Newsletter &Puppet Scripts May – June 2016

www.graceproject.org.uk

Top Tip Do you have trouble explaining the Trinity? If you’re looking for a visual aid, try using a lump of playdough. It’s easy to alternate between one ‘lump’ and ‘three’ as you explain how God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one.

New Grace Church We welcome the Parish of Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire and Daventry Methodist Church as new Grace churches from September 2016. They are very different: the first a delightful historic building in a village setting, the other a town centre ministry located close to the shopping centre. We are currently advertising for two part time Grace Workers to fill these positions. Please direct anyone who might be interested to our website.

Spring Harvest 8-11s All the Grace Workers helped on the ‘Energise’ team led by Doug Horley. We had as much fun as the kids! It was a wonderful opportunity to be re-energised ourselves by working with others with the same passion for children’s ministry. Each of us had charge of a small group of children we got to know well. We sang and danced (at the same time), played messy games and were very competitive scrambling over the bouncy castle. The children learnt about Moses, applied theology to their own lives and prayed beautiful prayers.

Prayer Requests Please thank God for opportunities for working in partnership with other Christian organisations and pray for our interview day on Friday 20th May.

Puppet Script Index Instructions on page 2

Date Bible Reference Title ROOTS Compatible Theme Page

1 May John 14.23-29 The nightmare Being ‘at peace’ 2,3

8 May John 17.20-26 The torn letter Praying for evangelists 4,5

15 May John 14.8-17(25-27) Changed by the Spirit How the Spirit changes us 6,7

22 May John 16.12-15 Trinity necklace Understanding the Trinity 8,9

29 May Luke 7.1-10 What no sat nav? Instructions over the phone 10,11

5 June Luke 7.11-17 The spider Compassion for living things 12,13

12 June Luke 7.36-8.3 Stolen make-up Forgiveness and gratitude 14,15

19 June Luke 8.26-39 Costume needed? Shocked by the truth 16,17

26 June Luke 9.51-62 The £20 note Cost of discipleship 18,19

Puppet Scripts to Introduce Themes: Lectionary ReadingsFor All Age Services, Children’s Groups and Time Together before Junior ChurchBible readings and themes compatible with RootsScripts written by Rachel Coupe

CHARACTERS (Only two puppets on stage at any time)Ben – Playful 10 year old boyLily – His 8 year old sisterMelanie – Ben’s motherGrandpa – Mel’s Dad, recently moved back from AustraliaDixie the dog - Lovable rogue who can get away with being naughty; speaks English when alone

Tips: Practise a funny, woofy voice for Dixie the Dog. Use a puppet stand with a curtain or a table covered with a cloth. Check that it is safe. Props can be placed on a table or a tall flower stand next to the curtain.Props and visual aids are helpful for children. If not available, be creative and help them to use their imagination.Use safety pins to attach scripts to the back of the curtain and highlight each part. Use a large font-size.For amplification, headset microphones stay in the right place and leave the hands free.The puppets need to perform high enough for everyone to see - encourage people to move if necessary.For suggestions re. buying puppets and puppet stands, please visit our website www.graceproject.org.uk

Copyright NoticeThese scripts are copyright to Grace for the Next Generation. You may adapt them for use by your own church only. Please share our website details so that others can download them. Future scripts can be sent out with Grace e-newsletters on request by sending email details to office@graceproject.org.uk You may send out electronic copies on condition that you include the Grace logo (available on our website) and these copyright details. Grace for the next Generation is a British charity that promotes quality family ministry and places children’s workers into churches.

1 st May 2016 John 14.23-29 Easter peace

The nightmareLily is having a nightmare after being told that Mum has to go away on business for a week. Mum comes to comfort her and reminds her that she’ll be well cared for during that time. Mel will come home with a gift!Theme: Being ‘at peace’ despite the anticipation of absence of someone you loveRoots themes explore: A voice for the voiceless; a different kind of peace; the bigger pictureHumour: Crazy monsters in Lily’s dream

Sleep-talkingBribery works – Lily’s happy again at the thought of a gift!

Props: Sign saying: ‘Lily’s bedroom’

IntroductionDiscuss the difference between the excitement of going away from choice (e.g. a holiday) and having to go away for other reasons (e.g. work or to look after a sick relative). Who are the people we would miss the most in the latter situation? What will we miss about them? What might make us nervous or scared?

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘The nightmare’After the Puppet SketchWhat bad news had triggered Lily’s nightmare? (Mum announcing that she would have to go away for a while.)Thank goodness Lily was able to go back to sleep – Mel wouldn’t have wanted to stay up all night with her!Which do you think re-assured her the most? The promise that Grandpa would look after her or the promise of chocolate?Either way, Lily seems to have been comforted after her nightmare and to have come to terms with her mother’s planned trip away from the family. Do you think that the same things bring comfort to everyone? What might be different or the same?Like Lily, the disciples must have felt scared when Jesus tried to explain about leaving them. What would it be like without him?

The Bible Story

Where? In Lily’s bedroom Title of sketch: The nightmare

Lily (Snores comically, groans) Go away, monster! Get your bright pink fur out of my face. (pushes monster away, spits out hairs) My mummy will protect me. She’s superwoman. Oh no, Mummy’s going away. Lots of chimpanzees are coming to get me. (makes monkey noises, then screams)

Mel

(Enters, puts on light) My dear, little Lily. What made you scream?

Lily (More monkey noises)Mel

Did those naughty, waughty little monkeys scare you?

