Purim Joy Awaits – Dinner, Movie, and Queen Esther Night

Israel & Persia. Purim Joy Awaits – Dinner, Movie, and Queen Esther Night. Celebrating Purim with Faith, Food, and Fun. Purim Tuesday, March 3. As the new moon of Adar arrives, we’re reminded of this festive holiday that commemorates God’s sovereign deliverance of His people, as recorded in the Book of Esther.
The Scriptures emphasize its lasting importance:
“These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.”
In Jewish tradition, we observe Purim through four key practices: remembering the appointed time, giving tzedakah and acts of kindness (mishloach manot), hearing the book of (Megillat) Esther read aloud, and sharing a festive meal. The story highlights God’s invincible love and faithfulness—He overrules evil plans and defends His people, a theme that points forward to ultimate redemption.
To celebrate, we’re hosting a special Queen Esther Night on Tuesday, March 3 at Frances Farr’s home. Arrive at 5:55 PM for prayer, followed by a shared dinner starting pray, and eat 6:15 PM (please bring a salad, side dish, or unsweetened sparkling drink to share). Frances and John will provide the main lamb kebabs.
We will light candles at 6:25 PM.
During dinner, we will have interactive reading from Esther chapters 3–7 6:30–6:45 PM, including a group reading of key Esther passages. We’ll cheer for Esther and Mordecai, and boo/hiss (with noisemakers if you bring them!).
Whenever Haman is mentioned—it’s a fun, traditional way to engage with the story and “blot out” the villain’s name. 6:50 PM ladies, join our lighthearted Queen Celebration—wear something royal from what you already have. Each participant gets a special gift, and we’ll crown winners in fun categories with tiaras and 5x7 photo prints The Kings will vote on the top three queens (past winners will help with the crowning). Gentlemen, dress to complement the queens.
We’ll serve sparkling sparkling cider in goblets.
We will celebrate Andrea Crites (March 3) birthday with German chocolate cake.
We’ll vote between these two movies:
• Esther (1999, TV movie) 1 hour and 30 minutes. American-Italian-German television film with starring Louise Lombardas Queen Esther, F. Murray Abrahamas Mordechai – a straightforward, insightful retelling of the biblical story.
• One Night with the King (2006) 2 hours and 3 minutes. Trinity broadcasting version. Hadassah (Tiffany Dupont) becomes part of the harem of powerful King Xerxes (Luke Goss).
The movie will start before 7:30 PM or 8 PM depending on movie.
We’ll watch the winner and wrap up by 9:30 PM.
All are welcome as we grow together in faith. Text John at (719) 351-7913 or Frances at (541) 219-2713 for the address and gate code. Hope to see you there—Chag Purim Sameach!