Are We There Yet?

Sketches (SonPower 2011)

By Nan Allen

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®,

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered

trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

The Benevolence Corps By Nan Allen

Theme: Missions/Outreach Scripture References: Matthew 10:8, Matthew 25:35-45, 2 Corinthians 4:6 Characters (male or female): VOLUNTEER 1 VOLUNTEER 2 VOLUNTEER 3 NEEDY 1 (shabbily dressed) NEEDY 2 (obviously in need) NEEDY 3 (well-dressed/doesn’t look needy at all) Tone: Serious Synopsis: A group of volunteers are distributing care packages to needy people.

But then they encounter someone with a different kind of need . . . a hidden one.

Running Time: 3 to 4 minutes Set: none Props: a few boxes, labeled Benevolence Corps on the side. (Scene opens as VOLUNTEERS are packing boxes with clothes, food, etc.)

VOLUNTEER 1: Wow, really makes you feel good, doesn’t it, to be a part of the

Benevolence Corps? VOLUNTEER 2: Yeah, I’m exhausted after putting all these food boxes together .

. . but my heart’s so full of love right now . . . I could just explode! VOLUNTEER 3: And organizing the clothes closet was quite a job. But . . . yes. I

love being benevolent. It’s so rewarding.

(Enter NEEDY 1.)

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved.

Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

NEEDY 1: Excuse me. Please, my family needs help. Our house was just destroyed in a fire, and we have nothing left.

VOLUNTEER 1: Nothing? NEEDY 1: No. Everything is gone.

VOLUNTEER 2: You poor thing. Here’s a box of food. VOLUNTEER 3: And here’s some warm clothing. VOLUNTEER 1: Benevolence Corps to the rescue. NEEDY 1: Oh . . . thank you! Thank you . . . so much! (exits with boxes) VOLUNTEER 1: (waving offstage as NEEDY 1 exits) God bless you! VOLUNTEER 2: Did you see that face? It just lit up with gratitude. VOLUNTEER 3: Uh-huh. I think I’m gonna cry! (Enter NEEDY 2.) NEEDY 2: Excuse me. Is this where I come for help? VOLUNTEER 1: Why, yes! We’re the Benevolence Corps. VOLUNTEER 2: What can we do for you? NEEDY 2: I need money for car repairs. See, we’re on our way to a new job

across the country, and our car broke down out on the highway. The car needs a new water pump . . . and we don’t have the money.

VOLUNTEER 3: As treasurer of the Benevolence Corps, I can grant you a

voucher for Hasting’s Garage right next door. Old Pete’ll tow your car in and fix it right up.

NEEDY 2: You mean it? Oh . . . man. Thanks! Thank you so much! (starts to

exit) VOLUNTEER 3: (waving offstage) Tell ol’ Pete howdy for us! VOLUNTEER 1: God bless! Another grateful needy person. VOLUNTEER 2: Well, how ’bout that? Two acts of mercy right here back to back.

Boy, I’m feeling good all over.

(Enter NEEDY 3.) NEEDY 3: Help! They need your help! VOLUNTEER 1: What? Where? NEEDY 3: Out there! They need you! VOLUNTEER 2: Is it food or clothing . . . VOLUNTEER 3: . . . or car repairs? I’ve got vouchers. NEEDY 3: No. They don’t need that kind of help. They’ve got food and clothing . . .

and plenty of money. VOLUNTEER 1: Then . . . what do they need from us? NEEDY 3: They need . . . you. There are lots of lonely people out there who

need some compassion . . . a listening ear. They need your time. VOLUNTEER 2: But we’re giving our time . . . putting together food boxes . . .

clothes closets. Those things take lots of our time. NEEDY 3: Yes, and that’s time well spent. It’s good to feed the hungry . . . clothe

the poor . . . house the homeless. But there are other kinds of needs besides physical ones.

VOLUNTEER 3: We know that . . . but we’re so busy here giving out stuff. NEEDY 3: These people need more than stuff. VOLUNTEER 3: We say “God bless you” to everyone we help. NEEDY 3: That’s not enough. The others need to see how God has blessed you.

They need you to share with them how they can know God better. They’re just as needy as the poor and homeless.

VOLUNTEER 1: Where would we find people like that? NEEDY 3: Out there. Next door . . . across the street . . . in your own home. One

. . . is standing right in front of you. VOLUNTEER 2: You don’t look needy to me. NEEDY 3: That’s why most people ignore me. Maybe if I were homeless . . . or

hungry . . .

