Luke 24:36-38 (a version for today) While the disciples discuss the resurrection news, Jesus stands among them and says, ‘Peace be with you.’ Startled and terrified, they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus asks, ‘Why are you frightened and, why do doubts arise in your hearts?’ We join fearful Peter now to listen to […]
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Meditation of Mary Magdalene By Tod& Ana Gobledale Those men, those disciples, they are not going to listen, I can tell you that now. They have always been suspicious of me. Right from the start, they wonder what Jesus thinks, getting mixed up with someone like me. I know what they will say, mark my […]
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To accompany the lectionary readings on the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A — Psalm 119:33-40 and Romans 13:8-14 Supplies: a cross, towel and basin, and a soft (stuffed) animal toy set out on a table or other central focal point one heavy hammer and 2-3 large nails mop and bucket photos of children facing […]
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Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Proper 14 (19), Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Scripts ready-to-print Genesis 37 – Joseph story DRAMA WORD Genesis 37 – Joseph story DRAMA PDF Characters Narrator Joseph — to side, out of sight Jacob/Israel — centre stage on chair The Shechem Man Rueben — to side, out of sight Judah — […]
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Luke 24:13 retold: Late in the afternoon on the day of resurrection, two disciples walk from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus about seven miles away. As they walk, they talk about all the things that have happened. Along the way, a stranger joins them and asks, ‘What are you discussing with each other while […]
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John 20: 24-25 (a version for today) When the other disciples tell Thomas that they have seen Jesus, Thomas replies, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in those very same nail marks, and thrust my hand into his wounded side, I will not believe!’ Let us […]
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What account might Mary Magdelene have spoken if interviewed about that Easter morning visit to the tomb? In this dramatisation, we hear Mary Magdalene’s take on the events of that first Easter morning. This dramatic monologue is written by Nick Stanyon and performed by Jenny Calvert of Lillington Free Church, UK. Click on the link […]
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Dear cousin… You may be surprised to hear that I am also, as they say, ‘expecting’. Yes, a boy is on his way… Don’t ask how I know it’s a boy…you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Joseph is in two minds, happy with the idea of fatherhood but knows he’s not the ‘real’ […]
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Greetings, You know that I missed out on schooling so never got the proper hang of writing and rarely needed it anyway so long as I could scribble a bill. I’ve asked the Rabbi to help me with this short letter telling you the latest news. Everything is overshadowed by this tax registration. There’s no […]
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Luke 7: 36-50 Adapted from an inclusive text created by Rex Hunt) Pentecost 4C Readers: Reader 1, Pharisee, Jesus, Simon SCRIPT Reader 1: Today’s reading is a familiar story from Luke’s Gospel, a story about a woman who takes action. Luke writes: One of the Pharisees invites Jesus to a meal. When Jesus arrives at […]
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An engaging ‘live’ interview with Andrew (Andreas) and Peter (Petro) on Pentecost Day Ready-to-print Scripts: Pentecost Drama – interview with Andrew – live from Jerusalem WORD Pentecost Drama – interview with Andrew – live from Jerusalem PDF Worship Leader: Let us imagine ourselves transported through time and space to Jerusalem, two thousand years ago that […]
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Acts 2.1-42, the story of Pentecost, dramatised (adapted from the New Revised Standard Version) Parts: Storyteller Jew 1 Jew 2 Peter Disciple 1 Disciples (all congregation) If more people wish to participate, include a ‘crowd’ of Jews and a larger group of disciples. Props: Large (at least 10-11 inches tall) paper flames, ‘tongues of fire’, for […]
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Third Sunday of Easter, Year C Primarily from the New Revised Standard Version Roles: Storyteller, Peter, Jesus Ready-to-print script: WORD: John 21.1-19 drama.doc PDF: John 21.1-19 drama.pdf Storyteller: Our reading this morning is from the Gospel according to John, chapter 21, beginning with verse 1. The writer relates an account of Jesus, now risen, appearing […]
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‘I am doing a new thing’ – an interview with Mary of Bethany Isaiah 43:16-21, John 12:1-8 (Lectionary readngs for Lent 5, Year C) Characters: P = Preacher; M = Mary P: Will you pray with me? God of new things, this morning we ask you to calm the cacophony of our hearts and minds, […]
