A Fearful Pilgrim Hesitates at New Year’s Door, in verse

@biblestoryskits.comA Fearful Pilgrim Hesitates at New Year’s Door, in verse
About 2 minutes, based on Prov. 3:5:

â€œTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.â€

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is for all to take part, not to perform)
Â Â Timekeeper
Â Â Pilgrim.
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Shouts a phrase and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â All others who want to take part are Echoes. They need no script.

Timekeeper	I am called Father Time, and I open the gate Â Â Â Â That will lead to next year, and I never am late.
Prompter & Echoes	And he never delays!
Timekeeper	This old hourglass I’ve turned, that I keep by the door Â Â Â Â All three sixty-five* times, every day’s twenty-four. Now, a Pilgrim has stopped, and he checks today’s date. Â Â Â Â He now looks at his watch, as he fears next year’s fate! Do not pause, timid Pilgrim! Come enter next year. Â Â Â Â If you trust in the Lord, then there’s nothing to fear!
Prompter & Echoes	Don’t be afraid!
Pilgrim	But it’s dark; the unknown always fills me with dread. Â Â Â Â Can you loan me a light, so I’ll see where to tread?Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Timekeeper	Simply take Jesus’ hand, not a light I’d provide. Â Â Â Â Do not fear what’s ahead; our dear Lord is your Guide
Prompter & Echoes	Jesus goes ahead of you!
Pilgrim	Then in case I go on, and I do not turn back. Â Â Â Â Can you say what will be, if a light I should lack?
Timekeeper	You are never to worry about how you’ll fare. Â Â Â Â Since tomorrow depends on today’s faithful prayer.
Pilgrim	You have stirred my weak faith with a hope that’s sublime. Â Â Â Â I will walk on with Christ just one step at a time.
Prompter & Echoes	One step at a time!

_______________

* Three sixty six if it is Leap Year

A Forbidden Bible Translation Toppled Tyrants and Transformed the World

A Forbidden Bible Translation Toppled Tyrants and Transformed the World
Recommended for teenagers and adults, Based on historical events

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to inform, not perform)
Â Â LibrarianÂ Â
Â Â Boniface
Â Â Sailor
Â Â Queen
Â Â Laud
Â Â James
Â Â Â Prompter. Â Â Prompter speaks a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â Â Echoes Â Â Â Â Â Â All who want to take part repeat Prompter’s words. Echoes need no script.

Librarian	Welcome folks, to our time-travel library. Each side room opens into a different historical era. Are you ready?
Prompter & Echoes	Watch your step!
Â	Oh! This gloomy room is poorly lit; we’re in the Dark Ages, and the year is thirteen hundred and two. Meet Pope Boniface the 8th. Bow, or his swordsmen will run you through.
Prompter & Echoes	Kiss his ring!
Boniface	I cannot bless you yet, my children. The College of Cardinals awaits me, to announce the most momentous canon law of all time. Hear ye, all Christendom. I pronounce ex cathredra, from the throne of St. Peter: Almighty God’s infallible truth:
Â
Librarian	Oh, listen! Rome’s Pope claims that he alone holds the keys to heaven, Â and that all people are his subjects. This condemns even the older Eastern Orthodox Church, half of all Christendom. The church needs reformation, but it’s hopeless while people have no Bibles.
Prompter & Echoes	No Bibles!
Librarian	Come to into this next room. Â Oh! I smell salt water. Here’s an elderly sailor.
Prompter & Echoes	Ahoy, mates!
Sailor	Now hear this! I sailed the Atlantic Ocean 39 years ago with Columbus, the same year we Spanish drove them bloodthirsty Muslims from Europe’s soil. But alas! What we gained in the West we lost in the East. Muslims captured Constantinople, the center of eastern Christendom and power.
Prompter & Echoes	How tragic!
Sailor	Aye, mates, but good come of it. Christian refugees brought with them ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Now Scripture can be translated into our own tongues, if the good Pope allows. I would dearly love to read the Holy Book. Europe has only the obsolete Latin Vulgate Bible that none of us understands.
Librarian	Let us step into another room, a century later. England is suffering from conflicting cultures, paganism, barbarity, drunkenness and corruption. Oh! Meet her Royal Highness, our Catholic queen.
Prompter & Echoes	Bloody Mary!
Queen	What? What did you dare call my royal person? Bloody, am I? Well, you will find just how bloody! Yes, rude minions, I shed blood and I am proud of it! Â Over 300 protestant heretics I’ve burned at the stake.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh no!
Queen	What a blessing to hear they burned William Tyndale! He dared translate God’s Holy Word into the vulgar tongue of you commoners. Fortunately, he died before he got an accurate version; you common folk have no right to such sacred things!
Prompter & Echoes	Poor, ignorant commoners!
Queen	And we drove off the likes of Wycliffe who dared start translating. The fool!
Librarian	Your majesty, other reformers have fled to Switzerland; they are translating the Bible into current English, in John Calvin’s free city.
Queen	Fie! Let the apostates commit their crimes in Geneva. They’ll never make a mark on my England! Never! I bid you goodbye.
Librarian	Â Â Oh! Here’s the Church of England’s Archbishop Laud. It’s the year 1557.
Laud	My children, those villains in Geneva commit treason! They printed Geneva’s Breeches Bible in English, and smuggled in 6,000 copies into England.
Prompter & Echoes	Sedition!
Librarian	Most reverend Archbishop, why do you call the Geneva Bible the â€œBreeches Bibleâ€?
Laud	It says God replaced Adam and Eve’s fig leaves with breeches of animal skins. Such a vulgar word for Holy Writ! I’ve tried to wipe out that devilish book, but it’s wildly popular! They keep revising it, as our language is rapidly changing, from Middle English to Modern. I outlaw the Geneva Bible under penalty of death. Â
Prompter & Echoes	Oh my!
Laud	Yes! It misleads common rabble; sacred matters are far above them. I have stretched on the rack those sneaky Presbyterians who dared read it. Ahâ€¦ As you leave, you’ll see the alms coffer by the door.
Librarian	Let’s move now to this other room; it’s Â the year 1611. Meet the most high and mighty King James, and bow low. Very low!
Prompter & Echoes	Or else!
James	Hear my recent and proudest announcement, my visitors! We’ve published the Authorized Version of Holy Scripture. Commoners call it King James Bible, after our royal person. Bless them! I, king of the English Empire and its many colonies, Defender of the Faith, authorize my subjects to read only my authorized versionâ€¦
Prompter & Echoes	Or face prison or death!
Librarian	Your Majesty, why did you translate the Bible again? Was something wrong with the Geneva translation?
Â	Â
James	The Geneva Bible was well translated; our scholars referred to it to translate my version. Shakespeare quoted it, as well as Milton in Paradise Lost, and John Bunyan in his Pilgrims’ Progress. Those pilgrims that escaped my dungeons in the Mayflower had Geneva Bibles. Its error lies only in its marginal notes.
Librarian	Please, your Majesty, give us an example of an erroneous marginal note.
James	One dastardly comment is about the Hebrew midwives defying Pharaoh’s edict to drown all Hebrew boy babies in the Nile river. It says that God’s Word refutes the Divine Right of kings, denying our God-given, absolute control over our subjects!
Prompter & Echoes	Rebellion!
James	Alas! Even I, with the most powerful army on earth, cannot hold back the flood! The Geneva Bible has done its treacherous work. Mobs roam over England protesting my sovereign rule; some even rave about â€œfreedomâ€!
Librarian	The monarch’s fear was justified. People yearned for freedom and found hope in those marginal notes. The Geneva Bible’s impact led to sweeping changes in England’s law and encouraged the colonists, Â all of which profoundly influenced our world.
Prompter & Echoes	Jesus reigns!

â€‹

A Skit about Skits

A Skit about Skits
A Forbidden Bible Translation Toppled Tyrants and Transformed the World
Recommended for teenagers and adults, Based on historical events

Librarian	Welcome folks, to our time-travel library. Each side room opens into a different historical era. Are you ready?
Prompter & Echoes	Watch your step!
Â	Oh! This gloomy room is poorly lit; we’re in the Dark Ages, and the year is thirteen hundred and two. Meet Pope Boniface the 8th. Bow, or his swordsmen will run you through.
Prompter & Echoes	Kiss his ring!
Boniface	I cannot bless you yet, my children. The College of Cardinals awaits me, to announce the most momentous canon law of all time. Hear ye, all Christendom. I pronounce ex cathredra, from the throne of St. Peter: Almighty God’s infallible truth:
Â
Librarian	Oh, listen! Rome’s Pope claims that he alone holds the keys to heaven, Â and that all people are his subjects. This condemns even the older Eastern Orthodox Church, half of all Christendom. The church needs reformation, but it’s hopeless while people have no Bibles.
Prompter & Echoes	No Bibles!
Librarian	Come into this next room. Â Oh! I smell salt water. Here’s an elderly sailor.
Prompter & Echoes	Ahoy, mates!
Sailor	Now hear this! I sailed the Atlantic Ocean 39 years ago with Columbus, the same year we Spanish drove them bloodthirsty Muslims from Europe’s soil. But alas! What we gained in the West we lost in the East. Muslims captured Constantinople, the center of eastern Christendom and power.
Prompter & Echoes	How tragic!
Sailor	Aye, mates, but good come of it. Christian refugees brought with them ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Now Scripture can be translated into our own tongues, if the good Pope allows. I would dearly love to read the Holy Book. Europe has only the obsolete Latin Vulgate Bible that none of us understands.
Librarian	Let us step into another room, a century later. England is suffering from conflicting cultures, paganism, barbarity, drunkenness and corruption. Oh! Meet her Royal Highness, our Catholic queen.
Prompter & Echoes	Bloody Mary!
Queen	What? What did you dare call my royal person? Bloody, am I? Well, you will find just how bloody! Yes, rude minions, I shed blood and I am proud of it! Â Over 300 protestant heretics I’ve burned at the stake.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh no!
Queen	What a blessing to hear they burned William Tyndale! He dared translate God’s Holy Word into the vulgar tongue of you commoners. Fortunately, he died before he got an accurate version; you common folk have no right to such sacred things!
Prompter & Echoes	Poor, ignorant commoners!
Queen	And we drove off the likes of Wycliffe who dared start translating. The fool!
Librarian	Your majesty, other reformers have fled to Switzerland; they are translating the Bible into current English, in John Calvin’s free city.
Queen	Fie! Let the apostates commit their crimes in Geneva. They’ll never make a mark on my England! Never! I bid you goodbye.
Librarian	Â Â Oh! Here’s the Church of England’s Archbishop Laud. It’s the year 1557.
Laud	My children, those villains in Geneva commit treason! They printed Geneva’s Breeches Bible in English, and smuggled in 6,000 copies into England.
Prompter & Echoes	Sedition!
Librarian	Most reverend Archbishop, why do you call the Geneva Bible the â€œBreeches Bibleâ€?
Laud	It says God replaced Adam and Eve’s fig leaves with breeches of animal skins. Such a vulgar word for Holy Writ! I’ve tried to wipe out that devilish book, but it’s wildly popular! They keep revising it, as our language is rapidly changing, from Middle English to Modern. I outlaw the Geneva Bible under penalty of death. Â
Prompter & Echoes	Oh my!
Laud	Yes! It misleads common rabble; sacred matters are far above them. I have stretched on the rack those sneaky Presbyterians who dared read it. Ahâ€¦ As you leave, you’ll see the alms coffer by the door.
Librarian	Let’s move now to this other room; it’s the year 1611. Meet the most high and mighty King James, and bow low. Very low!
Prompter & Echoes	Or else!
James	Hear my recent and proudest announcement, my visitors! We’ve published the Authorized Version of Holy Scripture. Commoners call it King James Bible, after our royal person. Bless them! I, king of the English Empire and its many colonies, Defender of the Faith, authorize my subjects to read only my authorized versionâ€¦
Prompter & Echoes	Or face prison or death!
Librarian	Your Majesty, why did you translate the Bible again? Was something wrong with the Geneva translation?
James	The Geneva Bible was well translated; our scholars referred to it to translate my version. Shakespeare quoted it, as well as Milton in Paradise Lost, and John Bunyan in his Pilgrims’ Progress. Those pilgrims that escaped my dungeons in the Mayflower had Geneva Bibles. Its error lies only in its marginal notes.
Librarian	Please, your Majesty, give us an example of an erroneous marginal note.
James	One dastardly comment is about the Hebrew midwives defying Pharaoh’s edict to drown all Hebrew boy babies in the Nile river. It says that God’s Word refutes the Divine Right of kings, denying our God-given, absolute control over our subjects!
Prompter & Echoes	Rebellion!
James	Alas! Even I, with the most powerful army on earth, cannot hold back the flood! The Geneva Bible has done its treacherous work. Mobs roam over England protesting my sovereign rule; some even rave about â€œfreedomâ€!
Librarian	The monarch’s fear was justified. People yearned for freedom and found hope in those marginal notes. The Geneva Bible’s impact led to sweeping changes in England’s law and encouraged the colonists, Â all of which profoundly influenced our world.
Prompter & Echoes	Jesus reigns!

Avoid Growing Poor by Trying to Get Rich Quick

About 3 minutes, applies 2Â Thess.Â 3: 10-11 and Prov.Â 6: 6

Participants (No need to memorize lines; read them, as the aim is to inform, not to perform)
Takechance
Caring
PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Takechance	Mr. Caring, I need help. When I received Jesus, I quit all my vices except one.
Prompter & Echoes	It has him hooked!
Caring	Drugs?
Takechance	Gambling. Look at these cursed lottery tickets! I’ll bet on anything! I can’t resist it.
Caring	Yes you can, Mr. Takechance. Trust the Lord to provide without taking from others.
Takechance	Taking it? I have not stolen anything since I received Christ, Mr. Caring.
Caring	Not directly, but when you win a bet, you take it from someone else.Â You gain, another loses. Your family is lucky; another family lacks. Â Compulsive gambling seeks wealth not by working, but by taking it from others.
Prompter & Echoes	Someone always loses.
Takechance	Yeah, someone always loses and it’s usually me.
Caring	Gambling becomes a form of laziness, Mr. Takechance. Proverbs 6:6 says, â€œGo to the ant, O sluggard. Observe her ways and be wise.â€
Takechance	I always hoped to win big, so I would not have to work anymore. You are right, Mr. Caring. I was lazy. Okay, I’ll be an ant!
Prompter & Echoes	A busy ant!
Caring	2Â Thessalonians 3:10-11 says, â€œIf one is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. Some among you lead an undisciplined life, doing no work at all.â€
Takechance	That me. Yes, I’ve seen gambling plunge addicts’ families into poverty.
Caring	Some men, after losing their family’s life savings, have committed suicide.
Takechance	I’ve thought about it.
Caring	I’ve been praying for you, Mr. Takechance. Now is the time for you to stop idolizing the goddess of luck. Will you trust God? Will you let me hold you accountable as long as you need it?
Takechance	Yes. Each week I’ll report my progress to you. Oh, praise God!
Caring	Then start right now. Here’s a match. Burn those lottery tickets!
Takechance	I’ll do it. Hear they go, up in smoke! Oh! I’ve been unshackled!
Prompter & Echoes	Freedom!

Christ Gives Five Kinds of Workers to His People

Christ Gives Five Kinds of Workers to His People
About 5 minutes, applies Eph. 4: 11-16

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events,
not to perform)
Â Â DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Where it says Mr. Discipler, change to Mrs. if a woman does the part.
Â Â Learner Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Where it says Mr. Learner, change to Mrs. if a woman does the part.
Â Â LuciferÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â When you talk, approach Learner from behind on tiptoe;
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â stay behind him, Â Â Â pointing index fingers up like horns
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â above your forehead. Then back away.
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Discipler	Mr. Learner, God gives five kinds of gifted people to His churches to equip believers to work together as a loving body. Ephesians 4 lists all five. First are apostles. The word apostle means â€œsent one.â€
Prompter & Echoes	They have itchy feet!
Learner	What do apostles do?
Lucifer	Â Â (Hiss) Apostles travel afar, have lots of money, and hire locals to do all the work. Be an apostle and get rich, Mr. Learner!
Prompter & Echoes	Wealth!
Learner	Aha! I’ll be an apostle, Mr. Discipler. They fly first class to tourist spots.
Discipler	Where did you get that egoistic idea? God gives many ordinary believers to be apostles, who go and start congregations nearby and afar. Often no one recognizes them to be apostles.
Learner	Oh! I see! Help me do true apostolic work, Mr. Discipler.
Discipler	Next are prophets. Do you recall what they do?
Lucifer	Prophets go into trances, get visions, scold in a shaky voice, and predict doom. Everyone will fear your great power, Mr. Learner!
Prompter & Echoes	Power!
Learner	I will love being a prophet! Everyone will jump when I say to!
Discipler	Wait! 1Â Corinthians 14 tells all believers to prophesy, but in the New Testament way: edify, strengthen, and encourage each other.
Learner	All are to prophesy? Oh! I have much to learn.
Discipler	Next are evangelists.
Lucifer	Evangelists expound eloquently before huge, admiring crowds, you will love being a popular evangelist. You will be famous!
Prompter & Echoes	Fame!
Learner	I will be a world-renowned evangelist and hold massive crowds spellbound!
Discipler	Listen, Mr. Learner. For every professional evangelist, God gives hundreds of ordinary evangelists, people like you and me, who simply tell others the Good News about Jesus.
Learner	Oh! Help me do that.
Discipler	You need my help, and I need yours. Next are pastors; they shepherd others.
Lucifer	Pastors are clergy elite; they do the important work and get great salaries. People will leave their churches and flock to hear your superb sermons!
Prompter & Echoes	Prestige!
Learner	Thousands will come to hear me preach! I will be rich and famous!
Discipler	Stop dreaming, Mr. Learner. For every professional pastor, God gives hundreds of volunteer shepherds; they lovingly care for the newborn lambs, starting with their own families.
Learner	Oh! I will do that if you help me.
Wise	Next are teachers.
Lucifer	Teachers tell students what they may need to know years later. They display their compelling sagacity in huge classrooms. Scholars will come from all over the world to hear your grand wisdom.
Prompter & Echoes	Wisdom!
Learner	Aha! I will be incredibly wise and wealthy!
Discipler	Where do you get all these ideas? For every professional teacher, God gives hundreds of normal teachers Â that equip friends to obey Jesus, especially while they’re out working with people, and not just voicing abstract truths.
Learner	Oh! Please help me teach that way! I will not listen to that voice again. Now I know where it’s coming from. I simply want to serve others.
Prompter & Echoes	Let us love and serve others!

Countdown to Christmas

â€‹ COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

A funny party game that also deals seriously with Jesus’ birth, about 12 minutes

Only the Narrator of this story needs this script.
Read the following instructions to the group:

Everyone present will help me tell this Christmas story.
When you hear me read your name, you will shout a phrase.
I will assign your parts now, and the phrase that you will shout when you hear your name.
When I assign your part, you will practice it;
I will repeat your story name, and you will shout the response.

STORY NAMEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â SHOUTED RESPONSE

Doctor BugzapperÂ Â Â Â Â Â â€œSomething weird is going on.â€
Fearless FreddyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNever fear, Freddy is here!â€
Fluffy FloÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œOh, somebody save us!â€
Baron KilljoyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œI’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha! (Laugh fiendishly)â€

Assign the following parts to any number of people, so that everyone gets a part.
If the group is small, a person may have more than one part.

