Dramatic Reading: Acts 9

Here’s a dialogue between Saul before his conversion on the Damascus Road and afterward (as Paul).  It was written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws.

Dialogue between Saul and Paul

(inspired by the events in Acts 9)

I am Saul

I am Paul

I am passionate about my faith

I am passionate about my faith

I will work tirelessly for what I believe in

and I recognize that may hurt others

in order to keep the faith

I will work tirelessly for my beliefs too

and I also recognize that doing so can hurt others

but living the faith is never going to be easy

I have made a choice to put myself on the line for my faith

and if those who are out to destroy the faith get in the way,

then I will move them out the way

I have made a choice to put myself on the line for my faith

and will continue to do so

even in the face of those who want to move me out the way

I am Saul

I am Paul

Faith is everything to me.

It must be kept true at all costs.

It is too vital to my culture,

my traditions and how I understand life

Faith is everything to me.

It must stand true at all costs.

It is too vital for the Good News

for traditions and culture to stand in the way

of this new understanding of life

I will seek out those who destroy the faith

I will seek out those who limit the faith

I will keep our borders pure

and our traditions clean from contamination

I will cross every border

and welcome in Jew and Gentile, slave and free

I am Saul

I am Paul

I will work for the authorities

I will work for Jesus Christ

I will hold tight to the church

I will break open the church

I will keep the faith pure

I will keep the faith growing

I will be the death of Christianity

And I will be its life

I am Saul

I am Paul

~ written by Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Minister of New Kilpatrick Church.  Posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/starters_for_sunday/ 

Christmas Pageant

If you are still looking for a Christmas Pageant idea, here’s an option.  It comes from Billy Surf Martin and his wife Jen at Third Church (Presbyterian) in Richmond, Virginia. 

I’ve included a brief synopsis from their website. You can find everything else you need at A Christmas Pageant http://achristmaspageant.com/.

Synopsis: 

“All the “regulars” in last years Christmas pageant are retiring, so the head pastor is tasked with placing someone new in charge.  He selects an enthusiastic associate pastor.  On the night of the pageant, the head pastor realizes that the associate pastor has not planned anything beyond a few homemade props and dressing himself as Joseph, but the associate pastor is able to think quickly on his feet and come up with a plan.  During a short, funny time-lapse video montage we see the pastor quickly running through the halls of the church gathering people and props and assembling a complete pageant including the children’s choir and a narrator (storyteller).  The curtain opens and a beautiful, polished pageant begins, complete with a grand nativity set, produced audio/video elements, and music throughout.”

Dramatic Reading: Should I Touch Him?

Here’s a dramatic reading based on the healing of the woman who touched Jesus’ robe (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 7:42-48).  It was written by William Loader.

Should I Touch Him?

A Reflection Mark 5:25-34; Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 7:42b-48

The reference to tassels draws upon Matthew's account. Wearing tassels on one's garment was a sign of devotion to the commandments (Numbers 15:37-40).

Should I touch him? The pain of stretching. Pushing my way through. Touching. Touching just his dangling tassel. No one will know. No one needs to know. No one knows. No one knows what it's like to be me. No one knows what I've been through. No one knows the shame. It's the blood. Not like the rest. Not every month or so. All the time. All the time! And you know what that means! Yes it means unclean, unclean. No big deal if its just once a month for a few days. That passes. But I'm different. I am the difference walking around; walking around bloody, unclean, unclean! I am womanhood all wrapped up into a few days and then smeared over the entire calendar. No room. No room for us at the temple. Well, at least, not on the inside. Always on the outside. The outside! That's where I am now. The outside! Why no room for me!

No I am not feeling sorry for myself. I've tried. You bet I've tried. All the best quacks of Capernaum and Tiberias and Bethsaida and Magdala and Sepphoris. Nothing! Nothing! How can I get in? There are reasons, they tell me. There are reasons! Of course there are reasons! There are always reasons! God's reasons. Go on, tell me. It is written.... Do you think I don't know? Do you think my father didn't tell me? Do you think my mother left me to grow up without knowing such things? You tell me to pray? Of course I pray. I pray! I cry! They don't hear me! I get sick of those washings. I wash and wash, but I'm never clean.

Unclean. Unclean, unclean - that's what they cry. Did you know that's what they have to cry? It is written. Unclean, unclean! I should join them: Unclean, unclean! Perhaps we should all join together, all of us, unclean. We could sing a chorus of unclean, unclean. We could do it in parts: us, those lepers, and the half wits, the handicapped….

(To see the rest of the reading, click here.)

— written by William Loader. 

Drama: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13

Here’s a dramatic setting of 1 Samuel 16:1-13 from Moira Laidlaw.

