August 9, 2026 – "Crowded Table" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

August 9th marks the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. This week, in the sermon series,

"Crowded Table", Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "Get Out of the Boat" will focus on

Matthew 14:22-32.

The most dangerous place in this story is not the water — it is the boat, where the

disciples huddle watching someone else take the risk of showing up fully. Isolation

feels like safety, but it is its own kind of drowning.

Jesus does not wait on the shore for Peter to get his faith together. He

comes across the water to where Peter is, and when Peter sinks, the hand that

catches him is already there. The community Jesus is building is one where

nobody drowns alone.

We welcome organist Peter James as he begins our service with the prelude music: Meditation on "Precious Lord " arranged Peter James.

Worship Service will also include the hymns He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and UMH 529 How Firm a Foundation

vss 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Anthem, Great is Thy Faithfulness, will be performed by Ryan Kelly, Gavin Rittenhouse, trombone and Laura Tongring, flute.

During the Offertory, we will hear Song Adagio from Chorale No. 3 in A Major by C. Franck. May today's music inspire gratitude, hope, and trust in the God who continues to guide us.

Come join us at 9:00 a.m. as we Worship Together this Sunday. We hope something in this music and message uplifts and strengthens your spirit. You are always welcome here.

📺 Watch the full service here: Link

📖 Download the bulletin: Link