Return to Year B: 2008-2009 Resource Index
Scriptures: Esther 7:1–6, 9–10, 9:20–22; Psalm 124;
James 5:13–20;
Mark 9:38–50/9:36–50 IV; Helaman 3:53–54; Doctrine and Covenants 97:1c–d
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship: Helaman 3:53–54
Time of Blessing: Turn to your neighbor and greet them with the words of the Psalmist.
“The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”—Psalm 121:8 IV
*Hymn: “Firm Foundation” NS 10
OR “Rejoice, Ye Saints of Latter Days” HS 36
*Invocation
*Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
“For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.”—Mark 9:41 NRSV
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Ministry of Music Hymn: “Meet Me in a Holy Place” NS 36
OR “Holy Spirit, Come with Power” HS 287
Testimony of Boldness: “What Goes Around, Comes Around”
This is a chapter found in Courageous Witness by Jared Munson (Herald Publishing House, 2003), 58–61.
Someone good at storytelling could present this testimony as if they were the author, or it could be read by a younger member of the congregation. It could also be acted out as a play.
Prayer for Peace see page 27
Hymn: “All Are Called” R-9
OR “O May Thy Church Build Bridges” HS 431
Pastoral Prayer for Strength in Times of Fear and Hesitation
Proclamation of God’s Word
Based on Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22
*Hymn: “Rise Up, O Saints of God” HS 378
OR “We Are Called to Be Peacemakers” SP 23
*Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 97:1c–d
*Benediction
*Response
Scriptures: Esther 7:1–6, 9–10, 9:20–22; Psalm 124; James 5:13–20; Mark 9:38–50/9:36–50 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
This Sunday is the only time the book of Esther is used in the entire three years of the lectionary. Most modern scholars feel the book has a secular nature (it doesn’t mention God), and the events said to have taken place in the Persian Empire cannot be independently verified. However, the inclusion of the book of Esther in the canon was to demonstrate the courage and tenacity of the Jews and document the origin of the Feast of Purim to be celebrated by succeeding generations. While the verses of today’s story are extracted from the middle of the overall narrative, it would be better to hear the whole story of Esther.
Mordecai, a Jewish captive in a foreign land, refuses to bow to Haman because only God is worthy of worship. Haman is angry and orders a gallows to be built for Mordecai’s execution. Extending his anger to all Jews, he orders the genocide of the Jewish people. Esther, Mordecai’s cousin, has been chosen queen by King Ahasuerus after he disposed of Queen Vashti for opposing him. The king does not realize that Esther is Jewish.
Esther cleverly designs a series of banquets during which the king offers her anything she desires. She takes the opportunity to speak boldly and asks that her life and the lives of her people be spared. The king is furious that Esther has been threatened and asks the identity of the offender. When Haman is identified, in an ironic twist, a servant suggests that the gallows built for Mordecai be used to execute Haman. Haman is led away from the banquet to face his demise. Mordecai records and communicates Esther’s courage to all Jews and orders that her actions be commemorated with a festival. To this day the Jews keep the Feast of Purim to honor Queen Esther’s bold action.
Esther showed a willingness to risk her own life to save not only her cousin, Mordecai, but all Jews living in the Persian Empire. Her shrewd planning and courageous action on behalf of God’s people provides a model for us: we are to speak boldly when we see oppression and injustice. We are called to act bravely in our daily lives when we see people at risk of harm or in need of protection and support. We pray for personal courage like that of Esther—at school, at the office, and in our communities—to bring about peace and justice in our world.
Central Ideas
Questions for the Speaker