September 2018

Mountain Sunday

Note to the Teacher

The key emphasis this week (for this lesson Psalm 125 and Genesis 2) is that God has entrusted creation to humanity to be faithful stewards and caretakers. The Ice Breaker invites youth to think about their favorite outdoor place on earth. The Discussion encourages students to reflect on God’s expectations of humanity as faithful creation. The Activity allows youth to create a set of guidelines for humanity if we are to take our responsibility as caretakers to heart. Times are based on a 50-minute lesson period, but can be adjusted as is necessary.

Time	Description of Activity
10 min	1. Ice Breaker Ask the students – What is your favorite outdoor place on earth? (It can be a vacation spot or a place in their own backyard, it just must be someplace outside!) What is it about that place that makes it your favorite? What do you like to do there?
5 min	2. Read Scripture Our Scripture reading today will focus on Psalm 125 and Genesis 2:4-17. Psalm 125 is a short Psalm with a passage that uses the mountains around Jerusalem as a metaphor for God’s care for the Israelites. Genesis 2 shares part of the original creation story. Read Psalm 125 How do verses 1 & 2 compare the mountains to God’s relationship with humans? How long does verse 2 say God will care for God’s people? Read Genesis 2:4-17 Read Psalm 104:1-35.
15 min	3. Discussion What does Genesis 2:15 say is humanity’s responsibility for Creation? How well do you feel that humanity is doing in caring for Creation? Where is humanity doing a good or not-so-good job of caring for Creation? How do you think that God feels about the state of the earth? Why do you think that people are not more appreciative and careful with the resources of the earth? What do you think it would take for people to change their care of Creation? What do you think the earth will be like in 100 years?
20 min	4. Activity and Discussion: Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved using the activity “Taking Back the Earth” from the Youth Worker Collective (https://youthworkercollective.com/taking-back-the-earth/ ) Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider taking joys and concerns from the students, then ask for a volunteer to close in prayer.
5 min	5. Closing Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider taking joys and concerns from the students, then ask for a volunteer to close in prayer.
50 min

NEEDED RESOURCES:

Sheets of paper (preferably larger if possible) - 1 for every 2 to 3 students

Markers or crayons – enough to distribute some to each group

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