A sermon by Rev. Barbara Lemmel and Rev. Mitch Hay

Hebrew Scripture Genesis 1:1-5

At the beginning of God’s creating

of the skies and the earth

when earth was wild and waste (tohu va bohu),

darkness over the face of Ocean,

rushing-spirit (ruach) of God (elohim)

hovering over the face of the waters--

God said: Let there be Light! And there was light.

God saw the light: that it was good.

God separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light: Day! and the darkness God called: Night!

There was setting, there was dawning: one day.

Epistle 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Finally, friends, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20

The Eleven made their way to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had summoned them. At the sight of the risen Christ they fell down in homage, though some doubted what they were seeing. Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words:

“All authority has been given me both in heaven and on earth; go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of Abba God, and of the Only Begotten, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, even unto the end of the age!”