Family Service
at
St. Augustine's

October 30th 2005

Key :

directions
instructions for congregation
movements during service
prayers and readings
sections of the service

Other information   :

There are some notes on our production of the service.

A rough plan of the church is available.

A note on copyright.

THE SERVICE

The Parable of the Talents

NarratorWe welcome you here in the name of Jesus. May God's Holy Spirit help us to be people who use our talents in God's service.

No collection will be taken during this service. There is a donation box at the back of the church for anyone who would like to give a donation.

Some "house-keeping" information -

  • If anyone would like the music for our hymns today, please put your hand up and we will bring it to you.
  • Toilets are between the church and the hall.
Our theme for today is "The Story of the Talents".

During this service we will be using the symbol of a fir tree to remind us of life in all its fulness.

 Please stand for the hymn

"Fill now my life, O Lord my God."

At the end of this hymn Q 1 comes down hospital aisle.

1.   Fill now my life, O Lord my God,
  In every part with praise;
  that my whole being may proclaim
  Your being and Your ways.

2.   Not for the lip of praise alone,
  Nor yet the praising heart,
  I ask, but for a life made up
  Of praise in every part.

3.   Praise in the common things of life,
  its goings out and in;
  praise in each duty and each deed,
  exalted or unseen.

4.   Fill every part of me with praise;
  Let all my being speak
  Of You and of Your love, O Lord,
  Poor though I be and weak.

5.   Then, Lord, from me You shall receive
  The praise and glory due;
  And so shall I begin on earth
  The song for ever new.

6.   So shall no part of day or night
  from sacredness be free;
  But all my life, with You my God,
  in fellowship shall be.

NarratorPlease sit.

The Story of the Talents

This can be found in Matthew Chapter 25 Verses 14 to 30 and is on Page 1084 of the Church Bibles.

Q 1 comes to centre in front of altar rails.
Q 1I say, I say, I say ! Do you know where the word "talent" comes from ?
ALLNo. Where does the word "talent" come from ?
Q 1It comes from the Bible.
ALLFrom the Bible - what do you mean ?
Q 1It comes from Jesus's story about the talents.
ALLWhat story is that ?
Q 1We'll act it for you now.
Q 1 goes to hospital side.
NarratorOnce there was a man who was about to go on a journey.
Man comes to front down centre aisle with three bags containing coins worth five talents, two talents, and one talent.
NarratorHe called his servants and put them in charge of his property.
Servant 1, Servant 2, Servant 3 come to front down centre aisle and stand to side of Man.
NarratorThe man knew what each servant could do so to the first servant he gave bags of gold coins worth five talents.
Man gives Servant 1 one bag containing five gold coins worth five talents; Servant 1 counts his money.
NarratorTo the second servant the man gave a bag containing gold coins worth two talents.
Man gives Servant 2 a bag containing two gold coins worth two talents; Servant 2 counts his money.
NarratorTo the third servant he gave a bag containing gold coins worth one talent.
Man gives Servant 3 a bag containing gold coins worth one talent; Servant 3 looks at the coins.
NarratorThen the man left on his journey.
Man leaves down aisle.
NarratorThe servant who had received five talents went at once and used the money and earned another five talents.
Servant 1 hurries off down centre aisle jingling his money.
NarratorThe servant who had received two talents also hurried away to use his money and earned another two talents.
Servant 2 hurries down organ aisle looking at his money.
NarratorBut the servant who had received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.
Servant 3 goes and gets spade from side, takes it just behind altar, 'digs' a hole, 'puts' his money in the bag in the hole, 'fills' the hole, returns the spade and goes to back down aisle.

Q 1 comes hurrying from side to between altar rails.

