Worship
Holy Week at SUMC
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gently and riding on a donkey…” (Zechariah 9:9) The greatest time of the Christian year, the week that includes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, begins on Palm Sunday. On that day, the Sunday […]
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Lent Sermon Series
He was not rich or educated, but was familiar with hard work. He was quick-tempered and impetuous, but possessed a passion that would change the world. He left everything to follow his teacher, yet struggled with doubt and fear. (from Simon Peter, by Adam Hamilton) Simon Peter was thirty years old, married, and had three […]
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Response From Pastor Steve Regarding the Special Session of the General Council
Dear Sterling United Methodist Church Family, On Tuesday, the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to adopt the Traditional Plan, which makes no changes to the church’s position on human sexuality. This decision affirms and strengthens the position that United Methodist Clergy do not officiate at same-sex weddings […]
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Sterling United Methodist Players to Perform “Godspell”
The Sterling United Methodist Church Players will present the musical “Godspell” on March 1, 2, and 3! This performance is a production of the 2012 revised version of the original 1971 musical composed by Stephen Schwartz. Godspell follows the story of Jesus Christ as he forms a community of lovable disciples, who teach lessons through […]
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King Street Bluegrass to Perform at Sterling UMC
Speaking about bluegrass music, bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe once characterized the genre as: “Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddlin’. It’s Methodist and Holiness and Baptist. It’s blues and jazz, and it has a high lonesome sound.” Bluegrass music is referred to as a form of American roots music, an offshoot of country music that was inspired by mainly […]
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Re-Imagine Your Discipleship Journey
By Vincent Williams, Director of Discipleship Fall’s programs are now in full-gear at Sterling UMC. Our adult discipleship and fellowship opportunities have all re-launched this week with our Growing Deeper at Ten small groups on Sundays and our newly reimagined Wednesday Night Fellowship starting tomorrow September 12. This time of the year offers us all […]
Continue ReadingThe Breath Of God, Listen
This Lent we will quiet things down and heighten our attention to the “still, small voice” of God and our own True Self. Listening through prayer as well as meditation on holy texts is an ancient Lenten practice. Come and rest, come and listen. Last week on Ash Wednesday Pastor Steve Vineyard introduced a new […]
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Trunk or Treat At Sterling UMC
Join us Saturday October 28 from 10 AM to 1 PM to and bring the kids to celebrate Halloween at SUMC with our annual Trunk or Treat event! We invite you to join us in your non scary Halloween costumes and visit the decorated trunks set up in our front parking lot to receive nut free […]
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The New Sunday Experience is Coming to Sterling on September 10
On September 10, Sterling UMC will unveil a new and bold “experience” that will enrich our Christian beliefs and strengthen our relationships within our church family and our community. We call this “The New Sunday Experience.” This summer, our congregation voted to accept a set of recommendations to help our church grow and create […]
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It’s Time for Summer Missions!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Sterling United Methodist Church kicks off its summer Missions program this Sunday with a commissioning of the mission team members at the 9 AM service. All […]
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A Return to Calm and a Big Thank You!
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 This week, as we wrap up the final clean up from the annual […]
Continue ReadingFather’s Day, You Can Thank a Methodist
Loving God, We give thanks for the men of virtue who have touched our lives. Those who have shown us kindness, courage, generosity, truth, compassion, faith, and love. Bless all sons and brothers and fathers and grandfathers who reveal a glimpse of your loving presence on earth. Amen (The Rev. Jane Sommers, a retired […]
Continue ReadingTeacher Recognition, Backpack Buddies, Grace Ministries
Last week’s Graduate Recognition Sunday post reported that our schools are teaching more kids than ever and according to the National Center for Education Statistics, total public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment reached a record 55 million in fall 2006, representing a 12 percent increase since fall 1993. Between 2006 and 2018, a […]
Continue ReadingGraduate Recognition Sunday
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, total public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment reached a record 55 million in fall 2006, representing a 12 percent increase since fall 1993. Between 2006 and 2018, a further increase of 8 percent is expected. Our schools are teaching more kids than ever. And, according […]
Continue ReadingThis Sunday Why Not Enjoy Lunch at Church
This week we have an opportunity for fellowship following our 11 AM Contemporary worship service. Our monthly pizza and salad lunch will be served in the Gallihugh Fellowship Hall at approximately 12 PM. All are invited to attend our 11 AM service and join the group for lunch right after. Or, if you wish to […]
Continue ReadingPentecost Sunday
The fiftieth day after Easter is known as Pentecost and this Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is one of the principal days of the Christian year and in the early Church was the second most important part of the Christian year next to Easter. The Greek word pentecoste means “fiftieth day.” Pentecost is the day on which […]
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Summer Musicians Wanted!
Are you interested in performing in church? All you need is the desire. There are opportunities for those with talent and those who just want to learn and develop! Sterling United Methodist Church has an awesome music program that includes the choir that performs at the 9 AM service, our Latino musicians at 10 AM, […]
Continue ReadingMother’s Day, GRACE Ministries, and Backpack Buddies
A Methodist woman, Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis had expressed hope that one day a memorial would be established for all mothers, living and dead. After Ann’s death in 1905, her daughter Anna began to work on fulfilling her mother’s wish. Anna envisioned Mother’s Day as a time to write a personal letter to your mother, […]
Continue ReadingMother’s Day has Methodist Roots
In the 1860s, before there was an official Mother’s Day holiday in the U.S., a Methodist mom named Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day.” Ann organized women’s clubs in the 1860s to serve suffering mothers and children and to work for peace because they could see the ravages of war in their husbands […]
Continue ReadingLessons of Easter Sermon Series Concludes This Week
29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. […]
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