STORY NAMEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â SHOUTED RESPONSE (any number of people)
Sturdy StallionÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNeigh!â€
Burly BearÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œGrrrrr!â€
Playful Potlicker Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œBow-wow-wow!â€
North WindÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œOooooooo!â€
Rusty RifleÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œKer-blam!â€
Huffy PuffyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œChoo choo! Wooo wooo!â€

Â Â Â Â The name of our story is Countdown to Christmas.

Â Â Â Â Howling as it blows through a hamlet in old Russia,
is the icy NORTH WIND. [Response: Oooooooo!]

Â Â Â The good doctor speaks loudly for his family to hear,
â€œLet’s rejoice; Christmas, is only seven days away.â€

Â Â Â Suddenly the door flies open: bang!
It sounds like the doctor’s old worn out RUSTY RIFLE. [Ker-blam!]

Â Â Â Â Freezing air blows out the oil lamp.
â€œAha!â€ cries Doctor Bugzapper. [Something weird is going on]

Â Â Â â€œIt’s those thieves with curved swords,â€
wails daughter Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â â€œStay calm,â€ shouts her brother Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â â€œI will close the door. It is just the North Wind. [Ooooo]

Â Â Â Â A horse neighs in the street, and a loud reply comes
from the family’s horse, Sturdy Stallion. [Neigh!]

Â Â Â Â Bang! Bang! â€œRobbers are pounding on the door now!â€
wails Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â Freddy carefully opens the door, and out rushes the little dog,
Playful Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]

Â Â Â In rushes the angry, stinging North Wind. [Ooooo]

Â Â Â â€œIt blew out the lamp! A thief sneaked in; I heard his steps,â€
cries Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â â€œWhere did our dog go?â€ Asks the doctor in the dark.
Â Â Â Â The intruder replies, â€œHe bit my ankle! I am the telegraph operator.
I came at this late hour, because the message from Siberia is Urgent.â€

Â Â Â Â The doctor cries, â€œStop attacking our visitor, Playful Potlicker.â€ [Bow-wow-wow!]

Â Â Â â€œI know no one in Siberia,â€ frets Doctor Bugzapper. [Something weird is going on.]

Â Â Â Â They relight the lamp and the doctor reads the message.
â€œIt is from the mayor of Forgotten Mesa, a remote, Siberian mining town
where the peasants have never heard about Jesus.â€
He shouts to be heard above the North Wind. [Oooooooo]

Â Â Â â€œThe mayor says an epidemic of Mad Moose disease
will slay a thousand souls in seven days, unless they get my new vaccine!
Seven days is Christmas Day!

Â Â Â â€œThis map shows the way. We can make it if we hurry now by sleigh
to the train depot and catch Huffy Puffy.â€ [Choo choo! Wooo wooo!]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œIt’s a perilous trip,â€ remarks Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â Â The doctor adds, â€œThe mayor says he’s heard that Christmas means
Â joy and peace, and asks me to tell his villagers about it.
They only drink vodka and fight at Christmas time.
We must go. Son, hitch the sled to Sturdy Stallion.â€ [Neigh!]

Â Â Â Â At the depot, they load the horse on a freight car,
and something stirs in a dark corner;
they have awakened the hibernating Burly Bear. [Grrrrr]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œHelp!â€ screams Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œStay calm,â€ orders Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â Â He aims Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!]

Â Â Â Â As usual, the old rifle misses,
but there to drive the bear off is Playful Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]

Â Â Â Â The train jerks and clanks, and off goes Huffy Puffy. [Choo choo! Wooo wooo!]

They chug past peasants’ huts and snow-laden trees bending
in the furious North Wind. [Oooooooo]

They count the days left to save the villagers from death â€”six, five, four.
Clickety-click, clickety-click, go the wheels of Huffy Puffy. [Choo Choo. Wooo wooo!]

Â Â Â Â Having climbed into an empty car,
traveling along with them, is Burly Bear. [Grrr]

Â Â Â Â They plan to tell the villagers about Christmas,
how God was born as a man to save us from our sins.
Â Â Â Â With two days to go, they arrive at their final stop,
and unload Sturdy Stallion [Neigh]

Â Â Â Â Having taken a liking to the family,
down from his car climbs Burly Bear. [Grrrrr]

Â Â Â Â They examine the map, hoping to find their way.
â€œWorry not, my friends,â€ says a tall man in black;
it is Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â He bows, gallantly sweeping off a silk hat,
but fails to impress Playful Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]

Â Â Â Â He kicks the dog and asks, â€œWhy do you travel so far north?â€
The doctor explains the life-saving vaccine for Forgotten Mesa,
and shows the map to the baron.

Â Â Â Â The stranger sneers, â€œYour map is obsolete.
But don’t worry,â€ says Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œThis is the way.â€ He draws a line on the map.
He sips from a flask and winks at the daughter.
â€œHow lucky, my lovely lass, that I came in time!â€
says Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â The son hitches up Sturdy Stallion. [Neigh!]

Â Â Â Â They glide over snow up the baron’s trail. It ends at a hole in a mountainside.
Two crosses have gloomy epitaphs.

Â Â Â Â Â â€œAha!â€ cries Doctor Bugzapper. [Something weird is going on.]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œThat vile baron deceived us. Oh, look out!â€
A thousand bats come flying jerkily from the black hole,
startling Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œThis kind doesn’t bite,â€ assures Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œWe must go back!â€ moans the doctor. â€œCan we make it in time?
We must cross the mountain and a long, high bridge. Faster, Sturdy Stallion. [Neigh!]â€

Â Â Â Â Meanwhile, the evil baron plots to obtain Forgotten Mesa’s valuable mine.
He tells the people, â€œI’m the doctor with the vaccine.
I’ll administer it after I dine,â€ lies Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â The mayor asks him why Christmas brings people joy.
The baron hesitates. â€œChristmas? Oh, yes!
Peasants gorge themselves, give gifts they can’t afford,
hang up silly decorations and drink to excess.â€
He shouts above the din of North Wind. [Ooooo]

Â Â Â Â The mayor shakes his head. â€œWe already do all that,
but we still find no joy at Christmas.â€

Â Â Â Â The baron smiles a crooked grin, â€œMy good man!
You lack the flashiest celebration of allâ€”fireworks!
Bring a box of dynamite, and I’ll fix the situation,â€
boasts Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â Before dawn, the villain totes the dynamite to the high bridge,
attaches it, and hides, waiting, holding the deadly detonator.
He hears Sturdy Stallion. [Neigh!]

Â Â Â Â The travelers stop in the middle of the high bridge
to pray before entering Forgotten Mesa.
They wince at the shrill whine of the North Wind. [Ooooo]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œGrrrr!â€ Growls Playful Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]

Â Â Â Â He tracks the evil baron’s scent across the bridge.
The bear comes, too, also tracking the scent. The son cries,
â€œLook who’s aiming a gun at the bear! Baron Killjoyâ€ [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â The dog catches the baron’s sleeve and the shot misses.
The doctor spies wires. He sees the baron raise the detonator.
â€œAha!â€ cries Doctor Bugzapper. [Something weird is going on.]

Â Â Â Â Â â€œGet off the bridge!â€ Screams Fluffy Flo. [Oh, somebody save us!]

Â Â Â Â They are reassured by Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â Â He sees the detonator and aims the old Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!]

Â Â Â Â The bullet misses the baron who jeers,
â€œYou, my friends, will die when I count to three. One! Two!
Merry Christmas, fools! Now!â€ cries Baron Killjoy. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Â Â Â Â The bear appears behind the villain as he shouts â€œThree!â€
Two furry arms close around his chest; the horrified family hears ribs crack,
and the victory cry of Burly Bear. [Grrrrr]

Â Â Â Â The bear flings him into the chasm.
Screams echo back and forth between the canyon walls.
They finally arrive in Forgotten Mesa.
Â â€œOh, oh!â€ cries Doctor Bugzapper. [Something weird is going on.]

Â Â Â Â The villagers are strangely silent, and eye them warily. Something is wrong!
â€œHere’s the vaccine!â€ shouts Fearless Freddy. [Never fear, Freddy is here!]

Â Â Â Â The mayor suddenly cries, â€œI see it now! The baron lied!
You have come in time; it is Christmas Eve. We are rescued!â€

Â Â Â Â The family explains Christ’s birth and the Gospel, and they cheer,
â€œChristmas is joyful now; Jesus was born, died and rose again to save us!â€

[pexcerpt] Young and old will boo the villain and cheer the hero in this funny Christmas party skit with suspense and surprises. A brave doctor in old Russia rescues a village from an evil baron who plots to turn true celebration of Jesus’ birth into tragic death. [/pexcerpt]

â€‹

Countdown to Christmas

This fun party game deals with Jesus’ birth, about 15 minutes.

Only the story’s narrator needs this script.

Narrator:

â€œThis Christmas story is a melodrama. Hiss at the villain and cheer noble deeds. You all have a part; when I read your story name, you will shout a phrase. I will now assign your story name, and the phrase that you shout.â€

Â Â Â Â STORY NAMEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â SHOUTED RESPONSE

Â Â Â Â Dr. Vladimir Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œSomething weird is going on.â€

Â Â Â Â Daring DmitriÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNever fear, Daring Dmitri is here!â€

Â Â Â Â Adorable AnnaÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œOh, somebody save us!â€

Â Â Â Â Baron VillainovÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œI’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!â€

Â Â Â Â Sturdy SteedÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNeighâ€

Â Â Â Â Bulgy BearÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œGrrrrrâ€

Â Â Â Â Potlicker Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œBow–wow–wowâ€

Â Â Â Â Rusty RifleÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œKer-blam!â€

Â Â Â Â Huffy PuffyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œChoo-choo, wooo-woooâ€

Â Â Â Â Siberian Wind (everyone else) Â Â â€œOoooooooâ€

Â Â Â Â [If your group is small, then give some people more than one part.][GP1]Â

Narrator: (As you read the following, emphasize underlined names):

Â Listen! Howling as it blows through a hamlet in old Russia is the icy Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

The good doctor, known for his medical research, tells his family, â€œRejoice! Christmas is only seven days away!â€

Suddenly the door flies open, banging like their old flintlock Rusty Rifle.â€ [Ker-blam!]

Icy air snuffs out the lamp. â€œAha!â€ exclaims Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

â€œMaybe it’s the Tsar’s thieving Cossacks with their curved swords,â€ screams delicate daughter Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œStay calm,â€ assures her brother Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

â€œI’ve shut the door. It was just the Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

A horse neighs outside, and a reply comes from the family’s Sturdy Steed. [Neigh]

Bang! Bang! â€œSomeone’s at the door, maybe Robbers!â€ wails Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

The doctor opens the door, and out rushes the little dog, Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow]

In rushes the stinging Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

â€œIt blew out the lamp! A thief has sneaked in; I hear his steps,â€ wails Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œWhere did our little dog go?â€ asks the doctor in the dark.

The intruder replies, â€œHe’s biting my ankle! I am the telegraph operator. I came in this storm because this message from Siberia is urgent.â€

Â â€œStop attacking our guest,â€ the good doctor scolds Potlicker.â€ [Bow–wow–wow]

â€œI know no one in Siberia,â€ frets Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

They relight the lamp and the doctor reads the wire. Â â€œIt’s from the mayor of Silver Mesa, a remote Siberian mining town. The peasants have never heard about Jesus.â€
They cannot hear the doctor’s words because of the fierce Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

â€œAn epidemic of Mad Moose disease will slay a thousand souls in seven days, unless they get my new vaccine! Seven days – that’s Christmas! We’ll make it in time if we hurry to the depot to catch Huffy Puffy.â€ [Choo-choo, wooo-wooo]

â€œHowever, the last part of the trip must be by sleigh; it will be perilous.â€

They hear the assuring words of Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

The doctor reads on. â€œThe mayor has heard that Christmas means joy and peace; he asks me to explain it to his villagers. He says they only drink vodka and fight at Christmas time. Well, let’s start. I’ll hitch the sleigh to Sturdy Steed.â€ [Neigh]

At the depot, they load the horse on a freight car. Something stirs in a dark corner; they have awakened the hibernating Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

â€œHelp!â€ screams Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œStay calm,â€ orders Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

He aims Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!]

The musket misses as usual, but there to drive the bear off is Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow]

With a jerk and a clank, off chugs Huffy Puffy. [Choo-choo, wooo-wooo]

A trail of black smoke follows as they pass peasants’ sod huts and snow-laden trees bending in the angry Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

They count the days left to save the villagers from the fatal disease: six, five, four. Clickety-click, go the wheels of Huffy Puffy. [Choo-choo, wooo-wooo]

Having climbed into an empty car, going along also, is Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

They plan to tell the villagers about Christmas, how God was born as a man to save us from our sins. With two days to go, they arrive at the final train depot and unload Sturdy Steed [Neigh]

Having taken a liking to the family, down climbs Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

They examine a map anxiously, to find their way. â€œWorry not, my friends,â€ declares a tall man dressed in black, Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!]

He bows, gallantly sweeping off a high silk hat, but fails to impress Potlicker. [Bow–wow-wow!]

He angrily kicks the little dog, and asks the doctor why he travels so far north.

The doctor explains the life-saving vaccine, and shows the baron his map. The pompous aristocrat sneers. â€œYour map is obsolete! But do not worry,â€ declares Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!]

â€œThis is the way now.â€ He draws a line on the map, sips from a flask, and winks at the daughter. â€œHow lucky, my lovely lass, that I came in time!â€ boasts Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!]

The doctor’s son hitches up Sturdy Steed. [Neigh!]

They glide for hours over wind-blown snow. The baron’s trail ends abruptly at a huge, dark hole in a mountainside, and a dismal dusk dampens their spirits. Two crosses by the cave’s entrance bear demoralizing epitaphs.

â€œOh no!â€ cries Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.] â€œThat vile baron has deceived us. Oh, look out!â€

A thousand bats come flying jerkily from the black hole, startling Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œKeep calm!â€ assures Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

â€œWe must go back!â€ moans the doctor. â€œCan we make it in time? We must cross the mountain and a long, high bridge. Faster, Sturdy Steed! [Neigh!]â€

Meanwhile, the evil baron plots to obtain Silver Mesa’s rich mine. He lies to the villagers, â€œI’m the doctor with the vaccine. I’ll administer it after I dine.â€

The mayor asks him why Christmas brings joy. The baron sneers. â€œChristmas? Oh, yes! Peasants gorge themselves, give gifts they can’t afford, hang up silly decorations and drink to excess.â€ He has to shout above the din of the wailing Siberian Wind. [Ooooo]

The mayor shakes his head. â€œWe already do all that, but still find no joy.â€

The condescending baron smiles a crooked grin, â€œMy good man! You lack the flashiest celebration of all: fireworks! Bring a box of dynamite,â€ demands Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!]

Before dawn, the villain totes the dynamite to the high bridge, attaches it and waits, clutching the deadly detonator. Soon he hears Sturdy Steed. [Neigh!]

The family halts in the center of the high bridge to pray before entering Silver Mesa. They wince at the shrill whine of the Siberian Wind. [Ooooo]

â€œGrrrr!â€ Growls Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]

He jumps from the sleigh and tracks the evil baron’s scent across the bridge. Coming also, tracking the dog’s scent, is Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

The son points. â€œLook! There’s the baron, aiming a gun at that bear!â€

The feisty little dog catches the baron’s sleeve and the shot misses. The good doctor notices wires and traces them to the villain.
Â â€œAha!â€ cries Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

â€œGet off the bridge!â€ Screams Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œBe calm everyone,â€ assures Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

He spies the detonator and aims the old Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!]

The bullet misses and the villain jeers, â€œYou, my friends, will be blown to bits when I count to three. One! Two! Merry Christmas, you fools!â€ gloats Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha-ha-ha!]

The bear rises behind the villain as he cries â€œThree!â€
Two furry arms close around the villain’s chest; the horrified family hears ribs crack,
and the victory cry of Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

The bear flings him into the chasm; desperate screams echo between its walls.

They finally arrive in Silver Mesa. â€œOh!â€ warns Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

The villagers are mysteriously silent, and eye them warily. What is wrong?

â€œHere’s the vaccine!â€ shouts Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

The mayor eyes them carefully, but suddenly brightens, â€œI see it now! The baron lied! You came in time; it is Christmas Eve. We are rescued!â€

The villagers hear the great news of Christ’s birth, sacrificial death and resurrection. Upon learning that salvation in Christ is by God’s free grace for all who believe, they break out with cheers and tears.

The mayor thanks the family and adds, â€œChristmas is joyful now that we know that the Lord Jesus Christ was born, died and rose again to save us!â€ Sensing the bliss and wagging his tail is Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!].

A final exclamation comes from the Siberian Wind [Ooooo].

And the curtain falls.

Â [GP1]
[/pexcerpt]This humorous Christmas melodrama honors Jesus and gives everyone present a fun part to play–good for Christmas parties.[/pexcerpt]

Countdown to Christmas–party fun

Countdown to Christmas

A fun party game dealing with Jesus’ birth, about 15 minutes

Only the story’s narrator needs this script.

Narrator:

â€œYou all will help tell this Christmas story. It is a melodrama, so you may hiss at the villain
and cheer the heroes. You all have a part. When I read your story name, you will shout a phrase.
I will now assign your story name, and the phrase that you shout.â€

Story nameÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shouted response

Dr. Vladimir Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œSomething weird is going on.â€

Daring DmitriÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNever fear, Daring Dmitri is here!â€

Adorable AnnaÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œOh, somebody save us!â€

Baron VillainovÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œI’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!â€

[Mention that people may hiss or boo after this villain speaks.]

Sturdy SteedÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œNeighâ€

Bulgy BearÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œGrrrrrâ€

Potlicker Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œBow–wow–wowâ€

Rusty RifleÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œKer-blam!â€

Huffy PuffyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â â€œChoo choo, wooo woooâ€

Siberian Wind (everyone else)Â Â Â â€œOoooooooâ€

[If your group is small, then give some people more than one part.][GP1]Â

Narrator: (as you read, emphasize names in bold) Countdown to Christmas is a story
in the old melodrama style. Listen! Howling as it blows through a hamlet in old Russia,
is the icy Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

The good doctor and renowned researcher tells his family,
â€œRejoice! Christmas is only seven days away!â€
Suddenly the door flies open, banging like their old flintlock Rusty Rifle.â€ [Ker-blam!!]

Icy air snuffs out the lamp. â€œAha!â€ exclaims Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

â€œMaybe it’s the Tsar’s thieving Cossacks with their curved swords,â€
screams the delicate daughter, Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œStay calm,â€ assures her brother Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]
â€œI’ve shut the door. It was just the Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

A horse neighs outside, and a reply comes from the family’s Sturdy Steed. [Neigh]

Bang! Bang! â€œSomeone’s at the door, maybe Robbers!â€
wails Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

The doctor opens the door, and out rushes the little dog, Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow]

And in rushes the stinging Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

â€œIt blew out the lamp! A thief has sneaked in; I hear his steps,â€ wails

Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œWhere did our little dog go?â€ Asks the doctor in the dark.

