What does God think when we laugh at someone else’s failure? How do we respond when the spotlight shines on another person’s shame? In this message, we explore what Scripture teaches about mercy, judgment, and restoration. There’s no fuzziness on the expectations. From the story of Noah’s sons and not making what is private, public, to the woman caught in adultery whose shame is intended to be public, and Jesus makes private, we’re invited to exchange stones of condemnation for hands of compassion. Whether you’ve been laughed at or been the one who laughed—this message will help you step into grace, walk in humility, and live out the love of Christ.

Order of Worship | Sermon notes printable for kids | Sermon Notes printable

Watch today’s service recorded at Trinity UMC, Woodward
Watch today’s service recorded at St. James UMC, Coburn
Watch today’s service recorded at Sprucetown UMC, Potters Mills/Spring Mills

Humor can heal or hurt, uplift or humiliate. What we laugh at reveals what we value and what we believe about ourselves and others. Asking ourself, “What would grace do here?” and doing that might be the difference between a wound and a way forward.

Key Memory Verses:

• Galatians 6:1 — Restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness…
• John 8:11 — “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
• Proverbs 24:17 — Don’t laugh when your enemy falls…

Weekly Practice Ideas:

• Fast from sarcasm for a day and note how it affects your conversations.
• Choose one person you tend to judge—pray for their flourishing each day this week.
• Memorize Galatians 6:1 and reflect on it whenever you’re tempted to criticize.

Watch the pastor’s pre-recorded message at the bottom of the page.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: ** Indicates last minute change

August 3 – Communion Sunday and we welcome Guest Speaker: Shannon from Keystone Family Alliance, an organization our churches support, will offer insights into the power of prayer and financial support is changing lives. [More: Keystone Family Alliance is comprised of representatives from different churches around the state of Pennsylvania. We aim to educate, motivate, and equip every Christian in the state of Pennsylvania on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, both locally and globally. Website: The Mission | Keystone Family Alliance] We will take up a special offering for Keystone Family Alliance this day and the following Sunday. 🙂

August 7 – Ladies Coffee & Conversation

NO worship services Grange Fair Sunday, August 17, 2025 at all Penns Valley Charge Churches. There is worship at the Grange Fair at the Southside Stage. See their schedule for details.

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Hayride & Picnic at Trinity UMC, Woodward – Sept. 28, 3pm (Raindate Oct. 5)

Scripture and pre-recorded message from the pastor’s office: