October 26, 2025
Prayer
October 26, 2025
Pastor’s Discretionary fund - Every week it seems that someone calls the church or stops by with a request for some help While some of these folks have chronic struggles, many of them are momentary life setbacks where a difficult life event such as a job loss, illness, break-up, car trouble, or other, has suddenly put them in a tight spot.
When that happens, folks look for help and try to find someone to show them care, compassion, and kindness just as Christ did. They ask around town and eventually someone might tell them “I hear that the folks at St. Paul’s UMC can help” and that’s when they call us.
When that happens, I am so grateful that we have the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help out. Sometimes it’s rent money so a family doesn’t get evicted. Sometimes it’s gas so someone can get to work. Sometimes it’s a pair of shoes for a person who has worn the soles out of the ones they live in. To most of these folks, these things are not luxuries, they are lifelines.
The beauty of this fund is that it allows the church to respond quickly, without needing a line in the budget or a committee meeting to make a decision. Someone shares their story, and we get to say, “Yes. We can help.” And in that “yes” is more than money. It’s dignity, it’s hope, and it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. We love on people because God has loved on us.
Often, this fund fills up just as quickly as we get requests for it and I’ve had times that I have had to tell people “no” because it was run dry. We also track every request that comes in to ensure that we are helping instead of enabling. We want to ensure that our presence is healing and not hurting and that we are good stewards of the resources we have available.
And that’s why this October, we’re asking our congregation to go a little above and beyond in supporting it.
Think of it as fueling up the church’s tank for compassion toward our community when they’re in a moment of greatest need. Whether it’s five dollars or five hundred, every gift matters. A little extra generosity this month means we’ll be ready the next time someone walks through the doors, uncertain of what to do next.
Just mark your gift for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund or “Monthly Mission – October”. And as you do, remember: you’re not just helping pay a bill. You’re helping restore hope, renew strength, and remind people that God’s love shows up in very practical, very real ways.
Together, we can keep saying “yes”.
When that happens, folks look for help and try to find someone to show them care, compassion, and kindness just as Christ did. They ask around town and eventually someone might tell them “I hear that the folks at St. Paul’s UMC can help” and that’s when they call us.
When that happens, I am so grateful that we have the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help out. Sometimes it’s rent money so a family doesn’t get evicted. Sometimes it’s gas so someone can get to work. Sometimes it’s a pair of shoes for a person who has worn the soles out of the ones they live in. To most of these folks, these things are not luxuries, they are lifelines.
The beauty of this fund is that it allows the church to respond quickly, without needing a line in the budget or a committee meeting to make a decision. Someone shares their story, and we get to say, “Yes. We can help.” And in that “yes” is more than money. It’s dignity, it’s hope, and it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. We love on people because God has loved on us.
Often, this fund fills up just as quickly as we get requests for it and I’ve had times that I have had to tell people “no” because it was run dry. We also track every request that comes in to ensure that we are helping instead of enabling. We want to ensure that our presence is healing and not hurting and that we are good stewards of the resources we have available.
And that’s why this October, we’re asking our congregation to go a little above and beyond in supporting it.
Think of it as fueling up the church’s tank for compassion toward our community when they’re in a moment of greatest need. Whether it’s five dollars or five hundred, every gift matters. A little extra generosity this month means we’ll be ready the next time someone walks through the doors, uncertain of what to do next.
Just mark your gift for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund or “Monthly Mission – October”. And as you do, remember: you’re not just helping pay a bill. You’re helping restore hope, renew strength, and remind people that God’s love shows up in very practical, very real ways.
Together, we can keep saying “yes”.
Gathering
October 26, 2025 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Meagan Horst
Leader: Come, people of God, carrying the stories that shaped you.
People: We come, grateful for hymns and prayers and people.
Leader: Come, bringing your your doubts and discoveries, your celebrations and your struggles.
People: We come, trusting that God still speaks through our lives today.