The intruder replies, â€œHe’s biting my ankle! I am the telegraph operator.
I came in this storm because this message from Siberia is urgent.â€

Â â€œStop attacking our guest,â€ the good doctor scolds Potlicker.â€ [Bow–wow–wow]

â€œI know no one in Siberia,â€ frets Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

They relight the lamp and the doctor reads the wire. â€œIt’s from the mayor of Silver Mesa,
a remote, Siberian mining town. The peasants have never heard about Jesus.â€
The doctor’s words are drowned out by the Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

â€œThe mayor says an epidemic of Mad Moose disease will slay a thousand souls
in seven days, unless they get my new vaccine! Seven days – that’s Christmas!
We can make it in time if we hurry to the train depot and catch

Huffy Puffy.â€ [Choo choo, wooo wooo]

He adds, â€œThe last part of the trip must be by sleigh. It’ll be perilous.â€

But they are assured by Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

The doctor reads on. â€œHe’s heard that Christmas means joy and peace,
and asks me to explain it to his villagers. He says they only drink vodka and fight
at Christmas time. Let us start. I’ll hitch the sleigh to Sturdy Steed.â€ [Neigh]

At the depot, they load the horse on a freight car, and something stirs in a dark corner;
they have awakened the hibernating Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

â€œHelp!â€ screams Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œStay calm,â€ orders Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

He aims Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!!]

The old musket misses as usual, but there to drive the bear off is Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow]

With a jerk and a clank, off chugs Huffy Puffy. [Choo choo, wooo wooo]

It leaves a trail of black smoke as they pass peasants’ sod huts
and snow-laden trees bending in the angry Siberian Wind. [Oooooooo]

They count the days left to save the villagers from the deadly disease: six, five, four. Clickety-click, go the wheels of Huffy Puffy. [Choo choo, wooo wooo]

Having climbed into an empty car, going along also, is Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

They plan to tell the villagers about Christmas, how God was born as a man
to save us from our sins. With two days to go, they arrive at the closest depot
and unload Sturdy Steed [Neigh]

Having taken a liking to the family, down climbs Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

They examine a map, hoping to find their way. â€œWorry not, my friends,â€
declares a tall man dressed in black, Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

He bows, gallantly sweeping off a high silk hat, but fails to impress

Potlicker. [Bow–wow-wow!]

He kicks the little dog angrily, and asks, â€œWhy do you travel so far north?â€

The doctor explains the life-saving vaccine, and shows his map to the baron.
â€œThat map is obsolete!â€ sneers the pompous fellow.
But do not worry,â€ declares Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

â€œThis is the way now.â€ He draws a line on the map, sips from a flask,
Â and winks at the daughter. â€œHow lucky, my lovely lass, that I came in time!â€
boasts Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

They hitch up Sturdy Steed. [Neigh!]

They glide over miles of wind-blown snow, following the baron’s trail
marked on the map. It ends abruptly at a dark hole in a mountainside.
Two crosses beside it have gloomy epitaphs, and gloomy dusk has fallen.

â€œOh no!â€ cries Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]
â€œThat vile baron has deceived us. Oh, look out!â€

A thousand bats come flying jerkily from the black hole,
startling Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

â€œKeep calm!â€ assures Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

â€œWe must go back!â€ moans the doctor. â€œCan we make it in time?
We must cross the mountain and a long, high bridge. Faster, Sturdy Steed! [Neigh!]â€

Meanwhile, the evil baron plots to obtain Silver Mesa’s rich mine,
and lies to the villagers, â€œI am the doctor with the vaccine. I’ll administer it after I dine.â€

The mayor asks him why Christmas brings joy. The baron sneers.
Â â€œChristmas? Oh, yes! Peasants gorge themselves, give gifts they can’t afford,
hang up silly decorations and drink to excess.â€
He shouts above the din of the wailing Siberian Wind. [Ooooo]

The mayor shakes his head. â€œWe already do all that, but still find no joy.â€

The aristocratic smiles has a crooked grin, â€œMy good man!
You lack the flashiest celebration of all: fireworks!
Bring a box of dynamite.,â€ demands Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

Before dawn, the villain totes the dynamite to the high bridge, attaches it and waits, holding the deadly detonator. Soon he hears Sturdy Steed. [Neigh!]

The travelers stop in the middle of the high bridge to pray before entering Silver Mesa. They wince at the shrill whine of the Siberian Wind. [Ooooo]

â€œGrrrr!â€ Growls Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!]
He jumps from the sleigh and tracks the evil baron’s scent across the bridge.

Coming also, tracking the dog’s scent, is Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

The son points. â€œLook! There’s the baron, aiming a gun at that bear!â€

The dog catches the baron’s sleeve and the shot misses.
The good doctor spies some wires and traces them to the villain.
Â â€œAha!â€ cries Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

â€œGet off the bridge!â€ Screams Adorable Anna. [Oh, somebody save us!]

They are reassured by Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

He sees the detonator and aims the old Rusty Rifle. [Ker-blam!!]

The bullet misses and the baron jeers, â€œYou, my friends, will be blown to bits
when I count to three. One! Two! Merry Christmas, fools!â€
cries Baron Villainov. [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]

The bear appears behind the villain as he cries â€œThree!â€
Two furry arms close around the villain’s chest; the horrified family hears ribs crack,
and the victory cry of Bulgy Bear. [Grrrrr]

The bear flings him into the chasm, and screams echo between the granite walls.
At last, they arrive in Silver Mesa.Â â€œOh!â€ warns Dr. Vladimir. [Something weird is going on.]

The villagers are mysteriously silent, and eye them warily. What is wrong?

â€œHere’s the vaccine!â€ shouts Daring Dmitri. [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]

The mayor eyes them carefully and suddenly brightens,
â€œI see it now! The baron lied! You came in time; it is Christmas Eve. We are rescued!â€

The villagers hear the great news of Christ’s birth, sacrificial death and resurrection.
They are stunned to learn that salvation in Christ is by God’s free grace for all who believe, and break out with cheers and tears. The mayor thanks the family and observes,
â€œChristmas is joyful now that we know that the Lord Jesus Christ was born,
died and rose again to save us!â€

Sensing the bliss and wagging his tail is Potlicker. [Bow-wow-wow!].

A final exclamation comes from the Siberian Wind [Ooooo].

And the curtain falls. Thus ends the story ofâ€¦
Dr. Vladimir Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Something weird is going on.]
Daring Dmitri Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Never fear, Daring Dmitri is here!]
Adorable Anna Â Â Â Â Â [Oh, somebody save us!]
Baron Villainov Â Â Â Â [I’ll take care of you! Ha ha ha!]
Sturdy Steed Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Neigh]
Bulgy Bear Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Grrrrr]
Potlicker Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Bow–wow–wow]
Rusty Rifle Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Ker-blam!]
Huffy PuffyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Choo choo, wooo wooo]
Siberian WindÂ Â Â Â Â Â [Oooooooo]

[/pexcerpt]A Christ-exalting melodrama; everyone present has a part. It combines humor, tension and treats Christmas seriously.[/pexcerpt]

Â [GP1]

Crucial Prelude to Multiplying New Testament type Churches

Crucial Prelude to Multiplying New Testament type Churches
Guidelines to prepare to multiply churches, about 8 minutes

Participants
Â Larry
Â Conner
Â Lillian
Â Khichi
Â Prompter:Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Echoes:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Larry	My wife Lillian and I are frustrated. We try to multiply churches as they did in the New Testament, but we.ve failed. Can you advise us, Connor?
Conner	I’ll try, Larry. Many efforts to start a movement flounder before they start. Workers fail to apply a few simple New Testament guidelines.
Lillian	We followed this church planting manual carefully, Conner.
Prompter & Echoes	Every detail!
Conner	That is the problem, Lillian. Too many details! It lists many helpful tasks, but fails to discern the three foundational guidelines that are utterly essential.
Larry	Now wait a minute, Conner! Lillian and I helped edit that manual!
Conner	You did your best, Larry, with what you knew at the time, but you included traditions that cause older churches to decline.
Prompter & Echoes	Needless baggage!
Lillian	You want to cut out details, Conner, but our old church is very conventional. If we require a lot of changes, few people, if any, will cooperate with us.
Conner	Don’t ask all the members to change; there’s an easier way. Your congregation must have a few who want to serve Jesus in a more vital way, but find vital ministry positions already filled. Well, let them take the church to those who do not come to it.
Larry	That makes sense! What are the essential guidelines, Conner?
Conner	The first and most crucial is to obey. Heed Jesus’ general orders before all else. He said, â€œIf you love me, obey my commands.â€
Prompter & Echoes	Obey the King of Kings!
Conner	Seven general commands sum up all that Jesus ordered; the first church obeyed them all from the start, in Acts 2, Larry.
Larry	I remember them: Â Â Repent, believe and receive the Holy Spirit, Â Â Baptize, Â Â Serve the Lord’s Supper, Â Â Love God, believers, neighbors, and enemies, which is to forgive, Â Â Pray, which includes healing and spiritual warfare, Â Â Give, and Â Â make disciples nearby and afar.
Conner	Very good! Another essential guideline is to simplify. Require of new churches only what Jesus and his apostles required.
Prompter & Echoes	Nothing more!
Lillian	That goes against the modern current, Conner!
Conner	It does; all movements of God do, ever since the apostles.
Larry	This is helpful, Conner.
Conner	The third and last guideline is to model. Have others do what they have seen you do in a way they can imitate at once.
Larry	Obey, simplify and model! Yes! Oh! I see why even new believers, uneducated and penniless, are multiply churches in so many lands around the world. We’ll let new believers and leaders follow these guidelines.
Lillian	Where did you get these guidelines, Conner?
Conner	From Jesus and his apostles.
Prompter & Echoes	No better source!
Larry	Lillian, a few days have passed; look at what God has done. Here we are at Khichi’s home; he received Jesus yesterday. Conner is coming; I want to see how he deals with Khichi.
Conner	Hello, Brother Khichi, now that you know Jesus, we will lay hands on you and ask God for power for you to tell your family and friends about Jesus.
Prompter & Echoes	Share your faith!
Conner	Do it just as Larry and Lillian did with you; pray for them and tell them what Jesus did.
Khichi	Yes. I remember. Jesus died and rose from the dead to forgive our sins and give us eternal life.
Larry	I’ll go with you at first if you want, Khichi, but let them hear it from you first.
Lillian	When should Khichi be baptized, Conner?
Conner	Right away. The apostles did only one thing before baptizing. Do you recall it?
Prompter & Echoes	Go to the family!
Larry	Another day passes, and we meet again. Khichi, please tell Conner the news.
Khichi	Larry baptized me in our bathtub, Connor; only my family was present.
Lillian	It was not public?
Larry	Scripture does not require baptism to be public; Paul baptized the jailer’s family at midnight, and Philip baptized the Ethiopian in private out in a desert.
Khichi	Baptism left me really encouraged; I am ready to go tell my friends about Jesus. Larry also healed my sick aunt in Jesus’ name. Now we all trust in Jesus. Larry had me baptize my own wife and kids, and my aunt.
Lillian	Conner, did Larry do those things too rapidly?
Conner	No. It is impossible to obey Jesus too quickly.
Khichi	I am so glad you did not delay it! We are so happy! While our hair was still wet, we sat in a circle and received the Lord Supper. We felt Jesus with us. We had no bread, so we used corn chips.
Larry	We dipped them into one cup; there is no need to heed the old protocols that have no basis in Scripture. Simply obey Jesus.
Khichi	Larry told us then that our own church had been born, right there in our house!
Conner	Khichi, God holds you responsible, as head of your family, to be its shepherd. Will you lead your baby church by your word and example?
Khichi	Absolutely! However, I will need Larry’s coaching.
Conner	Yes, and you will need God’s power; we will lay hands on you now, and ask for it.
Larry	Two weeks go by, and we meet again; Khichi tells Conner about their first worship time.
Khichi	Larry had us plan to whom we would go and tell about Jesus. We then went in pairs, repeating exactly what Larry and Lillian had done with us. On a later visit, I baptized two cousins and three neighbors who repented.
Conner	You must start other churches in your social network, Khichi. A new church is a baby, unable to do all the vital tasks by itself, so let several churches form a closely-knit body, as the apostles did.
Prompter & Echoes	A regional church body!
Lillian	But that will take tons of work, Conner!
Conner	Yes, Lillian. That is why we let the new believers do it. Let them shoulder the main responsibility for their movement; you simply coach their leaders.
Lillian	How do we motivate them to go witness to others, Conner?
Conner	Lay hands on them, as you did for Khichi; let God empower them. Go with them the first time or two, to watch; give help if they need it.
Larry	People received Jesus in one place; in another we wasted time. I’m glad Jesus said to shake the dust from our feet, to leave resistant people.
Conner	Yes, but first make sure that the way you witness for Jesus fits their background, and that the workers are united in prayer. Serve in the power of the Holy Spirit; do not merely work the principles mechanically. Do everything in a way others can imitate.
Khichi	Larry teaches us with Bible stories that we recall and pass on at once. We start by telling key stories about Jesus that new believers can repeat easily. Sometimes we get them and their friends to act the stories out; they love that!
Lillian	Now I see why we must cut out so many man-made customs in order to multiply.
Conner	We are eager to do all the valuable activities that we’ve learned over the years, but we must be patient. Once churches are multiplying in the normal way, then we can introduce the more advanced activities. This restraint requires self-discipline, and is crucial during a movement’s embryonic stage.
Larry	Yes! We see that now!
Prompter & Echoes	Thank you, Lord!

Crucial Prelude to Multiplying New Testament type Churches

Â Crucial Prelude to Multiplying New Testament type Churches

Guidelines to prepare to multiply churches, about 8 minutes

Participants
Â Larry
Â Conner
Â Lillian
Â Khichi
Â Prompter Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Larry	My wife Lillian and I are frustrated. We have tried to multiply churches as they did in the New Testament, but we have failed. Can you advise us, Connor?
Conner	I will try, Larry. Many efforts to start a movement flounder before they start. Workers fail to apply a few simple New Testament guidelines.
Lillian	Larry and I followed this church planting manual carefully, Conner.
Prompter & Echoes	Every detail!
Conner	That is the problem. Too many details! It lists many helpful tasks, but fails to discern the three foundational guidelines that are utterly essential.
Larry	Now wait a minute, Conner! Lillian and I helped edit that manual!
Conner	You did your best, Larry, with what you knew at the time, but you included traditions that have led older churches into decline.
Prompter & Echoes	Needless baggage!
Lillian	You want to cut out details, Conner, but our old church is very conventional. If we require a lot of changes, few, if any, will cooperate with us.
Conner	Do not ask all the members to change, Lillian. There is an easier way. Your congregation must have a few who want to serve Jesus in a more vital way, but find important ministry positions already filled. Well, let them take the church to those who do not come to it.
Larry	That makes sense! What are those three essential guidelines, Conner?
Conner	The first and most crucial is to obey. Heed Jesus’ general orders before all else. Jesus said, â€œIf you love me, obey my commands.â€
Prompter & Echoes	Obey the King of Kings!
Larry	I remember them. Â Â Repent, believe and receive the Holy Spirit, Â Baptize, Â Serve the Lord’s Supper, Â Love God, believers, neighbors, and enemies, which is to forgive, Â Pray, which includes healing and spiritual warfare, Â Give Â And make disciples, nearby and afar.
Conner	Very good! The second essential guideline is to simplify. Require of new churches only what Jesus and his apostles required. Nothing more!
Prompter & Echoes	Simplify!
Lillian	That goes against the modern current, Conner!
Conner	It does; all movements of God do, starting with the apostles.
Larry	This is helpful, Conner. What is the third essential guideline?
Conner	Model. Have others do what they have seen you do.
Larry	Obey, simplify and model! Yes! Oh! I see now why even new believers, uneducated and penniless, are multiply churches in so many lands around the world. We will have new believers and new leaders follow these guidelines, before doing any of the more advanced disciple-making activities.
Lillian	Where did you get these guidelines, Conner?
Conner	From Jesus and his apostles.
Prompter & Echoes	Not from books or classrooms!
Larry	Now, a few days have gone by. Lillian and I are in the home of Khichi who received Jesus yesterday. Conner comes, and I am eager to see how he deals with Khichi.
Conner	Brother Khichi, now that you know Jesus, we will lay hands on you and ask God for power for you to tell your family and friends about Jesus.
Prompter & Echoes	Share your faith!
Conner	Do it just as Larry and Lillian did with you; pray for them and tell what Jesus did. Do you remember this?
Khichi	Yes. Jesus died and rose from the dead to forgive their sins and give them eternal life.
Larry	I will go with you at first if you want, Khichi, but let them hear it from you first.
Lillian	When should Khichi be baptized, Conner?
Conner	Right away. The apostles did only one thing before baptizing. Do you recall it?
Prompter & Echoes	Go to the family!
Larry	Another day passes, and we meet again. Khichi, please tell Conner the news.
Khichi	Larry baptized me in our bathtub, Connor; only my family was present.
Lillian	It was not public?
Larry	Scripture does not require baptism to be public; Paul baptized the jailer’s family at midnight, and Philip baptized the Ethiopian in private out in a desert.
Khichi	Baptism left me really encouraged; I am ready to go tell my friends about Jesus. Larry also prayed for my sick aunt. Now we all trust in Jesus. Larry had me baptize my own wife and kids, and my aunt.
Lillian	Conner, did Larry do those things too rapidly?
Conner	No. It is impossible to obey Jesus too quickly.
Khichi	I am so glad you did not delay it! We are so happy! While our hair was still wet, we sat in a circle and received the Lord Supper. We felt Jesus with us. We had no bread, so we used corn chips.
Larry	We dipped them into one cup; there is no need to heed the old protocols that have no basis in Scripture; simply obey Jesus.
Khichi	Larry told us that our own church had been born, right there in our house!
Conner	Khichi, God holds you responsible, as head of your family, to be its shepherd. Will you lead your baby church by your word and example?
Khichi	Absolutely! However, I will need Larry’s coaching.
Conner	Yes, and you will need God’s power; we will lay hands on you now, and ask for it.
Larry	Two weeks go by, and we meet again; Khichi recalls their first worship time.
Khichi	Larry had us plan to whom we would go and tell about Jesus. We went in pairs, repeating exactly what Larry and Lillian had done with us. On a third visit, I baptized two cousins and three neighbors who repented.
Conner	Now you can start other churches in your own social network, Khichi. A new church is a baby, unable to do all the vital tasks by itself, so let several churches form a closely-knit body, as the apostles did.
Prompter & Echoes	A regional church body!
Lillian	But that will take tons of work, Conner!
Conner	Yes, Lillian. That is why we let the new believers do it. Let them shoulder the main responsibility for their own movement; you simply coach their leaders.
Lillian	How do we motivate them to go witness to others, Conner?
Conner	Lay hands on them, as you did for Khichi, and ask God to empower them. Go with them the first time or two, to watch and give help if they need it.
Larry	People received Christ in one place, but in another we just wasted our time. I am glad Jesus said to shake the dust from our feet, to leave resistant people.
Conner	Yes, but first make sure that the way you witness for Jesus fits their background, and that the workers are united in prayer. Serve in the power of the Holy Spirit; do not merely work the principles mechanically. Do it all in an imitable way.
Khichi	Larry teaches us with Bible stories that we recall and pass on at once. We start by telling key stories about Jesus that new believers can repeat easily. Sometimes we get them and their friends to act the stories out; they love that!
Lillian	Now I see why we must cut out so many man-made customs, in order to multiply.
Conner	Good, Lillian! We are eager to do all the valuable activities we have learned, but we must be patient. Once churches are multiplying in the normal way, we can introduce the more advanced stuff. This restraint requires self-discipline, and is crucial during a movement’s embryonic stage.
Larry	Yes! We see that plainly now!
Prompter & Echoes	Thank you, Lord!