Lily (Still asleep) Don’t… like… fluff in my face.Mel

Fluff in your face? It’s me, your mother.

Lily G-g-go away pink monster. You’re not my mother (screams and sits up) Oh? Wait a minute, you are my mother!

Mel

I’m definitely your mother. It sounds like you had a nightmare? Is everything OK?

Lily This big, pink fluffy monster came to get me. She ran away at the sound of your voice, but then you went away and all these chimpanzees came.

Mel

Sounds fun?

Lily Definitely not, fun! They pulled me up into the trees and started throwing me about like a beach ball. It was a nightmare and I was really scared! (Mel hugs her)

Mel

There, there, little one. I’m here now. There’s nothing to be afraid of.

Lily But Mum – you’re going to Belgium soon. Who will protect me then?Mel

From the fluffy pink monster?

Lily (Nods vigorously) And the chimpanzees.Mel

Grandpa and Ben will be here. You’ll be kept so busy you’ll hardly notice that I’m gone. I’ll be back before you’ve even missed me. Just you wait and see.

Lily But I’m missing you already! (cries comically)Mel

I’m not going away for that long sweetheart! I know! I’ve had an idea that will make you smile!

Lily What? (scowls)Mel

We’ll make some traps that will catch fluffy pink monsters and chimpanzees and lay them out in the garden - all round the house.

Lily I’ve never seen a trap for a fluffy, pink monster…Mel

Haven’t you? Well we’ll paint it blue. Pink fluffy monsters hate blue!

Lily Do they?Mel

Of course they do!

Lily What about the chimpanzees?Mel

We’ll catch them with bananas. They love bananas!

Lily I love bananas! Don’t give them bananas from my school lunch box.!Mel

Don’t worry, Lily. When I come home I’ll bring some Belgian chocolate back especially for you. How does that sound?

Lily That’s cool! I don’t mind you going away if you bring back chocolate! (yawns, then says sleepily) I’d rather have bananas.

Mel

Goodnight, Lily! (turns off light)

8 th May 2016 John 17.20-26 Easter love

The torn letter

Dixie snatches a letter from the door mat and tears it. Grandpa reads the letter from church friends emigrating to a wealthy country. The letter makes it sound like they are going for the money, but they will be secret missionaries. Ben and Grandpa pray for them.

Theme: Praying for those who pass on the gospel messageRoots themes explore: Being connected to each other and to God; shared purpose and shared journey; Jesus praying for us

Humour: Dixie playing with the letterTricking Dixie into giving it backBen takes the words of the letter at face valueDixie wants to pray too

Props: LetterSign saying: ‘In the hallway’

IntroductionDoes anyone get excited when the post comes? What is their favourite kind of post for children to receive?Do adults love all the post that comes through the door? Have you ever had something arrive that was different to what you you were expecting?Does anyone have to keep their dog away from the post? Do they have a special box fixed behind the letter box?They need one of those at Dixie’s house!

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘The torn letter’

After the Puppet SketchFind out whether anyone in the congregation prays for missionaries. Hear their stories and find out what things they need prayer for. How else can we help missionaries?Has anyone been on a mission trip? What challenged and encouraged them?

In the story today we shall hear about how Jesus prays for his disciples and for the time when they will continue His work.

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? In the hallway Title of sketch: The torn letter

Ben Postman’s been!Dixie Woof, woof, woof! (snatches letter… looks at Ben and growls)

Ben Come on, Dixie! Let me have the letter. Bad dog, give it to me!Dixie (Growls at Ben again, takes letter to far side of stage and chews it)Ben You’re in trouble now, Dixie. I’m calling Grandpa. (shouts) Grandpa!Dixie (Stands up to attention) Woof! (drops letters and runs off)

Grandpa (Offstage) What is it, Ben?Ben (Shouting to Grandpa) Dixie’s eaten the post yet again! (picks up soggy ripped

envelope, drops it)

Grandpa (Offstage) I hope it’s not important.Ben It’s hand-written – so I think it might be, yes!Grandpa (Enters carrying a torn sheet of paper with writing on it) Oh dear!Ben Sorry, Grandpa. I tried to get to it first.Grandpa I know you did, Ben. I think that I can still read it… (peers at letter)

Ben What does it say?Grandpa Dear friends. …It’s a general letter sent to lots of people.Ben Who’s it from?Grandpa Ted and Anne. The couple from church who are going abroad to be

missionaries. They’ve felt called by God to go and tell people about Jesus.Ben Go on…Grandpa “Thank you for offering to pray for us as we emigrate to a new country.

Ted is very excited about his new job. He has been appointed as manager in the construction industry so we shall have a good salary coming in.”

Ben Why do they want us to pray for them when he’s going to be rich?Grandpa It may be a rich country money-wise, but it’s very poor spiritually.Ben Errr? How does that work?Grandpa You see, not many Christians live there. They don’t know God loves them.Ben That’s why Ted and Anne are going there. To tell them about Jesus.Grandpa Absolutely. Shall we pray for them now?Ben Yeah! Can I pray first?Grandpa Of course you can!Ben Dear God, Please look after Ted and Anne. Give them a safe journey. I

hope they make lots of new friends and tell everybody about Jesus. AmenGrandpa That’s a beautiful prayer. (Ben exits as he prays with eyes closed) Lord Jesus, Bless

all the work they do. Protect them from danger. Always give them the right words to say. May their ministry be fruitful and a new church planted in your name. Amen (opens eyes) Ben? Where are you?

