Building Christ’s Community 2016-2017

Where God Begins The Book of Genesis

Discovery Presbyterian Church

Omaha, NE

9:15 AM Sundays – Study for all ages 10:30 AM Sundays – Worship

This booklet belongs to _____________________

Building Christ’s Community

Where does God begin? God begins in chaos, disorder and darkness.

God begins with dust and DNA and strife. God begins in trust and floating on the seas.

God begins in counting stars. God begins in unknown places and when we set out.

God begins in upsetting convention. God begins in dreams and interpretation.

God begins in famine and deceit. God begins in silence.

God begins in Bethlehem and mangers. God begins in humble hearts, small towns, sleepy

churches. God begins in galaxies and is not thwarted by empires.

God goes on through courage, love and forgiveness. God shines bright in understanding, joy and generosity.

God begins and ends and never ends in Jesus Christ. Spirit of God begin and end in me!

[“Where God Begins” is based on this booklet’s texts.]

Experience the Joy of Communal Study

Sundays 9:15 AM Thursdays 12-1 Fridays 1:30-2:30

All Welcome

Texts Celebrated in Sunday Worship

Discovery Presbyterian Church 4622 Monroe Street Omaha, NE 68117 402-731-7222 www.discoverypc.org

facebook.com/discoverypres @DiscoveryPC #takeanotherlookatchurch

Prayer Booklet Printed – September 2016 Watch for the next prayer booklet in February 2017 – Gospel of Luke

Cover art: Andromeda Galaxy – photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope

1/5/2015. God begins in theology and science!

Welcome to

Building Christ’s Community “Where God Begins”

The Book of Genesis study & Luke chapters 1 & 2 Fall 2016 & Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2016-17

The stories of Genesis are among those most famous in the Bible and most known in society. We think we know these stories. But when we read them from the Bible –and not just recollection or second-hand references, new details emerge and new meanings take root. Genesis opens with poetry and prose contemplating human and cosmic origins. The book soon moves to relationships and family drama—these, too, are mysteries of the universe! Here in Genesis we find: Two creation stories, the first couple’s exit from Eden, three sets of battling brothers, Noah & the Ark, Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob & Rachel & Leah, Joseph’s Dreams. We also find many, many other stories, less famous, but still very important to consider. Some of these stories are buried in the chapters in between our main stories. They are very accessible—read them on your own and bring them up. Most of the stories (chapters 11-50) follow one family line across the generations—Abraham & Sarah’s offspring. Through this one family across decades we experience a very realistic portrayal of human nature and how families operate. During the sacred season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany we will pause study of Genesis and dip into rich stories from the Gospel of Luke. Luke will be our gospel across Lent & Easter, but Luke also has very familiar Christmas stories that we will want to take advantage of in December.

Community building is a very messy, time-consuming, painful and sacrificial process. If families can’t even get along, is there hope for strangers? Community building is also creative, playful, interesting and exciting. Within it we find purpose, growth and the sacredness of relationship—a sacrament so needed in our times. Genesis shows not just creation but community’s origins and it points to creation and community’s sustenance (how it builds). Genesis lifts up individuals who practice trust in a God who provides. And Genesis emphasizes at its conclusion a concept we thought was only in the New Testament: Redemption. At our church across 2016-2017 we are exploring the overall theme: Building Christ’s Community. Genesis is a good

start for us. It will keep us realistic and grounded. After all we come from dust (Genesis 2:7). Or, are we made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26)? Perhaps God is part star dust and so are we. (A reminder that in our church theology, science, psychology and the arts are not in opposition.) And so with Abraham and Joseph we look to the stars (Genesis 15:5, Genesis 37:9) always remembering our beginnings in God’s grace and love. God indeed can begin anywhere. Perhaps this study can train our eyes and hearts to see this more clearly. Be watching for places to add to the list of “where.”

Creative God Genesis 1:1

The first verse of the entire Bible reminds us that God creates. When things got rolling, God was there; God was the source. Creation is a mighty concept and we will spend some extra study time here at the beginning, the “genesis” of it all.

Focus Text: Genesis 1:1-19

Extra Reading: Genesis chapter 1

Creation Creation is such an important topic that we are spending three weeks on it. One key thing to realize is that Genesis 1:1-2:3 represents one story of creation. Another story of creation is found in Genesis 2:5-25. We will analyze each of these stories and compare and enjoy them.