Leader: The Spirit who moved through the saints of old is still moving now.
People: The faith we have inherited becomes the faith we live.
Leader: Come with open hearts to remember and to be renewed.
People: We gather to worship in ancient words and fresh encounters,
in tradition and in experience,
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
*Worship Hymn
Be Thou My Vision
UMH #451
WORDS: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byrne, 1905; versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.
Alt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
1. Be thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me,
save that thou art.
Thou my best thought,
by day or by night,
waking or sleeping,
thy presence my light.
2. Be thou my wisdom,
and thou my true word;
I ever with thee
and thou with me, Lord;
thou and thou only,
first in my heart,
great God of heaven,
my treasure thou art.
3. Great God of heaven,
my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.
*Opening Hymn
Be Still My Soul
UMH #534
WORDS: Katharine von Schlegel, 1752;
trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1855 (Ps. 46:10)
1. Be still, my soul:
the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently
the cross of grief and pain;
leave to your God
to order and provide;
in every change
God faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul:
your best,
your heavenly friend
through thorny ways
leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul:
your God will undertake
to guide the future,
as in ages past.
Your hope,
your confidence
let nothing shake;
all now mysterious
shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul:
the waves and
winds still know
the Christ who ruled
them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul:
the hour is hastening on
when we shall be
forever with the Lord,
when disappointment,
grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot,
love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul:
when change and
tears are past,
all safe and blessed
we shall meet at last.
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Meagan Horst
Leader: Come, people of God, carrying the stories that shaped you.
People: We come, grateful for hymns and prayers and people.
Leader: Come, bringing your your doubts and discoveries, your celebrations and your struggles.
People: We come, trusting that God still speaks through our lives today.
Leader: The Spirit who moved through the saints of old is still moving now.
People: The faith we have inherited becomes the faith we live.
Leader: Come with open hearts to remember and to be renewed.
People: We gather to worship in ancient words and fresh encounters,
in tradition and in experience,
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
*Worship Hymn
Be Thou My Vision
UMH #451
WORDS: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byrne, 1905; versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.
Alt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
1. Be thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me,
save that thou art.
Thou my best thought,
by day or by night,
waking or sleeping,
thy presence my light.
2. Be thou my wisdom,
and thou my true word;
I ever with thee
and thou with me, Lord;
thou and thou only,
first in my heart,
great God of heaven,
my treasure thou art.
3. Great God of heaven,
my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.
*Opening Hymn
Be Still My Soul
UMH #534
WORDS: Katharine von Schlegel, 1752;
trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1855 (Ps. 46:10)
1. Be still, my soul:
the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently
the cross of grief and pain;
leave to your God
to order and provide;
in every change
God faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul:
your best,
your heavenly friend
through thorny ways
leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul:
your God will undertake
to guide the future,
as in ages past.
Your hope,
your confidence
let nothing shake;
all now mysterious
shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul:
the waves and
winds still know
the Christ who ruled
them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul:
the hour is hastening on
when we shall be
forever with the Lord,
when disappointment,
grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot,
love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul:
when change and
tears are past,
all safe and blessed
we shall meet at last.
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
Prayer
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
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
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
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
Prayer Song
Sanctuary
TFWS #2164
WORDS & MUSIC: John Thompson and Randy Scruggs
© 1982 Whole Armor/Full Armor Music, admin. by The Kruger Organization
Lord, prepare me
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living
sanctuary for You.
A Word of Inspiration
Scripture Reading
Luke 4:14-22
Meagan Horst
Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding region. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
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
A Personal Encounter
Rev. David Petty
Luke 4:14-22
Meagan Horst
Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding region. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
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
A Personal Encounter
Rev. David Petty
Giving Back
Invitation to Offering
Meagan Horst
Offertory
I Then Shall Live
Tom Fettke, Tune by Jean Siblius
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!
