ST. GEORGE — At the dawning of a new year, members of the faith community of St. George gathered to bring unity and prayer for the city at the 10th annual “Prayer Over the City” interfaith meeting hosted by the St. George Interfaith Council at the historic St. George Tabernacle on Main Street.
Local faith leaders offered short prayers and speeches at the noon event, which began with Heather Sorenson’s “God of Heaven” performed by the Faith Community Choir. Approximately 14 faith groups were present.
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Videocast by Melissa Anderson, KCSG and St. George News
St. George Mayor Jon Pike shared the importance of tradition and faith as he quoted the third verse of the Catholic hymn “Faith of our Fathers.”
“Faith of our fathers, we will love,” he said. “Both friend and foe in all our strife; and preach Thee, too, as love knows how, By kindly words and virtuous life.”
Pike said he was grateful for the traditional prayer event to support the city. Having people with faith within a city or nation is what makes it stronger, he said.
Community faith members focused on various subject areas and groups of people as they said prayers in support of city needs at the beginning of a new year. Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Rev. Ralph Clingan shared a prayer to support the city and government leaders. He asked a blessing on the mayor and City Council.
“We pray Lord that you keep watch over them,” Clingan said, “that you continue to touch their hearts with your presence … Fill them with your compassion and your vision.”
Rev. Rickine Kestin of Solomon’s Porch Foursquare Church said she called upon God to support and help the homeless community within the city; especially, she said, with the addition in 2014 of the SwitchPoint Community Resource Center to help people find jobs and overcome various struggles they have in their lives.
Utah National Guard Chaplin David Jones represented the military as he offered a prayer and spoke of supporting those out fighting, as the war continues on.
“The wars are not necessarily over,” he said. “They are still being fought on battlefronts overseas, but, even more than that, these wars are being fought in people’s hearts, within their heads, and within their homes. It is with that thought that I offer a prayer on the military.”
New Beginnings Church Pastor Jonathan Hedren reiterated the same feelings for the heroes fighting to help within the community, also known as first responders. Hedren spoke generally of the attacks on law enforcement officers that have taken place within the nation and said such leaders should be treated with respect for the sacrifice they make to serve the people.
“They come calling whenever we call,” he said, “and my challenge to you this morning before we pray is this: When you hear a siren, pause and just pray for those in need. Pray for the safety of those responders that are risking their lives to protect and serve us.”
Other community faith members represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Catholic Church of St. George, Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Iglesia de Dios de la Protecia of St. George, Beit Chaverim Jewish Community of Southern Utah, and Unity Center of Positive Living.
Those representatives gave prayers in support of peace, positive thought, families, students, teachers, women, heath care providers and social justice needs.
“Today we are all making a difference,” Carmella Fitzpatrick, president of Unity Center of Positive Living, said, as she spoke and prayed for women within the community.
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The St. George Faith Community Choir performs at the10th annual Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 |Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
City of St. George Mayor Jon Pike speaks at the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City event, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 | Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
Solomon's Porch Foursquare Church Rev. Rickine Kestin speaks at the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City event, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 | Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
Utah National Guard Chaplin David Jones speaks at the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City event, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 | Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
Iglesias De Dios De La Profecia Pastor Diego Delagado speaks and prays for the Spanish community at the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City event. St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 | Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
Community members attend the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 |Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder of Beit Chaverim Jewish Community of Southern Utah, speaks at the Interfaith Council Prayer Over the City event, St. George, Utah, Jan. 1, 2015 | Photo by Holly Coombs, St. George News
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I think I’m gonna throw up
You need to grow a pair.
I think I’ll join you.
To each they’re own it seems they enjoyed themselves with songs and speeches I’m happy for them.. they had themselves a good time and thats all that matters
“The curse of mankind and the cause of most of his woes is his stupendous capacity for belief in the incredible.” H L Mencken
“The curse of mankind and the cause of most of his woes are people who believe in nothing but the great calamity that created this universe – that actually seems pretty incredible itself” Anonymous
Thank goodness for the rightous tha so respect for God. Thank you. The last time the lazy, sinning ,weak understanding, and none believers celebrated by showing their faith an anything, what really was nothing. Well that was in Noah’s time. Killed all mankind but a few righteous, now all the evil taken over again, can’t wait for the next round to clean house. Hallaljuia
I am surprised we don’t see Arthur McDaniel I I (Pike) busting a few dance moves to prove he’s shaking off the stench of Arthur McDaniel I (Dixie Dan) and proving he’s progressive. Nah! Ain’t gonna happen with Arthur McDaniel II
I wonder whicb one of their gods were they prayer to? Cuz I didn’t see Jesus mentioned once
Then you must not have attended. Yes, He was mentioned, praised and thanked.
You got that right, I didn’t attend. A bunch of Organized religions makes me nervous.
“Hate Obama, praise the lawd!”
In a building full of old, freaky religious zealots is a scary place to be.