This drama might be used for Thanksgiving (USA or Canada) or Harvest (UK).
It is easily adapted for First Sunday in Lent, Year C, when the Deuteronomy passage appears in the Revised Standard Lectionary.
Parts: Priest, Narrators 1&2, Israelites 1,2,3,4. Parts may be combined if fewer actors are available.
The full script may be downloaded and printed:
PDF – Harvest Drama Deut 26, ready-to-print download
WORD – Harvest Drama Deut 26, ready-to-print download
PRIEST: [Standing at front, ready to receive gifts]
NARRATOR 1:
When the people of Israel had settled in the land that God had provided, there was a ritual that they performed every year to remember their story, and to remind themselves that the earth belongs to God.
Every year they take some of the first fruits of all that has been produced from the soil of the land and put them in baskets. They then process together to the sacred gathering place.
ISRAELITES: [walk toward front with baskets]
NARRATOR 1: When they arrive at the sacred gathering place, the Israelites say these words before the priest:
ISRAELITE ONE: A wandering, landless Aramean was my ancestor who with all my ancestors went down into Egypt and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. [Set basket before priest]
ISRAELITE 2: But the Egyptians treated us badly and made us suffer, making us work hard. [Set basket before priest]
ISRAELITE 3: Then we cried out to the God of our ancestors, who heard our voice and saw our misery, toil, and oppression.
God rescued us and brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with great and wonderful signs and miracles. God brought us to this place – this beautiful land, a land flowing with milk and honey. [Set basket before priest]
ISRAELITE 4: Now we bring the first fruits of the soil that you, O God, have provided. [Set basket before priest]
NARRATOR 1: Then the Israelites feast. They party! Think of our own [name of local lively annual event] Festival!
Israelites smile and party!
NARRATOR 1:
Everyone is invited – even the refugees, the immigrants, the unclean, the homeless and the strangers who live in God’s land together. All rejoice in the good things that God provides.
ALL ISRAELITES (together): Thanks be to God!
NARRATOR 1: And so they rejoice in the good things God provides.
NARRATOR 2: So, we, too, rejoice in the good things God provides in our lives. And in gratitude we give.
Today’s special offering, our [annual Harvest offering/ local offering], supports ___________. This organization [insert name] demonstrates the Christian message of loving God by loving our neighbours through prayer, action, and financial support.
Let us give generously with grateful hearts.
As the ancient Israelites brought their gifts, please come forward with your gifts.
Harvest Offering is collected at this time.
Actors return to their seats as people come forward with offering.
By Ana & Tod Gobledale for Harvest Sunday, UK
More resources for Harvest & Thanksgiving
Help us share our abundance, a prayer — Christian Concern for One World, UK
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National days set aside for thanksgiving offer wonderful opportunities to express our gratitude, often in an interfaith setting. How do we say “Thanks”? Thanksgiving & Harvest Resources
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