Description
An injured father is unable to support his family. His children offer to help out, but one breaks the promise.
This sketch is based on the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32) but with the context shifted to present day Britain. It was written to support an all age worship involving local Girl Guides – hence the gender shift. It could easily be shifted back to two sons or a son and daughter. It also links well to parable of talents (using such gifts as you have) in Matthew 25:14-30, and/or to Exodus 20:12. (Honouring
parents), and/or to Matthew 5:37 (Mean what you say).
Boiled cabbage and chips (Broken promises) by Colin Smith
Narrator - Times are hard. Bill has had a bad accident and can only do bits of part-time work. The money from this and his benefit is barely enough to keep himself, his wife, and two daughters Jill (12) and Ann (14).
Mary is knitting and Bill is supping a nice cup of tea in their front parlour. They have just heard that his benefit is to be cut.
Mary- I really don’t know how we are going to manage, Bill. The girls need new clothes and we’ve hardly any food in the cupboard.
Bill - (upset) It’s all very well you complaining but I really don’t see what I can do about it. You know that since my accident I’ve not been able to do a full days work.
Mary - Well we’ll have to do something. We can’t go on like this.
Bill - I’ve had no work for a month. Part-time work just isn’t available. They all want regular staff.
Mary - It just isn’t fair.
Long pause.
Bill - There’s some rhubarb down the allotment and the Brussels I planted in the Spring should be OK. I think I planted some parsnips and winter cabbage as well – and O yes, some beetroot. We could eat that and maybe swop some with Fred for a few eggs.
Mary - That’ll help, but unless you get it dug over we won’t have a crop next year. Isn’t it about time that the girls started helping you with it?
Bill - They are still a bit young, but I’ll see what they say.
Continues...