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.

Message Synopsis

This week we look at the creation narratives of Genesis. We explore how the poetry of Genesis one creates space for us to imagine God hovering over the primordial waters of chaos, bringing forth life. At the same time, the story found in Genesis two introduces us to the intimacy of God, who creates humanity with intention and purpose.

Formational Learning

As we explored these two ancient stories of creation in Genesis one and two, what stood out to you?

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

(Head)

Many stories that seek to answer the questions of “where do we come from, and what is our purpose?” How do the two stories found in Genesis chapters one and two answer those questions?

(Heart)

The idea that our stories expand when encountering other stories is one that challenges our need to defend our story as the sole story. How has your story been expanded by encounter new and other stories around you?

(Hands)

Genesis two invites us to find our purpose in this world as co-creators with God who help create the conditions for life to flourish. How can you participate in creating space/s where life flourishes because of your presence?

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.