VOLUNTEER 2: I’m sorry. I didn’t know. VOLUNTEER 3: Most of the lonely people out there are that way because they

choose to be. They’re mostly bitter and ungrateful. NEEDY 3: That’s not always true. Some people just don’t know how to express

their thanks, and they come across as bitter. VOLUNTEER 2: Well, I don’t feel quite as warm inside when I help people like

that. NEEDY 3: Oh so...you want to help only those who show gratitude…and you just

want to get a warm feeling inside yourself? VOLUNTEER 1: No. That’s not it. We’d like to help. NEEDY 3: Even those who don’t look . . . needy? VOLUNTEER 2: Uh . . . well. Sure. (as they exit) NEEDY 3: Good. There are single parents . . . troubled kids . . . senior adults . . .

all of us could use the Benevolence Corps.

A Change of Heart By Nan Allen

Theme: Commitment vs. Surrender Scripture: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Luke 13:3, Acts 8:22 Characters: NARRATOR (male or female) MIME (female) Tone: Light to Serious Synopsis: A narrated mime presents a girl’s struggle to improve herself;

however, she discovers that the changes need to happen from the inside. Running Time: 2 minutes Set: none Props: hand mirror purse self-improvement books health food (celery, rice cakes) Sunday hat money offering plate hymnal Bible NARRATOR: There once was a girl who needed some change in her life. (MIME looks at herself in the mirror.) NARRATOR: Lots of changes. (MIME looks at herself again as if she doesn’t like what she sees.) NARRATOR: There was too much bad and not enough good. So she went to the

bookstore and bought lots of self-improvement books.

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

(Holding the mirror, MIME grabs her purse, opens it, and pantomimes giving money to clerk.) NARRATOR: She took the books home and read them all. (MIME, still holding mirror and purse, grabs books.) NARRATOR: First, she tried meditation. (MIME, still holding everything [perhaps under both arms], pantomimes “meditating” and chanting.) NARRATOR: Next, she tried yoga. (MIME, trying to juggle the things in her arms while tying herself in a knot, drops the props.) NARRATOR: And Tai Chi. (MIME makes Tai Chi moves.) NARRATOR: Then she dieted. (MIME picks up the props; then picks up “health food” rice cakes, celery, etc. and takes a bite.) NARRATOR: Still she felt empty. (MIME drops props, rubs stomach.) NARRATOR: Really empty. Oh, she looked a little better . . . what with the

exercise and diet, but, still, deep down inside there was something missing.

(MIME picks up props again, juggling them.) NARRATOR: So she decided to try religion. (MIME tries to fold her hands in prayer while juggling props.) NARRATOR: She went to church. (MIME sits in chair, puts on Sunday hat; she has other things in her lap, opens hymnal, and pretends to sing.) NARRATOR: She gave her money.

(MIME grabs offering plate, pulls out money, and puts it in offering plate. All other things are in her lap still.) NARRATOR: She even got involved in church activities. (MIME grabs a large notebook, adds it to the other things in her lap.) NARRATOR: And was soon asked to serve on a prestigious church committee. (MIME looks smug and important.) NARRATOR: But after the activities and the committee meetings were over, she

had to admit . . . there still was an emptiness. What was wrong? What more could she do?

(MIME looks distraught.) NARRATOR: Maybe she wasn’t doing enough good things, she thought. (MIME gives more money.) NARRATOR: Or maybe she was still doing too many bad things. (MIME looks in mirror.) NARRATOR: Or maybe she even needed to find another church . . . one with

more activities and committees. (MIME stands up; looks confused.) NARRATOR: But one day a friend sent her a card with a Scripture verse written

on it. It said, “He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

(Someone hands MIME a card; she opens it.) NARRATOR: She thought for a minute about the verse . . . and then it began to

be clear. Maybe the bad in her was too much for her to fix. (MIME slowly puts away the books, the health food, the offering plate, the committee notebook.) NARRATOR: And maybe the good in her was something she had done or was

trying to do herself.

(MIME looks at the card then puts it down.) NARRATOR: Maybe it was time . . . not for a new look, a new plan, or even a

new church . . . (MIME sits, picks up Bible, and begins to read it.) NARRATOR: Maybe it was time for a whole new life . . . the kind that only Christ

himself could begin . . . in her. (MIME looks up and smiles.)

The Cure By Nan Allen

Theme: Evangelism Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 8:12 Characters: NARRATOR SICK DOCTOR FRIEND Tone: Serious Synopsis: A sick person tells a story about the cruelty of his family doctor who

refused to give him life-saving medicine. The person realizes that when he does not share Christ with a friend, he is guilty of the same cruelty.

Running Time: 4 to 5 minutes Set: stool

chair Props: stethoscope

other physician’s instruments (As NARRATOR speaks, SICK acts out narration.) NARRATOR (offstage): It started with a little cough, nothing major. I ignored it at first . . . until it got worse. I decided to take some medicine I found in the cabinet at home. It helped for a while, but soon the medicine didn’t work anymore. Finally I went to my family doctor.

