State cut short the service (4)
I believe the answer is:
mass
This clue could be a double definition.
'state cut' is the first definition.
'mass' can be an answer for 'state' (abbreviation for Massachusetts). I'm unsure of the 'cut' bit.
'the service' is the second definition.
(kind of church service)
'short' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mass that I've seen before include "Matter; large amount" , "Religious celebration" , "Bulk - RC service" , "Large amount, body" , "Church service - crowd" .)