STOUT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3329 Broad St. Parkersburg WV 26104 Faith is taking the first step even when you dont see the whole staircase. -Martin Luther King Jr. August 10, 2025 – Traditional Worship 10:45AM Ministers The Congregation Pastor Helen R. Oates Minister through Music Terri Bush - Choir Director Bonnie Leonhart - Organist Ministers through Service Andrew Mommessin - Sound Coordinator Sarah Sisson - Communications Director Danny Stemple - IT Specialist ORDER OF WORSHIP NINETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude Bonnie Leonhart Choral Call to Worship “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” UMH 176 Terri Bush Leader: From the rising of the sun to where it sets, People: God, the Lord God, speaks, calling out to the earth. Leader: From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines brightly. People: Our God is coming—He won’t keep quiet. Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” verses 1,2,3 UMH 103 Opening Prayer Terri Bush We serve you, Almighty God. Your heaven and angels declare your glory. In our worship this morning help us to catch a glimpse of your goodness and grace. Yet we confess that we are too busy with our own lives to perceive you at work in our time. We fall into fear and despair about our troubled world, as if you had no care for us. Forgive our lack of faith and help us to join you as you labor to bring new life on earth; in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Amen. New Testament Lesson Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Terri Bush Special Music “Bright and Beautiful” arr. Mark Hayes for Flute & Piano Flute—Susan Woods, Piano—Bonnie Leonhart Joys and Concerns Morning Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer Gospel Lesson Luke 12:32-40 Sermon “Stepping Out in Faith” Pastor Helen Hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed” Vs. 1,2,3 UMH 714 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 “Mansion Over the Hilltop” by Ira Stanphill Autoharp, vocalist—Susan Woods Guitar, vocalist—Bill Smith 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 onour website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give. Doxology UMH 94 Prayer of Dedication Faithful and Gracious God, you have called us to be a people of hope, to trust in what we cannot see. As we bring these gifts before you, we offer not only our resources but also our faith – faith that you are at work in our giving, building a future of justice, mercy, and love. Bless these offerings, that they may be signs of our longing for your kingdom and our trust in your promises. Amen. Benediction Postlude Bonnie Leonhart Congregational Appreciation The silk flowers on the altar are placed by the altar guild to glorify and honor God.* 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. (No deliveries needed today) Our Mission: We exist to see all people find Hope, Healing, and Wholeness through Jesus Christ. Faith is defined as belief with strong conviction. It is a firm belief in something for which there may be no tangible proof—complete trust, confidence, reliance, or devotion. Faith is the opposite of doubt. Confidence or trust in God.