From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
The main character in the [Joseph story] is Yahweh. Though hidden in the form of a dream, silent and not at all visible, the listener will understand that the dream is the unsettling work of Yahweh upon which everything else depends.
Walter Brueggemann, Genesis: A Commentary
Note: Christian Formation at 9:00 AM
*Also Note: Job class will be in-person as well as Zoom
Sunday worship at 10:15 AM
In-person worship and live stream
Dear Grace Family,
Sometimes, perhaps even often, God seems hidden. The joys, stresses, and concerns of each day are profoundly more “real” and tangible than the presence of God.
We have entered the last major section of Genesis—sometimes referred to as the “Joseph Story”. In this section, the narrative takes an interesting turn. God is seemingly less “present” than in the earlier stories. There are no more direct encounters with God, and very few if any “Thus sayeth the Lord moments.”
But, although quite hidden from plain view, God is clearly active if we have the eyes of faith.
The story opens with Joseph having a dream. Now, dreams are a bit of a gray area. Sometimes, we have memorable dreams because we had an Atomic Burrito the night before.
But, sometimes dreams come from God.
And, the dream Joseph had seemed to have come from God.
When God gives Joseph this dream, it sets the entire story in motion. All of the characters are responding to each other in their own fallen and often sinful ways. But on a much deeper level, each of them is in reality responding to God.
Throughout the story, we are immersed in a world of intense family brokenness, brotherly hatred, a powerful empire, and a catastrophic famine. Yet from beginning to end, one question drives the entire story:
Will God’s dream come true?
I hope to worship with you on Sunday.
This Sunday: Genesis 37 (NIV)
“God’s Dream”
Here is the Order of Worship.
Warmly in Christ,
John
P.S. This week, we will return to a shared loaf and common cup for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. As we did before the pandemic, we will tear off a piece of bread and dip it in the cup. Pre-packaged elements will also be available for those who desire them.
P.P.S. For this week’s Job class, we are thrilled to have Dr. Mark Fuetze from Covenant Theological Seminary joining us virtually. As a counselor, Dr. Pfuetze has worked with a wide range of issues and has a heart for those who are dealing with sexual abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, and personal and marital strife. He helps them find freedom in their lives through the gospel of God’s grace. He’s gifted to teach and counsel in a number of areas but the one he’ll be focusing on is how our bodies hold trauma and what suffering and trauma do to our brains. He will be joining us via Zoom, and we will watch it together in the Chapel. For those unable to make it in person, you can tune in here.
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