Apostle’s Creed – Traditional Version

Apostle’s Creed – Traditional Version

by | Mar 1, 2021 | Education, General Info, Worship

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

 

 

*Traditional use of this creed includes these words: “He descended into hell.”
**universal

These are the versions in the current United Methodist Hymnal.

Ash Wednesday 2021

Ash Wednesday 2021

by | Feb 13, 2021 | Events, Worship

Season of Lent

The Season of Lent approaches, and with it an opportunity to reflect on the state of our soul and how the Lord can help us become more like Jesus. Although COVID’s impact is diminishing in Southern Utah, there is still reason to maintain a spirit of caution for a little while longer. Our Ash Wednesday worship will reflect our commitment to the worship experience and safety as such.

I will be posting a video devotion on Tuesday about the need for Lent and some encouragement as we enter the season. I am hoping that everyone will catch the video and then come to our Imposition Gatherings at noon and 6 pm. There will be no liturgy; simply an opportunity to come, spend a few quite moments in prayer, light a candle and receive the imposition of ashes. Once you have received your ashes, head out the side door of the sanctuary and begin your Lenten discipline.

So, to recount our process…..

  • Watch the video devotion.
  • For all who would like to have ashes imposed, come to the church at noon or 6 pm.
  • Spend a few moments in prayer, for the church, for your loved ones, for our leaders, for yourself.
  • Come forward, light a candle to remember that Jesus is the Lord of both life and death.
  • Receive the imposition of ashes and head out to begin your Lenten experience.

Join us next Wednesday, February 17th and together we will receive the vivid reminder of our need to rely upon God completely for all we need, and in all we do.

All Hallows Eve

All Hallows Eve

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Worship

Christianity celebrates a very special season called All Hallows Eve, or All Saints Day.  This is a time when we remember the spiritual bond that remains between those who have died and those of us who miss them so very much. As United Methodists, we remember and give thanks for the lives of the saints and set aside time to especially remember those who have ascended in the last year.

On Sunday, November 1, 2020 we will be celebrating the lives of these special souls with a very special All Saints’  Day worship at both gatherings. We will lift up the people who loved without condition, who taught with gentleness and compassion and those who served faithfully in the name of God and Country, just to name a few.  We will have the opportunity to light a candle in their honor and dedicate the morning to a life no longer with us but a bond which still remains. We hope you will plan to be with us and there is one thing we would like to have you share on this day.

During the worship, we will be reading the names of some of those in our congregation who have passed in the last year. We invite you to add someone you have lost in the past year to our remembrance list. Please let us know if your loved one served in the military and if so, which branch. We will be reading these names as a group and ask that you only include one for the sake of brevity.  Call (435-627-8638) or email the office (shumcsg@yahoo.com), share that name with us and we will try to include it on our list.

This will be a service of tears and hope, and we know that our hearts will be heavy but we will once again hear the message of eternal life as well. Come and let us remember the saints who have paved the way for our faith and the hope they have left behind so that we may always remember to celebrate each other.

Week of June 6-12 News

by | Jun 10, 2020 | General Info, Worship

Some news and announcements for the week of June 6-12

Worship services are NOT open yet. Please read Rev. Michaels article. Link below.

Update on Reopening Worship Services  — by Rev. Michael
Please click here to read full article.

Basic Facts About COVID-19 — by Greg Fischer
Please click here to read full article.⇓

Click the toggle bars below to read more information
∨

News From the Media Booth - And Request for Volunteers

We hope you have been enjoying your SHUMC worship experiences, whether you are out camping, visiting family, or at home in your jammies. It has been a challenge learning how to stream and obtaining the right equipment to make it all happen. With all of the trial and error, our hopes are that you will agree we have come a long way. Our goal is to bring you as good of an experience as we can with the expertise and budget that we have.

With that said, we need someone that is willing to learn how to build the weekly services in our ProPresenter software program. This is actually the easiest part of the production, as it is done behind the scenes when the room is quiet and unoccupied. ProPresenter is similar to Microsoft’s Power Point and Apple’s Keynote programs but has a library for the hymns and songs we sing as well as scripture from three different bibles. It is mostly a drag and drop process. I picked it up in a couple of weeks but need to be absent for three to four weeks in the very near future. We have other folks that know how to do it, but are not able to participate at this time. If you or you know of someone who would like to learn this segment of the media experience and answer a calling, please let me know. Your time and talent is needed to help further the ministry of SHUMC. Until we meet again (soon, I hope and pray).

God Bless,
Steve Fassler

Use the contact form on the website to send an email for more information or to have Steve give you a call back.

