October is here, and it feels like fall is finally settling in. September gave us the opportunity to spend several weeks talking about prayer together in worship: what prayer is, what it is not, and some of the many ways we can make space for God in the middle of our everyday lives.
One thing I hope we carry with us beyond that series is the reminder that prayer does not need to be complicated. It does not require the right words, the right posture, or a perfectly quiet moment. Prayer can happen in the sanctuary, in the car, around the dinner table, on a walk, or in the middle of a difficult day. Sometimes it is speaking, sometimes listening, and sometimes simply remembering that we are not alone.
As we move deeper into the fall and the leaves change and leave their trees, I am grateful for the many ways people continue to show up, serve, care for one another, worship together, and make this community what it is. Your presence in the lives of one another and in this community is a lived expression of faith.
One opportunity to share that community will be our Trunk or Treat and Pumpkin Carving on Sunday, October 25 at 5:00 p.m. I hope you will come, bring your family, and invite your friends, neighbors, and others who may be looking for a fun and welcoming place to spend the evening. Events like this are a simple but important way for us to open our doors, build relationships, and remind our wider community that they are welcome here.
We are also partnering with Tesla to provide Thanksgiving and personal hygiene boxes for 30 families, and I invite you to help by bringing needed items to the collection box in the Chapel.
My hope for October is simple: that we continue to make room for God and for one another. Pay attention to the people around you. Check in on someone you have not seen for a while. Find a way to participate. And, somewhere in the midst of everything this month brings, continue your prayer practices.
I look forward to seeing what October holds for us together.
Rev. David Petty

October Mission - The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865.
From our iconic Red Kettle Campaign to our wide variety of available programs that serve local communities, the Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors. At the Colorado Springs Corps Community Center: Spiritual Support: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals in our community can connect with their faith and find peace. Our dedicated team of local chaplains and volunteers provides compassionate spiritual care, offering guidance, prayer, and support. Through individual counseling, group sessions, and community events, we help our neighbors explore their faith and develop a deeper connection with God.

By addressing the spiritual dimension of well-being, we aim to help individuals find healing, hope, and purpose. Our services are open to people in our area of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels accepted and valued.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual direction, or simply looking for a place to connect with others, we invite you to experience the transformative power of spiritual healing.

Homelessness: The Salvation Army is committed to providing long-term and temporary shelter and support to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness. Our local office offers a variety of programs and services designed to help people overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives. Many communities have emergency homeless shelters to provide a safe and secure environment for unhoused individuals and families to stay while they seek stable housing. We offer essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

Senior Services: We dedicate ourselves to serving seniors in our community. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and purpose. Our local team includes caring professionals and volunteers. They are dedicated to providing services for older adults. These services are designed to meet their unique needs. We offer a variety of programs and activities designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to our senior neighbors. From social gatherings and recreational outings to health screenings and educational workshops, we strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where older adults thrive.

Our goal is to enable seniors to maintain and strengthen their connections to the community. We provide practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to help older adults overcome challenges and further enrich their lives. If you’re an older adult seeking companionship, assistance with daily tasks, or simply a friendly face, we’re here to support you.

Family Services: is dedicated to strengthening families and empowering individuals in our area to overcome hardships. Here, we provide a range of support services to help families thrive. Our compassionate team works with families to address their unique needs and provide tailored solutions. Through counseling, support groups, and community programs, we strive to help families become stronger and more resilient. We offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can seek guidance, develop new coping skills, and work toward positive change.

Youth Services: The Salvation Army is committed to empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to thrive. Our local youth programs offer a variety of activities and services designed to inspire, educate, and support young people. Our dedicated local staff and volunteers are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and develop important life skills. Through mentoring, tutoring, summer camp, music programs, and recreational activities, we strive to help young people in our area reach their full potential.

Employment: For those stuck in long-term unemployment, The Salvation Army is a refuge of resources and support. We combat the symptoms of prolonged joblessness, as well as its root causes, through programs that address the mind, body, and soul. It’s a holistic approach that is creating sustainable change for millions of families and individuals every year.

“Do not judge according to appearance,
But judge with righteous judgment.
John 2:24

YOUR HEART CONDITION

Appearances don’t always tell the whole story.  Take John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.  In his early years, he appeared to be everything a Christian should be.  He memorized the Greek New Testament.  He took the gospel to the American Indians.  Yet, according to Wesley, he did these things because inwardly he hoped to gain God’s acceptance.  One day, he realized he needed to trust Christ for salvation.  When he made his heart right with God, Wesley began his true ministry.

Outwardly, we can look like we have everything together in the Christian life.  We can know every song in the hymnal,  dress in our “Sunday-go-to-meeting-clothes,” and participate in community service.  But God sees what humans cannot.  He looks at the condition of our hearts.
What is the condition of your heart?  Are you following Jesus with a sincere heart, or simply going through the outward motions of being a Christian?  Although we may be able to fool our friends, God always knows our true motivation for spiritual service. Take time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Him today.
 
“Beware you be not swallowed up in books!  
An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”
JOHN WESLEY

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.

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.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact

Thanksgiving is not that far away!  We are joining with Tesla to help 30 of their families with Thanksgiving and personal hygiene boxes. We need non-perishables, personal hygiene, and some clothing items. We will have a box in the Chapel for these items. We will take the items to the school on Wednesday, November 18th so the school can sort and prep the baskets.

The items needed are listed below. The items with the asterisk are the most needed.
Personal Hygiene – full sized please
 
*Body Wash
*Shampoo/Conditioner
*Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shoes: new or gently used
            Men’s - 8-13 especially sizes 10-11
            Women’s – 5-9 especially sizes 7-8
Men’s sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes M, L, XL
Women's sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes – S, M

Nonperishables for the Baskets
*Instant Mashed potatoes
*Stuffing
*Gravy mix
*Canned veggies
Grocery Cards in $25 increments
Cranberry sauce
Broth – Chicken or Vegetable
Mini marshmallows
Canned pumpkin pie filling
Cake mixes
Sugar
Instant coffee
Box of Tea bags
Bread mixes
French fried onions
Top ramen
Mac and cheese
Canned chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon
Canned soup
Spices

Thank you in advance for your help showing the children of Tesla that they are in our thoughts and a part of our community family.

10/1
Jan Andrew
10/2
James Ford
10/3
Denise Taplin
10/6
Sharie Dane
10/7
Kyla DeLaney
10/8
Alice Shartran
10/9
Doug Johnson
Christian Oberhofer
10/14
Carol Hilty
Don Lucke
10/17
Tom Dane
10/19
Margo Bowler
James Petty
10/22
Tobias Cox
10/30
Alex Couitt
10/31
Sue Grover

Jon Reimer & Kristina Kafka
October 22, 2016
10 Years

5:00p Youth Group

October Mission - The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865.
From our iconic Red Kettle Campaign to our wide variety of available programs that serve local communities, the Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors. At the Colorado Springs Corps Community Center: Spiritual Support: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals in our community can connect with their faith and find peace. Our dedicated team of local chaplains and volunteers provides compassionate spiritual care, offering guidance, prayer, and support. Through individual counseling, group sessions, and community events, we help our neighbors explore their faith and develop a deeper connection with God.
By addressing the spiritual dimension of well-being, we aim to help individuals find healing, hope, and purpose. Our services are open to people in our area of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels accepted and valued.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual direction, or simply looking for a place to connect with others, we invite you to experience the transformative power of spiritual healing.
Homelessness: The Salvation Army is committed to providing long-term and temporary shelter and support to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness. Our local office offers a variety of programs and services designed to help people overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives. Many communities have emergency homeless shelters to provide a safe and secure environment for unhoused individuals and families to stay while they seek stable housing. We offer essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Senior Services: We dedicate ourselves to serving seniors in our community. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and purpose. Our local team includes caring professionals and volunteers. They are dedicated to providing services for older adults. These services are designed to meet their unique needs. We offer a variety of programs and activities designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to our senior neighbors. From social gatherings and recreational outings to health screenings and educational workshops, we strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where older adults thrive.
Our goal is to enable seniors to maintain and strengthen their connections to the community. We provide practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to help older adults overcome challenges and further enrich their lives. If you’re an older adult seeking companionship, assistance with daily tasks, or simply a friendly face, we’re here to support you.
Family Services: is dedicated to strengthening families and empowering individuals in our area to overcome hardships. Here, we provide a range of support services to help families thrive. Our compassionate team works with families to address their unique needs and provide tailored solutions. Through counseling, support groups, and community programs, we strive to help families become stronger and more resilient. We offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can seek guidance, develop new coping skills, and work toward positive change.
Youth Services: The Salvation Army is committed to empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to thrive. Our local youth programs offer a variety of activities and services designed to inspire, educate, and support young people. Our dedicated local staff and volunteers are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and develop important life skills. Through mentoring, tutoring, summer camp, music programs, and recreational activities, we strive to help young people in our area reach their full potential.
Employment: For those stuck in long-term unemployment, The Salvation Army is a refuge of resources and support. We combat the symptoms of prolonged joblessness, as well as its root causes, through programs that address the mind, body, and soul. It’s a holistic approach that is creating sustainable change for millions of families and individuals every year.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

