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Behind The Scenes: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Esther SCRIPTURE: Old Testament DECORATING THEME: Behind The Scenes AGE GROUP: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here !) The most important part of any play is what happens "behind the scenes." There's lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting - so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, kids will discover the most important character in Esther's story isn't always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace . (Spoiler alert: It's God!) BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God works behind the scenes. (Scene I. Esther Becomes Queen: Esther 2:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) God helps us do good behind the scenes. (Scene II. Modecai and Haman: Esther 3:1-6; 6:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13]) God gives us support behind the scenes. (Scene III. Mordecai Asks Esther to Help: Esther 3:8-4:17; Colossians 1:9-17) God gives us peace behind the scenes. (Scene IV. Esther Talks to the King: Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-6; 8:1-8; Psalm 122:6-9) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids learn about who Esther was, and how she became queen. Every play has action onstage, but did you know there's someone the audience never sees, working behind the curtain to make sure everything goes just right? This week, we meet Esther, an ordinary girl who became queen in an extraordinary way. It wasn't just luck or chance - God was quietly putting everything in place. Just like a director offstage, God works behind the scenes. This week, kids learn about how Mordecai and Haman became bitter rivals. Spotlights shine on the stage, but a lot of good things happen backstage where no one's looking. This week, when Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, it seemed risky, but God was still guiding things behind the scenes to help Mordecai stand up for what was right. Even when situations are tense or hard, God helps us do good behind the scenes. This week, kids learn about why Mordecai asked Esther to help the people of Israel. Every actor has a crew behind them - people holding props, fixing costumes, and whispering cues when they forget a line. This week, Esther was scared to help her people, but Mordecai reminded her that God had put people and purpose in place to help her succeed. We don't stand alone because God gives us support behind the scenes. This week, kids learn about the time Esther talked to the king about her people. Before the show, actors might feel nervous - but they know they memorized lines and remember where to stand on stage. This week, Esther risked everything to speak to the king, and God gave her calm and courage when she needed it. Because of God, Esther knew what to say and where to be. Even in scary moments, God gives us peace behind the scenes. MEMORY VERSE: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." - Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

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