First United Methodist of Redondo Beach Weekly News for Thursday, 10 July 2014
Sunday, July 13
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in the Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Genesis 1:1- 2:4
Genesis 1: Heaven and Earth
1-2 First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.
3-5 God spoke: “Light!”
And light appeared.
God saw that light was good
and separated light from dark.
God named the light Day,
he named the dark Night.
It was evening, it was morning—
Day One.
6-8 God spoke: “Sky! In the middle of the waters;
separate water from water!”
God made sky.
He separated the water under sky
from the water above sky.
And there it was:
he named sky the Heavens;
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Two.
9-10 God spoke: “Separate!
Water-beneath-Heaven, gather into one place;
Land, appear!”
And there it was.
God named the land Earth.
He named the pooled water Ocean.
God saw that it was good.
11-13 God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties
of seed-bearing plants,
Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.”
And there it was.
Earth produced green seed-bearing plants,
all varieties,
And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.
God saw that it was good.
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Three.
14-15 God spoke: “Lights! Come out!
Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night.
Mark seasons and days and years,
Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.”
And there it was.
16-19 God made two big lights, the larger
to take charge of Day,
The smaller to be in charge of Night;
and he made the stars.
God placed them in the heavenly sky
to light up Earth
And oversee Day and Night,
to separate light and dark.
God saw that it was good.
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Four.
20-23 God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life!
Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!”
God created the huge whales,
all the swarm of life in the waters,
And every kind and species of flying birds.
God saw that it was good.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean!
Birds, reproduce on Earth!”
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Five.
24-25 God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind:
cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.”
And there it was:
wild animals of every kind,
Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.
God saw that it was good.
26-28 God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God’s nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
“Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
29-30 Then God said, “I’ve given you
every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds,
everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”
And there it was.
31 God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good!
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Six.
2:1 Heaven and Earth were finished,
down to the last detail.
2-4 By the seventh day
God had finished his work.
On the seventh day
he rested from all his work.
God blessed the seventh day.
He made it a Holy Day
Because on that day he rested from his work,
all the creating God had done.
This is the story of how it all started,
of Heaven and Earth when they were created.
________________________________
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary:
Genesis 1:1- 2:4
Verse 1
[1] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Observe here. 1. The effect produced, The heaven and the earth - That is, the world, including the whole frame and furniture of the universe. But 'tis only the visible part of the creation that Moses designs to give an account of. Yet even in this there are secrets which cannot be fathomed, nor accounted for. But from what we see of heaven and earth, we may infer the eternal power and godhead of the great Creator. And let our make and place, as men, mind us of our duty, as Christians, which is always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. Observe 2. The author and cause of this great work, God. The Hebrew word is Elohim; which (1.) seems to mean The Covenant God, being derived from a word that signifies to swear. (2.) The plurality of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The plural name of God in Hebrew, which speaks of him as many, tho' he be but one, was to the Gentiles perhaps a favour of death unto death, hardening them in their idolatry; but it is to us a favour of life unto life, confirming our faith in the doctrine of the Trinity, which, tho' but darkly intimated in the Old Testament, is clearly revealed in the New. Observe 3. The manner how this work was effected; God created, that is, made it out of nothing. There was not any pre-existent matter out of which the world was produced. The fish and fowl were indeed produced out of the waters, and the beasts and man out of the earth; but that earth and those waters were made out of nothing. Observe 4. When this work was produced; In the beginning - That is, in the beginning of time. Time began with the production of those beings that are measured by time. Before the beginning of time there was none but that Infinite Being that inhabits eternity. Should we ask why God made the world no sooner, we should but darken counsel by words without knowledge; for how could there be sooner or later in eternity?