Ben (Offstage) Look, Grandpa! Dixie wants to pray too. He’s a good dog.Dixie Woof, woof. (holds paws in prayerful position, Grandpa and Ben laugh)

15 th May 2016 Pentecost John 14.8-17,(25-27) Easter community

Changed by the Spirit

Ben is out-played by Grandpa in a game of ‘cheat’. Grandpa had plenty of practice at the game before he became a Christian. He first went to church because he fancied Grandma. Through her prayers he changed from a wild young man into a family-loving Christian.

Theme: How the Spirit can change usRoots themes explore: How the Spirit shows us truth; how the Spirit can change us, unleashing greater works

Humour: Grandpa’s descriptions of himself as a young manGoing to church with an ulterior motive

Props: Playing cardsSign saying: ‘At home’

IntroductionAsk the congregation whether there was a single moment when they became a Christian for the first time or a situation which deepened their faith over a period of time? Did they feel the Holy Spirit working in their lives? In what ways were they different after the experience? What was it that made them want to make the changes?

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘Changed by the Spirit’

After the Puppet SketchWho can remember why Grandpa originally started to go to church? (to date Grandma) Ben seems to be more interested in eating chips than in hearing how the Holy Spirit changed Grandpa’s life.When Ben isn’t thinking about his stomach, in what ways would he notice that Grandpa is leading a Godly life?What things do you notice in Christians around you that makes them stand out in a positive way?What can we learn for Grandpa in today’s story?

Say that you trust Ben has noticed these things, but in today’s Bible reading, Jesus was getting frustrated with Philip for not noticing such things. It would be very different when the promised Holy Spirit came.

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? At home Title of sketch: Changed by the SpiritBen (Playing cards with Grandpa) two nines.Grandpa Four tens.Ben Four nines.Grandpa Cheat!Ben Oh, Grandpa! How did you know?Grandpa In my younger days I had lots of practice being a cheat!Ben You didn’t put down four sevens, Grandpa? There’s Kings here, no tens.Grandpa Like I said. I’ve practiced a lot! This is just a game remember.Ben What did you mean saying you’ve had lots of practice being a cheat?Grandpa Well, you might not guess it but I was once a wild young man! I didn’t know who Jesus was or have a

clue why he was important. I was very selfish.Ben What did you do?Grandpa Well… all sorts of things that I can’t really tell you.Ben Please Grandpa?Grandpa Well, I used to sneak out of school to the chippy just down the road. School dinners were horrible!Ben Our school dinners are OK, but not as good as Mum’s cooking.Grandpa We had soggy potatoes and custard that made you want to throw up!Ben Ugh! But didn’t they notice you were gone? Didn’t you smell of vinegar?Grandpa Yeah – I just told them I’d been in the science lab doing some experiments and they didn’t seem to

ask any more questions! I got away with that for months!Ben (Laughs) What else did you do?Grandpa Well… I also used to play really loud music to annoy everyone in the house. Even the dogs covered

their ears! They barked to go outside and ran off - far away.Ben I suppose that doesn’t sound too bad. I like to have my music loud sometimes too. Did you like the

music, Grandad?Grandpa No, not at all, I covered my ears too! I just enjoyed upsetting everyone else… I was a bit of a menace

you see…Ben Ah well, that’s different! That wasn’t very nice!Grandpa No it wasn’t. But then suddenly everything changed when I met your Grandma.Ben Did she like fish and chips and loud music?Grandpa She loved everything about me – which I still can’t believe even now! Did you know that she’s

actually the reason I became a Christian?Ben Oh?Grandpa (Sighs happily) She wouldn’t go out with me unless I went to church. I wasn’t at all interested in God or

services – but I pretended to be! It certainly worked at first. We spent some lovely times together.Ben Did she know you were pretending?Grandpa Maybe, but I was a good liar back then, so maybe not. But apparently she prayed for me all the time.Ben What happened then?Grandpa At first I was bored stiff with the church services. None of it really made any sense and the vicar

wasn’t terribly exciting either. He had one of those voices that just makes you want to fall asleep!Ben (With feeling) Me too!Grandpa But it all changed when I heard how someone’s life had been turned around by God’s love. They

completely changed and became a new person. I had never heard anything like it, so I prayed that I could change too. Now I know I’m not perfect, but I’m much kinder than I was before.

Ben It sounds like you had some extra help. I don’t think you could change just like that… I think you liked your chips too much!

Grandpa You’re right. The Holy Spirit showed me what was wrong and the need to change. Have you ever had the feeling you were doing something wrong?

Ben (Hesitating) Yeah… I suppose when I’m teasing Lily…Grandpa That is probably the Holy Spirit. Could you listen to him more?Ben I suppose you’re right. Hmm… Talking about chips has made me hungry. Shall we ask Mum if we can

have them for tea? Or maybe we could sneak out to get some…

22 nd May 2016 Trinity Sunday John 16.12-15 Godly conversations

Trinity necklace

Lily can’t wait to be allowed to grow up and have her ears pierced. Grandpa decides she’s old enough to wear her grandmother’s necklace with a colourful trinity knot on special occasions. Lily is thrilled to wear something so old. She tries to draw it, but her picture looks more like a flower.

