December 15, 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:__________________

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

12/15 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

Gathering

Prelude
O Jesus so Sweet
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Introit
Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming
Jubilee Bells

Greeting
Rev. David Petty

We Worship Together

Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty & CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
CLM Twinkle Gordon: We move north to the tiny village of Nazareth. Although not so tiny anymore, in those days, Nazareth was a place where “everyone knows your name” since it could only support a limited amount of people from one small well of water. Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel with news that she would bear a son!
 
Rev. David Petty: Mary’s joy was not limited by the improbability that such a thing could happen in Nazareth. In this simple, tight-knit community of limited resources–a place where survival required interdependence with your neighbors–Jesus would be raised and grow into the teacher he became. This week, we wonder: what joy can we glean from the simplest of moments, the simplest of gifts, allowing ourselves to savor this season, pregnant with possibilities?

*Threshold Song
O Little Town of Bethlehem
v.1 UMH #230
We’re on Our Way
Jon Reimer, 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 peace holds sway

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

*Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Pfahl Family
 
Reader: The journey continues, and this candle will help light our way.
People: We are on our way to more joy.
Reader: Life can be so complicated and filled with distractions.
People: We are a people who simply want Good News.
Reader: We need a marker on the journey to tell us to stop and notice the wonder of the moments along the way.
People: 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 peace holds sway

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

Opening Prayer & Words of Assurance
Rev. David Petty

Holy and Living God, we pray for the refocusing of our lives on what really matters.
Too often, we allow the complexity of modern life to take over, and we fail to sense your presence in our everyday lives. Call us to a simplified joy. Call us to simply pause in the midst of our scheduled mania and breathe in the possibility that you are asking for our attention. We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Christ, the Joy 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 Joy of Bethlehem. Jesus is being born into our lives even now. The Spirit is transforming us in this place.


*Opening Hymn
People, Look East
UMH #202
Words by permission of David Higham Assoc. Ltd.

1. People, look east.
The time is near of the
crowning of the year.

Make your house fair
as you are able,
trim the hearth
and set the table.

People, look east
    (People, look east: )
and sing today:
        (People, look east: )
Love, the Guest,
is on the way.

2. Furrows, be glad.
Though earth is bare,
one more seed
is planted there.

Give up your strength
the seed to nourish,
that in course
the flower may flourish.

People, look east
    (People, look east: )
and sing today:
        (People, look east: )
Love, the Rose,
is on the way.

3. Stars, keep the watch.
When night is dim,
one more light
the bowl shall brim,

shining beyond
the frosty weather,
bright as sun
and moon together.

People, look east
    (People, look east: )
and sing today:
        (People, look east: )
Love, the Star,
is on the way.

4. Angels announce
with shouts of mirth
him who brings
new life to earth.

Set every peak
and valley humming
with the word,
the Lord is coming.

People, look east
    (People, look east: )
and sing today:
        (People, look east: )
Love, the Lord,
is on the way.

Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Rev. David Petty

Pastor: Peace be with you!

People: And also with you.

Pastor: As people forgiven and freed, I invite you to pass the Peace of Christ among you and those worshiping remotely, we are glad you are on the journey with us!

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Romans 15:12-13
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles; in him the gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Video
Scripture – Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Message
Nazareth: A Place of Simplicity
Rev. David Petty

Guided Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Jackie Fletcher

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 Peace.

Prayer Song
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
UMH #204
WORDS: Bob McGee, 1976 (Mt. 1:23)
© 1976 C. A. Music (div. of Christian Artists Corp.)

Emmanuel,
Emmanuel,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

God with us,
revealed in us,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

Guide: Let us pray:
God of Peace, 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…

God of Peace, 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…

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 Peace. In this moment, we pause in silence, marking your presence with awe and asking you to fill us and guide us, along our journey.

Moments of Silence

May we live by the prayer you taught us…

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.
AmenGuided 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 Joy.

Prayer Song
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
UMH #204
WORDS: Bob McGee, 1976 (Mt. 1:23)
© 1976 C. A. Music (div. of Christian Artists Corp.)

Emmanuel,
Emmanuel,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

God with us,
revealed in us,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

Emmanuel,
Emmanuel,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

God with us,
revealed in us,
his name is called
Emmanuel.

Guide: Let us pray:
 
God, Our Source of Joy even in sorrow, 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…

Moments of Silence

May we live by the prayer you taught us…

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory
Sanctuary Choir

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!

Sending Forth

We Set Off 
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Guide: We have checked the signs and markers to make sure we are moving in a faithful direction. With joy, we move on towards Bethlehem, knowing that the Light of Christ shines through the night. We are not alone. We remember to open our hearts to the possibility that God’s work in the world is happening in the most simple and unlikely of places–even within us. The journey continues as we feel the pregnancy of possibility. Joy, not despair, perseveres.

*Closing Hymn
 The First Noel
UMH #245
WORDS: Trad. English carol (Luke 2:8-14; Mt. 2:1-12)

1. The first Noel
the angel did say
was to certain
poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;

in fields where they
lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night
that was so deep.

Refrain
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.

2. They looked up
and saw a star
shining in the east,
beyond them far;

and to the earth
it gave great light,
and so it continued
both day and night.

Refrain
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.

3. And by the light
of that same star
three Wise Men came
from country far;

to seek for a king
was their intent,
and to follow the star
wherever it went.

Refrain
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.

4. This star drew nigh
to the northwest,
o’er Bethlehem
it took its rest;

and there it did
both stop and stay,
right over the place
where Jesus lay.

Refrain
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.

*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

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 peace holds sway

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

Postlude
Good Christians All, Rejoice
Cynthia Hibbetts