Bit Players in the Big Play

Do you wonder what the stories in the Bible would look like from the viewpoint of those who were there? If so, then this collection of thirteen first-person narratives and readers' theater presentations spotlighting a variety of New Testament characters -- both familiar and not so well-known -- will give you a new perspective on the scriptural witness. After all, while the experience of these people is rooted in the distant past, we still relate to the same fears, joys, and motivations as they did. By listening in on these characters as they converse with themselves, these creative pieces provide an intimate look at their humanity and experience of the Good News, which in turn enables us to better understand our lives and our faith.



This volume provides material for a variety of seasons and settings -- they're perfect for church drama groups, homiletical source material, and for inspiring devotional reading. And an introductory chapter addresses performance issues (including whether or not to use costumes) as well as how to use this format to develop your own material.



Some of the intriguing presentations include:

• Herod -- The First Christmas Grinch (Matthew 2:1-12)

• Leaving Egypt For Home (Matthew 2:19-23)

• My Name Is Levi (Mark 2:13-17)

• Kneeling Before Him (Luke 10:38-42)

• Just A Jar Of Water (Luke 22:7-13)

• Rock The Boat! (John 21)



Pamela J. Tinnin is the pastor of Partridge Community Church (United Church of Christ), the only church in Partridge, Kansas (population 250). Prior to her 1996 graduation from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, Tinnin was an editor for ten years with the University of California-Berkeley. In her past lives she has been the editor of a small-town newspaper, a freelance writer, a sheep rancher, a paralegal working with prison inmates, a small-town city clerk, and a migrant worker in the fields of Oregon.



Peter K. Perry has been the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, since July 2001, and has previously served churches in Prescott, Sedona, and Mesa, Arizona. He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton (B.A. in history) and Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.



Bass M. Mitchell serves as a United Methodist minister in the beautiful mountain area of Hot Springs, Virginia. He is a prolific writer who has contributed several hundred articles to various publications, including Homiletics and Circuit Rider. Mitchell regularly writes devotions for The Upper Room and Upper Room Disciplines, as well as Bible studies and other curriculum for the United Methodist Publishing House. He is the author of God Sightings: Discovering God in Everyday Life and In Every Blade of Rustling Grass (Abingdon Press).