Note: This play is in two scenes, however the first scene can be done by itself, if desired. The second scene works well as a "epilogue," if the play is used in conjunction with a sermon.

Scene I

We are in a nice restaurant. There is a table for four downstage left. Perhaps a piano bar stage right. Upstage just right of center is a rostrum for reservations. Bill and Carol Murphy enter first. Bill looks around and then comes back to Carol.

Bill: Well, I don't see them. We must have beat them here.

Carol: We are a few minutes early. They will probably be along any minute. Now remember why we are doing this. We are supposed to be building relationships so that . . . .

Bill: Yeah, yeah, I know. Lifestyle evangelism. I hate that word--evangelism. I would rather use enthusiasm. Lifestyle enthusiasm.

Carol: What is wrong with evangelism?

Bill: Nothing wrong with it, I guess. I mean, it needs to be done. But every time I hear the word I get visions of someone like Jimmy Swaggart yelling at people, telling them they are going to burn in hell. It is so negative, you know. Enthusiasm is a better word, at least for me. I mean, I am glad that I'm a Christian.

Carol: Oh, Bill. It simply means sharing your faith with others. Let your "light shine," you know.

Bill: Yeah, well, I'll try. But this idea is making my bulb rather dim, if you know what I mean. I'm not sure I understand exactly what we are supposed to do. Can't we just have dinner with our new friends--no hidden agenda?

Carol: Just be friendly and look for every opportunity to share your faith.

Bill: Every opportunity? Now that sounds like evangelism. I thought the idea was to build relationships, not preach.

Carol: You don't have to preach, dear. We'll let the pastor do that part. But try to steer the conversation toward our faith. We have made good progress with the Watsons. The fact that they came to church with us last Sunday was a good indication that they are searching. Tonight could be the night!

Bill: The night for what?

Carol: You know. The night that they get saved.

Bill: Saved! (hates that word too) Tonight! . . . . Carol, you're scaring me.

Waitress: (coming from other side of the stage) Good evening. Just the two of you?

Bill: No, another couple is joining us. There'll be four.

Waitress: Smoking or nonsmoking?

Carol: Nonsmoking.

Bill: Wait Carol. Zach smokes; I'm not sure about Susan.

Carol: Bill, I can't stand sitting in smoking. Besides, what if someone we know sees us? They might think we smoke. What would that do to our witness?

Bill: You have got to be kidding me.

Carol: I am not. (To waitress) Nonsmoking, please.

Waitress: Follow me.

Bill: (muttering) I thought the idea was to build relationships.

Carol: What does sitting in smoking have to do with building relationships?

Bill: Never mind. (they both sit)

Waitress: Tonight we are offering a complimentary glass of champagne. Could I bring you a glass while you wait for your friends?

(Together)
Bill: Yes, please.
Carol: No, thank you.

Carol: (startled) Bill, you don't drink. What are you doing?

Bill: (to waitress) Uh, never mind, two waters, please. (waitress leaves) Carol, I thought would try a glass of champagne with my meal. That way if Zach or Carol drink it would make them feel more comfortable. Remember "relationships." One glass of champagne with a meal is not a problem for me. And besides, --it's free!

Carol: I can't believe you. You should know better . . . .

(Bill & Carol fade into quiet discussion as Zach and Susan Watson enter near the rostrum. Zach has a cigarette in his mouth)

Zach: I think that's them over there.

Susan: Yes, that's them.

Zach: (an arm around her) Are you okay? I know that you have had a rough day with the kids and all. I hope you can have a good time tonight.

Susan: I'll be fine, after a glass of wine. I enjoy the Murphies, as long as Carol doesn't corner me about her church stuff again. If she pesters me about coming to that women's Bible study one more time, I think I'll cry.

Zach: I'll try to steer the conversation away from there. It's important to her, though.

Susan: Oh, I know. And I really did enjoy going to church with them. It was not at all what I expected. But Carol keeps bringing it up at every turn; it is like she is out to recruit me or something. It gets to be a bit much after awhile.

Zach: That's too bad. Bill is much more down-to-earth. I think I may have finally found a friend in this town that I can relate to.

Waitress: Good evening. Smoking or nonsmoking?

Zach: (looking toward the Murphies, a bit of a grimace) It looks like nonsmoking tonight. We are with that couple over there. (puts out cigarette)

Waitress: (a knowing smile about the smoking) Ah, yes, right this way.

(Bill and Carol are still in discussion about the champagne, don't see Watsons approaching. Watsons overhear their last comments.)

Bill: . . . . and anyway, Jesus drank wine.

Carol: You are not having any. Anyway it wasn't real wine. It was grape juice and (looks up) . . . . Hi Susan, Zach.

Bill: (standing, shakes hands) Hello, you two. Is this table okay?

Susan: Well, actually . . . . (a look at Zach, knows he would rather sit in smoking)

Zach: (quickly) Fine, Bill. Just fine.

Waitress: (handing out menus) We are offering a complimentary glass of champagne tonight. Can I bring you one?

Susan: (she could use one) That sounds-

Zach: (a look at Susan, insightfully) Uh, I think a couple of waters will do it tonight. (waitress exits)

Carol: Oh good, you don't drink. Did you know a lot of people think that Jesus drank wine? But I was just explaining to Bill that it wasn't really wine, it was juice. Did you know that? (Bill looks at Carol--can't believe she is saying this)

Susan: Uh, no, I didn't Carol.

Carol: Oh, that's okay. But you know there is so much to learn when you get involved in a good Bible study. You know that group I was telling you about? We meet on Wednesday mornings and . . . .

