First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5

Theme: Waters of darkness, waters of light

Exegetical note
This creation story presupposes some sort of dark, primordial, watery chaos ("the deep") upon which God’s moving spirit and creating word brings light - imagery with powerful implications for a Christian sacramental theology of baptism.

Call to Worship
Leader: As in the beginning the Creator God stirred the waters of darkness with Spirit,
People: MAY THE CREATOR GOD MOVE IN SPIRIT OVER OUR SOULS THIS HOUR.
Leader: As in the beginning the Creator God spoke the word and brought light to dark waters,
People: MAY THE CREATOR GOD SPEAK THE WORD THAT WILL BRING DIVINE LIGHT WHEREVER THERE IS DARKNESS IN OUR LIVES.

Collect
Eternal God, who at Creation moved in Spirit over dark waters and brought light upon …