Verse 2
[2] And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Where we have an account of the first matter, and the first Mover. 1. A chaos was the first matter. 'Tis here called the earth, (tho' the earth, properly taken, was not made 'till the third day, Genesis 1:10) because it did most resemble that which was afterwards called earth, a heavy unwieldy mass. 'Tis also called the deep, both for its vastness, and because the waters which were afterwards separated from the earth were now mixed with it. This mighty bulk of matter was it, out of which all bodies were afterwards produced. The Creator could have made his work perfect at first, but by this gradual proceeding he would shew what is ordinarily the method of his providence, and grace. This chaos, was without form and void. Tohu and Bohu, confusion and emptiness, so those words are rendered, Isaiah 34:11. 'Twas shapeless, 'twas useless, 'twas without inhabitants, without ornaments; the shadow or rough draught of things to come. To those who have their hearts in heaven, this lower world, in comparison of the upper, still appears to be confusion and emptiness. And darkness was upon the face of the deep-God did not create this darkness, (as he is said to create the darkness of affliction, Isaiah 45:7.) for it was only the want of light. 2. The Spirit of God was the first Mover; He moved upon the face of the waters - He moved upon the face of the deep, as the hen gathereth her chicken under her wings, and hovers over them, to warm and cherish them, Matthew 23:37 as the eagle stirs up her nest, and fluttereth over her young, ('tis the same word that is here used) Deuteronomy 32:11.
Verses 3-5
[3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. [4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. [5] And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
We have here a farther account of the first day's work. In which observe, 1. That the first of all visible beings which God created was light, the great beauty and blessing of the universe: like the first-born, it doth, of all visible beings, most resemble its great parent in purity and power, brightness and beneficence. 2. That the light was made by the word of God's power; He said, Let there be light - He willed it, and it was done; there was light - Such a copy as exactly answered the original idea in the eternal mind. 3. That the light which God willed, he approved of.
God saw the light, that it was good — 'Twas exactly as he designed it; and it was fit to answer the end for which he designed it. 4. That God divided the light from the darkness - So put them asunder as they could never be joined together: and yet he divided time between them, the day for light, and the night for darkness, in a constant succession. Tho' the darkness was now scattered by the light, yet it has its place, because it has its use; for as the light of the morning befriends the business of the day, so the shadows of the evening befriend the repose of the night. God has thus divided between light and darkness, because he would daily mind us that this is a world of mixtures and changes. In heaven there is perpetual light, and no darkness; in hell utter darkness, and no light: but in this world they are counter-changed, and we pass daily from one to another; that we may learn to expect the like vicissitudes in the providence of God. 5. That God divided them from each other by distinguishing names. He called the light Day, and the darkness he called night - He gave them names as Lord of both. He is the Lord of time, and will be so 'till day and night shall come to an end, and the stream of time be swallowed up in the ocean of eternity. 6. That this was the first day's work, The evening and the morning were the first day - The darkness of the evening was before the light of the morning, that it might set it off, and make it shine the brighter.
Verses 6-8
[6] And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. [7] And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. [8] And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
We have here an account of the second day's work, the creation of the firmament. In which observe, 1. The command of God; Let there be a firmament - An expansion; so the Hebrew word signifies, like a sheet spread, or a curtain drawn out. This includes all that is visible above the earth, between it and the third heavens, the air, its higher, middle, and lower region, the celestial globe, and all the orbs of light above; it reaches as high as the place where the stars are fixed, for that is called here the firmament of heaven, Genesis 1:14,15, and as low as the place where the birds fly for that also is called the firmament of heaven, Genesis 1:20. 2. The creation of it: and God made the firmament. 3. The design of it; to divide the waters from the waters-That is, to distinguish between the waters that are wrapt up in the clouds, and those that cover the sea; the waters in the air, and those in the earth. 4. The naming it; He called the firmament Heaven - 'Tis the visible heaven, the pavement of the holy city. The height of the heavens should mind us of God's supremacy, and the infinite distance that is between us and him; the brightness of the heavens, and their purity, should mind us of his majesty, and perfect holiness; the vastness of the heavens, and their encompassing the earth, and influence upon it, should mind us of his immensity and universal providence.
Verses 9-13
[9] And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. [10] And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. [11] And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. [12] And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. [13] And the evening and the morning were the third day.
