December 1, 2024

St. Paul's December Mission Focus is Christmas Unlimited, which is a mission the church has supported for many years. It is dedicated to serving families in the Pikes Peak Region with year round programs. Last year Christmas Unlimited served over 2,100 families and 5,100 children through their programs. There is a list of requested items in this newsletter. There will be a box in the Narthex for your donation.  

“Please donate now - the holiday season is almost here and Christmas Unlimited needs your financial support! Unfortunately, inflation has decreased the number of donations we have received. Without additional funding, we may not be able to continue our 102-year-old mission of providing new Christmas gifts and school supplies to children and families who are less fortunate throughout the Pikes Peak Region.

Established in 1923, Christmas Unlimited is one of the region’s oldest 501 (c) 3 non-profit charities in Colorado Springs. Last year, we served 8,756 children from 2,500 families. Because we are a completely volunteer run organization, we rely on the community’s financial assistance to help cover essential operating expenses which have increased dramatically in recent years.

We have been helping families celebrate the beauty of Christmas gift-giving by enabling parents or caregivers to select toys for their children in a store-like setting. Parents “shop” without their children so the youngsters will be surprised by their gifts on Christmas morning. The entire process is festive, friendly, and fun; all in the spirit of helping a child experience the magic of Christmas.

Christmas Unlimited greatly appreciates any and all donations. Thank you so much for your consideration and support.”

Monetary donations should denote December Monthly Mission or Christmas Unlimited.

We are especially in need of:

Toys for 0-5 years old including: Fisher Price toys and Little People sets, Littlest Pet Shop, Bluey, Cocomelon, Paw Patrol, PJ Mask, anything Disney, Farm animals, zoo animals, dinosaurs, military men, little girls makeup, Lincoln Logs, Nail polish sets, Legos, Duplos, building sets, large toy cars, trucks, trains, motorcycles, Games, craft activity sets and art classes, LOL Dols and baby dolls, Barbie and Barbie clothes, kitchen play sets: toy food, dishes, tea sets, Nerf Guns and balls, Play-Doh sets, toy musical instruments, remote control vehicles, hats, scarfs, mittens, holiday pj’s
 
Please denote in your check memo line: monthly mission or Christmas Unlimited or put on the offering envelope. If you are donating on line select Monthly mission: December.

Transforming our beautiful sanctuary into a beautiful sacred Christmas space is something we look forward to every year. In the past, you have had the opportunity to purchase a poinsettia for the sanctuary décor in memory or honor of a loved one.

St. Paul’s transitioned to silk poinsettias to use for church decorations during the Christmas season. You can now choose to donate to RENT-A-POINSETTIA this holiday season. (Suggested donation is $20.) Your donation will help support St. Paul’s December Mission Focus, Christmas Unlimited, and help one of the oldest charitable organizations in the Pikes Peak region fulfill their mission: To provide material and emotional support to families in need through our school supply and holiday gift programs, while assisting youth to achieve a positive self-image through our mentoring and work skills opportunities.

With your donation, complete a RENT-A-POINSETTIA form. Your loved one will be mentioned in the December 22nd bulletin. Turn your donation and form into the offering plate during worship, or in the church office, no later than December 15th.

Order Form
Your Name:_______________________________________________________
Phone Number:____________________________________________________
Color and Number of Silk Poinsettias: _________Red  _________  White
In Memory of:___________________________________________________________
In Honor of:____________________________________________________________
Amount enclosed:__________________

Mission Committee introduced a new Mission Focus for November…Rocky Mountain Kids. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with teenagers who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. There are two girl’s and two boy’s houses. There 24 kids between the 4 houses, at this time.

We support these kids throughout the year with Valentines, Easter baskets, Back to School supplies, Halloween goodies (They are not able to go Trick-or-Treating) and Christmas stockings. We will be decorating the stockings on Sunday, December 8th during Fellowship Time.

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.

5:00p Youth Group at St. Paul's UMC
Monday
6:30p Jubilee Bell Rehearsal
7:00p Vocal Fusion Rehearsal
7:30p Peak Experience Barbershop Chorus

December Events

12/1 First Sunday of Advent
12/6 6:30p Story Time with Santa
12/7 9:00a Cookie Walk
12/8 Second Sunday of Advent
12/10 5:00 p DKG in Waddill Hall
12/12 6:00p Finance Meeting
12/14 11:00a Woody Woods Celebration of Life
12/15 Third Sunday of Advent
12/17 5:30p Potluck
6:00p Annual Charge Conference
12/18 6:00p Blue Christmas
12/19 11:30a Worship Committee
12/19    6:00p Trustees Meeting
12/22 Fourth Sunday of Advent
    Christmas Cantata
12/24 Christmas Eve
    5:00p Children’s Service
    7:00p Candlelight and Carols Service
12/25-12/26 Office is closed
12/29 Pastor Donnie Peaching

December 1, 2024

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Threshold Moment

CLM Twinkle Gordon: We begin our Advent journey toward Bethlehem and the manger with a decree from Rome. Needing more money to build the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus demands a census so that all who lived under his reign could “contribute” to his expansion of power.

