Sun 12 April 2015

[ Introduction: leader picks child to knock on bin, everyone calls 'come out Stinky!', Stinky comes out singing his intro tune ]

STINKY: [Sad] Hello little monkeys...

LEADER: Hello Stinky! Hey, I have something to show you. Some exciting news to tell you!

STINKY: [Sad, unexcited, down] Oh...

LEADER: Hey, you sound a bit down -- what's up?

STINKY: Oh, I'm sad. I'm feeling left out.

LEADER: Really? Why?

STINKY: Well, I heard that Mr Dave is having a big party...

LEADER: Yes! It's going to be great.

STINKY: Yes. And all the people from church are invited...

LEADER: I know! It's so kind of him to invite everyone. He said he's going to cook a great BBQ for all of us. And then he's going to clean up everything!

STINKY: That sounds kind.

LEADER: It's amazing kind!

STINKY: I know. But he invited all the people. And I'm a puppet. I also want to come, but I'm not in the right group. So I'm feeling left out.

LEADER: Ah, Stinky!

STINKY: Mr Dave is usually kind to me. It's a mystery!

LEADER: Well, remember how I said I wanted to show you something?

STINKY: Yes. That's a mystery too!

LEADER: Well, it's in my pocket. I'm going to take it out and reveal the mystery. Ready?

STINKY: OK!

LEADER: Here it is... [takes out invite and holds it up so Stinky and audience can see]. Kids, what does this look like? [An invitation]

STINKY: [Bit more excited] An invitation?

LEADER: Yes! Kids, who can read who it is for? [get response, 'Stinky']

STINKY: For me?! I like this mystery!

LEADER: [Opening envelop and reading invite] Well, let me read it for you... 'Dear Stinky, You and your puppet friends are invited to my BBQ party. I hope you can make it. From your friend, Dave'

STINKY: Oh, I'm invited too! That's great news! Mr Dave is even kinder than I thought! Thank you for revealing that mystery Mr Nathan!

LEADER: I'm happy to! I got the special job of telling you. Dave asked me to show you the invite and tell you the news. Now you can enjoy all the good things in the party.

STINKY: Yes! Mr Nathan, this makes me think of a question... Is anyone left out of God's invitation?

LEADER: Good question Stinky! Well, remember how God promised Abraham that he would become a great people? God's people of promise?

STINKY: Yes! It was called Israel. But what about all the other peoples -- like us in Australia?

LEADER: Ah! He gave Abraham a hint. God promised him that all peoples would be blessed through him.

STINKY: Oooh, a hint! So it was a mystery...

LEADER: Yes. But now it's revealed!

STINKY: Who revealed it?

LEADER: In the Bible, the apostle Paul says that God gave him the special job of telling everyone else that they could also join God's people.

STINKY: But how?

LEADER: By trusting in Jesus. When Jesus came, the mystery was revealed. See this Bible verse: [Read aloud]

[ Slide (Eph 3:6): Here is the mystery. Because of the good news, God's promises are for Gentiles as well as for Jews. Both groups are parts of one body. They share in the promise. It belongs to them because they belong to Christ Jesus. ]

STINKY: Who are 'Gentiles'?

LEADER: 'Gentiles' are the rest of the world -- even us in Australia, a long way away. Look at all the good things we can have when we trust Jesus...

STINKY: What?

LEADER: We also inherit God's good gifts.

STINKY: Amazing!

LEADER: We also are in the same body, the same family.

STINKY: Super amazing!

LEADER: And we also are included in the promise of blessing.

STINKY: Super epic awesome amazing!

LEADER: Yes! Let's see our Bible Bite:

[ Slide: Bible Bite: God invites everyone to be his people and enjoy his gifts. ]

LEADER: Stinky, can you have a go?

STINKY: Eh... Dave invites everyone who will bring a mystery gift?

LEADER: Oh Stinky! Let's say it together everyone. [Read aloud]

STINKY: Oh, I better go now. Thank you for the invitation. And thank you for teaching me. Bye bye little monkeys!

Category: scripts Tagged: Salvation Grace Pride Exclusion Promise Belonging Jesus Revelation