The third day's work is related in these verses; the forming the sea and the dry land, and making the earth fruitful. Hitherto the power of the Creator had been employed about the upper part of the visible world; now he descends to this lower world, designed for the children of men, both for their habitation, and their maintenance. And here we have an account of the fitting of it for both; the building of their house, and the spreading of their table. Observe, 1. How the earth was prepared to be a habitation for man by the gathering of the waters together, and making the dry land appear. Thus, instead of that confusion which was, when earth and water were mixed in one great mass; now there is order, by such a separation as rendered them both useful. (1.) The waters which covered the earth were ordered to retire, and to gather into one place, viz. those hollows which were fitted for their reception. The waters thus lodged in their proper place, he called Seas; for though they are many, in distant regions, yet either above ground or under ground, they have communication with each other, and so they are one, and the common receptacle of waters, into which all the rivers run. (2.) The dry land was made to appear, and emerge out of the waters, and was called Earth. Observe, 2. How the earth was furnished for the support of man, Genesis 1:11,12. Present provision was made, by the immediate products of the earth, which, in obedience to God's command, was no sooner made but it became fruitful. Provision was likewise made for time to come, by the perpetuating of the several species of vegetables, every one having its seed in itself after its kind, that during the continuance of man upon the earth, food might be fetched out of the earth, for his use and benefit.
Verses 14-19
[14] And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: [15] And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. [16] And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. [17] And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, [18] And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. [19] And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
This is the history of the fourth day's work, the creating the sun, moon and stars. Of this we have an account, 1. In general, verse 14, 15. where we have, (1.) The command given concerning them.
Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven — God had said, Genesis 1:3 Let there be light, and there was light; but that was, as it were, a chaos of light, scattered and confused; now it was collected and made into several luminaries, and so rendered both more glorious and more serviceable. (2.) The use they were intended to be of to this earth. [1.] They must be for the distinction of times, of day and night, summer and winter. [2.] They must be for the direction of actions: they are for signs of the change of weather, that the husbandman may order his affairs with discretion. They do also give light upon the earth - That we may walk John 11:9 and work John 9:4 according as the duty of every day requires. The lights of heaven do not shine for themselves, nor for the world of spirits above, they need them not; but they shine for us, and for our pleasure and advantage. Lord, what is man that he should be thus regarded, Psalms 8:3,4. 2. In particular, Genesis 1:16,17,18, The lights of heaven are the sun, moon and stars, and these all are the work of God's hands. (1.) The sun is the greatest light of all, and the most glorious and useful of all the lamps of heaven; a noble instance of the Creator's wisdom, power and goodness, and an invaluable blessing to the creatures of this lower world. (2.) The moon is a lesser light, and yet is here reckoned one of the greater lights, because, though in regard of its magnitude, it is inferior to many of the stars, yet in respect of its usefulness to the earth, it is more excellent than they. (3.) He made the stars also - Which are here spoken of only in general; for the scriptures were written not to gratify our curiosity, but to lead us to God. Now, these lights are said to rule, Genesis 1:16,18; not that they have a supreme dominion as God has, but they are rulers under him. Here the lesser light, the moon, is said to rule the night; but Psalms 136:9 the stars are mentioned as sharers in that government, the moon and stars to rule by night. No more is meant, but that they give light, Jeremiah 31:35. The best and most honourable way of ruling is, by giving light, and doing good.
Verses 20-23
[20] And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. [21] And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. [22] And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. [23] And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Each day hitherto hath produced very excellent beings, but we do not read of the creation of any living creature till the fifth day. The work of creation not only proceeded gradually from one thing to another, but advanced gradually from that which was less excellent, to that which was more so. 'Twas on the fifth day that the fish and fowl were created, and both out of the waters. Observe, 1. The making of the fish and fowl at first. Genesis 1:20,21 God commanded them to be produced, he said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly - The fish in the waters, and the fowl out of them. This command he himself executed, God created great whales, etc.-Insects which are as various as any species of animals, and their structure as curious, were part of this day's work, some of them being allied to the fish, and others to the fowl. Notice is here taken of the various species of fish and fowl, each after their kind; and of the great numbers of both that were produced, for the waters brought forth abundantly; and in particular of great whales the largest of fishes, whose bulk and strength, are remarkable proofs of the power and greatness of the Creator. Observe, 2, The blessing of them in order to their continuance. Life is a wasting thing, its strength is not the strength of stones; therefore the wise Creator not only made the individuals, but provided for the propagating of the several species, Genesis 1:22.
God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply — Fruitfullness is the effect of God's blessing, and must be ascribed to it; the multiplying of the fish and fowl from year to year, is still the fruit of this blessing here.
