Call to Worship-Drama Skit

Call to Worship-Drama Skit

Themes: Black History; worship during slavery times; worship/praise during times of hardship
Categories: Black History 
Summary:

A group of slaves have escaped temporarily into the deep woods, out of ear-shot of their plantation owners, in order to worship the Lord in their own ways and styles.  But one young girl doesn't understand why they should gather to praise at all, asking "What has God done for us?"  Through the words and music (optional) of the others, she begins to see just how important this "church" really is and she comes to realize that no matter what it shows to the world on the outside, God can set her free on the inside.

 
Notes:

There are several places in this skit for music/singing songs of your choice.  The music does not have to be a part of the skit but it can be if desired.  If music is used, the overall length of the skit will be longer, depending on the music you choose. 

 
Style: Drama

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Characters: 10 (3 Male, 7 Female)
Many of these characters can be gender neutral
Length: 5-8 minutes
 
Excerpt (Sample)

Setting: An outdoor area. The stage can be bare and the scene can be "implied" or you can fill the stage with rocks and logs to make it appear more like a wooded area.

Optional: There are places in the skit that songs can be inserted if you'd like.  If you need help coming up with some ideas for songs, go to the website:  negrospirituals.com for a long list of possibilities.

If you choose not to use music, simply continue on with the skit as written.

As the skit opens, Preacher sits with a Bible in his hands.  He and some of the others, Nettie, Martha, Cora & Casey, are passionately singing a hymn or song together.. This could be any song of your choosing: Amazing Grace, Kum Ba Yah, Jesus Loves Me etc..  As they are singing, Louise frantically paces back in forth, watching off to the side.

After a few moments, Louise is hopeful, as she hears footsteps approaching.  The others hear it too and stop singing.

 

Louise:

(she calls out) Shayla, is that you, child?

Jackson and Rosa enter

Rosa:

No ma'am.  It's only us.

Louise:

Oh.  (disappointed) I thought you were my daughter. 

Jackson:

She's not here yet?

Louise:

No sa' and I'm 'ginnin to get worried.  I'm a'feared somethin' terrible has happened to her.

Jackson:

(looking around) I don't see Marvin either.  Maybe they're together.

Louise:

Their plantations are miles apart. Why would they be together?

Jackson:

Don't rightly know ma'am but I wanted to say somethin' to git that worried look off your face.

Louise:

(smiles) You're a good man, Jackson.

Rosa:

(smiles proudly) That's why I married him.  

Cora:

(looks off to the side) Look, somebody's comin.  Is that her?

Louise:

(calling) Shayla?

Marvin enters limping & having difficulty walking. Nettie and Martha assist Marvin.

Nettie:

Marvin, what on earth happened this time?

Marvin:

I was late getting' to the fields this mornin' and Massa done kicked me until I could hardly walk.

Martha:

Then what are you doin' here?  It's nearly a 2-mile walk from your quarters!

They help Marvin sit down.  He winces a bit as he talks

Marvin:

I wouldn't miss church for nothin' in the world, Miss Martha.  You know it's my only savin' grace. 

Preacher:

(walks over to Marvin and lays a hand on his shoulder) Be strong my brother.  One day when we see our Lord Jesus face to face, and we will be set free.

Marvin:

I know it to be true, Preacher!

Shayla runs in

Shayla:

(calls out) Mama!

Louise:

(relieved) Shayla, my baby!

They hug tightly

Louise:

I was so worried!  Ever since Massa sold you, I fear each day I will never see you again.

Shayla:

I ran all the way, Mama.  I got here as fast as I could.  Mistress told me I had to do extra chores tonight.  She said maybe I learn some manners by doin' more work.

Louise:

You're lucky she didn't do more to you. I'm just glad you're here. 

Shayla:

I don't know why we come here, Mama.  What did God ever do for us?

Louise:

Child, don't you blaspheme our Lord! He's our only hope.

Shayla:

Hope?  We don't have no hope, Mama.  I only come here to see you.

Rosa:

You're wrong, Shayla.  We do have a hope and his name is Jesus.

Marvin:

Amen!

Preacher:

There is only one thing that keeps us strong, child: one thing that helps us cope with bein' separated from our families; one thing that can help us survive the physical and emotional cruelty cast upon us daily; one thing that keeps us sane.

Jackson:

Tell her, Preacher.

Preacher:

That one thing is the power greater than that which inflicts pain on the weary.  That one thing is our hope in Jesus Christ. 

Martha:

Hallelujah!  That is why I sing!

Nettie:

That is why I clap my hands and shout for joy!

Marvin:

That's why I walk 2 miles even when I'm hurtin' on the outside.

Shayla:

But we're slaves.  We're in bondage! How can we rejoice?

Louise:

Child, Moses' people were in bondage too.  They were slaves, just like us.  But God delivered them and one day I know God will deliver us too.

Cora:

And until then, I wanna sing praises!