Tesla Thanksgiving Needs
Thanksgiving is not that far away!  We are joining with Tesla to help 30 of their families with Thanksgiving and personal hygiene boxes. We need non-perishables, personal hygiene, and some clothing items. We will have a box in the Chapel for these items. We will take the items to the school on Wednesday, November 18th so the school can sort and prep the baskets.
The items needed are listed below. The items with the asterisk are the most needed.
Personal Hygiene – full sized please
 
*Body Wash
*Shampoo/Conditioner
*Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shoes: new or gently used
            Men’s - 8-13 especially sizes 10-11
            Women’s – 5-9 especially sizes 7-8
Men’s sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes M, L, XL
Women's sweatpants and T-shirts: sizes – S, M

Nonperishables for the Baskets
*Instant Mashed potatoes
*Stuffing
*Gravy mix
*Canned veggies
Grocery Cards in $25 increments
Cranberry sauce
Broth – Chicken or Vegetable
Mini marshmallows
Canned pumpkin pie filling
Cake mixes
Sugar
Instant coffee
Box of Tea bags
Bread mixes
French fried onions
Top ramen
Mac and cheese
Canned chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon
Canned soup
Spices
Thank you in advance for your help showing the children of Tesla that they are in our thoughts and a part of our community family.

October 4, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty
Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.
Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Leader: We arrive fully into this moment, Holy One. We open to sense your presence among us. We hear you say,
People: “Love is the purpose.”
Leader: We need you, Jesus, to help us. We come to you as your first disciples did.
We hear you say,
People: “Love is the purpose” 
Leader: Spirit of Divine Love, come to us with your healing waters. We hear you say,
People: “Love is the purpose”
 
Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.
 
Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty
*Hymn
Seek Ye First
UMH #405
 
1. Seek ye first
the kingdom of God
and his righteousness,
and all these things
shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
 
2. Ask, and it shall
 be given unto you;
seek and ye shall find;
knock, and the door shall
be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!

*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
CLM Twinkle Gordon

First Reading
James 2:2-5

For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

Second Reading
Luke 17: 20-21

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”

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
Purpose
Rev. David Petty

Prayer
 
Scripture Reading
CLM Twinkle Gordon
First Reading 
James 2:2-5
For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?
Second Reading
Luke 17: 20-21
Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”
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
Purpose
Rev. David Petty

Prayer
 
Prayer Song 
All My Days
 
You know my words before they’re said. 
You know my need and I am fed. 
You give me life. 
You know my ways, 
my strength, my path, for all my days. 
my strength, my path, for all my days. 
Prayers of the People 
Rev. David Petty
The Prayer of Presence
 
Leader: Each week we focus on a different kind of prayer with our prayer beads that you can then take home and practice during the week. Today, we are focusing on our purpose in life–to bring God’s will of love and wellbeing for all people into fruition here on this earth We will take a time of quiet music to move through eight beads, simply reciting the line in our minds, letting each one sink into our hearts as we use our hands to move from one bead to another. Do this on your own time, with the words in the quiet of your own heart [you may need to give specific instructions based on the particular configuration of prayer beads you have created].
 
Bead 1: For those who are alone.
Bead 2: For those who need food and clothing.
Bead 3: For those who need shelter.
Bead 4: For this struggling planet.
Bead 5: For those who are afraid because they are deemed “less than.”
Bead 6: For those who are in harm’s way.
Bead 7: For those who are excluded.
End Bead: Let heaven on earth be my purpose today.
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
 
Communion
Great Thanksgiving
Pastor: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you
 
Pastor: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them up to the Lord
Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
 
Pastor: It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
"Abba God, who art in heaven.”
 
People: “Abba God, who art in heaven.”
 
Creator of heaven and earth.
you formed us in your image
and breathed into us the breath of life.
When we turned away, and our love failed,
your love remained steadfast.
You delivered us from captivity,
made covenant to be our sovereign God,
and spoke to us through your prophets.
“Hallowed be your name!”
 
People: “Hallowed be your name!”
 
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
 
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
 
Leader: Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. He came to teach us how close you are to us. He came to remind us that our work is this: “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
People: “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Pastor: And so, your Spirit anointed him to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to announce that the time had come when you would save your people. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ate with sinners. By the baptism of his suffering , death, and resurrection you gave birth to your church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant
by water and the Spirit.
When the Lord Jesus ascended, he promised to be with us always, in the power of your Word and Holy Spirit.
Jesus used the most common of items to remind us that all gifts come from God,
including the gift of unending grace. “Give us this day our daily bread.”
 
People: “Give us this day our daily bread.”
 
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
When the supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Even as he said these things, he knew that he would be betrayed. And yet he forgave.
We ask for God’s help to accomplish this in our own lives: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
 
People: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
 
Pastor: And so, in remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pastor: The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to do the right thing
even when it is difficult. We pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” 
 
People: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
And so we ask you, God. To pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, so that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.”
People: “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.”
 
Pastor: Through your Son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
All: Amen.

Sending Forth
*Closing Hymn
 Jesu, Jesu
UMH #432
WORDS: Tom Colvin, 1969 (Jn. 13:1-17)
© 1969, 1989 Hope Publishing Co.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
1. Kneels at the
feet of His friends,
silently washes
their feet,
Master who acts
as a slave to them.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
2. Neighbors are
rich and poor,
neighbors are
black and white,
neighbors are
near and far away.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
3. These are the ones
we should serve,
these are the ones
we should love;
all these are neighbors
to us and You.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
4. Loving puts us
on our knees,
serving as though
we are slaves,
this is the way
we should live with You.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
5. Kneel at the
feet of our friends,
silently washing
their feet,
this is the way
we should live with You.
 
Refrain
Jesu, Jesu,
fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors
we have from You.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Laura M. Altmann, 96, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on September 17, 2026.
Laura was born on October 20, 1929, in the Moonlight community north of Abilene, Kansas. She graduated with the Class of 1947 from Dickinson County Community High School in Chapman, Kansas.

In February 1949, Laura married Lyle Altmann. They shared 50 years together before his death in September 1999. In February 2007, she married David Hughes; they divorced in 2021.

Laura devoted 35 years of her career to Colorado Interstate Gas Company, which later became Kinder Morgan. Her commitment to serving others continued throughout her life. She volunteered at UCHealth for 25 years, was active in the Al Kaly Shrine Temple Women’s Patrol for 40 years and was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Carlton Avenue for 30 years. She also volunteered with Pikes Peak United Way for three years.

Laura will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, strong work ethic, and determination. She was an exceptional knitter, cook, baker, and candy maker and was especially known for the delicious toffee she lovingly made and shared each holiday season.

Laura also took great pride in always looking her best. She wore the highest heels for as long as she could, and the first thing she did each morning was put on her makeup and style her hair. As she often said, “I know I am vain, but no one sees me without my makeup on, my hair fixed, and my nails done.” Her confidence, style, humor, and unforgettable personality remained with her throughout her life. Laura’s spirit animal was a Turtle which was her signature for years.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Altmann; her parents, Floyd and Laura Amess; her sisters, Grace Warn, Lois Chamberlin, and Maxine Rider; and her brother, George Amess.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Fields of Porum, Oklahoma; granddaughters, Juli Hudson of Midland, Texas, and Kim Johnson-Hamilton of McKinney, Texas; great-grandchildren, Eli Johnson of Boise, Idaho, Emma Hudson of Miami, Florida, and Paul Hudson of McKinney, Texas; nieces, Twyla Strange of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Sheryl Kelgard of Scottsdale, Arizona; nephews, Dennis Rider of Abilene, Kansas, Kenny Rider of Wichita, Kansas, and David Amess of Colorado Springs, Colorado, whom she loved like a son; her neighbor, best friend, and devoted caregiver, Kai Lee Norwood; and her faithful dog, Roxy.

In accordance with Laura’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place on October 10th at 11:00 am. Swan-Law (Dignity Memorial) Chapel, Colorado Springs, CO.