Verses 24-25
[24] And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. [25] And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
We have here the first part of the sixth day's work. The sea was the day before replenished with fish, and the air with fowl; and this day are made the beasts of the earth, cattle, and the creeping things that pertain to the earth. Here, as before, (1.) The Lord gave the word: he said, Let The earth bring forth - Let these creatures come into being upon the earth, and out of it, in their respective kinds. 2. He also did the work; he made them all after their kind - Not only of divers shapes, but of divers natures, manners, food, and fashions: In all which appears the manifold wisdom of the Creator.
Verses 26-28
[26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
We have here the second part of the sixth day's work, the creation of man, which we are in a special manner concerned to take notice of. Observe, 1. That man was made last of all the creatures, which was both an honour and a favour to him: an honour, for the creation was to advance from that which was less perfect, to that which was more so and a favour, for it was not fit he should be lodged in the palace designed for him, till it was completely fitted and furnished for his reception. Man, as soon as he was made, had the whole visible creation before him, both to contemplate, and to take the comfort of. 2. That man's creation was a mere signal act of divine wisdom and power, than that of the other creatures. The narrative of it is introduced with solemnity, and a manifest distinction from the rest. Hitherto it had been said, Let there be light, and Let there be a firmament: but now the word of command is turned into a word of consultation, Let us make man - For whose sake the rest of the creatures were made. Man was to be a creature different from all that had been hitherto made. Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth must be put together in him, and he must be allied to both worlds. And therefore God himself not only undertakes to make, but is pleased so to express himself, as if he called a council to consider of the making of him; Let us make man - The three persons of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, consult about it, and concur in it; because man, when he was made, was to be dedicated and devoted to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 3. That man was made in God's image, and after his likeness; two words to express the same thing. God's image upon man, consists, 1. In his nature, not that of his body, for God has not a body, but that of his soul. The soul is a spirit, an intelligent, immortal spirit, an active spirit, herein resembling God, the Father of spirits, and the soul of the world. 2. In his place and authority. Let us make man in our image, and let him have dominion. As he has the government of the inferior creatures, he is as it were God's representative on earth. Yet his government of himself by the freedom of his will, has in it more of God's image, than his government of the creatures. 3. And chiefly in his purity and rectitude. God's image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10. He was upright, Ecclesiastes 7:29. He had an habitual conformity of all his natural powers to the whole will of God. His understanding saw divine things clearly, and there were no errors in his knowledge: his will complied readily and universally with the will of God; without reluctancy: his affections were all regular, and he had no inordinate appetites or passions: his thoughts were easily fixed to the best subjects, and there was no vanity or ungovernableness in them. And all the inferior powers were subject to the dictates of the superior. Thus holy, thus happy, were our first parents, in having the image of God upon them. But how art thou fallen, O son of the morning? How is this image of God upon man defaced! How small are the remains of it, and how great the ruins of it! The Lord renew it upon our souls by his sanctifying grace! 4. That man was made male and female, and blessed with fruitfulness. He created him male and female, Adam and Eve: Adam first out of earth, and Eve out of his side. God made but one male and one female, that all the nations of men might know themselves to be made of one blood, descendants, from one common stock, and might thereby be induced to love one another. God having made them capable of transmitting the nature they had received, said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth - Here he gave them, 1. A large inheritance; replenish the earth, in which God has set man to be the servant of his providence, in the government of the inferior creatures, and as it were the intelligence of this orb; to be likewise the collector of his praises in this lower world, and lastly, to be a probationer for a better state. 2. A numerous lasting family to enjoy this inheritance; pronouncing a blessing upon them, in the virtue of which, their posterity should extend to the utmost corners of the earth, and continue to the utmost period of time. 5. That God gave to man a dominion over the inferior creatures, over fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air - Though man provides for neither, he has power over both, much more over every living thing that moveth upon the earth - God designed hereby to put an honour upon man, that he might find himself the more strongly obliged to bring honour to his Maker.
Verses 29-30
[29] And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [30] And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
We have here the third part of the sixth day's work, which was not any new creation, but a gracious provision of food for all flesh, Psalms 136:25.-Here is, 1. Food provided for man, Genesis 1:29. herbs and fruits must be his meat, including corn, and all the products of the earth. And before the earth was deluged, much more before it was cursed for man's sake, its fruits no doubt, were more pleasing to the taste, and more strengthening and nourishing to the body. 2. Food provided for the beasts, Genesis 1:30. Doth God take care of oxen? Yes, certainly, he provides food convenient for them; and not for oxen only that were used in his sacrifices, and man's service, but even the young lions and the young ravens are the care of his providence, they ask and have their meat from God.