Theme: As Lily grows older she can be trusted with more things and will come to understand the TrinityRoots themes explore: How the Spirit brings God’s wisdom; the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the

continuing journey

Humour: Lily can’t wait to grow upShe has dubious fashion senseThe special pendant comes in a very small boxLily’s drawing looks like a flower

Props: Small jewellery boxSign saying: ‘At home’

IntroductionAsk the children what they are looking forward to doing as grown-ups, but they can’t do yet (e.g. drive a car, vote).Unpack the reasons why children have to wait before they can be allowed to do these things.Some mothers’, like Mel, are cautious about allowing their children to do things too soon and this can sometimes cause arguments. Lily is upset that she’s not allowed to have her ears pierced yet.

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘Trinity necklace’

After the Puppet SketchDo you think it was a good time to let Lily have her grandmother’s necklace? Why? (Lily was upset and wanting to wear jewellery.)Was Grandpa right to insist that he looked after it when Lily wasn’t wearing it? Why? (Her words demonstrated she wasn’t responsible enough yet to look after it herself.)Say that you will be learning more about the Trinity and the symbol that was on the necklace later.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will teach His disciples things that they weren’t yet ready to understand.

The Bible Story

Trinity knot Lily’s picture© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? At home Title of sketch: Trinity necklace

Lily (Cries uncontrollably)

Grandpa Whatever is the matter, Lily? Has the world come to an end?Lily Worse, Grandpa. It’s worse than that.Grandpa You can tell your old Grandad.Lily Mum’s so mean. It’s not fair. She won’t let me have my ears pierced.Grandpa What never?Lily She says ‘not until you’re eleven’. That’s years and years and years away.Grandpa You must be very disappointed. Why do you want them done now?Lily My best friend Megan has had hers done. Everyone else is allowed.Grandpa Are you sure? Everyone in your class?Lily Yeah… well I think so. I’m being treated like a baby.Grandpa You’re not a baby. (Lily cries like a baby, Grandpa comforts her) There, there now baby

– I mean Lily! What sort of ear rings would you like when you’re older?Lily I want long dangly ear rings that go all the way down to my feet.Grandpa No wonder Mum wants you to wait. Those would be very long ear rings!

(pauses and thinks) I’ve got an idea.Lily What?Grandpa I’ve got something very special for you. It was your grandmother’s. She

wanted you to have it when you were old enough. I think I’ll fetch it now. (exits)Lily Oooooh! What is it? Hurry up, Grandpa. I don’t think I can wait!Grandpa (Returning) It’s in this box.Lily (Disappointed) That’s a very small box, Grandpa. I thought you said it was very

special!Grandpa Be patient and open it, Cherub.Lily (Opening the box) Oh, wow! It’s very sparkly!Grandpa Yes it’s the necklace I bought her when your Mum was born.Lily It’s lovely. What’s the funny squiggly thing at the front?Grandpa That’s called a trinity knot. You see there were three of us in our family when

Mel came along. More importantly, it’s the sign for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The three points surround a circle that represents God’s love forever. Shall I put it on you?

Lily Can I hang it over my ear? Then it will look like I’ve got pierced ears!Grandpa No Lily, it’s really important that you take better care of it than that. You can

wear it on special occasions and then give it back to me for safe keeping.Lily All right, round my neck then.Grandpa It looks beautiful. Your Grandmother would have been so proud of you.Lily I’m going to draw a picture of the symbol on the front. (disappears off stage, quickly

draws and returns)Grandpa Let me see. Gosh that was quick! (looks) Hang on! You’ve drawn a flower!Lily Well, my name is Lily! What do you think, Grandpa?

29 th May 2016 Luke 7.1-10 Ask

What, no sat nav???!!!

Grandpa programmes the sat nav in his car to go home after an evening at the British Legion but it starts to give strange directions. He phones Mel using his hands free car kit and she gives him directions. When he gets home he can’t park outside the house because a neighbour is holding a noisy party.

Theme: Mel is able to give instructions over the phone so that Grandpa can find his way homeRoots themes explore: Our place and purpose in society; the power of the spoken word; for whom we ask healing

Humour: Grandpa is nervous about using technologyThe sat nav has a funny voiceThe voice gives strange directions, and distorts further before ‘exploding’Grandpa tries to use a large map which gets in a mess and he can’t fold it up againMel doesn’t believe the sat nav has really brokenGrandpa questions all Mel’s instructions and can’t wait for a cup of teaMel’s worried Grandpa will go mad when he can’t park outside the house because of a noisy partyThey both have to shout over the loud musicGrandpa unexpectedly likes the loud music and starts to dance comically

Props: Something round for Grandpa to hold to represent steering wheel (e.g. small plastic plate)Mobile phone for Mel to holdComical explosive soundLoud musicSigns saying: ‘Grandpa in his car’ and ‘Mel at home’

IntroductionFind out what technology the congregation have in their cars. Why do we need this technology? Make the point that it’s only safe to make uncomplicated phone calls while driving if you have a hands-free set up installed. Ask for stories about sat navs being unreliable. Say that Grandpa is having a few problems with his Tom Tom sat nav and can’t find his way home. He’s going to have to rely on instructions given to him over the phone by his daughter, Mel.

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘What, no sat nav???!!!’

After the Puppet SketchDoes anyone in the congregation prefer using maps to sat navs? Why do you think people prefer one or the other? Discuss how quickly we become reliant on new technology such as sat navs and mobile phones. Wasn’t it helpful that Mel could give instructions over the phone while her Dad was on the move in his car! No doubt the army veterans who would have attended the quiz at the British Legion were used to receiving orders from commanding officers far away from the ground troops. Would you say Grandpa was good at following instructions?

