Where Did You Get That Top?

A drama based upon Matthew 18. 15-20, to be used at our next family service to illustrate that the best way forward for us as Christians, is to talk things over; express how we feel, share our hurts, and through gentle and loving correction come to agreement.

 Let us just for a moment look at that gospel more close: Matthew 18. 15-20

Narr: IF ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE CHURCH SINS AGAINST YOU, GO AND POINT OUT THE FAULT WHEN THE TWO OF YOU ARE ALONE.

Joan) Cathy, do you like my new top?

Cathy: (looks horrified) That’s the top I pointed out to you last week; I said that I liked it

Joan:  Well, so what, I’ve got every right to buy whatever I like. It’s a free country…and anyway, it was made for the fuller figure.

Cathy: Oh so it won’t suit my figure? Is that what you’re saying? That’s a really hurtful comment. You knew I was going to buy that for a really special occasion; you even told me it would suit me!

Narr: IF THE MEMBER LISTENS TO YOU, YOU HAVE REGAINED THAT ONE…

(both stand looking rather ruffled)

Joan: It’s just a top though, I don’t know why you’re making such a fuss!

Narr: BUT IF YOU ARE NOT LISTENED TO, TAKE ONE OR TWO OTHERS ALONG WITH YOU, SO THAT EVERY WORD MAY BE CONFIRMED BY ONE OR TWO WITNESSES

Cathy: Hang on a second,( calls to Julann, Edith, Jennie…) Listen to this, just hear me out and tell me what you think…

I went shopping with Joan the other day, and I saw a beautiful top, just right for this special occasion I’m attending. I told her how much I liked it, and she agreed that I would suit it, and now she’s bought it for herself! I’ve just confronted her, and now she’s saying I don’t have the figure for it! Can you all understand why I’m upset?

Julann:  I can understand-I think it was pretty bad of you Joan.

Edith: Yes, you stole her thunder, and it was pretty tactless bringing size into it!

Jennie: I think she feels bad about it, or she wouldn’t have made such a personal comment ~that’s not like you Joan.

Joan: Well, Cathy can buy one too, we don’t have to wear it at the same time. I’m not taking it back. Besides I think I really suit it.

Narr: IF THE MEMBER REFUSES TO LISTEN TO THEM, TELL IT TO THE CHURCH; AND IF THE OFFENDER REFUSES TO LISTEN EVEN TO THE CHURCH, LET SUCH A ONE BE TO YOU AS A GENTILE AND A TAX COLLECTOR.

Cathy: I wonder what everyone else thinks. ( Exit witnesses)

Narr: I TELL YOU THE TRUTH WHATEVER YOU BIND ON EARTH WILL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN, AND WHATEVER YOU LOOSE ON EARTH WILL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN.

Cathy: You can text your comment by phoning 80888, or send an e mail to goodshepherd@god.co.uk, or you could simply raise your hand if you think I have a good reason to be annoyed!

Narr: AGAIN, TRULY I TELL YOU, IF TWO OF YOU AGREE ON EARTH ABOUT ANYTHING YOU ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR YOU BY MY FATHER IN HEAVEN…

Narr: The result of public opinion is now in. It is the wish of the congregation that the one who has caused the offence in the first place should apologise to her friend out of her love for her, and admit the hurt she has caused.

Joan: (looking contrite now) Cathy I feel so ashamed now. I don’t even want to wear this top anymore. It was meant for you, I really stole it from you.

Cathy: Don’t be silly. It really does suit you. It’s just that I had to say something because your words and actions hurt me.

Narr: FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, I AM THERE AMONG THEM.

(Friends exit arm in arm)

In come two men wearing identical shirts or football tops, from left and right, they pass by each other asking,

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?