Drama

1 Samuel 16: 1-13

People required:
            An older person - Samuel Kingmaker
            Father of 8 songs - Jesse
            8 males of varying ages – young adults down to boy of about 10-12.

Scene opens with Jesse speaking on mobile phone to eldest son:

Jesse:  Glad I caught you, son,  I need you to come home right away – Samuel Kingmaker just called and he has something important to tell one of you boys...

Eldest son: (in excited voice) Samuel Kingmaker?  What could he want with us?  He’s a major powerbroker in the city – well, it’s probably me he wants to talk to – you know that I’d be the most important  one of your sons, Dad, after all, I’m a power person – one has to be when one is in politics like I am.  I wouldn’t even bother contacting the others, It has to be me he wants to see.  I’ll be home as quick as I can.  Bye.

Next son: (also on mobile phone) Yes, Dad, I hear you, but I’m busy with a patient right now – do I have to come right now?  OK, OK I hear you, I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Next son: (wearing a butcher’s apron, or something similar, also on mobile phone)  What – right now?  All right, I’ll just close the shop for the rest of the day, business is a bit slow anyway.

Next four sons come from different areas of congregation – all talking on mobile phones with conversations something like this –
OK, OK It’s very inconvenient, but I’ll  be there asap;  Now?? I’m just going to the library (insert a variety of places) ... All right,  I’m on my way... etc etc.

All seven sons assemble in sanctuary with Jesse – all talking at once.  All become quiet as Samuel Kingmaker arrives – they treat him with deference and offer him a chair.  

Samuel Kingmaker:  As you all know, I’m a very busy person but God has a special task for me to do and it concerns one of you boys.  A very important task indeed.

All seven sons stand up a bit straighter and tidy themselves, straightening their clothes, pushing back their hair etc...

Samuel Kingmaker:  I need you all to stand in a line in front of me – so as I can tell if you are the one that God wants.

The sons make a line in front of Samuel – in order of height – tallest to smallest.

Samuel stands up and begins to walks slowly along – he stops briefly in front of the eldest son – who whispers (loudly)  I think I’m the one you want, I have lots of good qualities, I’m handsome, clever, have good connections in the city...   Samuel cuts him off...  God is not interested in such external things but but rather on the internal thoughts of your heart... walks past others shaking his head slowly.  Samuel turns to Jesse: There must be more... are these all of your sons?

Jesse:  There’s only the youngest – he’s just home from school doing some jobs I set him – I think he’s out the back cutting the grass...

Samuel:  Call him. I won’t leave till I see him.
The other sons mutter to each other and shake their heads as they glance at Samuel.

David enters, wiping his hands on his shirt... Samuel comes forward and looks at him closely, then he says:  This is the one that God wants for a special task. 

He takes out a bottle of oil and anoints David’s hands, head and feet with appropriate words.  David appears startled, then he kneels down in a prayerful position – all hold their positions for a moment, then return to seats.

Note: This could be linked with the gospel parable about the smallest seed growing into a large tree and the affirmation that God uses us however small or young (or big or old!) we might be.

— written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.  Visit that site for many other lectionary-based worship resources.  http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

Dramatized Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16

Here’s a dramatized version of the parable of the Vineyard Workers from Matthew 20: 1-16, one of the suggestion scripture passages for September 18, 2011 (Proper 20A).  It was written by Moira Laidlaw (Liturgies Online).

The Parable of the Vineyard Workers

(Matthew 20: 1-16)

You will need:

- about 10 workers - adults and/or youth;

- a narrator;

- a landowner and a trades union person

    (labeled with signs around their necks;

- a manager holding a bundle of ‘money’

    (pieces of paper with $50 written boldly on them—enough to pay the workers).

- two signs: MATTHEW’S VINEYARD and

     WORKERS NEEDED TO HARVEST GRAPES.

Fix the signs up where people can easily read them – or have another two people assigned to hold them up.

Narr:     For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner

            who went out early in the morning

            to hire workers for his vineyard.

The 10 workers stand or sit on one side of the sanctuary and the landowner enters from opposite side.

Narr:     After agreeing with the workers for the usual daily wage,
            the landowner sent them into the vineyard.

           

The landowner selects two of the workers and sends them off in the direction he/she came from.

Narr:     The landowner went out about nine o’clock,

            and saw others standing there doing nothing,

            so the landowner said to them:

Owner:  You also go into the vineyard,

             there are still lots of grapes to pick,

            and I’ll pay you whatever is right.

Another two workers go off.

Narr:     Two more workers were chosen when the landowner

            went out looking for more help about lunchtime

            and again about three o’clock.

Four more workers go off.

Narr:     At about five o’clock, the landowner went out again

            and found others standing around.

Owner: Why are you standing around doing nothing?