(SICK crosses to DOCTOR.) NARRATOR: (continues) I’ve known the doc all of my life. In fact, he delivered

me years ago, he took out my tonsils, and he set my broken arm. He’s not just my doctor . . . he’s my friend.

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

First, the doctor looked in my ears; then he checked my reflexes and told me to read an eye chart. I passed all those tests with flying colors. I’ve always tried to stay in shape. But then . . . he took a stethoscope and listened to my heart. It was then I knew something was seriously wrong. The doc had this concerned look on his face. He wrote down something on my chart. Then he left the room.

I’m not sure how long he was gone. Seemed like hours. But, finally, he came back in. He looked sad, or scared, or something . . . and then I noticed a tear in his eye.

SICK: What is it, Doc? What have I got?

NARRATOR: The doctor cleared his throat, shifted his weight…and then told me

the news.

DOCTOR: It’s not good. I’m afraid it’s . . . terminal.

NARRATOR: Terminal? But that meant . . . that little cough . . . when had it

turned into something life-threatening? Couldn’t he do something to make it better? He always had before. But that nothing-major little cough was now my death sentence. Unless a miracle happened, I would die soon.

I sat there for a second, trying to take it all in. I was devastated. Didn’t know what to do.

DOCTOR: All I can do is write a prescription for the pain. It should help.

NARRATOR: I left, not knowing what to do next. Should I write my will? Should I

get a second opinion? What? And how would I break this news to my family?

A few days later, the newspaper came. The front page headline read,

SICK: “Cure Found”

NARRATOR: I rubbed my eyes and thought I was dreaming. I read the article. It

said that a disease, the disease I had, was now being cured by a new miracle drug! I was so excited. Imagine . . . a cure and just in time, too. There was a phone number in the article . . . a place to call for the cure. (pantomimes making phone call) A friendly voice answered and told me to come immediately to the clinic where I could receive the medicine . . . free, but only one to a patient.

It was like my feet had wings! I almost flew to the clinic! I was so excited that I couldn’t sit still in the waiting room. Finally . . . finally they called my name. My heart was pounding with excitement and pure joy. In just a few minutes I would be given a vial of liquid with healing chemicals . . . elements that would kill the sickness in my body but allow me to live!

I waited for the doctor to come in with my medicine. Finally, the door opened . . . and, to my surprise, it was my old doctor . . . my friend! He looked at me, and then he looked at the vial of medicine in his hand.

DOCTOR: This is it. This is the cure. Drink this, and you will live.

NARRATOR: I reached out . . . hands trembling . . . to take the vial that would

save my life. Just as the doctor was about to place it in my hand . . . suddenly he rolled it up into his fist . . . he raised his arm . . . and then HE THREW IT AGAINST THE CONCRETE WALL, SMASHING THE VIAL AND CONTAMINATING THE MEDICINE!!

Slowly the doctor . . . turned and walked away with only a hint of regret on his face. I screamed,

SICK: I thought you were my friend! I thought you were my friend!!

NARRATOR: Suddenly I woke up, drenched in sweat. A dream, I realized. No, it

was a horrible nightmare. And I was so relieved that it was over! But then . . . I couldn’t sleep. I was haunted by another scene.

(Enter FRIEND.)

One with my friend. A friend who is sick . . . letting sin chisel away at his life and then sentencing him to die eternally one day.

I was like the doctor. I knew the cure. I knew about it because I had once had that sickness and had received new life. Yes, I had been delivered by the mercy and love of a friend . . . Jesus.

But every time I see my friend, see his pain, know his struggle, and don’t share the same cure I’ve received . . . well, I roll it up into my fist and smash it against the wall!! I wonder . . . each time I walk away and refuse to share, does his heart cry? . . .

FRIEND: But I thought you were my friend!

Fresh Fruit By Nan Allen

Theme: Fruit of the Spirit Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:5 Characters: GROCER SHOPPER Tone: Light Synopsis: A shopper is looking for fruit of the Spirit, but the grocer is trying to

sell her not-so-fresh produce. Running Time: 3 minutes Set: table shopping cart (optional) Props: A bag of artificial fruit A few cans of fruit A bowl of dried fruit A basket of over-ripe fruit (GROCER has several bags, boxes, cans, plastic fruit, baskets in front of him on a table. He is trying to sell them as fruit of the Spirit. Enter SHOPPER.) GROCER: Fresh fruit. Fresh fruit. Come get your fresh fruit of the Spirit. SHOPPER: Oh, I’ve been reading about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. You

mean you sell it here? GROCER: Yes, ma’am. Get all you need right here. Love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. SHOPPER: Wow. OK, well, let me just browse for a minute. GROCER: Take your time.