Creation Story 1 – Chart This week we will focus only on the first four days of creation as depicted in Genesis 1:1-19. Keep track of what we have learned by taking notes on the chart on the next page. This will help you down the road.

Prayer Wonderful God, We look to you as the source and creator of all things. We see your creation with fresh eyes. Give us your light and fresh insights each day. Amen.

For Sunday - September 11, 2016 Pancakes – 9:15 Worship 10:30

Creation Story #1 Handy Reference Chart

Day Verses What happened, what created

1 1:1-5

2 1:6-8

3 1:9-13

4 1:14-19

5 1:20-23

6 1:24-31

7 2:2-4a

Fill this in across the three weeks that we study Genesis 1:1-2:4a.

Then refer back to this when we study the second story of creation in Genesis which

begins at Genesis 2:4b.

Mirror Image

Genesis 1:26

We are still within the bounds of the “first” creation story found in Genesis 1:1-2:1a. We read about days 1-4 last week. Now we continue on to read about the creatures God created. Focus Text: Genesis 1:20-31 Overall Reading: Genesis chapter 1 again Creation & Evolution How is the progression from day 5 to day 6 like the scientific theory of evolution? What are other aspects of this first creation story that complement evolution?

Creation Story 1 – Chart Fill in information from this week’s reading in the study chart on the previous page. This will help you out later on! Extra note on day 6 – 1:24-31 were women and men created in a particular sequence? Did one come from the other?

Image of God Human beings are made in the “image of God.” What does this mean? (1:26, 27) Humans are to “have dominion” (1:28) over aspects of creation. What does this mean? Note 1 Corinthians 13:12 for another mirror image reference Prayer Gracious God, As ones created in your image help us see you in other people. Help us reflect you in our undertakings. Amen.

For Sunday - September 18, 2016 9:15 Study for All Ages begins!

10:30 Worship

God Rested Genesis 2:2

Today is a very important day of celebration in the life of our church. We are celebrating the completion of a building renovation project. It’s important for us to mark this occasion and not simply move on to another activity. God sets this example in creation. After 6 days of inordinate activity, God rested. Focus Text: Genesis 2:2-3

Extra Reading: Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath Exodus 20:1-17 The 10 Commandments Creation Story 1 – Chart This is our final piece of information for the first chart for Creation Story # 1 (Genesis 1:1-2:4a). Please fill in the chart found earlier in this booklet.

Sabbath Matthew 12:1-13 – Jesus & Sabbath (parallel Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5)

What is Sabbath to you? What is “the point” of Sabbath? Which of the 10 commandments is hardest for you? For society? What might God be calling you to take Sabbath from in your life?

Prayer Thank you, God, for fruitful labor. We know the finest work comes from listening and following your lead. Thank you, too, for the gift of rest which you model in creation. Help us know how to take fruitful breaks. Remind us we are utterly dependent on your workings. Amen.

For Sunday - September 25, 2016 Celebrating New Space/Open House til 3:00PM

From Dust We Came Genesis 2:15

We are now poised to hear the second creation story found in the book of Genesis. Enjoy and savor this story. Then using your noggin compare it to your Genesis chapter 1 readings and chart.

Focus Text: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-18, 22 Overall Reading: Genesis 2:4b-25

Creation Story 2 – Chart comparing both stories It is commonly recognized that Genesis 1 & 2 are two creation stories. Perhaps the chart below will help us see why. Look at the center column which mentions elements in order from Genesis chapter 2. Now, using your chart from Genesis chapter 1 see if you can compare the order.

What day in Genesis 1:1-2:4?

Creation order in Genesis 2:5-25

Creation Story #2

Day ___ Earth & Heaven 2:4b

Day ___ Man 2:7

Day ___ Garden 2:8

Day ___ River 2:10

Day ___ Animals 2:19

Day ___ Birds 2:19

Day ___ Woman 2:22

What elements of creation are found in 1:1-2:4 but aren’t mentioned in 2:5-25?

What elements of creation and its story are emphasized in 2:5-25? (in contrast to 1:1-2:4)

Notes What is the human role in creation care theologically? How can people of faith impact the environment?

Prayer What a beautiful world you have created, Lord. Teach me to be a steward of all your gifts and stories of creation. Amen.

