Companions with creation: Week two
God creates beautiful things
Genesis 1:1–31
Story
Review and retell story from last week (Genesis 1:1-31)
Note: As you repeat and review last week's story, focus on some of the more abstract themes of establishing God's Kingdom on earth and creation as a gift from God.
Perhaps try retelling the story using ideas and methods of “Godly Play” to help you draw attention to these themes. Ask “I wonder” questions as you go and wait for the children to offer their reflections.
When it seems like there is a weight to the wondering, it's time to move into a time of responding where the children can respond in whatever way is most suitable for them.
Encourage children to continue their wondering and to engage in one or two of a few different options which might include colouring pages, string art (age dependent), play dough, a group walk outside, or a conversation.
Message
God creates many beautiful things out of nothing and calls each of it “good.” God is pleased with what God has made; all of creation is precious to God.
I wonder if you know you are precious to God?
God creates everything to serve a particular purpose and to be pleasing to God. Everything is created to reflect God's nature, which is love.
God establishes the Heavens and the Earth. God creates the Garden of Eden, an extraordinarily beautiful place, a vision of the Kingdom of God, where heaven and earth overlap, where everything and everyone is the nearest to the love of God.
I wonder what it would be like to live in heaven on earth? I wonder if you have lived in such a place?
The garden is the place where Adam and Eve are given to make their home, to live well with other creatures, to cultivate life and co-create beauty with God.
I wonder how you are co-creating beauty with God?
Games
Test your memory with “What did God create?”
Purpose of this game, in relation to the message, is to emphasise the diversity in creation.
Everyone stands in a circle and takes turns around the circle saying their name and associated animal noise/gesture. A volunteer tests their memory by repeating each name and gesture/noise.
Alternatively, practice memorisation of each of the seven days of creation. Decide beforehand the main themes for each day. Whilst maintaining a steady clapping beat, go around the circle with one person at a time saying the theme for each day of creation. Begin with one person saying Day 1, the next person saying Day 2, and so on and so forth. Once you've had a bit of practice, change the rules a bit so that the first person says the theme for Day 1, the second person says the theme for Day 1 and Day 2 (in order), the third person says the themes for Day 1 and Day 2 and Day 3, and so on and so forth until the final person has correctly said the themes day 1-7 in order. If anyone says the wrong theme or the beat is lost, start the game again (otherwise, continue where you left off.).
Charades
Animal themed. Someone chooses a region of the world and each volunteer charades an animal from that region.
Activities
String art
This activity is best for ages 8yrs+
- Scissors
- Variety of coloured string
- Needle to poke holes
- Sellotape
- Black craft paper
- Tape diagram on top of black paper.
- Poke through each dot on the diagram so it goes through black paper.
- Once each dot has been poked, carefully remove the diagram from black paper.
- Place the diagram aside, but keep within reach to refer to threading instructions once ready.
- Thread one string through the needle and tie a knot on the end.
- Begin following instructions on the side of the diagram.
- Tie string in a knot (make sure it's on the backside of the art) once the pattern is finished or the string runs out. If the string runs out, tie the knot, re-thread the needle, and continue as you were.
Colouring pages
Play Doh
Set up a space for children to use Play Doh however they see fit. Offer suggestions of how to interact with the Play Doh.
Group walk outside
Take a walk outside in the nearest patch of nature. Encourage children to explore the area and perhaps report back to the group what they find. What can we learn about God, the Creator through the things we discover outside?
Question box
Encourage kids to keep asking questions by setting up a question box. Work your way through the questions as you see fit.
Takeaway activities for families
Focus on God's unique creation in Aotearoa New Zealand. What animal and plant species are only found in Aotearoa? Do some research and make lists. Then go for a wander with your family to your local bush or river or wetland reserve, etc. and see how many of God's unique Aotearoa creations you can spot. Which were your favourite? Why? What plants and animals would you want other kids living in countries other than Aotearoa NZ to see if they came for a visit? Why? How do you know God is present in the bush or along the river (etc.)?
Brainstorm as a family, the ways you can (or encourage others who are more skilled to) maintain and illuminate the beauty of creation in your local context. Perhaps there's a park that few visit as there is nowhere to sit. Perhaps there's a stream that's often clogged with rubbish. Contact your local council and propose your ideas to maintain the dignity and beauty of these habitats and green spaces. Or take initiative yourselves - do some guerilla gardening (ie plant cosmos or sunflowers in an empty lot).