Verse 31
[31] And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
We have here the approbation and conclusion of the whole work of creation. Observe, 1. The review God took of his work, he saw every thing that he had made - So he doth still; all the works of his hands are under his eye; he that made all sees all. 2. The complacency God took in his work. When we come to review our works we find to our shame, that much has been very bad; but when God reviewed his, all was very good. 1. It was good. Good, for it is all agreeable to the mind of the creator. Good, for it answers the end of its creation. Good, for it is serviceable to man, whom God had appointed lord of the visible creation. Good, for it is all for God's glory; there is that in the whole visible creation which is a demonstration of God's being and perfections, and which tends to beget in the soul of man a religious regard to him. 2. It was very good - Of each day's work (except the second) it was said that it was good, but now it is very good. For, 1. Now man was made, who was the chief of the ways of God, the visible image of the Creator's glory, 2. Now All was made, every part was good, but all together very good. The glory and goodness, the beauty and harmony of God's works both of providence and grace, as this of creation, will best appear when they are perfected. 3. The time when this work was concluded.
The evening and the morning were the sixth day — So that in six days God made the world. We are not to think but that God could have made the world in an instant: but he did it in six days, that he might shew himself a free agent, doing his own work, both in his own way, and in his own time; that his wisdom, power and goodness, might appear to us, and be meditated upon by us, the more distinctly; and that he might set us an example of working six days, and resting the seventh. And now as God reviewed his work, let us review our meditations upon it; let us stir up ourselves, and all that is within us, to worship him that made the, heaven, earth, and sea, and the fountains of waters. All his works in all places of his dominion bless him, and therefore bless thou the Lord, O my soul.
Verses 1-3
[1] Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. [2] And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. [3] And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
We have here, (1.) The settlement of the kingdom of nature, in God's resting from the work of creation, Genesis 2:1,2. Where observe, 1. That the creatures made both in heaven and earth, are the hosts or armies of them, which speaks them numerous, but marshalled, disciplined, and under command. God useth them as his hosts for the defence of his people, and the destruction of his enemies. 2. That the heavens and the earth are finished pieces, and so are all the creatures in them. So perfect is God's work that nothing can be added to it or taken from it, Ecclesiastes 3:14. 3. That after the end of the first six days, God ceased from all work of creation. He hath so ended his work, as that though in his providence he worketh hitherto, John 5:17. preserving and governing all the creatures, yet he doth not make any new species of creatures. 4. That the eternal God, tho' infinitely happy in himself, yet took a satisfaction in the work of his own hands. He did not rest as one weary, but as one well-pleased with the instances of his own goodness. (2.) The commencement of the kingdom of grace, in the sanctification of the sabbath day, Genesis 2:3. He rested on that day, and took a complacency in his creatures, and then sanctified it, and appointed us on that day to rest and take a complacency in the Creator; and his rest is in the fourth commandment made a reason for ours after six days labour. Observe, 1. That the solemn observation of one day in seven as a day of holy rest, and holy work, is the indispensible duty of all those to whom God has revealed his holy sabbaths. 2. That sabbaths are as ancient as the world. 3. That the sabbath of the Lord is truly honourable, and we have reason to honour it; honour it for the sake of its antiquity, its great author, and the sanctification of the first sabbath by the holy God himself, and in obedience to him, by our first parents in innocency.
Verses 4-7
[4] These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, [5] And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. [6] But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. [7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
In these verses, 1. Here is a name given to the Creator, which we have not yet met with, Jehovah. The LORD in capital letters, is constantly used in our English translation, for Jehovah. This is that great and incommunicable name of God, which speaks his having his being of himself, and his giving being to all things. It properly means, He that was, and that is, and that is to come. 2. Further notice taken of the production of plants and herbs, because they were made to be food for man. 3. A more particular account of the creation of man, Genesis 2:7. Man is a little world, consisting of heaven and earth, soul and body. Here we have all account of the original of both, and the putting of both together: The Lord God, the great fountain of being and power, formed man. Of the other creatures it is said, they were created and made; but of man, that he was formed, which notes a gradual process in the work with great accuracy and exactness. To express the creation of this new thing, he takes a new word: a word (some think) borrowed from the potter's forming his vessel upon the wheel. The body of man is curiously wrought. And the soul takes its rise from the breath of heaven. It came immediately from God; he gave it to be put into the body, Ecclesiastes 12:7 as afterwards he gave the tables of stone of his own writing to be put into the ark. 'Tis by it that man is a living soul, that is, a living man. The body would be a worthless, useless carcase, if the soul did not animate it.
