ISSUE 37, VOLUME 5CONNECTIONSOCTOBER 18, 2026STOUT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World Campaign of Generosity The fall fundraising for 2027 is based on the book by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree. We begin the 3-week emphasis on November 1st by remembering our Saints. It takes our alive and breathing Saints to maintain the ministry of the church. On November 8th emphasis will be on the book – how much do we give and why? On November 15th, because the church family has been so responsive to the needs raised by the Mission Team, the Team will host a Thanksgiving Lunch following our One Voice Service at 10:45 am. Last year, less than 30% of our congregation returned their estimate of giving cards. Let’s do better. This Week at Stout Sunday, October 18th 8:45AM Contemporary Worship 9:45AM Sunday School 10:45AM Traditional Worship 3:00PM Cantata Rehearsal 3:00PM Connect Group Pumpkin Carving 4:00PM Charge Conference 5:00PM Advanced Pickleball Monday, October 19th 10:00AM Walkers in the Gym 6:30PM Pack 12 7:00PM Troop 12 Tuesday, October 20th 8:00AM Preschool 10:30AM UWF: Lydia/Rachel 1:30PM Beginners Pickleball 6:30PM Presentation by Rev. Shauna Hyde “Compassionate Care” Wednesday, October 21st 10:00AM Bible Study 10:00AM Walkers in the Gym 7:00PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday, October 22nd 8:00AM Preschool 4:00Pm Quilting Group 5:30PM Beginner’s Pickleball 6:00PM Mission Meeting Friday, October 23rd 10:00AM Walkers in the Gym Saturday, October 24th 9:00AM Safe Sanctuaries Training Pastor Helen’s Weekly Scripture Exodus 33: 12-23 Matthew 22: 15-22 Volunteers are needed for Old Man Rivers Desserts and Deliveries this coming weekend! Please Contact Susan Woods 304-488-0356 It’s Scout Popcorn Time! Pack 12 and Troop 12 scouts are taking orders. This is the last Sunday to get yours!! Please reach out to Kim Mommessin (304-580-9479) to get yours!! Thank you for supporting our Scouts – you help them pop into new adventures! In Our Prayers this Week Tamee Bloom (friend of Kim T) Jim Bredon Michael Burton Karen Foss Betsy Jefferson Bill Keller Teddy Layton Markai & Family Brooklynne Meek Bud Meeks Kevin Mowery Jim Munchmeyer Hanna Myers Steve “Bear” Nadolson Joyce Okes Scott Petersen (Troop 12) Family of Helen Rumburg Family of Ann Simmons Diana Shepard Cheri Springston Bob Smith Andy Swearingen Dave & Pat Lucas Jackson Woods Louise – Friend of MJ Kolouch Judy Bennon Operation Christmas Child: Year-Round Packing Challenge October - Letter and Picture October’s Focus includes a letter and picture in your child’s shoebox. You are welcome to write your own letter, or we will provide a letter from Stout that you can simply add your signature to. Letters will be available in the Gathering Space throughout October and will also be available at our packing party in November In addition, we are short on a few items and would appreciate your help in collecting the following: Pencil pouches Nail clippers Toothbrush’s Flashlights Washcloths Socks Sunglasses Donations can be placed in the operation Christmas child collection area in the Gathering space throughout October. Thank you for helping share God‘s love, one shoebox at a time! Trick or Treat with Our Preschoolers! We’re excited to celebrate Halloween with our Preschool Ministry and invite our church family to join in the fun! Pumpkin Carving Tuesday, October 27 at 9:00 AM Come help us carve pumpkins with our preschoolers and enjoy some fall fun together! Trick or Treat Thursday, October 29 at 11:30 AM Our preschoolers will be dressing up and trick-or-treating throughout the church! To help us prepare appropriately, please sign up for each activity. A sign-up sheet, along with more specific information, will be available in the Gathering Space. Important: Due to food allergies, all food/candy treats will be provided by the Preschool. If you would like to help with the cost of the treats, or you may donate nonfood treats, donations are welcome but completely optional, there will be a box by the Director’s Office. Please do this by October 25thThank you for your continued love and support of the Preschool Ministry at Stout Memorial! We are grateful for the many ways our church family helps make these special moments possible.MISSIONSOctober 11 Don’t forget Undie Sunday! We are collecting new underwear and socks to help provide children and families in our community with basic necessities. Please bring your donations to church and place them in the Gathering Space. Every pair makes a difference! Thank you for helping us share God’s love in a practical way. SCOUT TRICK OR TREAT!! You’re Invited to the Scout Halloween Party at 6:30PM on Monday October 26th. Help us hand out Candy in the hallway or help with games in the gym. Dress up if you like! Call Kim Mommessin with questions 304-580-9479 October 11th, 2026Attendance The Gathering: 18 Traditional Worship: 50 Offering: $10,788.00 STOUT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3329 Broad Street Parkersburg, WV 26104 304-428-1179 Stoutmemorial@gmail.com Facebook.com/Stout Memorial Youtube.com/@stoutmemorialumc www.StoutMemorial.org