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Salt, Soil, Seawater:

A Feast of Creation/Creation in Christ Six Week Study

Individual Participant’s Edition

Part of a Study & Worship Series for Congregations

LeadersGuide and printable Workbook

are also available

Rev. Richenda Fairhurst

—with Creation Justice Tips from Crys Zinkiewicz

Photo: Hermansyah.

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Introduction:

What Is a Feast Day/Creation in Christ?.....................iv

What are the United Methodist Holy Days?............... vi

Week One: Good Order

Chapter Lesson........................................................... 1

Tips ............................................................................ 7

Daily Reflections....................................................9

Study Content

Weekly Class Session:

  • Center Table (candle, salt, clay, flour)
  • 60-90 minutes
  • Short Reading (600 – 800 words)
  • Scripture and Reflection
  • Prayers
  • Invitation to Action from Creation Justice Tips

Photo: Manuel Torres Garcia.

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Week One – Good Order

  • Genesis 1 – 2:3

Week Two – Worthy of Forgiveness

  • John 1:1-5
  • Nicene Creed (excerpt)
  • Colossians 1:15-20

Week Three – Side by Side

  • Genesis 2:4-25

Week Four – Holding Things Together

  • Psalm 148

Week Five – Salt of the Earth

  • Acts 17:22a, 24-28

Week Six Cleaning Up and Making Whole

  • Job 38:4-11
  • Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Bible Texts

Photo: Lucas Leonel Suarez.

The study incorporates all the Year A texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, plus.

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Learning Objectives

This study and worship series brings the new holy observance of Creation in Christ/Feast of Creation into the local church context with the hope of inviting deeper understanding of:

  • creation care and stewardship
  • relationship between humans as created beings
  • Christ in the beginning
  • A deeper understanding of C/creation itself as an expression of God’s love for people, planet, and life itself

This Study blends

  • personal devotion and reflection
  • group learning
  • ideas for activities and meaningful action.

Photo: Timo Volz.

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Why Salt?

For this study and accompanying worship series, the intent is to work with salt as an Earth-centered element present at Creation.

Salt is both essential to and detrimental life. Healthy soil and healthy living things need salt in the right amount.

Salt in the oceans was present in the primordial seas, in the beginning. Salt continues to be vital to life on this planet.

Photo: Solonifer.

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Between class meetings, participants are invited to work prayerfully each day through the week.

  • A short scripture reading
  • One reflection question
  • An action report
  • Prayer

Action Reports

Participants are encouraged to take new or fresh action toward faithful stewardship. Each week new Tips are offered. During the week, the invitation is to work through the challenges, try new things, and celebrate successes and the learning cycle.

Daily Devotions & Actions

Photo: Curioso Photography.

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Editions are available for Participants and Leaders, and those are:

Downloadable ereaders:

Fixed-flow PDF in a 6 x 9 size (paperback)

Reflowable EPUB

Downloadable extras:

Printable Workbook for Participants

PDF Leaders’ Guide

Umcreationjustice.org/library

Editions