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In This Issue
eScrip
20/30 Group
From the Lay Leader
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
www.beachfaith.org
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Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets each Thursday at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
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A Church That Responds to the Needs of the CommunityEvery Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community.
(Click the logo for more information.)
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Groceries = $$$ for Church
Looking for an easy way to support our church? Now you can do your grocery shopping and the store will give a percentage back to FUMCRB! Click the image on the left to learn how you can sign up for this easy giving program. Our Stewardship Team can answer any questions!
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WANT TO STAY CURRENT ON ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS?
CLICK THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here. ________________________________
20/30 group: A new group is starting at FUMCRB - the 20/30 group is a casual gathering of people in their 20's and 30's looking to connect with other young adults who attend the same church. Contact Amanda Kuczun for info on upcoming events!
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4th (and 5th) of July Parking Lot Fundraiser
Thanks to help from our volunteers--Jim Howard, Arnie Sachs, Paul Caldwell & Ofa Tuuholoaki--we raised just over $1600, parking cars in our lot over the July 4 weekend.
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Attention sports fans!!The Membership Committee is looking into starting a FUMCRB softball team this fall and would like to gauge interest. It will be open to men and women 18 years of age or older. All skill levels are welcome. All you need is the desire to play. If interested please email Troy Thomas here and indicate the days/times that you would be available.
Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and our Facebook page
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Caroline and our youth group on a Sierra Service Project in 2006Generations & Celebrations
We've been digging through old photos, preparing to celebrate Caroline's ministry with our congregation this Sunday, as she ends her time as Director of Youth Ministry. It's fun to see who has changed, and how we've grown; most fun for me, though, has been noticing very familiar faces in the photos. Among the young faces of nearly a decade ago are the faces of young adults who are leading our Vacation Bible School, teaching Sunday School, sharing in worship. Among the faces of the adult volunteers are faithful members of the church from all generations.
One of the things I most love about our youth group is watching how the kids raised in it look out for each other--how they learn the joy of including and inviting others to be apart of the community. It's a lesson that can inspire all of us, as we seek to be (always) a community of welcome and love.
Amid my own sadness as Caroline's leaving this job, I have tremendous, hope-filled faith in the future flourishing of our youth ministry. The relationships she's helped build among generations of young people are a powerful gift and foundation that give me confidence in the amazing things that will come.
(Also, I'm tremendously inspired by the team of adult volunteers and youth that Caroline has assembled for this transition time, as we seek our next Youth Director. But more on that later...)
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
We continue our summer worship schedule this Sunday, with services at 8:30 and 10:30. This Sunday, we start a series of sermons with themes that connect our scriptures to lessons "The Jungle Book." I think it will be a fresh and fun way to share some of the messages that are at the heart of our Gospel. I hope to see you there!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
(310)372-8445 x 102
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Aloha, Caroline!
On Sunday, July 13, we are planning a lunchtime celebration to
honor and thank Caroline for her 9 years as Director of Youth Ministry here.The lunch will be catered with Hawaiian food, for $10 ($5 for kids). We're grateful for everyone who has reserved a spot--some additional space will be available on Sunday, too.
We will have a basket out to receive cards and a love offering for Caroline; even if you are not able to be present Sunday, you can get cards to her through the office.
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Sunday Schedule Updates:
Social Hour Between Services
Beginning on July 13, we will host a special Social Hour between our worship services (between 9:15 and 10:30). We hope it will provide occasions to share in conversation and fellowship with others in the congregation. There will be good coffee, lemonade or punch and some snacks. Our Church Council is helping host our first Social Hour this Sunday!Beginning July 13, we will also have a special Social Hour Forum from 10-10:30 in Epworth Lounge. Each week, we'll have a different topic; anyone is welcome to participate in this conversation.