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

SHOPPER: This one. (picks up a large can) It says Love on the label. GROCER: Yes ma’am. It’s our large can. Can’t have too much love, you know. SHOPPER: Uh, so the fruit isn’t fresh then, like you said. GROCER: It was fresh when we canned it. SHOPPER: But it has an expiration date on it. GROCER: Oh, that. Well, yeah, love does have its limits, I mean, it does fade

away after awhile. SHOPPER: Maybe I’ll just wait on that. GROCER: OK, here’s one you’ll like. It’s the fruit called joy. SHOPPER: It’s dried. GROCER: Yeah, best way to preserve it, you know. SHOPPER: But . . . GROCER: Fresh joy isn’t realistic, ma’am. You’re not gonna find new joy every

day. SHOPPER: Oh . . . Well, what I’d really like is kindness and gentleness. You

know I have the hardest time . . . GROCER: Right here. (holds up a piece of artificial fruit) SHOPPER: But it’s plastic. GROCER: Yeah. SHOPPER: It’s not real. GROCER: Oh, I see, you think that a person can really be truly kind and gentle. SHOPPER: I was thinking that all the fruit of the Spirit would be real. Not like this

either. Down in your heart kind of real. That’s what it sounds like in the Bible. I really need that. Maybe I’ve come to the wrong place.

GROCER: Oh, no. Let me see. Here. Here is some real fruit. (holds up a basket)

SHOPPER: (smelling the contents of the basket) It’s . . . ooooo . . . rotten. What is that?

GROCER: Patience. (holds up an unripened fruit) And here’s self-control. OK,

maybe it’s a little green, but if you leave it in the window for awhile . . . SHOPPER: I’m sorry. I think I am at the wrong place. The Scripture never said

that the fruit of the Spirit is bought or sold. It’s . . . produced . . . out of a life that surrenders to God.

GROCER: Sounds hard. Why go through all that when you can have it for just a

few dollars now? In fact, let me tell you about our specials. Two for one . . . 30 percent off when you buy it by the truckload.

SHOPPER: I think I need to be looking for fruit that keeps on growing—the kind

that you don’t need to can or freeze because it never gets stale, overripe, or tasteless.

GROCER: Where in the world will you ever find that kind of fruit? SHOPPER: On a vine. GROCER: I have some potted plants back in the back. SHOPPER: No, seems like I remember Jesus saying, “I am the vine; you are the

branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit” (John 15:5). Yeah, that’s right. Thanks for your help. (exits)

GROCER: Oh, well. (goes back to trying to sell) Fresh fruit. Fresh fruit. Right

here. Get your fresh fruit.

How to Build a Bridge By Nan Allen

Theme: Evangelism/Outreach Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:23-25, Romans 15:5-6 Characters (male or female): SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 SPEAKER 3 SPEAKER 4 SPEAKER 5 Tone: Light, turning to Serious Synopsis: A seeker is reading a book titled How to Build a Bridge. As a

conversation develops with passers-by, they all begin to realize that familiar, routine ways often build walls between people, not bridges. Finally, they understand that the book refers to building spiritual bridges.

Running Time: 5 to 6 minutes Set: a chair or bench Props: Book 1 titled How to Build a Bridge Book 2 titled How to Get Others to Cross the Bridge Book 3 titled How to Show Others the Way to the Bridge (Scene opens as SPEAKER 1 is sitting a center stage silently reading a large book with the title How to Build a Bridge on the cover. Enter SPEAKER 2.) SPEAKER 2: Good book? SPEAKER 1: Yeah. It’s a how-to book. How to Build a Bridge is the title. SPEAKER 2: Cool. (pause) Well? SPEAKER 1: Well, what? SPEAKER 2: How do you build a bridge?

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

SPEAKER 1: Well . . . it says here . . . (Enter SPEAKER 3.) SPEAKER 3: What are you guys doing? SPEAKER 2: Learning how to build a bridge. SPEAKER 3: Really? I’ve always wanted to know that. So . . . how do you build

a bridge? SPEAKER 2: Well, see, it says here that . . . (Enter SPEAKER 4, carrying basketball.) SPEAKER 4: Hey, you guys wanna go out and shoot some hoops? SPEAKER 3: No, man. We’re gonna build a bridge. SPEAKER 4: For real? Count me in. How do you build it? SPEAKER 3: The book says that . . . (Enter SPEAKER 5.) SPEAKER 5: Hey, you bunch of bookworms. You’re wasting a perfectly

spectacular day, ya know. SPEAKER 4: Shhhhh! We’re trying to build a bridge here. SPEAKER 5: A bridge? Sweet! Do you like put tab A into slot B? SPEAKER 1: No. It says here you “start with two pieces of old wood.” SPEAKER 2: What? That can’t be right. SPEAKER 1: And then . . . “take some rusty nails.” SPEAKER 3: What kind of book is this? SPEAKER 1: “. . . using a hammer, drive the nails into the hands and feet of a

sinless man.” SPEAKER 4: That’s disgusting!