For Sunday – October 2, 2016 World Communion Sunday

Tree of Knowledge Genesis 3:1

When we studied Genesis chapter 2 last week we focused on comparing it to Genesis chapter 1 – and how both depict creation stories. We also focused on the human role in being a godly steward of creation. What we might not have realized is that Genesis chapter 2 also sets up a good story in Genesis 3. Welcome to the story of the famous and crafty serpent.

Focus Text: Genesis 3:1-13 Overall Reading: Genesis chapter 3 Review: Genesis 2:9, 16-17

Compare

What God says in

Genesis 2:9, 16-17

What the serpent (3:1, 4-5) and

woman (3:2-3, 6) say & think.

Questions What is the immediate result of eating the fruit? How does God “out” the situation?

What else do you notice in the details of this famous story? Notice God the seamstress in Genesis 3:21

What is the meaning of this story? How are Genesis chapters 1-3 about answers to ancient humanity’s questions about life, pain, duty and meaning? is not abandoned nor made into an idolatry.

Prayer: Lord God, Keep me wise as a serpent and

innocent as a dove. Help me not be so darn naïve. Help me not think I know it all. In all things I am utterly dependent on you alone. Thank goodness! Amen.

For Sunday - October 9, 2016 CROP Walk Sunday!

Raising Cain Genesis 4:8

In Genesis chapter 4 we welcome into creation the world’s first babies! Aww, aren’t they cute? They are Adam and Eve’s sons: Cain and Abel. Guess what also enters in? Sibling rivalry (perhaps instigated by God) and homicide. Welcome to the first in a series of stories across Genesis about family strife. What is the solution to all this? We will have to wait until Genesis’ stunning finish in chapter 50.

Focus Text: Genesis 4:1-16 Overall Reading: Genesis chapter 4

Family Strife When we are in the midst of family strife we often feel so alone. We can feel ashamed. We may be tempted to avoid or cover up the painful shards of bad behavior, harmful words and unspoken tensions.

These kinds of feelings and situations were at human origins, it seems. “Brotherly love”? More like disdain and distance (famous sarcastic bible line, “am I my brother’s keeper?” 4:9)

The Bible knows how hard and precious family harmony can be (Psalm 133). It is not to be taken for granted.

How might personal insecurity be a root of all evil in human relationships? (4:6) How does the Lord deal with Cain’s treachery? There is a nuanced response (4:12-15).

In a service of marriage one of the prayer lines in the Book of

Common Worship is: “Make [a couple’s] life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair.” How else does the Bible or Christian theology reassure

us about relational brokenness?

Prayer Healer Christ, be in every relationship today. Somehow war and enmity are in our DNA. We know you conquer sin and brokenness. We trust ourselves to you. Heal and guide us. Take away our harmful words and actions. Amen

For Sunday - October 16, 2016

The Rainbow Connection Genesis 9:13

Ancient people struggled not just with family relationships (Genesis chapter 4), but also with natural disasters. They must have wondered, why do floods come? Why do they destroy? How can a God who creates good (Genesis 1:4, 1:10, 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, 1:25 and especially 1:31) allow such things? The Good Creator also preserves and promises. In this story we learn of God and humanity’s first “covenant” seen in a rainbow.

Focus Text: Genesis 6:13-14, 7:1-5, 7:17, 8:3-4, 8:6-12, 9:8-13 Overall Reading: Genesis chapters 5-10

Overall note on Reading Like the creation stories in Genesis chapters 1 and 2, the Noah story also has more than one story tradition melded into it. This might help us understand the story’s length and some of the story’s odd repetitions and inconsistencies. For worship we will condense the story (as found in the focus text verses).

Notes: This story is a popular children’s motif with animals and rainbows. Do you also see the darker aspects of this story? What is your theology of natural disaster?

Prayer Mighty God, we pray for all those struggling with natural disasters. We pray for food, clothing and shelter. Most of all we pray that all are enlivened to care for one another. We are part of your rainbow covenant of shelter. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - October 23, 2016

Counting Stars Genesis 15:5

We are now headed into another special section of the book of Genesis: Series of stories about generations of families. The first generation is Abraham and Sarah. The next is Isaac and Rebekah. The next is Jacob and Leah and Rachel. The final set of stories concern Jacob’s children, including the famous dreamer, Joseph.

Focus Text: Genesis 12:1-9 & Genesis 15:1-6 Overall Reading: Genesis chapters 10-15

Abraham (Abram)

Genesis chapters 12-25 feature a towering figure in three religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He is truly “Father Abraham.”