In today’s Bible reading, listen out for the expectations of an army man about Jesus’ authority to give orders.

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? Grandpa in his car/Mel at home Title of sketch: What, no sat nav???!!!Grandpa That was a good quiz at the British Legion, but it’s past my bed-time. (yawns) Let’s see

if I can make this sat nav work? OK Mr Tom Tom… ‘where to’ ‘home’ …yes I will be careful and won’t get distracted… O.K. here we go.

Sat nav Turn left onto High Street.Grandpa Ha that was easy! And Mel doesn’t think I can manage gadgets! Isn’t technology

wonderful! (steers left)

Sat nav Re-calculating, re-calculating, turn around when possible. (Grandpa shakes his head and spins the wheel 180°) Go twice round the roundabout onto High Street. Turn left, turn left, turn right, make a ‘U’ turn, make an ‘M’ turn… you have arrived at your… your… destin… (voice fades then a bang)

Grandpa (Jumps, sarcastically says) Humph! Isn’t technology wonderful! I told Mel I prefer maps. Old fashioned methods are the best. Here we go. (Opens out a large map but it covers him up and rips) I can’t read it while I’m driving. Ahhh! I can’t even fold it back up again! Does my hands-free phone kit work? (bleeps sound as he dials, talks over the ringing tone) Mel? Mel?

Mel (Answering on her mobile) Mel here. Who is it please?Grandpa It’s your Dad. That stupid sat nav doesn’t work! It’s ridiculous!Mel Did you remember to plug it in, Dad? I know what you’re like!Grandpa (Grunts) What! Don’t insult me! I think it has something against me! Just tell me how to

get home! I can’t see a thing. I think I’m trapped inside a map!Mel Inside a what?? Calm down, Dad. I can talk you home. Are you using the hands-free?Grandpa Are you suggesting I’m stupid enough to phone while driving, Mel?Mel No, Dad. Calm down before you have an accident. Where are you?Grandpa Mr Tom Tom says I’m on High streeee… bang!Mel High streee… bang? OK, just follow the signs to the railway station.Grandpa Are you sure, Mel?Mel I’m sure. I’ve lived here ten years! Now follow the signs to the hospital.Grandpa Are you sure, Mel?Mel I’m sure. I’ve lived here ten years! Now follow the signs to Grange Park.Grandpa Are you sure, Mel?Mel (Aggravated) I’m sure. I’ve lived here ten years! Now turn right after the supermarket.Grandpa But, are you sure, Mel?Mel I’m sure, I’ve lived here ten years! Do you know where you are now?Grandpa Yes, of course I do. I’ve lived with you for six months now.Mel Calm down, Dad. You’ll soon be home.Grandpa Thank goodness for that. Put the kettle on will you?Mel I’ll do better than that. I’ll come out and meet you outside and meet you.Grandpa It’s OK. You don’t need to. I’m fine now. Just make me a nice cup of tea.Mel Bye Dad. (Puts phone down) He’ll go mad when he sees he can’t park for all the guests at

the party next door. Old men like Dad hate loud music!Grandpa (Getting out the car as loud music starts) Pardon, Mel? I can’t hear you?Mel (Shouts) Sorry about the party, Dad. Looks like you’ll have to park round the corner.Grandpa Actually, Mel. You can go and park the car. I’m going to the party! (dances off the stage)

Mel (Holds head in hands, shaking her head) He just doesn’t make any sense sometimes. I suppose that’s why I love him!

5 th June 2016 Luke 7.11-17 Receive

The spider

Before the puppet sketch starts, a group of singers sing ‘Incy wincy spider’, illustrated by a model spider. Lily finds a spider in the bath and screams. Dixie arrives and also goes berserk. Mel offers to flush the spider back down the plug hole, but Lily pleads for it to be taken outside without being hurt. Mel does so.

Theme: Lily feels compassion for the spider and wants to save its lifeRoots themes explore: God’s initiative and compassion; restoration of wholeness; giving God his true value

Humour: Our irrational fear of spidersLily and Dixie’s excessive screamingMistaken notion of the spider having a family lifeContrast between Lily’s fear of spider and desire to save its lifeMel talks to the spiderLily thinks the drama has saved her from having to have a bath – but she’s wrong!

Props: SpiderTissueSign saying: ‘In the bathroom’

IntroductionFind out who’s afraid of spiders (be honest!) Discuss whether the fear is rational or not. If a spider was found in the house, would it be better to get rid of it as fast as possible, or carefully take it outside? Who would be brave enough to do that? How difficult can it be to gather up the spider without hurting it? Show the artificial spider to be used in the sketch and tease with it. Try to make it look scary!

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘The spider’

After the Puppet SketchExplain that Mel was surprised when Lily changed from being scared of the spider to wanting to protect it from harm. Can anyone explain Lily’s different feelings? Affirm anyone who expresses compassion for spiders.Point out that if we feel that way about spiders, then God must care about us even more than that. Spiders don’t have families to mourn for them, but we do and God cares about those who are in mourning.

Listen to the Bible story and think about how the mourning mother must be feeling at the funeral of her son.

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? In the bathroom Title of sketch: The spider

Singers (Rhyme acted out with pretend spider) Incy, wincy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun and dried up all the rain. The incy wincy spider climbed up the spout again. (Spider sits conspicuously on the stage)

Mel (offstage)

Lily it’s time for you to have your bath. Please can you go into the bathroom while it’s empty.