Q 1I say, I say, I say ! Do you know how much one talent was worth in those days ?
ALLNo. How much was it worth ?
Q 1It was equivalent to 15 years' wages for a day labourer.
ALL15 YEARS' wages !
Q 1Yes - 15 years' wages.
ALLWow !
Q 1 returns to the side.
NarratorAfter a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
Man comes down centre aisle and claps his hands. The three servants come running down different aisles, Servant 1  with money bag containing ten bags of gold coins worth ten talents down organ aisle, Servant 2 with money bag containing four bags of gold coins worth four talents down centre aisle. They stand on side of Man. Servant 3 comes down aisle and goes and digs up his one bag of gold coins worth one talent.
NarratorThe servant who had received money worth five talents brought them in with an extra five talents that he had earned.
Servant 1 brings money bag to Man and pours out of the bag ten bags of gold coins worth ten talents; Man tries to hold all the bags - if he drops one or two it doesn't matter.
Servant 1 ( to Man )You gave me five talents and look ! I've earned five more.
Man ( to Servant 1 )Well done, you good and faithful servant ! You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. ( Man puts ten bags into the money bag and gives them back to Servant 1 ) Come on in and share my happiness.
Man leads Servant 1 to his other side.
NarratorThen the servant who had been given two talents came and said -
Servant 2 moves up to Man.
Servant 2 ( to Man )You gave me two talents, sir. Look ! Here are another two talents that I have earned.
Servant 2 hands over money bag with four bags of gold coins in it to Man who looks at all the money.
Man ( to Servant 2 )Well done, you good and faithful servant ! You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. ( Man returns the four bags to the money bag and gives them back to Servant 2 ) Come on in and share my happiness.
Man leads Servant 2 to join Servant 1.
NarratorThen the servant who had received one talent came in and said -
Servant 3 comes to Man from next to altar with his money bag,
Servant 3 ( to Man )Sir, I know you are a hard man; you reap harvests where you did not plant, and you gather crops where you did not scatter seed. I was afraid, so I went off and hid your money in the ground. Look ! Here is what belongs to you.
Servant 3 gives Man his one bag of gold coins.
Man ( to Servant 3 )You bad and lazy servant ! You knew, did you, that I reap harvests where I did not plant, and gather crops where I did not scatter seed ? Well then, you should have deposited my money in the bank, and I would have received it all back with interest when I returned. Now, I'll take the money from you and give it to the one who has ten talents.
Man gives Servant 3's money bag to Servant 1.
Man ( to congregation )For to every person who has something, even more will be given, and he will have more than enough; but the person who has nothing; even the little he has will be taken away from him.
Man ( to Servant 3 )As for this useless servant - throw him outside in the darkness, there he will cry and gnash his teeth.

Servant 3 goes down aisle looking rejected and miserable; Man, Servant 1 and Servant 2 go to back down centre aisle chatting happily together.

When they are at the back Q 1 comes to centre again.

Q 1I say, I say, I say ! Isn't it amazing that this story that Jesus told about the talents has, over time, added the new word "TALENT" to our English language ?
ALLYes, it is truly amazing.
Q 1And now "talent" in English, and incidentally, in French too, means natural ability or aptitude.
NarratorPlease stand to sing the hymn

"Come to us, creative Spirit".

Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
During this hymn Q 1 lines up by wall with Helpers ( people helping with gifts ) who come to side and queue by the side table. Hanger is ready put things on the table and to hang things on the "tree", Server is ready to assist with taking gifts from the side table, stage-hand prepares to pull up "tree" as necessary.

Using our talents for the Glory of God

NarratorPlease sit

Building the Sacred Tent ( called The Tabernacle of the Lord in older translations of the Bible ).

NarratorDuring this story from Exodus we will be decorating a tree with symbols to show the talents which were used to build The Sacred Tent. Let us remember that our skills and talents can also be used for The Glory of God.

About three thousand five hundred years ago, after the children of Israel had been led by Moses out of slavery in Egypt towards the Promised Land, God instructed them to make a Sacred Tent for Him, so that He could live among them.

He invited the people to bring offerings of - gold, silver and bronze;

Helpers bring gifts of gold, silver and bronze to Hanger who places them on the table in front of altar; Helpers return to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorfine linen;
Helper gives gift of fine linen to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorblue, purple and red wool;
Helpers give gifts of blue, purple and red wool to Hanger who places them on the table in front of altar; Helpers return to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorcloth made of goats' hair;
Helper takes gift of cloth made of goat's hair to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorram's skin dyed red;
Helper takes gift of ram's skin dyed red to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helper's queue.
Narratorfine leather;
Helper takes gift of fine leather to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helper's queue.
Narratoracacia wood;
Helper takes gift of acacia wood to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helper's queue.
Narratoroil for the lamps;
Helper takes gift of oil to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; Helper returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorspices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense;
Helpers take gifts of spices to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; helpers return to the end of the Helpers' queue.
Narratorcarnellians and other jewels.
Helper takes the gift of jewels to Hanger who places it on the table in front of altar; helper returns to the end of the Helper's queue.
Hanger moves to tree ready to hang things on it.
NarratorAll these offerings were to be used to make this Sacred Tent.

