Do You Feel Like Singin' the Blues?

Got the Blues

Luke 19:18–40 and Mark 11:1–11

Nick is sitting on a table strumming a guitar as he butchers the song he’s made up.

Nick: I got the blues, (strum) oh, yeah, the blues (strum). Dropped my cell phone in the toilet (strum) I’ll never see it again (strum) and the neighbor’s dog (strum) ate my Wii remote (strum). I’ve got the blues (strum) The everything went wrong today so I’m not very happy blues (strum) Yeah, yeah, the blues.

Susanna: (Walks on stage holding her ears) Ow! Ow! What’s that horrible sound?

Nick: I don’t know what you heard that sounded awful, but I’m beginning my musical career.

Susanna: What’s your song about?

Nick: Well, my cell phone fell in the toilet today, so I was pretty upset. Then I found out that Elroy, the neighbor’s dog, ate my Wii remote when he got into our house. Now I can’t play my favorite video games. I won’t even tell you what happened when that kid you babysat yesterday got into my lego models. That’s in the second verse. (Starts to strum) My legos are in 80 million pieces ...

Susanna: Please! Stop! It’s okay. I don’t want to hear it. Listen, you just need to know one thing. You weren’t created by God to sing the blues.

Nick: I wasn’t?

Susanna: No. You were created to sing praises to God. He made you to have a close relationship with Him, and it should be fun.

Nick: Are you sure?

Susanna: Yes. Think of all those places in the Bible where it tells us to praise God. (Thinks for a moment) Let all the peoples praise Him. The joy of the Lord is your strength. I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. See? You were made to praise. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, they tried to stop the people from praising God.

Nick: What did Jesus do?

Susanna: He told the leaders that the rocks would start praising God if He stopped the people from doing it.

Nick: I’m going to switch to singing praise. (Strums the guitar as Susanna leaves) Hey, where are you going.

Susanna: If you’re starting a musical career, I think I need some earplugs.

Nick: (Strums and sings off key as he follows Susanna out.) I’m done singin’ the blues.

Susanna: Ouch! Ouch! You’re hurting my ears!

The Importance of Self-Control

Where’s Elroy?

Matthew 4:1–11

Susan comes into class and sees a plate of cookies sitting on a table.

Susan: I wonder where Susanna is. She told me to meet her here so we could go bike riding. (Bumps into the table with the cookies.) What’s this? (Sees the cookies) These look like Susanna’s famous Super Duper Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies. I love her cookies. She probably made them for us to share before we go bike riding. I hope she comes quickly. I can’t wait to eat one.

(Tries to wait patiently.) I’d really like a cookie right now. (Takes a whiff of the cookies) They smell so good! Maybe if I just ate one, she wouldn’t care. (Stops herself.) No, I need to use my self-control and make myself do the right thing and wait. (Begins to pace back and forth) But if Susanna made them to share anyway, it shouldn’t matter if I eat one now, right? It would just be a waste of my self-control to not eat one of these wonderful cookies. It would only be one. (Inner struggle.) I can’t stand it anymore. I’m going to eat one right now. (Grabs a cookie and gobbles it down.) Mmmm! Mmmm! They’re so good. I love it. It’s different from her usual recipe, though.

Nathan: (Enters looking around for someone.) Elroy! Elroy! Where are you? Elroy!

Susan: Who’s Elroy?

Nathan: The neighbor’s dog. I’m watching him for the day. He keeps hiding, and I have to call him to get him to come out. Elroy! Here boy!

Susan: Too bad he doesn’t like cookies. If you gave him one of these, I’ll bet he’d come out.

Nathan: Great idea. You know, I actually made these myself.

Susan: You? I thought they were Susanna’s Super Duper Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies.

Nathan: Nope. The neighbors gave me the recipe for Elroy’s favorite homemade doggy biscuits. They’re great for dogs. (As Nathan keeps looking for Elroy, he describes what’s in the cookies, and Susan starts to pantomime gagging behind him) They have meat drippings, chicken bouillon, powdered dry milk, parsley, rice flour, oh, and activated charcoal plus a bunch of other stuff. (Turns around and sees Susan finally cover her mouth and rush out of the room.) What’s wrong with her? Oh well. (Takes plate of cookies and exits calling for Elroy.) Elroy! Here boy. I have your favorite treat!

Warning: Faithfulness Hazard Ahead

Faithfulness Hazard

Scripture: Ruth

(Nick is sitting in a chair playing a video game.)

Nick: I am so awesome! Take that, villainous scum from the planet Zotox. You will never destroy another digital space ship of mine again. Ha ha!

(Susanna enters stage right with a library book and sets it down next to Nick.)