            There are still lots of grapes to pick.

            You go into the vineyard now.

The last two workers go off.

Owner: Call the workers and give them their pay,

            beginning with the last ones hired

            and working through to the first ones hired.

Narr:     When those hired about five o’clock came,

            each of them received the usual daily wage.

The manager hands a ‘$50 note’ to all except those hired first.

Narr:     Now when the first came, they thought that they would receive more;

            but each of them also received the usual daily wage.

The manager hands a ‘$50 note’ to each.

Narr:     And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner .

The last two hired do ‘hi-fives’ with each other, while the others hired throughout the day (while looking happy) point at the last two hired and shake their heads. The two hired first complain in a loud voice about working all day in the heat and yet the landowner treated the others as if they had worked as long and as hard as they did! They call for the person from the Trades Union to come and help them. The Trades Union person comes in and joins in the complaints as loudly as the others . Everyone talks at once but all stop when the landowner holds up a hand.

Owner: Friends, I am doing you no wrong;

            didn’t you agree with me to work for the usual daily wage?

            Take what you have and go;

            I choose to give to those who came last the same as I’ve given you.          

            Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?

            Or are you envious because I am being generous?

They all go back to their seats - the last two hired still doing hi-fives and the first two and the Trades Union person shaking their heads and still complaining.

Ask everyone if they think the landowner acted fairly - answers will possibly be in the negative. Then draw attention to the first verse of the reading and read again - “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.”

Jesus told this story to show how God acts totally differently from us. God loves everyone equally - whether we’re the oldest person or the youngest baby - the richest or the poorest, the wisest or the most foolish. God is equally generous to us all - with a love that never ends.

—Moira Laidlaw, Liturgies Online. 

For other ideas for presenting this passage, see Readers’ Theatre: Matthew 20: 1-16 and Dramatic Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16.

For other worship resources related to this text, or other texts for September 18, 2011 (the fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 20A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Narr:     When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager,

Video Drama: Feeding of the 5000

If your worship includes the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, you might want to consider this excellent video drama from Ted & Co. Theatreworks.  It’s part of a larger work called Fish Eyes.

A higher definition version of the video is available for $15 on the Ted & Co. Theaterworks website. 

If you’ve got actors in your congregation and are interested in performing the drama yourself, a script is available on the Ted & Co. Theaterworks website here. Cost $25.  

For other creative worship resources on this text (Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17, John 6:4-13), click on Proper 13A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  For another video suggestion on the feeding of the five thousand, see Video Suggestion: Matthew 14:15-21.

Drama: Matthew 13:44

If you’re looking for a short drama based on Matthew 13:44 (Jesus’ parable about the man who found treasure in a field and sold all he had to purchase the field), here are a couple of options.

The first is called The Treasure, written by Kevin Penner from Manitoba, Canada.  It’s set for four actors.

It’s copyrighted, but royalty free.  Kevin just asks that you include his name and address on any copies you make (by Kevin Penner Box 2840 Swan River, Manitoba,Canada R0L1Z0 kcpenner@svcn.mb.ca)

You might also take a look at X Marks the Spot, by John Fewings, set for four actors as well.

Summary:  “A band of pirates miss out on buried treasure because they can't accept the cabin boy's explanation of how simple it is to find. This sketch seeks to highlight the importance of accepting the gospel in its simplicity, without unnecessary theological complications.)”

The play is © copyright John Fewings, all rights reserved.  It may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: 50 Howdale Road, Hull, HU8 9JZ, UK. Email: mailto:fewings@fewings.karoo.co.uk

For more creative worship resources based on the lectionary readings for July 24, 2011, click on Proper 12A in the list of “Labels” at the right side of the page. 

Pentecost Drama

Here are a few dramatic sketches suitable for use on Pentecost:

Radio Zion FM, a radio drama for two voices by Potted Jam.  Written by Jane and Mark Lewis

Mission Possible: Pentecost, by Michelle Fogg

Summary:  “With God, all things are possible! Go, tell the whole world about Jesus? That's a tall order, but the disciples hadn't experienced being baptized in the Holy Spirit yet…watch out! Here comes Pentecost!”

Holy Tutor, a Pentecost drama for two voices written by John D. Clement

God’s Gift of Life, a liturgical drama of praise for Pentecost from Sacredise.com.  (Scroll down to the bottom of the page.) John van de Laar suggests that it is “short, dramatic and designed to be led by children.”

Pentecost, a drama for children which recreates the Pentecost event.  

See also Readers’ Theatre for Pentecost, Dramatic Readings for Pentecost, Pentecost Monologue I and Pentecost Monologue II. 

For more creative worship resources for Pentecost Sunday, click on Pentecost in the list of Labels at the lower right side of the page.   