Memorial contributions in Laura’s honor may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Carlton Avenue, or Shriners Childrens.

Laura’s family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated teams at UCHealth Memorial Central, Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, and Comfort Keepers for the exceptional and compassionate care she received during the final weeks of her life.

Laura lived a long and meaningful life filled with hard work, determination, service, laughter, generosity, an unwavering belief in God, and unmistakable style. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

September Mission -  Care & Share

Our September mission is Care & Share. The year ahead brings new challenges for Care and Share. Reductions in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), changes to how food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is acquired and reimbursed, and the elimination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) funding are all contributing to a difficult and shifting landscape.
These changes mean fewer resources and less food when more neighbors than ever are turning to Care and Share for help. Care and Share’s network – and the charitable food system nationwide – must now do more with less to meet the growing need.
Just $2 provides 5 meals to neighbors in need across Southern Colorado. Last year 22 million pounds of food were distributed across 29 counties with 284,562 people receiving the food they so desperately needed. 12,598 children took nutritious food home through Care and Share’s Children’s programs.
The support of the Southern Colorado Community is a powerful thing, making it possible to take on the months ahead. Care and Share received a Best Workplace 2025 Award from the Gazette. Charity Navigator listed it as a 4-star charity. Volunteers are needed!
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;…and the Lord will reward you.” Pr 25:21-22
Thank you from your Mission Team

We continue our 6-week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood. It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

September 27, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty

Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.

Call to Worship
Jackie Fletcher

Leader: We arrive fully into this moment, Holy One. We open to sense your presence among us. We hear you say,

People: “This moment is sacred.”

Leader: We need you, Jesus, to help us. We come to you as your first disciples did. We hear you say,
 
People: “This moment is sacred”

Leader: Spirit of Divine Love, come to us with your healing waters. We hear you say,
 
People: “This moment is sacred.”
 
Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.
 
Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty

*Hymn
Bring Many Names
WORDS: Brian Wren MUSIC: Carlton R. Young © 1989, 1994 Hope Publishing Co.
 
1. Bring many names,
beautiful and good,
celebrate, in parable
and story,
holiness in glory,
living, loving God.
 
Hail and Hosanna!
bring many names!
 
2. Strong mother God,
working night and day,
planning all the
wonders of creation,
setting each equation,
genius at play:
 
Hail and Hosanna!
strong mother God!
 
3. Warm father God,
hugging every child,
feeling all the strains
of human living,
caring and forgiving
till we’re reconciled:
 
Hail and Hosanna!
warm father God!
 
4. Old, aching God,
grey with endless care,
calmly piercing
evil’s new disguises,
glad of good surprises,
wiser than despair:
 
Hail and Hosanna!
old, aching God!
 
5. Young, growing God,
eager, on the move,
saying no to falsehood
and unkindness,
crying out for justice,
giving all you have:
 
Hail and Hosanna!
young, growing God!
 
6. Great, living God,
never fully known,
joyful darkness
far beyond our seeing,
closer yet than breathing,
everlasting home:
 
Hail and Hosanna!
great, living God!

*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
Jackie Fletcher

First Reading
Genesis 2:2-3
 
 On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
 
Second Reading
Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.

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
Praise
Rev. David Petty

Prayer
 
Prayer Song
All My Days
 
You know my words before they’re said.
You know my need and I am fed.
You give me life.
You know my ways,
my strength, my path, for all my days.
my strength, my path, for all my days.
Prayers of the People
Rev. David Petty
Be Still and Know Prayer 
 
The Prayer of Presence
 
Each week we will be focusing a different kind of prayer with our prayer beads. Today, we have focused prayers of praise. When we say “hallowed be...” we are setting something apart as sacred, special and worthy of praise, whether they are people or circumstances for which we are grateful or ones that are difficult. We take a time of quiet music to move through eight beads, lifting up one person or circumstance or thing in your life for which you’d like to give praise to God. Do this on your own time, with the words in the quiet of your own heart [you may need to give specific instructions based on the particular configuration of prayer beads you have created].
 
Bead 1: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 2: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 3: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 4: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 5: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 6: Hallowed be ____________
Bead 7: Hallowed be ____________
End Bead: Hallowed be thy name.
 
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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Jackie Fletcher

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
More Love to Thee, O Christ
WORDS: Elizabeth P. Prentiss, 1869
 
1. More love to thee, O Christ,
more love to thee!
Hear thou the
prayer I make
on bended knee.
 
This is my
earnest plea:
More love, O Christ,
to thee;
more love to thee,
more love to thee!
 
2. Once earthly joy I craved,
sought peace and rest;
now thee alone I seek;
give what is best.
 
This all my
prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ,
to thee;
more love to thee,
more love to thee!
 
3. Let sorrow do its work,
come grief and pain;
sweet are thy messengers,
sweet their refrain,
 
when they can
sing with me:
More love, O Christ,
to thee;
more love to thee,
more love to thee!
 
4. Then shall my
latest breath
whisper thy praise;
this be the
parting cry
my heart shall raise;
 
this still its
prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ,
to thee;
more love to thee,
more love to thee!
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

September Mission -  Care & Share

Our September mission is Care & Share. The year ahead brings new challenges for Care and Share. Reductions in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), changes to how food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is acquired and reimbursed, and the elimination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) funding are all contributing to a difficult and shifting landscape.
These changes mean fewer resources and less food when more neighbors than ever are turning to Care and Share for help. Care and Share’s network – and the charitable food system nationwide – must now do more with less to meet the growing need.
Just $2 provides 5 meals to neighbors in need across Southern Colorado. Last year 22 million pounds of food were distributed across 29 counties with 284,562 people receiving the food they so desperately needed. 12,598 children took nutritious food home through Care and Share’s Children’s programs.
The support of the Southern Colorado Community is a powerful thing, making it possible to take on the months ahead. Care and Share received a Best Workplace 2025 Award from the Gazette. Charity Navigator listed it as a 4-star charity. Volunteers are needed!
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;…and the Lord will reward you.” Pr 25:21-22
Thank you from your Mission Team

On Sunday, Sept. 20th, we will begin a 6-week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood. It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

September 20, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Introit
Honor and Glory
Cathy Moklebust
Jubilee Bells

Crossing the Threshold

Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty

Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193

Lord, listen to your
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.

Call to Worship
Lu Petersen
Leader: We arrive fully into this moment, Holy One. We open to sense your presence among us. We hear you say,
People: “I am present with you.”
 
Leader: We need you, Jesus, to help us. We come to you as your first disciples did. We hear you say,
People: “I am present with you.”
 
Leader: Spirit of Divine Love, come to us with your healing waters. We hear you say,
People: “I am present with you.”
 
Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.
 
Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty
*Hymn
Surely the Presence of the Lord
UMH #328
WORDS: Lanny Wolfe, 1977
© 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music
Surely the presence
of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel
his mighty power
and his grace.
 
I can hear the brush
of angels’ wings,
I see glory on each face;
surely the presence
of the Lord is in this place.  

*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
Lu Petersen

First Reading
Romans 8:15-17
 
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if we in fact suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
 
Second Reading
Mark 14:35-36

 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you want.”

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
Presence
Rev. David Petty

Prayer
 
Prayer Song
All My Days
 
You know my words before they’re said.
You know my need and I am fed.
You give me life.
You know my ways,
my strength, my path, for all my days.
my strength, my path, for all my days.
Prayers of the People
Rev. David Petty
Be Still and Know Prayer 
 
The Prayer of Presence
 
Leader: Each week we will be focusing a different kind of prayer with our prayer beads. Today, we have focused on the beauty of exploring names for God that help us to learn more about God and about ourselves in relationship to God, offering us more ways to imagine God’s presence [continue to teach using the “Prayer Bead Prayers” handout for the week in your downloads, moving along the prayer bead strands with the lines of the prayer].
 
Bead 1: Creator (we are also creative) Gen 1:1
Bead 2: Logos (“the Word” scripted on our hearts) John 1:1
Bead 3: Mother (“as a hen gathers her chicks”) Matt 23:37
Bead 4: Alpha & Omega (always with us) Rev 1:8
Bead 5: Great Light (shining into our darkest places) Isa 9:2
Bead 6: Refuge (shelter in times of trouble) Ps 9:9
Bead 7: Gracious & Merciful (always loving us) Jonah 4:2
End Bead: Abba (intimate and fully known)
 
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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Lu Petersen

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
Abide with Me
UMH #700
WORDS: Henry F. Lyte, 1847 (Lk. 24:29)

1. Abide with me;
fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens;
Lord, with me abide.
 
When other helpers
fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless,
O abide with me.
 
