We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading from Esther.  Rev. Erin Racine is preaching in one of her last Sundays with West End UMC as she moves on to another assignment.  In this reading, Esther, a Jew by birth but married to the Persian king, is asked by her cousin to do something truly dangerous in order to help save the Jews living in Susa.  The king does not know Esther is a Jew, and she is timid and submissive.  But she asks that the Jews in Susa hold a fast for her, and with that community support she does approach the king.  Erin relates that to a recent survey that asked what churches in Nashville need to do to help in our communities.  She cites a study that showed only 37% of church goers in Nashville volunteer, and she reminds us that we are the body of Christ.  Erin then lists many things she has seen our church and West Enders do in her years with us, and she challenges us, as a well of resources, to remember that, like Esther, we are called to do the hard work that we are in a position to do, and, like Esther, we have the community around us to support us in meeting those challenges.  (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)