Ascension Day Drama

There don’t seem to be many dramatic resources for Ascension Day.  Someone needs to write a few more!  Here’s what I came up with:

Drama: High Above the Clouds

Drama: Ascension? by Michael English

If you know of other Ascension Day dramas, I’d love to hear about them.  Better yet, write one!

For more creative worship resources for Ascension, click on Ascension in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Creative Worship Resources: Emmaus Road

Liturgies, Monologues, and Drama: Emmaus Road

If you’re looking for creative worship resources about the Emmaus Road encounter, here are a few suggestions you might want to explore:

Wellsprings-on-the-Web has posted The Road to Emmaus - a Liturgy for Easter Morning.  You may not be able to do the liturgy in its entirely, but perhaps a portion here or there might suit.  The dramatic dialogue between Jesus and the two disciples is worth taking a look at.  

For a monologue based on the Emmaus story, check out The Emmaus Incident, written by Crystal Goolsby from Austin, Texas.  It’s the fourth scene in a larger collection of Easter monologues called With Our Own Eyes: Seven Monologues for Children about the Resurrection Appearances of Jesus, published by Seeds of Hope Publishers).

If you’re looking for a short drama, check out The Road to Emmaus, from Nige’s Christian Drama. It’s about 5-7 minutes long.

For another Easter drama option, see On the Road to Emmaus, written by Will Groben and posted on his website, Groben.com.

For more worship resources for the third Sunday of Easter, click on Easter 3 A

in the list of “Labels” to the lower right.

Creative Worship Ideas for Easter 2

Creative Resources for Worship:

John 20:19-31

“Doubting Thomas”

If your congregation is following the Revised Common Lectionary, the suggested scripture passages for the second Sunday of Easter (Easter 2A) include a reading from the gospel of John:19-31.  It’s the story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in the locked upper room, and how they then unsuccessfully try to convince Thomas (who wasn’t around at the time) that Jesus really is alive.

If you’re planning on using this passage of scripture in worship, here’s a creative monologue you might want to consider.  (See below for more suggestions and links).

Thomas  

(John 20:19-29)

It was late that Sunday evening

when I returned to my brothers,

thinking to find them still grieving

as I was.

They greeted me

in excitement

and great joy.

"We have seen the Lord!"

they said.

Had grief brought them to this—

that they would not accept

that he was gone from us for ever?

Again and again they insisted:

"We have seen the Lord!

He was here among us!"

"I don't believe it,”

I said.

"Unless I see the scars

of the nails in his hands

and put my finger on those scars

and my hand in his side,

I will not believe."

The days passed.

We were together

behind locked doors

when he came again.

There could be no doubt -

Jesus stood among us, saying,

"Peace be with you!”

Then he looked at me

a little sadly.

"Put your finger here,”

he said,

"and look at my hands;

then stretch out your hand

and put it in my side.

Stop your doubting,

and believe!"

I stared, transfixed,

unable to move or to speak.

At last I found my voice

and whispered,

"My Lord and my God!"

— from Easter Reflections by Pat Baker

at The Billabong: a worship resource following the Revised Common Lectionary  

Here are some other creative ways in which you might approach the “Doubting Thomas” (John 20:19-31) text:

Monologues/Readers’ Theatre

Doubting Thomas by Debra L. Freeburg 

Description: A reader's theater dramatizing Thomas's confession. $10 fee for use.

Dramatic monologue:  Best are They by Darryl McCollum

Description: Doubting Thomas tells his own story in this short monologue. 

The Voice of Thomas,  by Theresa Coleman.

Description:  A first-person re-telling of the story of Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ.

What We Have Seen and Heard 

Description: A dramatic re-telling of the reaction of the disciples to the news of Christ’s resurrection, from the book A Certain Jesus, Vol. 3, chapter 128, published by Claretian Publications, Philippines

Short Dramatic Sketches

 

A Practical Faith from His Company: Free Christian Drama Resources 

Description:  Prisca has a problem. Already she is having to defend her Grampa Thomas against the accusations of others. Already he has been labeled "Doubting Thomas". But her Gramma Sarah, wife of the late apostle, knows that Jesus called human beings for disciples—not mindless puppets. Jesus wanted followers who were real. And He still does.

Vision Beyond the Eyes from His Company: Free Christian Drama Resources.

Description: Jesus said, "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."  On the road out of Jerusalem, Nathanael meets a pilgrim seeking Jesus. She doesn't know Jesus has already returned to the Father. What she also doesn't know is that the gift she seeks is already within her: Faith without seeing.

Other suggestions?  Leave a comment.

(For more creative worship resources for the Sunday after Easter, click on "Easter 2" on the "Labels" list at the right.)