2. Swift to its close
ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim,
its glories pass away;
 
change and decay
in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not,
abide with me.
 
3. I need thy presence
every passing hour.
What but thy grace
can foil the tempter’s power?
 
Who, like thyself,
my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud
and sunshine,
Lord, abide with me.
 
4. I fear no foe,
with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight,
and tears no bitterness.
 
Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still,
if thou abide with me.
 
5. Hold thou thy cross
before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom
and point me to the skies.
 
Heaven’s morning breaks,
and earth’s vain
shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord,
abide with me.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

September Mission -  Care & Share

Our September mission is Care & Share. The year ahead brings new challenges for Care and Share. Reductions in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), changes to how food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is acquired and reimbursed, and the elimination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) funding are all contributing to a difficult and shifting landscape.
These changes mean fewer resources and less food when more neighbors than ever are turning to Care and Share for help. Care and Share’s network – and the charitable food system nationwide – must now do more with less to meet the growing need.
Just $2 provides 5 meals to neighbors in need across Southern Colorado. Last year 22 million pounds of food were distributed across 29 counties with 284,562 people receiving the food they so desperately needed. 12,598 children took nutritious food home through Care and Share’s Children’s programs.
The support of the Southern Colorado Community is a powerful thing, making it possible to take on the months ahead. Care and Share received a Best Workplace 2025 Award from the Gazette. Charity Navigator listed it as a 4-star charity. Volunteers are needed!
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;…and the Lord will reward you.” Pr 25:21-22
Thank you from your Mission Team

On Sunday, Sept. 20th, we will begin a 6-week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood. It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Welcome Home Rally Day

No matter how long it has been, you always have a home here. Come home to St. Paul’s this Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 9:30 am. Invite friends and neighbors as we kick off our new worship series on Prayer.

Welcome Home Potluck – We will welcome everyone back from Summer Activities with a special potluck on Sept. 13th. Our main dish will be Mexican Fiesta... the church will provide the base ingredients (Fritos, rice, chili).

Please bring a side dish or dessert. Let's come together for food, fun and fellowship!

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

September 13, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty

Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.

Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Leader: We arrive fully into this moment, Holy One. We open to sense your presence among us. We hear you say,
People:  “Be still and know.”
Leader: We need you, Jesus, to help us. We come to you as your first disciples did. We hear you say,
People:  “Be still and know.”
Leader: Spirit of Divine Love, come to us with your healing waters. We hear you say,
People: “Be still and know.”
 
Threshold Song
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit
in this place;

Lord, listen to your 
children praying,
send us love,
send us power, 
send us grace.
 
Threshold Moment
Rev. David Petty

*Hymn
Sweet Hour of Prayer
UMH #496
 
1. Sweet hour of prayer!
sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from
a world of care,
 
and bids me at
my Father’s throne
make all my wants
and wishes known.
 
In seasons of
distress and grief,
my soul has often
found relief,
 
and oft escaped
the tempter’s snare
by thy return,
sweet hour of prayer!
 
2. Sweet hour of prayer!
sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel,
the bliss I share
 
of those whose anxious
spirits burn
with strong desires
for thy return!
 
With such I hasten
to the place
where God my Savior
shows his face,
 
and gladly take
my station there,
and wait for thee,
sweet hour of prayer!
 
3. Sweet hour of prayer!
sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my
petition bear
 
to him whose truth
and faithfulness
engage the waiting
soul to bless.
 
And since he bids me
seek his face,
believe his word,
and trust his grace,
 
I’ll cast on him
my every care,
and wait for thee,
sweet hour of prayer!
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
CLM Twinkle Gordon

First Reading
Philippians 4:4-7

 
Our first reading is from the letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 4-7. The author reminds these new Christians to ground themselves in prayer, as Jesus did, especially when they feel themselves anxious about the world. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
Second Reading
Matthew 7:7-8

Our second reading from Matthew 7:7-8 is one we’ve often heard as the instruction and invitation of Jesus to come to God with our requests: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

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
Be Still and Know
Rev. David Petty

Prayer
 
Prayer Song
All My Days
 
You know my words before they’re said. 
You know my need and I am fed. 
You give me life. 
You know my ways, 
my strength, my path, for all my days. 
my strength, my path, for all my days. 
Prayers of the People 
Rev. David Petty
Be Still and Know Prayer
 
Leader: Each week we will be focusing on various forms of prayer. In this opening service we are getting oriented to our focus on prayer, and learning to slow down and center ourselves so we can sense God is with us. I want to teach you a “Be still and know” prayer with our prayer beads:
 
Bead 1: Be, be, be
Bead 2: Be still, be still, be still
Bead 3: Be still and know, be still and know, be still and know
Bead 4: Be still and know that I am God.
Bead 5: I am God. I am God. I am God.
Bead 6: I am, I am, I am.
Bead 7: God, God, God
End Bead: Stillness
 
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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
UMH #133
WORDS: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887 (Dt. 33:27)
1. What a fellowship,
what a joy divine,
leaning on the
everlasting arms;
 
what a blessedness,
what a peace is mine,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus.)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
2. O how sweet to walk
in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the
everlasting arms;
 
O how bright the path
grows from day to day,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
3. What have I to dread,
what have I to fear,
leaning on the
everlasting arms?
 
I have blessed peace
with my Lord so near,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Prayer is one of the most familiar words in the Christian vocabulary—and yet, for many of us, it can also be one of the most difficult practices.

We know that Christians are supposed to pray. We pray in worship. We pray before meals. We ask others to pray for us when life becomes difficult. But underneath all of that, many of us still carry questions: What exactly is prayer? Am I doing it right? What am I supposed to say? What happens when God seems silent? And how can prayer become something more than another obligation on an already-full spiritual to-do list?

This September, we are going to spend several weeks exploring the practice of prayer together.

Rather than assuming that everyone already knows how to pray, we are going to approach prayer as something we can learn, practice, and grow into. We will look at the ways Jesus prayed and what he taught his disciples about prayer. We will explore several different practices of prayer, recognizing that prayer does not always have to mean sitting quietly with our eyes closed and finding the right words to say.

Sometimes prayer is speaking. Sometimes it is listening. Sometimes it is silence. Sometimes it is gratitude, lament, wonder, confession, or simply paying attention to the presence of God in the middle of an ordinary day.

Throughout the series, we will also experiment with practical ways of praying that you can carry into your own life. My hope is that each of us will discover at least one or two practices that help prayer become more natural, meaningful, and sustainable.
Prayer is not about becoming unusually spiritual or learning the perfect religious vocabulary. It is about becoming attentive—to God, to ourselves, to one another, and to the world around us. It is one of the ways we learn to bring the whole of our lives into relationship with God.

Whether you have prayed every day for decades, struggle to pray at all, or simply wonder whether there might be more to prayer than what you have previously experienced, I hope you will join us this September.

Come curious. Come with questions. Come exactly as you are.

Rev. David Petty

Sunday School-

On Sunday, Sept. 20th we will begin a 6 week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood." It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

Our September mission is Care & Share. The year ahead brings new challenges for Care and Share. Reductions in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), changes to how food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is acquired and reimbursed, and the elimination of Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) funding are all contributing to a difficult and shifting landscape.

These changes mean fewer resources and less food when more neighbors than ever are turning to Care and Share for help. Care and Share’s network – and the charitable food system nationwide – must now do more with less to meet the growing need.
Just $2 provides 5 meals to neighbors in need across Southern Colorado. Last year 22 million pounds of food were distributed across 29 counties with 284,562 people receiving the food they so desperately needed. 12,598 children took nutritious food home through Care and Share’s Children’s programs.

The support of the Southern Colorado Community is a powerful thing, making it possible to take on the months ahead. Care and Share received a Best Workplace 2025 Award from the Gazette. Charity Navigator listed it as a 4-star charity. Volunteers are needed!

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;…and the Lord will reward you.” Pr 25:21-22

Thank you from your Mission Team

“You have heard of the perseverance of Job 
 and seen what the Lord brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. ”
James 5:11

Job was one of the most afflicted figures in the entire Bible. He lost hid children, his wealth, and even his own health. In the face of devastating circumstances, Job still maintained, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” (Job 13:15)

It may seem difficult to contribute compassion and mercy to a God who would allow one of His own to suffer so intensely. But remember that the Lord’s work in our lives has a purpose and that while we may feel defeated, we have the assurance that every adversity in our lives is sifted through God’s hands.

