Stout Memorial United Methodist Church 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com I am the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE John 14:6 May 3rd 2026 - Traditional Service 10:45AM 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 Fifth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude Bonnie Leonhart Choral Introit Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me Chancel Choir Written by Paul M. Vasile - Traditional liturgical text Call to Worship I Peter 2:9-10 Jeff Olson But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that we may proclaim the excellence of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once we were not a people; but now we are God’s people; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy. Hymn His Eye Is on the Sparrow FWS 2146 Breakthrough Prayer Jeff Olson God, breakthrough in new and miraculous ways at Stout Memorial United Methodist Church. Make us a faithful voice in our community, a people who love deeply, listen humbly, and grow daily in Your strength and love. Lead us where only You can. Amen. New Testament Lesson Acts 7:55-60 Jeff Olson 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 Be Present, Spirit Of The Lord Chancel Choir by Mary Kay Beall and text by Timothy Dudley-Smith Gospel Lesson John 14:1-14 Sermon “You Know The Way” Pastor Helen Response to the Word—Holy Communion Page 15 (Today Communion will be served at the altar rail. You are invited to kneel if able or stand. Pastor Helen will dismiss each table.) Lyric Video The Way Maker Leeland 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 UMH 94 Prayer of Dedication Way-Making God, your offer to us is not just to believe in heaven, but to live the kingdom life here and now. Through Jesus, you show us the way, the truth, and the life—calling us to deeper trust, wider welcome, and greater works of grace. As we bring our gifts, we step into that life, choosing generosity over fear and hope over judgment. Use these offerings, and use us we pray. Amen. Hymn Only Trust Him (vs 1-3) UMH 337 Benediction Postlude Let There Be Peace On Earth Bonnie Leonhart Congregational Appreciation The silk flowers on the altar this morning are given to the glory of God 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 info. Our Mission: Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World How do we know the way? Thankfully, Jesus gives Thomas (and us) an answer: I am the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Jesus, and we’ll know the way to the place where Jesus is going. Great. Now, how do we do that? I think it is interesting that Jesus doesn’t just answer that he is the way—he adds truth and life. It is as if to say, “I am the way, and to follow the way, you have to both believe the truth of who I am and live the way I show you to live.”