Friends settle into silent worship. The Holy Spirit walks around slowly. Friends leave some silence between speaking.
Friend One: Did I remember to turn my cell phone off? At least my ring tone is set to Simple Gifts!
Friend Two: What does “hold in the light” mean?
Friend Three walks in late.
Friend Three: I really hate being late to meeting. I hope no one noticed!
The Holy Spirit walks toward Friend Four and taps her on the shoulder.
Friend Four: Is this really a message? Do I have to stand up? I don’t see what this has to do with anything―maybe I’m just hungry.
The Holy Spirit taps more insistently, then tries to pull Friend Four out of her seat.
Friend Four: I really don’t want to talk, so I don’t think it’s a message for the group. Maybe next week . . .
Friend Five: I really liked that book I read last week. Maybe I should talk about it and give folks something to think about during meeting.
As the Holy Spirit is still trying to pull Friend Four out of her seat, Friend Five starts to stand. The Holy Spirit is surprised. The Holy Spirit walks over to Friend Five and tries to make Friend Five sit.
Friend Six: Oh no, not another political message!
The Holy Spirit gives up on trying to quiet Friend Five.
Friend One: Not more of that Jesus talk!
Friend Two: I wonder what’s for light lunch?
The Holy Spirit shakes his head and puts a finger to his lips. The Holy Spirit puts his hand on A Friend’s shoulder. A Friend stands to speak, a little uncertainly.
[Friends performed this skit for the First All-Meeting Retreat in the Year of Discernment.]