From the Administrative Council

I hope you are fairing well during this crazy time. It has been a long time since we have been able to get together and our hopes and prayers are that we will soon be able to gather again. Please know that your clergy and staff are heavily burdened in trying to figure this all out. We met today at our staff meeting and we are hoping to have a plan put together so that we can resume some type of in person worship by the end of June or the first Sunday in July. Before that can happen, the plan will need to be approved by your SHUMC Administrative Council and sent in to the conference for their approval.

The plan will include sanitation protocols as well as new guidelines for ushers and greeters. How do we do Communion? How do we handle the offerings? All of these details that we have done in the past will need to be rethought in order to comply with the new government guidelines. It will take many additional servant volunteers to step forward so we can implement these plans and move forward with our in-person worship times. If you are interested in being a part of this new frontier, please give the office a call or email and let them know. In the mean time, and even after we return in in-person services, please continue to join us every Sunday morning for the live-stream. Theses streams are also archived on our YouTube channel for viewing at a later date.

God Bless and stay safe ,
Steve Fassler
SHUMC Administrative Council Chair

Don’t forget. . .

View our Worship Services on Our YouTube Channel

Office Hours are
Mon. – Wed. – Fri.
9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Follow our Facebook page for more bits and pieces.

Basic Facts about Covid -19

by | Jun 8, 2020 | General Info, Worship

A Message From Trustees – Basic Facts about Covid -19

by Greg Fischer

As chairman of the Trustees and as someone with a Master of Science degree in Microbiology, I was asked to provide some Basic Facts about the Covid – 19 virus.  I realize we are bombarded on a daily basis about this current pandemic.  Some of the information being repeated is scientifically accurate and some of the information is misleading at best.  My hope is everyone in the SHUMC family diligently observes safe practices because this virus is extremely virulent (infectious/contagious) and it knows no boundaries.

  1. COVID-19 stands for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.  The virus first appeared in late 2019 and quickly spread around the world.
  2. The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person.  This usually happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near other people.  Doctors also think it is possible to get sick if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.  This is similar to how the flu spreads, but the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads more easily and more aggressively.
  3. A person can be infected, and spread the virus to others, even without having any symptoms.  This is why keeping people at a distance is one of the best ways to slow the spread of the disease to others.
  4. Symptoms usually start 4 or 5 days after a person is infected with the virus.  In some people, it can take up to 2 weeks for symptoms to appear.  Some people never show symptoms at all.
  5. When symptoms do happen, they can include:
    Fever, Cough, Trouble breathing, Feeling tired, Shaking chills, Muscle aches, Headache, Sore throat, Problems with sense of smell or taste. 
  6. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  There are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the virus and spreading it.  These steps are a good idea for everyone and they are extra important for people age 65 years or older or those who have other health problems.
  7. To help protect yourself and others:
    • Practice “social distancing.”  It’s most important to avoid contact with people who are sick.  But social distancing also means staying away from all people who do not live in your household.  When you come in close contact with an individual, remember you are also coming in contact with everyone they were in close contact with (the circle of possible infection widens).
    • Avoiding crowds is an important part of social distancing.  But even small gatherings can be risky, so it’s best to stay home as much as you can.  When you do need to go out, such as for food or medicine, try your best to stay at least 6 feet away from other people.  Six (6) feet should be considered a minimum.  Virus particles are spread in a wide arc and can be spread over a significant area depending on the force of the sneeze or cough from an infected person.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water often.  This is especially important after being out in public.  Make sure to rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning your wrists, fingernails, and in between your fingers.  Then rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel you can throw away.
    • If you are not near a sink, you can use a hand sanitizing gel to clean your hands. The gels with at least 60 percent alcohol work the best.  But it is better to wash with soap and water if you can.
    • Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.  Anyone who’s tried this knows it’s difficult but try to make a conscious effort.
  8.  When experts recommend staying home, it’s important to take this seriously and follow instructions as best you can.  It’s hard having to change your life and habits, and it’s normal to want things to get back to the way they used to be.  If people stop social distancing too soon, more people will get sick.

I realize none of this information is new to most people; however, it seems few people in St. George are taking this seriously due to the low numbers of infected individuals.  Please be diligent, if not for yourself, for your loved ones.

Blessings,
Greg Fischer

Update | Worship Planning June & July, 2020

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Michael's Musings, Worship

Both Rev. Tim and I are very grateful for your Livestream attendance! 

These have been interesting days and I cannot thank our media team enough for the work they are accomplishing. It has been a work in progress for all of us, but we have sought to do our best to keep you in the heart of SHUMC worship even as we are apart.

