November 2025

Dear Siblings in Christ,

November often feels like an in-between month for me. My birthday is in September, my son’s birthday and Halloween are in October, and December is full of family birthdays and of course, Christmas! November sits sandwiched between those two seasons. It’s not quite winter, and it’s definitely not summer. As this month arrives, we’re encouraged to seek gratitude and thanksgiving. The beginning of November brings the recognition of All Saints’ Sunday, where we remember the faithful who have gone before us, speak their names with love, and give thanks for the ordinary saints who built the foundations of churches and communities where we now worship and live.

The end of the month reminds us to slow down and notice the gifts that don’t always make it onto a spreadsheet. We notice the big moments and the in-betweens. For now, let me thank you for opening this newsletter and sharing a few quiet minutes with me. Your presence and your attention is itself something to be grateful for.

Being thankful does not deny the existence of hardship, but it does view it through a different lens. Being grateful does not erase sorrow; it trains our hearts to look for God’s presence in the middle of it and to respond with trust, generosity, and hope.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple gratitude list to spark your own:

• The mercy of each new morning
• Someone who knows your name and uses it kindly
• Food that nourishes and hands that prepared it
• A scripture that meets you at just the right time
• A hymn or song that reminds you of who you are
• The Church, as imperfect as it is, and the beautiful people who call it home.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s practice gratitude together: write one note, speak one blessing, offer one prayer, share one meal. Small acts add up to large changes and large changes can bless the world.

May this month be filled with gratitude in the in-between. And way we “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

Rev. David Petty

Our November Mission is ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS.

With over 29 years of service to teens, we have four community based residential homes in Colorado Springs. We also have 1 high level foster home for boys 10-13 as well.

The children and teens ranging from ages 10-20 are supported by a caring staff in a safe environment where they can heal from the abuse and neglect in their past. They are given opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, including school sports and enrichment programs. The teens are also provided with life skills training, educational support, and assistance for employment. These skills will help them succeed in life, whether their goal is to return home, or emancipate and live independently. We see these kids Trauma and help repair the wounds.

One of the homes even have an innovative apartment program, where a young man emancipating into self-sufficiency can use the upstairs apartment and "try out" his new independent status to prepare to transition out of our homes.

Typically, the length of stay for a teen in our program varies from 6 months to 2 years.
In December we have a hands on mission project of decorating Christmas stockings for the RMKids during Fellowship time. The exact Sunday to be announced.

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.

 
The Church Mouse 
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. 
The Lord is near.” 
Philippians 4:5

Gentle Strength

We often think of gentle people as ones who are sensitive, quiet, reserved, and tentative in the way they approach and interact with those around them. However, the kind of gentleness to which we’re called is one grounded to strength, compassion, and service. Gentleness is based in love, and remains slow to anger. It does not use power unnecessarily but instead humbly serves others in need.

It takes a remarkably strong person to speak and to act with gentleness. You must know who you are and Whose you are in order to let go of having to prove yourself, exercise power over others, and demand the attention of entitlement.

Today, exercise the strength necessary to be gentle in all you do and all you say. Let others see the Father’s tenderness and toughness through you.

Hospitality
October was a busy month...with Pumpkin Carving and Trunk or Treat. Thank You to everyone who donated soup for Pumpkin Carving and all those who volunteered.
November is our time to take a deep breath and prepare for Advent and Christmas activities.
Dec. 5th is the Family Christmas Event with Crafts, Games, and special visitor Mrs. Santa Claus. She will have stories, and cookies as you get to meet her in her North Pole Parlor. A volunteer sign-up sheet will go around the 2nd Sunday of November, we need volunteers to help oversee the craft tables, games, and our Candy Cane Cafe where we will have coffee and Hot cider available.
Hospitality will provide refreshments between services on Christmas Eve. If you would be willing to help by making something for the refreshment table or to help with set-up, serving and cleanup there will be a sign-up sheet on the volunteer table.

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.

Chris & Mark Rankin
November 28, 1998
27 Years

11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group7:00p Vocal Fusion

11/2
Daylight Savings Ends
All Saints Sunday
Celebration Sunday

11/3 7:30 pm Christmas Chorus Rehearsal

11/8 Pals & Projects Extravaganza

11/10 7:30 pm Christmas Chorus Rehearsal

11/15 GS Troop 48777 Derby

11/17 7:30 pm Christmas Chorus Rehearsal

11/24 7:30 pm Christmas Chorus Rehearsal

11/27 Thanksgiving Day the Office is Closed

11/29 Decking of the halls

11/30 First Sunday of Advent

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