Dixie (Enters and sniffs the spider) Woof! The bathroom isn’t empty. Lily doesn’t like spiders. She’s going to scream! (exits as Lily enters stage)

Lily Why were you in the bathroom, Dixie? (sees spider) The bathroom isn’t empty. There’s a huge spider (screams again) It’s enormous! It’s the biggest spider in the world (screams) It’s probably poisonous too! (screams again) Dixie, come back and save me from this giant spider!

Dixie (Returns; barks while Lily screams; runs around in circles then exits)Mel (offstage)

What’s the matter, Lily. I know you don’t like having a bath, but there’s no need to scream like that!

Lily (Stammering) MMmmmmum, th… there’s a huge sssspider. (points)

Mel (Enters) It’s a tiny spider, Lily, much smaller than you! Don’t make a fuss!Lily But Mum, I’m scared of spiders!Mel Don’t worry, Lily. I’ll turn the tap onto it, flush it down the plug hole and

put the plug in. The spider will soon be gone.Lily You mean… you mean… you’re going to kill it!Mel I’ll get rid of it for you. I thought you’d be happy?Lily No Mum, don’t hurt it! Please, please pleeeeeese don’t hurt it!Mel I don’t understand! Just now you were scared of the spider. Now you

want to save it?Lily Of course, Mum. That spider will have a mother and maybe a father. It

probably has children who will cry if it dies and become poor little orphan spiders. And it will have spider school-friends…

Mel Err, Lily, I don’t think spiders go to school, or have family quite like us.Lily Just don’t hurt it. Promise me you won’t hurt it, Mum!Mel OK, Lily I’ll catch it carefully and take it outside. Happy? (Lily nods vigorously

and Dixie barks from offstage) Be quiet, Dixie, you’re not helping! (Mel gathers up

spider in a tissue) Look, Lily it’s not hurt – see!Lily (Jumping back with another little scream) Ugh! Take it away!Mel OK Lily. Whatever you say. (exits; speaks from offstage) There, there little

spider. Everything’s going to be OK. You’ll soon be back home.Lily Hooray! The spiders gone. I don’t have to have a bath. I can stay dirty!Mel (offstage)

Lily! Don’t forget to have your bath! (Lily groans and exits)

12 th June 2016 Luke 7.36-8.3 Give thanks

Stolen make-up

Ben catches Lily ‘borrowing’ Mel’s make-up and perfume to wear and put onto her doll as a ‘welcome home’ surprise. Ben vows to ‘tell’, but Mel appreciates the effort her daughter has made to welcome her home.

Theme: Mel forgives Lily for borrowing her make-up and appreciates the hugs and welcome homeRoots themes explore: Removing barriers; recognising forgiveness and expressing gratitude; the power of touch

Humour: Sibling rivalryMake-up gets everywhereDolls face looks ‘over-done’Lily and her doll reek of perfumeThe make-up rubs off onto Mel’s clothesLily can rely on her brother to ‘tell’ on her

Props: Make-up (including red lip-stick)Bottle of perfumeDoll with washable face (called Nutella)Brown paste (looks like Nutella)Wet baby-wipeWashable, white coat for MelSparkly dress/accessories for LilySigns saying: ‘Mel’s bedroom’ and ‘By the front door’

IntroductionDiscuss how it feels to go home, back to family/relatives after a time of separation. How do family members show that they are pleased to see each other again? How might they feel in the moments before arriving home?Explain that Mel has been away from home for a few days. She has missed the children and they have missed their Mum. So has Nutella, Lily’s doll with a taste for chocolate spread.

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘Stolen make-up’

After the Puppet SketchHas anyone in the room ever ‘borrowed’ their mother’s make-up or perfume when they were little? Did they mean harm or were they just playing? What might be an appropriate punishment for such a crime if the child was only young?Whilst acknowledging that it was naughty, Mel forgave Lily easily because she was so touched by the warm welcome Lily had given her on her return home. What did Lily do to welcome her mother home? (hug, pretty dress make-up/perfume on herself/doll) How did this contrast with Ben’s behaviour? (too busy playing game to come and greet Mel)Mel appears to have been more pleased with Lily’s welcome than she was cross about the perfume/make-up. What does this tell us about Mel’s priorities in life? (She appreciates Lily’s efforts to be kind to other people more than she values her own possessions.)

In the story today we read about Jesus meeting someone who was avoided by most people. What will He do? Listen and decide whether Jesus has the right priorities. How should we respond to people who are normally shunned?

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? Mel’s bedroom Title of sketch: Stolen Make-up

Lily (To doll) Keep still, Nutella. I’m trying to wash your face. (holds up doll with dirty brown mouth, then drops it) That was careless of you, Nutella. I’m trying to wash the chocolate sauce off your mouth. Mum’s coming home soon. (assistant cleans Nutella’s face, then adds overdone red lip stick, then hands doll back to Lily) Keep still while I put lip-stick on you!

Ben (Enters) What are you doing in Mum’s bedroom, Lily? (gasps) Mum will be so cross if she knows you’ve been messing with her make-up!

