pigeons that have acquired a condition they call “string foot.” This happens when string, thread, and human hair gets wrapped around the pigeon’s feet and toes. Over time, as the string and hair wrap tighter, cutting off the blood flow to their feet and toes, causing toes and feet to die. The Happy Feet group have untangled string and hair from the feet of 150 pigeons in the past year. They haven’t helped a large number of pigeons, but they are making a small difference. In an online BBC article I read, a member of the group said, “We are helping the pigeons, helping the volunteers, but we are also engaging with the public. Initially people are sort of in awe that anyone would bother to help a creature that’s considered by some as flying rats, dirtying our streets. But we consider that they are here because humans took their ancestors from the wild. We used them for food, kept them in doocots, used them for messages, for eggs, for their flesh. We also used them in the wars and for pigeon racing. But now they are effectively discarded onto our streets.”
When I read about the Happy Feet group, and how they help pigeons that were once used to serve humans, only to be discarded, I thought of the people who are used by our society, only to be discarded when they are viewed as no longer serving a purpose. It’s bad enough that we do it to animals, but to do it to our fellow human beings is a tragedy.
There are many ways you can help people. I contribute financially to our church, and I also support Children International, Springs Rescue Mission, and I privately help people I find are in need. If you don’t have any idea where to give, or are looking for additional place to give, I encourage you give to the church’s Pastor Discretionary Fund. We don’t give cash to people and we only help them once. If they need some help with their utility bill, we deposit the money directly in their Colorado Springs Utility account. I pray you will continue to faithfully participate in our church’s ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. Whether you serve people through your financial gifts or other acts of compassion, do so with love.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
~Pastor Donnie
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Each communion Sunday we 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.
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse
“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous
stand firm forever.”
Proverbs 10:25
Storms
Storms come and go regardless of the season. This is true in life as well as in nature. Autumn often brings windstorms and even hurricanes in coastal regions. Winter welcomes snowstorms, blizzards, and even avalanches. Spring showers can quickly become thunderstorms and tornadoes. Summer squalls drench us and send us running for cover from lightning. But the beauty of each season remains undeniable, nonetheless.
Our life circumstances seem to fluctuate the same way. We struggle to become independent from our families and pursue our education as a way to become established. Then we begin to create a life for ourselves, a home, a community, and perhaps marriage and children. Career and financial strains may exert pressure on us as we seek to balance our lifestyle needs with our priorities. As our lives reach a midpoint, we look ahead at enduring empty nests, slowing down, and sometimes starting over.
Storms come and go, but God’s promises, his Word, and the truth of his love through Christ remain bedrock in our lives. No matter what circumstantial weather passes through, we can cling to our Solid Rock of salvation.
stand firm forever.”
Proverbs 10:25
Storms
Storms come and go regardless of the season. This is true in life as well as in nature. Autumn often brings windstorms and even hurricanes in coastal regions. Winter welcomes snowstorms, blizzards, and even avalanches. Spring showers can quickly become thunderstorms and tornadoes. Summer squalls drench us and send us running for cover from lightning. But the beauty of each season remains undeniable, nonetheless.
Our life circumstances seem to fluctuate the same way. We struggle to become independent from our families and pursue our education as a way to become established. Then we begin to create a life for ourselves, a home, a community, and perhaps marriage and children. Career and financial strains may exert pressure on us as we seek to balance our lifestyle needs with our priorities. As our lives reach a midpoint, we look ahead at enduring empty nests, slowing down, and sometimes starting over.
Storms come and go, but God’s promises, his Word, and the truth of his love through Christ remain bedrock in our lives. No matter what circumstantial weather passes through, we can cling to our Solid Rock of salvation.
October Mission -
Homelessness, poverty, and addiction are harsh realities for so many men and women in Colorado Springs and throughout the country. Solutions to this crisis can be elusive, but the professionals and volunteers at Springs Rescue Mission have proven techniques to help solve the problem, one person at a time. The Mission does much more than provide shelter to the homeless in the Colorado Springs area.
Thanks to the financial support of churches and others within the community, the Springs Rescue Mission offers homeless individuals access to innovative programs to help them restore their health, find jobs, and move into permanent housing. In doing so, lives are changed and our community thrives. You are encouraged to financially support the good work that is provided by Springs Rescue Mission.
Homelessness, poverty, and addiction are harsh realities for so many men and women in Colorado Springs and throughout the country. Solutions to this crisis can be elusive, but the professionals and volunteers at Springs Rescue Mission have proven techniques to help solve the problem, one person at a time. The Mission does much more than provide shelter to the homeless in the Colorado Springs area.
Thanks to the financial support of churches and others within the community, the Springs Rescue Mission offers homeless individuals access to innovative programs to help them restore their health, find jobs, and move into permanent housing. In doing so, lives are changed and our community thrives. You are encouraged to financially support the good work that is provided by Springs Rescue Mission.
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
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
To My St. Paul’s Family-
Thank you for all your support when Ronnie passed away. You’ll never know how much your words, prayers, cards helped our family during a very sad time in our lives.
Clara Richter
Dear St. Paul’s
Thank you yet again. I seem to be saying this a lot lately. Thank you for the cards, prayers, gifts, and meals. I cannot explain how much of a relief it is to know I have all of you backing us up! You are an amazing group of people who I am honored to call family. Thank you for holding me up and walking with me on this journey!