Discover the Different Works of the Holy Spirit in Believers

Discover the Different Works of the Holy Spirit in Believers
Find how believers of diverse backgrounds enrich one another, about 5 minutes

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not perform)
Â Â Monty
Â Â Luther
Â Â Orville
Â Â Bernie
Â Â Charles
Â Â Homer
Â Â Prompter Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â Â Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Bernie	Monty, I’m glad you had us leave our cell phones behind to go backpacking out here. It’s refreshing to be in God’s raw nature with no distractions. I love it! Climbing this mountain helps us face harsh reality.
Prompter & Echoes	Revitalizing!
Monty	Good, Bernie. Those who experience this adventure with me often come to know Jesus Christ as their savior, or find a deeper relationship with him. I’m pleased that all of you on this trip already know Jesus. Let’s compare your different church backgrounds. Bernie, you’re the youngest. Go first.
Bernie	Okay. My Baptist church just held a class on the Holy Spirit and its attributes.
Luther	Ouch! It hurts my ears to hear you call the Holy Spirit an â€œit.â€ You’d never say â€œGod the Father and its attributes,â€ or call God the Son an â€œit.â€
Bernie	Oh! You’re right. I’m a new believer…
Prompter & Echoes	And eager to learn!
Monty	Let’s compare our churches’ views of the Holy Spirit. All our churches emphasize that we are born again by his work, Â and receive help to live holy lives. What else have you learned about the Holy Spirit, Bernie?
Bernie	Well, my Baptist church emphasizes that he gives us power to witness for Jesus.
Prompter & Echoes	Divine energizing!
Monty	Good, Bernie. How about you, Orville?
Orville	My background is Russian Orthodox. There’s no orthodox church of any kind near my current home, so I worship with Roman Catholics. They emphasize that the Holy Spirit gives their priests authority to forgive sins.
Charles	Not true!
Prompter & Echoes	Oh, oh!
Monty	Now wait, Charles. There is some truth to that, provided it’s not taken to a non-biblical extreme. Jesus promised all his disciples power to forgive sins.
Orville	My Orthodox Church’s view of holiness raises a question. Is our holiness ours, or is it on loan from Christ through the Holy Spirit?
Homer	It’s Christ’s holiness, imparted to us, not strictly ours.
Orville	Well the Orthodox view differs. They say the holiness is ours. We are a â€œsword in the fire.â€ Put the blade in flames and it turns red, then white. Touch paper with it, and the paper flames. Its heat is its own. Before long the glow dims, and the blade cools’
Prompter & Echoes	Back in the fire it goes.
Luther	My parents are Lutheran, and named me Luther. We emphasize the Holy Spirit’s quiet assurance.
Prompter & Echoes	Our Comforter!
Luther	My uncle is of the Reformed faith, Presbyterian. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth Â and gives us understanding. My uncle loves theology.
Charles	I was a Pentecostal; now I serve with the Charismatics. Like the original Methodists, we emphasize that the Holy Spirit transforms us; we experience grace, not just read about it. We also heal in Jesus’ name. Recently, we charismatics have been multiplying thousands of simple house churches all over the world.
Prompter & Echoes	Millions are coming to Christ!
Charles	We emphasize that the Holy Spirit equips even the newest believer to shepherd his family and share Christ with his relatives and friends. It’s happening.
Prompter & Echoes	All over the world!
Monty	Good! There is valuable truth in these different emphases.
Bernie	Yes! Now I see that my own view is not the only true one.
Prompter & Echoes	We learn from each other.

Dove and Dragon-Church Multiplication

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Dove & Dragon is a historically based drama, about 30 minutes.
It begins in England in the 1700’s, during the birth of the
Evangelical Movement, and then moves to today’s America.

Guidelines:

â–º	Participants need no props or costumes.
â–º	They may simply read their lines, as the aim is not to perform, but to equip harvesters to multiply simple New Testament type churches.
â–º	Observe how to take Jesus to people who prefer not, Â or cannot, join a conventional congregation
â–º	It requires no rehearsal, although some practice can make it to smoother.
â–º	You need no audience. Everyone present has a part:

Participants
Â Â Alf
Â Â Rowdy
Â Â Suzy
Â Â Wilbur
Â Â Bruiser
Â Â Margie
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PART I. 18th Century England

Rowdy	(Run among the people, shouting) Betsy! Betsy! Come back! Now where did that naughty horse go?
Prompter & Echoes	Come back, Betsy!
Suzy	Your stupid horse is eating lettuce on that peasant’s cart. Hitch her up quickly; we gotta go to Harpenden.
Wilbur	Harpenden, you say? Marvelous! We must be going to the same installation rites.
Suzy	(Face Wilbur) Well now, such grand priestly attire! Sir, I don’t care if you be the Archbishop himself. Alf and me, we was here first we was, so this cab is ours.
Wilbur	My good lady, we will share it. I am the Reverend Wilbur. My church is the one with the highest steeple in Saint Albans.
Alf	Sir, you may call me Alf. This lady is my wife, Suzy. I am shepherd and janitor of New Life Chapel, down by the livery stables.
Wilbur	The livery stables! I dare say! Why serve in such a smelly place, brother Alf?
Alf	God chose it for us, sir. I yearn to take Jesus to all those poor people, but my flock takes up all my time, which is sad, because so many are ready to receive Jesus!
Wilbur	Indeed. Well, I prefer quality to quantity, my son. My church’s motto is, â€œYou cannot take it with you, so leave it with us.â€
Rowdy	Old Betsy be ready, folks. My name is Rowdy. Now, old Betsy, trot!
Prompter & Echoes	Clip clop!
Wilbur	Ah! This is the grandest day of my life, pastor Alf!
Suzy	Oh, my! The cab’s swaying and the steady hoof beats make me sleepy.
Prompter & Echoes	Clip clop!
Alf	Me, too. The Rev. Wilbur is already snoring!
Prompter & Echoes	Clip clop!
Suzy	Oh! This nauseating stench woke me! Garbage in this lane is reeking.
Wilbur	Get moving, Rowdy! Your lazy mare is trudging too slowly. Go faster!
Rowdy	Can’t, sir. Too rocky.
Wilbur	You will, cabby. I dare not miss the installation rites. I have waited for this grand moment all my life. Use your whip! Now!
Rowdy	Won’t. Too rocky. Ouch! Stop squeezing my shoulder! Your grip is hurting me.
Wilbur	Lash that horse, I say, or I’ll squeeze your skinny throat. Let’s hear that whip!
Prompter & Echoes	Crack! Crack!
Wilbur	Not that fast! Slow down! You lurched forward so abruptly that my hat fell off.
Suzy	Oh, my! We’re bouncing like a kangaroo, we are! Poor old Betsy is racing, eyes ablaze, tail flowing behind, and ears flattened! See the chickens and children flee from the pounding hooves!
Prompter & Echoes	Thud!
Wilbur	Now what, Rowdy? You stopped so abruptly my spectacles slipped off.
Rowdy	(Groan) Old Betsy slipped on a loose stone and threw a shoe. A lady she is, and I’ll not drive her improperly dressed, barefoot on one leg. Yer fault, yer highness. Ya made me drive ‘er too fast.
Wilbur	Insolent lip! Now, stop predicting where I’ll spend eternity, or I’ll reciprocate in the proper ecclesiastic language. You have made me miss the installation rites.
Rowdy	No sir. Saint Alban halted us by my friend Bruiser’s blacksmith’s shop. Bruiser’s a good man he is; he helped me find Jesus. Come to his shop. Watch yer step; horse plop is lying all over.
Suzy	Eee! A scruffy rat scurried into that pile of broken cartwheels.
Rowdy	Duck down, gentlemen, or you’ll bump yer heads on them plucked chickens hanging from the doorframe.
Prompter & Echoes	Hey! Watch out!
Wilbur	I say, who was that little guy? He bumped into me as he rushed out!
Alf	He’s wearing an Anglican priest’s garb and has an ugly scar on one cheek.
Suzy	He jumped on his horse and galloped off like a whirlwind.
Rowdy	Blimey! Sure and it was the Rev. John Wesley! He helps us poor folk, he does.
Bruiser	Welcome to my shop, gentlemen! I’ll take care of yer horse in a jiffy. Please join us. We be worshiping.
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!
Bruiser	Brother Rowdy, wipe the soot off them nail kegs, so the reverends can sit. Now, you all be surprised at such noblemen joining us, but stop jabbering, or I’ll pound yer skulls with me hammer.
Â	Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Wilbur	I say! How shocking that Rev. Wesley would ministers here in such a degraded hamlet!
Prompter & Echoes	Wicked and worldly!
Margie	Brother Wesley loves to serve us poor degraded sinners, sir.
Bruiser	Aye! Listen to what Wesley done fer me before I got borned all over again. I shut my ears to his words, but his compassion sneaked into my heart another way. You seen that ugly scar on Brother Wesley’s cheek? I done that.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh no!
Bruiser	He tried to stop me from breaking another drunken brawler’s face in the pub, so I sent brother John sprawling with the back of me hand, I did.
Prompter & Echoes	Cruel!
Bruiser	He wiped off the blood, and blessed me in Jesus’ name, and that’s the truth. God’s grace pulsated in his kindness, forgiving me while he absorbed my abuse!
Prompter & Echoes	So gracious!
Bruiser	Then he invited me to come talk with him, and called the cook fer another slice of kidney pie!â€ Fer the first time since I was a nipper, I wept.
Margie	Wesley loves us poor folk he does, not like some people around here that looks down on us.
Wilbur	Well now, I know who and what you are, you pudgy wench! You cleaned house for my wife before you became a bar maid, and worse.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh, my!
Bruiser	Margie is my wife now, sir. You will mind your words. Now listen everyone. We’ll all discuss what God wants us to do this week.
Wilbur	This is wrong, my good man. Such free discussion during worship lets laymen impart falsity.
Bruiser	I hope so, sir! Get any falsity out in the open, before it festers and divides. The apostle Paul urged believers to discuss God’s word freely with one another.
Wilbur	Your way of worship would displease the head of our church, our good King George.
Prompter & Echoes	Long live the king!
Bruiser	This week we will go in pairs to take Jesus to our friends. Rowdy, you and me will go to them shanties down by the garbage dump.
Rowdy	I can’t go around in public in my tattered shoes and patched trousers.
Bruiser	You’ll go to folk whose clothes are just as tattered, Rowdy All right everyone, let’s confess our sins. We all got lots to confess!
Prompter & Echoes	Be honest before God!
Bruiser	Now, that’s done. See this bread? Our Lord said, â€œTake, eat, this is my body.â€
Wilbur	Stop! Stop I say! I cannot receive Holy Sacrament from layman’s hands.
Bruiser	Brother Wesley blessed this bread beforehand, sir, so any bloke can serve it.
Margie	Brother Wesley told us to receive Communion in the Anglican Church. Me and Bruiser went, but the high and mighty priest eyed my patched dress, and he passed us by when he served Communion, he did.
Prompter & Echoes	How terrible!
Margie	Bruiser begged him to come serve us Communion here, but he called Bruiser uncouth, and turned away.
Bruiser	I told the bloke I didn’t see nothing of Christ’s image in him. He got red in the face and said to me, â€œSomeone pulled you down from a tree, cut off your tail, and taught you to make human noises.â€
Prompter & Echoes	Cruel!
Bruiser	Poor Margie, she cried ‘er heart out all the way ‘ome, she did.
Wilbur	I disapprove of what that priest said. Nevertheless, you cannot serve Communion, my son.
Rowdy	Jesus commands it. Whom do we obey, you or Jesus? We cannot obey both.
Prompter & Echoes	Obey God above all.
Wilbur	Mr. Blacksmith, today I’ll be made Bishop over Saint Albans, so do as I say. Stop pretending that this travesty is a church.
Bruiser	It is a church, sir. We do all that Jesus and his apostles require of a church.
Wilbur	You will obey me, my son, I have the full authority of the Church of England.
Prompter & Echoes	Well, kiss his ring!
Suzy	Look, Alf! The blacksmith is facing the priest, eye to eye. Rev. Wilbur’s eyes are spitting fire.
Rowdy	Them two men be locked in a battle they is, the soon-to-be bishop and the powerful blacksmith.
Suzy	Everyone is so silent! My goodness!
Alf	(Groan) Two voices in my soul are tearing me in two, Suzy. One hisses. It said, â€œMind your soon-to-be Bishop, or he’ll revoke your ordination.â€ The other voice coos like a dove; it said: â€œDon’t fear man; just obey Jesus.â€
Suzy	Look! Bruiser won the stare-down! Rev. Wilbur sat, crossed himself and began humming a tune. Now we are having Communion.
Bruiser	Now that our worship is over, gentlemen, yer horse will be ready in a few minutes. Wait outside to avoid the smoke from me forge.
Wilbur	Ah! Fresh air! Listen, Elder Alf. This is all wrong. If sinners really want to know Christ, they’ll come to our churches.
Suzy	But you know they do not, sir. Rowdy’s britches had patches upon patches. He would be shunned if he sat in one of our pews.
Prompter & Echoes	Ding dong!
Wilbur	I say! The church bell! I still have time! I can make it after all to the installation rites!
Rowdy	I told ya you would, reverend.
Wilbur	Elder Alf, that toothless old hag warbled off key, trying to sing! Even worse was that young woman holding her brat: she howled so! Such confusion is of the devil, for sure! Of Satan, I say!
Alf	Whoa, brother! You came close to blaspheming the Holy Spirit! That young woman was totally focused on Jesus.
Wilbur	So you say. One fellow actually confessed he’d stolen a mule last week.
Suzy	But he promised to return the mule, and they restored him.
Wilbur	Here comes that ruffian with the horse; it’s ready to go. I say, Mr. Bruiser, you must be using a very heavy hand to get your followers to do so much work during the week.
Bruiser	No Reverend Wilbur. It be Jesus who moves them. He’ll do the same for yer people. Surely, some of them yearns to do more fer Jesus than what you let them do.
Wilbur	Some do, and they give me ulcers, always straining to do new things!
Alf	Goodbye, brother Bruiser. Suzy, that voice is hissing again; it warns me that to embrace this madness will ruin my career, but the coo says to do as Jesus said and did: go and love the poor, rejected people.
Suzy	Oh, Alf, I’ve been praying!
Alf	That hiss is louder now; it says my church needs no change.
Suzy	Don’t listen to it! It’s the Old Dragon, the devil.
Alf	The gentle voice says to serve Jesus and stop craving power. The hissing voice promises to make me popular and wealthy. Oh, Suzy!
Prompter & Echoes	Such tension!
Alf	Rev. Wilbur, what should I do? I cannot bear the strain! Wesley’s way cannot be true! I will not let it! I won’t!
Wilbur	Now you’ve come to your senses, my lad!
Alf	Suzy, that dove’s voice warns me to decide. It is God’s countdown time.
Prompter & Echoes	Five. Four. Three. Two…
Alf	I surrender! My congregation will send out harvesters.
Suzy	Yes! Some of us will love to be freed to gather new believers in home churches.
Alf	Rev. Wilbur, I see now what I was searching for! Whatever kept me so blind?
Wilbur	You have a fever, brother Alf. You are raving! My barber’s shop is nearby. He is an excellent blood-letter. I will take you there as soon as I clean off my shoe.
Suzy	Alfie, our Lord won a huge victory today!
Prompter & Echoes	Hallelujah!

