December 22, 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.

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

12/22 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
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

We Worship Together

Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty & June Cornish
 
Guide: It is time we got to Bethlehem. [counts on fingers] First, a decree set by Rome; second, a declaration of birth for an elderly couple in Jerusalem; third, a girl surprised by news of pregnancy in Nazareth! And NOW it all culminates in our travels to Bethlehem. Bethlehem is the ancestral home of mighty King David as well as his humble and faithful descendant: Joseph, the carpenter.
 
Pastor: Bethlehem was called “little” by the prophet Micah who recognized that something of great worth would come from a humble place. As a champion of the “least of these,” Jesus’ ministry would shine light on the worth of humble people and places. Let us ask, how will we show this kind of humble love to others?
 
You are invited to rise in body and/or spirit as the four Advent candles are lit.

*Threshold Song
O Little Town of Bethlehem
v.1 UMH #230
We’re on Our Way


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
Brandon & Anna Arney
 
Leader: The journey continues, and this candle will help light our way.
People: We are on our way to more love.
Leader: So many are in need of grace, in need of loving acceptance.
People: We are a people who can bring Good News.
Leader: Stories of generosity are markers and signs that
goodness is the nature of God.
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 hearts and minds to open wide to merciful acts in your name. Too often, we clench our fists in fear that what we have will not be enough for us. Give us the humility to make more room.  Call us to a “generosity of grace.” Call us to be generous–not to a fault–but to a future where all have a place and a home where they are deeply loved. We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Christ, your Love Incarnate.

People: 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 Love of Bethlehem. Jesus is being born into our lives even now. The Spirit is transforming us in this place.

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 13:8-11
June Cornish

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone; the day is near.

Video
Scripture – Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped

Message
Bethlehem: A Place of Humility
Rev. David Petty

Guided Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
June Cornish

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 Love.

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 of Love, 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… In this moment, we pause in silence, marking your presence with awe and asking you to fill us, 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.
Amen

Christmas Cantata
Gloria by John Rutter

Offertory
Sanctuary Choir

We Set Off
Rev. David Petty

We have checked the signs and markers to make sure we are moving in a faithful direction. With love, we reside here in Bethlehem, knowing that the Light of Christ shines through the night. We are not alone. Humble places can be full of abundance. The story continues, and we claim our place in the narrative. We have come to Bethlehem to see, hear, sense, and know that love, not fear, perseveres.

*Closing Hymn
Angels We Have Heard on High
UMH #238
WORDS: Trad. French carol; trans. Crown of Jesus, 1862, alt. (Lk 2:6-20)

1. Angels we have
heard on high
sweetly singing
o’er the plains,

and the mountains
in reply
echoing their
joyous strains.

Refrain
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherds,
why this jubilee?
Why your joyous
strains prolong?

What the gladsome
tidings be
which inspire your
heavenly song?

Refrain
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!

3. Come to
Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth
the angels sing;

come, adore
on bended knee,
Christ the Lord,
the newborn King.

Refrain
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!

4. See him in
a manger laid,
whom the choirs
of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph,
lend your aid,
while our hearts
in love we raise.

Refrain
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!
Glo - - - - - ri – a,
in excelsis Deo!

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Soon we will gather once again to sing with the angels about
the love that came down to Bethlehem.
Our journey to the stable…
 
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
Fantasia on The First Nowell
Cynthia Hibbetts