The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

Sunday Morning poem by D. Fretter

Great Is Your Faithfulness sung by Kareem Adly

Message | Ishmael, the God Who Hears

In the stories of Genesis, a character shows up twice and is only given two lines. In these two lines, Hagar, an enslaved Egyptian, gives a name to the God of Israel. This name will affect how God could be understood. It is in the strength of these quiet voices that Genesis shifts, creating space for those outside the controlling narrative.  Join us as we sit in Genesis 16 to experience the wisdom of Hagar.

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of Hagar in Genesis, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

Hagar has two lines in the entire Bible, and yet, her experience names God. How does naming God from personal experience affect your understanding of God’s name?

What systems kept her wisdom from effecting the main story?

(Heart)

Often, we only pay attention to Abram, or the commonly heard, narrative. Can you name a time when your understanding was affected by those outside the main or commonly heard narrative? How did it challenge or change you? Did it affect your view of Jesus?

(Hands)

How can we intentionally engage Hagar’s voice? Where do we hear her in people today?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.