Rev. David Petty: Our lives and stories are often shaped by that which is out of our immediate control. This was true in the moment of the Roman decree that would turn into the story of hope for the world. On this first week of Advent, we ask ourselves whether we are placing our hope in the empires of the world, or in the liberating through-line of God’s presence. What are we longing for this Advent, and how does it call us to act with hope?

You are invited to rise in body and/or spirit as the first Advent candle is lit.

Threshold Song
O Little Town of Bethlehem
v.1 UMHY #230
We’re on Our Way
Rachel Ford, Soloist

O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep
and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

We’re on our way
We’re on our way
Dream of the day
When hope holds sway

With all the earth
In all our hearts
We’re on our way
This is the day.


Lighting of the Advent Wreath
The Horst Family

Readers: The journey begins, and this candle will help light our way.

People: We are on our way to more hope.

Reader: Decrees and decisions affect our world and our lives as they did in Jesus’ day.

People: We are a people who long for Good News.

Reader: There are milestones that guide us to a better day.

All: God’s light goes before us, we are not alone.

We’re on our way
We’re on our way
Dream of the day
When hope holds sway

With all the earth
In all our hearts
We’re on our way
This is the day.

Opening Prayer
Rev. David Petty

Leader: Holy and Living God, we pray for the renewal of our world. Too often, we let fear or complacency prevent us from calling out the injustices of our time. Give us courage for action, even in the midst of our longing. Call us to a “census of hope.” Call us to our senses so that we may see, hear, know, the power of your presence with us, Emmanuel. We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Christ, the Hope of Our Lives. Amen.

Let this be a marker of assurance that we are moving in a faithful direction: God is with us every step of our way toward the Hope of Bethlehem. Jesus is being born into our lives even now. The Spirit is transforming us in this place.

*Opening Hymn
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
UMH #196
WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1744

1. Come, thou long-
expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears
and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength
and consolation,
hope of all
the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people
to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign
in us forever,
now thy gracious
kingdom bring.

By thine own
eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all
sufficient merit,
raise us to
thy glorious throne.

*Greeting Your Neighbors – Passing the Peace of Christ
 
Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Romans 8:18-25

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Prayer for Illumination

Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
Rome: A Place of Longing
Rev. David Petty

Guided Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Guide: We begin our prayer time today remembering that when we need guidance the most, we can turn to God in prayer. Today we are guided by Hope.

Prayer Song
Lead Me, Guide Me
Refrain, V. 1, Refrain TFWS #2214

Lead me, guide me,
along the way,
for if you lead me,
I cannot stray.

Lord, let me walk
each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord,
lead me.

1. I am weak and I need
Thy strength and power
To help me
Over my weakest hour.

Help me through
The darkness
Thy face to see
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me,
along the way,
for if you lead me,
I cannot stray.

Lord, let me walk
each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord,
lead me.

Guide: Let us pray:

God of Hope, we come to you today longing for your presence in our lives and with all those who suffer–in body, mind, or spirit.
We pray this day for…
Those in our community who are facing illness and pain
Those around the world impacted by violence, natural disasters, and injustice
Families who are grieving the loss of loved ones and for those feeling the weight of loneliness this season.
God of Hope, we come to you today so deeply grateful for celebrations, triumphs, and even small steps toward the lives we seek and the world we desire.
We pray this day for…
The healing and progress experienced by many amongst us as they endure their challenges.
The joy of new life, friendships, and opportunities that have blessed us recently.
The moments of peace and clarity that have reminded us of your faithful presence.
Holy God, we know you are near. We know that every step along the way to Bethlehem in this Advent season is a step closer to renewed life in Jesus, the Christ.
We know that your Spirit resides within us, growing day by day into the fullness of Hope.
In this moment, we pause in silence, marking your presence with awe and asking you to fill us, guide us, along our journey.

Amen.