All who wanted to, both men and women, brought their offerings to the Lord until there was more than enough to complete the work.

Then God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the work. He gave them, also, the ability to teach their crafts to others.

Exodus Chapters 35-39 lists many talents that were used for the building of this Sacred Tent.

Talents such as -

NarratorMetal working in gold, silver and bronze.
Helper brings 'metal working' to 'tree', gives it to hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorWeaving of fine linen.
Helper brings 'weaving' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorSpinning of blue, purple and red wool.
Helper brings 'spinning' to tree, gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorDyeing.
Helper brings 'dyeing' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorLeather working.
Helper brings 'leather working' to 'tree' and gives it to Hanger -who 'hangs' it on the tree and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorCarpentry and carving.
Helper brings 'carpentry and carving' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorOil and spice mixing.
Helper brings 'oil and spice mixing' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorJewel engraving.
Helper brings 'jewel engraving' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorBaking.
Helper brings 'baking' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorSewing and dress making.
Helper brings 'sewing and dress making' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorRope making.
Helper brings 'rope making' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorDesigning.
Helper brings 'designing' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorEmbroidering.
Helper brings 'embroidering' to 'tree', gives it to Hanger who 'hangs' it on the tree, and returns to the end of the Helpers' queue.
NarratorAll the work on the Sacred Tent was finally finished. Moses examined everything and saw that they had made it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Using our own talents for God's work.

NarratorWe thank You, Lord God, for all these talents that were used to make the Sacred Tent.

We thank You, Lord God, for the talents that You have given to each one of us.

Help us to use these abilities to serve You.

ALLHelp us to use our talents to serve You. Amen.
NarratorPlease stand for the hymn

"Take my gifts and let me love You".

Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
During this hymn Hanger and Helpers return to their seats, stage-hand secures 'tree', moves 'fire' to centre in front of table, and switches it on, Soldiers sit around the fire.
NarratorPlease sit.

Using our talents to help other people

Anzac Biscuits

NarratorListen to this story about the Anzac Biscuit which was produced in large quantities for the ANZAC soldiers in the First World War.
Soldier 1 comes hurrying down centre aisle with four letters and two parcels.
Soldier 1The post's here ! ( Handing out parcels to Soldier 2 and Soldier 3 and letters to Soldier 4, Soldier 5, Soldier 6, Soldier 7. ) Here's a parcel for you, and you, and a letter for you.

Nothing for me !

Soldier 2 ( opening his parcel )It's some food ! Oh no ! It's all mouldy and horrible. ( Turning to Soldier 3 ) What did you get ?
Soldier 3 ( opening his parcel )Mine's food too. But look at it - it's all wet and musty. It must have got wet. Ugh !
Soldier 4I'd love some home baking.
Soldier 1Yes, some of Mum's cake ...
Soldier 5Fruit cake
Soldier 3Or apple pie...
Soldier 6Or shortbread
Soldier 2Or steamed pudding...
Soldier 7Or chocolate cake
Soldier 3SHUT UP ! You're making it worse.
Soldier 2Whenever I see a parcel it reminds me....
Soldier 4And I get all hopeful...
Soldier 5And we open them up ...
Soldier 4And the food is all yucky !
Soldier 1I do wish they'd find a way for food to get here safely.

Other soldiersSo do we !
Soldier 1 returns to back.
NarratorThe request went out to all cooks and dieticians - find us a recipe for something that can be baked at home and sent to the troops overseas.

  • It must be good to eat;

  • it must be nutritious and sustaining;

  • it must be made of things that are cheap and easily obtainable ( that means NO EGGS for they are in short supply );

  • it must keep for long periods of time because boats take at least two months to get to Europe and there is no refrigeration;

  • and it must be packed in waterproof containers.

AND THEY CAME UP WITH -
ALLANZAC BISCUITS !
NarratorSoon everyone all over New Zealand and Australia was baking Anzac Biscuits and sending them in airtight tins to the troops in Europe.

Soldier 1 comes hurrying down centre aisle with a letter and two parcels.
Soldier 1The post's here ! ( Handing out parcels to Soldier 2 and Soldier 3 and a letter to Soldier ) Here's a parcel for you, and you, and a letter for you.
Soldier 4Hey, my Mum says everyone's making biscuits and sending them out here. She's sent me some, but they haven't arrived yet.
Soldier 2 ( opening parcel )Biscuits - they're in a tin; they're fresh; ( tasting one ) they're yummy !
Soldier 3 ( opening parcel )Biscuits - they're dry; ( tasting one ) they're great; Try one !
Soldier 2 and Soldier 3 offer biscuits to other soldiers, then move round congregation offering them biscuits too then return to their seats.

Soldier 1, Soldier 4, Soldier 5, Soldier 6, Soldier 7 return to their seats.

Stage hand switches off the 'fire' and moves it away; Stage-hand sets up table, chairs and door ( leaving the door closed ); two Helpers hand out activity for the children.

When biscuits have been eaten and the activity handed out :

Building our church

NarratorDo you know that this church was built as a Memorial Church for those who gave their lives in the First World War ? Many local families fund-raised 'brick by brick' to get this church built.

They used their talents and skills to make things to sell. They contributed their skills and time to help with the building. They did everything they could to build this church as a lasting memorial to those who had died in the First World War and as a place of worship and fellowship for the community of Stanley Bay.

AND they did it during the depression, a truly wonderful testimony to their Lord and Saviour.

Thank You, God, for all the people who used their talents to fund-raise and to build this church.

Help us to use our talents and skills for the good of this community.

ALLHelp us, Lord.

Talent Quest

DV goes to balcony; A, O, M, C, S quietly go to the back.

F comes to front down centre aisle with a piece of paper on a clipboard and a pencil.

FWell, we've asked our congregation to volunteer their talents. We don't know who's coming, but we've asked everyone to bring some sort of notice to identify them, or some tools of their trade. With all this talent engaged in our church affairs we have high hopes of a brilliant future. They're coming today, and we'll let them discuss what to do with their talents in our committee room over there.
A enters down the centre aisle carrying a placard.
FAnd here's the first. Hello ! What's your talent ?
AOh, I'm Accountancy. ( Displays placard ) It's a very important talent for management everywhere; with good accountancy management is made much easier.
F( "writes" on the clipboard ) Accountancy. ( Looks up at A ) That's certainly a valuable talent ! You're the first to arrive, so please take a seat in the committee room ( gestures towards it ) while we wait for the others.
AWho are the others ?
FWe don't know yet - but we expect that lots of people will want to volunteer. I hope we have enough chairs.
AAh, yes. I'd better get one while I can !
As F continues to speak, A opens the door, goes through it, and shuts it behind him, then walks round, selects a seat, sits, displays his placard in front of him. Stagehand switches on the spotlight while the door is open.
FWho's next ? ( O enters down the centre aisle carrying a placard. ) Ah ! here's the second ! Welcome to our talent committee ! What's your talent ?
OOratory. I'm expert at public speaking. I'll be able to give sermons, or inspirational talks, or be the compere for your concerts, or ...
FExcellent ! Just what we need ! ( "Writes" on the clipboard ) Oratory. ( Looks up at O ) We're letting you use the committee room - which is quite soundproof, so you'll be able to talk about whatever you want in complete privacy.
OThat's a good idea !
FNo harm in being careful ! Please go in ( gestures to the door ) and make yourself at home.
OThank you ! ( goes through the door, leaving it open; Stage-hand turns on spotlight ) ( speaking to A ) Hello ! Well, fancy meeting you !
AOh, good - I'm glad that you're here ! I was hoping ....
As A says "glad" O starts to close the door. A stops making any sound just when the door closes ( and stage-hand turns off spotlight ), but continues to mime speech. They continue to mime greeting, sitting down, O displays his placard, they carry on silent conversation.
F( looks at wristwatch - says to himself ) Time's getting on. Where are they all ? ( calls towards the back of the church ) Is there anyone else ?
M and C come down organ aisle carrying placards.
MYes - here we are !
CWait for us !
FDon't worry - you're in good time. Welcome to our committee ! ( to M ) Please tell me what your talent is.
MI'm Music. You can't manage without me. ( F "writes" on clipboard ) Ever since people started to praise God thousands of year ago, I've been there.
C- but I'm a complete newcomer ! I'm Computing. ( F "writes" on clipboard ) People managed perfectly well for thousands of years before I came along, but now suddenly they can't manage without me. That's very strange ! - but anyway here I am.
In the "committee room" A should be "speaking" in mime around now, ready to speak out when the door opens.
F- and you're both very welcome. Go on into the committee room and join the others !
F opens the door; stage-hand turns on spotlight.
A- couldn't get the accounts right, so he had to go. And the vicar was very embarrassed indeed. ( notices the newcomers ) Oh, hello !
FHere are two more for our committee ! We'll wait a little longer, but it's getting rather late now. Perhaps we have too many chairs ?
General greeting, shaking hands, settling down, displaying placards - all in complete silence as soon as F shuts the door ( and stage-hand turns off spotlight ).
F( to himself ) Well, four's better than none. A few more would be nice though. ( S begins to come forward from the back down centre aisle with his stand, making a bit of a noise; F notices him ) Hello - who's this ?
S( Moving clumsily down the aisle with his stand ) Come along, stupid stand. We're going to be late. ( sees F ) Ah - here we are at last ! Is this the talent committee ?
FYes, it is ! - and you're very welcome ! Tell me, what's your talent ? ( prepares clipboard to write. )
SOh, I'm a supporter. For example, I hold things up.
F waits for a few moments, expecting more, then -
FAh. Er. You - er - hold things up ?
S( admiringly ) That's right ! You're pretty quick on the uptake, aren't you ?
F( puts down clipboard ) Well, er, perhaps, in a way. But I have to confess that I don't quite understand. You mean your talent is - er - holding things up ?
S( enthusiastically ) You're really getting the idea ! Very good !
F( confused ) You mean you're a sort of highwayman, holding up travellers ? ( Acts drawing two guns and pointing them at S ) "Your money or your life !" That sort of thing ?
S( greatly amused ) Oh, no, no ! It's just what I said - I'm a supporter, but that mostly comes down to holding things up, in one way or another. For example, if you want people to see something, I'll hold it up for you. Like this. ( takes F 's list, holds it up ) Not only personally, of course - this is one of my tools for holding things up. ( Attaches the list to the top of the stand, then stands back to admire the effect )
In the "committee room" M should be "speaking" in mime around now, ready to speak out when the door opens.
F( doubtfully ) That's a rather - er - specialised talent. I'm not sure it's quite what we were expecting. Still, come in and join the others. ( Opens door; stage-hand turns on spotlight )
M- in the middle of the song, they fell down, and she couldn't move. Everyone laughed - Oh, here's another new talent !
FYes - everyone, meet Holding-things-up. He - er - holds things up.
F and S enter through the door; S has difficulty with the stand. The stand should be parked somewhere in the "committee room", clearly visible but out of the way of any action; it has to stay there until the end.
CThat's the last thing we want. We've already been held up for a long time and haven't even started - we don't need any more hold-ups !
SNo, not that sort of holding up ! I'm really a supporter, and part of the job is holding up things for people to see. Like the list on this stand, for instance.
FOh ! Can I have it back, please ?
SOf course ! ( makes a business of getting the list down and giving it to F while the others talk. )
A ( to others )Do you think we're looking for a talented holder-upper ?
OI don't think we've needed one so far.
CIt's not in quite the same league as Accountancy, Computing, Music, and Oratory, is it ?
MI'm sure he's an excellent holder-upper, but maybe he could come in at a later stage, perhaps ?
Pause, during which S presents the list to F.

F ( to S )Um. Er. Oh. Thank you. Well, it looks as though the committee must be in the middle of formulating a plan, so it might be a bad time to interrupt. But I'll make a note of your contact details, and if they find a place where you could help, they'll get in touch. Is that all right ?
They leave the committee room, leaving the stand behind; F shuts the door; stage-hand turns off spotlight.
S( still cheerful ) Oh yes - I understand. They've made a mistake, though; every talent has its place ! See you later ! ( leaves down the centre aisle; F leaves down aisle. )

DV( From Balcony ) ( BBC announcer's voice, somewhat sepulchral ) And now we eavesdrop on the committee's proceedings.
Stage-hand turns on spotlight illuminating the committee.
Pause
AWell, somebody say something.
Pause
CAnd - NOT another funny story from times past. When are we going to DO something ? He might just as well have stayed - he wouldn't be holding up anything !
MBut what could he have offered ? This is supposed to be a sort of high-level planning meeting, I suppose. We haven't anything to hold up yet. In fact we haven't anything at all.
OAll right, then. Just to start us off, here's a suggestion. Why don't we start thinking about a possible ....
At about "start thinking", stage-hand turns spotlight off, O stops talking, everyone freezes.
DVTwo hours later
Stage-hand turns spotlight on; all speak at once, loudly, repeating the words until the light goes off.
A... cash value balance sheet running totals reserve accounts ...
C... user interface object-oriented language programme structure keyboard shortcuts ...
O... careful enunciation literate script proper accents voice production ...
M... rock band string quartet careful rehearsal precise tuning ...
Stage-hand turns spotlight off, everyone freezes.
DVTwo hours later
Stage-hand turns spotlight on; all speak at once as before, but more loudly, stand up, wave arms, etc.
A... cash value balance sheet running totals reserve accounts ...
C... user interface object-oriented language programme structure keyboard shortcuts ...
O... careful enunciation literate script proper accents voice production ...
M... rock band string quartet careful rehearsal correct tuning ...
Stage-hand turns spotlight off, everyone freezes.
DVTwo hours later.
Stage-hand turns spotlight on; all slump over table, exhausted.
Pause
O( wearily ) I suggest that we adjourn the meeting.
pause
C( wearily ) All right. We don't seem to be getting very far.
pause
M( wearily ) What went wrong ? We all meant well !
pause
A( wearily ) It ALL went wrong. We've failed. Let's go.
A, C, O, and M leave, through the door, despondently, and walk down aisle. Organist quietly plays "All there is of me, Lord". S comes down the centre aisle, goes through the door, looks around.
SWell, they've gone. They didn't seem very happy with what they'd done. ( Wanders round, picking up placards and looking at them, as he speaks. ) I don't pretend to understand all their technical stuff, and no doubt it's very important. But they didn't seem able to link it all together, so they think they've failed.

Now, I'm a supporter. It might not be a very spectacular talent, but it's real, and valuable, and I don't think they've failed. I think they've only just begun. ( Starts to attach the placards to his stand, talking as he carries on. ) You see, Jesus said that when two or three people came together in His name, He would be there too. And when you hold things up and look at them that way, you can see something very different.

( Stands back and looks at the cross. )
 Our four friends came together in His name; that's the vital first step if they're going to share their talents. They'll find their way, if they persevere and wait for God's guidance; He'll find something for them to do. They'll have my support, in prayer at least, whether they think they need it or not - and that's a talent we can all exercise if we want to.
S leaves down aisle, Music stops. Stage-hand turns spotlight off.

Two Stories

Muriel's story.

Graeme's story.

NarratorPlease stand for the hymn

"All there is of me, Lord".

Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
During the hymn, Stage-hand moves small Christmas Tree to stand between altar rails - if the side facing the congregation gets too full as people hang cards on it then be ready to turn it round !

WHAT NEXT ?

A Symbolic offering

NarratorWe now invite you to bring up the card that is in your programme and hang it on this tree as a symbol of your willingness to offer your talents and time to God.

When we have all made our offerings the organist will replay the Chorus for us to sing once again.

Organist quietly plays above hymn whilst the offerings are made.
Chorus of "All there is of me, Lord", omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
During this chorus Pray-er 1, Pray-er 2, Pray-er 3 and Pray-er 4 come to lectern.
NarratorPlease sit or kneel for the prayers.
Pray-er 1Thank You, Lord God, for each talent and ability that You have given us, help us to use each one as You would desire. Amen.
Pray-er 2God bless our homes and families and help us to teach one another more about You. Amen.
Pray-er 3We pray for all who are sick or in distress at this time, that Your love, healing and compassion would surround them and restore them to full health. Amen.
Pray-er 4Together we sing The Lord's Prayer.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and for ever.
Amen.

NarratorPlease stand for the hymn

"Take my life and let it be"

During this hymn the four Pray-ers return to their seats.

1.   Take my life and let it be
  Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
  Take my moments and my days,
  Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2.   Take my hands and let them move
  At the impulse of Thy love;
  Take my feet and let them be
  Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3.   Take my voice and let me sing
  Always, only, for my King;
  Take my lips, and let them be
  Filled with messages from Thee.

4.   Take my silver and my gold;
  Not a mite would I withhold.
  Take my intellect, and use
  Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5.   Take my will and make it thine :
  It shall be no longer mine,
  Take my heart; it is thine own;
  It shall be Thy royal throne.

6.   Take my love, my Lord, I pour
  At Thy feet its treasure-store.
  Take myself, and I will be
  Ever, only, all for Thee.

NarratorPlease remain standing for the Blessing.

Blessing.

We invite you to join us for a cuppa in the Hall ( behind the church ) at the end of this service.

Those taking part :

A, C, DV, F, M, O, S
Man, Servants 1, 2, 3
Narrator, Q 1
Pray-ers 1 to 4
Soldiers 1 to 7
Organist
Stage-hand
Storytellers