Rediscovering Harvest Moon: Unearthing Sabbath, Selfhood, and Nostalgia [Free]
A Bible Study on the classic farming sim Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life
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Opening Prayer
Start with a prayer inviting understanding of Sabbath, rest, and our relationship with our hobbies.
Sample Prayer:
Heavenly God, as we gather today to explore Your word and understand the joy and rest You offer us through our interests and hobbies, open our hearts to the beauty of Sabbath rest in all its forms. Help us recognize the gifts You have given us, not just in creation but in the creativity and joy we find in our daily lives. Amen.
Prep Questions
Reflect on a hobby or activity that brings you joy and relaxation. Why do you think it has this effect on you?
How do you currently observe Sabbath? Does it include time for activities that bring you joy?
Link to Video
Shortened Transcript
The sermon reflects on nostalgia and trauma, using the remake of "Story of Seasons" (formerly known as Harvest Moon) as a touchpoint for discussing how interests and pastimes, like video games, can be unjustly criticized. It parallels this personal story with the experience of Jesus, who faced criticism for His actions on the Sabbath. Jesus' response to the Pharisees in Mark 2:23-28 emphasizes that the Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath, highlighting the importance of rest and joy in our lives, irrespective of others' expectations or the nature of our interests.
Guided Questions
In what ways do the criticisms faced by the speaker for enjoying certain video games mirror the criticism Jesus faced from the Pharisees?
How does Jesus' teaching about the Sabbath challenge our modern understanding of rest and leisure?
Reflect on how your favorite hobbies or activities might actually be a form of observing the Sabbath.
Activity
Hobby Fair Activity: In-Person and Virtual Options
Objective: Share and discover the diverse hobbies that bring us joy and rest, reflecting on how these personal interests embody the principle of Sabbath rest.
In-Person Option
Setup: Participants set up small stations or tables displaying their hobby, which could range from gardening, crafting, to model building. Each station should offer a glimpse into why the hobby provides joy and rest.
Interaction: Attendees rotate between stations, engaging with the displays and their creators, asking questions, and sharing reflections on Sabbath rest.
Reflection: Group discussion on how different hobbies can be seen as gifts from God for our rest and rejuvenation.
Virtual Option
Preparation: Participants prepare a short presentation or video about their hobby to share online. This could include why it's restful and how it connects to Sabbath principles.
Presentation: Using a video conferencing platform, each participant shares their hobby with the group, followed by Q&A sessions.
Discussion: A virtual group discussion on the insights gained about the variety of ways we can experience Sabbath rest through our hobbies.
After Questions
How can we incorporate our understanding of the Sabbath into our weekly routines, including our hobbies and interests?
What steps can we take to ensure our leisure activities are restorative and aligned with God's intention for Sabbath?
Spiritual Practice
Digital Detox Challenge for Sabbath Rest
Objective:
Experience deeper Sabbath rest by disconnecting from digital devices to reconnect with hobbies and activities that rejuvenate the spirit.
How to Participate:
Choose a Day: Select a 24-hour period for your digital detox, ideally on a Sabbath or a rest day.
Set Intentions: Before starting, note your goals for this time. Aim for activities like reading, prayer, crafting, or nature walks—anything that enriches your soul.
Digital Detox: Commit to not using digital devices. Inform friends and family to manage expectations.
Engage and Reflect: Dive into your chosen hobby or restful activity. Afterward, reflect on the experience, noting feelings, challenges, and insights.
Group Sharing: Share your reflections and insights in your next group meeting, discussing the impact of the detox on your Sabbath rest experience.
Closing Prayer
Conclude with a prayer that encourages taking these lessons out into real life.
Sample Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of rest and the diverse ways we can find it in our lives. Help us to remember that our worth is not defined by productivity but by Your love. Teach us to find Sabbath in all aspects of our lives, embracing the activities that bring us joy as sacred opportunities to connect with You. Amen.
Notes From The Nerd Pastor:
As mentioned in the video itself, this one is a bit of a personal testimony to my experience as a gamer and someone who grew up in the culture. I’d wager that, whether it’s with games or not, everyone has at some point felt like the ‘odd one out,’ and this message is hopefully encouraging for them.
I also believe this is a wonderful opportunity to verbalize that video games are not a waste of time and should not induce guilt.
Resource Notes:
Access the Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life wiki here.
Helpful Nerd Terms:
Stardew Valley: Stardew Valley is a 2016 farm life sim game developed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone.
Lectio Divina: In Western Christianity, Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word.
Theological Themes:
Toxicity, Sabbath, Law, Nostalgia, Discernment, Spiritual Practices, Mark 2:23, Mark 2:24, Mark 2:25, Mark 2:26, Mark 2:27, Mark 2:28
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