May 17, 2026 – "An Ironic Escape" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

The 7th Sunday of Easter / Mother's Day

May 17th marks the 7th Sunday of Easter. This week, in the sermon series "Surprise! The Unexpected Acts of God" Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "An Ironic Escape" will focus on Acts 16:16-34.

Sometimes those who seem free are truly enslaved, and those who seem to be in chains are truly liberated.

The Arts in Worship

          “Revealing God’s grace through our eyes and ears.”   

 For the past seven weeks, the season of Easter in the church year, our morning worship has brought the story of the early Church to life visually, musically, and through the Word as read from Scripture and proclaimed by the pastor. The altar and chancel have been draped in white and gold representing the joy and purity of the risen Christ; in purple to celebrate the faithful work of both Lydia and Tabitha; in the cascading, baptismal waters of a blue Macedonian river. Today, the cross is draped with a broken chain symbolizing that we all have been freed by the death and resurrection of Christ to live in a new relationship with God.

Notes from the Bench

Acts 16:16–34 tells the story of Paul and Silas, who, though imprisoned and chained, are spiritually freer than anyone around them, and whose midnight songs of faith ultimately lead not only to their release, but to the transformation and salvation of the jailer himself.

Our music today reflects this surprising escape from confinement to joyful liberation. The anthem, “Praise His Holy Name”, overflows with gospel energy and praise, reminding us that worship can rise even in difficult circumstances—much like the songs Paul and Silas offered from their prison cell. The spirited rhythms and joyful declarations embody faith that refuses to be silenced.

The offertory, “Fanfare on ‘Duke Street’”, brings a triumphant and confident voice to worship. Built on the hymn tune paired with “Jesus Shall Reign” in our hymnal, the fanfare reminds us that God’s purposes continue forward even when situations seem bleak or uncertain.

Our postlude, “When the Saints Go Marching In,” sends us out with joy, energy, and celebration. What better conclusion for a story about chains falling away and lives transformed? The saints keep marching—not because life is easy, but because God continually leads people from fear into freedom, from darkness into light, and from despair into hope.

The Adult Handbell Choir will perform I Sing the Almighty Power of God for the prelude. Worship Service will also include the hymns Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), and Stand By Me. The Anthem, Praise His Holy Name, will be sung by the Chancel Choir at the direction of Gavin Rittenhouse with Kylonna Leevy, soloist.

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