Overview Creation The Garden of Eden The First Sin Cain and Abel The Tower of Babel God's Promises to Abram Sarah is Promised a Child The Sacrifice of Isaac Hagar & Ishmael Isaac & Rebekah Esau & Jacob Jacob's Dream Jacob gets Two Wives Jacob Wrestles Joseph, his Colourful Coat, and his Dreams Joseph's Brothers Forgiven

Bible Texts:

Genesis 1

 

Children's Bible Story sources:

"The Creation," DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.18

"Creation," Spark Story Bible, p.2

"God Creates the Earth," "God Creates the Animals," and "God Creates Man and Woman" DK Children's Everyday Bible, p.10, 11, & 12

"God Made Many Things," The Early Reader's Bible, p. 3

"The Beginning: A Perfect Home," The Jesus Storybook Bible, p.18

 

Children's Story Resources

 

The Dreamer by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Barry Moser

A painter dreams of earth, trees, sky, and animals and then awakens to create them.
How these stories are connected: This beautiful storybook brings God's creation to life. Page after page, the mountains and animals spring to life and help us consider God's artistry.

 

Questions about The Dreamer:

     Who do you think the artist is?

     Why do you think the artist was called ‘The Dreamer’?

     What was your favorite thing that the artist made?

     What kinds of things do you dream about making? 

 

Questions about the Bible story:

     What things did God make?

     How did God make them?

     Why do you think God made all those things?

     What is your favorite thing that God made?

 

Questions about our lives:

     What is your favorite thing that you have made?

     Why is that your favorite thing?

 

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for all the beautiful things you have made. (Have the children name their favorite things that God made and have them say, "Thank you, God!" after each one.) Amen.

 

 

 

 

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight." So begins this gentle story that shows just how far your imagination can take you. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. But this is no hare-brained, impulsive flight of fantasy. Cherubic, round-headed Harold conducts his adventure with the utmost prudence, letting his imagination run free, but keeping his wits about him all the while. He takes the necessary purple-crayon precautions: drawing landmarks to ensure he won't get lost; sketching a boat when he finds himself in deep water; and creating a purple pie picnic when he feels the first pangs of hunger.
How these stories are connected: Harold creates with his imagination and his purple crayon. God creates with word and power. Human beings have power similar to God's. Our imaginations and words and power have creative power.
 

Questions about Harold and the Purple Crayon:

     How did Harold create things? 

     How do you think Harold was feeling when he was drawing things? Why?

     What was your favorite thing that Harold made? Why?

     What kinds of things do you dream about making?

 

Questions about the Bible story:

     What things did God make?

     How did God make them?

     Why do you think God made all those things?

     What is your favorite thing that God made?

 

Questions about our lives:

     What is your favorite thing that you have made?

     Why is that your favorite thing?

 

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for all the beautiful things you have made. Help us to take care of the things you have made and help us to make beautiful things, just as you have. Amen.

 

Hands On

Of all of the things that God made, draw your favorite one.