With “One Congregation, One Book,” we come together as one to focus on a single book of the Bible over a period of weeks.
This summer, we’ll focus on the Book of Genesis.

The Book of Genesis tells a story that is deep and wide from the creation of the cosmos to family relationships. Genesis tells the story of the human condition and its complexities – the joy, the pain, and God’s promise to accompany humanity through all of life. Here are the ways that you can participate: Follow this Genesis reading plan, worship with us (in-person or online) and hear the weekly sermons, and/or attend our Sunday morning (10 am) adult class, where the preaching pastor will dive deeper into the readings for each week.

Week 11: August 27 & 28 – Dreams and Actions

Pastor Jack Horner

We’ve come to end of our journey with the patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith in Genesis. This weekend we hear the fascinating story of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers he overcomes his situation with the help of God to rise to the heights of power in the Egyptian kingdom. It’s a story of dreams and actions. Readings: Genesis 41

Week 10: August 20 & 21 – Family Dynamics

Pastor John Brock

Genesis 27-33 tells us the story of sibling rivalry between Esau & Jacob, and how Jacob goes from being not only the father of twelve sons, but the founder of the People of Israel. Readings: Genesis 27-33 Discussion Questions: Are you perfect? Have you made mistakes? Do you think God will only use you if you are perfect? Is God limited by your actions, or lack thereof?

Week 9: August 13 & 14 – True Love

Pastor Jack Horner

Genesis chapter 24 tells the story of God’s continuing faithfulness to the family of Abraham. After Sarah’s death, Abraham sends a servant to find his son Isaac a bride, trusting the Lord to lead him to her. It’s love at first sight for the young couple! Readings: Genesis 24:1-67 Discussion Questions: Do you believe in love at first sight? How can faith strengthen a relationship? How can you follow God in your relationships?

Week 8: August 6 & 7 – The Test

Pastor John Brock

The Book of Genesis tells a story that is deep and wide from the creation of the cosmos to family relationships. Genesis tells the story of the human condition and its complexities – the joy, the pain, and God’s promise to accompany humanity through all of life. In today’s lesson, Abraham learns a vital lesson concerning love, trust, promise fulfillment, and obedience. Readings: Genesis 22:1-19 Discussion Questions: What is the most difficult thing God has ever asked of you? If God wanted you to, are you able to willingly walk away from something or someone you love more than even your own life?

Week 7: July 30 & 31 – Sodom and Gomorrah

Pastor Jack Horner

God promised to Noah that he would never send a flood to destroy the world because of the wickedness of the people. But it doesn’t mean that God will not act against sin. In the story of Lot and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah we see a picture of God’s generosity but also seriousness in dealing with sin that destroys trust and relationships. Readings: Genesis 18:16-19:38 Discussion Questions: How do you experience God’s mercy in your life? Why do you think practicing hospitality was so important in ancient cultures? Why is it important today?

Week 6: July 23 & 24 – Rejection and Redemption

Pastor John Brock

This week we continue the story of Abram and Sarai, and Hagar and Ishmael, and how lives are betrayed; promises are ignored and then promises get redirected; and how redemption comes in unexpected ways. Readings: Genesis 16:1-15; 21:8-20 Discussion Questions: Can God use us to proclaim the gospel, even if we aren’t a believer? How do we Live Like Jesus, if we’ve ever been betrayed, or lost trust in, our faith leaders?

Week 5: July 16 & 17 – The Covenant

Pastor Liz Frey

The Book of Genesis tells a story that is deep and wide from the creation of the cosmos to family relationships. Genesis tells the story of the human condition and its complexities – the joy, the pain, and God’s promise to accompany humanity through all of life. This week we begin the story of Abram and Sarai, the father and mother of our faith. Their story reminds us that God is faithful and keeps promises, even in the face of our doubt. Readings: Genesis 15:1-21; 18:1-15; 21:1-7 Discussion Questions: How do you relate to Abraham and Sarah’s story? Where have you experienced new life?

Week 4: July 9 & 10 – The Fall 2.0

Pastor Jack Horner

Listening- it’s probably the most important skill to learn in any relationship. We hear and understand, appreciate and empathize, grow and learn. Relationships can thrive when we actively listen and share our hearts. The Tower of Babel story is about the chaos and confusion that ensues when we don’t listen and follow the promises of God. Readings: Genesis 10:1 – 11:9 Discussion Questions: How do you listen to God? What is God’s plan for you? What do you need to do to see it through?

Week 3: July 2 & 3 – The Flood

Pastor John Brock

“In the beginning” everything was “good.” but is that our experience? In Genesis 6-9, we hear the story of the eventual consequences of the Fall and the first murder; how one family was chosen; their actions to assist in rebooting the world; and God’s promise/covenant with all of creation. Readings: Genesis 6:1-9:17. Discussion Questions: What does the story of the Flood mean to you? Do you see it as a story of retribution & correction, or is it a story about God’s power and love for humanity? What does it mean to you to find favor in the sight of the Lord? Does our world need another hard reset?

Week 2: June 25 & 26 – The Fall

Pastor Jack Horner

“In the beginning” everything was “good.” But is that our experience? In chapters 3 and 4 of Genesis we hear the Hebrews’ stories of what went wrong. What turned the Garden of Eden into the world we know today? And how do we learn from them and become the people God intended. Readings: Genesis 3:1 – 4:16 Discussion Questions: “In the beginning” everything was “good.” But is that our experience? 2. In chapters 3 and 4 of Genesis we hear the Hebrews’ stories of what went wrong. a. What turned the Garden of Eden into the world we know today? b. And how do we learn from them and become the people God intended?

Week 1: June 18 & 19 – This is the Beginning

Pastor Liz Frey

Pastor Liz Frey starts our One Congregation, One Book series at the very beginning –  God’s creation of the earth. The creation story reminds us that God creates each of us, makes us in God’s image, and claims us as beloved children. Readings: Genesis 1:1 – 2:25 Discussion Questions: Use your imagination as you read Genesis. 1. How do you imagine God created heaven, earth, animals and humans? 2. Each day of creation, God said, “It was good.” What does that mean to you? 3. You were created in God’s image. What does that mean for you?