Your loving sister in Christ,
Rachel Ford
Thank you for all your support when Ronnie passed away. You’ll never know how much your words, prayers, cards helped our family during a very sad time in our lives.
Clara Richter
Dear St. Paul’s
Thank you yet again. I seem to be saying this a lot lately. Thank you for the cards, prayers, gifts, and meals. I cannot explain how much of a relief it is to know I have all of you backing us up! You are an amazing group of people who I am honored to call family. Thank you for holding me up and walking with me on this journey!
Your loving sister in Christ,
Rachel Ford
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, 597-2824.
Installation celebration of our new Bishop
The installation celebration of our new Bishop Kristin Stoneking will be on October 13th at 3:00 p.m. at FUMC Colorado Springs, 420 N Nevada Avenue. This will be the front range/eastern plains installation for the new Bishop. We look forward to seeing as many of you as can attend and share in the District welcome of Bishop Stoneking.
Thank you in advance,
Susan Wheeler
ESCO District co-Lay Leader
The installation celebration of our new Bishop Kristin Stoneking will be on October 13th at 3:00 p.m. at FUMC Colorado Springs, 420 N Nevada Avenue. This will be the front range/eastern plains installation for the new Bishop. We look forward to seeing as many of you as can attend and share in the District welcome of Bishop Stoneking.
Thank you in advance,
Susan Wheeler
ESCO District co-Lay Leader
!!!Fall Clean-up Day!!!
Saturday, October 19th
9:00 – 12:00 A.M.
Gather up your
Gloves, Rakes, Shovels, Leaf Blowers, Brooms
Don’t have any? We do!
Join the Trustees of Saint Paul’s For a fun-packed time Sprucing up OUR church.
Trustees will provide the Refreshments.
Hope to see all of you there on the 19th Of October.
Saturday, October 19th
9:00 – 12:00 A.M.
Gather up your
Gloves, Rakes, Shovels, Leaf Blowers, Brooms
Don’t have any? We do!
Join the Trustees of Saint Paul’s For a fun-packed time Sprucing up OUR church.
Trustees will provide the Refreshments.
Hope to see all of you there on the 19th Of October.
Put the date on your calendar: PUMPKIN CARVING will be on
Thursday October 24th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, in Waddill Hall.
We will enjoy a soup buffet, salad and dessert. There will be hot dogs for the kids. Even if you don’t want to carve a jack-o-lantern it is fun to come and enjoy the imagination of the carvers.
Thursday October 24th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, in Waddill Hall.
We will enjoy a soup buffet, salad and dessert. There will be hot dogs for the kids. Even if you don’t want to carve a jack-o-lantern it is fun to come and enjoy the imagination of the carvers.
Christmas Chorus
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.
We rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Mondays. We will start up on the 4th of November and look forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
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.
We rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Mondays. We will start up on the 4th of November and look forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
October Birthdays
Jan Andrew 10/1 James Ford 10/2
Denise Taplin 10/3 Sharie Dane 10/6
Kyla DeLaney 10/7 Pat Rinedollar 10/7
Alice Shartran 10/8 Marie Suter 10/8
Christian Oberhofer 10/9 Donald Lucke 10/14
Tom Dane 10/17 Jodie Betram 10/18
Margo Bowler 10/19 Laura Altmann 10/20
Tobias Cox 10/22 Andy Kindell 10/26
Olivia Bruce 10/28 Janye Gnadt 10/28
Alex Couitt 10/30 Sue Grover 10/31
Denise Taplin 10/3 Sharie Dane 10/6
Kyla DeLaney 10/7 Pat Rinedollar 10/7
Alice Shartran 10/8 Marie Suter 10/8
Christian Oberhofer 10/9 Donald Lucke 10/14
Tom Dane 10/17 Jodie Betram 10/18
Margo Bowler 10/19 Laura Altmann 10/20
Tobias Cox 10/22 Andy Kindell 10/26
Olivia Bruce 10/28 Janye Gnadt 10/28
Alex Couitt 10/30 Sue Grover 10/31
October Anniversaries
Jon Reimer & Kristina Kafka
October 22, 2016
8 years
October 22, 2016
8 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 at St. Paul's
Monday
6:30p Jubilee Bells7:00p Vocal Fusion
7:30p Barbershop
Tuesday
11:00a Line Dancing
Wednesday
8:30a Wednesday Morning Bible Study
6:30p Sanctuary Choir
Thursday
9:30a Friendship Bible Study
5:00p Brewing Faith
October Events
10/6 5:00 pm World Communion at Peoples UMC
10/8 5:00 pm DKG
10/10 6:00 pm Finance Meeting
10/12 9:00 am Blessing of the Animals
10/13 3:00 pm Installation Celebration of New Bishop at First UMC
10/15 6:00 pm Church Council Meeting
10/17 11:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting
6:00 pm Trustees Meeting
10/19 9:00 am Cleanup Day
10/24 5:30 pm Pumpkin Carving
10/8 5:00 pm DKG
10/10 6:00 pm Finance Meeting
10/12 9:00 am Blessing of the Animals
10/13 3:00 pm Installation Celebration of New Bishop at First UMC
10/15 6:00 pm Church Council Meeting
10/17 11:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting
6:00 pm Trustees Meeting
10/19 9:00 am Cleanup Day
10/24 5:30 pm Pumpkin Carving
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