A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

MAIN POINT
Churches today, whether they know it or not, are in a constant struggle with the club mentality. We expect, as a condition of belonging to our "club," that members will appreciate the same music, read the Bible from the same version, wear a certain style of clothes, and know and understand religious terms and phrases, like "doxology" and "offertory." This is often defended by the statement: "Well, this is our church, after all!"

Though the skit is a humorous one, it is an attempt to relate the church to a restaurant that will not bridge the gap of its radically different atmosphere and food to help the new customer. These people, initially curious, are accustomed to hamburgers and hot dogs, but are now asked to try haggis and blood pudding. The sketch challenges the idea that says, "This is my church." In fact, the church is the church of Jesus Christ. We must not forget to make a distinction between preference and precept.

CHARACTERIZATION
Keith and Nancy are an ordinary couple not used to the high society affluence. But, they have decided to make an evening of it.

Nancy is apprehensive. She feels a certain restlessness in coming to a place where she really does not fit in, even if it is for just an evening. She is willing, but tense and quick to sense any feeling of being out of place.

Keith is more concerned about his wife feeling out of place than anything else. His tension lies in her tension even as he tries to allay her anxiety as things start to move in the wrong direction. The Scottish waiter is brash and comfortable in his brashness. After all, he is on his turf and feels quite at home with his own music, friends and atmosphere. Impatient with the couple's struggle to acclimate themselves, the waiter finds more enjoyable things to do while fulfilling his duty of waiting on them.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES
If you can't manage the Scottish accent and motif, consider converting this restaurant to another ethnic brand (Italian, French, Mexican, etc.) But don't be too frightened of the Scottish variety. Kilts are made rather simply. Some plaid material with a little length is easily close-pinned around the waist. White dress shirts open at the collar work well. The actors are advised to wear shorts under the kilt in the case of a defective close-pin. Bagpipe music can be found at almost any music store under Ethnic Music. A CD will cost usually $12-15. Keith and Nancy should be dressed like they are going out to a nice restaurant. A table, two chairs, perhaps a table cloth with a table setting and some mock menus are also good to have.

RELATED SCRIPTURES
1 Corinthians 12:12-18 and 14:20-25 speak of the importance of the every member of the church (body) of Christ having special and important roles in ministry. There is no one style or gift more important than another.

James 2:2-4 stresses the need to treat all people who come to worship God equally and without preference.

RELATED THEMES
This sketch works well when focusing on issues of evangelism, the nature of the church, and sensitivity to guests.

RELATED SERMON
See "Good to Go" in the May-June 1998 issue of Homiletics. To order, call 1-800-922-2144.