The Race

Drama Script (DRA018) The Race © Jane Hulme 2015 Aim of Script: Use of Script: DRAMA: “THE RACE” (DRA018) To show that the Christian life is like a marathon race and that we need to “run it” with perseverance, keeping our focus on the goal of being with the Lord. In an All Age Worship service the script could be preceded by reading Hebrews 12:1-3. The script could be followed by inviting people to think about which runner they identify with. This could be followed by a talk showing how Jesus “kept going” until his work was finished. Follow this by encouraging people to: i) “keep going” even when following the Lord is hard work. ii) turn away from things that distract them, iii) forgive those who have hurt them, iv) and confess the sins that “weigh them down.” Invite the Holy Spirit to come and minister to people, equipping them with perseverance to keep going. Perseverance, future hope Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 3:14 Narrator, Runners 1-5 T-shirts for the runners, A rucksack with large stones in it for Runner 4, A trophy cup (one can easily be purchased on Amazon at www.amazon.co.uk) A finishing line stretched across the front of the church Main themes: Biblical references: Cast: Props: 2 ........................................................................................................................ (5 runners out of sight lined up at the back of the church......they enter one at a time, running towards the front of the church where there is a “finishing line” and a trophy) Narrator: This morning our London Marathon got off to a really good start. Any minute now you will see the runners as they come within a few miles of the finishing line. Ah here is the first one just coming into view now. (Runner 1 appears at the back of the church and stops after a couple of steps) Runner 1: I’ve had enough of this. I didn’t think that running a marathon would be this hard. I’m off home for a hot bath, a piece of chocolate cake and a relax in front of the TV. (Runner 1 turns around and heads back from where they came from) Narrator: Oh dear, it looks like that runner has given up. What a shame. But look, here is another runner...... (Runner 2 appears at the back of the church and runs a few more steps than runner 1. As he runs he looks left and stops. He talks to an “imaginary” person) Runner 2: Jim, I haven’t seen you for ages. No, I can’t stop...I’m in the middle of a marathon. Yeah....sounds great.....oh go on then, a nice cold pint of beer is very tempting..... © Jane Hulme 2015 (Runner 2 turns left and runs off) Narrator: What’s happening? That runner seems to have got distracted by someone in the crowd. He’s going the wrong way now. He’s not going to make it to the end of the race. But hold on I can see another runner. (Runner 3 appears limping and after a few steps stops) Runner 3: Narrator: Runner 3: I’m in agony. That silly man dressed as a beetroot knocked me over back there. He’s made me twist my ankle. It looks like this runner is hurt....I hope they get some help. I can’t carry on....this is too painful......I’ll have to drop out of the race and it is all Mr Beetroot’s fault......I hate him. (Runner 3 turns round and limps back from where they came from) Narrator: Oh no.....it looks like this runner has dropped out of the race. What a shame when there is medical help on hand......but wait here’s another runner coming into view. (Runner 4 appears with a big and heavy rucksack on his bag and walking slowly stooped over stopping every couple of steps. After a few steps Runner 4 stops) Narrator: Runner 4: Narrator: Runner 4: Goodness me, what is that runner carrying? He seems to have a very heavy rucksack on his back. No wonder he is struggling to make progress in this race. I’m not sure he’ll ever make it to the finishing line. This backpack is so heavy.....my back is killing me. It feels like this load is pulling me down into the ground. I wonder why he doesn’t simply take his rucksack off......he doesn’t need to run with that. I think I’ll just sit down here.....I need some strength to keep on carrying this heavy load. (Runner 4 sits down where he is. Runner 5 appears from the back of the church and runs towards the front of the church. All the time he is running, his face is fixed on the trophy) Narrator: Wow, look at that runner go.....and look how focused he is. His eyes are fixed on that trophy......... I think he is going to be the winner of this year’s marathon race. (Runner 5 reaches the end and runs through the finishing line. He then picks up the trophy and holds it up high) Runner 5: I’ve made it. I’ve won. Yeeeees..... I’ve won the prize that I’ve had my eye on all through this race. What a fantastic feeling to have finished. (All actors freeze) Narrator: “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14) (Exit all) © Jane Hulme 2015 3