Marjorie Dobson
Ticking the boxes
Ticking the boxes
by Marjorie Dobson
Ticking the boxes (two characters. Interviewer (I) and respondent (R). Only props needed are clipboard and pen for the interviewer, who ticks boxes as the questions are answered.) I. Good morning. If you have a few minutes to spare, I’d like to ask you a few questions. We’re doin…
Confrontation
Confrontation
by Marjorie Dobson
Confrontation Arrogant, exclusive, toffee-nosed, know-it-alls are a prime target for ridicule – and on the receiving end of plenty of it. But do they care? Not much. Usually they can easily retreat into their exclusivity, surround themselves with those of like minds and justify t…
Psalm 80: 7-15 for today
Psalm 80: 7-15 for today
by Marjorie Dobson
Psalm 80: 7-15 for today We used to believe that this was a Christian country. We used to be thankful that we were not living in a place where our religion was persecuted. We used to feel safe and secure inside our churches and chapels. We used to feel that people respected us fo…
Rule, rule, rules
Rule, rule, rules
by Marjorie Dobson
Rules, rules, rules. Rules, rules, rules. Rules that are sensible. Rules that are practical. Rules to protect the vulnerable. Rules to check criminal behaviour. Rules to promote a right sense of living. Rules to encourage discipline. Rules to keep society on an even keel. Rules t…
What would you do?
What would you do?
by Marjorie Dobson
Matthew 21: 23-32 Reflection / Drama – What would you do? If you were a pillar of the local community, or church, would you be very happy if some big, hairy, loud-mouthed bloke accused you of being incompetent, hypocritical, corrupt and lacking in all sense of responsibility? If …
When we look back on our lives
When we look back on our lives
by Marjorie Dobson
Psalm 25: 1-9 Meditation – When we look back on our lives When we look back on our lives, there are so many mistakes that we have made; so many things that we should have done, but didn’t; times when we deliberately behaved badly; times when we neglected our duty towards others; …
Why now?
Why now?
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Why now? Proper 17 Year A Romans 12: 9-21 Vengeance is a natural reaction and most children have the instinct from an early age. We have to be taught to share, to forgive, to live in peace with one another and to resist our automatic reaction to get our own back. So we pray…
What do you think?
What do you think?
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem – What do you think? Proper 20 Year A Exodus 16: 2-15 (Could be used with several voices asking the questions – and giving the answers!) When Israelites ran light on food, did they claim Moses was no good? Did Moses prayer give them a scare when they were told God saw them t…
The tale of the slaves
The tale of the slaves
by Marjorie Dobson
Monologue/Drama: The tale of the slaves Proper 19 Year A Matthew 18: 21-35 We knew it was unfair. Totally! And we knew that if we didn’t say anything that he’d get away with it – again! He was always a slave-driver himself. Even though he was bought and sold just as we were. But …
Straight and narrow
Straight and narrow
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Straight and narrow Proper 18 Year A Psalm 119: 33-40 The straight and narrow path should be easy to follow. After all it is hemmed in and clearly defined. It is signposted and marked on the map and leads to only one place. But there are distractions along the way, wide roa…
Reflection on Psalm 26: 1-8
Reflection on Psalm 26: 1-8
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection on Psalm 26: 1-8 Proper 17 Year A Psalm 26: 1-8 What do people think when I tell them how much I love God and how wonderful it is to sing songs of joy and praise in church? Not much, I reckon. Do people notice that I don’t mix with the riff-raff and keep well away from…
Passing judgement
Passing judgement
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama/monologue: Passing judgement Proper 19 Year A Romans 14: 1-12 Here. Do you see Jane over there? Do you know what she is? You’ll never guess in a million years. She‘s a vegetarian! I told you you’d be surprised. I mean, she doesn’t look any different to the rest of us, does …
Human instincts
Human instincts
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Human instincts Proper 17 Year A Romans 12: 9-21 Vengeance is a natural reaction and most children have the instinct from an early age. We have to be taught to share, to forgive, to live in peace with one another and to resist our automatic reaction to get our own back. S…
How much more?
How much more?
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: How much more? Proper 19 Year A Psalm 103: 8-13 Parents can forgive and forget the mistakes their children make; the heartache they often cause; the irresponsible behaviour, the outbursts of temper, the wilfulness and waywardness that youngsters can exhibit. For love is the…
Gracious God, forgive us
Gracious God, forgive us
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Gracious God, forgive us Proper 20 Year A Jonah 3:10-4:11 Gracious God, forgive us - when we see the mercy granted to others as a threat to our integrity: when we believe we are in the right and refuse to accept your judgement on our behaviour: when we are not prepared to…
Complaints
Complaints
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Complaints Proper 20 Year A Psalm 105: 1-6, 37-45, Exodus 16: 2-15 There was water everywhere. Water in the sea creating a barrier. Water piled high to give a safe escape route. Water in the cloud leading through the desert. Water in the dew, evaporating into flakes. Water …
Answered prayer