Please note that for June we will continue Livestream as our only worship opportunity. The sanctuary will remain closed to attendance for all of June. Opportunities to be together will open up soon, Lord willing. This Sunday was a momentary exception with the courtyard communion stewards helping us prepare.

We are in the process of constructing a plan for the return to worship; no matter how we decide to reopen, there will be limits upon how we undertake this task. Both state and UM Conference guideline are keeping us at a 50 person occupancy with social distancing practices mandated. We are a congregation that has a sizable at risk population, so our aim is to keep people healthy while also examining the impact of singing, preaching, chair placement just to name a few concerns. The staff and some of the leaders will be spending a good portion of Wednesday morning plotting a strategy for how to gather and be safe. You will be hearing more soon so keep your eyes open and your hands praying for your leaders!

I wanted to thank those who were invited to help prepare the courtyard for our outdoor communion today; they literally scrubbed the area from top to bottom before the 9 am worship! It was a great effort and a special thank you goes out to the Wades, the Coles, Willis Digman, Jean Elmer and Marilyn Fassler. Rev. Buddy, your words were ever encouraging and thank you for leading us in the liturgy! And a thank you to all who came out to enjoy communion in the courtyard; it was great to see so many of you and may the holy meal strengthen you for the days that lie ahead.

Below, you will find our Trustees Chair Greg Fisher’s note on Covid 19 and why it is such a concern. Greg has his Master’s in Microbiology and is in a wonderful position to share some of the science about the pandemic with us. Please take a look and know that we are going to do our best to protect each other as we come back to the place that we so lovingly call our faith community.

Peace to all, and I know I will see you soon!
Rev. Michael

A Message From Trustees – Basic Facts about Covid -19

by Greg Fischer

As chairman of the Trustees and as someone with a Master of Science degree in Microbiology, I was asked to provide some Basic Facts about the Covid – 19 virus.  I realize we are bombarded on a daily basis about this current pandemic.  Some of the information being repeated is scientifically accurate and some of the information is misleading at best.  My hope is everyone in the SHUMC family diligently observes safe practices because this virus is extremely virulent (infectious/contagious) and it knows no boundaries.

  1. COVID-19 stands for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.  The virus first appeared in late 2019 and quickly spread around the world.
  2. The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person.  This usually happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near other people.  Doctors also think it is possible to get sick if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.  This is similar to how the flu spreads, but the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads more easily and more aggressively.
  3. A person can be infected, and spread the virus to others, even without having any symptoms.  This is why keeping people at a distance is one of the best ways to slow the spread of the disease to others.
  4. Symptoms usually start 4 or 5 days after a person is infected with the virus.  In some people, it can take up to 2 weeks for symptoms to appear.  Some people never show symptoms at all.
  5. When symptoms do happen, they can include:
    Fever, Cough, Trouble breathing, Feeling tired, Shaking chills, Muscle aches, Headache, Sore throat, Problems with sense of smell or taste. 
  6. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  There are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the virus and spreading it.  These steps are a good idea for everyone and they are extra important for people age 65 years or older or those who have other health problems.
  7. To help protect yourself and others:
    • Practice “social distancing.”  It’s most important to avoid contact with people who are sick.  But social distancing also means staying away from all people who do not live in your household.  When you come in close contact with an individual, remember you are also coming in contact with everyone they were in close contact with (the circle of possible infection widens).
    • Avoiding crowds is an important part of social distancing.  But even small gatherings can be risky, so it’s best to stay home as much as you can.  When you do need to go out, such as for food or medicine, try your best to stay at least 6 feet away from other people.  Six (6) feet should be considered a minimum.  Virus particles are spread in a wide arc and can be spread over a significant area depending on the force of the sneeze or cough from an infected person.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water often.  This is especially important after being out in public.  Make sure to rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning your wrists, fingernails, and in between your fingers.  Then rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel you can throw away.
    • If you are not near a sink, you can use a hand sanitizing gel to clean your hands. The gels with at least 60 percent alcohol work the best.  But it is better to wash with soap and water if you can.
    • Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.  Anyone who’s tried this knows it’s difficult but try to make a conscious effort.
  8.  When experts recommend staying home, it’s important to take this seriously and follow instructions as best you can.  It’s hard having to change your life and habits, and it’s normal to want things to get back to the way they used to be.  If people stop social distancing too soon, more people will get sick.

I realize none of this information is new to most people; however, it seems few people in St. George are taking this seriously due to the low numbers of infected individuals.  Please be diligent, if not for yourself, for your loved ones.

Blessings,
Greg Fischer