June 7, 2026 – "Born Grabbing" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

"Born Grabbing"

June 7th marks the 2nd Sunday after the Pentecost. This week, in the sermon series, "The Wrestler", Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon " Born Grabbing " will focus on Genesis

25:19-34. We come into the world reaching — for security, for advantage, for more than our share — convinced that if we grab the right thing, we’ll finally feel like enough. God names the grabber before he has done anything to deserve it, and plants the promise in him anyway — not because of who Jacob is, but because of who God is.

The Arts in Worship

Today, the green on the altar and Tree of Life in the chancel remind us that we are

rooted in God’s love. They are living symbols of the beauty of God’s creation

and the believer’s ongoing journey of bearing spiritual fruit and growing in God’s grace.

Notes from the Bench

Our scripture this Sunday, Genesis 25:19–34, tells the story of Esau and Jacob and the life-changing moment when Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. This passage reminds us how easily we can lose sight of lasting blessings when focused only on immediate desires. One hymn closely connected to this journey of faith is “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” written by the great Welsh hymn writer William Williams, often called the “Welsh Wesley.” The hymn compares the Christian life to Israel’s journey through the wilderness, asking God to lead and sustain us with “bread of heaven” along the way. Its strong themes of trust and spiritual perseverance have made it one of Methodism’s most beloved hymns.

Today’s music also reflects joy, praise, and the greatness of God. The prelude, Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” comes from a larger church cantata written in 1723 for worship in Leipzig. Although the familiar English title was added much later, the music has become one of Bach’s most cherished expressions of peace and devotion. During the offertory, Darwin Wolford’s arrangement of “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” calls us to joyful thanksgiving for God’s care and provision. Our anthem, Craig Courtney’s arrangement of “How Great Thou Art,” beautifully proclaims the majesty of God through choir and soloist Kylonna Leavy.

The postlude, Handel’s lively “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” comes from his oratorio Solomon. The music depicts the festive arrival of the Queen of Sheba as she comes to visit King Solomon and witness his wisdom and splendor. Filled with joyful energy and celebration, it sends us forth, reminded of the glory, wisdom, and abundance of God’s kingdom.

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.

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