Our hope amid personal catastrophe is in knowing that God sees the end before there is a beginning. With faith in the unchanging character of God, we can trust Him through the trials
.
If you are facing a trial today, unsure of why God is allowing your life to be
disrupted, take time to focus on His love for you. When we see God for who He is, we are better able to cope with where we are.

“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them”.
JOHN NEWTON

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.

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.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact

Welcome Home Rally Day

No matter how long it has been, you always have a home here. Come home to St. Paul’s this Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 9:30 am. Invite friends and neighbors as we kick off our new worship series on Prayer.

Welcome Home Potluck – We will welcome everyone back from Summer Activities with a special potluck on Sept. 13th. Our main dish will be Mexican Fiesta... the church will provide the base ingredients (Fritos, rice, chili).

Please bring a side dish or dessert. Let's come together for food, fun and fellowship!

5:00p Youth Group

September Events

9/7 Labor Day – Office is closed	9/2 Homeschool Music Program Resumes
9/13 Welcome Home  Rally Day & Potluck	9/15 One Board Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Friendship Bible Study  9:30 am	Worship Team Meeting 11:30 am
September 26th   Blessing of the Animals 9:00 am	Soup for the Body &  Nourishment for the Soul 6:00 pm

October-

World Communion 10/4	Worship team meeting 10/15  @ 11:30 am	One Board Meeting 10/20  @ 6:00 pm
10/25 Trick or Treat for UNICEF 9:30 am Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving 5:00 pm

November-

11/1 Daylight Savings Ends All Saints Sunday Celebration Sunday	GS Troop 48777 Derby 11/7	Happy Thanksgiving Office Closed 11/26
Decking of the halls 11/29	The First Sunday of Advent 11/29

December-

4th Annual Cookie Walk 12/5	Family Christmas Event 12/11 @ 5:30 pm	GS Troop 48777 12/12
Worship Team meeting 12/17 @11:30 am	Blue Christmas TBD	Christmas Cantata TBD

August Mission - B-COS We Care - Beyond the Classroom
(Formerly The Assistance League)
B-COS We Care about our students……..

As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

On Sunday, Sept. 20th, we will begin a 6-week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood. It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

Fall Fellowship Dinner Groups

In August, it will once again be time to sign up for St. Paul’s fall Fellowship Dinner Groups (September – November). Sign-up sheets will be available on the table in the chapel, or you may call Rachel Ford at the office (719-634-7046) or email her at office@stpaulscs.org. Please sign up no later than August 30th so that schedules and a list of participants, including addresses and phone numbers, can be ready for distribution by the first Sunday in September.

For those who have never participated and don’t know, the Fellowship Dinner Groups are strictly social and are organized to provide an opportunity for you to get better acquainted with the people who attend our church. The groups are made up of eight adults (singles or couples), and they change each month, as do the hosts/hostesses. The hosts are responsible for contacting the members of their group to arrange a mutually agreeable date and time to meet, to choose a restaurant, and to make reservations. Optionally, the hosts may invite their group to their homes afterwards for conversation, dessert, and coffee, as an additional opportunity to get to know each other better. When you register, you may sign up as a regular or an alternate. If at any time you cannot attend, just let your host know so that an alternate or someone else can be contacted to fill in.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel for further information. We look forward to having you join us.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Welcome Home Rally Day

No matter how long it has been, you always have a home here. Come home to St. Paul’s this Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 9:30 am. Invite friends and neighbors as we kick off our new worship series on Prayer.

Welcome Home Potluck – We will welcome everyone back from Summer Activities with a special potluck on Sept. 13th. Our main dish will be Mexican Fiesta... the church will provide the base ingredients (Fritos, rice, chili).

Please bring a side dish or dessert. Let's come together for food, fun and fellowship!

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

August 23, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Dominick Nors
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
Darlene Woods
 
Leader: Come, and gather to worship, to pray, and to Love the Lord in words, thoughts, and actions.
People: Let us follow the risen Christ with each moment and each movement.
 
Leader: Christ calls us to love, to serve, and to care for one another.
People: May our lives bear witness to the love we proclaim.
 
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
3. Into the city I’d follow
the children’s band,
waving a branch
of the palm tree
high in my hand;
 
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas,
“Jesus is King!”
 
*Hymn
All Things Bright and Beautiful
UMH #147
 
Refrain
All things bright
and beautiful,
all creatures
great and small,
 
all things wise
and wonderful:
the Lord God
made them all.
 
1. Each little flower
that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their
glowing colors,
and made their tiny wings.
 
Refrain
All things bright
and beautiful,
all creatures
great and small,
 
all things wise
and wonderful:
the Lord God
made them all.
 
2. The purple-headed
mountains,
the river running by,
the sunset
and the morning
that brightens up the sky.
 
Refrain
All things bright
and beautiful,
all creatures
great and small,
 
all things wise
and wonderful:
the Lord God
made them all.
 
3. The cold wind
in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits
in the garden:
God made them every one.
 
Refrain
All things bright
and beautiful,
all creatures
great and small,
 
all things wise
and wonderful:
the Lord God
made them all.
 
4. God gave us
eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is
God Almighty,
who has made
all things well.
 
Refrain
All things bright
and beautiful,
all creatures
great and small,
 
all things wise
and wonderful:
the Lord God
made them all.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
John 21:1-17
Darlene Woods

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread.  Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

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
Jesus Re-frames Faith
Breakfast on the Beach
Dominick Nors

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Dominick Nors
 
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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Dolly Morrow

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dominick Nors

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!

*Closing Hymn
My Hope is Built
UMH #368
WORDS: Edward Mote, 1834
 
1. My hope is built
on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood
and righteousness.
 
I dare not trust
the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean
on Jesus’ name.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
2. When darkness veils
his lovely face,
I rest on his
unchanging grace.
 
In every high
and stormy gale,
my anchor holds
within the veil.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
3. His oath, his covenant,
his blood
support me in
the whelming flood.
 
When all around
my soul gives way,
he then is all
my hope and stay.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
4. When he shall come
with trumpet sound,
O may I then
in him be found!
 
Dressed in his
righteousness alone,
faultless to stand
before the throne!
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
*Benediction
Dominick Nors

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

August Mission - B-COS We Care - Beyond the Classroom
(Formerly The Assistance League)
B-COS We Care about our students……..

As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

On Sunday, Sept. 20th, we will begin a 6-week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood. It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

Fall Fellowship Dinner Groups

In August, it will once again be time to sign up for St. Paul’s fall Fellowship Dinner Groups (September – November). Sign-up sheets will be available on the table in the chapel, or you may call Rachel Ford at the office (719-634-7046) or email her at office@stpaulscs.org. Please sign up no later than August 30th so that schedules and a list of participants, including addresses and phone numbers, can be ready for distribution by the first Sunday in September.

For those who have never participated and don’t know, the Fellowship Dinner Groups are strictly social and are organized to provide an opportunity for you to get better acquainted with the people who attend our church. The groups are made up of eight adults (singles or couples), and they change each month, as do the hosts/hostesses. The hosts are responsible for contacting the members of their group to arrange a mutually agreeable date and time to meet, to choose a restaurant, and to make reservations. Optionally, the hosts may invite their group to their homes afterwards for conversation, dessert, and coffee, as an additional opportunity to get to know each other better. When you register, you may sign up as a regular or an alternate. If at any time you cannot attend, just let your host know so that an alternate or someone else can be contacted to fill in.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel for further information. We look forward to having you join us.

It’s always a great time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and KingSoopers stores, in addition to using them for your own grocery shopping. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire, and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been spent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

Welcome Home Rally Day

No matter how long it has been, you always have a home here. Come home to St. Paul’s this Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 9:30 am. Invite friends and neighbors as we kick off our new worship series on Prayer.

Welcome Home Potluck – We will welcome everyone back from Summer Activities with a special potluck on Sept. 13th. Our main dish will be Mexican Fiesta... the church will provide the base ingredients (Fritos, rice, chili).

Please bring a side dish or dessert. Let's come together for food, fun and fellowship!

Start saving your change! We will have the children and youth trick-or-treating through the pews on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to collect change for UNICEF.

UNICEF is Always There for Children in Crisis

UNICEF is on the ground across the globe, delivering help for the children who need it most. Other organizations help children, but UNICEF does more by fighting for children’s rights and delivering the essentials every child needs for an equitable chance in life. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving

On October 25th, we will have our Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving starting at 5:00 pm. There will be hot dogs, candy, pumpkins, kids in costume, and decorated trunks. We are looking for volunteers and individually wrapped candies. There will be a box in the Narthex for the candy, and there will be sign-up sheets for people who would like to bring a trunk to decorate.

