"Being Measured"

By Pastor Helen Oates , July 10, 2025

STOUT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3329 Broad St Parkersburg WV 26104

July 13, 2025 - Traditional Worship 10:45 AM

Ministers
The Congregation

Pastor
Helen R. Oates

Ministers through Music
Terri Bush - Choir Director
Bonnie Leonhart - Organist

Ministers through Service
Andrew Mommessin - Sound Coordinator
Sarah Sisson - Communications Director
Danny Stemple - IT Specialist

"SEE, I AM SETTING A PLUMB LINE IN THE MIDST OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL…"Amos 7:8, NRSV

Order of Worship
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates

Prelude Bonnie Leonhart

Choral Call to Worship “How Great Thou Art” (verse 1) UMH 77

Leader: And when I think that God, his son not sparing, Nancy Sams

People: sent him to die, I scare can take it in;

Leader: that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

People: he bled and died to take away my sin;

All Sing: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great thou art, how great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great thou art, how great thou art!

Opening Prayer Nancy Sams
We come to praise you, O God. We come to share worship together. We come out of habit. We come to see who else is here. We come wondering if we will really meet you here. Surprise us with your holy presence. May we be measured by doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with You. Amen.

Words for the Young at Heart—a plumb line

Old Testament Lesson Amos 7:7-17 Nancy Sams

Special Music R & R Roger Bush & Rick Poling

Joys and Concerns
Morning Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Lesson Luke 10:25-37

Sermon “Being Measured” Pastor Helen

Hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” FWS 2129

Response to the Word—Our Affirmation of Faith, The Apostle’s Creed Traditional Version
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.

Offertory R & R

Thank you for continuing to support the ministries of Stout Memorial. Those joining us online can take time to give as well. Giving can be done on our website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give.

Doxology UMH 94

Prayer of Dedication  

May our offerings, O God, build up the family of faith and extend your grace to the world beyond. Help us not to grow weary in doing good but to serve with joy and perseverance, trusting that the harvest of your Spirit will bear fruit in due season. Unite us as your new creation, measured and made ready for service. In gratitude, we dedicate all that we have and all that we are. Amen

Benediction

Postlude Bonnie Leonhart

Congregational Appreciation
The flowers on the altar this morning are given to the glory of God in memory of Ed Beary by Judi, John, Rob, Audrey, and Easton Beary.

If you would like to help place flowers on the Altar, consider a donation to the flower fund. The altar guild would like to invite you to sponsor the altar flowers. Each vase costs $25. When you sponsor the altar flowers, you may do so in memory or in honor of someone or a special event or anniversary. Go to stoutmemorial.org/altarflowers for more information.

The Stout Memorial Altar Flower ministry needs smiling faces to deliver Sunday flowers. A sign-up sheet is on the welcome desk in the Gathering space along with directions for delivery. Presenting flowers helps to create smiles.

Our Mission: We exist to see all people find Hope, Healing, and Wholeness through Jesus Christ.

A plumb line is defined as a piece of string with a weight attached to one end. It is used to test if something is vertical or to ensure that a structure is centered. It serves as a vertical reference line, always pointing to the center of gravity, ensuring everything is right and justified. Plumb lines are commonly used in construction and design to maintain proper alignment.