Stout Memorial United Methodist Church 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com Satan Tempts Jesus February 22,2026 - Traditional Worship Ministers The congregation Pastor Helen R. Oates Ministers through Music Terri Bush ~ Choir Director Bonnie Leonhart ~ Organist Ministers Though Service Andrew Mommessin ~ Sound Coordinator Sarah Sisson—Communications Director Danny Stemple—IT Specialist Order of Worship First Sunday in Lent February 22, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude Bonnie Leonhart Choral Introit May the Peace of God Chancel Choir music by Lloyd Larson text—Philippians 4:7 Call to Worship Michael Floyd In this season, we worship remembering Jesus’ death in love for us and all people. Lent is a time of tears. But out of tears—joy is born—the joy of sin forgiven, hope reborn, and life restored. We stand in awe of God who brings joy out of tears, and life out of death. Let us worship with reverence. Amen. Hymn Amazing Grace UMH 378 Opening Prayer Michael Floyd O God our deliverer, you led your people of old through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide now the people of your church, that, following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns wit(h you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. from The Luthern Book of Worship, 1978, UMH p. 268) Old Testament Reading Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Michael Floyd The Young at Heart Joys and Concerns Morning Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen. Anthem Spirit, Now Live In Me Chancel Choir by Bryan Jeffrey Leech arr. Fred Bock Gospel Lesson Matthew 4:1-11 Sermon “The Whisperings of the Tempter” Pastor Helen Our Breakthrough Prayer Offertory 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 can be done on our website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give. Doxology Old 100th UMH 95 (During Lent, it is musically suggested that we refrain from singing “Alleluias”) Prayer of Dedication God of Mercy, you lead us through wilderness places. Use these gifts to bring hope where there is hunger, healing where there is pain, and light where there is despair. May what we give reflect our desire to walk more closely with you, even in the hard places. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen. Hymn Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley FWS 2112 Benediction 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. Where is mercy in the wilderness? This is a driving question behind the first Sunday in Lent. Every year, we begin Lent by joining Jesus in the wilderness, witnessing the temptation, and examining what Jesus’ temptation means for us. This year, we come to the wilderness afresh, ready to pay attention and encounter mercy at work in the midst of temptation, distress, and the help that comes along the way.