We will also open our Heath Chapel as a prayer space, with interactive prayer stations designed by our Summer Interns. It will be open during the whole Social Hour.
Between July 13 and August 10, our Children's Ministry will host an extra time of Sunday School, starting at 10. The kids will then come down to join us for the beginning of worship at 10:30, and return to Sunday School after the Children's Time, for the rest of the worship hour. Their lessons will be shaped around "The Jungle Book," in these weeks before our new Theatre Arts Camp.
Forum on Worship with Pastor Molly
On July 13, our Social Hour Forum will be a conversation with Pastor Molly about Worship - in advance of our Church Council meeting for July, we seek more input and feedback from the congregation about our Sunday Schedule. We plan to decide whether to keep just two services on Sundays, or return to three, for the fall. All are welcome; if you are not able to make this gathering, but have something to add to the conversation, please contact Pastor Molly.
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It all begins this week! It's time for an adventure! One that involves friendship and fun! Preparation for our Disney's Jungle Book Kids Production begins this Sunday at 10am as our performers JOIN our Sunday School class for a biblical lesson on God's creation. Be there at 10am for a special craft activity and fellowship time. During the 10:30am service we'll dive deeper into the story and learn more about "God's Creation." This special Sunday School opportunity is for kids age 3-6th grade, July 13-August 10.
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Only 4 more weeks till our Theatre Arts camp!
only 7 more spots available, for kids entering 1-6th grade!!
(the Preschool section is now full)
Youth Volunteer registration is available on our website. Find a place on our Tech Crew as a Script supervisor, Choreography assistant, Prop manager, sound technician and more...
Register now!
During our weeklong Day Camp (August 4th - 8th), kids will practice teamwork and cooperation as they prepare a professional production of "Disney's The Jungle Book Kids."
Visit our website for more information
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A Farewell Celebration for Linda and Dr. JeanetteOn Sunday, July 27, we will have a lunchtime party honoring Linda Waterman at her retirement, and honoring Dr. Jeanette Yaryan as she moves on to next adventures.
Besides sharing lunch together, we're planning some good, musical fun--including an opportunity for anyone to "join the choir" as we sing through a couple favorite anthems.
Everyone's welcome to be a part of the fun!!
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SEND A NOTE OF LOVE...Our very own Erin South is working for the Sierra Service Project as a Construction Coordinator at the Walker River summer site. She has been there for a few weeks, and has about 4 more to go. At SSP, getting mail is a very fun and exciting thing. If you'd like to send Erin a note or small package as encouragement, she'd probably TREASURE it!
Here's the address: Erin South
Sierra Service Project
General Delivery
Schurz, NV 89427
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The Tuuholoaki family kicked off the summer by hosting our LemonAid stand at their 4th of July Block Party "On July 4th we toasted the country's birthday over some ice cold lemonade! ...We set up the canopy, pulled some chairs, set up the lemonade stand and were ready to go! Although there were many other booths with varying treats, games and foods our Lemon-aid Stand definitely turned heads."... read the rest here.... And get inspired!
3 different families will host stands this weekend! :)
Be apart of this Summer mission...Our Children's Ministry invites people of all ages to join in to host LemonAid stands in your neighborhood this summer. We have all the supplies--and can even recruit kids to help--so you can be a part of helping with this effort to support the Imagine No Malaria campaign. (Read more about INM here.)
Please sign up for LemonAid Stand to end Malaria -
here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot.
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
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Summer Worship Schedule
We will have TWO worship services through the summer: a casual worship service in Epworth Lounge at 8:30, and a festive combined community worship service in the sanctuary at 10:30. Join us for these exciting upcoming Sundays:
July 13 - We begin a series of sermons with themes drawn from "The Jungle Book" - starting off with a reminder that "All the World is God's Creation." After worship, we will celebrate Caroline's ministry as we wish her "Aloha."
July 20 - Rev. Nicole Reilley will be back to preaching on the advice to "Be Careful Who You Trust." (Pastor Molly will be with the youth on an SSP trip.)
July 27 - Pastor Molly will preach, "Don't worry about 'Stuff'" and we will celebrate the worship gifts of Linda and Dr. Jeanette with extra-special music.