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PART II. Today’s America

Alf	Now, we have crossed the Atlantic Ocean,
Prompter & Echoes	The scene has changed!
Suzy	Here we are, in the 21st century with these church elders!
Prompter & Echoes	In today’s America!
Margie	Thank you, elders, for letting Suzy and me explain our project.
Suzy	Margie and I saw how to do it in a story about John Wesley and a blacksmith. It took place in England back when the Evangelical movement began.
Margie	Thank you for letting us explain our plans. I’m so glad!
Suzy	Not me, Margie; I’m scared!
Prompter & Echoes	Poor Suzy!
Alf	We elders will not bite, Suzy. Girls, please tell us why you want to start home churches.
Margie	Most of the younger generation won’t come to our older church; so, we take the church to them. They love to gather in homes with friends and share experiences. We will gather small, New Testament type congregations that enjoy healthy, interactive dialogue, six to eight adults ideally, and no more than twelve.
Suzy	Such little flocks are multiplying all over the world today. It’s awesome! They’re bringing huge numbers of sinners to Christ.
Prompter & Echoes	Millions!
Suzy	We need you elders to stand with us, Elder Alf, as we battle the Old Dragon.
Alf	Yes. Satan counterattacks after the Holy Spirit drives him from a stronghold. It’s the centuries-old battle between Dove and Dragon. Are you girls ready for such serious warfare?
Margie	Suzy and I are ready, but are you elders ready? It’s not just Suzy’s and my project; our church as a body will birth the little daughter churches. Suzy and I are merely the spiritual midwives.
Alf	What do you want us elders to do?
Margie	Send us like the Antioch church sent Paul and Barnabas, and pray.
Suzy	Prayer is the most effective Dragon Repellant.
Margie	Our biggest challenge is to leave behind some of our cherished church procedures; that neither Jesus nor his apostles practiced We must simplify, for churches to multiply as in the New Testament.
Alf	Will you need financial support, Margie?
Margie	No. We will pay for our own gasoline, Elder Alf, and we need no help to find receptive people. We observed school grounds yesterday, and read Chamber of Commerce surveys. We know where the most receptive people live: in the Lost Pearl district.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh, no! Never!
Alf	Lost Pearl! That place is wicked! It’s the most dangerous neighborhood in the city!
Suzy	So, we will touch the leper, just as Jesus did.
Prompter & Echoes	And as John Wesley did!
Alf	Gentlemen, stop grumbling! Poor Suzy’s wiping a tear.
Suzy	I’m more afraid of you elders than I am of Lost Pearl! You can veto our project. Please free us to use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us!
Alf	Suzy, can you and Margie deal with all the details of running a church?
Suzy	No, but we won’t run the churches, will we Margie?
Margie	Right. We’ll only start them, Elder Alf, by having them obey Jesus’ general commands. These commands sum up all that he ordered, they are to repent, baptize, serve Communion, love, pray, give, and make disciples. That is what Christ’s Great Commission requires. The new leaders will use a training course that covers other details.
Suzy	We trust the Holy Spirit to give us the power that Jesus promised.
Alf	Do you plan to baptize and serve the Lord’s Supper, Margie? Our denomination lets only ordained male clergy officiate the sacraments.
Margie	We asked our pastor about that. He said that men’s rules sometimes force churches without clergy to disobey Jesus. He said to simply obey Jesus’ commands, and he will stand behind us when complaints come.
Alf	Gutsy!
Margie	Obeying God above man is a price we pay to win many, many to Jesus.
Suzy	Jesus said, â€œIf you love me, obey my commands.â€ We have no choice, Elder Alf.
Prompter & Echoes	Love and obey Jesus!
Alf	Wow! Elders, our denomination is declining; God holds us accountable to avoid decline. We have prayed about this project. Say Amen if you elders agree.
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!
Alf	Praise God! I have an announcement. My wife and I plan to join Suzy and Margie in this project,.
Suzy	(Clap) Awesome!
Alf	The congregation will commission its harvesters as you requested, Margie.
Prompter & Echoes	See what God does next!
Suzy	At last, Margie! Here we are, prayer walking in the Lost Pearl district. Let’s talk to that big guy leaving this gym.
Margie	Sir, we are prayer walking. May we tell you what Jesus has done for us?
Bruiser	Not interested. Have a good day, girls.
Prompter & Echoes	The brute!
Suzy	Well, Margie, that was not a very promising start! Oh, those guys leaving that bar are leering at us. Hurry! Let’s go to a residential area.
Margie	Ah! This street looks healthier. Here’s a school, Suzy; the kids are getting out.
Suzy	Yeah. That cute little blonde kid is coming toward us; he’s about 3rd or 4th grade.
Margie	Look at him! Hair disheveled, dirty shirt half out, face smudged!
Suzy	He’s cute. He’s just standing there soaking in our smiles. Don’t speak, Margie. Such moments need only smiles. See? He’s coming.
Rowdy	My name’s Rowdy. Promise not to tell nobody, if I show ya my sling shot? It’s the kind ya swing around yer head in circles.
Prompter & Echoes	It can be deadly!
Margie	We promise not to tell, Rowdy. What do you plan to hit with your slingshot?
Rowdy	I gonna kill my mom’s boyfriend next time he kicks her. He kicks me, too.
Margie	Lift up a pant leg, Rowdy. Please. Oh, my! Such ugly bruises!
Suzy	Oh, no! Have you told anyone about this?
Rowdy	He will kill me and my mom if I do. So you can’t tell no one.
Suzy	Rowdy, go bring your teacher. We must tell her about this.
Rowdy	You lied to me!
Prompter & Echoes	You broke your promise!
Suzy	Oh! Don’t run off! Stop crying and come back, Rowdy. We will keep our promise.
Margie	Do you have a relative that you could stay with?
Rowdy	Uncle Bruiser said they’d keep me when mom’s spaced out on drugs.
Margie	Good! Let’s go see your uncle Bruiser right now.
Suzy	Please God, help the boy.
Prompter & Echoes	Help Rowdy!
Suzy	Look! Uncle Bruiser is the same brute that we saw that wouldn’t let us talk to him about Jesus!
Margie	Well, Rowdy, show your uncle those bruises
Bruiser	Appalling! Who did this to you, Rowdy?
Rowdy	My mom’s boyfriend. I hate him.
Bruiser	I apologize for rebuffing you girls back at the gym. I’m very sorry. Rowdy’s unmarried mother has urged me to raise Rowdy for her. I will consider it.
Prompter & Echoes	Time passes and God works.
Bruiser	Rowdy, I have good news: my wife and I will adopt you. Suzy and Margie, I have news for you also. You helped us see that Jesus died and rose from the dead to forgive us and give us life. We will be baptized and follow him.
Prompter & Echoes	Wonderful!
Suzy	Bruiser, would you like to give a party to celebrate?
Bruiser	Yes! We’ll invite our friends and tell them what Christ has done for us.
Suzy	Awesome!
Margie	Oh, look! Here comes Elder Alf and his wife. They also serve Christ here in Broken Pearl.
Bruiser	Welcome, folks!
Suzy	How have you guys gotten along, Elder Alf?
Alf	We started out with a bump. We met a proud poodle leading her pet human on a leash. We told the lady that we were prayer walking, and would pray for any needs she had. She wanted to join us, in order to invite people to her church. We told her we gather those who receive Jesus i n home churches. She lost interest then.
Suzy	Margie and I talked with a few sour people, but we’re too stubborn to give up. We did a lot of walking.
Prompter & Echoes	Just like Jesus and Paul!
Alf	We met Wilbur mowing his lawn; he had a parrot on his shoulder. When I came near him, the bird squawked and spread its wings to attack!
Prompter & Echoes	Squawk! Squawk!
Alf	Wilbur invited us to come back tomorrow, along with you two girls.
Prompter & Echoes	Tomorrow brings a blessing!
Alf	Wilbur, I’ve certainly enjoyed talking and praying with you.
Wilbur	I needed your prayers, Alf. I taught electronic engineering at the University, but they fired me for drinking too much.
Alf	I’ll help you recover, Wilbur. I will meet with you daily, until Jesus sees you through it all, if you really want to quit.
Wilbur	I do, now that I’ve found Jesus. I guess I should say, â€œSince Jesus found me.â€
Alf	All right. Let’s start right now. Go pour all your booze down the sink.
Wilbur	Oh! Okay. I will. Here it goes, down the drain!
Prompter & Echoes	Gurgle, gurgle!
Wilbur	Oh, what a relief!
Suzy	Awesome! (Clap)
Wilbur	Several religious scalpers have been here to see us; all they did was talk talk talk! You folks are different: you listen with caring interest. That is what convinced me, not so much your words; I saw Christ in you.
Prompter & Echoes	Hear what God does next!
Alf	It’s a joy to give you elders our report. The university restored Wilbur. He and his wife hosted a great party, just as Bruiser’s family had done.
Suzy	A new believer’s faith is contagious!
Alf	It’s because an obedient church body, like all living things that God created, passes on its DNA to reproduce after its own kind.
Prompter & Echoes	Jesus’ parables say this!
Alf	1Â Corinthians 14 says if we dialogue together as a loving body, visitors will sense Jesus’ presence and repent.
Suzy	We saw it happen!
Margie	During Wilbur’s party, we lost control: cussing, booze and drug fumes filled the air. However, the Holy Spirit stayed in control.
Suzy	I wept for joy!
Margie	Others wept, too, and shared needs for which we prayed. Several trusted in Jesus. God has blessed Broken Pearl with two new home churches.
Alf	There’ll soon be more. We reorganized our two teams into four: Margie works with Rowdy’s aunt, who is now Rowdy’s new mother. Suzy is with my wife, I’m with Bruiser, and Prof. Wilbur Is with his wife.
Suzy	The Old Dragon has counterattacked, Elder Alf. Some of our friends ridicule our house churches, but everyone is remaining firm.
Margie	The old devil can no longer keep our mother church from multiplying. The Holy Spirit is carrying its DNA to birth tiny daughter churches.
Suzy	So now we have granddaughter and great-granddaughter churches! Our elders have let God’s grace flow freely!
Prompter & Echoes	Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Family Members Do their Different Duties

Family Members Do their Different Duties
About 3 minutes, applies Col. 3 18 â€“ 4 1 & Eph. 5:21-33

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not to perform)
Â Â Husband
Â Â Wife
Â Â JuniorÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (If a girl, then replace Junior with June.)
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Husband	Well, dear, did you notice a wife’s duties that we read in Colossians? You are to be subject to your husband. You have to do everything I say!
Prompter & Echoes	Everything!
Wife	Now, wait. It doesn’t say to â€œsubjectâ€ me; I am to submit myself.
Husband	I don’t see the difference.
Wife	Then remember a husbands’ duties in Ephesians 5 also, dear.
Husband	Oh. t says we’re to love our wives and not be embittered against them.
Wife	Aha! A loving husband makes his wife’s submission joyful. You’re to love me as Jesus loved his church and gave his life for it. So there!
Husband	Well, can you say that a bit more submissively?
Wife	Oh! I will try. Dear God, help me to be a godly and respectful wife.
Husband	And help me show my love in a more conscientious way.
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!
Wife	I see it now. You love me, I respect you, and we are both happy.
Husband	Oh, here is Junior. Son, do you recall what we read in Colossians?
Junior	Yeah, dad. We children are to obey our parents in all things, Â and it pleases the Lord. So I’ve gotta do what you say.
Wife	And what I say, too. Now, it’s time for you to go to bed.
Prompter & Echoes	Now!
Junior	Not yet! I have a new video game. Why do I have to go to bed when I am not tired? You always nag me about this, mom.
Father	(Shout angrily) Is that how you answer your mother? You are grounded for a week. You deserve worse! Do what your mom says. Now!
Wife	Just a moment, husband dear! How did the Bible say to correct our kids?
Prompter & Echoes	You forgot!
Husband	Oh! We’re not to exasperate our kids and make them bitter. I’m sorry, Junior. I shouldn’t have shouted at you so angrily. I’ll not ground you this time. But I will next time. Now, please do as your mom says, and we’ll all be happy.
Junior	Yes, dad. Right now. Good night mom. Good night dad. I love you both.
Prompter & Echoes	And we love you!

Forgiving Brings Relief and Happiness

About 5 minutes, applies Eph. 4:32; 6:1â€“4

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to inform, not perform)
Â Â Denise
Â Â Marcie
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Denise	Listen, Marcie, you should not date that boy. He’s immature and an unbeliever. Leave him!
Marcie	But I don’t want to hurt him, Denise.
Denise	You’re inviting trouble, Marcie, for him and you both. God forbids believers to bind themselves together with unbelievers.
Marcie	Well, okay. I’ll drop him. I want a marriage and family like yours. Your home is so peaceful, Denise! In my house, all we do is quarrel.
Prompter & Echoes	Squabble, squabble!
Denise	Marcie, Jesus said to be peacemakers and to seek reconciliation. I pray for you, that you’ll forgive again and again as Jesus said to do,
Prompter & Echoes	Seventy times seven!
Marcie	I try to forgive my mom, but I cannot! She so selfish! I cannot even hold a conversation with her; she only nags me, Denise. I cannot do anything to suit her. And sheâ€¦
Denise	(Interrupt) Whoa! Enough! Marcie, Jesus forgave you, so you must forgive others. Confess to your mom that you have wronged her, and ask her forgiveness.
Prompter & Echoes	Precious forgiveness!
Marcie	Ask my mom to forgive me? You must be kidding, Denise! I’m the one that’s been hurt! My mom should ask for my forgiveness.
Denise	No, Marcie. It doesn’t work that way. Without Jesus, she’ll never initiate heartfelt reconciliation. You must do it. Break the endless cycle of hurting and getting even.
Marcie	But how?
Denise	Confess to your mom your wrongs and ask her to forgive you.
Marcie	But mom’s so selfish! She deliberately plans stuff for me that spoils my plans, andâ€¦
Denise	Stop, Marcie! You only hurt yourself to keep going over all that strife. Don’t let it fester! Now, tell me honestly, have you done things to hurt your mom?
Marcie	Yeah, but she deserved it. She crabs at me, so I sass back. I can’t help it, Denise.
Denise	Yes, you can, Marcie! Let God’s Holy Spirit fill your heart with love for your mom.
Prompter & Echoes	Love your mom!
Marcie	(Groan) Oh! Please pray for me, Denise.
Denise	God will help you, Marcie, just as he helped me. Otherwise, round and round goes the endless cycle! She hurts you, and you hurt her. Get off the devil’s merry-go-round!
Denise	Jesus said if two or three agree on anything in his name then it will be bound in heaven. Let’s agree now that by God’s grace you’ll forgive your mom.
Marcie â€˜	Oh! Dear Jesus, I agree with Denise, to receive your help to forgive my mom!
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!
Marcie	I will confess to mom the bad stuff I have done to her, and ask her forgiveness. Oh! I feel better already! Oh, thank you, Denise; and thank you, Lord Jesus!
Prompter & Echoes	Thank you, Lord!
Denise	A week goes by and I meet again with Marcie. Hear what she has to say now.
Marcie	I begged mom to forgive me for sassing and stuff. She looked at me, shocked. I told her I’d found Jesus. She cried, and asked me to forgive her, too. We hugged, and tears flowed. Mom knows Jesus now, too!
Prompter & Echoes	Victory and joy!

Â Â

God’s River of Grace Cancels Religious Legalism

About 20 minutes, applies John 1:17 and Revelation 22:1

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not perform)
Â Â Lori
Â Â Victor
Â Â Julie
Â Â Tino
Â Â Jason
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Lori	I am Lori. Victor and I have married, and life is a paradise, until one day Victor comes home from work with a clouded face.
Prompter & Echoes	Gloom!
Lori	What’s wrong, Victor?
Victor	The shop downsized. I’m out of work.
Prompter & Echoes	Oh no!
Lori	I hope you find work soon. I just found out that our family is about to grow. .
Victor	Really? Wow! Okay, tomorrow I’ll go find a job.
Prompter & Echoes	But he finds no work!
Victor	Lori, three weeks have gone by, and no luck. We can’t pay the rent.
Lori	I’m afraid God is punishing me; I’ve done a lot of wrong things, and we both suffer.
Victor	Not just you; I’m ashamed of how I’ve lived. We don’t have any religion. My employer, Jason, said some friends are meeting tonight at his house they meditate on how to live holy lives. The group is called Sanctity Society. Let’s try it.
Lori	Good idea! I’ll get ready.
Victor	You go on ahead, Lori. I’ll come later, after I go beg our landlord to wait a bit longer for our rent. Here’s Jason’s address.
Prompter & Echoes	But the address has a wrong number!
Lori	Hello! Is this where you meet to meditate?
Julie	Oh, you must mean our fellowship meeting. Come in. I’m Julie. We’re just getting started. I’ll introduce you.
Prompter & Echoes	Something’s different about this!
Lori	I’m Lori. Oh my! They are laughing and praying for one another in the name of Jesus. I hope they don’t ask me to pray, Julie. I’ve never prayed aloud. I’d be mortified! Now they are telling what God has done for them.
Prompter & Echoes	Joyful testimonies of salvation!
Tino	Tonight we look at God’s river of grace. A year ago, I didn’t know that God’s grace covers all the shameful things I’ve done; I was miserable. Now that we’ve found Christ, that has changed.
Lori	I like the way they share things about God’s grace and healing, Julie.
Prompter & Echoes	They weep and laugh!
Julie	Praise God! You don’t know how miserable I used to be, Lori, hooked by mind-poisoning drugs, but our Lord Jesus Christ freed me. I have been clean for months.
Prompter & Echoes	Amazing grace!
Â Â Â Â Lori	Julie, I hope they don’t expect me to speak. This is all new to me.
Julie	Talk only if you want, Lori.
Tino	Let’s read about grace in Romans 5.
Julie	Here’s a Bible, Lori. I’ll help you find Romans 5.
Tino	Notice verses 20 and 21. â€œWhere sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, grace reigns through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.â€
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!
Lori	I like the way everyone discusses God’s river of grace, Julie.
Julie	I love the promise in Isaiah 55:1, â€œCome, all who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!â€
Prompter & Echoes	Drink freely!
Toni	The meeting is over. Help yourselves to the cookies.
Lori	Julie, why do you call yourselves the Sanctity Society?
Julie	Oh! They meet next door. You came here by mistake!
Lori	Then it’s the luckiest mistake I ever made!
Julie	Look. They are leaving that house now. They look sad!
Prompter & Echoes	Tense and unhappy!
Lori	Good night, Julie! Oh! There’s my husband Victor. He looks forlorn! Victor! I am here! I went to the wrong house. I’m glad I did, I learned about God’s river of grace. It’s big! It flows to us freely, from God in Heaven.
Victor	What do you mean, Lori? What did you drink at the meeting? Did you do drugs?
Lori	Oh no! I learned about God’s wonderful grace, Victor. We don’t save ourselves by following a lot of religious rules.
Victor	The Sanctity Society teaches that we must do many things to be saved and stay saved. There are even more things that a Christian must not do. They gave me this long list of sins to avoid.
Prompter & Echoes	How negative!
Victor	But there’s also good news, Lori. My cousin Jason gave me a job in his shop.
Lori	Wonderful!
Victor	Let’s go to your group next week, and learn about God’s grace.
Prompter & Echoes	Infinite grace!
Lori	At the next meeting we discuss the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection. Afterwards the leader, Tino, encourages Victor.
Tino	God forgives all who receive the good news about Jesus.
Victor	It’s too good to be true, Tino. In my heart, I know it is so. Lori, let’s receive Christ right now.
Prompter & Echoes	Born again!
Tino	Since you’ve repented and trust in Christ, you should be baptized.
Lori	Jason has a list of things we’d have to quit doing to be baptized. I’d have to wear long, drab dresses, and stop using cosmetics. Victor would have to stop bowling on Sunday. After reading that long list, I felt stepped on and squashed!
Victor	The apostles baptized new believers at once; they required nothing but faith in Jesus. Satan’s cruelest weapon is his flaming arrow labeled â€˜legalism.’ Its venom keeps people from trusting God’s grace!
Lori	Oh! Here comes Jason to your house now, Tino. He’s Victor’s boss at work. This might be interesting.
Victor	Hi, Jason! Meet our small group leader, Tino. He’s arranging our baptism.
Jason	So soon? No one can be baptized until they straighten out their lives for at least a year. Following strict rules makes us more spiritual.
Tino	Victor and Lori are newborn in Christ, Jason, just babies, spiritually. We’ll bring them into a loving church body at once, as the apostles did. They need its warmth. They’re not perfect, and neither are you and I, but Scripture shows that baptism is for bad people. The apostles baptized really bad people at once when they trusted Jesus.
Prompter & Echoes	So Victor and Lori qualify!
Lori	Tino baptizes Victor and me, and we feel happily assured. But Jason points out sins that we still have in our lives.
Victor	Jason, we know we have to grow in Christ. Tino said the apostles received new believers that still had sin; the apostles corrected that sin without condemning them.
Tino	Yes. Paul dealt with believers’ wicked sins in 1 Corinthians without condemning their souls. He reminded them of who they were, newborn sons of God, and urged them to live up to their new identity in Christ.
Jason	James said that faith without works is dead. So works are necessary to be saved.
Tino	You have the cause-and-effect backwards, Jason. Good works are essential, not as the cause of salvation but its result. Ephesians 2 says we’re saved â€œforâ€ good works, not â€œbyâ€ them.
Prompter & Echoes	Saved to serve!
Lori	At our next meeting, Julie takes me aside.
Julie	Lori, you look troubled. What’s wrong?
Lori	I’ve lost the joy I had. The river of grace dried up for me. I’ve been bad. I argued with Victor when I should’ve submitted. I was terribly stubborn. I can’t act nice like you do, Julie!
Julie	You don’t know the struggles I had as a very new Christian. You’re a new believer, Lori, a spiritual child in Christ. All of God’s children fail from time to time. You’re letting your feelings control you; Satan prods our feelings to make us doubt God’s grace. Let’s join the others; the meeting is starting.
Tino	I have a proposal. Our group is too large for everyone to take part as Scripture requires. Victor, you and Lori have won friends to Christ. It’s time for you to start leading a new group.
Victor	But I’m so inexperienced! I’ll make mistakes!
Tino	Yes, you might make almost as many mistakes as I did when I started. Julie and I will coach you and Lori, as long as you need it.
Prompter & Echoes	Wonderful!
Prompter & Echoes Tino	That’s pure gold!
Lori	Victor begins leading a group; two new couples are from Tino’s group.
Victor	It’s easier than I thought, Lori. I simply repeat what Tino and Julie did for us and their group. Paul told the Corinthians, â€˜Imitate me as I imitate Christ.’ So we imitate our mentor Tino, as he imitates Jesus.
Prompter & Echoes	Many more find God’s grace!
Victor	Lori, God’s grace flows through the spiritual gifts that he gives to believers. The same Greek word means both grace and gifts: charisma. The different gifts help believers carry out the ministries that the New Testament requires.
Prompter & Echoes	Our tiny group is now a church!
Lori	What are the required ministries that you mentioned?
Victor	They include to shepherd, correct, heal, show mercy, evangelize and gather new believers, and go nearby and afar to reach the lost.
Lori	Here comes Jason. Oh! He looks upset.
Jason	No need to go to work today, Victor. My shop burned down!
Victor	Oh, no!
Jason	Totally. Nothing but ashes. It ruined all my equipment. Like a fool, I had let the insurance lapse.
Lori	Sit, Jason. We’ll pray, and I’ll bring you some chili that I just made.
Victor	Tell us, Jason, how can we help you?
Jason	You can’t. God did it to me!
Lori	No. Satan did it.
Jason	Lori, bring matches.
Lori	Okay. Here. But why do you want matches?
Jason	See this list? I will burn it up. It’s the list I gave you and Victor, with things to do, and not to do, to be authentic believers. Here goes!
Prompter & Echoes	He burns it up!
Jason	My dad taught me these prohibitions; he said God would punish me if I didn’t comply. I’ve lived in fear, and tried to pass that fear on to you. Losing my shop woke me up, and I read those verses about grace that you gave me. I will never again resist God’s grace!â€
Lori	I don’t know whether to weep or laugh for joy!
Prompter & Echoes	She does both!

