"The Foolishness of Faith"

Do JUSTICE… LOVE KINDNESS… WALK HUMBLY with your God. Micah 6:8

February 1, 2026 - Traditional Worship 10:45

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

Order of Worship
3rd Sunday After The Epiphany
February 1, 2026

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates

Prelude Great Is Thy Faithfulness arr.Arison Bonnie Leonhart

Choral Introit Bless the Lord, O My Soul Chancel Choir by John Carter

Call to Worship Psalm 27:1 Susan Woods
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Should I fear anyone?
The Lord is a fortress protecting my life.
Should I be frightened of anything?
I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy!
I will sing and praise the Lord.

Hymn The Church’s One Foundation Vs. 1,3, & 4 UMH 545

Opening Prayer Susan Woods
Lord, we often hear “be not afraid”. The angels sang it to the shepherds, Jesus said it over and over to the Disciples. But we are afraid. Afraid of not having enough. Afraid of not measuring up. Afraid of lack of employment. Afraid of the judgement of others. Afraid of the stances our government is taking. We are so filled with fear. Forgive us for not trusting you and living as though we do not know you and you know us. Renew our faith. Amen.

Old Testament Reading Micah 6:1-8 Susan Woods

Joys and Concerns

Morning Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Anthem His Eye is On the Sparrow Chancel Choir by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin arranged by Mark Hayes

New Testament Lesson I Corinthians 1:18-31

Sermon “The Foolishness of Faith” Pastor Helen

Hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus FWS 2129

Response to the Word—The Great Thanksgiving– Holy Communion Pg 15

Offertory As The Deer arr. Hayes Bonnie Leonhart

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

Doxology UMH 94

Prayer of Dedication
Steadfast Light of our salvation, in a world that trembles with uncertainty and teaches us to fear, you shine with unwavering hope. You call us to seek your face and trust in your presence more than in our own strength. Receive these gifts, given not out of fear but in joyful confidence that your love casts out fear and your grace makes us bold. Amen.

Hymn O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee Vs. 1 & 3 UMH 430

Benediction
May the Lord Bless You and Keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth Bonnie Leonhart

Congregational Appreciation
Unless otherwise noted on the Sponsor Sheet located on the welcome table in the Gathering Space, silk flowers will be used by the Altar Guild.

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.

The light has come. We’ve received the light and the call to bear the light to all the nations. Got it. Can do. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Right?! Well…maybe not. The rubber meets the road when we begin carrying the light into a world that likes to hide things in the shadows, push people to the margins, and threaten anyone who declares that things should be otherwise. We quickly discover that carrying the light doesn’t get rid of fear. But, as the psalmist demonstrates, the light does show us how to not let fear control us and keep us from living in the glory of God’s salvation.

Discipleship Ministries