The book of Esther is one of the latest writings of the Old Testament, perhaps written to inspire Jews who had been scattered in the diaspora. The narrative takes place in the court of the King of Persia, King Ahasuerus. Some think that it was written to explain and establish the Jewish festival of Purim.
This three session-study is brought to us by Kay Ward, a bishop of the Moravian Church who lives at Marquardt Manor, a Moravian retirement community in Watertown, Wisconsin. She continues to serve in ministry as a pastor to pastors and intercessor for the church. Before retiring from the staff of Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, she served in team ministry with her husband, Aden. Kay was the first woman to be elected a bishop in the 541 years of the Moravian Church (the Unitas Fratrum).
Session descriptions:
Session one: For such a time as this: Esther the queen—Voices in the king’s court
Session one sets the scene for the story of Esther and her adopted father, Mordecai. Esther and Mordecai are Jews living under the rule of the Persian king, King Ahasuerus. When Esther becomes the queen, her faith is tested.
Session two: For such a time as this: Esther saves the Jews—Finding our voices
In session two we’ll learn how, when the Jews are threatened, Esther uses her strong faith and the love of her people to embolden her to act. Through some clever schemes, intelligence and a realistic assessment of her situation, Esther is able to save her people.
Session three: For such a time as this: Remembering Esther: Using our voices
In session three, we’ll examine the last chapters of the book of Esther, which are full of hope for the future for the Jews. As women of faith, full of love for God and others, we will consider ways to find and use our voices in our present circumstances—“for such a time as this.”
Download sessions two and three.
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More upcoming Bible studies:
Winter/Spring 2025: “Faithfulness” by Denise Rector
(January) Session One: Faith where you are: Ruth and Naomi Ruth chooses to remain part of Naomi’s family, even after Naomi has lost everything – including her husband and sons. This intergenerational story of faithfulness during emptiness and sorrow helps us learn how...
May 2025 – Receiving the Spirit’s flame: Spiritual gifts in the life of the church, by Cara Strickland
As we begin to dig into Scripture and talk about our spiritual gifts, it’s important to remind ourselves that these gifts are given to us by Someone who knows us intimately. A spiritual gift is nothing we can ever earn, and usually not something we’d think to ask for,...
Summer 2025: “Where two or more are gathered: Flourishing in relationships” by the Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen
(June) Session One: Relationships that form us: All in the family Some of our most beloved Bible stories involve siblings and the trials and tribulations of relationships within families. We’ll examine the stories of Jacob and Esau, as well as Mary and Martha, while...
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Hi, Sharon,
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Sarah
When will I receive the complete version of the Summer studies????
Gesa,
The summer studies will arrive for subscribers in the June and July/August issues. The June issue should have already arrived, and the July/August issue will arrive in the beginning of June.
If you want to download the studies, we now require that you subscribe to Gather’s free e-newsletter in order to access the studies. You can either subscribe or confirm that you are already a subscriber by clicking where it says “enter your information here” above. A link to download the studies will be sent to you via email.
Sarah Carson
I subscribed to the newsletter and just received my link. Thank you!!!
Fantastic!
When will the downloads for Lessons from Esther be available for download?
Hi, Sharon,
The sessions are available for download now. We now require that you subscribe to Gather’s free e-newsletter in order to access the studies. You can either subscribe or confirm that you are already a subscriber by clicking where it says “enter your information here” above. A link to download the studies will be sent to you via email.
Sarah Carson
Thank you.
Where or how can I access the complete study for June, July and August?
Can’t wait to meet up with Kay again!!