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For 3 readers: Storyteller, Judas, Jesus Storyteller: In today’s New Testament reading, John presents a struggle between financial care and costly extravagance, between financial management and abundant generosity. Hear anew the story of Mary and Judas at dinner with Jesus in Bethany. I am ready from chapter 12 of John’s Gospel. Six days before the […]
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Post-Christmas correspondence from a shepherd to a traveler from the East Dear Melchior, Greetings from all of us. We trust you made the journey home safely and didn’t run into any of Herod’s lot because terrible things happened after you left! When you and your friends didn’t report back to him after your visit to […]
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But or And? A slightly-adapted skit by Jim Burklo, USA (‘Use freely – with attribution.’) This is written to use as a springboard for a sermon or conversation. Stage directions for online [Zoom or recorded] Spotlight the two screens: BUT and AND. BUT – hold a cross just off-centre on your screen and each time […]
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Zoom (online) version Parts: Narrator (Storyteller), Jew, Jesus, Disciple Ready-to-print: Mark 6, 1-13 – a drama Script Narrator: In Mark’s gospel, chapter six, we hear a familiar story about Jesus starting out on his ministry. Hear and see Mark’s words come to life. Mark writes: Jesus left that place and came to his home town, […]
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Adapted for Zoom or InPerson Readers: God, Adam, Eve, Storyteller Each reader holds a sign with their character’s ‘name’ on it in large letters. One could have fun with one additional screen with a snake in it; or a soft toy In-Person. Storyteller: Today’s reading arises from Genesis chapter 3. We find ourselves with Adam, […]
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Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 – inspired by the NRSV Seventh Sunday after Easter, Year B Readers: Storyteller, Peter, Group spokesperson Props: a set of dice or two lengths of broom straw Storyteller: Peter had gathered with believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons). He stood up and spoke: Peter: Friends, the scripture had […]
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A drama to be used in worship, inspired by the NRSV text 3 Readers: Storyteller, Peter, Newly baptised person Storyteller: While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been […]
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Scripture Acts 19:1-7 adapted from the New Revised Standard Version Readers: Storyteller, Paul and 1 or 2 Disciples Storyteller: While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. Paul had this conversation with the disciples: Paul: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you […]
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Mark 1:1-8 Let us look back in time about 2000 years and join a mother working in her kitchen, preparing for the Chanukah holidays. She worries about her nineteen year old daughter who disappeared leaving chores undone. Let’s listen in. Mum: That girl! She knows there is work to be done: floors to sweep, water […]
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Jonah 3:10–4:11 dramatised for on-line, on-screen, use Proper 20 (usually 16th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A Preparation: Keep it simple; line drawings will work fine. house plant or photo or drawing of a plant Worm – cut out, photo, soft toy or just a tube of some sort Sun – photo or drawing of a […]
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Proper 14A (usually 10th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A 1 Kings 19.9-18 This has been prepared for two readers, e.g. on a single Zoom screen, but might be easily altered for three readers, separating the voices of the Storyteller or Narrator and that of Elijah. Voice 1: This is a reading from the first book […]
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Proper 13 (usually 9th Sunday after Pentecost) Year A Readers: Narrator, Jesus, Disciple 1, Disciple 2 Supplies: 5 bread rolls, two paper ‘fish’, lots of baskets, any costume items. Signboards for characters can prove helpful. Ready-to-download and print: Matthew 14.13-21 – feeding the crowd – drama PDF Matthew 14.13-21 – feeding the crowd – drama […]
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Luke 10:25-37 (8th Sunday of Pentecost, Year C) The story of the Good Samaritan adapted for Sea Sunday (usually held in July) For 3 Actors/Readers: Narrator, Lawyer and Jesus The lawyer, the beaten person, the Samaritan Seafarer and the passers-by might be any gender and may be referred to as ‘he’ ‘she’ or ‘they’. The […]
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Use this easy-to-present dramatised version of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night) story to bring the characters to life. The text is adapted from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Ready-to-print: Epiphany drama Matthew 2.1-12 WORD Epiphany drama Matthew 2.1-12 PDF The Epiphany Story Matthew 2:1-12 Three Readers: Storyteller, 1-3 Magi / Wise ones, Herod […]
