A quote attributed to Jack Dempsey states, “the best defense is a good offense.” It’s an ancient principle used in everything from sports to military strategy — known as the strategic offensive principle of war. The idea is simple: when you take initiative and act proactively, you keep your opponent off balance. Instead of waiting to be attacked, you advance in such a way that the enemy has little chance to strike back effectively. A passive stance only invites pressure; an active stance creates advantage. The same truth applies to our spiritual lives. The armor of God includes many pieces designed for defense — the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness — but Paul names one piece meant for offense (not Oh-ffense, off-ense): “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). A sword is not for standing still; it’s for cutting through anything that would hinder our moving forward.
Order of Worship | Sermon notes printable for kids | Sermon Notes printable
Watch the service recorded at Trinity UMC, Woodward
Watch the service recorded at St. James UMC, Coburn
Watch the service recorded at Sprucetown UMC, Potters Mills/Spring Mills
Watch the pastor’s pre-recorded message at the bottom of the page.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ** Indicates last minute change
Laity are encouraged to consider taking Lay Servant Ministries trainings that serve their interests. Learn more at the following link: District Website Lay Servant Ministries Page
Harvest Home Food Pantry Drive – We are accepting donations of funds and non-perishable food items for our local food pantry through November 23rd at all our churches.
November 17 – Trinity Ad Board and Trustees Meeting at 7pm. All are welcome!
November 20 – Ladies Coffee and Conversation at St. James UMC, Coburn 9:30am. All welcome!
November 22 – Arts and Crafts Show at South Hills in State College. Sprucetown Church will have a table to sell hand crafted items. If you are willing to donate items, please bring them to the church by Sunday, November 16th. Thank you!
November 23 – Deck the Halls at Sprucetown Church after worship. Plan to stay for a little while to ready the sanctuary and entrance for the season of Advent! Many hands make light the work.
November 23 – Brush Valley & Penns Valley Thanksgiving Community Worship Service 3:30pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 127 S Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall. Join us as we come together as one community to worship and give thanks to God this season of Thanksgiving. Offering to benefit the H.O.P.E. Fund of Penns Valley.
November 29 – Deck the Halls at St. James UMC in Coburn starting at 9am. Many hands make light the work! See you there!
Save the Date: Our Advent Study begins December 1, 2025. To learn more about The Redemption of Scrooge, click here!
Scripture and pre-recorded message from the pastor’s office: