February 2025 CrossCurrent

Beloved Siblings in Christ,

As February begins, the world seems to be talking about love. But for us, love isn’t just a theme for one month. It is the foundation of who we are as followers of Christ. God’s love reaches all generations and invites us to share it with others.

This month, I encourage each of us, no matter our age or season of life, to take a moment to show Christ’s love. Maybe that means calling a friend or family member, lending a hand to someone in need, or simply offering a smile to brighten someone’s day. We all have something to give, and no act of kindness is ever too small.

Thank you for being a part of this loving, faith-filled church. You make a big difference in how we live out God’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor.
May Gods love work through you this month and every month of this year.

With love and blessings,
Rev. David Petty

I live near Ft. Carson and can see traffic on state highway 115 as well as many of the planes
traveling to and from Colorado Springs Airport. A few weeks ago, as I was sitting on my front porch, I began focusing on the cars and planes traveling in varying directions. As I did so my imagination kicked in and I began wonder where everyone was going; work, home, shopping, visiting a friend or relative, a vacation? Though they were going in different directions, I assumed they would reach their destination, wherever is was.

Then I began to think about the different paths Christians travel along throughout their faith
journey. Some might believe that, though Christians walk along different paths, they should be traveling in the same direction, but is that true? Not necessarily.

There are many examples of followers of Jesus going in various directions while still being
faithful. In a literal sense, we could consider the disciples and apostles of Jesus who traveled in different geographical directions, spreading the Good News of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ, while still accomplishing their calling.

Can Christians travel in different theological directions concerning their beliefs and the way they practice their faith? Do Christians have to practice their faith in the same way with no variations within our theologies?

I don’t believe so. I have read the doctrinal statements of Christian schools, Christian charity
organizations, along with other Christian churches and denominations. After doing so, it wasn’t difficult for me to find theological differences between those of other Christian faiths and my own. Yet, if I am to be honest, I saw that despite our theological differences, their ministries also bear fruit…often more than my own.

The Apostle Paul had to deal with differences within the church in Rome. There were differences regarding what was appropriate to eat and what wasn’t. Also, there were disagreements about which festivals should be celebrated and which should not. Those differences arose, partly, from the different religious backgrounds they came from.

Paul responded to differences within the church in chapter 14 in his letter to the Romans: “Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.  3  Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat, for God has welcomed them…So, let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”

Paul’s message to the early church in Rome is as appropriate today as it was then. His words do not imply there are no theological boundaries within our faith, but they do declare we can be unified and still have differences among us within the Christian faith. Therefore, we should find ways to encourage others who seek to worship the Lord without criticizing them.

As we travel throughout our faith journey, with many going in different directions, let us
remember to love one another as we pass each other along the way. Remember, there are many paths that lead to heaven.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Psalm 133:1
~ Pastor Donnie

As we enter the month of February, we're excited to focus our hearts and efforts on a cause that reflects the core values of love, compassion, and community. Our Monthly Mission for February is dedicated to supporting Family Promise of Colorado Springs, with whom we have recently partnered in using Wesley House to provide transitional housing for people who have been experiencing homelessness.

Family Promise is an organization committed to transforming the lives of families experiencing homelessness. They provide more than just shelter and meals – they offer a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. Through their comprehensive programs and unwavering support, Family Promise helps families regain their footing and create a brighter future.

Throughout February, we have the incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. By raising funds for Family Promise, we're contributing to the essential resources that empower families to overcome adversity and build a better life. As we unite in this endeavor, we embody the spirit of Christ's love and compassion in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of hope and positive change.

Let's come together as a community to support Family Promise of Colorado Springs and be a source of light and encouragement for families on their journey towards a brighter tomorrow.

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.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters,
he restores my soul.”
Psalm 23: 2-3
 
Unplug

Do you grab your cell phone or your computer the first thing every morning?  
Do you panic when you can’t immediately lay your hands on your phone?  We 21st century citizens have become reliant on these devices to help us feel connected to the world.  We are “wired” much of the time, and it contributes to our stress.

We may be connected with the world, but it is hard to find God in the midst of all that media.  God has made us for deep connection with Him.   He made us to rest in his presence.  But we feel guilty when we rest, when we do not seem to be busy at something.

When we slow down and spend time quietly with God, we are telling Him that we are weak and that we need Him.  We cannot connect with Him unless we are still and listening.  It is an admission that we cannot live our lives apart from Him.

Today, unplug and allow yourself to receive the peace of the Lord.

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.