Real Puppets, Real Issues: A Collection of Puppet Scripts, Addressing Real Issues in the American Church

By Paul Reed

It is no secret that some people are feeling alienated from the church, for various reasons; social status, sexual orientation, or how they dress, among others. For these reasons, as well as others, some have felt compelled to leave the church. The purpose of this book is to minister to those very people; to show them that although the church is not perfect, Jesus Christ is real and alive and will never mistreat them or abuse them; that in His heart there is a place for them too. Perhaps the most important part of ministering to those feeling like there is no spiritual home for them in the church, is to demonstrate that, while the church struggles to exemplify the love of Christ, Christ Himself is still real and is still alive and loves each and every one with a deep and abiding love. It is my hope that those who either read these scripts or see them performed will come to realize that Christ is calling us all and we have only to say Yes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504982054

Book preview

TRUE GIVING

(Johnny enters one side of the stage, on the phone, with Mrs. Jones; Mrs. Jones enters on the other side of the stage, on the phone, with Johnny)

Mrs. Jones

I just wanted to thank you again, Johnny. It was really sweet of you to save up all your money and give it to our homeless shelter.

Johnny

Oh, that’s alright, Mrs. Jones. I’d rather spend it on the shelter than buy some silly toy for myself.

Mrs. Jones

You’re such a kind, mature young man. I wish more kids were like you.

Johnny

Aw shucks. I’ll see ya later, Mrs. Jones. I’ve gotta finish my homeowork.

Mrs. Jones

Ok. Bye bye, dear. (exits)

Johnny

Now, let’s see, might as well get math out of the way. Worst comes first, I always say.

(Max enters)

Max

Johnny, do you have a moment?

Johnny

Sure, Dad. I’m just about to do my homework.

Max

Well, that can wait a few minutes. Johnny, as you know, I hold a very important position in the church.

Johnny

I know. You hold the door open for Mrs. Smith when she walks in every Sunday.

Max

No, that’s not what I mean. I mean I’m the church treasurer.

Johnny

What’s a treasurer?

Max

It’s the person in charge of the church’s money. Whatever people put in the collection plate on Sundays, I count it and see how much there is.

Johnny

Oh, well, that’s nice Dad, but I gotta do my homework.

Max

My point is, Johnny, that I was going through the money the past few Sundays and it was lower than normal.

Johnny

Really?

Max

Really….and I have reason to believe that you haven’t been tithing lately.

Johnny

How do you know it was me?

Max

Because you’re eight years old.

Johnny

So?

Max

So, you’re the only eight year old in the church and everyone else who tithes is old enough to have checks, which means you’re the only person who uses cash.

Johnny

You’re saying there’s no cash in the collection plates?

Max

That’s what I’m saying.

Johnny

Are you sure? Mr. Jenkins usually puts money in…..actually, it’s usually monopoly money.

Max

No, it wasn’t Mr. Jenkins.

Johnny

What about Old Man Wilson, the billionaire? I saw him put in a whole dollar one time.

Max

No, it wasn’t Old Man Wilson, the billionaire. Now, quit stalling, son and answer me straight. Have you stopped tithing?

Johnny

Well, yeah, I have. Ya see, Dad, I-

Max

Why on Earth would you stop tithing?? Don’t you know how important it is and how bad I look as the church treasurer if my own son stops tithing? I mean, what will people think?!?!

Johnny

They’ll think I stopped tithing so I could save up my money and give it to the homeless shelter. That’s what they’ll think!

Max

Why would they think that??

Johnny

Because that’s what I’ll tell them if they ever ask me!

Max

Wait, you really did that?

Johnny

Yes! I just got off the phone with Mrs. Jones and she was telling me how grateful she was for the money and what they’re going to use it for.

Max

I’m sure she was just being polite. I seriously doubt it made that much of a difference.

Johnny

Then, why do you think it would have made such a difference if I put it in the collection plate?

Max

Because people can see it! Besides, I’d rather you put your money somewhere where it will make a difference, instead of throwing it away on a homeless shelter where it can’t make any difference!

Johnny

Why wouldn’t it make a difference? I’ve been saving my money for months, plus working odd jobs around town to make more money and I gave it all to the shelter!!

Max

Who told you to do that?!?!

Johnny

Jesus!

Max

When?

Johnny

In the Bible and in my heart. Ever since I became a Christian, I’ve been wanting to give everything I have to the poor. I gave away my toys, books and movies, but I wanted to give them money too, so I saved up everything I could for months, and gave it all to the shelter, and I know without a doubt that Jesus wanted me to, and that He cared more about the poor in the Bible than He did a collection plate. He never told us to tithe. He told us to give freely to others, whatever we can give them. God doesn’t need our money, but the poor do.

Max

How dare you talk to me like that. Go to your