Zach: (rescuing Susan) So, did you have any trouble finding this place? You seem to have beat us.

(Waitress delivers water during following dialog)

Bill: Not at all, good directions. It is really nice. I'm glad you invited us.

Zach: The food is excellent. Especially the seafood. Do you like seafood?

Bill: I love it.

Carol: Oh, me too.

Susan: Oh, good. Zach and I come here at least once a month. We think it is the best place in town.

Carol: Say, speaking of the best place in town, I have been meaning to ask you all week--what did you think of church last Sunday?

Susan: We really enjoyed it, Carol. Thank you again for inviting us.

Zach: Yes, thank you both. We wouldn't mind going again sometime.

Carol: (A look of triumph at Bill) That's great. How about tomorrow morning?

Zach: Uh, I'm sorry but I have an employee golf tournament.

Carol: Well, they shouldn't schedule those things on a Sunday.

Susan: Why?

Carol: Because it is the Lord's day.

Susan: Oh.

Carol: What about you Susan? Would you like to come with us? We could pick you up.

Susan: Oh, that is very kind of you. But I don't think so. I have had a very rough week and, if the kids will let me, I think I will try to sleep in the morning.

Bill: Oh sure, we understand Susan. Some other time.

Carol: (not giving up that easily) Are you sure? Say we could pick up the kids and take them to Sunday school. You could sleep in and then come to second service.

Zach: Thanks Carol, but the kids are being picked up by their grandparents at 11 in the morning. It won't work this week.

Carol: Oh, well, maybe the week after next.

Zach: (Flatly) Maybe.

Waitress: (coming back) Well, are you folks ready to order? There is a special--not on the menu--salmon steak grilled in a honey mustard sauce and served with your choice of baby red potatoes or rice pilaf, stir-fried vegetables, and garden salad with house dressing.

Zach: (To everybody) That's very good! We've had it before.

Susan: I'll have that.

Carol: Me too.

Bill: Make it three.

Zach: Well it is unanimous then. Four specials!

Waitress: Well that certainly was easy. Anything else to drink?

Bill: Just more water for us.

Zach: More water would be fine. (Waitress exits)

Bill: So you like seafood. Do you ever do any fishing?

Zach: Yes! I love fishing. You?

Bill: You bet! Especially deep sea fishing.

Zach: Oh yes! There is nothing like it.

Bill: Last fall I caught a 41 pound Chinook salmon in the mouth of the Columbia River. What an experience!

Carol: Did you know that many of the disciples were fishermen?

(Bill and Zach both look at her as if to say "where did that come from?")

Zach: Disciples?

Carol: The disciples of Jesus.

Zach: Oh.

Carol: There are actually a lot of good fishing stories in the Bible. Right, Bill?

Bill: Uh, yeah, right Carol. Anyway, we should go fishing together sometime, Zach!

Zach: I'd love it! (looks toward Susan who is still looking gloomy, reaches over and touches her) You doing okay?

Susan: I'll be all right. Thanks.

Zach: She has had a rough week. The kids have been particularly trying this week and today especially.

Carol: Oh, I'm sorry. I know how that can be.

Susan: It started on Monday when the baby got sick in the middle of the night. Then it rained on Tuesday and all three of the kids and me were cooped up in the house all day. I thought I would go nuts and then-

Carol: (seizes her chance) Have you read any of James Dobson's books? He is a Christian psychologist. He has a radio program on everyday that is really helpful. It might help you with your problems. It would be really good if you could come to our Bible study group on Wednesday mornings. They have a children's program that runs at the same time so you don't have to worry about a sitter and . . . .

Susan: (tension is building, she is trying to be pleasant, but needs to escape) Excuse me. I need to visit the little girl's room. (gets up)

Carol: I'll come with you.

Susan: No! . . . uh, that's all right. Really.

Carol: (oblivious) No, I insist. (They exit)

Zach: (awkward pause) Say, while they are gone, would you mind if I stepped out for a smoke?

Bill: No, not at all. I'll come with you and tell you more about that fish I caught. We went out real early and the water was quite choppy, 10 foot swells, I lost my breakfast after about 20 minutes . . . . (they exit)

Scene II

Same as Scene I. The couples have finished eating and are getting to their feet. Zach has just paid the bill.

Bill: Well, Zach and Susan, thank you for inviting us to have dinner with you. I really enjoyed it.

Zach: It was our pleasure.

Carol: Yes, I enjoyed it too. Susan, I will give you a call next week about coming to church. I'll be praying for you.

Susan: (not enthusiastically, can't wait to leave) Great.

Bill: Listen we'll take care of the tip.

Zach: Are you sure?

Bill: Absolutely. It's the least we can do since you picked up the tab.

Zach: Well, thank you. We'll see you later.

Bill: Good night! I'll get back to you about that fishing trip. Oh, and good luck in the golf tournament tomorrow.

Zach: Thanks! Good night, Bill, Carol.

Carol: Good night, Susan.

Susan: Good night, Carol.

(Zach and Susan exit. Bill and Carol hang back at the table to leave tip)

Carol: Well that went well, didn't it? I think I gave Susan some things to think about. How did you think it went with Zach?

(Bill gives her a look that says it all. A sort of; "I don't know you--I can't believe you did what you did--and I especially can't believe that you think what you did was good!" look).

Carol: (Her first moment of perception that evening) What? (Bill just shakes his head) What? (he exits; she is close behind) Bill, what is wrong? Bill?

THE END