Stout Memorial United Methodist Church 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com NOT THAT I HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED ALL THIS, OR HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED AT MY GOAL. BUT I PRESS ON TO TAKE HOLD OF THAT FOR WHICH CHRIST JESUS TOOK HOLD OF ME. PHILIPPIANS 3:12, NIV October 4, 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 19th Sunday After Pentecost - World Communion Sunday October 4, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude Celebration for Trumpet Bonnie Leonhart Thygerson Choral Introit “Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me” Chancel Choir by Paul M. Vasile, text is liturgical and adapted by Paul M. Vasile Call to Worship Debby Matheny We live in a world that entices us with influence, power, and accolades. We choose to press on toward the prize of the heavenly call. Sometimes we find ourselves wishing for heaven without working to bring heaven to earth. We choose to press on toward the prize of the heavenly call to live righteously here and now. Other times, we find ourselves exhausted by working for the gospel, wondering if anything we do is making a difference. We remind one another to press on toward the prize of the heavenly call, leaning on Christ as the source of our perseverance and hope. Beloved, God calls us not to escape this world but to build the kingdom of God in this place and in this time. We choose to press on toward the prize of the heavenly call to embody God’s mercy and justice as we build God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Hymn How Great Thou Art Vs. 1-3 UMH 77 Video Chuck Loves Church – World Communion Sunday Opening Prayer Debby Matheny We give thanks, O God, that you are the Creator of the whole world and the peoples of the whole world. We give you thanks for this day where we can remember how large and varied is your family. May all of us press on in our various communities to shine your light of love. Because of Jesus the Christ. Amen. Old Testament Lesson Exodus 20:1-4,7-9, 12-20 Debby Matheny 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 “On Eagle’s Wings” Chancel Choir by Michael Jonas, Choral Setting by Douglas E. Wagner Scripture Lesson Philippians 3:4b-14 Sermon “Christ Grabbed Hold of Me” Pastor Helen Response to the Word – Service of Holy Communion UMH p. 15 (Communion elements will be served at the altar rail. Come middle aisle, return by side aisles. Fill up the altar rail by kneeling or standing. You may partake of the bread and cup as soon as you receive. Pastor Helen will dismiss those at rail.) Offertory I Love You Lord arr. Raney Bonnie Leonhart Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of Stout. It was reported at Administrative Council that we paid $9,000 more than we received during last month. Giving can be done on our website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give. Doxology UMH 94 Prayer of Dedication As we lay these gifts before you, free us from clinging to what we think gives us worth. Turn our eyes toward the future you are unfolding. Let our giving press us deeper into mercy, widen the circle of belonging, and shape us into people who embody your justice and grace. Keep us moving; keep us growing; keep us following. We press on toward your kingdom, trusting you to lead. Amen. Hymn of Benediction Shalom to You UMH 666 Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth Bonnie Leonhart We thank the Altar Guild each Sunday for providing a variety of silk flower arrangements on the altar to the glory of God. If you would like to sponsor a Sunday with an arrangement, fill out the sponsor sheet on the welcome table. 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 type of flowers, colors, and size of arrangement. Please use the 5 x 8 cards to leave specific information. If office is closed, place in the plastic holder affixed to the church office door. Our Mission Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World. For Paul, faith is a deeply embodied journey that calls us into the present, embodied reality of loving and living with God, self, neighbor, and all creation. We press on together here and now by the grace through which Christ saves us, the grace that gives us confidence and perseverance to continue. That’s the other thing Paul tells us—we’re not there yet! That is why we need one another. So, this week, consider using the following breath prayer in worship and throughout the week: (Breathe in) Help me press on, (breathe out) because I belong to Christ. May this prayer be a reminder that we are not alone—we belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.