July 15, 2026
Reflections on Genesis 1:26-31 center on the Imago Dei (the image of God), humanity’s unique role as caretakers of the earth, and the inherent dignity of all human life. These verses mark the pinnacle of the creation narrative, outlining a specific purpose, authority, and blessing for mankind.
Core Themes and Reflections
- Made in the Image and Likeness of God (Imago Dei): Unlike any other part of creation, humanity is created to reflect and represent God’s character. Theologians often distinguish between the two Hebrew words used here: Tselem (image/statue) and Demuth (likeness/resemblance). This dual designation points to both our vertical relationship with God (reflecting His nature) and our horizontal role in the world (acting as His physical representatives).
- The Creation Mandate (Dominion and Stewardship): God commissions humanity to “subdue” and “have dominion” over the earth. Far from a mandate for exploitation or abuse, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern concept of kingship. Earthly kings were meant to set up statues (images) of their gods to show who ruled a territory. As God’s living images, humans are tasked with ruling justly, lovingly, and nurturing the world.
- Plurality and Equality: In verse 26, God says, “Let us make man in our image”. Christian theology historically views this plural as the first hint of the Trinity, showcasing community and relationship within the Godhead. Furthermore, verse 27 explicitly states, “male and female he created them”, meaning both genders equally bear the divine image and share in this earthly stewardship.
- Provision and the Blessing: God blesses His image-bearers and provides richly for them, giving every seed-bearing plant and fruit tree for food, not just for humans but for the animals as well.
- “Very Good”: In verse 31, after creating humanity, God steps back and declares everything he has made “very good” (unlike the previous days, which were simply “good”). This emphasizes the incredible value, sanctity, and purpose of human life.
Cultural and Modern Application
Today, these verses challenge us to view every human life—regardless of background, status, or ability—with profound dignity, as each person is a bearer of God’s image. Furthermore, it calls us to proactive environmental stewardship, treating the Earth with care rather than destruction, in alignment with God’s original intent.
Welcome
This Sunday we welcome Won Hwang to the pulpit. Won is no stranger to Graceview and we look forward to seeing him and hearing him preach the word of the Lord.
A Taste of Italy Dinner
Outreach plans to host a dinner on Friday, October 23rd in the downstairs hall. It will feature an Italian themed dinner and will be prepared for us by the new culinary teacher at Thistletown Collegiate and his students. Chef Keith Hoare will be involved too. Ticket prices are $30 and all proceeds from the dinner will go to the Thistletown Euro Trip to Italy which will take place during the 2027 March Break.
The proposed date of Oct 23rd will be confirmed the first week of school in September. Please save this date on your calendar!
A Summer Devotional Update (June 16):
A new edition of These Days (July/August/September), as well as the current edition of Our Daily Bread (June/July/August) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Common Scents
Please be advised that our church has a scent-free protocol. It seems that some of our dear parishioners feel unwell due to heavy floral smells. Please be considerate of those in our congregation who are affected by strong smells and odors and refrain from perfumes or colognes when coming to worship on Sunday mornings. Thank you one and all.
Lemonade for Fellowship Time
Effective June 14 we will be serving lemonade at the Fellowship time after worship. If you are so inclined to donate a box or 2 of cookies to help cover the summer months, it would be very much appreciated. Please give your donations to Kathy or Susan so that we can store them safely during the summer months. Many thanks to those who have already donated.
September Bible Study
Jacob Birch from the Canadian Bible Society will be leading an 8-week bible study beginning on Tuesday, September 15 at 12:15. He will be offering an overview of the bible from Genesis all the way to Revelations. Mark this in your calendars as it should prove to be a fascinating journey through the Bible.
‘Hello, Sunshine’ Quotes
We love to greet the sun as it awakens the world. These ‘hello, sunshine’ quotes share that feeling.
- The sun peeks over the horizon and chases away darkness. Hello, sunshine.
- Welcome sunshine. You warm my bones with your healing rays.
- The sun’s daily return always fills me with hope.
- Hello, sunshine. May your morning rays guide my day.
- Greetings sunlight. We welcome the opportunity to begin anew every day.
- Darkness ends with the first rays of sunlight. Welcome, sunshine!
- Hello, sunshine! Welcome to my day.
- Rise and shine like the morning sun. Greetings, sunshine!
- Sunlight, take me away!
- Salute the sun after a night of darkness.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome to walk and enjoy Centennial Park
* Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
* Tuesday, Sept. 15 @ 12:15 AM – Fall Bible Study begins
*Wednesday, Sept. 16 @ 2:00 PM – Music & Worship meeting
* Oct. 23 – @ TBA – A Taste of Italy Dinner