Stout Memorial United Methodist Church 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com “Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back but my face shall not be seen” EXODUS 33:23 October 18, 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 21st Sunday After Pentecost October 18, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude All Hail the Power Bonnie Leonhart arr Price 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 I Thessalonians 1:2-4 James Sams We always thank God for all of you when we mention you constantly in our prayers. This is because we remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope. Brothers and sisters, you are loved by God, and we know that he has chosen you. We know this because our good news didn’t come just in speech but also with power and the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. Hymn Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (Vs. 1,3,& 4) UMH 361 Opening Prayer James Sams Like so many before us, Great God, we want to see your presence face to face. We want you to explain our troubles. We want you to tell us why our plate always seems to be running over. We wonder if you see us burdened down. May we behold your glory, even in the changing of the leaves and be reminded that you hear and answer prayer. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Old Testament Lesson Exodus 33:12-23 James Sams 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 “Promised Land” an American Folk Hymn Chancel Choir arranged by Jay Hellums and Benjamin Harlan Mike West, Soloist Gospel Lesson Matthew 22: 15-22 Sermon “The Backside of God is Enough” Pastor Helen Offertory Where He Leads Me Bonnie Leonhart arr Kendall Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of Stout. Giving can be accomplished on our website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give. Doxology UMH 94 Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, use what we offer to encourage the weary, welcome the searching, and strengthen your church as a living example of hope. May our shared life together always point to Christ, whose love calls and sends us. Amen. Hymn To God Be the Glory UMH 98 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. Giving Thanks and Generosity If you do happen to be in a season focused on stewardship, remember: thanksgiving and generosity go hand in hand. In one of his final articles as Director of Stewardship and Generosity, Rev. Ken Sloane notes the power of saying thank you. Thanksgiving and joy are at the root of true generosity. We don’t tell people to be thankful as a transaction to receive their gifts. We start with thankfulness, because we have all been richly blessed by our Creator and our community, a community that chooses to follow God because we have been chosen and sustained by God. - Discipleship Resoources