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

SOAP Reflection | Mikhaila Tobin

Coffee Roasting | Ryan Tang

Message | Flooded with Regret

This week we stop and explore the story of the flood in Genesis. It is one of the most ancient stories told around the world. It is another story we have heard so often from childhood that we think we know it by heart. It is a story of un-creation that is told intentionally contrasted to the creation stories we read earlier in Genesis. Today, however, we will explore a theme in the story that is not often brought to the surface. What happens when God repents?

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of the Flood 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)

The story of "Noah and the Flood" is a story in which all of creation is broken, and God, the creator, also seems to be facing brokenness. In this story, the creator of all things becomes the destroyer of all things. What are some images of God that this story challenges for you? Why?

In this story, we see God go from creator to destroyer, and at the end of the story, we see God repent of the destruction God brought about. What does the idea of God repenting provoke in you? Why?

(Heart)

How do you wrestle with the tension of creation, un-creation, and new-creation in your own life?

Does the image of the waters of chaos barely held at bay, and at times seeping into the world resonate with you? If so, where does chaos, or un-creation threaten to flow into your life?

(Hands)

How does repentance open the door for new possibilities in your life?

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.