SPEAKER 2: Then what does it say you do? SPEAKER 1: It says, “The bridge is already complete.” SPEAKER 5: I don’t get it. Is that all it says? SPEAKER 3: Isn’t there a diagram or a list of instructions? SPEAKER 1: No. But in chapter 2 there’s more. SPEAKER 5: I would think so. SPEAKER 1: “To now cross this bridge, you must take one step at a time.” SPEAKER 3: That’s all you do? SPEAKER 2: Sounds pretty scary. SPEAKER 4: Then what? SPEAKER 1: Then it says, “To learn how to get others to cross the bridge, see

Volume 2 titled, How to Get Others to Cross the Bridge.” SPEAKER 5: Catchy title. SPEAKER 3: Must be a boxed set. SPEAKER 2: Have you got Volume 2? SPEAKER 1: Uh . . . yeah. Right here. (SPEAKER 1 picks up book with the title How to Get Others to Cross the Bridge written in large letters on the outside cover.) SPEAKER 1: (opening the book) “To get others to cross the bridge, you must tell

others how you crossed it.” SPEAKER 2: Makes sense, I guess. SPEAKER 1: “Then you must show others the way to the bridge.” SPEAKER 3: Yeah . . . then? SPEAKER 1: Then . . . uh . . . “To show others the way to the bridge, see

Volume 3, How to Show Others the Way to the Bridge.”

SPEAKER 2: Oh, brother! SPEAKER 4: (picking up and reading from book titled How to Show Others the

Way to the Bridge) “To show others the way to the Bridge, you must first build a bridge.”

SPEAKER 3: I need therapy! SPEAKER 4: “Sometimes you must tear down a few walls in order to build this

bridge.” SPEAKER 5: All right. That’s it. I’m outta here! SPEAKER 1: No, wait. I think I’m starting to get it. SPEAKER 3: Then you need therapy. SPEAKER 1: Don’t you see? Volume 1 said that the Bridge must be built out of

two pieces of old wood. SPEAKER 2: Yeah? SPEAKER 1: The cross! SPEAKER 2: Yeah! SPEAKER 1: Rusty nails driven through the hands and feet of a sinless man . . .

that’s Jesus, of course. SPEAKER 3: Yeah! SPEAKER 1: The Bridge is already complete, it said. All we have to do is cross

it. Trust God. SPEAKER 2: Oh, I get it. Symbolism. SPEAKER 1: Yeah. The bridge we build is to get people to “The Bridge”—the

cross. SPEAKER 4: But what’s this about tearing down walls? SPEAKER 5: Symbolism again, right? SPEAKER 1: Sure. What are some of the “walls” that would keep other people

from trusting the Lord?

SPEAKER 2: Fear? Anger, maybe? SPEAKER 3: Prejudice? Guilt? SPEAKER 1: All those things. SPEAKER 4: What can we do to tear down those walls? SPEAKER 5: Yeah. I’ve got a sledge hammer at home. I’ll go get it. SPEAKER 1: No. The only tools that will tear down those walls are love . . . and

compassion . . . mercy. And we can do that . . . together. SPEAKER 5: So you’re saying you don’t need my sledge hammer. SPEAKER 1: No . . . just your hand. (reaching out a hand to SPEAKER 5 ) (SPEAKER 5 takes the hand of SPEAKER 1 and extends a hand to SPEAKER 4, who extends a hand to SPEAKER 3, who extends a hand to SPEAKER 2.)

Let’s Play Church By Nan Allen

Theme: Evangelism Scripture References: Matthew 28:19, John 4:35, John 12:32, Romans 1:16, Jude 23 Characters: NARRATOR GREETER CHURCH (several people) LOST PERSON CHURCH MEMBER 1 MUSIC DIRECTOR PASTOR USHER Tone: Light to Serious Synopsis: The church service has begun. As the members go through their

routine, a lost person gets the “cold shoulder.” Running Time: 3 to 4 minutes Set: a lectern or pulpit chairs (enough for each person) OR pews Props: Bibles hymnals offering plate(s) NARRATOR: Church. It’s a place we all love. We gather in it to worship, to

fellowship, to share with each other. But, sometimes, we get so focused on having our own spiritual and personal needs met . . . that we overlook one very important function of the church.

(Lights up. Scene opens as the CHURCH begins to assemble. GREETER enters.) GREETER: Welcome. Welcome. Come now to church.

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

CHURCH: (speaking randomly as they enter) Ah . . . Church. Yes . . . Church . .

