The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

FōS’ Reading Rainbow by Glenn Collins

Finding Faith written by Peter Rollins

Message | Empire State of Mind | Dr. Randy Furishima

This week in our final conversation from Genesis, we are exploring the story of Joseph. This story has become one of the quintessential narratives we tell about overcoming obstacles in life. Many find inspiration in the meteoric rise of Joseph from slave to second in command in all of Egypt. Yet, we often fail to talk about the impact these shooting stars have when they finally land.

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of Joseph in Genesis, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

How does the story of Joseph change when viewed through different perspectives?

Each conversation in this series opened up new ways of seeing the stories of Genesis. How have these shifting perspectives affected the way we engage these stories?

(Heart)

Joseph was sold into slavery, and when Joseph found power, he ended up enslaving others. Joseph ends up repeating the trauma he experienced at the hands of his brothers. How do we break cycles of abuse?

(Hands)

Joseph’s policies left people with little choice manipulating them to make choices that were against their best interests. How do we lead in ways that empower instead of oppress others?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.