# data[].attributes.body
Follow along with the story and listen carefully.

# data[].attributes.body
Queen Vashti was a strong woman when she refused to do what the king wanted. What strong women do you know or know about?

# data[].attributes.body
Wonder about how Queen Vashti felt when she sent her "No" in response to the King's request:

1. I wonder if she was afraid to tell the King "No".

2. I wonder how she found the courage to refuse the King's command.

3. I wonder how she felt after she stood up to the King.

# data[].attributes.body
Think about a time when you were afraid but found the strength and courage to do a hard thing. Share your story with someone near you.

# data[].attributes.body
Courage is a big word!Sometinmes we think of courage like Queen Vashti's as something only superheroes or larger-than-life characters can have.Let's explore what courage can look like in our everyday lives by listening to the story.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Courage | Storytime with the Children's Museum of Sonoma County

# data[].attributes.body
Think about "everyday courage."

1. When was a time that you needed courage?

2. when have you needed to have the courage to say "no" or to "stand up" against something that wasn't right or fair?

3. How might your faith in God help you to know when to say yes or no?

# data[].attributes.body
Dear God, we thank you for creating us with imagination and creativity that lets us dream. Help us to use our imaginations as we hear your word for us. Help us to be strong and courageous and to stand up for what is right.

# data[].attributes.body
What do you think the king said when he saw Esther?

What do you think Mordecai said when he heard that Esther was the new queen?

Who do you think came to the feast in honor of Queen Esther?

How do you think the tables looked loaded with food?

Esther had a lot to do to get ready to be queen. When have you had to get ready to do something new? What did you do?

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Print out the two pictures of Mordecai and Esther and make stick puppets.  If you don't have a printer, you can make your own drawings on paper!

# data[].attributes.body
1. Listen again to the story of Esther. While you listen to the story, act it out with the puppets.

2. Think about these questions: - Why was Esther's cousin Mordecai taking care of her? - Why do you think that Mordecai told Esther to keep her Jewish faith a secret? - How did Mordecai continue to take care of Esther even after she had entered the palace? - Who are the people that take care of you? How do they care for you?

3. Can you find God mentioned anywhere in the story? In fact, God is not mentioned anywhere in the whole book of Esther! Think about where God might be hiding in this story. - What people does God use to take care of Esther in this part of the story? - How do you imagine God will use Esther in her new job as queen?

# data[].attributes.headline
Read Aloud: The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado

# data[].attributes.subject
Read Aloud: The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado

# data[].attributes.body
Why did Ollie want to be chosen?

What did he find out when he was chosen?

What did Ollie learn from Jesus?

Do you think Esther knew she was chosen by God?

How does it feel to know that God chooses each of us too?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Tallest of Talls by Max Lucado. Illsutrated by Maria Monescillo. Read aloud by Jodi Mcclellan

# data[].attributes.body
Holy God,

We thank you for creating us to be your children.

Just as we read about Esther's life, help us to see the ways you move in our lives.

Help us to know ourselves in new ways.

Amen

# data[].attributes.body
Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman?

What did Mordecai want Esther to do?

Why did she think that plan would not work? What might have happened if it did not? How and why did Mordecai ask her to be brave?

How did Esther show courage?

What could have happened to her if the king had been angry with her?

# data[].attributes.headline
Listen to a song about Esther saving her people.

# data[].attributes.subject
Listen to a song about Esther saving her people.

# data[].attributes.body
The last line of the song says “for we believe (God) sent us, too, for such a time as this.”

Can you think of situations where God might be calling you or your church to have courage and stand up like Esther, for “such a time as this.”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
For Such a TIME as This (Esther Song w/ Lyrics) #OfficialMV | Shawna Edwards | Christian Music 2022

# data[].attributes.body
1. While Esther was chosen as the new queen, she already knew herself as one of God's chosen people. What does it mean to be chosen as a child of God? Just remember, you were already chosen by God :)

2. You are going to make your "Chosen by God" crowns. Print out the pieces from above or create your own crown on paper! You can use whatever materials you have to create your crown!

# data[].attributes.body
Esther had to be strong and courageous to stand up for her people and ask the king to help them. She was afraid. But Joshua 1:9 reminds us that God is with us during the times that we are afraid. And God will help us find courage.

Can you think of a time when you asked God to give you courage ?

Or a time God made you feel strong and safe?

# data[].attributes.headline
The Festival of Purim celebrates Esther's courage and the salvation of the Jewish people.

# data[].attributes.subject
The Festival of Purim celebrates Esther's courage and the salvation of the Jewish people.

# data[].attributes.body
Esther becomes the heroine of the story. In Judaism, the story of Esther is the basis for the festival of Purim.

Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people . The holiday is based on the story in the Bible's Book of Esther.

How is Purim celebrated?

Feasting: A large, festive meal called a seudah is traditionally held at home.

Costumes: People dress in costumes and masks.

Parades: Parades are a common way to celebrate Purim.

Noisemaking: People make noise with graggers and shout "whoops" when Haman's name is mentioned.

Gift giving: People send food gifts to each other called mishloach manot.

Reading the megillah: The Book of Esther is read during Purim.

Why is Purim celebrated?

To commemorate the bravery of Queen Esther, who revealed Haman's evil plot to the King

To inspire courage in the face of danger and adversity

To remind people not to be silent in the presence of evil

# data[].attributes.body
Esther’s story is celebrated in the Jewish faith through the festival of Purim. During Purim, people get involved in the reading of the story by making lots of noise and booing when Haman’s name is mentioned. Simple noisemakers, called groggers, are often made using an empty plastic drinking bottle with items that make noise in it, such as small beads or pea gravel.

Read or have someone read the story of Esther again. This time whenever Haman's name is mentioned shake your grogger and yell Boo!

# data[].attributes.headline
Let's say a prayer that we may have  courage  ,like Esther had.

# data[].attributes.subject
Let's say a prayer that we may have  courage  ,like Esther had.

# data[].attributes.body
Lord, we thank you for giving us COURAGE. (muscle arms)

Give us courage in our MINDS, (touch hands to head)

Courage in our HEARTS to do the right thing, (cross hands over heart)

And courage in our FEET to go where you lead us. (point to feet)

Amen.