. church . . . church . . . (voices trailing out) (LOST PERSON enters behind the others.) LOST PERSON: Church? CHURCH: (together) Yes! LOST PERSON: What’s that? CHURCH MEMBER 1: (looking accusingly at LOST PERSON) Uh-oh. Lost. CHURCH: (shaking their heads and speaking randomly) Lost . . . lost . . . lost . . . GREETER: (trying to assemble the CHURCH) OK, everybody. Sit. CHURCH: (randomly as they sit) Yes. Sit . . . sit . . . sit . . . LOST PERSON: (trying to sit up front) Here? CHURCH: (together) No! (pointing to back) There! (LOST PERSON shyly sits in the back.) MUSIC DIRECTOR: (standing before the church) Join us now as we (musically,

on pitch) SING. CHURCH: (randomly, on a musical pitch) Oh . . . sing . . . sing . . . sing . . . CHURCH and LOST PERSON: (as MUSIC DIRECTOR leads them, they sing

together on musical pitch) Amen! (LOST PERSON doesn't “cut off” with the others. MUSIC DIRECTOR glares at LOST PERSON, clears throat, then sits down.) PASTOR: (standing before CHURCH) Well . . . Church. Let’s pray. CHURCH: (randomly and dramatically) Pray . . . pray . . . pray . . . PASTOR: (piously) Amen! CHURCH: Amen! (PASTOR sits down.)

USHER: (standing before people, offering plate in hand) All right now, Church.

It’s time to give . . . (begins to pass offering plate) CHURCH: (randomly while passing offering plate) Give . . . give . . . give . . . (Some of the CHURCH gives begrudgingly or not at all. LOST PERSON gives all he/she has. USHER sits down.) PASTOR: (standing before the church) All right. (piously) Now . . . friends . . . it is

time to . . . PREACH!! CHURCH: Preach . . . preach . . . preach . . . PASTOR: (gaining momentum) PREACH!! CHURCH and LOST PERSON: Preach . . . preach . . . preach . . . PASTOR: (louder, more dramatically) PREACH!! CHURCH and LOST PERSON: Preach . . . preach . . . preach . . . PASTOR: (suddenly) PRAY!! CHURCH and LOST PERSON: (piously) Pray . . . pray . . . pray . . . PASTOR: Amen. CHURCH and LOST PERSON: Amen. CHURCH MEMBER 1: OK, everybody . . . lunch! CHURCH: Lunch! (randomly) (as they exit) O’Charley’s? Mrs. Winners? Five

Guys? LOST PERSON: (to the CHURCH as it exits) Uh . . . but I really need to know . . .

more. Can somebody help me? I need . . . somebody . . . to teach me . . . to show me . . . please!!

(Lights down.)

Lottie’s Dream By Nan Allen

Theme: Missions Scripture References: John 1:41-42, John 4:35, Acts 8:4 Character: MRS. MOON Tone: Serious Synopsis: The mother of the famous Baptist missionary, Lottie Moon, thinks out

loud, contemplating her daughter’s passion and call to foreign missions. Running Time: 2 minutes Set: none Props: apron mixing bowl with green beans (MRS. MOON is dressed in a simple, but nice, dress with an apron over it. She is carrying a bowl or pan containing green beans. MRS. MOON enters from stage right.) MRS. MOON: (calling) Lottie! Lottie! Lottie Moon! (to herself) Oh, where is that

child? (calling) Lottie! It’s time for supper! (to herself) That child . . . probably off dreaming somewhere. I’ll declare, that child is forever dreaming. (calling) Lottie! (to herself) Always dreaming about feeding children and taking the gospel to places that, why, I never even heard of! (calling) Lottie! (to herself) Land sakes, where is that child? Dreaming . . . that’s what she’s doing. Dreaming her life away. What can a little sprite of a girl . . . a mere girl she is . . . do about helping folks clear around the world?

(MRS. MOON sits.) MRS. MOON: (to herself) Why does she want to go so far away? Are there not

things to do around here? Why, there are people right here in Virginia who need to hear the gospel. Why so far away? She doesn’t know a word of

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

Chinese! Doesn’t know one thing about those . . . those . . . people. And the food? Mostly fish and rice I read somewhere! (starting to cry) Lottie hates fish! (drying the tears, determined) Well, she’ll just eat rice! And when she gets her fill of rice, she’ll come home . . . where she belongs . . . to fried chicken, mashed potatoes . . . (grabbing a bean from the bowl) and beans!!

(standing, talking to God) God, I’ve prayed lots of prayers in my life . . . and most of them for somebody else. I’ve prayed for my girls Lottie and Edmonia. I’ve prayed for their health, their safety . . . their hearts to be soft and tender and pure. But, Lord, this isn’t what I meant! I meant a tender heart for a husband, for children . . . her own children . . . my grandchildren. Not children clear around the world. But, now, Father, I pray selfishly . . . for myself. Help me understand Lottie’s dream. Help me share her passion for this mission you’ve assigned her to. Help me, O Lord, to let her go . . . whenever the time comes. (Tears start coming again.) Protect her. Go ahead of her. Keep her heart soft and tender and pure . . . for those people she will touch. Bless the children you have entrusted in her care. Bless them all. . . . (pause)

(Using a handkerchief, she dabs at her eyes, straightens her hair; picking up bowl, calling as she exits) MRS. MOON: Lottie! Lottie Moon!! (exiting) Supper!!

