Biblical Characters

        An interest of mine has always been 'bringing the biblical story to life'.  Over the course of the years of my ministry,  I used drama in a variety of ways, finally settling on 'biblical monologue' because it was so much easier to recruit (and direct) one person, than to direct a whole cast (though I did that too).

       I realized earlier this year that I have acquired over the years, quite a collection of monologues of various characters from the biblical narrative.  It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to collect them all into one place.   I spent a month or so doing that, and putting together all the monologues into a spiral bound booklet.  I thought that maybe if I had a collection assembled  I might be in a better position to continue that ministry in a new way, since I am no longer the worship leader.

    I gave a copy of that booklet to the new pastor and asked him to look at them and see if he would be willing to include a monologue from time to time.  After reading them, he indicated that he thought I have a special gift in this area.    He suggested that we have the characters appear as 'special guests' for the children's message.  We are now into a pattern of doing one each month, as long as a particular person can be connected to the worship theme for that day.   So far, so good.

   Yesterday, the second Sunday of Advent, focused on John the Baptist.  I had asked a particular man from the congregation to do the monologue.  He is an especially talented actor who performs at the local Center for the Performing Arts, and also directs.   I thought that perhaps he might memorize the script, which he did.     He did just a superb job of portraying the character of John the Baptist.

   For me, it was a unique experience.  I got an inkling of how it might feel for a playwright to see her work performed on stage.

Clearly, the congregation enjoyed it as well, as they could scarcely contain their robust applause,  though applause is usually not expected during worship.

   And I am quite sure,  because of the quality of that portrayal,  that the children will always remember meeting John the Baptist and hearing his story in person, ( complete with tunic and sandals and staff).