Holy Hands
by John Wayne Samples
Subjects:
Puppets • Light • Hands • Ministry • Worship
Synopsis:
This was written to introduce the church's puppet ministry -- Holy Hands -- to the congregation.
It also demonstrates yet another way people can be
involved in ministries, even untraditional ones.Purpose:
Designed as a Call To Worship, this should bring people to the throne with a light heart while reminding them that worship is for God, and all worshipers are welcome.
Staging:
A place for a singer and something for the puppet to hide behind.
2 Characters:
A singer (a real one that the audience is familiar with), and the puppet (any of your choosing).
Props:
A puppet would be good.
Notes:
You will almost certainly need to modify this sketch to match your specific situation Don't be bashful; make it work for you.
Just as they normally would, the Singer sings 1st verse of Shine Down Your Light. As he/she begins the chorus, a 2nd voice joins in "making a joyful noise." From a drape or other puppet stage behind the singer, a "hand" appears bouncing a spotlight or flashlight in time with the music. As singer becomes aware, he/she stops singing, then has the music stop. The puppet rises up from behind the drape, holding the light, and still singing.
Hold it. HOLD IT!Singer
Puppet
Singer
Puppet Looking around..
Looking around...What happened to the music. That was pretty good stuff.
Singer
Hey, I'm asking the questions here!
Puppet "Characterized"...
Singer
You stopped it.
Puppet
I don't think sooooo. I was still
singing. I think YOU stopped it.
Singer Realizing
Realizing.Humph. You're right. But I stopped it BECAUSE of you.
Puppet
I don't think sooooo. I think you stopped it
because of YOU. Because YOU weren't comfortable singing with a puppet. Because I'm
different. Because I'm unusual. Because I'm not what you're used to.
Singer
Weeeellll...
Puppet
Hey, these are all qualities that make us able
to reach people in our own unique ways. So, what's your problem?
Singer
Well, You have to admit that worship is for
people, not for PUPPETS.
Puppet
I don't think sooooo. Worship is for THE
LORD. For God. And WE can worship, too.
Singer
What do you mean, "WE"? Puppets are
just, ah, ...
Puppet
Puppets are just tools of the trade. We just
USE puppets as another way to tell the Good News. You shouldn't get hung-up on the outward
appearances. You've got to look at what's inside. And at the message. That's what we help
people do.
Singer
WE! WE! WE! What do you mean by WE?
Puppet Looking behind
the drape...
Well, there's Carol, and James and Deb and...
He reaches down and pulls the main puppeteer up by the hair.
...and of course my favorite, Ben.
Singer Still not sure.
Okay... So, what's with the light?
Puppet
What's with the light? It's a visual aid of
course.
Singer still doesn't get it.
[Singer's name], what's the name of the song we were just singing before we were so rudely interrupted?
Singer ponders the questions just a moment.
Singer
Shine Down Your Light... I get it!
Puppet Flashing the
light in singer's eyes.
So, are you comfortable singing with a puppet, yet?
Singer
Uh, not yet. But I will work on it.
Puppet
Good. Because you might see us popping
up just about anywhere. From kids programs to special events to sketches like this one.
Singer
Sketches? You mean this is just a sketch?
Puppet
No! We're both stuck in the Twilight Zone.
Makes do-do-do-do Twilight Zone-type sound.
Singer
I don't think sooooo!
Hey, if this sketch is over, let's finish the song.
Puppet
Great idea!
To the band or whomever is controlling the music...
Take us home boys!
Band picks it up at the chorus with only a drum click intro.
Singer & Puppet finish the song, getting people to stand up for the last go-round of the chorus.
Singer then leads everyone into next service element, or walks away and lets someone else take over. Duh!
The End