Dear Mr. Johnson
| Drama
by Dave Marsh
September 10, 2009
|
A drama about putting off the old self and putting on the new
Director's Notes:
Petra once did a song called "Killing My Old Man." The song was based on the idea from Ephesians 4 which calls believers to "put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts..." Paul then tells us to "put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness."
Sometimes I write dramas that hit close to home. This is one such drama. Why is it that, as a Christian, I continue to allow the old self opportunities to hang around? We need to remember that we are made new in Christ and that our old self needs to die...
BTW, I get the largest number of positive comments from people when I do dramas like this one. It's very easy for the congregation to see themselves in the drama. Thanks to the Holy Spirit for convicting me that I need to live right!
Cast:
Jim: A Christian businessman
Donna: Jim's assistant
Tina: Shipping clerk
Props:
A chair
A clipboard (Donna can attach the script to it!)
A phone (a cell phone would be great. Have someone call it at the appropriate time in Jim's letter.)
Setting:
The office
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE where Jim is talking on the phone.)
Jim: Yeah, that sounds really good, Ray. Yeah, I've been thinking more about the church's web site also. What if we put a thingamajig that rotates a Bible verse every 10 seconds or so. Hmmm? Yep, we could tie it right in with Ephesians. What? No, I haven't found the code for it yet. I have a good brother in the Lord that can get if for me. Yeah, right, the same guy that got the weather doohickey. Right.
(Donna enters and Jim motions her to sit down)
Yeah, Wednesday was really good. I think our group is opening up much more. Hmmm? Yeah, that was good insight. Do you think we can spend more time in prayer though? It seems like we have a good amount of fellowship but not enough time in prayer and praise. (listens) Great. Okay, that would be good. All right. God bless. Bye.
Jim: Sorry about that. That was my pastor.
Donna: I gathered as much.
Jim: Yeah, when we get talking.. .whew!
Donna: I know how it is. So what do you need?
Jim: Need? Oh yeah, I need you to take a letter to Bruce Johnson, our sales rep at Dell computer.
Donna: Okay. Shoot.
Jim: Dear Mr. Johnson. I'm writing you this letter in regard to the last shipment of Pentium machines. It appears... (phone rings)
Jim: Hello? Oh, hi honey. What's up. I'm very busy. Hmmm. Uh huh... well, look I really don't know what to tell you. Buy whatever you think he wants. I know it's my father's birthday. You've made that perfectly clear before. Look, I work all day to make the money. The least you can do is pick out the present. Okay, look, I've got to go. Just do it okay. Bye.
Jim: Anyway, where was I?
Donna: It appears...
Jim: Right... It appears that the shipment of July 1st was in error. We ordered 17 Pentium 450 meg processors and our clerk Tina only received (interrupted by Tina)
Tina: Jim, sorry to interrupt. Did you see that email I sent you yesterday? I need to schedule a meeting on it asap.
Jim: Sorry Tina. Yeah, I saw it. Go ahead and look at my Outlook calendar and schedule it for tomorrow ok?
Tina: Sounds good. Thanks Jim! By the way, nice tie! You look good today.
Jim: Thanks! I'd say the same to you but you always look good. Ha ha. (watches her go and he lingers on her...)
Tina: Thanks. Bye.
Donna: Jim? Jim!?
Jim: Hmmmm? Oh yeah, sorry, um, where was I?
Donna: Only received?
Jim: Oh, yeah. ...and only received 15 processors. Actually, Donna, tell them we only got 14. Okay, Please contact me with any questions. I expect the missing 3 machines here on Monday. Best regards, Jim Davis.
Jim: Okay, read that back to me please.
Donna: Dear Mr. Johnson. I'm writing you this letter in regard to the last shipment of Pentium machines. It appears that I am rude to my wife on the phone and that the shipment of July 1st was in error. We ordered 17 Pentium 450 meg processors and our clerk Tina only received inappropriate flirting from me and 15 processors even though I'd like my assistant to lie and say 14. Please contact me with any questions. I expect the missing 3 but really 2 machines here on Monday. Best regards, Jim Davis. (Donna should enunciate the italicized parts)
Jim: Donna?!? Are you crazy? Don't you know the difference between what you're supposed to say and not say? Between the good stuff and the bad stuff?
Donna: Funny, (pause) I was going to ask you the same question.
(LIGHTS OUT)
END
(c) 2000 Dave Marsh
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