Me . . . Give? By Nan Allen

Theme: Missions/Outreach Scripture References: John 1:41-42, John 4:35, Acts 8:4 Characters: 6 teens (male or female) BELIEVER 1 (A believer in Christ) BELIEVER 2 (A believer in Christ) BELIEVER 3 (A believer in Christ) NEEDY 1 (Needy) BELIEVER 4 (A believer in Christ, lives in the inner city) NEEDY 2 (Needy) Tone: Serious Synopsis: Three teens, thinking out loud, express their inability and hesitancy

about giving to missions and outreach causes until they encounter some needs face to face.

Running Time: 2 minutes Set: none Props: checkbook

paycheck mission tour shirt or other indication of recent mission tour

BELIEVER 1: (holding his checkbook) What? Me give money to missions?

You’re kidding, right? I mean, if I gave every dime in my account right now it wouldn’t feed a gerbil for a week.

BELIEVER 2: (holding his paycheck) See this? My first paycheck! Look at it! I

think I’ll frame it. No, first I’ll cash it, and then I’ll frame it. Mine! All mine!!! BELIEVER 3: (holding a mission tour shirt) Hey, I went on a mission tour this

year . . . even gave my testimony once. And you want me to give money too?

Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

NEEDY 1: Somebody told me about a crisis center where I could go for food and clothing. Does anybody know anything about it?

BELIEVER 4: I live in the inner city, and I would like to start a Bible study for

people in my apartment building, but I need books and materials. Do you know anybody who can help?

NEEDY 2: The flood really messed up our house. What are we gonna do now? BELIEVER 1: Well, this won’t feed a gerbil, but maybe it can help somebody . . .

somehow. BELIEVER 2: This check has my name on it, but it’s not mine really. BELIEVER 3: Now that I think about it . . . there wouldn’t be mission trips if

someone hadn’t given money. NEEDY 1: We need . . . BELIEVER 1: We’ll give . . . BELIEVER 4: Please help . . . BELIEVER 2: I’ll do what I can . . . NEEDY 2: But you don’t even know us. BELIEVER 3: I guess that’s why we call it missions.

The Offering . . . Who Needs It? By Nan Allen

Theme: Stewardship/Giving Scripture References: Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 96:8, Psalm 143:10,

2 Corinthians 8:5, 2 Timothy 2:15 Characters (male or female): SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 SPEAKER 3 Tone: Light to Serious Synopsis: A reader’s theatre piece that breaks character and turns into a

conversation about giving. Three readers begin “performing” a piece about praise when one of them gets a little stuck on the part about bringing an offering.

Running Time: 2 to 3 minutes Set: none Props: scripts (reading) SPEAKER 1: Come, let us sing for joy. SPEAKER 2: Amen! SPEAKER 3: Come, let us shout to the Rock of our salvation. SPEAKER 2: Praise God!! SPEAKER 1: Come, let us go before Him with thanksgiving. SPEAKER 2: Hallelujah! SPEAKER 3: Come, let us shout triumphantly to Him in music and song.

Based on Psalm 95:1-2 and 96:8. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved. Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

SPEAKER 2: Shout triumphantly to Him!!! SPEAKER 1: Come, let us bring an offering. (Pause; SPEAKER 2 looks puzzled.) SPEAKER 1: I said, “Come, let us bring an offering.” (Pause; SPEAKER 2 looks thoughtful. SPEAKERS break into conversation.) SPEAKER 3: He said . . . SPEAKER 2: I know what he said. I’m thinking . . . SPEAKER 1: What is there to think about? SPEAKER 2: Well, the offering part. I don’t feel comfortable with that. SPEAKER 3: What about bringing “the offering” makes you uncomfortable? SPEAKER 2: I don’t know. That makes God sound . . . needy. SPEAKER 3: Needy? I guess . . . but the point is: giving the offering is

something we do because of our need. SPEAKER 1: Like our need to praise . . . SPEAKER 3: . . . our need to worship. SPEAKER 2: I don’t know. It doesn’t sound right. I’m a little too left-brained to

buy into that. (Pause.) SPEAKER 3: Tell me . . . do you have investments . . . I mean for the future? SPEAKER 2: You kidding? Of course, I do. That’s the smart thing nowadays. SPEAKER 1: Tell me, how far will the future go? SPEAKER 2: That’s silly. Nobody knows how far their future will go. SPEAKER 1: What if I told you I had an investment package that had a yield that

is higher than any other program.

