May 10, 2026 – "An Amazing Detour" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

The 6th Sunday of Easter / Mother's Day

May 10th marks the 6th Sunday of Easter. This week, in the sermon series "Surprise! The Unexpected Acts of God" Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "An Amazing Detour" will focus on Acts 16:9-15. The power of conversion is still God's building block to change the world one person at a time!

Notes from the Bench

This Sunday, we celebrate An Amazing Detour alongside Mother’s Day, reflecting on Acts 16:9–15, where Paul’s journey takes an unexpected turn toward Macedonia. What may have seemed like a change of plans becomes a moment of profound purpose—reminding us that God often works through life’s detours to lead us exactly where we are needed. In many ways, this echoes the quiet strength and adaptability we honor on Mother’s Day, as mothers and caregivers faithfully respond to the unexpected with love and grace.

Our musical selections trace this spirit of prayer, joy, and calling. The prelude, Prière à Notre-Dame from the Suite Gothique by Léon Boëllmann, offers a tender and reverent opening, inviting us into a posture of reflection. At the offertory, Albert Travis’s setting of Hymn to Joy echoes a sense of gratitude and shared praise. The men’s choir anthem, Wherever My God Calls Me, beautifully reinforces the theme of faithful response, even when the path is unexpected. We conclude with a joyful and lighthearted postlude, Does Your Mother Know by ABBA—a playful nod to the day that sends us out with a smile.

May this service encourage us to trust the detours, listen for God’s call, and give thanks for those who have guided us along the way.

Worship Service will also include the hymns For the Beauty of the Earth, O How He Loves You and Me, Hymn to Joy, and Open My Eyes That I May See.

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