May 24, 2026 – "The Ultimate Surprise Party" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

Pentecost: The Ultimate Surprise Party / Aldersgate Day / UM Heritage Sunday

May 24th marks the Pentecost. This week, in the sermon series "Surprise! The Unexpected Acts of God" Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "The Ultimate Surprise Party" will focus on Acts 2:1-21.

All the astonishing events in Acts (and in the church since) can be traced back to this one surprising moment.

The Arts in Worship

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

This morning FUMC is ablaze with the Holy Spirit! From the doves flying around the column of flame in the narthex to the altar where the cross of Christ is enveloped by tongues of flame, we join together to celebrate the empowerment of Jesus’ followers to understand and proclaim His message of love and peace. Veni, Sancte Spiritus!

Special thanks to the children of our Sunday School class who created the doves flying in the narthex. They were filled with the Holy Spirit!

The Bulletin Cover image was painted by Fray Juan Bautista Maíno for a church in Toledo, Spain between 1612 & 1614.   

Notes from the Bench

As we gather on this Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Day Weekend, our music helps us celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit bursting into the world in unexpected and powerful ways. In Acts 2:1–21, the disciples are surprised by rushing wind, flames of fire, and the miraculous ability to speak so that everyone could hear God’s message in their own language. Pentecost reminds us that God still delights in surprising us—bringing new life, courage, unity, and hope when we least expect it. 

The music this morning reflects the presence and power of the Spirit. The Prelude, Meditation on “Veni Creator Spiritus” arranged by Paul Fey, invites us into worship with the ancient hymn “Come, Creator Spirit.” Alfred Fedak’s energetic Offertory, “Tongues of Fire” Dance, continues that theme with lively musical depictions of Pentecost’s flames and movement. The choir sings the energetic “Fill a Me Up!” while our congregation joins in singing hymns that celebrate God’s Spirit at work in our lives.

As we also observe Memorial Day Weekend, we pause in gratitude for those who gave their lives in service to our country. Charles Ives’ spirited Variations on America concludes worship with both patriotic celebration, reminding us of the freedoms we cherish and the enduring hope that unites us as God’s people.

Paul Fey will perform I Meditation on "Veni Creator Spiritus" for the prelude. Worship Service will also include the hymns Every Time I Feel the Spirit, In the Midst of New Dimensions, and Spirit Song. The Anthem, Fill a Me Up! by Pepper Choplin

Soloists- Gavin Rittenhouse and Lisa Rittenhouse

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