Meagan Horst
Offertory
I Then Shall Live
Tom Fettke, Tune by Jean Siblius
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God from Who 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
Take My Life, and Let it Be
UMH #399
WORDS: Frances R. Havergal, 1873 (Rom. 12:1)
1. Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments
and my days;
let them flow
in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands,
and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet,
and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.
2. Take my voice,
and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips,
and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver
and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use
every power as
Thou shalt choose.
3. Take my will,
and make it Thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart,
it is Thine own;
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love,
my Lord, I pour
at Thy feet its
treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
UMH #399
WORDS: Frances R. Havergal, 1873 (Rom. 12:1)
1. Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments
and my days;
let them flow
in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands,
and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet,
and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.
2. Take my voice,
and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips,
and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver
and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use
every power as
Thou shalt choose.
3. Take my will,
and make it Thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart,
it is Thine own;
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love,
my Lord, I pour
at Thy feet its
treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Let’s show encouragement and thanks for their service.
Thank you both, for being the shepherds who know your flock and care for each one of us with tenderness. Your compassion, patience, and wisdom have touched our lives in so many ways. We pray God blesses you both as you bless us!
Thank you both, for being the shepherds who know your flock and care for each one of us with tenderness. Your compassion, patience, and wisdom have touched our lives in so many ways. We pray God blesses you both as you bless us!
Get ready kids - and adults too!
Circle Sunday October 26th on your calendar. It’s time for St Paul’s annual spookiest, wildest and most fun time of the year - Trunk or Treat!
Kids: 5:00 is the time to arrive dressed up in your spookiest, scariest or handsomest, prettiest costume. Check out all the other kids’ costumes and have fun in the huge Bounce House!
Adults: this is the time for your to decorate your trunk, organize that terrific candy stash and watch the fun.
5:15 Ghoul’s Grill opens with traditional Halloween fare - hot dogs, chips, and something to drink.
At 5:30 the Costume Parade begins, followed by the main event - Trunk or Treating!
Candy donations will be accepted starting Sunday September 21st; there will be a decorated box in the Narthex. But feel free to provide your own wrapped treats on October 26th.
You don’t want to miss this event. And don’t worry - the ghosts are friendly!
Circle Sunday October 26th on your calendar. It’s time for St Paul’s annual spookiest, wildest and most fun time of the year - Trunk or Treat!
Kids: 5:00 is the time to arrive dressed up in your spookiest, scariest or handsomest, prettiest costume. Check out all the other kids’ costumes and have fun in the huge Bounce House!
Adults: this is the time for your to decorate your trunk, organize that terrific candy stash and watch the fun.
5:15 Ghoul’s Grill opens with traditional Halloween fare - hot dogs, chips, and something to drink.
At 5:30 the Costume Parade begins, followed by the main event - Trunk or Treating!
Candy donations will be accepted starting Sunday September 21st; there will be a decorated box in the Narthex. But feel free to provide your own wrapped treats on October 26th.
You don’t want to miss this event. And don’t worry - the ghosts are friendly!
Colorado Springs Christmas Chorus
Do you like to sing Christmas Carols?
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.
As it says in the flyer, we rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Thursdays in December. We will start on the 3rd of November and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
Rehearsals (@ St. Paul’s UMC) 7:30 – 8:30 pm November 3,10,17,24
Performances (location TBD) December 4,11,18
Songbooks are provided and will be used during the performances.
For more information: Russ Josephson (719) 426-1621
Do you like to sing Christmas Carols?
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.
As it says in the flyer, we rehearse for an hour the first 4 Mondays of November and then sing at retirement communities the next three Thursdays in December. We will start on the 3rd of November and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you here at the church in the Choir Room.
Rehearsals (@ St. Paul’s UMC) 7:30 – 8:30 pm November 3,10,17,24
Performances (location TBD) December 4,11,18
Songbooks are provided and will be used during the performances.
For more information: Russ Josephson (719) 426-1621
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