Susanna: Hey, Nick. Don’t forget you promised to take my library book back before they open. I don’t want to get a fine because it’s late.

Nick: (Not paying any attention to her as he plays his video game.) Yeah, sure. I’ll do it in a minute.

Susanna: Okay. Thanks! (Exit stage left)

Nick: One billion points. I am the master of the universe!

Justin: (Enters stage left and pauses to give Nick a reminder.) Hey, Nick, don’t forget the big game today. It’s the finals and you’ve got to be on time. (Keeps walking and exits stage right.)

Nick: (Absent mindedly) Right. I’ll be there.

Ariana: (Enters stage right) Hi, Nick. Susanna told me to remind you not to forget that you’re supposed to drop off those cookies she made for the TRU bake sale. You only have about ten minutes to get there before they close up the table.

Nick: (Absent mindedly playing game.) I won’t forget.

Ariana: Okay. (Exits stage left.)

(After a moment of video game play, Nick stands up and stretches.)

Nick: Wow! I’ve been playing this video game for so long that I’m hungry. (Pauses and looks thoughtful for a minute) You know, it seems like there was something that I was supposed to do today, but I can’t remember what it was. Oh well. It probably wasn’t anything important. (Exits stage right.)

(Teacher takes a moment to talk to the kids about being faithful, and how Ruth was faithful to Naomi.)

Teacher: Boys and girls, do you think it’s kind of important to be faithful? (Yes) I wonder what’s going to happen to Nick when everyone finds our that he didn’t do any of the things he said he would do.

(Hear scuffling and shouts from behind stage. Nick comes out one end of stage, pursued by all the people who he told he would do things for. They’re trying to get him as he escapes through the back of the room.)

Teacher: I think I’m going to choose to be faithful. How about you?

Kindness Skit

This Is Your Conscience Speaking

1 Kings 17:7–24

(Nick enters with a paper bag looking pleased. He sits down, ready for lunch.)

Nick: I’ve been waiting all day for this lunch. I wonder what mom packed for me. (Starts pulling out pieces of his lunch.) Ooh! I love peanut butter and jelly. You’re awesome, Mom! Suzi Panzerelli’s mom always gives her liverwurst. Can you believe it? Yuck!

(Pulls out an apple, orange, a couple of granola bars, and finally a package with a desert.) Awesome! My favorite. Ho Hos!

(Susanna walks in, head down, obviously very upset. Doesn’t see Nick at first. She wipes a tear and blows her nose into a handkerchief with a loud honking sound.)

Nick: Hey, Suzanna! Lay off the foghorn, will you? I’m trying to eat.

Susanna: (Startled) Oh! Sorry. I didn’t see you there.

Nick: What’s wrong? Where’s your lunch?

Susanna: (Tries to look brave.) Lunch? Oh, it’s...um...it’s...

Nick: Have you been crying?

Susanna: (Trying to be tough now.) Why would I cry? I mean, maybe I just decided to not have lunch today. Just because it’s lunch time doesn’t mean you have to eat lunch.

Nick: You love lunch.

Susanna: (Bursting into tears, but manages to tell story between sobs.) Okay, you’re right. I love lunch. Mom always packs a great lunch, and I had just set everything out on a table outside when a little kid came up to me to tie his shoes. I helped him out, but his shoe was so knotted up that it took awhile to fix. When I looked up, a stray dog had jumped on the table, eaten my whole lunch, and there was nothing left but dog drool.

Nick: (Incredulous) The whole thing?

Susanna: Even the plastic wrap. (Bursts into tears again.)

Nick: Gee. That’s too bad.

Susanna: I’m sooooo hungry!

Nick: Well, maybe you should just fast and pray today.

Susanna: I guess I’ll have to...unless...(looks hopefully at Nick)

Nick: Oh, no. Don’t look at me. I’m a growing boy, and I need every calorie in this paper bag.

Susanna: Just a little?

Nick: It’s only a few hours until school is over. You can make it until then.

Susanna: I can’t believe you’d do that to your own sister. (Stands up to leave)

Nick: Where are you going?

Susanna: To look at the vending machine. At least it has a good reason not to share. (Stomps out stage right.)

Nick: (Lifts sandwich, about to take a bite.)

Voice: (From microphone.) Ni-i-i-icck.

(Nick looks around, then is about to take another bite, but before he can, he hears the voice again.)

Voice: (From microphone.) Ni-i-i-icck!

Nick: (Jumps up, not able to take a bite.) Who—who’s there? If you’re the dog that ate my sister’s lunch, you can forget about eating mine. You’re not getting it.

Voice: Ni-i-i-ick! This is your conscience.

Nick: (Rolls his eyes.) You? What do you want? I’m eating lunch.