Jesus Establishes the Sacred Ceremony of Communion

Jesus Establishes the Sacred Ceremony of Communion
From the training novel Come Quickly Dawn by George Patterson, about 6 minutes

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events,
not to perform)
Â Â Alex
Â Â Lucy
Â Â Tino (a child)
Â Â Prompter Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shouts a brief phrase, and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Adults and children, all who want to take part, repeat prompter’s words.

Tino	Papa, why do you and mama drink blood in our meetings?
Lucy	Tino means Communion, Alex.
Prompter & Echoes	The Lord’s Supper.
Alex	I will try to explain it, Tino. At Jesus’ Last Supper, he broke bread and handed it to his disciples; he said, â€œTake, eat.â€
Prompter & echoes	â€œThis is my body.â€
Tino	My friend Abdul says we are cannonballs, because we drink human people’s blood.
Lucy	Tino means cannibals, Alex. Help us both understand this.
Alex	Before Jesus’ time, Jews would tie a Lamb on the altar, lay their hands on its head, and confess their sins. A priest cut its throat and blood spurted all over the altar, like in a slaughterhouse. Imagine the smell!
Lucy	Alex!
Prompter & echoes	Cruel!
Alex	It was ugly: the stench of blood, manure, and smoke.
Lucy	Disgusting! That was worship? It was shocking!
Alex	Yes, because our sins are disgusting and shocking to God; they must be covered by an innocent victim’s blood, so God can forgive us. The victim was a lamb and the basic truth has not changed; our sins still require an innocent victim’s blood.
Tino	Really? I sinned yesterday, Papa. Really bad! I give Andy a nosebleed. So I need a lamb to kill. Uncle Harold raises sheeps. Can I go get one?
Alex	Jesus is God’s lamb now. He bled on the cross to take away our sins; we relive his death when we take Communion. That is why he said. â€œThis is my bodyâ€ when he handed them the bread.
Lucy	Harold told me that Jesus meant it literally: that the bread is actually Jesus’ flesh.
Prompter & Echoes	Literally!
Alex	If it were literal, the apostles would have bitten Jesus’ arm. The Communion bread really is Jesus’ body, but in a mystical way. No one understands a true mystery.
Lucy	Lifeless bread does not need transforming. We do. The bread is just a symbol, is it not?
Alex	It is a symbol, Lucy, but do not say â€˜just’ a symbol. It is much more. Eating it is a participation in Jesus’ body, as 1Â Corinthians 10:16 says. The symbol points us to the real thing that we experience in Communion, Jesus’ presence.
Tino	Why do you call it â€˜simple,’ Papa? To me it is complexicated.
Alex	Symbol, not simple. Like a road sign, it points to something important. When we heed the symbol with heartfelt faith and trust God to do what the symbol points to, it takes on the authority and value of the real thing that it symbolizes.
Tino	That is hard for me to understand, papa. I’m just little.
Alex	Okay, son, here’s an example. If I sign an agreement and later break my word, can I excuse myself by saying, â€œMy signature was only a symbolâ€?
Tino	No, Papa! You’d make me stand in the corner if I did that!
Alex	A symbol used with faith carries the power of what it symbolizes. The symbol affirms its reality. The Communion bread and wine make Jesus’ sacrifice real to us, not only by focusing our attention on it; it also enables us to experience his presence. Do you understand now, Tino?
Tino	I’m not supposed to, papa. You said nobody understands the mystery.
Prompter & echoes	TouchÃ©!
Lucy	Tino has more sense than some theologians. They think they know every detail about Communion and everything else. I know one thing for sure about it; it makes me aware of Jesus’ presence, except when someone turns Communion into another teaching session.
Alex	I feel his presence, too, Lucy. The original Passover was a moving event, Communion corresponds to the Jewish Passover. Jesus’ words about eating his flesh to have eternal life were also moving; we should feel awe during Communion, and not just analyze it abstractly.
Tino	Papa, I won’t be bored no more when they serve Communion. Now I know it’s important. I will not squirm, like last time when you tooked me out and paddled me.
Alex	That was not for squirming; you sneered at your mom when she corrected you.
Lucy	I heard that Communion corresponds to the Jewish Passover.
Prompter & Echoes	In what way?
Alex	Passover recalls how God’s people daubed the Lamb’s blood by their doors. If he Death Angel saw the blood when he flew over Egypt, then he would pass over the house and not slay the oldest son.
Lucy	Wasn’t Jesus eating the Passover meal with his disciples when he established the ceremony of the Lord Supper?
Alex	Yes, and that was a fearful time, the last night before he’d be crucified. Judas sneaked off in the dark to betray Jesus to his enemies.
Lucy	And Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to set an example of humble service.
Prompter & echoes	Jesus’ last supper before he died!

Learn to Harmonize Vital Ministries in the Body

6:The Corinthians Learn to Harmonize Vital Ministries in the Body

About 5 minutes, applies 1Â Cor. 12 â”€ 13

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not to perform)
Discipler
Mercy
Harmonizer
Specializer
PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Well, here I am, you lucky people! I am Mr. (Mrs.) Discipler.
I have come to take Jesus to those lost pagans over there.
(Point to a faraway part of the room.)
Our Lord’s final and most important command
is to make obedient disciples of Jesus.

Prompter & EchoesÂ The Great Commission!

MercyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Now wait a minute! My name is Mr. (Mrs.) Mercy.
Love in action is our Lord’s Great Commandment!
I feed the hungry and serve all who suffer.
I will go feed those same hungry pagans. (Point as Discipler did.)

Prompter & EchoesÂ The Great Commandment!

DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â We disciple makers put salvation in Jesus before all else.
So my Great Commission work surpasses yours, Mr. (Mrs.) Mercy.

MercyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Not so! Hungry people will not listen to the Gospel. Feed them first!
So my Great Commandment work surpasses yours, Mr. (Mrs.) Discipler.

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hey, you two! Stop sparring! I am Mr. (Mrs.) Harmonizer.
Now we have Jesus’ Great Commandment and his Great Commission.
You both are building a wall between the two.

Prompter & EchoesÂ A wall of misunderstanding!

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jesus and his apostles blended the two ministries perfectly.
The Apostle Paul told us exactly how to unite the two ministries.
Let me help you both reconsider and reorganize,
to work in loving harmony and enhance both ministries.

Prompter & EchoesÂ Blend both ministries!

DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â But how can we harmonize such fundamentally different tasks?

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Do it the same way Jesus, Peter and Paul did.
Loving each other helps each other use each one’s spiritual gifts.
Love does not compete; do not let your gift overshadow others’ gifts.
We teachers often abuse our gift, letting it eclipse others’ vital gifts. Take 1^st Corinthians chapters 12 and 13 together,
as Paul obviously meant them to be, to see what I mean.

Prompter & EchoesÂ Help us understand this!

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Chapter 12 says to work together as a body under the one head Jesus.
Let the Holy Spirit keep the body’s joints well-oiled, working as one. Chapter 13 says only sacrificial agape love enables us to do this.

MercyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â But why must we blend our different gift-based ministries?
Isn’t it more efficient for us to specialize in a separate mercy effort?

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Only in emergencies. Let me illustrate.
When Elijah hid in the wilderness from bloodthirsty Queen Jezebel,
how did God keep him from starving?

Prompter & EchoesÂ Ravens flew to him with food!

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Yes. Now pretend that those people over there need both food and Jesus. (Point as Mercy and Discipler did.).
Mercy and Discipler, you are now God’s ravens. Hold out your wings.

Mercy & DisciplerÂ Â (Hold out your arms.)

Prompter & EchoesÂ Tweet! Tweet!

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Your left wings are Jesus’ Great Commandment, to show loving mercy.
Your right wings are Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples.
Now, fly to those needy people with both food and the Gospel.

SpecializerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (Shout, as you run and grab the birds.) Stop! Stop! Wait!
I am Mr. (Mrs.) Specializer.
I will make your work more efficient by specializing.
Mercy, I will clip your right wing, so you can focus only on mercy. (Pretend to clip the right arm’s feathers with large clippers.)

MercyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (Drop your clipped wing.) Ah! Now I can specialize with efficiency! (Flap your one good wing, and fly in a small circle.)
Oh, oh! I’m just going in circles!

SpecializerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The same for you, Discipler. (Pretend to clip the left wing.)
Focus only on your specialty!

DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (Drop your clipped wing, and fly in a small circle.)

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Actually, all of us have clipped wings.
No one has all the gifts to do all the gift-based ministries.
Discipler and Mercy, come join forces!

Mercy & DisciplerÂ Â (Join your weak arms, flap your good arms, and fly to the needy people.)

HarmonizerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â All spiritual gifts reinforce each other when used in loving harmony.

MercyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â I see! By joining mercy work with church planting,
both will spread right along with a growing movement.

DisciplerÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Absolutely! Church planting is more powerful if we do it as Jesus’ apostles did; they combined healing and mercy work with evangelism.
(Discipler and Mercy hug.)

Prompter & EchoesÂ In the Holy Spirit’s uniting power!

Mercy & DisciplerÂ Â (Hug)

Let Home Churches Have Government that Fits Changing Needs

Let Home Churches Have Government that Fits Changing Needs
About 8 minutes, based on Acts 13:1-3; 15:1-29 & Titus 15-9.

Note: This skit is meant for church leaders.

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is simply to inform,
not to perform)
Â Â Paul
Â Â Mel
Â Â Warren

Paul	Mel and Warren, some of our believers argue about church government. They want our home churches to take on an established form of rule.
Warren	You’re right, Paul. Their different views cause confusion.
Paul	I’ve heard of three classic forms of church government: episcopal, presbyterian and congregational. We should choose the form that fits our home churches.
Warren	Is Paul right, Mel? You’re our scholar.
Mel	It is not that simple, guys. Our churches should not all embrace just one form. All three classic forms of government have both strengths and weaknesses. The New Testament does not limit government to just one form. The apostles let church rule fit the churches’ maturity and other conditions.
Paul	Okay, Mel, so which form will help our new churches serve each other?
Mel	We have to face an unpopular fact first, Paul. No church always follows one form of rule. Influential people inside or outside of a church will control eventually, some in godly ways, others in ungodly ways. At times they heed approved bylaws; and at times they use hidden power structures. Sooner or later, all three types of rule will exert influence, but few people will be aware of it.
Warren	So what do we do to have healthy church life now, Mel?
Mel	No form of rule assures our churches’ health, Warren, It depends on the leaders.
Paul	You said the rule should fit church’s maturity. Explain that, Mel.
Mel	Let government be flexible and adapt to current conditions as they change. Older churches often recognize only one of the classic forms of government. Episcopal rule gives authority to bishops. Presbyterian rule gives authority to elders. Congregational rule gives authority to all the believers.
Paul	So who really has the authority under Christ, Mel?
Mel	A church’s need shifts from one type of government to another as it matures. Paul, your children are all small. Can they go places without supervision?
Paul	No. Bullies would mistreat them.
Mel	So their dad goes with the children when they go down the street. He’s their bishop, their overseer, not one of the children’s own congregation.
Warren	I see. That’s episcopal government.
Mel	Yes. Likewise, new churches with new believers need an outsider’s supervision, as in Titus 15-9. Paul had Titus, an outsider, exercise episcopal rule in its primitive form over baby churches.
Warren	A church I once attended had a godly bishop; he kept good order, and we needed it.
Mel	But he will retire. What then, Warren? My illustration about the children shows a potential flaw in bishops’ rule; some fathers abuse or neglect their role, and their children go astray.
Warren	That’s for sure. History abounds with cases of hierarchical abuse.
Paul	But it also abounds with cases of godly episcopal rule.
Mel	Paul, your children will grow, and you will let them go out without you. The older brothers will care for them, as â€œelders,â€ and part of the kids’ own flock.
Paul	I see! That’s presbyterian rule by elders.
Mel	Yes. Presbyters are shepherding leaders, according to the New Testament; and the word is always plural. In Acts 151-29, churches sent elders to Jerusalem to heal a severe division.
Warren	Yes, but there’s also a potential flaw in presbyterian form. The older brothers can bully their younger siblings. I have seen church elders abuse their authority.
Mel	Yes; some elders neglect their shepherding duties and only make rules. Good leadership of any form requires good character.
Paul	I tried to get our churches’ elders to decide issues in the presbyterian way, but they squabbled, Mel.
Mel	They’re not ready for elders’ government yet, Paul. Now, your children grow up, but remain close. They respect dad’s advice but decide most issues as a group, without always yielding to the older brothers.
Paul	I see. That’s congregational rule.
Mel	Precisely. The mature Antioch church in Acts 13:1-3 had several capable leaders, and decided as a local body to send Paul and Barnabas afar to plant churches. A danger in self-government is that a church can become too independent and lack accountability.
Warren	I’ve seen young churches with immature leaders exercise self-rule and make unwise decisions, Mel.
Mel	Under any form of government, leaders can fail to be accountable to others and become tyrants. A flock should never depend on one single person.
Warren	Also, if rule is too democratic. Uninformed believers can make bad decisions.
Paul	Mel, why do some churches demand just one type of rule, regardless of their level of maturity?
Mel	They inherit the form, Paul. Furthermore, churches that register with the state often let state requirements push them into a secular form of organization; it easily becomes crystallized permanently, and becomes program-oriented instead of gift-oriented as the apostles repeatedly required of a church body.
Paul	I attended a church with bylaws requiring that every January we elect elders for a three year term and to have seven elders. But we did not have seven qualified believers! So we named unqualified people to satisfy our man-made statutes. None of them shepherded in the way that Scripture requires. They only met in monthly sessions to define activities and control.
Mel	To follow man-made statutes rather than the New Testament is devastating.
Paul	Later, things changed. The church had more than seven qualified elders, and they all had God’s shepherding gift, but we couldn’t name them all as elders; we could only name seven! Fortunately, the Holy Spirit ignored our bylaws; He refused to take away those godly shepherd’s gifts after the three years! Several of them are shepherding small daughter churches now.
Mel	The farther a church drifts from New Testament norms, the less healthy it becomes.
Paul	Mel, are there not historical reasons why churches follow just one form of rule?
Mel	Yes. Emperor Constantine united the churches with his Roman Empire in the 4th century; they took on episcopal rule just like the imperial hierarchy. Orthodox and Catholic churches still follow it, as do other churches with roots going back to when monarchs ruled.
Paul	And presbyterian government?
Mel	It gained impetus when kings lost absolute control; districts sent delegates to represent them in regional or national councils. Church elders began representing believers and shepherding them locally, instead of one cleric wielding total control.
Paul	That was fortunate.
Mel	More recently, congregational rule grew along with the new democracy. House churches in different places are thriving now with all three of these forms of rule, and some house churches clusters combine the three. The key is to do what fits the current need.
Warren	My church cannot govern itself now. Its members bickered heatedly in our last business meeting. It brought out the worst in them. I’m afraid I only threw fuel on the fire.
Mel	Good church rule helps all members use their different spiritual gifts in loving harmony, as 2Â Corinthians 12 requires. This is the crucial test of effective government.
Warren	My flock needs guidance from the outside; it is still in the tiny tots’ phase.
Paul	Some in my flock do not want any kind of rule, neither by bishop, nor elder nor congregation. It’s like shepherding a flock of squirrels, Mel!
Mel	That will change. Simply adapt rule to current needs and maturity.
Warren	I’ve been part of our problem; I’ve fueled the squabbling among the elders, and I provoked members into arguing in business meetings. Paul, I’ve resisted your leadership at times; please forgive me. I welcome you as the leader of our new churches. I agree that it’s foolish to demand just one rigid form of church rule.
Mel	Hallelujah!

