By The Reverend Christine V. Hides
God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them. —Genesis 1:27
Purpose: What does it mean to be made in God’s image? To understand that we must have an idea of what God is like. A full understanding of God lies beyond human imagination and ability, yet, throughout history people have used the familiar to attempt to describe who God is and how God cares for us. The Bible contains many metaphors for God: shepherd, light, wind, and rock, for example.
Last fall the fourth graders did a deep dive into learning to study the Bibles they received in third grade. They learned that examining the author, genre, geography, and context of a Bible passage helps us to more fully understand and interpret its application to life today.
Timeline: Between now and February 23, fourth graders will use what they have learned in Sunday school to study one of many passages that describe an image of God. They will have the choice to work in a group to create a poster and a collage of their chosen image of God. The project is inspired by a new book, Picturing God by Ruth Goring.
Collage Supplies Needed:Fourth graders are encouraged to bring in objects for their collages. Bottle caps, scraps of ribbon, bits of fabric and small toys are a few of the many things that could be used in the art. It is an opportunity to be “green” making something new out of things headed for the landfill.
Schedule:
Below is a rough outline. Groups will be able to work at their own pace, allowing for absences. Please have your child attend as often as they are able between now and February 23. We look forward to displaying their pieces for the congregation!
- January 12: Introduction
- January 19: Choose passage and begin researching author, genre, and context.
- January 26: Continue researching author, genre, and context. Begin poster.
- February 9: Complete poster, create collage.
- February 23: Complete collage.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Hides.