"Our Place in God's World" is a set of six biblically based lessons to be used in connection with ministries. The theme of these lessons is rooted in Psalm 24:1-2 which proclaims our relationship, or place, within God's world. These lessons are designed to help children, beginning at age four and extending through elementary ages, as well as adults to become more conscientious in their observations of the natural world and to begin to understand the interconnectedness of all of Creation. Each one-hour lesson includes age-appropriate activities and opportunities for intergenerational learning both inside and outside of the garden. A supplemental guideline, "Caretakers of the Garden at Rest," contains suggestions and ideas to continue the work of observing the garden throughout the liturgical year.

Written by Kimberlee Eighmy

Project Team:

Kimberlee Eighmy, Christian Educator
kimeighmy@hotmail.com, 608-438-6350

Jeff Wild, Pastor, Advent Lutheran Church
mccwild@chorus.net, 608-824-1761

Bret Shaw, Environmental Communication Specialist, University of Wisconsin Extension
brshaw@wisc.edu, 608-890-1878

LESSON ONE: WE BEGIN IN THE GARDEN
Lesson One opens with the story of the Garden of Eden where our relationship with God begins and we are given dominion over living things. In this lesson children explore the role of having dominion as that of a caretaker. Through observation of how we live both inside and outside of the garden, children can better understand the ways in which the different parts of Creation work together, thus enhancing their skills as caretakers.

LESSON TWO: CARETAKERS OF THE SOIL
Lesson Two begins with Psalm 115 where God gives the earth to humankind. This includes the gift of soil which makes it possible for plants to grow in order to provide living creatures with food. In this lesson children explore their role as caretakers of the soil who must consider how soil both inside and outside of the garden is affected by lifestyle choices. These choices provide opportunities for children to participate in God's plan of renewal and restoration of all of Creation.

LESSON THREE: CARETAKERS OF THE LIVING WATER
Lesson Three begins with the story of Jesus promising eternal life in the gift of living water to the Woman at the Well. This promise, spoken in the words of baptism, combines with the waters of Creation and both are a part of the life given to us by God. In this lesson children explore the ways that water is connected to all living things and is affected by lifestyle choices.

LESSON FOUR: CARETAKERS OF GOD'S TREASURE
Lesson Four begins with Jesus' story of the seed's power to grow and develop on its own, just like God's kingdom. This is the treasure of life given to us by God which is hidden within every seed. In this lesson children explore the concept of God's power to give life and their role as caretakers of this treasure that is hidden within seeds.

LESSON FIVE: CARETAKERS OF OUR NEIGHBORS
Lesson Five begins with the story of the Good Samaritan that poses the question of who qualifies as a neighbor that is deserving of care and love. The lesson extends the concept of a neighbor to include all living creatures within God's Creation as deserving care and love. Children will explore ways to respect and care for the plant and animal neighbors inside and outside the garden and discover ways in which they work together in the natural environment.

LESSON SIX: CARETAKERS OF GOD'S HARVEST
Lesson Six begins with the theme verses from Psalm 24:1-2 and asks children to consider the rightful owner of the gift of God's harvest. In this lesson younger children will be introduced to the concept of offering one tenth of God's harvest to others. Older children will engage in thoughtful decision-making that develops a sense of compassion and reasoning based upon God's economy of fairness rather than a sense of competiveness and ownership.

CARETAKERS OF THE GARDEN AT REST
Just as God rested on the seventh day, so too must the garden and gardeners experience a time of rest. As the garden restores and rests before the next cycle of planting and growth, there are many opportunities to continue the work of conscientious observation. This seventh and final piece of "Our Place in God's World" offers a guideline and uggestions for gardening groups to continue to bserve and interact with the garden throughout the liturgical year.