Let Natural Personality Traits Enhance the Use of Spiritual Gifts

Let Natural Personality Traits Enhance the Use of Spiritual Gifts
About 8 minutes, helps apply Romans 12:3-13

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to inform, not to perform)
Â Â Zooblend
Â Â Burlybull
Â Â Playfulpup
Â Â Keen-eyed Eagle
Â Â Steadymule
Â Â PrompterÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shouts a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
Â Â EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Zooblend	My name is Zooblend. I serve in our development project Operation Dorcas, in a very poor neighborhood called Leave-If-You-Can.
Prompter & Echoes	A miserable place!
Zooblend	Unfortunately, our volunteer workers keep dropping out. Let’s meet four new volunteers. Hello, sir.
Burlybull	Hello. I’m Burlybull. I can help you. Volunteers drop out because of weak leadership. I’ll correct this, Mr. Zooblend. I’m tough; I’ll see a project through.
Playfulpup	My name is Playfulpup. I’ll keep the work environment joyful.
Keen-eyed Eagle	My name is Keen-Eyed Eagle. Workers stay on a project if they appreciate its long-range benefits. I’ll sharpen their vision and clarify objectives.
Steadymule	My name is Steadymule. I am patient and reliable, Mr. Zooblend. I’ll make Operation Dorcas efficient. Some people exaggerate their needs to get things they don’t deserve from mercy workers
Prompter & Echoes	They become dependent on others!
Steadymule	I’ll set up safeguards. I’ll get detailed and keep accurate information.
Zooblend	Good! Volunteers stay on a job if it fits their natural personality types. There are four classic types.
Zooblend	Burlybull, you’re resolute, what some call choleric; you see a project through, pushing barriers aside like a bull.
Prompter & Echoes	Moo!
Zooblend	Playfulpup, you’re sanguine. It means you keep us smiling.
Prompter & Echoes	Woof! Woof!
Zooblend	Keen-eyed Eagle, you’re melancholic. That means you’re contemplative and creative; you see afar like an eagle.
Prompter & Echoes	Chirp! Chirp!
Zooblend	Steadymule, your type has been called phlegmatic. You plod along doing detailed tasks that bore others.
Prompter & Echoes	Hee haw!
Zooblend	Some of us blend two or more types. A few like me, Zooblend, are a mix of all four.
Playfulpup	Are these personality traits the same as spiritual gifts?
Zooblend	No, Playfulpup, but they affect how we use God’s gifts. Steadymule likes routine, and if gifted to exhort, he’d do it quietly. If you, Playfulpup are an exhorter; you’d do it publicly. A teacher who’s an eagle would coach privately, in a strategic way.
Burlybull	Operation Dorcas needs discipline that we bulls provide. I’ll see tough jobs through, as Nehemiah did.
Prompter & Echoes	Moo!
Zooblend	Yes, Burlybull, but be careful not to abuse your authority and be rude to people that struggle with their jobs. Let the Holy Spirit restrain your brute force. You’ll keep order and move the work along.
Prompter & Echoes	Onward!
Playfulpup	We playful pups keep everyone cheerful, so they won’t drop out. We get along with everyone.
Zooblend	Be careful, Playfulpup. If the Holy Spirit doesn’t keep you focused, people sway you too easily, like Peter was swayed one sad night.
Playfulpup	True. I need others to jerk my leash to keep me on track and not let me befriend people to manipulate them.
Zooblend	You’ll recruit workers and provide a party atmosphere. To keep puppies on the job we let them work closely with other people, and know that they belong; we recognize their good work often.
Prompter & Echoes	Woof!
Zooblend	Keen-eyed Eagle, being creative, you’ll define our vision, inspire us and plan for the future as Jeremiah did. But don’t fly too high in clouds, or you’ll stray in your dream world.
Prompter & Echoes	Chirp!
Keen-eyed Eagle	True. Keep me focused on current realities and urgencies. I get discouraged if people don’t take me seriously; I turn my sight inward and fly the wrong way, at times straight down!
Zooblend	You eagles rock the boat, sometimes roughly, to keep us alert. You’ll plan, exhort and point the way.
Steadymule	As a steady mule, I’ll define procedures.
Zooblend	Yes, Steadymule. Please write down details.
Steadymule	We mules persevere, content to follow a routine. Give us jobs that others find tedious; just let me see a bit of progress. We can be detailed Bible teachers as Ezra was.
Prompter & Echoes	Hee haw!
Zooblend	You mules sometimes can resist needed change if God doesn’t jerk your reins. We may have to prod you out of ruts. You’ll do research for Operation Dorcas, propose a budget and keep records.
Burlybull	As a bull, I’ll see that we all keep at our tasks. Mr. Zooblend, you can harmonize all our different efforts. You understand us, as you share all our traits.
Prompter & Echoes	A hybrid!
Burlybull	You see the big picture, Mr. Zooblend, like David and Paul in the Bible. But without God’s restraint, you work yourself to death, running in four directions all at once, lacking patience.
Zooblend	I see that everyone is now agreed on their roles. Good! Operation Dorcas will bring hope and salvation to many.
Prompter & Echoes	Amen!

Mystery Men of the Bible

Mystery-Men-of-the-Bible.docx

Mystery Men of the Bible

â€‹Mystery Men of the Bible

Participants:

All seven men: keep your identity secret; let the others guess it when you speak.

1^st man Â (Timothy)

2^nd man (Joseph)

3^rd man (Aaron)

4^th man (Gideon)

Â 5^th man (Ahab)

6^th man Â (Luke)

7^th man Â (Barnabas)
Prompter (Gives introductory remarks, then shouts brief phrases and Echoes repeat them.)
Echoes (All others who are present. Repeat, shouting, the brief phrases that Prompter says.)

Prompter	We will now visit mystery men of the Bible. You all have a part in this skit. If you received no script, then you are an Echo; just repeat what I say, once we start. All of you please guess aloud at any time which mystery man is speaking. Â If you guess one of the men, then let others guess the rest, unless nobody can. Now let’s start.
1^st man	Hello, folks. Iâ€˜m the first Bible man that you will meet.
Prompter & Echoes	(Loudly) Our first mystery man! (If folks fail to echo this, then shout, â€œShout it, Echoes! â€˜Our 1^st mystery man’.â€)
1^st man Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â	I am also your Holy Land tour guide. We will travel back in time now and meet several other Bible men. Do you know who I am?
Prompter & Echoes	Please tell us!
1^st man Â	My mother was a Jewess and my father was a Greek. I shared many adventures and travels with the Apostle Paul while serving Jesus. Paul praised my grandmother Lois and my mom Eunice for their sincere faith. I served Paul, and passed on to others what he committed to me; they passed it on to still others, sparking a huge chain reaction of new leaders and churches. Paul also sent me two letters
Prompter & Echoes	You are Timothy!
1^st man	Yes, Now come with me. This road leads to older ages.
Prompter & Echoes	Fasten your seat belts!
1st man	Here is our 2nd Mystery man.
2nd man	Look! Here come visitors! What ridiculous clothing they wear! Welcome, friends!
1st man Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â	Oh! Look at those gigantic tombs! Pardon us, sir, can you tell us what you are known for?
2nd man	Well, I am a son of the patriarch Jacob, whom God later named Israel. My brothers hated me because my father favored me. Â I also told my brothers that I dreamt that someday they’d bow down to me!
1st man	Then what happened, sir?
2nd man	They spied me coming when they were tending the flocks, and plotted to murder me. Then they saw a caravan traveling toward Egypt, and sold me to those merchants instead, for 20 pieces of silver.
Prompter & Echoes	A poor, miserable slave!
2nd man	God brought about remarkable events, and I rose to be King Pharaoh’s administrator. Later I rescued my brothers from famine, and provided choice land for them in Egypt.
Prompter & Echoes	You returned good for evil!
2nd man	Centuries later, the children of Israel mere made slaves in Egypt.
1st man	However, they multiplied into a sizeable nation, which bothered Pharaoh. He feared they would join his enemies!
2nd man	So Pharaoh ordered the midwives to drown all Hebrew boy babies in the Nile River.
Prompter & Echoes	How heartless!
2nd man	However, God intervened; baby Moses was spared, and Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him. Years later Moses led his people of Israel through the sea, free from Egypt’s slavery. God based his covenant with Israel on that huge miracle.
1st man	Freedom! Come now, folks, to a later time.
Prompter & Echoes	Thank you, Joseph!
1^st man	Now let us see who our 3^rd Mystery man is.
3^rd man	Hello, strangers! What are you doing out here in this dusty, desolate wilderness?
1^st man	Look! There are little white flakes all over on the ground!
3^rd man	It is manna, and it is good to eat. Try it!
Prompter & Echoes	Yum-yum!
1^st man	Your people seem to be in a hurry. What is the big rush?
3^rd man	We are fleeing from Egypt’s evil king, Pharaoh. My brother is leading us.
Ist man	A grand exodus!
3^rd man	Pharaoh enslaved us pitilessly; he compelled us to build his cities. Other pharaohs also had thousands of slaves erect their massive tombs.
Prompter & Echoes	The great pyramids!
1^st man	I have read about your captivity in the Book of Exodus.
3^rd man	A book? It must be the log that my brother Moses kept to record God’s great works. With God’s amazing help, my brother led us out of Egypt’s land of death to freedom.
1^st man	Didn’t you have some awesome adventures while wandering in the wilderness?
3^rd man	Oh, for sure! We were starving, and God gave us manna. We thirsted, and the Lord made water flow from a rock. We complained that we had no meat, and he gave us quail. We kept grumbling, and he let serpents bite us!
Prompter & Echoes	Ouch!
3^rd man	Their painful, scalding venom was unbearable! However, God had Moses make a fiery serpent of bronze and raise it on a pole; God healed the excruciating venom of those fatal fangs for all who gazed upon it.
1st man	If I recall correctly, your two sons suffered a flaming death.
3^rd man	That was horrible! God had us build a tabernacle with an inner Holy Place. As High Priest, I was the only one that God allowed to enter his Presence in it, and only once a year with the atoning blood. However, my sons, Nadab and Abihu dared enter it without the atoning blood of the sacred sacrifice. Fire consumed them!
1^st man	We must go now. Thank you, sir. Come, folks, into a later century.
Prompter & Echoes	Goodbye, Aaron.
1^st man	Now we encounter our 4th mystery man.
4^th man	Hello, travelers! You have come to our land at a precarious time. A lamentable cycle keeps repeating itself. We turn from the Lord to idols and God sends a pagan nation to invade and punish us; then we repent and God drives out the invaders.
1^st man	That is a shame! Which of the hostile pagans are threatening you now?
4^th man	Those cruelly brutal Midianites.
Prompter & Echoes	Vicious and ruthless!
4^th man	The Angel of the Lord appeared to me and told me to drive them out. He gave me signs to show me that he would be with me. One sign was to make a sheep’s fleece wet on a dry morning and dry on a wet morning.
4^th man	I raised a large army, but the Lord told me to pare it down to only 300 men.
Prompter & Echoes	Amazing!
4^th man	I gave each man a trumpet and a clay jar with a burning torch hidden inside of it.
1^st man	How mysterious!
4^th man	We encircled the massive Midianite force at night on hillsides. All my soldiers shouted at once, broke their jars and the torches suddenly appeared. The enemy thought we were an enormous multitude. They panicked and fled.
1^st man	A stunning victory!
4^th man	The Israelites came to make me King, but I told them that only the Lord is our ruler.
Prompter & Echoes	Christ is King of Kings!
1^st man	We must go now. Come folks, to a later century.
Prompter & Echoes	Farewell, Gideon!
1^st man	Now we will join our fifth Mystery man.
5^th man	Oh! What is that cloud of dust coming this way? And what is that we hear?
Prompter & Echoes	The rumble of chariots!
1^st man	Look! The leading chariot has hundreds of men running in front of it. Hey! They intend to run right over us!
Prompter & Echoes	Watch out!
5^th man	Whoa, horses! Who are you foreigners who dare trample our royal highway without my imperial permission?
1^st man	We are visitors from afar, sir. May we ask who you are?
5^th man	We are the all-powerful and majestic King of Israel! Bow down before me, I say, or my swordsmen will run you through!
Prompter & Echoes	Quick! Bow down!
1st man Â	Sir, what are all these obscene statues that line your royal road? They look like idols. And who are these gaudily painted men who run in front of your chariot?
5^th man	They are our prophets of Baal, of course. They feed at my wife Jezebel’s table.
1^st man	But you are king of Israel, whose God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the creator of all mankind!
5^th man	Watch your insolent tongue! Now get out of my way, you miserable vermin!
1^st man	Look out! He will run over us!
5^th man	I certainly will! We are going to Mount Carmel where our 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah will engage in a contest against the prophet Elijah. That fool dares to defy me!
Prompter & Echoes	850 against one!
5^th man	Guards, unsheathe your swords! Bathe your blades in these alien’s blood!
1^st man	Let’s get out of here!
1^st man	Run friends! We will enter a later, and safer, time.
Prompter & Echoes	Farewell, King Ahab!
1^st man	We will now meet our 6th Mystery man.
6^th man	Hello friends! Come join me as we hike along with Paul on his journey.
Prompter & Echoes	He is a disciple of Paul!
6^th man	I first met Paul in Troas, near the ancient, warlike city of Troy.
1^st man	What adventures have you had while traveling with Paul?
6^th man	Many! In Philippi, a demonized slave girl followed us screaming. Her greedy masters profited from her fortune telling. Paul drove the demon out in the name of Christ, and those men were furious. They put Paul and Silas in jail, but I evaded them. A result was that the jailer received Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Prompter & Echoes	He and his family!
6^th man Â	I sailed with Paul to Rome when a violent storm shipwrecked us. I also authored two books of the New Testament. I was a historian and a physician. Please excuse me. A patient needs me.
1^st man	We thank you. Let us move into another time, folks!
Prompter & Echoes	Goodbye, Dr. Luke!
1^st man	Now we interview our seventh and last Mystery man
7^th man	Hail, travelers, what brings you to Rome?
1^st man	To meet you, I guess. Please tell us who you are.
7^th man	I am a follower of Jesus of Nazareth; that is who I am. I was a member of the very first church.
Prompter & Echoes	The Jerusalem congregation!
7^th man	I helped care for the poor, on several occasions.
1^st man	What else are you known for, sir?
7^th man	I helped suspicious believers to receive Saul. They feared him because he previously had jailed Christ’s followers. He is fervently following the Lord Jesus Christ now, and goes by his Roman name.
Prompter & Echoes	The Apostle Paul!
7^th man	The church sent me to Antioch to evangelize Gentiles. So many came to Christ that I traveled to Tarsus to find Paul and ask him to help us. We soon recognized him as an apostle.
1^st man	You must have had some exciting adventures with him.
7^th man	Indeed! The Antioch brothers sent us to evangelize non-Jewish nations. We took my young cousin Mark along to help, but he soon turned back.
1^st man	However, Paul later found Mark useful and asked for him.
7^th man	In Lystra, the people thought Paul was the god Hermes because he spoke powerfully. They thought I was Zeus, or Jupiter in Latin, but we refused their gifts.
1st man	Didn’t you join a momentous council of leaders from many churches in Jerusalem?
7^th man	Yes. We agreed to receive Gentiles without their having to adopt Jewish customs. That made a lasting difference! Soon non-Jews outnumbered Jews in the churches.
Prompter & Echoes	Praise God for such great salvation!
7^th man	On another journey, I wanted to take Mark again, but Paul refused. We argued sharply and went our own ways; we formed two missionary teams, doubling our outreach.
1^st man	We will return home now, folks. This ends our tour.
Prompter & Echoes	Goodbye, Barnabas.

[/pexcerpt]Everyone guesses which man in the Bible is speaking, and everyone has a part, echoing brief phrases that a prompter says. Fun and edifying. [/pexcerpt]

â€‹

Mystery Moms of the Bible

â€‹

Mystery Moms of the Bible

Director: Print 3 copies of this script, one each for:

Yourself, to monitor the presentation. You also do the part of Prompter.

1^st Mom (Priscilla) needs the entire script

The other six Moms #2 – #7: give each mom their own page; their names appear at the top.Â

ParticipantsÂ

All seven Moms:Â

Do not reveal your identity. Your name appears at the top of your page.

The 1^st Mystery Mom will let you know when you start speaking: she will say, â€œNow, we meet our 2^nd Mystery Mom,â€ (â€œ3^rd Mystery Mom,â€ etc.).

1st MomÂ Â Â Â [Priscilla, page 1]Â

2^nd MomÂ Â Â Â [Rebecca, page 2]Â

3^rd MomÂ Â Â Â [Miriam, page 3]Â

4^th MomÂ Â Â Â [Naomi, page 4]Â

5^th MomÂ Â Â Â [Abigail, page 5]Â

6^th MomÂ Â Â Â [Jezebel, page 6]Â 7th MomÂ Â Â [Martha, page 7]Â

Prompter	We will now visit Mystery Moms of the Bible. All of you are in the cast of this drama.Â If you have no script, then you’re an Echo; repeat whatever I say after we start. All of you, please guess out loud at any time which Mystery Mom is speaking. You’ll find out if you are correct. If you guess a Mom, then let other people guess the others, unless nobody can, so that more people get a chance to guess. Okay, now we are starting.
1^st Mom	Hello, folks. I’m your host. I am also your first Mystery Mom.
Prompter	(& Echoes) Our 1st Mystery Mom!Â (If the people fail to echo this, then say, â€œLet’s hear it!â€ & repeat if necessary.)
1^st Mom	Welcome to our Holy Land tour. I am your tour guide. Do you know who I am? My husband is a tentmaker named Aquila. We worked together with the Apostle Paul in Corinth. We also helped eloquent Apollos to better understand the Way, in Ephesus. Now, come with me. This road leads to past ages. Are you ready? Here we go!
Prompter	Hang on!
Â	Â

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Page 2 – 2^nd Mystery Mom (Rebecca)

[2nd Mom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 2nd Mystery Mom.â€]

1^st Mom	Now we meet our 2nd Mystery Mom.
2^nd Mom	Well now! We have company! Welcome, friends!
1^st Mom	Oh! We’re in a tent! I can smell goats! Pardon us, Ma’am, can you tell us who you are, and what you’re known for?
2^nd Mom	I’m the wife of the patriarch Isaac. I’m afraid I am remembered because I urged my son Jacob to be a schemer!
Prompter	(& Echoes) A schemer!
2^nd Mom	Yes, I had Jacob trick his father Isaac, to get Esau’s birthright as the firstborn. Esau intended to kill Jacob then, and Jacob fled. I cried a lot.
1^st Mom	Then what happened, Ma’am?
2nd Mom	Jacob collected wives while working for my brother Laban in Syria. They were more devout than that wife of his second cousin Lot; she wanted to stay in wicked Sodom, and God turned her into a pillar of salt!
1^st Mom	What was your mother-in-law Sarah like?
2nd Mom	Oh, Sarah was absolutely beautiful, even in her old age! She led a bumpy life with Abraham. Drafty tents! Always on the go! Over 1,000 miles on their first trek from Ur! Once Sarah giggled, eavesdropping, when a visitor told Abraham that she’d bear a son in her old age. She did not know the visitor was an angel.
1^st Mom	An angel! Oh, my! Didn’t she believe him?
Prompter	(& Echoes) That was sad.
2^nd Mom	Sarah urged Abraham to father an heir by her maid Hagar. His faith faltered and he did it! Hagar bore Ishmael, and the two women squabbled. Sarah drove Hagar and her son Ishmael away.
Prompter	(& Echoes) That also was sad!
1^st Mom	I remember that bit of history. It caused bitter strife between their descendants that lasts to this day.
2^nd Mom	I must go milk the goats now. Please excuse me.
1^st Mom	Thank you, Ma’am. Come now, folks, to a later age.
Prompter	(& Echoes) Goodbye, Rebecca!
Â	Â

Page 3, 3^rd Mystery Mom (Miriam)

[3^rd Mom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 3nd Mystery Mom.â€

1st Mom	Now we meet our 3rd Mystery Mom.
3^rd Mom	Hello, strangers. Welcome! I am Moses’ older sister.
1^st Mom	Oh! What are these tiny flakes on the ground?
3^rd Mom	It is manna. It is good to eat. Try it!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Yum yum!
1^stMom	You and your companions seem to be in a hurry. What’s the occasion?
3^rd Mom	We are fleeing from Egypt’s evil king, Pharaoh.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) A huge exodus!
3^rd Mom	Pharaoh enslaved us cruelly; he force our people to build his cities and immense tombs.
1st Mom	I read about that in the Book of Exodus.
3^rd Mom	A book? It must be the log that Moses kept to record God’s great works. We multiplied so in Egypt that Pharaoh feared that we’d aid his enemies, So He ordered our midwives to drown all Hebrew babies in the Nile River.
1^st Mom	Yes! You and your mom hid baby Moses among reeds in the Nile River.
3^rd Mom	And Pharaoh’s daughter came to bathe. She found baby Moses and adopted him.
1^stMom	The hand of the Almighty was in that!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Praise be to God!
3^rd Mom	I urged the Princess to have a Jewish lady nurse him. I did not tell her that the lady was Moses’ real mother. Years later, God had Moses take us through the sea to escape Pharaoh’s army.
1st Mom	I read your song of praise following that great miracle. You women sang it after God rescued you.
Prompter	(& Echoes) It was beautiful!
3^rd Mom	While wandering in the desert, we grew tired and cranky. To my shame, I scolded Moses because of his dark skinned, Cushite wife. So, God turned my skin white! But the Almighty had mercy and healed my leprosy when I repented.
Prompter	^Â(& Echoes) Wow!
1^stMom	We must go now. Thank you, gracious lady. Come now, folks, to a later century.
Prompter	(& Echoes) Goodbye, Miriam.
Â	Â

