2. Prov 8:12-36 Pp. 589-590 August 30, 2009 Care of Creation

3. In the beginning… God made the whole earth – Gen 1:31 – “and it was very good” God made us stewards of the whole earth – Gen 1:28 – “rule over” or “have dominion over” God made us to work the land – Gen 2:15 – re: Eden “to work it and take care of it” God’s vision: Shalom (wholeness, order, peace) on earth

4. www.restoringeden.org

5. The Way of Wisdom Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom God is God and we are not! Proper perspective on who we are relative to: – God – One another – Creation He’s got the whole world in his hands

6. “It was very good” God cherishes His creation Wisdom delighted at the dawn of creation General revelation of God in nature – Interrelated systems = interrelated Trinity – Creative, intricate, beautiful, fun, glorious, vast… Christ died to reconcile all things, in heaven and on earth, to himself (Col 1:20) – Christ died to restore shalom – Reminder: UC (Celtic) cross

7. Stewardship & Earthkeeping Stewards – task is to manage someone else’s stuff – Examples – wet nurse Workers & Caregivers / Caretakers – Example – children’s arts and crafts  We are God’s earthkeepers! - financial planner

8. Stewardship & Earthkeeping Make Wise Choices – Learn about the issues – Think from a different perspective Where is the “away” in throw away? – Ask before act Consider Justice – Examples: Coffee, tea and sugar Keep Perspective – People and relationships are most important – Live! We do need to use some things sometimes! – God is still in control, and Christ is our hope! Enjoy Creation! - Olympics debate

9. Creation is our Home “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and earth what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters… Seek the peace and prosperity of the city…” (Jer 29:4-7) Creation is our home! Seek the best for all of creation. Prayer from Psalm 104