Lily Well, she won’t know, will she?Ben She will know because I’m going to tell her!Lily You’re mean! Why can’t you just keep a secret?Ben A secret! Just look at that dolls face! (snatches doll, shows audience dolls face with too much

lip-stick) It’s just so obvious! Some secret that is!Lily Give Nutella back to me. (they tug of war over the doll)Ben Poor Nutella. If she needs a silly name, how about ‘Lip-stick’? Or ‘Scented pink

carnation’? (throws doll back to Lily, exits laughing)Lily (Cuddles doll) Don’t take any notice of my nasty brother, Nutella. Here’s some eye

shadow. Some for you and some for me. There’s some blusher here too. Some for you and some for me. Now the perfume – some for you and some for me. Quick! I need to put on my party dress. I want to look like a beautiful Princess to welcome Mum home. (rushes away with doll, dropping make-up and leaving a mess)

By the front door

Mel Kids! I’m home!Lily (Enters looking sparkly with doll) Hi, Mum. Do you think I look pretty?Mel You’re always beautiful to me, my bonnie lass! (they hug) Let go for just a moment

while a take my coat off (sees the lip-stick stains on coat) errrrr… what are those red marks on my coat, Lily?

Lily (Gasps) I I I don’t know. Do I smell nice, Mum? (Mel sniffs and sighs)Mel That smells like my make-up, Lily. Have you been in my bedroom?Lily No Mum. (shakes head vigorously)Mel It’s lovely to see you again, Lily. (exit Lily) But where’s Ben? (calls) Ben!Ben (offstage)

(Shouts quietly because he’s engrossed with game) Hi Mum!

Mel I’m back! Are you coming to see me at all?Ben In a bit. When I’ve finished this gameMel (Disappointed) Oh!Ben (Enters) Hey, Mum! Lily has been stealing your make-up.Mel So Ben, the son who can’t be bothered to come and welcome me home is telling

tales! Well, since Lily gave me such a lovely hug, I think I can forgive her for using my make-up. Clearly, she made an effort and was excited I was coming home. Not like you, young man! (messes up his hair jokingly) But I still love you both. However, first things first. It’s bath time for both of you! You need to tidy up too!

19 th June 2016 Fathers’ day Luke 8.26-39 Act

Costume needed?

Ben asks Grandpa to help him find a costume for a play. He’s to be the Emperor in ‘The Emperor’s new clothes’. Grandpa is alarmed that Ben is expected to appear naked in the play, but Ben assures him that this is not the case.

Theme: Better to be shocked by the truth, than to be crazyRoots themes explore: The disturbing consequences of God restoring the created order; individuals and communities

transformed

Humour: Crown is too big for Ben to wearGrandpa thinks that Ben will have to be naked in the playThe humour in the story demonstrating the stupidity of vanityBen needs to tell Grandpa that she has something caught in her teethGrandpa pretends he’s going to bite Ben for daring to tell him

Props: CrownSign saying: ‘At home’

IntroductionTell the story of ‘The Emperor’s new clothes: A tailor tells a vain emperor that he has made a wonderful suit that can only be seen by those who are smart. Afraid to be thought stupid, the emperor pretends that he can see the imaginary suit and parades through the kingdom wearing nothing. No adult is brave enough to admit to not seeing the suit, but a small boy blurts out the truth. ‘You’re naked!’ Embarrassed to have been fooled by the tailor’s trick, the emperor quickly covers himself up.Ben’s class at school are to perform the story as a play and Ben has been chosen to act the part of the emperor.

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘Costume needed?’

After the Puppet SketchAsk whether Ben was brave to tell his Grandpa about the black bit between his teeth?How much braver was the young lad who told the emperor he wasn’t wearing any clothes! Just imagine the shock in the crowd of grown-ups, all believing they couldn’t see the clothes because they weren’t smart enough. What might they have been saying to each other as they gradually realised that they had all been tricked by the taylor. Sometimes setting things right can be a shocking experience that takes some adjusting to.

Here is a story about the time Jesus met a naked man. Putting things right, caused quite a stir!

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? At home Title of sketch: Costume needed?Ben Grandpa, I’m going to be in the school play and I’ve got the main part!Grandpa Well done you!!! You’ll be famous one day! Which part did you get?Ben I’m the emperor, I boss everyone around. Kneel at my feet, Grandpa!Grandpa (Bows head) At your service, your majesty! (both laugh)Ben Can you help me with my costume. I need a robe fit for an emperor!Grandpa Yes of course your highness. I have a crown… (places on Ben’s head, it falls over eyes)Ben I like my crown but I don’t think I’ll be a very good emperor if I cannot see anyone in

my kingdom… This might be a bit too big for me! Thanks for trying, but I’ve already got a better one that actually fits me at school. There’s something else I need…

Grandpa (Puzzled) Hmmm… So if it’s not a crown you need, is it the royal cape?Ben Nope!Grandpa Urgh? Tell me more about this play. That might help me guess…Ben Oh, it’s ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’.Grandpa (Thinking) Hang on… Isn’t that the story of the taylor who claimed to make a suit that no

one could see unless they were smart?Ben That’s right, Grandpa.Grandpa And the emperor wears a non-existent suit rather than look stupid?Ben Yep!Grandpa Wait a minute… Have I got this right: you’re the Emperor who’s too proud to admit he

can’t see the new clothes?Ben Yep! That’s right, GrandpaGrandpa So that means… Does that mean you have to appear …erm naked on the stage?Ben (Giggles) Yeah – is that all right with you and Mum?Grandpa (Quickly) Absolutely not! How can a school run a play such as this? It is absolutely

appalling! In fact I shall write a letter to complain about…Ben (Interrupting) Only joking! Miss actually asked if I have any baggy underwear that I can

wear to cover me up?Grandpa Do you really want to wear my baggy underwear in a school play?Ben Yep. It’s a really important role to play so it has to be done! As close to flesh colour as

