Top Secret: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry Topic: Esther Scripture: the Old Testament Decorating Theme: Spies Age Group: Elementary Can you imagine if Esther and Mordecai were spies sent on a mission to infiltrate the palace and thwart Haman’s plot to harm the Jewish people? It might sound like a stretch, but God was working behind the scenes the entire time, even though God’s name is missing from the official records! In this 5-week series, kids will learn that God gives me a mission, nothing will turn me away from God, I can stand up for God and others, I can follow God even when nobody’s watching, and God can send me to make peace.

BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES
1. God gives me a mission. (Esther Becomes Queen: Esther 2:1–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4, 11–12)
2. Nothing will turn me away from God. (Haman Plots Against God’s People: Esther 3:1–15; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17)
3. I can stand up for God and others. (Mordecai Asks Esther to Help: Esther 4:1–17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13)
4. I can follow God even when nobody's watching. (Mordecai Honored: Esther 2:21–23, 6:1–11; Colossians 1:9–14)
5. God can send me to make peace. (Esther Saves Her People Esther 5:1–8, 7:1–6, 8:1–8; Psalm 122:6–9) 

WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES:

1. This week, kids uncover the story of how Esther became queen. Spies work behind the scenes, uncovering secrets and taking on confidential missions. This week, we'll hear the story of how Esther, an ordinary girl with no special status, became queen and found herself at the center of a hidden plan that God used to rescue an entire nation and protect God’s people. From her incredible story, we are reminded that God gives me a mission.

 
2. This week, kids uncover the story of Haman's plot against God's people. Spies often face danger, but they stay focused and committed, no matter how risky the mission becomes. This week, we'll uncover the story of Haman’s evil plot and how Mordecai’s faith in God never wavered, even when he faced great danger. From Mordecai’s unshakable trust in God, we are reminded that nothing will turn me away from God, no matter what challenges we face.

3. This week, kids uncover the story of how Mordecai asked Esther to help their people. Every spy knows that doing what's right isn't always easy — especially when it means taking a risk for others. This week, we'll hear about how Mordecai asked Esther to risk her life and approach the king to save her people. It could have cost her everything, but Esther's boldness reminds us that no matter the challenge, I can stand up for God and others.

4. This week, kids uncover the story of how Mordecai was honored for protecting the king. Being a spy means doing the right thing even when no one notices — that's often the point of the mission! This week, we'll hear the story of when Mordecai uncovered a plot to harm the king and chose to protect him, even though he wasn't rewarded for it. His loyalty and faithfulness show us that I can follow God even when nobody’s watching.

5. This week, kids uncover the story of how Esther saved her people. Spies are experts at coming up with creative solutions to solve big problems in tricky situations. This week, we'll learn about how Esther used wisdom, courage, and careful planning to approach the king and save her people, finding a peaceful way to stop a dangerous situation. Her bold actions remind us that no matter how hard the challenge, God can send me to make peace.

MEMORY VERSE: "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." — Proverbs 15:3 (NIV)