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Worship Helpers Needed: Liturgists and communion servers for 8:30 & 10:30 worship throughout the summer. If you are available to help out, pleas sign up here. Junior and Senior High youth are encouraged to help, too! We also need videographers in the balcony and sound/computer operators downstairs.
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
Read Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online.
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Staff Search Committee Updates
Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee has been hard at work over
the past months, working at filling leadership openings. We are pleased to share a quick status report:-We have been overwhelmed by a wealth of amazing applicants for Music Director. Our Search Committee has begun to narrow the list of candidates, as we discern who to invite for interviews.
-We have begun to receive more applicants for Youth Director, and encourage you to continue to help us get the word out about this opening. We hope to begin to review applications as a committee at the end of July.
-We in contact with candidates, hoping to find an Interim Organist, with hopes that our new Music Director can be involved in the hire of our next regular organist in coming months.
-We are in the final processes of hiring College Summer Interns for Theatre Arts, to assist with Sunday School and the Theatre Arts Camp in August; funds for these internships are drawn from the camp fees paid by participants. We plan to announce more about these young leaders very soon.
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Donor Drive at Faith UMC R U a Match?
Sunday, July 13, 12 - 4pm
Faith United Methodist Church
2115 W. 182nd Street, Torrance 90504
The Klinger/Potter families are helping the Nihei/Fredrickson family in Northern CA find a bone marrow donor for their son Baylor, age 7. He is currently hospitalized with leukemia; to survive he needs a donor within three months. The donor must be half Asian, half Caucasian, ages 18 to 44. The Asian-Caucasian database of 400,000 has been searched but no one matches. This drive is a search for a match not only for Baylor, but for all those in the registry in need of a donor. If you are willing to be added to the database, they ask that you be willing to donate to ANY patient. Feel free to download the Donor Drive Flyer and forward to others.
For information about Baylor, click here to go to his Facebook page
For information about the donor database, click here.
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The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
Read Bob's recent Lay Lookers on our website by clicking here.
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Scrap Quilting Workshop -
Tuesday, July 15 - 7-9pm
Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting our
next quilt workshop on Tuesday, July 15, in May Day Parlor. Click thru for more information about this month's project. Contact Pastor Molly to help.We also have quilts ready for prayers--if you would like to sponsor a free quilt for someone you know, we simply ask that you ask the recipient's permission, and then be here on a Sunday to help people tie knots and say prayers. Request forms are available in the church office or on our website.
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Memorial Service: Angela Peterson
We will host a memorial service for Angela Peterson, daughter-in-law of Bob Peterson of our congregation, on Friday, July 18 at 2:30pm. Angela left this life on Sunday, July 6, at the age of 67, following a struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Steven Peterson; her children, Rachael (Tim) Thompson and Cory Peterson; and two grandchildren, as well as siblings and her father-in-law. The service will be officiated by Pastor Molly and Father Mike Olsen of Taos, NM.
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This Week at Church...
Nursery
The Nursery is open during both services for ages 6 weeks to 4 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
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Children's Ministry: This week a special series begins based on the biblical themes we've found in Disney's 'The Jungle Book'. Extra activities for children ages 3-6th grade are available in all 3 of our upstairs Sunday School rooms. This week come and learn about "God's Creation" Genesis 1. Bring your Bible bag if you can!
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Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
A special series begins based on biblical themes found in Disney's 'The Jungle Book'. Extra activities for kids in grades 4-6 are available in all 3 of our upstairs Sunday School rooms in the Education Building. This week come and learn about "God's Creation" Genesis 1. At 10:30am we'll join worship for a bit before heading back upstairs.
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Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
--Join in the Worship Notes Challenge this summer...see the kid's cart in the sanctuary for details.
--Our next activity is Sierra Service Project beginning on July 18th.
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Adult Sunday School: Our Adult Sunday School class will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for the start-up date in the fall.
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Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, July 21 at 7AM. All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship. At Billy's Deli, 5160 W 190th St, Torrance, CA 90503. map
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First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
(310)372-8445 main (310)372-5696 fax
Reverend Molly Vetter, Lead & Teaching Pastor PastorMolly@beachfaith.com
Ernie Valenzuela, Administrative Assistant x101 Ernie@beachfaith.com
First United Methodist Church
243 S. Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 United States
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