Voice: You need to share with Suzanna, Nick. That dog at her whole lunch. She’s very hungry. Just think how it would be if a dog ate your lunch.

Nick: What? No way. This is MY lunch. Mom made it for me, and I’m hungry! I want to eat it in peace without you or anyone else bugging me, so go away.

Voice: I can’t go away. I’m part of you, Nick.

Nick: Which part?

Voice: The kind part. Remember, God has put kindness in you. It’s time to use that kindness to help Suzanna.

Nick: (Big sigh) You’re really not going to leave me alone, are you?

Voice: Not a chance.

Nick: Okay. I’ll share. You’re right. She’s hungry and it’s the kind thing to do. (Packs lunch and leaves stage right.) Hey, Suzanna! Want an apple?

(Ariana and Suzanna enter stage left. Suzanna takes a bite of an apple. Ariana is holding a microphone.)

Suzanna: Thanks for your help, Ariana.

Ariana: Any time. There’s nothing like your conscience to help you do what’s right.

(Girls give each other high five and exit.)

Peace in a Jail?

Singin’ In the Jail

Acts 16:14–40

Susan on the Spot: This is Susan on the Spot with another late-breaking story. It’s almost midnight, and we’ve received word that someone is actually singing in the local jail. We’re here to cover the story. Let’s see if...

Bystander: Excuse me. Did you say, singing?

Susan OTS: Yes, we had a report that—

Bystander: (Interrupting) Wait. Are you a talent scout?

Susan OTS: Well n—

Bystander: (Enthusiastic) I can spot a talent scout a mile away. Let me just warm up a little over here and I’ll be ready to audition for you in a minute. (Smiling and waving as she moves stage right.)

Susan OTS: You do that. (Makes gesture by head to show the bystander is a little wacko.) Anyway, we’re here to see who could possibly have something to sing about in jail. (Approaches jailed Paul and Silas who are quietly worshiping stage left.)

Susan OTS: Excuse me, but are you singing?

Paul: Yes, we are.

Susan OTS: Why would you sing about being in jail? It’s dark and icky in here. (Jumps.) And did I just see a rat over there. Okay, nobody said there were going to be rats on this assignment.

Silas: Those jail rats are tame. They won’t hurt you.

Susan OTS: So why are you in here, anyway.

Paul: We were telling everyone how to believe in Jesus and be saved.

Silas: But this slave girl with a spirit of divination was following us everywhere pestering us. Finally Paul just cast that spirit out of her in the name of Jesus.

Susan OTS: Her masters were probably very happy that you did that for her.

Paul: Nope. They were mad, because she was doing fortunetelling for them, and now she wouldn’t anymore. So they had us thrown in jail.

Susan OTS: But why are you singing?

Silas: Because I can have peace inside even when things aren’t perfect on the outside.

Paul: And I’m going to praise God no matter what my circumstances are on the outside.

Susan OTS: Wow!

Paul & Silas start to sing Hallelujah. Suddenly, the ground shakes in an earthquake. Paul, Silas, Susan OTS and the Bystander start to lurch around.

Susan OTS: Hey, look! The doors are open and your chains have fallen off! You can go free!

Jailer: (Rushes in.) Oh, no! The doors are open. Now all the prisoners will have escaped and I’ll be in big trouble. I might as well die. (Pulls out his sword)

Paul: Wait! Don’t hurt yourself! We’re all here!

Jailer: (Falls down in front of Paul and Silas) What must I do to be saved?

Silas: You just have to believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.

Jailer: Let me take you home with me. I want to hear more about Jesus. I want my family to be saved too.

(Paul, Silas, and Jailer exit.)

Susan OTS: That’s it for today, folks. Remember that even when things aren’t perfect around you, you can have peace if Jesus in your heart. He is more powerful than any trouble you could run into.

Bystander: Yoo hoo! I’m ready to audition. I’m going to sing Mary Had a Little Lamb. (Starts to sing in an off key while Susan OTS sneaks out with her ears covered. Suddenly the bystander looks around and realizes she’s alone.) Hey! Where did everybody go? (Exits.)

Seed Time

Seed Time Game Show, Number 13

Voice: Welcome to the Sow Your Seed Game Show with your favorite hostesses and mine, Bobby Bling and Chloe Starr!

(Chloe Starr and Bobby Bling come out waving to the kids and saying hello.)

Bobby: Hi there, kids. I’m so glad to be here to day. I just love seeing all of you cheering for me. In fact, I just love me!

Chloe: Um, Bobby... (Bobby continues waving at the kids and ignores Chloe for a little bit.) Bobby..... HEY, Bobby!

Bobby: Oh, were you talking to me? I didn’t notice. What was it you wanted?

