Stout Memorial United Methodist Church 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com But the Lord stood at my side and gav me STRENGTH 2 Timothy 4:17, NIV September 20, 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 17th Sunday After Pentecost September 20, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R Oates Prelude “Celebrate Life” Smith Bonnie Leonhart Choral Introit “Now I Have Everything” Chancel Choir Words and Music by Charlie Yandell ad David Ingles Call to Worship Susan Woods In times of busyness and stress when we feel surrounded by challenges on all sides… We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. In times of joy and rest when we feel the goodness of God’s provision and abundance deep in our bones… We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. In times of conflict and distress when we feel just how hard it is to live in unity together… We gather to learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. Disciples of Christ, come, let us worship God who empowers us to press on… As we learn to strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. Praise Songs I Will Call Upon the Lord FWS 2002 As the Deer FWS 2025 Opening Prayer Susan Woods Mighty God, we enter your presence with thanksgiving and hope. You have formed us as your people. You join us on the journey of life through valleys, upon mountains, and on the plains. We set our attention and seek your wisdom, encouragement, and grace. Reveal your will and display your glory among your people as we worship your holy name. Amen. Old Testament Lesson Exodus 16:2-15 Susan Woods Word to 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 “Then Sings My Soul” Chancel Choir words and music by Stuart K. Hine; choral setting by Mary McDonald Scripture Lesson Philippians 1:21-30 Sermon “Stand Firm, United in One Spirit ” Offertory “Jesus Loves Me” arr. Paxton 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 Steadfast God, for us to live is Christ. In every season, you hold us, and in every struggle, you knit us together as one body. Receive these gifts as signs that we choose to stand firm, striving side by side, living as citizens of your kin-dom. Use what we offer to encourage the weary, strengthen your church, and bear witness that love is stronger than fear. Amen. Hymn Breathe on Me, Breath of God (Vs. 1-3) UMH 420 Benediction Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth Bonnie Leonhart Congregational Appreciation The silk flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by the Altar Guild The Altar Guild has partnered with Dudley Florist to provide our altar flowers. Two types of arrangements are available at $30 or $40 per vase depending on what the individeual wants regarding amount of flowers, colors, etc. For more information, contact the church office. There are new sponsorship forms on the Welcome Table in the Gathering Space. Our Mission: Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World Striving Side by Side One of the key points to remember is that we are not called to wear ourselves out. Pressing on is not about throwing ourselves against brick walls with no regard for our own well-being. Rather, pressing on is about persevering faithfully in love for God, self, neighbor, and creation. So, incorporate a breath prayer—a simple, meditative prayer practice—into worship and/or as an offering for the week ahead that reflects on Paul’s words to the Philippians and the theme of pressing on. For this first week, consider using this breath prayer: (Breathe in) We are God’s people; (breathe out) together, we press on. May it be so.