TESLA

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the
street from the church have some needs that you can help supply.
They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes),
and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

August 23, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Dolly Morrow
 
Leader: Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”

People: We come to listen, to wonder, and to answer for ourselves.

Leader: Come, let us listen again to the stories of Jesus and discover what they ask of us.

People: May our lives proclaim the faith our voices confess.

Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.

People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
3. Into the city I’d follow
the children’s band,
waving a branch
of the palm tree
high in my hand;
 
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas,
“Jesus is King!”
 
*Hymn
I Love to Tell the Story
UMH #156
WORDS: Katherine Hankey, ca. 1868
 
1. I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
 
I love to tell the story,
because I know ’tis true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else can do.
 
Refrain
I love to tell the story,
’twill be my
theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
 
2. I love to tell the story;
more wonderful it seems
than all the golden fancies
of all our golden dreams.
 
I love to tell the story,
it did so much for me;
and that is just the reason
I tell it now to thee.
 
Refrain
I love to tell the story,
’twill be my
theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
 
3. I love to tell the story;
’tis pleasant to repeat
what seems,
each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet.
 
I love to tell the story,
for some have
never heard
the message of salvation
from God’s own
holy Word.
 
Refrain
I love to tell the story,
’twill be my
theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
 
4. I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering
and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
 
And when, in
scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
’twill be the old, old story
that I have loved so long.
 
Refrain
I love to tell the story,
’twill be my
theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Matthew 16:13-20
Dolly Morrow

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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
Jesus Re-frames Faith
Who Do You Say I Am?
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Dolly Morrow

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
Jesus Shall Reign
UMH #157
 
1. Jesus shall reign
where’er the sun
does its successive
journeys run;
 
his kingdom spread
from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax
and wane no more.
 
2. To Jesus endless
prayer be made,
and endless praises
crown his head;
 
his name like sweet
perfume shall rise
with every morning
sacrifice.
 
3. People and realms
of every tongue
dwell on his love
with sweetest song;
 
and infant voices
shall proclaim
their early blessings
on his name.
 
4. Blessings abound
where’er he reigns;
all prisoners leap
and loose their chains;
 
the weary find
eternal rest,
and all who suffer
want are blest.
 
5. Let every creature
rise and bring
honor peculiar
to our King;
 
angels descend
with songs again,
and earth repeat
the loud amen!
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

August Mission - B-COS We Care - Beyond the Classroom
(Formerly The Assistance League)
B-COS We Care about our students……..

As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

August 16, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Jasper Brandt
 
Leader: Come, all who seek mercy, and a place at God’s table.

People: God’s grace is wider than we can ever imagine.

Leader: Come with your questions, be persistent, and have faith.

People: There is room for all of us in the abundant love of God.

Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.

People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
 
 Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13)
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
3. Into the city I’d follow
the children’s band,
waving a branch
of the palm tree
high in my hand;
 
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas,
“Jesus is King!”
 
*Hymn
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
1, 2, 5 UMH #138
WORDS: Henry W. Baker (Ps. 23)
 
1. The King of love
my shepherd is,
whose goodness
faileth never.
 
I nothing lack
if I am his,
and he is mine forever.
 
2. Where streams of living
water flow,
my ransomed soul
he leadeth;
and where the verdant
pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
 
5. Thou spreadst a table
in my sight;
thy unction grace
bestoweth;
and oh, what transport
of delight from thy
pure chalice floweth!
 
6. And so through all
the length of days,
thy goodness
faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I
sing thy praise within
thy house forever.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Mark 7:21-30
Jasper Brandt

For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” And when she went home, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.

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
Jesus Re-frames Faith
The Outsider Who Would Not Go Away
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Jasper Brandt

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
O How I Love Jesus
UMH #170
WORDS: Frederick Whitfield, 1855
 
1. There is a name
I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
it sounds like music
in my ear,
the sweetest name on earth.
 
Refrain
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!
 
2. It tells me of
a Savior’s love,
who died to set me free;
it tells me of
his precious blood,
the sinner’s perfect plea.
 
Refrain
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!
 
3. It tells of one
whose loving heart
can feel my deepest woe;
who in each sorrow
bears a part
that none can bear below.
 
Refrain
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

August Mission - B-COS We Care - Beyond the Classroom
(Formerly The Assistance League)
B-COS We Care about our students……..

As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

August 9, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Nancy Gehrung
 
Leader: Come, all who feel lost or far from home.
 
People: God seeks us with mercy.
 
Leader: Come, all who have been lost and all who have been found.
 
People: Heaven rejoices over every one of us.
 
Leader: Let us worship the God who searches, finds, and celebrates. This is the day the Lord has made!
 
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13)
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
3. Into the city I’d follow
the children’s band,
waving a branch
of the palm tree
high in my hand;
 
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas,
“Jesus is King!”
 
*Hymn
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
UMH #128
WORDS: Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862 (Ps. 23)
 
1. He leadeth me:
O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly
comfort fraught!
 
Whate’er I do,
where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand
that leadeth me.
 
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
 
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
 
2. Sometimes mid scenes
of deepest gloom,
sometimes where
Eden’s bowers bloom,
 
by waters still,
o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis His hand
that leadeth me.
 
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
 
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
 
3. Lord, I would place
my hand in Thine,
nor ever murmur
nor repine;
 
content, whatever
lot I see,
since ’tis my God
that leadeth me.
 
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
 
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
 
4. And when my task
on earth is done,
when by Thy grace
the victory’s won,
 
e’en death’s cold wave
I will not flee,
since God through Jordan
leadeth me.
 
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
 
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Luke 15:1-10
Nancy Gehrung

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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
Jesus Re-frames Faith:
Lost Things, Loved Things
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Nancy Gehrung

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
UMH #133
WORDS: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887 (Dt. 33:27)
1. What a fellowship,
what a joy divine,
leaning on the
everlasting arms;
 
what a blessedness,
what a peace is mine,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus.)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
2. O how sweet to walk
in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the
everlasting arms;
 
O how bright the path
grows from day to day,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
3. What have I to dread,
what have I to fear,
leaning on the
everlasting arms?
 
I have blessed peace
with my Lord so near,
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
Refrain
Lean - - - ing,
(Leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
safe and secure
from all alarms;
 
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
lean - - - ing,
(leaning on Jesus,)
leaning on the
everlasting arms.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Beloved Siblings in Christ,

August is a strange, in-between month.
Summer is still here. The days are still warm, the evenings still invite us outside, and there is still time for vacations, backyard gatherings, and a little more rest. But we can also feel fall approaching. School begins again for my children. Calendars fill up. The rhythms of church and community begin to return.

Before everything gets busy again, I hope you will take some time to breathe, to rest, and to reconnect with God. Notice where God has been present in the big and small moments. Notice the presence of God in the wind, rain, smiles, hugs, grass, bunnies, flowers, and in the normal everyday mundane moments of life.

This fall, we will begin a new sermon series exploring prayer: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it still matters.

Too often, prayer is treated like a genie lamp: say the right words, believe hard enough, and perhaps God will grant our wishes. But prayer is not a formula for controlling God or escaping the difficulties of life. Prayer is a practice. It is how we become more attentive to God, more honest with ourselves, and more open to the people and world around us.

Sometimes prayer changes our circumstances.
Sometimes prayer changes us.
And sometimes prayer simply reminds us that we are not alone.

As summer begins to wind down, I hope you will enjoy these remaining warm days. Take a walk. Sit on a porch. Share a meal with someone you love. Pay attention to something beautiful. Eventually, as fall approaches, I hope you will come back to church. Not because attendance is another obligation to add to an already crowded calendar, but because we need one another. We need a place to breathe, to worship, to ask questions, to receive grace, and to remember that we belong.

Wherever this summer has taken you, there is always a place for you here.

Rev. David Petty

Sunday School-

On Sunday, Sept. 20th we will begin a 6 week Sunday School study of the Lord's Prayer. We will be using the study book "Pray Like Jesus" by Don Underwood." It is remarkably simple and brief. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem: it is so well known that most of us never think about the words as we rattle them off. But the Lord's Prayer is both an insightful theological statement and, if recited daily, a powerful tool for developing a rich devotional life." The participant's book is available on Amazon. Please plan on bringing something for journaling. By that time, school supplies will be on sale so you can purchase a Composition Book or small notepad.

B-COS We Care about our students……..
As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

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.

