Stout Memorial United Methodist Church KEEP AWAKE 3329 Broad Street | Parkersburg | West Virginia | 26104 www.stoutmemorial.org | (304) 428 - 1179 | stoutmemorial@gmail.com November 8, 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 24th Sunday After Pentecost November 8, 2026 ORDER OF WORSHIP 24th Sunday After Pentecost November 8, 2026 Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates Prelude Bonnie Leonhart Choral Introit “Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving” by Nick Vangeloff Chancel Choir Call to Worship Jenn Floyd Family of God, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us! We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Sometimes we grow weary in the waiting, and we wonder if we are watching and working for nothing. We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Sometimes God surprises, and we are overwhelmed by joy and wonder at all God is doing among us. We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Family of God, whether you are weary or energized, worried or wonder-filled, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us! We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Thanks be to God! Amen. Hymn Stand Up and Bless the Lord Vs, 1,4 & 5 UMH 662 Opening Prayer Written by Thom Shuman Jenn Floyd You do not want us to be ignorant of your dreams and hopes for us, God of holiness, so you speak to us in parables, so we might pay careful attention to your words; you tell us stories about our grandparents in the faith, so we might become mentors to our grandchildren, and theirs. Filling us with the holy oil of generosity and grace, you make us ready to welcome Jesus Christ into our lives, and to open our hearts to those who are in need. On this day we choose to serve you, God in Community, Holy in One. Amen. Old Testament Lesson Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Jenn 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 “My God’” Chancel Choir words and music Stuart Townend Gospel Lesson Matthew 25:1-13 Sermon “Always be Prepared” Pastor Helen Offertory Bonnie Leonhart 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 Watchful God, you call us to keep awake—to live with open eyes and attentive hearts, ready to recognize Christ in the needs and joys that surround us each day. As we bring these gifts, keep the flame of compassion burning within us. Use these offerings and our willing spirits to bring light, hope, and welcome to your children. Keep us awake to your presence and faithful in your service, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn Surely the Presence of the Lord UMH 328 Benediction Postlude This morning, the flowers are given to the glory of God by Pastor Helen who is celebrating her 70th birthday today! 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 Keep awake, Jesus says, stay present. Pay attention to what is happening around you, in you, and to you. Listen to those who want to tell you their stories and hear the echoes of the story of the one who comes. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice: that’s the oil that brings light into a world too accustomed to darkness. “Keep awake” is a call to presence, to embodiment, to mindfulness. It’s not a selfish presence, however. It’s a presence awake to those around us. Bonhoeffer was speaking of this presence when he wrote, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) We don’t know what day Christ will return. We don’t know what day we will catch a glimpse of him in the people and the needs around us. We don’t know that it just might be this day. So, keep awake.