Chloe: (Patiently) I just wanted to remind you that we are here to love the kids and to teach them that God loves them. Did you know that love is a seed you can sow?

Bobby: Yes! And I think you should all sow love to me. After all, who is more lovable than me?

Chloe: I’m not going to answer that. Can we get started with today’s show? I’ve got some kids cash to hand out to kids who can give us the right answers.

Bobby: Sounds like a great deal. Let’s get started with question number one. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6, if we want to reap bountifully how should we sow?

A. Just enough seed to get by

B. By leaving all our seed on the sidewalk

C. Bountifully, which means lots and lots

D. Nothing at all

Chloe: (Ask a child to answer) That’s right. We should sow bountifully. The Bible says each one should sow just as he has purposed in his heart to reap.

Question number two. If we sow love towards one another, what will we reap?

A. Thorns and thistles

B. Tomatoes

C. Nachos

D. More love

Bobby: (Ask a child to answer) Great answer! We reap what we sow, and if we sow love, we will reap love. God is love, and He loves us all the time, no matter what we do.

Question number three. What kind of hat does Larry the Cucumber wear in Sheer-luck Holmes?

Chloe: What kind of question is that?

Bobby: Oops! Wrong show. (Flips to another card) How can we sow love?

A. By helping others

B. By being kind to others

C. By forgiving others

D. By thinking of others first

E. All of the above

Chloe: (Ask a child to answer) You’ve got it! Every one of those are ways we can show love and sow love to others. That’s all for today kids. Have a great week and remember: God loves you ALL the time.

Bobby: Are you sure? Does He even love me all the time?

Chloe: Even you, Bobby. Bye, kids.

(They wave as they exit.)

Mwha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Revenge Vs. Love

Nick has had it with Susanna. He’s using his chemistry set to create a Revenge Formula.

Nick: (Pouring a solution into a beaker.) It’s only a matter of time before my formula is finished. Then my plot for revenge on my sister Susanna will be complete. (Adds evil laugh.) Mwha-ha-ha-ha-ha.

Nathan: Hi, Nick. What are you doing?

Nick: I’m working on my Super Revenge Formula. I’m going to get Susanna once and for all.

Nathan: What did she do to you?

Nick: Mom had her do the laundry, and she threw my red sweatshirt in with all my other clothes.

Nathan: So?

Nick: No boy should ever have to wear PINK UNDERWEAR! This calls for serious revenge.

Nathan: What does that stuff do?

Nick: It’s designed to reconfigure her molecular structure in such a way that she becomes invisible. I’ll never have to look at her again. Mwha-ha-ha-ha. (Pours it carefully into a misting bottle.)

Nathan: Can I watch?

Nick: There won’t be much to see, ‘cause she’ll be invisible. Hey, Susanna! Come here!

Susanna: (Enters) What is it, Nick? I’m trying to get my homework done.

Nick: (Nick closes his eyes, turns face toward audience, and holds misting bottle at arm’s length toward Susanna.) That’s what you think! It’s really time for revenge!

Susanna: Hey, there’s the book I need. (She steps past Nick’s arm as he shoots. When he looks, she is standing behind him and he doesn’t see her.)

Nick: (Looking) It worked! I can’t believe it! I’m a genius!

Susanna: Genius? I can’t believe it either.

Nick: Oh yeah? (Still talking to where Susanna was standing.) Just look at yourself. (He grabs a mirror and holds it up to where she was.) You’re invisible.

Nathan: (To Susanna) Is he always like this?

Susanna: Sometimes he’s worse.

Nathan: I find that hard to believe.

(Susanna taps Nick on the shoulder.)

Nick: Not now, Nathan. I’m enjoying this moment.

(Susanna taps again. When Nick turns around, he practically falls over.)

Nick: Auuugh! It wore off already? How can that be?

Susanna: (Looking at Nathan.) I’ll leave him with you now. (Exits)

Nathan: Great. Thanks, Susanna. Look, Nick. You need to forgive your sister. God has put his love in your heart, even for sisters who turn your underwear pink. It’s time to use that love to forgive. Jesus even forgave the people who put Him on the cross.

Nick: Yeah, I suppose that was worse than what Susanna did with the laundry.

Nathan: Of course it was worse! Jesus was innocent. He was the Son of God. But He let those people put Him on the cross because He was going to pay for all our sins. But He also forgave the men who did that to Him, and they weren’t even sorry they did it.

Nick: Wow. That’s some forgiveness.

Nathan: You can do it too.

Nick: Yeah, you’re right. I’ll have a talk with Susanna right now. (Starts to leave, but pauses.) But I’ll keep this special formula around just in case I ever need it. Inviso-man strikes again! Mwha-ha-ha-ha. (Exits, followed by Nathan, who rolls his eyes and shakes his head.)