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.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact

Sept. 13 Potluck - We will be welcoming everyone back from Summer Activities with a special potluck on Sept. 13th. Our main dish will be Mexican Fiesta... the church will provide the base ingredients (Fritos, rice, chili). A sign-up sheet for bringing the toppings will be on the Volunteer table starting Aug. 16th. If you don't want to sign-up for one of the toppings, please bring a side dish or dessert. Let's come together for food, fun and fellowship!

5:00p Youth Group

August Mission - B-COS We Care - Beyond the Classroom
(Formerly The Assistance League)
B-COS We Care about our students……..

As of May 2025, Beyond the Classroom has provided clothing to over 105,000 students. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, the program assisted students from 70 schools across El Paso County, offering clothing, hygiene items, and $75 Famous Footwear gift cards.

A total of 1,700 students received these items. In addition, 470 students from eastern El Paso County and additional students in our area received $75 Famous Footwear gift cards. Our four major events, held over nine weeks, took place at the Family Success Center, hosted by Pikes Peak United Way. While families selected clothing and hygiene items during the events, many also accessed additional services offered at the Family Success Center.

This program works closely with school counselors and liaisons in high-need schools, identified using federal free and reduced lunch data. Designated schools receive student allotments and are responsible for scheduling families to attend events. Beyond the Classroom is grateful for its partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and the Family Success Center, which provide valuable wraparound services for families in need. For the second consecutive year, Widefield High School also supported the program by holding a coat and blanket drive to help keep students warm.

Recent Program Impact

During the 2024–2025 school year, the program distributed 1,700 Famous Footwear gift cards, over 6,000 pieces of clothing, and 6,800 hygiene items to students in need. Beyond the Classroom also reached an additional 16 schools in the Pikes Peak region, distributing 470 more gift cards—all within an annual budget of $225,000.

August 2, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Dominick Nors
Crossing the Threshold
Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Leader: Come and gather in worship as we hear once again the stories of Jesus - stories that remind us to make room for both loving service and faithful listening.
People: We come to listen and to serve that our lives may overflow with love, grace, and understanding.
 
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
UMH #277
 
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
3. Into the city I’d follow
the children’s band,
waving a branch
of the palm tree
high in my hand;
 
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas,
“Jesus is King!”
 
*Hymn
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
UMH #103
WORDS: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867 (1 Tim. 1:17)
 
1. Immortal, invisible,
God only wise,
in light inaccessible
hid from our eyes,
 
most blessed,
most glorious,
the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious,
thy great name we praise.
 
2. Unresting, unhasting,
and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting,
thou rulest in might;
 
thy justice
like mountains
high soaring above
thy clouds
which are fountains
of goodness and love.
 
3. To all, life thou givest,
to both great and small;
in all life thou livest,
the true life of all;
 
we blossom and flourish
as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish,
but naught changeth thee.
 
4. Thou reignest in glory;
thou dwellest in light;
thine angels adore thee,
all veiling their sight;
 
all laud we would render:
O help us to see
’tis only the splendor
of light hidest thee.

*Hymn
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
v. 1-2 UMH #117
WORDS: Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps. 90)
 
1. O God, our help
in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from
the stormy blast,
and our eternal home!
 
2. Under the shadow
of thy throne,
still may we dwell secure;
sufficient is thine
arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Prayer
 
Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Dominick Nors
 
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

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offering

Doxology
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
 
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!

Scripture Reading

Luke 10:38-42
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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
Jesus Re-frames Faith:
One Needful Thing
Dominick Nors

Communion

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts. The pastor may lift hands and keep them raised.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Pastor: It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.
You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life.
When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast.
You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God,
brought us to a land flowing with milk and honey,
and set before us the way of life.
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
 
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Pastor: Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ.
By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church,
delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
By your great mercy we have been born anew
to a living hope through the resurrection of your Son from the dead
and to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
Once we were no people, but now we are your people,
declaring your wonderful deeds in Christ,
who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When the Lord Jesus ascended, he promised to be with us always,
in the power of your Word and Holy Spirit.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
On the day you raised him from the dead
he was recognized by his disciples in the breaking of the bread, and in the power of your Holy Spirit your Church has continued in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
 
People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pastor: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever.
 
All: Amen.

*Closing Hymn
Give to the Winds Thy Fears
UMH #129
WORDS: Paul Gerhardt, 1653; trans. by John Wesley, 1739 (Ps. 37:5)
 
1. Give to the winds thy fears;
hope and be undismayed.
God hears thy sighs
and counts thy tears,
God shall lift up thy head.
 
2. Through waves and
clouds and storms,
God gently clears thy way;
wait thou God’s time;
so shall this night
soon end in joyous day.
 
3. Leave to God’s
sovereign sway
to choose and to command;
so shalt thou, wondering,
own that way,
how wise,
how strong this hand.
 
4. Let us in life, in death,
thy steadfast
truth declare,
and publish with
our latest breath
thy love and
guardian care.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

July Mission - Ronald McDonald House & Family Room

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
In support of our mission, the RMHCSC cornerstone programs are the Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® (located in Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs).

Our core values provide the foundation for decision-making and building for the future.
· We lead with compassion
· We are deeply respectful
· We act with integrity
We are firmly committed

Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our purpose is to care for families with children who are ill or injured.
Non-Discrimination Statement

As our core values affirm, we commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all people.

The doors to our Ronald McDonald House® remain open for all seriously ill, hospitalized children and their families, ensuring they are together during a time of medical crisis. Just as accidents, injury and illness are the great levelers, so are dignity, kindness and equity.
As a temporary home-away-from-home, families stay within steps and eyesight of their sick child. All races, colors, religions, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, gender identification, gender variances, marital status, military status and/or physical or mental disabilities are welcome in the “House that Love Built”.

July 26, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Lu Petersen
 
Leader: Come and gather in worship as we hear once again the stories of Jesus.
 
People: We come seeking to have hearts that reflect God's mercy and hands ready to serve.

Leader: We will hear stories that challenge our assumptions and expand our compassion.

People: teach us what it means to truly love our neighbors.
 
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
 
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
v. 1-2 UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
*Hymn
The Church’s One Foundation
v. 1, 2, 5 UMH #545
 
1. The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
 
From heaven he
came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood
he bought her,
and for her life he died.
 
2. Elect from every nation,
yet one o’er all the earth;
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith,
one birth;
 
one holy name
she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope
she presses,
with every grace endued.
 
5. Yet she on
earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic
sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
 
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them,
the meek and lowly,
on high may
dwell with thee.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Luke 10:25-37
Lu Petersen

An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

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
Jesus Meets Us in Fear & Need:
Tell Me a Story
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Lu Petersen

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
UMH #664
WORDS: Omer Westendorf, 1964
© 1964 World Library Publications, Inc.

 
1. Sent forth by
God’s blessing,
our true faith confessing,
thy people of God
from this dwelling take leave.
 
The service is ended,
O now be extended
the fruits of our worship
in all who believe.
 
The seed of the teaching,
receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action
for God and for all.
 
God’s grace did invite us,
and love shall unite us
to work for
God’s kingdom
and answer the call.
 
2. With praise and
thanksgiving
to God ever living,
the tasks of
our everyday
life we will face.
 
Our faith ever sharing,
in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children
of each tribe and race.
 
With Your grace
You feed us,
with Your light now lead us;
unite us as one in this
life that we share.
 
Then may all the living
with praise
and thanksgiving
give honor to Christ
and that name
which we bear.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
The Church’s One Foundation
Quintet

July Mission - Ronald McDonald House & Family Room

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
In support of our mission, the RMHCSC cornerstone programs are the Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® (located in Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs).

Our core values provide the foundation for decision-making and building for the future.
· We lead with compassion
· We are deeply respectful
· We act with integrity
We are firmly committed

Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our purpose is to care for families with children who are ill or injured.
Non-Discrimination Statement

As our core values affirm, we commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all people.

The doors to our Ronald McDonald House® remain open for all seriously ill, hospitalized children and their families, ensuring they are together during a time of medical crisis. Just as accidents, injury and illness are the great levelers, so are dignity, kindness and equity.
As a temporary home-away-from-home, families stay within steps and eyesight of their sick child. All races, colors, religions, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, gender identification, gender variances, marital status, military status and/or physical or mental disabilities are welcome in the “House that Love Built”.

July 19, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
For the Beauty of the Earth
Quintet

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Leader: Come gather in worship as we hear once again the stories of Jesus.

People: Tell us the stories of hungry crowds, simple gifts, and the abundance of God's grace.
 
Leader: We come offering what we have.
 
People: We will trust that Christ do far more than we could ever imagine.
 
