We started the evening with, long awaited, singing (thanks David and Michelle) and welcomed some new members (Hi Doug and Melissa). Jewish tradition surrounding the Book of Esther (Megilla) dictates that people should: Read the Megillah out loud, Be festive and rejoicing, Give Gifts of fruits and nuts, and Offer gifts to the poor. So we had snacks of fruit and nuts and Hamantaschen (butter cookies with Apricot preserves).
Hamantaschen are three cornered as Haman's hat. Then Michelle read aloud the next chapters. Of course, we continued to blot out the name of Haman with our noisemakers!We had some discussion about the 'historicalness' of Esther and talked about what is happening with our main characters. Haman has already ordered (in the king's name) the destruction of the Jews and appears to continue to gain favor with the king who appears to let others take the lead. When Esther risks her life by approaching the king without an invitation, the king spares her and offers to give her whatever she wants up to half his kingdom without even waiting to hear what her petition was. Despite the king's repeated offers, Esther does not ask immediately, but asks the king and Haman to return the next day to find out.
Later... Haman's wife urges him (and he agrees) to build a gallows to hang Mordecai in the morning, then he can "go merrily with the king to dinner" with Esther.
Why did Esther wait to tell the King her petition?
Is it too late for Mordecai?
Can Esther's plan work without Mordecai?
Will Esther be killed as well when her heritage is discovered?
Tune in next Wednesday, same bat time (7pm) same bat channel (UMC room 308)!
To offer gifts to the poor, everyone present offered to bring items to make sack lunches for Harvest Home (a home for homeless, pregnant women).
Why did Esther wait to tell the King her petition?
Is it too late for Mordecai?
Can Esther's plan work without Mordecai?
Will Esther be killed as well when her heritage is discovered?
Tune in next Wednesday, same bat time (7pm) same bat channel (UMC room 308)!
To offer gifts to the poor, everyone present offered to bring items to make sack lunches for Harvest Home (a home for homeless, pregnant women).Remember to dress as a character from Esther on January 30th!
As the new year progresses, there is a lot of business. Please peruse the calendar and read your e-mail. Look below for details (or click on the item on the calendar).
Please pray these prayers:
* Ashok asks for guidance for his mother and brother in making decisions regarding his father's illness
* Alex asks for prayers for his friend, Mike, who has suddenly gone blind in one eye (accomodate to different vision and protect other eye)
* Doug and Melissa ask for alleviation of pain for his Aunt Kay who suffers from fibromyalgia* Chris prays for understanding and discernment regarding her Uncle Kas who is unable to live alone following his wife's passing and is going to a retirement home against his will
* Alex asks for the lord to take the opportunity to come into his brother's life and have a ransforming experience on his brother, Zack, who recently lost his job
* Pray for Chelsea and Jim Kirtley, Char Smith, Sam and Emily Payne and their parents Dennis and Sue for the loss of Dee Payne (Char and Dennis's mother, and Chelsea, Sam and Emily's grandmother) who died over the weekend* Chris asks for patience and guidance in her relationship with her mother-in-law
* We pray that Sarah has passed all parts of her test (but especially the seismic portion) as she awaits the results in two weeks
* David asks for prayers that everything goes well with his job
We thank God for his many blessings, including:
* Gordon (Chris' husband) is out of the hospital
* Steve (Shannon's brother) is out of the hospital and recovering well
* Ashok is doing well after a hard last year
* David has a voice over gig
* Emily's friends from high school, Melissa/Brent are engaged. This is a big step for them as neither one has had good matrimonial models in their families
As the new year progresses, there is a lot of business. Please peruse the calendar and read your e-mail. Look below for details (or click on the item on the calendar).
Please pray these prayers:
* Ashok asks for guidance for his mother and brother in making decisions regarding his father's illness
* Alex asks for prayers for his friend, Mike, who has suddenly gone blind in one eye (accomodate to different vision and protect other eye)
* Doug and Melissa ask for alleviation of pain for his Aunt Kay who suffers from fibromyalgia* Chris prays for understanding and discernment regarding her Uncle Kas who is unable to live alone following his wife's passing and is going to a retirement home against his will
* Alex asks for the lord to take the opportunity to come into his brother's life and have a ransforming experience on his brother, Zack, who recently lost his job
* Pray for Chelsea and Jim Kirtley, Char Smith, Sam and Emily Payne and their parents Dennis and Sue for the loss of Dee Payne (Char and Dennis's mother, and Chelsea, Sam and Emily's grandmother) who died over the weekend* Chris asks for patience and guidance in her relationship with her mother-in-law
* We pray that Sarah has passed all parts of her test (but especially the seismic portion) as she awaits the results in two weeks
* David asks for prayers that everything goes well with his job
We thank God for his many blessings, including:* Gordon (Chris' husband) is out of the hospital
* Steve (Shannon's brother) is out of the hospital and recovering well
* Ashok is doing well after a hard last year
* David has a voice over gig
* Emily's friends from high school, Melissa/Brent are engaged. This is a big step for them as neither one has had good matrimonial models in their families
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