There are many episodes and adventures in Abraham’s story. We are only covering a few. Read all the chapters to learn more. Here are some stories outside the focus text: 11:24ff Abram’s genealogy (ch. 11 Tower of Babel story, too)

12:10ff Abram & Sarai immigrants in Egypt 13:1ff Wealthy Abram & nephew Lot divide lands 14:1ff Warrior Abram rescues Lot and is rewarded by King Melchizedek Focus Texts

Throughout Genesis 12-25 the Lord speaks to Abraham and makes particular promises (covenants). Notice what is promised and the various repetitions. How is the land covenant troubling?

Genesis 15:1-6 is of particular importance to the Apostle Paul as we recently read in Galatians 3:6 for example.

Map work: Haran, Shechem, Bethel, Hebron

Prayer: Gracious God, Help us count the stars and know

how faithful you are to us. In Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday – October 30, 2016 Reformation & No Fear Sunday

Costumes Welcome!

Laughter Promised Genesis 18:13

We continue our study of the great figure Abram/Abraham. He has a long wait to receive his son Isaac, whose name means laughter.

Focus Text: Genesis 18:1-14 (note also 21:1-7) Overall Reading: Genesis chapters 17-20, 21:1-7,22-34

Abraham/Abram continued Ch. 17 – God and Abram continue their special relationship. There is a covenant of circumcision. Abram’s name changes to Abraham. Ch. 19 – Abraham’s nephew Lot gets caught up in the horrific sexual assault attempt in Sodom & Gomorrah Ch. 20 –Abraham & Sarah in Gerar; 2nd story about Sarah pretending to be Abraham’s sister (see Ch. 12 also)

Notes on Focus Text This is yet another story about the promised birth of Isaac. The three visitors are likened to the Trinity.

Prayer Lord Jesus, Is anything too wonderful to you? Amid our grief and our longing and when our patience wears thin, help us see signs and experience assurances of your promise to make situations right. Amen.

For Sunday - November 6, 2016 “No Excuse” Sunday!

Extra hour of sleep due to time change. “Fall back” –set clocks back one hour before going to bed.

Call Me Ishmael Genesis 16:15

We have been focusing mostly on faith-centered texts related to Abraham. If you have been reading all the material you know that some of the material surrounding Abraham is more ethically complex. This week we will focus on Abraham’s oldest son Ishmael and his mother Hagar.

Focus Text: Genesis 16:3-13 Overall Reading: Genesis 16 & Genesis 21:8-21

Hagar, Ishmael & Sarah The road to Abraham’s “true heir” is long and complicated. Some of the twists involve normal practices in the Ancient Near East that we find repugnant now. Sarah offers her maid servant Hagar to bear a child for Abraham. Later Sarah doesn’t like Hagar’s attitude. Hagar and Ishmael are banished. But God looks out for them.

Three Monotheistic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam all look to Abraham. The Islamic religion traces its main leader Mohammed back to Abraham through Ishmael. Interfaith dialogue draws upon shared Abrahamic roots.

Prayer The God of Abraham be praised. Unite the world, O Lord! Help us not be so blinded by our story that we do not see other stories. Help us not harm others. Teach us respect. Help us honor all forms of listening to you and responding to you that are pleasing to you. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - November 13, 2016

Go Rams! Genesis 22:8, 13

Genesis devotes 12 chapters toward Abram/Abraham & Sara/Sarah’s birth of their very own son Isaac. Isaac is a very precious child. This makes Genesis chapter 22 all the more incomprehensible and dramatic.

Focus Text: Genesis 22:1-14 Overall Reading: Genesis chapters 22 & 23

Notes & Questions How much do you trust God to provide? What are your strategies for facing an impossible situation? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to follow God’s lead? When have you trusted God deeply? When have you been in the midst of something dark and received provision?

Prayer Gracious God, We always have more room in our hearts to grow in trust of you. Help us welcome this incomprehensible mystery. Amen.

For Sunday - November 20, 2016

Better than Match.com Genesis 24:15

Who needs the Internet when you have a well? Enjoy the story of how Isaac is hooked up with the love of his life, Rebekah.

Focus Text: Genesis 24:10-15, 17-25, 62-67 Overall Reading: Genesis 24

Welcome to the season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany! Advent is the four special weeks of awaiting the coming of the love of our lives, Christ, into the world. We will study this one Genesis text this week and then pause our Genesis study to pick up on some wonderful Gospel of Luke texts that are especially appropriate for this season.

Notes on the focus text Did you notice all the niceties and rituals?

Did you notice all the camels?

Prayer Loving God, prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Keep us alert for ways we may serve one another and be attentive to kind words and actions that connect us all together. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - November 27, 2016

1st Sunday of Advent Advent Meal & Activity after worship

Zechariah & Elizabeth Luke 1:13

This Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season we are pausing our study of Genesis to explore our Gospel of the program year, Luke. Luke contains some of the most classic Christmas material and we will take full advantage of it!

Focus Text: Luke 1:8-22 Overall Reading: Luke 1:1-25, 57-80

Notes Zechariah and Elizabeth are elderly people who become the parents of John the Baptist. (Does this story line sound familiar?) Why is Zechariah unable to talk?

When Zechariah can speak again, what does he say?

Prayer Dear God, give us the gift of silence this Advent season. Help listen more. Help us talk less. Help us understand you and others. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - December 4, 2016 2nd Sunday of Advent

Gabriel’s Next Appointment

Luke 1:26-27

Gabriel is certainly busy in the Gospel of Luke. First he had a big visit with Zechariah the priest about the birth of a son who becomes John the Baptist. Next, here he is with incredible news for a nobody named Mary.

Focus Text: Luke 1:26-38

Overall Reading: Luke 1:26-45 1

The Annunciation & visit with Elizabeth The focus text is famous enough it has a fancy title, The Annunciation. How does Gabriel describe the child Mary is about to have? How does Mary respond? (1:34 & 1:38) Does she get the same treatment as Zechariah when he asks a question? When Elizabeth says “blessed is she who believes” (1:45), do you think she’s speaking out of any recent experience?

Prayer Loving God, Thank you for this season in which we contemplate what you are really, really doing. Jesus was just some cute baby. You are turning the world – then and now. In Christ’s hope we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - December 11, 2016

3rd Sunday of Advent

Magnificent Luke 1:47

Mary’s response to Gabriel’s visit and news is beautiful, inspiring and political. Watch out to the rich and powerful! Focus Text: Luke 1:46-56 Compare: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah) The Magnificat This is another passage of scripture that is famous enough that it has its own special Latin title – Magnificat. ”Magnificat” comes from 1:47 – what Mary’s soul is doing in regard to the Lord. What a contrast this song is to the news of pregnancy in Genesis. Genesis seems to feature barrenness and then extreme joy in fertility and in the ability to have descendants. Notice, however, what Mary delights in. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you look out for the lowly, the humble, the hungry and the poor. Usurp our assumptions that power and appearances are the crucibles for change. Open our eyes to where you are active. We know you can begin anywhere. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - December 18, 2016 4th Sunday of Advent

CHRISTMAS EVE - SATURDAY Away in a Manger

Luke 2:7

Luke provides the classic story of angels, shepherds and a manger. Focus Text: Luke 2:1-14 Notes & Questions How does this story show again God’s use of the humble, the unknown, the unadorned as crucibles, beginnings of holy activity? Prayer Great God, Turn the World again this night. Turn our hearts to you. Amen.

For Saturday - December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve

Candles & Carols Our services of worship are

4:00PM & 10:00PM Come celebrate the sacred story!

CHRISTMAS DAY - SUNDAY Shepherds’ Jubilee

Luke 2:20 We saved a bit of the Christmas story from last night for today. We are following those humble shepherds who get it—they see and understand the significance of the baby in a manger. Focus Text: Luke 2:15-20 Prayer Thank you, God, for Christmas. Thank you for our church. Help our church be a place in which you are turning the world for good. We are a place of your beginnings! In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

For Sunday - December 25, 2016 CHRISTMAS DAY

10:30 AM Worship Comfy Clothes, Cocoa, Donuts (9:15 class on Christmas break)

NEW YEAR’S DAY - SUNDAY

The World Is About to Turn Luke 2:34

Jesus’ parents bring him to the temple when he is eight days old for rituals. While they are there they bump into two very faithful people – Simeon and Anna.

Focus Text: Luke 2:21-39 Simeon & Anna When we think of bringing a baby to church and the baby being introduced to faithful members of the oldest generation, what comes to our minds? When Simeon sees Jesus he does not say “kootchie, kootchie, koo.” What does he say? (2:29-32) The “Messiah” (2:28) is a concept for temple goers. But who does Simeon see impacted? (2:32) Simeon and Anna understood the political situation their people were a part of (2:25, 2:38) –they were oppressed, underdogs. What form of deliverance did they also see?

Be watching across the Gospel of Luke for Luke’s political and theological savvy.

Prayer Thank you God for this New Year, 2017! We pray for all those who seek a turn-around, a new beginning, in their lives. We pray for those who are on the journey and need sustenance. We pray for those who do not see. We know you can begin anywhere. We love and trust you. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - January 1, 2017 Happy Birthday, Discovery!

(9:15 class on break)

Tween Jesus Luke 2:42

Jesus is turning the world and turning heads at a young age. It can’t be easy being parents to one who, as Simeon said to the young mother Mary last week, “is destined for the falling and rising of many.” Mary and Joseph’s souls are already getting pierced (2:35) as they frantically search for their son amid a big traveling crowd for three days.

Focus Text: Luke 2:39-52

Special Text The Gospel of Luke shares many of the same stories with the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. The first two chapters of Luke, however, contain totally unique material. How does this flavor our understanding of Luke’s Gospel?

The text this week is the only text in any Gospel about Jesus between his infancy and his appearance at age 30 to be baptized.

Questions Have you ever gotten lost? Have you ever had a lost child?

Prayer Gracious God we pray for all teens and nearly teens. Your call is issued to each one of them. Help them hear your call. Help your church be a place that helps people to listen and equips them with the knowledge of how you might be recognized or operating in ordinary days. To you be all glory forever! Amen.

For Sunday - January 8, 2017

9:15 Study for all ages resumes

Twins Genesis 25:22

We now return to our Genesis stories. Last we knew Isaac and Rebekah were happily married. But now comes their kids and here we go again: Strife between brothers. This time it’s twins. Will this go better than Cain & Abel? Wait and see. Passions run high across decades between these two brothers.

Focus Text: Genesis 25:21-34 Other Reading: Genesis 25 & 26

Jacob & Esau Compare and contrast the two brothers

Esau Jacob

Birth order

Appearance or doing what at birth

Vocation

Favored by

Birthright

Prayer Dear God, Help us not compare ourselves to others. Help us pay attention to our relationship with you and appreciate how you made us. Help us appreciate our limits and peculiarities. Help us trust the unique path we are on. Help us live in freedom—a life without envy. Amen.

For Sunday - January 15, 2017

Martin Luther King weekend

Mistaken Identity Genesis 27:19

We already know tensions are running high between the boys in Isaac and Rebekah’s household. It’s just going to get worse today.

Focus Text: Genesis 27 excerpt

Overall Reading: Genesis 27:1-40

Questions & Notes on the focus text Why does Rebekah set up the trick? Why does Jacob go along with it? What do you think about Isaac? What do you think is God’s opinion of this story? Have you ever seen a situation or been involved in a situation of trickery? Is trickery ever necessary? If so, when?

Prayer Lord God, sometimes you need us to be wily. Sometimes you use unpleasantness. Help us keep our wits about ourselves! Amen.

For Sunday - January 22, 2017

Jacob’s Ladder Genesis 28:12

So it’s finally come to this: Like Cain and Abel murder lurks again between two brothers. Jacob runs away.

Focus Text: Genesis 27:41-45; 28:10-17

Other Reading: Genesis 28

Jacob’s Holy Encounter So, we’ve seen Abraham’s many holy encounters with the Lord. And over and over again we’ve been told Isaac is the promised heir. But where does this put the trickster Jacob? If we were having our doubts about Jacob being the next in line for having a special relationship with the Lord, here on the run we get our assurance about this guy. God truly begins anywhere.

Prayer Gracious God, sometimes it is far from the comforts of home or in the places of our deepest insecurity that you speak to us—or perhaps we finally hear you. Help us treasure those moments and insights and trust them again and again as we face new challenges. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - January 29, 2017

Three is Not Company Genesis 29:25

We are back at the well again and you know what this means. Jacob falls head over heels for Rachel. But this time the trickster gets tricked. Focus Text: Genesis 29:1-3, 9-11, 15-30 Other Reading: Genesis chapters 29-31 Chart: Jacob & Sons From these readings and the next ones you will learn about each of the sons whose names parallel the 12 Tribes of Israel. Take notes on them as you read their stories (chart on next page)> Jacob & Uncle Laban At the beginning of Jacob’s story he seems to have been given favor. Since fleeing his home life for him has gotten tougher. Across the Jacob stories now particularly notice the figure of Laban. What do you think of him? How does Jacob’s character develop? Focus text When Laban notes that younger daughters aren’t married off before the older (29:26), does this remind us of another recent older/younger sibling incident?

Prayer Merciful God, Relationships among family members can be tricky enough. We can see why all of human life is riven with tensions. Yet you show us redemption and new life are possible. Heal us. Give us strength. Amen.

For Sunday - February 5, 2017

Handy Reference Chart: Jacob & Sons Mother Son Son/Daughter info

Leah Reuben

Simeon

Levi

Judah

Issachar

Zebulun

Dinah (daughter)

Genesis Chapter 38

Bilhah Dan

Naphtali

Zilpah Gad

Asher

Rachel Joseph

Benjamin

Genesis chapters 29 & 30 lists Jacob’s children. They later are the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Look at their birth stories and note other details about them in the stories ahead. You will see Rachel’s children have a special role. And, yes, there is one sister, Dinah. Joseph later has two sons whose names are used in tribal lands.

Brothers Meet Again Genesis 33:4

It’s been 20 years. Jacob has endured a lot – especially at the hands of his uncle Laban. Jacob is ready to return home as a chastened but prosperous cattleman along with his wives and children. What kind of welcome awaits him from his twin brother Esau who last we knew wanted to murder him?

Focus Text: Genesis 32:3-5, 9,11, 22-31; 33:1,4

Other Reading: Genesis 32-36

Notes & Questions Have you ever had an awkward reunion ahead of you? Have you ever made peace with an enemy? As our main Jacob stories draw to a close, what do you think of him? Did you expect to find forgiveness and redemption in Genesis?

Prayer God of Peace, We pray you would calm us for the challenges that face us. Help us not to hide. Help us to meet up and wrestle with matters. Help us not be afraid to change. Amen.

For Sunday - February 12, 2017

Dreamer Genesis 37:5

Welcome to the last section of Genesis readings. Chapters 37-50 feature Jacob and Rachel’s son Joseph. But all the brothers play a hand in these amazing stories. You may want to refer to the Jacob & sons chart and be ready to add some more notes.

Focus Text: Genesis 37:1-11, 19-24,28, 31-32,34

Other Reading: Genesis 37-44

Joseph & His Brothers In chapter 37, what do you think of Joseph? What do you think of his brothers? Are they all alike?

This isn’t the first instance of one brother receiving favor over another in the book of Genesis. How does this breed violence?

Joseph’s adventures in Egypt Enjoy all the aspects of Joseph fall and rise: -Potiphar’s house and wife -Prison life -Interpreting dreams -Encountering Pharaoh -Pharaoh’s dream & meaning -Joseph’s rise in Pharaoh’s court -How the drought foretold in Pharaoh’s dream impacts Joseph’s brothers and father

Prayer Gracious God, Use all our gifts. Don’t let us be smug. Help us face the consequences of both good and bad days with serenity. Amen.

For Sunday - February 19, 2017

Me Before You Genesis 45:5

The book of Genesis ends with a note of amazing redemption. After all the family struggles since Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 this is a pretty incredible ending. Would Joseph have been as gracious if he hadn’t achieved such prosperity?

Focus Text: Genesis 45:1-15, 50:15-21

Other Reading: Genesis chapters 45-50

Joseph & Brothers Joseph sets up an elaborate plan before revealing himself to his brothers. Why does he do this?

Have his brothers changed? What makes you think yes or no?

What do you think of Genesis 45:7?

Questions What lessons does Genesis teach about people, personalities and family relationships?

What lessons does Genesis teach about people and God? What story from Genesis have you been particularly affected by?

Again we ask: Did you expect to find forgiveness and redemption in Genesis?

Prayer Thank you, Lord, for the stories of Genesis. We, too, come from dust and stars. Help us to transcend our emotions and egos and achieve a peace with you so that we are wiser, humbler and more compassionate. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

For Sunday - February 26, 2017

Watch for Luke Study Booklet. Ash Wednesday is March 1