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
 
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
v. 1-2 UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
*Hymn
Open My Eyes, That I May See 
UMH #454
WORDS: Clara H. Scott, 1895
 
1. Open my eyes,
that I may see
glimpses of truth
thou hast for me,
 
place in my hands
the wonderful key
that shall unclasp
and set me free.
 
Refrain
Silently now
I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
 
2. Open my ears,
that I may hear
voices of truth
thou sendest clear;
 
and while the wave-notes
fall on my ear,
everything false
will disappear.
 
Refrain
Silently now
I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
 
3. Open my mouth
and let me bear
gladly the warm
truth everywhere;
 
open my heart
and let me prepare
love with thy children
thus to share.
 
Refrain
Silently now
I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
John 6:1-14
CLM Twinkle Gordon

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?”  Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all.  Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

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
Jesus Meets Us in Fear and Need:
Enough for Everyone
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory
It is Well with My Soul
Quintet

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!

*Closing Hymn
Leave it There
UMH #522
WORDS: Charles Albert Tindley, ca. 1906
 
1. If the world
from you withhold
of its silver and its gold,
and you have to get
alone with meager fare,
 
just remember in his Word
how he feeds the little bird,
take your burden
to the Lord
and leave it there.
 
Refrain
Leave it there, (leave it there)
leave it there, (leave it there) 
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
If you trust and never doubt,
he will surely bring you out;
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
2. If your body suffers pain,
and your health
you can’t regain,
and your soul is
almost sinking in despair,
 
Jesus knows the pain you feel,
he can save and he can heal,
 take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there.
 
Refrain
Leave it there, (leave it there)
leave it there, (leave it there) 
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
If you trust and never doubt,
he will surely bring you out;
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
3. When your enemies assail,
and your heart
begins to fail,
don’t forget that God
in heaven answers prayer;
 
he will make a way for you,
and will lead you
safely through,
 take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there.
 
Refrain
Leave it there, (leave it there)
leave it there, (leave it there) 
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
If you trust and never doubt,
he will surely bring you out;
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
4. When your youthful
days are done,
and old age is stealing on,
and your body bends
beneath the weight of care,
 
he will never leave you then,
he’ll go with you to the end,
 take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there.
 
Refrain
Leave it there, (leave it there)
leave it there, (leave it there) 
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
If you trust and never doubt,
he will surely bring you out;
take your burden
to the Lord and
leave it there. (leave it there)
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
The Church’s One Foundation
Quintet

July Mission - Ronald McDonald House & Family Room

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
In support of our mission, the RMHCSC cornerstone programs are the Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® (located in Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs).

Our core values provide the foundation for decision-making and building for the future.
· We lead with compassion
· We are deeply respectful
· We act with integrity
We are firmly committed

Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our purpose is to care for families with children who are ill or injured.
Non-Discrimination Statement

As our core values affirm, we commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all people.

The doors to our Ronald McDonald House® remain open for all seriously ill, hospitalized children and their families, ensuring they are together during a time of medical crisis. Just as accidents, injury and illness are the great levelers, so are dignity, kindness and equity.
As a temporary home-away-from-home, families stay within steps and eyesight of their sick child. All races, colors, religions, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, gender identification, gender variances, marital status, military status and/or physical or mental disabilities are welcome in the “House that Love Built”.

July 12, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Polly Cox
 
Leader: Come and gather in worship as we hear once again the stories of Jesus and of how one of his disciples dared to step out in faith, but also had doubts.

People: We come ready to follow Christ wherever he leads, trusting that his hand will never let us go.

Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
 
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
v. 1-2 UMH #277
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
*Hymn
Help Us Accept Each Other
UMH #560
 
1. Help us accept each other
as Christ accepted us;
teach us as sister, brother,
each person to embrace.
 
Be present, Lord,
among us,
and bring us to believe
we are ourselves accepted
and meant to love and live.
 
2. Teach us, O Lord,
Your lessons,
as in our daily life
we struggle to be human
and search for
hope and faith.
 
Teach us to
care for people,
for all, not just for some,
to love them as
we find them,
or as they may become.
 
3. Let Your acceptance
change us,
so that we may be moved
in living situations
to do the truth in love;
 
to practice
Your acceptance,
until we know by heart
the table of forgiveness
and laughter’s healing art.
 
4. Lord, for
today’s encounters
with all who are in need,
who hunger
for acceptance,
for righteousness and bread.
 
We need new
eyes for seeing,
new hands for holding on;
renew us with Your Spirit;
Lord, free us,
make us one!
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

A Word of Inspiration

Scripture Reading
Matthew 14:22-33
Polly Cox
Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.  And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
 
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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
Jesus Meets Us in Fear & Need:
Take Heart
Rev. David Petty

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

Giving Back

Invitation to Offering
Polly Cox

Offertory

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!

*Closing Hymn
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
UMH #452
WORDS: Ray Palmer, 1875
 
1. My faith looks
up to Thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Spirit divine!
 
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
be wholly Thine!
 
2. May Thy rich
grace impart
strength to my
fainting heart,
my zeal inspire!
 
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
pure, warm, and
changeless be,
a living fire!
 
3. While life’s dark
maze I tread,
and griefs
around me spread,
be Thou my guide;
 
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from Thee aside.
 
4. When ends life’s
transient dream,
when death’s cold,
sullen stream
shall o’er me roll;
 
blest Savior, then in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul!
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

July Mission - Ronald McDonald House & Family Room

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

In support of our mission, the RMHCSC cornerstone programs are the Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® (located in Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs).
Our core values provide the foundation for decision-making and building for the future.
· We lead with compassion
· We are deeply respectful
· We act with integrity

We are firmly committed
Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our purpose is to care for families with children who are ill or injured.

Non-Discrimination Statement

As our core values affirm, we commit to aligning our culture, business practices and the services we provide to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all people.

The doors to our Ronald McDonald House® remain open for all seriously ill, hospitalized children and their families, ensuring they are together during a time of medical crisis. Just as accidents, injury and illness are the great levelers, so are dignity, kindness and equity.

As a temporary home-away-from-home, families stay within steps and eyesight of their sick child. All races, colors, religions, national origins, genders, ages, sexual orientations, gender identification, gender variances, marital status, military status and/or physical or mental disabilities are welcome in the “House that Love Built”.

July 5, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Leader: Come as we hear once again the stories of Jesus, the story of frightened disciples, and a raging storm.

People: We come seeking the peace that only Christ can give.
 
Leader: Whether the waters are calm or the winds are strong, Christ is with us. This is the day that the Lord has made

People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
 
Threshold Song
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
v. 1-2 UMH #277
 
WORDS: William H. Parker, 1885
(Mt. 19:13-15; 21:8-9; Mk. 10:13-16; 11:8-10; Jn. 12:13) 
 
1. Tell me the
stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask
him to tell me
if he were here:
 
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
 
2. First let me hear
how the children
stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy
his blessing
resting on me;
 
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight
of Jesus’ face.
 
*Hymn
Do, Lord, Remember Me
UMH #527
WORDS: African American spiritual (Lk. 23:42)
 
1. Do, Lord, do, Lord,
do, Lord, remember me;
(have mercy)
do, Lord, do Lord,
do, Lord, remember me;
(sing the song, children)
 
do, Lord, do, Lord,
do, Lord, remember me;
singing do, Lord,
remember me. (oh glory)
 
2. I took Jesus as my Savior,
do, Lord, remember me;
(have mercy)
I took Jesus as my Savior,
do, Lord, remember me;
(sing the song, children)
 
I took Jesus
as my Savior,
do, Lord, remember me;
singing do, Lord,
remember me. (oh glory)
 
3. When I’m in trouble,
do, Lord, remember me;
(have mercy)
when I’m in trouble,
do, Lord, remember me;
(sing the song, children)
 
when I’m in trouble,
do, Lord, remember me;
singing do, Lord,
remember me. (oh glory)
 
4. When I am dying,
do, Lord, remember me;
(have mercy)
when I am dying,
do, Lord, remember me;
(sing the song, children)
 
when I am dying,
do, Lord, remember me;
singing do, Lord,
remember me. (oh glory)
 
5. I got a home in gloryland,
that outshines the sun;
(have mercy)
 I got a home in gloryland,
that outshines the sun;
(sing the song, children)
 
I got a home
in gloryland,
that outshines the sun;
singing do, Lord,
remember me. (oh glory)
 
*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.
 
*Announcements/Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Prayer
 
Prayer Song
Spirit of the Living God
UMH #393
WORDS: Daniel Iverson, 1926 (Acts 11:15) 
© 1938, renewal © 1963 Birdwing Music

Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
 
Melt me, mold me,
fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
 
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Pastor 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