SPEAKER 2: I’d be crazy not to at least listen to your pitch. SPEAKER 3: Its dividends are higher than you can count . . . and its effect is

longer than you can imagine. SPEAKER 2: Wow! That’s some claim! SPEAKER 3: Come . . . let us bring an offering . . . SPEAKER 2: You mean, a tithe. 10 percent? SPEAKER 1: Come . . . let us bring an offering. SPEAKER 2: OK, 11 percent. SPEAKER 3: You’re missing the point. It’s not how much . . . SPEAKER 2: OK. What’s the yield? Is it high? SPEAKER 1: The promise is for heaven’s floodgates to be opened. SPEAKER 2: Hmmmm. That’s pretty high! You say it’s a long-term investment? SPEAKER 3: Given now . . . for eternity. SPEAKER 2: That’s a long time! (pause; thinking) Hey, you can’t buy your way

into heaven. SPEAKER 3: I never said you could. SPEAKER 2: But you said it’s for eternity. SPEAKER 3: That’s right. Bringing an offering to the Lord could possibly mean

heaven for somebody else. SPEAKER 2: How’s that? SPEAKER 1: Offerings given to God can be used to bring other people closer to

Him. SPEAKER 3: So . . . it’s something we do for the kingdom. SPEAKER 2: I’d love to do whatever I can! I need to . . . hmmm. I see. (pause)

(reading) SPEAKER 1: Come, let us sing for joy. SPEAKER 2: Amen! SPEAKER 3: Come, let us shout to the Rock of our salvation. SPEAKER 2: Praise God!! SPEAKER 1: Come, let us go before Him with thanksgiving. SPEAKER 2: Hallelujah!! SPEAKER 3: Come, let us shout triumphantly to Him with music and song. SPEAKER 2: Shout triumphantly to Him!! SPEAKER 1: Come . . . let us bring an offering. SPEAKER 2: Praise Him! . . . Hallelujah! . . . and Amen!

Where Your Treasure Is By Nan Allen

Theme: Giving/Stewardship Scripture References: Isaiah 32:8, Proverbs 14:21, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Characters (one male; one female; one male or female): NARRATOR (offstage, perhaps) RICH YOUNG MAN (dressed in his Sunday best) WIDOW (dressed in ragged clothes) Tone: Serious Synopsis: Retelling and contrasting Jesus’ experience with a rich man and a

poor widow. Running Time: 3 minutes Set: none Props: coins offering plate

(Enter RICH YOUNG MAN; pantomimes narration as indicated) NARRATOR: Once upon a time, there was a very rich man! (RICH YOUNG

MAN struts proudly.) He was young (“hams” for audience) and handsome (“primps”) and quite respected in his community. (tries to look distinguished) Though he was young and healthy, the rich young man one day began to think very deep thoughts (looks thoughtful) about things such as eternal life. Suddenly, (looks surprised) he had an idea. He would go to the Wise Teacher he had heard of . . . a man they called Jesus of Nazareth (crosses to opposite side of stage, kneels, looks up as if into the face of Jesus)

RICH YOUNG MAN: Good Master . . . NARRATOR: . . . the rich young man said. RICH YOUNG MAN: What must I do to inherit eternal life? (bows his head)

Based on Luke 18:18-25 and 21:2-4. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Worship. All rights reserved.

Permission to duplicate is granted for the purpose of drama ministry.

NARRATOR: Jesus looked at the man. It was easy to see that this man was wealthy . . . but Jesus could see that this man also loved his wealth. Then Jesus asked, “You know the commandments, do you not?” (RICH YOUNG MAN looks up.)

RICH YOUNG MAN: Oh, yes, Master. I have kept them from my youth. NARRATOR: But then Jesus said, “One thing you still lack; (RICH YOUNG

MAN looks puzzled.) sell all you have, give all your money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”

(RICH YOUNG MAN starts to plead, but then shakes his head, rises, and

begins to exit slowly.) When the rich young man heard these things, he was very sad . . . for he was extremely wealthy.

(Enter WIDOW; slowly crosses toward offering plate) NARRATOR: Alas, at another time and in another place a poor widow woman

made her way to the temple. (OPTION: Several people pass her by, approach the offering plate, and place in a penny or two.) She waited, and she watched all the wealthy people go before her and give just tiny portions of their tremendous wealth to the Lord. Slowly, clutching two coins in her crippled hand, she made her way to the offering plate. With no fanfare, no pride, no remorse, she placed the coins . . . her last two coins . . . in the plate.

(WIDOW exits slowly.) NARRATOR: Treasures . . . Different to different people. . . . One man, whose

treasure was money, loved it so much that he was even willing to give up eternal life for earthly wealth. One woman—one who seemed to have no treasure at all—gave everything she had.

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt.

6:21).