The Book Of Genesis | Reece's Peaces

Genesis does not derive its title from a label assigned by an author, but rather from the very first word found in the text. The book opens with the Hebrew word bereshit, which translates to "in the beginning." Our modern title comes from the Greek word génesis,  which also carries the meaning of origin or beginning. This shared meaning across languages is actually quite unique, as Genesis is the only book of the Torah to follow this specific pattern. Unlike Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, where the Greek and English titles describe themes that differ from the literal Hebrew opening words, Genesis is named perfectly for its content. The first word serves as a perfect summary because Genesis is, at its heart, the story of all beginnings. 

This book acts as the foundational building block for the rest of Holy Scripture. The narrative begins by covering the origin of the world and the dawn of God's relationship with humankind in chapters one through eleven, before narrowing its focus to the beginnings of God’s covenant people in chapters twelve through fifty. By exploring the lives of the patriarchs and the early covenants God established with humanity, we begin to see the framework of the entire biblical story.

It is a vital book to study because it documents the earliest interactions between the Creator and His creation, showing us both the mistakes people make and the consistent way God responds. While these events can feel incredibly distant, the timeline is actually quite striking. The birth of Joseph occurred roughly 4,000 years ago, placing his life about as far away from the birth of Jesus as we are from the life of Christ today. This perspective helps us realize that even before history was recorded in a modern sense, God was actively at work. Since the very first beginning, God has been present with His people, and He remains just as present with us today. 

“How Do You Pick the Music for Our Worship Services?” | Marc's Music Notables

People sometimes ask me how I pick the music for our worship services, so I thought I would take a moment to give you a peek behind the curtain and explain my process. Selecting the right hymns and anthems/solos each week is a deeply rewarding task, but there are quite a few moving parts that go into making sure our musical offerings enhance our time together in the sanctuary.

I usually start with the lectionary, a structured, three-year calendar of Bible readings used for worship services around the world. As a Disciples of Christ church, we follow the basic liturgical calendar of the church year—moving together through Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and ordinary time. Naturally, the first step is ensuring the hymns match the liturgical season we are in. If you want to see how this works in practice, take a look at the top corner of each hymn in the *Chalice Hymnal*. You will notice they are intentionally organized by themes. Furthermore, if you look at the index in the back of the hymnal, you will find the hymns categorized by both topic and scripture reference, which is an invaluable tool when planning a service.

That brings me to the next major step: finding hymns that closely match Ben’s sermon topics. Currently, Ben has begun an ambitious new sermon series, preaching through the Bible in one year. This requires a slightly different approach on my end. Because our faith traditions and hymnody focus primarily on the New Testament, there aren't many hymns that directly retell Old Testament stories. When we are in the Old Testament, I do my best to find hymns that match the broader *themes* and theological lessons of the weekly readings, even if the lyrics don't mention specific biblical characters by name.

Finally, the familiarity of the tune makes a massive impact on the congregation's experience. I’ll admit, there have been a few times in the past when I realized I was the only person singing an unfamiliar hymn! To avoid those awkward solos, I do my best to ensure the hymns we sing are well-known to the congregation. When we do introduce new music, I try to pick melodies that are intuitive and easy enough to learn that people can catch on quickly.

While it is sometimes nearly impossible to match the themes perfectly, I hope you can see the effort put into ensuring that worship is a time of deep connection with scripture and the Holy Spirit. Removing any distractions or barriers to that connection is always my primary goal. My prayer is that the music we sing and offer in praise will be found pleasing to our Lord's ear and honor Him for all He has done for us.

As we lift our voices together each Sunday, I am often reminded of the words of Psalm 95:1-3:

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

I look forward to singing with you this Sunday!

15 Minute Sushi Bowls | Jenna's Favorite Recipes

We enjoy sushi, but we don't always love how much it costs at a restaurant, or how complicated the process can be to make your own sushi rolls at home. Cue the deconstructed sushi bowl! All the flavor at a fraction of the price, and none of the time consuming effort. These bowls are based on a simple California Roll, with canned salmon swapped out for the imitation crab, but they're totally customizeable and can be made with any ingredients that you prefer. Just be careful if you decide

Ingredients

• 2 cups short grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (optional)

• 8oz imitation crab, canned salmon or tuna

• 1 small cucumber

• 1 avocado

• 1 carrot or small package slaw mix

• 1 radish

• 1 package nori (dried seaweed)

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

• Soy sauce or coconut aminos (to taste)

• 4 Tbsp mayonaisse (optional)

• 2 Tbsp sriracha (optional)

Directions

1. Cook rice according to instructions. I suggest using chicken broth instead of water, as it makes the rice extra flavorful. (Once the rice is done cooking, you can make "sushi rice" by mixing it with a dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, but this extra step isn't necessary to enjoy this dish.)

