The Story of Pentecost is one of the most dramatic in our Christian heritage. The celebration of the birthday of the church is gradually gaining the attention it deserves. We provide three possible ways of telling the story.
The Scripture as Reader’s theatre
The Reading Acts2
Mary of Magdala
...dancing in the Spirit
Drama
Ralph Milton’s story adapated as a chancel drama bySusan Heydt,
This season will begin with a series of five Sundays featuring stories of the early church. Following that are nine weeks on the Abraham, Isaac, Jacob saga, and finally taking us to Advent, stories about Jesus and a five-Sunday series on the prophets.
A continuation of the Pentecost story. The same Peter who is constantly putting his foot in his mouth during Jesus’ earthly ministry, finds the passion to become a skilled orator at the birthday party of the Christian church.
The reading: Peter Finds His Voice
We all dream of a utopia where all the problems that beset us are solved in peace and concord. Various attempts at such communities are mentioned, plus the early church’s attempt.
The reading: Sharing Everything
Church problems lead Stephen into a position of leadership, and that leads to his execution by stoning.
The reading: The Stoning of Stephen
Paul – how he moved from being a persecutor of Christians to becoming its most famous Christian theologian and activist.
The reading: Conversion of Paul
How early Christianity moved from being a Jewish sect to welcoming all believers regardless of who they were. A story about inclusivity.
The reading: Peter’s Dream
Abraham and Sarah are called to pick up and move to who knows where. Abraham’s ethics take a beating as he uses Sarah to save his own skin.
The reading: An Ancient Tale of a Tribe on the Move
When the geriatric ward becomes the maternity ward. The improbable story of Sarah and a child called “laughter.”
The reading: Sarah and a Child Called Laughter
The story (poem): To Proclaim a Dancing God
The legend of the beginnings of the Arab race – the painful, powerful story of a rejected and abused woman.
The reading: Hagar and the Birth of a Nation
The story: Hagar: Is This Your Idea of a Good Time, God?
Abraham’s test of faithfulness – the call of God or the call of love.
The reading: Abraham is Called to Kill His Son
The story: On The Other Hand: Abraham’s Soliloquy
Rebekah is a model of strength and endurance in a life that offers very few options.
The reading: Finding Rebekah
The story: Rebekah and the Ten Stinking Camels
The first part of a story of two men representing two nations. A tale of deception and rivalry.
The reading: Esau and Jacob – Sibling Rivalry
The story: Esau – At Least Dad is On My Side
Jacob is on the run – running from his brother and running from himself. The cheater hears God’s call and makes a promise.
The reading: Jacob’s ladder
The story: Jacob’s Promise
Jacob wanders to the home of his uncle, and falls in love with Rachael. But the cheater meets his match in his uncle, who tricks him into marrying the wrong woman.
The reading: Jacob – the cheater is cheated
The story: Leah – unattractive and unloved
Jacob – Wrestling With God
The story: Limping Into the Future
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