All materials in these studies that are not otherwise attributed are © 2014 by Tool Box for Faith. Expressed permission is hereby granted to download and print these materials for personal/congregational use only. If you wish to use any of these materials for any other groups or other purposes, please contact us (gennowdisciples@gmail.com) for permission. In all cases, include this copyright notice and email address with any versions of the material. Thank you.
Opening prayer –
Begin by praying this prayer focused on creation.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, who in your self-emptying love gathered up and reconciled all creation to the Father. Innumerable galaxies of the heavens worship you. Creatures that grace the earth rejoice in you. All those in the deepest seas bow to you in adoration. As with them we give you praise, grant that we may cherish the earth, our home, and live in harmony with this good creation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Part 2: The Story –
Question
The digital effects artist in the video uses tools ranging from milk, to food coloring to water to create his version of the cosmos.
- Think of one thing that you have created – a drawing, a song, a story.
- What did you enjoy about the experience?
Part 3: The Message
In the Beginning . . .
The Bible actually contains two creation stories. The story told in Genesis 1 focuses on the big picture, lifting up God’s role as the one who called creation into being and providing a framework to help us understand the process through which that creation occurred. The second creation account beginning in Genesis 2:4 focuses on humanity and seeks to explain the brokenness and sin that are a part of the world. Taken together, they provide a helpful picture of the potential for goodness and the problems of sin in the world.
Take a look at this video from a professor at Luther Seminary and listen to this podcast from a Catholic scholar to you get a deeper understanding of how these creation stories connects to our world today.
https://www.enterthebible.org/resourcelink.aspx?rid=1383
You can learn more about the Book of Genesis here: https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx
Part 4: Learn and Engage
First read – Genesis 1:1-2:4 and then answer the question – “How do you see stories of creation fitting with modern scientific theories about how the world was created?”
Second read – Genesis 2:4b – 3:24 and then answer the question “What do Adam and Eve teach us about the relationship between God and God’s people?”
In Genesis 1:31, God looks and sees that creation is indeed very good. As God’s children, we are called to care for creation. Use this idea to help you be intentional about caring for creation. After you read the activity, find a friend, family member or church member to work with you and give it a try.
Part 5: Conclusion & Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer – Pray the follow prayer at the close of the session.
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation. Give us wisdom and reverence to use the resources of nature so that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Discussion Questions answer in comments below:
- Which creation story is the most interesting to you? Why?
- What does it mean to you, that from the beginning, God looked at creation and saw that it was indeed very good? How might that shape how we value ourselves and those around us?
- How do you handle temptation? What resources (people, ideas, practices) are available for you to use when you are tempted to do or say something that is unhelpful or inappropriate? What resources might you add to your life now that could help you in the future?
Opening and Closing Prayers adapted from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #25165.