May we live by the prayer you taught us…

The Lord’s Prayer
   
Our Father
who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us
our trespasses,

as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory
Nathan Nors, Tuba
 
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty

Doxology
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
 
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
 
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
 
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!

Communion
Rev. David Petty

Invitation
 
Whether your journeys are by choice or by necessity, each one requires a moment of pause to nourish body and spirit. We cannot move forward into new places, into new stories, without the sustenance that makes life possible. There is no way to navigate the difficulties that arise on the way without a connection to the One who gives us life. Jesus knew this when he gathered the disciples for a meal that would come to sustain a movement on its way throughout the ages.
And he offers that same meal to us now.Won’t you pause for a while at this table set for you?
 
Great Thanksgiving
 
Pastor: The God of Hope be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts!
People: We lift them up to the Lord!
Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
 
Pastor: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. Especially on this road to Bethlehem, we remember
that like the first breath of all things born, you formed each of us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we forget this connection of life with you, when we think we travel alone and the journey is too hard, you never leave us. You guide us and protect us every step of the way as you did with our spiritual ancestors, making the promise of presence more real than we could have imagined. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
 
[sung] Joyful, Joyful UMH #89 v.1

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
 
Pastor: Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, he was born to offer hope to the poor and those poor in spirit; peace to the captive and those imprisoned by fear; joy to the despairing and those who mourn; and love to the lonely and those disparaged by the world.
He was born into a world that needed to hear the good news that the time had come when you would save your people. Just as Bethlehem offered a warm place to lay his infant head, as an adult he offered healing and wholeness and hospitality to all. By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection, you gave birth to your church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. When the Lord Jesus ascended, he promised to be with us always, in the power of your Word and Holy Spirit.
 
[sung] Joyful, Joyful UMH #89 v. 2

All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;

Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!
 
Pastor: On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.” Friends, I invite you to a daily “journey pause” at your home tables in this season of Advent/Christmas, for it is good to pause in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
At the beginning of your meal, take a breath, lift your plate, look around the table if there are others alongside you, or if not, imagine Jesus with you, and say this: “Grateful to be on the journey with you!” Will you take a look around you here … and repeat that now?

People: “Grateful to be on the journey with you!”
 
Pastor: When the supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  
Likewise friends, I invite you in this season at your tables, at the end of your meals, to raise your glasses, take a breath, look around the table if there are others alongside you, or if not, imagine Jesus with you, and say this, “Grateful to be on the journey with you!” Will you take a look around you here … and repeat that now?

People: “Grateful to be on the journey with you!”

Pastor: And so, in remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
 
People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
 
[sung] Joyful, Joyful UMH #89 v. 3

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
 
Pastor: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and wherever we are on our journeys of life.
Pour out your Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the sustenance of Christ’s presence on the way so that we may be for the world the presence of Christ, redeemed by his love. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God,
now and forever.
 
People: Amen.
 
[sung] Joyful, Joyful UMH #89 v. 4

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.

Ever singing, move we onward,
Trav’lers in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

We Set Off

CLM Twinkle Gordon: We have checked the signs and markers to make sure we are moving in a faithful direction. With hope, we move on towards Bethlehem, knowing that the Light of Christ shines through the night. We are not alone. The powers that would keep some down and out are not the final word. The story continues, and we will proclaim it in our lives. Hope, not fear, perseveres.

*Closing Hymn
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
UMH #213

1. Lift up your heads,
ye mighty gates;
behold the King
of glory waits;

the King of kings
is drawing near;
the Savior of
the world is here!

2. Fling wide the portals
of your heart;
make it a temple
set apart

from earthly use
for heaven’s employ,
adorned with prayer
and love and joy.

3. Redeemer, come,
with us abide;
our hearts to thee
we open wide;

let us thy inner
presence feel;
thy grace and love
in us reveal.

4. Thy Holy Spirit
lead us on
until our glorious
goal is won;

eternal praise,
eternal fame
be offered, Savior,
to thy name!

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

And now as you go forth from this place, know that all the places you encounter in the world will contain signs and markers of God’s work among us. So keep your senses alert, your perception wide, and your heart open to new discoveries along the way.

*Sung Benediction
O Little Town of Bethlehem
v. 4 UMH #230
We’re on Our Way
Rachel Ford, Soloist

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us we pray,
cast out our sins, and enter in;
be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel.

We’re on our way
We’re on our way
Dream of the day
When hope holds sway

With all the earth
In all our hearts
We’re on our way
This is the day.

Postlude
Toccata on “All Creatures of Our God and King”
Cynthia Hibbetts