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Luke 23:33-43 – Jesus and the two criminals Told from the perspective of three Roman soldiers present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Appropriate for Good Friday or the 24th Sunday of Pentecost, Year C. Ready-to-print scripts: Luke 23, 33-43 drama PDF Luke 23, 33-43 drama Storyteller: Today’s Gospel reading, from Luke’s account, reminds us how […]
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Luke 9:51-62 – a drama to use in worship For Third Sunday after Pentecost Year C Translation by Rex Hunt, Australia (Read more about Rex Hunt at end of post.) Actors: Jesus, Narrator, James/John, Followers 1,2,3 Script ready-to-use — download here: Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers PDF Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers WORD Script Narrator: […]
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An Interview of the Slave Girl and Jailer who meet Paul and Silas. To be used within a worship service, possibly as the message itself. Acts 16:16-34 Easter 7, Year C Roles: Interviewer (Int) Slave Girl, Harriet (S.G.) Jailer, Jaden (J.) Reader of Acts 16 Ready-to-print scripts: Interview – Acts 16.16-34 – Slave Girl & […]
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Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday after Easter), Year C John 20:19-31 Acts 5: 27-32 *Bible quotations are from ‘The Inclusive Bible,’ Rowman & Littlefield publishers 2007 www.rowmanlittlefield.com Certainties & Doubts: a Biblical drama The worship leader interviews ‘Doubting Thomas’ discussing doubt, faith and our world today. The script includes an introduction and conclusion and an […]
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Mary’s Lament – a reflection originally written for a Good Friday service. This dramatic monologue revealing Mary’s anguish and distress has been read effectively at a Blue Christmas service, also. 2 Readers: Mary, mother of Jesus, and a Storyteller (narrator) Ready-to-print downloads: PDF Mary’s Lament dramatic reading WORD Mary’s Lament dramatic reading Life often overwhelms […]
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What words do we use to describe the mystery of Easter? Bodily resurrection? Spiritual continuum? Risen? Risen indeed? What words might Jesus’s friends have used to explain their experiences that day? This dramatic sketch, which might be titled, ‘Called by name’, presents words Mary Magdalene might have shared. Ready-to-print downloads of full script: Easter drama – […]
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Genesis 45:1-15 (adapted from NRSV) Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers Full script, ready-to-print: Genesis 45,1-15 Joseph in Egypt – 2 readers PDF Genesis 45,1-15 Joseph in Egypt – 2 readers WORD Narrator: Today’s Hebrew Bible reading is taken from the book of Genesis presenting the last chapter in the saga of Joseph and his […]
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2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Dramatised for 3 readers The parts may be portrayed by women, men or youth. They need not memorise but may hold and read their scripts. Microphones will be needed by all three. If there is a high lectern or pulpit, that is a good spot for the Storyteller; a great opportunity […]
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Title: I have good news…and bad news… Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-55 This dramatic monologue, a phone conversation between pregnant teenage Mary and her Mum, was originally written as the sermon accompanying the lighting of the Advent Candle of Love. It can be used effectively anytime during Advent. Notes: Mary pauses throughout the conversation when […]
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The Holy Spirit propels Philip to the Ethiopian – a dramatisation Acts 8:26-40 (Year B, Easter 5) This might be incorporated into a celebration of baptism or the renewal of baptismal vows. Actors/readers: Philip, Ethiopian, Storyteller (Narrator), Angel, Spirit Complete scripts — ready to download and print (2-sided): Drama, Acts 8, Philip & Ethiopian PDF Drama, […]
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Reading/Acting parts: Storyteller, Jesus, Peter, Thomas, Judas There is no need to require memorisation; allow readers to hold and read scripts. Full script ready to print and use: PDF Mark 9, 30-37 – drama WORD Mark 9, 30-37 – drama Script Storyteller: Jesus and his disciples travel through their home country of Galilee. Jesus teaches a […]
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Proper 22, Year A Exodus 20:20-22a & 23:20 What do we think about ‘angels’? What words express the phenomenon called ‘angel’ in the Bible? This drama, in which God promises to send an ‘angel’, might be used to open up reflection and discussion on the subject. Drama, Exodus 20 PDF Drama, Exodus 20 WORD […]
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