Page 4, 4th Mystery Mom (Naomi)

[4^thmom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 4th Mystery Mom.â€

1st MomÂ Â	Now we meet our 4th mystery mom.
4^th Mom	Hi, travelers! You came at a good time. We have a sale on barley flour.Â
1^stMom	Oh! Who is this nice white-haired lady?
4^th Mom	Here. Have some bread. The Lord gave us a great harvest in Bethlehem. I’m a poor widow, and that is my daughter-in-law Ruth over there grinding flour.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) Wow! She’s gorgeous!
1^st Mom	Sweet girl! But Ruth is not Jewish if I remember right.
4^th Mom	Just by marriage. Famine drove us to Moab, and my sons wed Moabite girls, Ruth and Orphah. My husband and sons died there, leaving us three women as widows. I was bitter.
1^st Mom	How sad!
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) Three desolate widows!
4^thMom	I heard the famine had ended in Bethlehem and I started back there. Ruth and Orphah both started out with me, but I told them to stay with their families. Orphah wept bitterly and returned home, but Ruth clung to me.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) She was a gem!
1^st Mom	God recorded for all time what Ruth told you. I remember her plea by heart:Â â€œDo not urge me to return; where you go I will go; where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die. May the Lord take my life if anything but death separates us.â€
PrompterÂ Â	Heart-stirring!
4^th Mom	Ruth’s people were idolaters, but she came to love Israel’s one true God. Both my wealthy relative Boaz and I loved her, and God used our love. Boaz knew that Ruth had been kind to me, and he married her. Boaz’ father Salmon had also married a gentile woman, naughty Rahab of Jericho.
1st Mom	Ruth was David’s great grandmother.Â
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) And an ancestor of Jesus!
1st Mom	We must go now. Come folks, to a later age.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) Goodbye, Naomi!
Â	Â

Page 5, 5^th Mystery Mom (Abigail)

[5th Mom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 5^th Mystery Mom.â€]

1^st MomÂ	Now we meet our 5^th mom.
5^th Mom	Why, hello! Come in.
1^st Mom	This lovely lady is one of David’s wives. Ma’am, why are you renown?
5^th MomÂ	I didn’t know I was known! I only fed David’s starved soldiers.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) David fell in love with you!
1^st MomÂ	You were a giver; it is recorded in Scripture.
PrompterÂ	(& Echoes) A generous giver!
5^th Mom	David preferred me to that sharp-tongued Michal, King Saul’s daughter. Michal nagged David as bad as Job’s wife nagged him. Saul envied David’s fame; he had David kill 100 Philistines to win Michal.
1st MomÂ	I think Saul hoped that the Philistines would kill David.
PrompterÂ Â	(& Echoes) Saul was jealous!
5^th MomÂ	God let another woman be Saul’s ruin, the witch of Endor.Â
Prompter	(& Echoes) God had forbidden witchcraft!
5^th Mom	Well, I was David’s favorite wife until Bathsheba caught his eye. I think she was as seductive as Potiphar’s wife and Delilah. Pardon my tears!
1st Mom	We will go now. Thank you. Come folks; let us step into a later time.
PrompterÂ	(& Echoes) Goodbye, Abigail!
Â	Â

Page 6, 6^th Mystery Mom (Jezebel)

[6th Mom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 6th Mystery Mom.â€]

1st Mom	Now we meet our 6th Mystery Mom.
6th Mom	Out of my way, vermin!
Prompter	(& Echoes) (Loudly) Wait! Help!
1st Mom	Look out! Watch out for that chariot!
6th Mom	Bow before us, you miserable minions! Bow, I say! We are the royal queen of Israel! How dare you appear in our royal presence wearing such foreign attire!
Priscilla	Goodness! Where are we?
6th Mom	You are in Jerusalem, you fools! The City of David – and of Bathsheba. You have heard of her great allure? Ha! Her beauty does not compare with mine!
1st Mom	Oh! I see idols of Baal everywhere, and filthy images of Asherah!
6th Mom	Of course! The more gods we worship, the more protection we will receive.
Prompter	(& Echoes) Wicked Queen!
6th Mom	Bow, I say! Now!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Don’t do it!
6th Mom	Bow, or I’ll have my husband King Ahab come with the prophets of Baal and cut your heads off!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Help! Help!
1st Mom	Ugly old hag! Run! Quick! Let’s get out of here! Hurry! Let’s move into another time!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Goodbye, wicked queen Jezebel!
Â	Â

Page 7, 7^th Mystery Mom (Martha)

[7th Mom: Begin speaking after 1st Mom says â€œNow we meet our 7th and last Mystery Mom.â€

1st Mom	Now we meet our 7th and last Mystery Mom.
7th Mom	Wait, folks! Where are you going? You’re going the way!
1st Mom	No. We’re going to Jerusalem to see its grand temple. Do you live there”?
7th Mom	I live here in Bethany. No one goes to Jerusalem now! Romans are destroying it.
Prompter	(& Echoes) How terrible!
7th Mom	My brother Lazarus is out with Mary fetching our donkeys; we are about to leave, before the Romans annihilate our village, too. I am glad I tidied up the house before you came! My sister Mary leaves stuff strewn all over; her mind is on higher things!
1st Mom	Oh! What are those thunderous crashes I hear?
7th Mom	Catapults. Romans are demolishing the city and the great temple.Â
Prompter	(& Echoes) Get away!
7th Mom	Jesus warned us to flee when armies surrounded Jerusalem. We’ll go as soon as Lazarus and Mary return. Romans are slaying even women and children!
1st Mom	How tragic! I read about your godly family, Ma’am. Jesus stayed in your home!
7th Mom	Forty years ago! We knew Jesus well.
1st Mom	What was it like to host Jesus in your home?
7th Mom	I am ashamed that I actually argued with Him! Can you believe it?Â
Prompter	(& Echoes) Wow!
7th Mom	He let my sister Mary sit listening to Him while I did all the housework. I also complained to Jesus that He did not come in time, after we sent word that our brother Lazarus was dying.
1st Mom	But Jesus raised him from the dead. News of that spread all over Judea!
Prompter	(& Echoes) Bad leaders hated Jesus.
1st Mom	) Goodbye, Martha.
7th Mom	Goodbye, Priscilla.
1st Mom	We will return home now, folks. This ends our tour. I wish we had time to meet other Bible women who served God, like Esther, Deborah and Dorcas.
Prompter	(& Echoes) And many, many others!

Â [/pexcerpt]Readers speak the words of Bible Women while listeners guess out loud which Bible woman it is. [/pexcerpt]

â€‹

Mystery Moms of the Bibles

â€‹

Mystery Moms of the Bible

ParticipantsÂ

All seven Moms:Â Do not reveal your identity. Let the people guess who you are.

First Mom [Priscilla]Â

Second Mom [Rebecca]Â

Third Mom [Miriam]Â

Fourth Mom [Naomi]Â

Fifth Mom [Abigail]Â

Sixth Mom [Jezebel]
Seventh Mom [Martha]
PrompterÂ Â Â [After introductory remarks, shout a brief phrase and Echoes repeat it.]
EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â [All others. Repeat (shouting) Prompter’s brief phrases.]

1^st Mom

Hello, folks. I am your host. I am also your first mystery mom.

Prompter & Echoes

Our first mystery mom!Â
(If the people fail to echo this then say, â€œLet’s hear it! Out first mystery mom!â€

1^st Mom

Welcome to our Holy Land tour. I am your tour guide. Do you know who I am? My husband is a tentmaker named Aquila. We worked with the Apostle Paul in Corinth. We also helped eloquent Apollos to understand the Way better, in Ephesus.
Now, come with me. This road leads to past ages. Are you ready? Here we go!

Prompter
& Echoes

Hang on!

1^st Mom

Now we meet our second mystery mom.

2^nd Mom

Well now! We have company! Welcome, friends!

1^st Mom

Oh! We are in a tent! I can smell goats!
Pardon us, Ma’am, can you tell us who you are,
and what you are known for?

2^nd Mom

I am the wife of the patriarch Isaac. I am afraid
People remember me because I urged my son Jacob to be a schemer!

Prompter &
Echoes

A schemer!

2^nd Mom

Yes, I had Jacob trick his father Isaac, to get firstborn Esau’s birthright. Esau intended to kill Jacob then, and Jacob fled. I cried a lot.

1^st Mom

Then what happened, Ma’am?

2nd Mom

Jacob collected wives while working for my brother Laban in Syria.
They were more devout than that wife of his second cousin Lot was;
she wanted to stay in wicked Sodom,
and God turned her into a pillar of salt!

1^st Mom

What was your mother-in-law Sarah like?

2nd Mom

Oh, Sarah was beautiful, even in her old age!
She led a bumpy life. Drafty tents! Always on the go with Abraham!
Over 1,000 miles on their first trek from Ur!
Once Sarah giggled, eavesdropping, when a visitor told Abraham that she would bear a son in her old age. She did not know the visitor was an angel.

1^st Mom

An angel! Oh, my! Didn’t she believe him?

Prompter &
Echoes

That was sad.

2^nd Mom

Sarah urged Abraham to father an heir by her maid, Hagar.
His faith faltered and he did it! Hagar bore Ishmael,
and the two women squabbled.
Sarah drove Hagar and her son Ishmael away.

Prompter
& Echoes

That also was sad!

1^st Mom

I remember that bit of history.
It caused bitter strife between their descendants that lasts to this day.

2^nd Mom

I must go milk the goats now. Please excuse me.

1^st Mom

Thank you, Ma’am. Come now, folks, to a later age.

Prompter
& Echoes

Goodbye, Rebecca!

1st Mom

Now we meet our third mystery mom.

3^rd Mom

Hello, strangers. Welcome! I am Moses’ older sister.

1^st Mom

Oh! What are these tiny flakes on the ground?

3^rd Mom

It is manna. It is good to eat. Try it!

Prompter
& Echoes

Yum yum!

1^stMom

You and your companions seem to be in a hurry. What is the occasion?

3^rd Mom

We are fleeing from Egypt’s evil king, Pharaoh.

Prompter
& EchoesÂ Â

A huge exodus!

3^rd Mom

Pharaoh enslaved us cruelly; he forced our people to build his cities
and immense tombs.

1st Mom

I read about that in the Book of Exodus.

3^rd Mom

A book? It must be the log that Moses kept to record God’s great works.
We multiplied so in Egypt that Pharaoh feared that we’d aid his enemies,
so he ordered our midwives to drown all Hebrew babies in the Nile River.

1^st Mom

Yes! You and your mom hid baby Moses among reeds in the Nile River.

3^rd Mom

Pharaoh’s daughter came to bathe. She found baby Moses and adopted him.

1^stMom

The hand of the Almighty was in that!

Prompter
& Echoes

Praise be to God!

3^rd Mom

I urged the Princess to have a Jewish lady nurse him.
I did not tell her that the lady was Moses’ real mother.
Years later, God had Moses take us through the sea to escape Pharaoh’s army.

1st Mom

I read your song of praise following that great miracle.
You women sang it after God rescued you.

Prompter
& Echoes

It was beautiful!

3^rd Mom

While wandering in the desert, we grew tired and cranky.
To my shame, I scolded Moses because of his dark skinned, Cushite wife.
So God turned my skin white! However, the Almighty had mercy
and healed my leprosy when I repented.

Prompter
& Echoes

^ÂWow!

1^stMom

We must go. Thank you, gracious lady. Come now, folks, to a later century.

Prompter
& Echoes

Goodbye, Miriam.

1st MomÂ Â

Now we meet our fourth mystery mom.

4^th Mom

Hi, travelers! You came at a good time. We have a sale on barley flour.Â

1^stMom

Oh! Who is this nice white-haired lady?

4^th Mom

Here. Have some bread. The Lord gave us a great harvest in Bethlehem.
I am a poor widow, and that is my daughter-in-law Ruth over there
grinding flour.

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

Wow! She is gorgeous!

1^st Mom

Sweet girl! However, Ruth is not Jewish if I remember right.

4^th Mom

Just by marriage. Famine drove us to Moab, and my sons wed Moabite girls, Ruth and Orphah. My husband and sons died there,
leaving us three women as widows. I was bitter.

1^st Mom

How sad!

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

Three desolate widows!

4^thMom

I heard the famine had ended in Bethlehem and I started back there.
Ruth and Orphah both started out with me,
but I told them to stay with their families.

Orphah wept bitterly and returned home, but Ruth clung to me.

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

She was a gem!

1^st Mom

God recorded for all time what Ruth told you. I remember her plea by heart:Â

â€œDo not urge me to return; where you go I will go;
where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people,
and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die.
May the Lord take my life if anything but death separates us.â€

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

Heart stirring!

4^th Mom

Ruth’s people were idolaters, but she came to love Israel’s one true God. Both my wealthy relative Boaz and I loved her, and God used our love.
Boaz knew that Ruth had been kind to me, and he married her.
Boaz’ father Salmon had also married a gentile woman,
naughty Rahab of Jericho.

1st Mom

Ruth was David’s great grandmother.Â

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

And an ancestor of Jesus!

1st Mom

We must go now. Come folks, to a later age.

Prompter & EchoesÂ Â

Goodbye, Naomi!

1^st MomÂ

Now we meet our fifth mystery mom.

5^th Mom

Why, hello! Come in.

1^st Mom

This lovely lady is one of David’s wives. Ma’am, why are you renown?

5^th MomÂ

I did not know I was known! I only fed David’s starved soldiers.

Prompter
& EchoesÂ Â

David fell in love with you!

1^st MomÂ

You were a giver; Scripture records it.

Prompter
& EchoesÂ

A generous giver!

5^th Mom

David preferred me to that sharp-tongued Michal, King Saul’s daughter. Michal nagged David as bad as Job’s wife nagged him.
Saul envied David’s fame; he had David kill 100 Philistines to win Michal.

1st MomÂ

I think Saul hoped that the Philistines would kill David.

Prompter
& EchoesÂ Â

Saul was jealous!

5^th MomÂ

God let another woman be Saul’s ruin, the witch of Endor.Â

Prompter
& Echoes

God had forbidden witchcraft!

5^th Mom

Well, I was David’s favorite wife until Bathsheba caught his eye.
I think she was as seductive as Potiphar’s wife and Delilah.
Pardon my tears!

1st Mom

We will go now. Thank you. Come folks; let us step into a later time.

Prompter
& EchoesÂ

Goodbye, Abigail!

1st Mom

Now we meet our sixth Mystery Mom.

6th Mom

Out of my way, vermin!

Prompter
& Echoes

(Loudly) Wait! Help!

1st Mom

Look out! Watch out for that chariot!

6th Mom

Bow before us, you miserable minions! Bow, I say!
We are the royal queen of Israel!
How dare you appear in our royal presence wearing such foreign attire!

Priscilla

Goodness! Where are we?

6th Mom

You are in Jerusalem, you fools! The City of David – and of Bathsheba.
You have heard of her great allure?
Ha! Her beauty does not compare with mine!

1st Mom

Oh! I see idols of Baal everywhere, and filthy images of Asherah!

6th Mom

Of course! The more gods we worship, the more protection we will receive.

Prompter
& Echoes

Wicked Queen!

6th Mom

Bow, I say! Now!

Prompter
& Echoes

Don’t do it!

6th Mom

Bow or I’ll have my husband King Ahab come with the prophets of Baal and cut your heads off!

Prompter
& Echoes

Help! Help!

1st Mom

Ugly old hag! Run! Quick! Let us get out of here! Hurry!
We’ll move into another time!

Prompter
& Echoes

Goodbye, wicked queen Jezebel!

1st Mom

Now we meet our seventh and last mystery mom.

7th Mom

Wait, folks! Where are you going? You are going the wrong way!

1st Mom

We’re going to Jerusalem to see its grand temple. Do you live there?

7th Mom

I live here in Bethany. No one goes to Jerusalem now!
Romans are destroying it.

Prompter
& Echoes

How terrible!

7th Mom

My brother Lazarus is out with Mary fetching our donkeys;
we are about to leave, before the Romans annihilate our village, too.
I am glad I tidied up the house before you came!
My sister Mary leaves stuff strewn all over; her mind is on higher things!

1st Mom

Oh! What are those thunderous crashes I hear?

7th Mom

Catapults. Romans are demolishing the city and the great temple.Â

Prompter
& Echoes

Get away!

7th Mom

Jesus warned us to flee when armies surrounded Jerusalem.
We will go as soon as Lazarus and Mary return.
Romans are slaying even women and children!

1st Mom

How tragic! I read about your godly family, Ma’am.
Jesus stayed in your home!

7th Mom

Forty years ago! We knew Jesus well.

1st Mom

What was it like to host Jesus in your home?

7th Mom

I am ashamed that I actually argued with Him! Can you believe it?Â

Prompter
& Echoes

Wow!

7th Mom

He let my sister Mary sit listening to Him while I did all the housework.
I also complained to Jesus that He did not come in time,
after we sent word that our brother Lazarus was dying.

1st Mom

However, Jesus raised him from the dead.
News of that spread all over Judea!

Prompter
& Echoes

Bad leaders hated Jesus.

1st Mom

Goodbye, Martha.

7th Mom

Goodbye, Priscilla.

1st Mom

We will return home now, folks. This ends our tour.
I wish we had time to meet other Bible women who served God,
like Esther, Deborah and Dorcas.

Prompter
& Echoes

And many, many others!

[/pexcerpt]A Christ-honoring Christmas melodrama, fun for a Christmas party, 15 minutes.[/pexcerpt]

â€‹

Priscilla Introduces us to Women in the Bible

@biblestoryskits.comPriscilla Introduces us to Women in the Bible

About 10 minutes

Participants (all women, if possible; no need to memorize lines; the aim is to inform, not to perform)
Priscilla
Rebecca
Miriam
Naomi
Athaliah
Martha
PrompterÂ Â Â Â Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
EchoesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.

Rebecca	Welcome to our Holy Land tour. I am Priscilla, your tour guide. Come. This hall leads to past ages. Oh! We are in a tent! I smell goats! Pardon us, ma’am. Please tell us who you are, and what you’re known for.
Rebecca	I’m Rebecca, wife of the patriarch Isaac. I am afraid I am remembered because I urged my son Jacob to be a schemer!
Prompter & Echoes

Avoid Growing Poor by Trying to Get Rich Quick

Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas

Â Crucial Prelude to Multiplying New Testament type Churches

6:The Corinthians Learn to Harmonize Vital Ministries in the Body

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Page 2 – 2nd Mystery Mom (Rebecca)

@biblestoryskits.comPriscilla Introduces us to Women in the Bible

Page 2 – 2^nd Mystery Mom (Rebecca)