2. While the rice cooks, prepare the toppings. Chop, grate, or slice the veggies and mix up the sriracha mayo, if using.

3. Once the rice has cooled a bit, scoop about 1 cup into the bowl.

4. Add desired toppings and sauces to taste.

5. Enjoy!

This recipe took inspiration from www.budgetbytes.com

The Bible In One Year | Reece's Peaces

The celebration of Easter is often seen as the climax of the church calendar, but this year, the Sunday after Easter marks the beginning of an ambitious and exciting new chapter for our congregation. We are embarking on a journey through the entire Bible in a single year. This initiative stems from many heartfelt conversations I have had with members of our community who have expressed a deep desire to understand how the various pieces of Scripture fit together. Many of us have wondered what is actually in the Bible, what is not, and how these ancient texts speak to our lives today. 

To address these questions, we are going to spend the next 52 weeks exploring the most pivotal stories in the biblical narrative. We will move chronologically from the opening chapters of Genesis to the final visions of Revelation. While it is impossible to cover every single passage in such a timeframe without keeping you in the pews 24/7, our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview. This bird's eye view will help you build a solid foundation for your own personal study and a clearer understanding of the grand arc of God's redemptive history. 

Our path will take us through some of the most dramatic moments ever recorded. We will witness Jacob wrestling with God in the dark of night and explore the chaotic era of the judges. We will stand with Solomon as he builds the magnificent temple and mourn during the tragic fall of Jerusalem. As we move into the New Testament, we will study the genealogy of Jesus to understand his heritage, witness the moment Jesus appeared to a doubting Thomas, and follow the radical conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. We will eventually conclude our year with the profound imagery found in Revelation. 

 If you are curious about the specific schedule, a full list of the year’s sermons is available as a handout on the welcome table in the foyer. I have often heard people mention that they wish they knew more about the Bible but did not know where to start. This series is designed specifically for you. By the end of this year, you will possess a wealth of knowledge regarding the scriptures that anchor our faith. We look forward to seeing  you on April 12th as we begin this journey together. 

The Anthem of the Empty Tomb: Why We Cherish the "Alleluias" | Marc's Music Notables

As we journey through the final weeks of Lent and turn our hearts toward the dawn of Easter, a familiar melody begins to stir in our collective memory. It is a tune that carries the weight of history and the lightness of hope, a song we wait for with great anticipation. Of course, we are speaking of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."

At Hurstbourne Christian Church, this hymn serves as more than just an opening hymn; it is a shared declaration of our faith. To prepare our hearts for the upcoming celebration, let’s look at the story behind these stanzas and why we reserve them specifically for Easter morning.

A Brief History: The Wesley Masterpiece

This beloved hymn was written by Charles Wesley in 1739, shortly after his own profound conversion experience. Originally titled "Hymn for Easter Day," it was first sung at the Foundery Meeting House in London.

Interestingly, Wesley’s original text did not include the famous "Alleluias." Those were added nearly a century later so the words would better fit the soaring, rhythmic tune we know today, titled Lyra Davidica. While Wesley provided the deep theology, the "Alleluias" provided the breath and spirit that make the hymn so iconic.

The Theology of Joy

What makes this hymn so significant is its move from historical storytelling to personal invitation. It doesn't just look back at an empty tomb; it invites us to participate in the victory. Wesley uses active, communal language:

"Raise your joys and triumphs high" 

"Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply"

The hymn reminds us that because Christ "burst the gates of hell," our own journey is forever changed. It is a poetic bridge between the event of the Resurrection and our lives today.

Why We Save This Song for Easter

You may notice that we don’t sing this hymn during the rest of the year. This isn't by accident; it is a purposeful choice rooted in our liturgical tradition. During the season of Lent, many churches practice a "holy restraint." We focus on reflection, repentance, and the gravity of the walk toward the Cross. By setting aside our most triumphant hymns, and the word "Alleluia" itself, we create a space for spiritual longing.

The Significance of the Wait:

· A Meaningful Contrast: After the quiet shadows of Good Friday, the first notes of this hymn on Easter Sunday signal a definitive change in the season.

· Preserving the Sacred: By singing it only once a year, we ensure the hymn remains a "mountain-top" experience, keeping its power and message fresh.

· A Shared Milestone: It serves as a musical marker that the Lenten fast has ended and the Easter feast has begun.

“Love's redeeming work is done, Fought the fight, the battle won."

When we stand together this April 5th to lift our voices, remember that you are joining a centuries-old tradition of believers who have found hope in these same words. We have waited through the wilderness of Lent, and now, we finally get to share the song we’ve been holding in our hearts. We look forward to sharing this beautiful moment of worship with you all as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and raise our “alleluias” in praise!