possible so that it looks like I’m naked.Grandpa Mmm I’ll see what I’ve got. How long do you wear the underwear for?Ben Not long. There’s a boy who tells me that I’m not wearing anything and a servant

throws a blanket around my shoulders.Grandpa Mum’s got plenty of blankets you can borrow.Ben It’s OK. The school have got lots of blankets. Little Josh has to throw it.Grandpa Is he shorter than you!Ben Yes, I have to bend my knees (demonstrates)Grandpa Hmmmm. At least the Emperor got to know the truth. Better to be told you’re naked

than to be made a fool of, riding across your kingdom.Ben Do you think so, Grandpa?Grandpa Definitely! I know if I were him that’s what I would want to know.Ben In that case, Grandpa, (pauses) there’s something green between your teeth! I think it

might be some of you salad from lunch time!Grandpa You cheeky boy! Did I really need to know that? How rude! (snarls, then both laugh)

26 th June 2016 Luke 9.51-62 A committed community

The £20 note

Dixie finds £20 in the church and Ben wants to keep it. Grandpa persuades him to give it to the minister. They discuss the cost of discipleship.

Theme: The cost of discipleshipRoots themes explore: The cost of discipleship; making a commitment; looking forward rather than looking back

Humour: Dixie thinks the note’s a mouse and chases itThe more Dixie barks, the more the ‘mouse’ movesTug of war over the noteBen thinks what he can buy with £20Disappointment at not being allowed to keep itThings that Christians can’t do

Props: £20 note attached to cotton so it can move, but not too farSign saying: ‘In church’

IntroductionAsk what is the eighth commandment is? (Do not steal.) Find out whether anyone has ever lost cash and had it returned. Enjoy hearing the stories about how this happened. Does it feel different knowing that you are in a community of honest people?

Place a £20 note on the stage

Introduce the Puppet Sketch ‘The £20 note’

After the Puppet SketchRe-inforce that living for Jesus whole-heartedly may have a cost to it. God may take you out of your comfort zone and give you a special mission. What did Grandpa suggest might help Ben to do the right thing. (pray)Does anyone wish to share something they have given up because they were following Jesus?

Jesus and His disciples experienced a difficult period in today’s Bible reading. Listen out for some of the things that were difficult for Jesus and the people who were with Him at this time.

The Bible Story

© Grace for the Next Generation 2016

Where? At church Title of sketch: The £20 noteDixie Woof, woof, woof, what can! see? (loud windy woof makes money move a little) It moves! It’s alive! It

must be a mouse! (chases it) Mmm if I wait quietly, then pounce, I’ll catch it easily. (waits then

pounces with a bark that makes it move again) Bother and wooferation. (succeeds next time)

Ben (Enters) What’s that, Dixie? Let me see. (Dixie shakes head vigorously) Come on, Dixie. Let me see! (Tug of war) Ohhh! £20! Let’s not tear it.

Dixie (Lays down the note, barks and blows it away just as Ben tries to take it.)Ben Dixie! (picks up the note) I’m rich, I’m rich. I can buy errrr…. Chocolate, lego, more chocolate.

Yep! I could get a lot of chocolate with £20.Dixie (Exits tutting and mumbling) Boys! Always wanting chocolate!Ben I can buy a box of ‘Heroes’, a Kitkat or (local favourite) or (thinks) 100 ‘Freddo’s’ at 20p each

(dances, chants) Freddo’s here we come! (repeat)

Grandpa (Enters) Chocolate? Did I hear someone say chocolate?Ben Look, Grandpa. I found £20.Grandpa Did you now?Ben Well, actually Dixie found it.Grandpa I think you know what you should do with that £20 note!Ben Buy 100 Freddo chocolate bars.Grandpa No!Ben Give it back to Dixie?Grandpa No, give it to (your minister) to find out who lost it.Ben (Disappointed) Ooooo, do I have to?Grandpa That’s what Jesus would want you to do. Give me the money, Ben.Ben (Hands over money very reluctantly) It’s very expensive being a Christian!Grandpa You’re right, there is a cost to following Jesus.Ben It just cost me £20.Grandpa It costs more than that!Ben How much did you put in the collection plate, Grandpa. Is it expensive coming to church

here? Perhaps another church would be cheaper?Grandpa Oh Ben, you’ve misunderstood what the collection is for. Church services are free. I choose

to give money to the church to be used for God’s work. It means the church can organise events and help people who might not hear about Jesus. But the real cost isn’t in money. It’s how you live.

Ben Yeah, like having to get out of bed instead of a Sunday lie-in!Grandpa Exactly, but you do it for Jesus. As you get older you might not be able to join in with

everything that your friends do.Ben Tom has that problem already. Some of his friends are bullies. He tries not to join in, but

sometimes he can’t help himself.Grandpa That can be difficult and you have to pray about it. Sometimes God asks grown-ups to move

far away from home to do a special piece of work.Ben Leave home? I’d love my own flat! …But it does sound expensive! (thinks) It might be more

than the £20 I found!Grandpa Yes, a lot more than £20! But it’s not about the value of what we give up. It’s about doing so

willingly. Jesus willingly died on the cross for you, Ben. What are you willing to do for him?Ben If Jesus did that willingly, it’s not much to give up a warm bed on a Sunday morning. But

sometimes it gets really hard to do God’s work!Grandpa Ah, that’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. We can ask him to help us become

more like Jesus. Shall I put this money to (your minister)?Ben (Reluctantly) I suppose so! (Both exit)