God of Beginnings – Genesis 1

This week we begin a new 8 week journey through the first 12 chapters of the book of Genesis. These are bedrock chapters for understanding so much of the Biblical story. We invite you to read along. This is incredibly provocative literature, but even more than that, this is God’s Word and carries the possibility of shaping us for God’s glory and neighbour’s good. It carries the possibility of a real hearing and encounter with our Creator.

Call to Worship – Psalm 16

¹ Keep me safe, O God,
    for I have come to you for refuge.

² I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
³ The godly people in the land
    are my true heroes!
    I take pleasure in them!
⁴ Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
    or even speak the names of their gods.

⁵ Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
    You guard all that is mine.
⁶ The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
    What a wonderful inheritance!

⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

⁹ No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
    My body rests in safety.
¹⁰ For you will not leave my soul among the dead
    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
¹¹ You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of your presence
    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Song of Praise – How Great Thou Art / How Great is Our God

Message – The God of Beginnings

Reflection and Prayer

“In the beginning God…”

How do you recognize this reality and live it? Where do you not and need a shift?

The message points out 4 realities about who we are which are implicit in the creation story:

• We are made in community (communion) for community (communion)
• We are blessed to be a blessing
• We are made by work for work
• God rests, we rest

If you were to do a little self-evaluation, how are you doing in these areas 1-10? What is a next step or two you could take to live more fully into your created reality?

Spend a few minutes going to God in prayer. Talk with Jesus as you would to a caring friend about what you see and what you would like to see in your life.

Benediction – Psalm 30:10-12

¹⁰ Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
    Help me, O Lord.”

¹¹ You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
¹² that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Feedback

We remain hopeful that sooner than later we will have the opportunity to return to in-person worship. We also know the many in our community participate in the Zoom services. We also know Zoom isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and/or doesn’t always work as it is time specific.

As we continue to evaluate and plan we would welcome your feedback. If you still use this site and find it valuable please like the posts and/or leave some comments during the month of June. If there are things you find most helpful (or not helpful) be bold and make comments. We are committed to run the Winnipegcovenant.ca services through the end of July which is the end of the Genesis series and longer if useful and needed but we need to make plans beyond this and need your feedback. Thanks!