The Candy Shoppe

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Cast: 12 Mr. Willis Shoppe Owner Mrs. Willis Wife of Mr. Willis Ethan Willis Son Paige - Willis Daughter Ms. Parker - Runs the Orphanage Benjamin - Orphan Ryan Orphan Leah - Orphan Anna Orphan (small child) Zoe - Orphan Naomi - Orphan Timmy Poor boy in the town Narrator can be a speaking voice unseen (Use a Mic) Costumes: Mr. Willis bibs and shirt; Mrs. Willis normal housewife; Ethan casual pants and shirt; Paige skirt and blouse; Ms. Parker grim lady wearing glasses with hair pulled tightly back wearing a dress and shawl; Timmy jeans with holes in them and a stained t-shirt; Orphans matching t-shirts and jeans.

Synopsis: Mr. Willis owns The Candy Shoppe which is not doing very well. He has made candy for many years, and now it appears that his Candy Shoppe will close. In addition, he learns from Ms. Parker, the Orphanage Director, that the orphanage is struggling financially, and more problems amount. God provides a way for him to help using the orphanage children. They come up with a new recipe that brings lots of excitement to the town. He cannot purchase enough peppermint flavoring to keep his customers happy. This is a touching drama that presents a message of the Gospel and shows how God responds to a prayer given in faith. Two Settings: (Scene 1) Paint a large Candy Shoppe background (Lights around it) and place in front a table and chairs, some big jars of candy sitting around, spices, pots and pans. (Scene 2) A Christmas tree and the manger scene set up, four chairs, table, and lamp, and Christmas decorations.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Scene 1 The Candy Shoppe Music: Silver Bells (Play music as children pass by the Candy Shoppe wearing colorful sweaters and coats) Exit Choir: Deck the Halls Mr. Willis: (Shoppers enter the Candy Shoppe and leave. Mr. Willis is humming as he works) Timmy: (Bell rings as Timmy enters the Shoppe) What are you making, Mr. Willis? Mr. Willis: I am using what I have in stock to see what I can come up with here. Timmy: It smells kind of bad! What is it? Mr. Willis: I dont know myself. I try making a new candy once in a while. The shop is not doing very well these days, so maybe I can come up with something to bring in more sales. (Mr. Willis pours the batter on a cookie sheet) Timmy: Do you want me to taste it for you? (Mr. Willis appears to be deep in thought) Narrator: Mr. Willis knew that Timmys parents had passed away and he lived with his grandmother. She only came into the store a few times a year. He knew how well Timmy loved candy and cookies and hated to send him away without a taste. Although his expenses seemed more than he was selling, he hated to begrudge this young lad some delight. Timmy: Mr. Willis? Mr. Willis: Sure, why not. I do not know if you will like it, but give it a try. He hands Timmy the bowl to lick. Timmy: MmmGood! This is better than is looks. What is in it? Mr. Willis: Some vanilla, sugar, brown sugar, soda, and salt. Timmy: It taste a little burnt, but I like it. You always make the best candies in your Shoppe. I wish my parents would come more often. I know they would like you candy.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Narrator: Poor Timmy, thought Mr. Willis. His grandmother cannot afford to come. That was the problem with many of the people in the small town where he lived. Many people had lost their jobs since the factory had shut down moving out of state. Things did not look good for the small town. Some had started moving away to the big city for work. Timmy: I gotta go. My grandmother said to be home by 5. She is making her special recipe of chicken soup this evening. I love moms cornbread. She puts sour cream in it, and it just melts in your mouth. Mr. Willis: I am sure you do enjoy your grandmothers cooking, Timmy. Best get home, before you get into trouble. You probably have some homework to do, and your grandmother will be looking for you. Timmy: Good bye, Mr. Willis..Ill be back to taste the next candy you make. (Bell rings as he leaves the Shoppe) Choir: Over the Hills and Through the Woods Mr. Willis: (Cleans up the Shoppe and sits down with his head bent praying) Lord, you know I need your help. I try to make a living for me, Betty, and our children with the sales from this Shoppe and things are not going very well right now. Will you please help me to do what I need to in order to save the Shoppe? I know your promises are for our family, and I am asking for your help knowing you are completely able to do this for us. In Jesus name, Amen. (Gets up to leave whistling) (Bell rings again) Mr.: Willis: (Surprised voice) Ms. Parker! Why are you out so late on this cool evening? Ms. Parker: (Wraps her shawl tightly around herself wringing her hands) Its the orphanage. Mr. Willis: The orphanage? Ms Parker: Yes, the orphanage. Narrator: What could Ms Willis possibly want with him about the orphanage? She had told him to butt out of her affairs more than once, and got mad at him once when he gave all the kids a stick of candy before they had their daily meal of rice soup, slice of cheese, and crackers. Mr. Willis: Here sit down (pulls out a chair) Now what is this about the orphanage? Ms. Parker: Yesterday, I received an eviction notice that the orphanage will be closing due to lack of funds. I have not been taking in enough money to hardly feed them, much

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

less pay for all the utilities and rent. Churches have quite giving offerings than they used to people are struggling themselves, I guess. It is hard say! Mr. Willis: What can I do to help? Ms Parker: That is why I came to you. I know you do not have the money, but you are a praying man. I do not have much to do with religion myself, but do believe there is something to it. Mr. Willis: Let us pray right here. (Both bow head) Father, we do not have the answers, but you do for this need. Please help us now. Protect these children that are yours. In Jesus name, Amen. Choir: Theres Power in the Blood (Both stand up) Ms. Parker: Thank you, Mr. Willis. I do feel better about this. I believe your God will provide. (Exits) Mr. Willis: (Prays as he exits) Dear, Lord you have heard all these prayer today. We surely need your help. Please advise me in what to do. (Lights out blackness to change scenes) Choir: Wonderful Counselor (Americas 25 Christmas Song for Kids) Scene 2 Home after a Long Day (Mr. Willis arrives home and enters. He is greeted by his daughter Paige) Paige: Dad! (Hugs him) Look at this (Hands him a report card). I got six As and two Bs. Mr. Willis: (Takes report, drops his jacket over chair and sits down propping feet up, then reviews the report card) I am proud of you, Paige. I know you work hard doing your homework every evening. This looks real good. (Pause) Where is Ethan? Paige: He had practice after school today. He should be home any minute. I think I hear him now. Ethan: (Enters wearing his iPod) Hi, Dad. Whats up? (Plops down on the floor with a pillow) Mr. Willis: It was a long day, but glad to be home. I need you to do some work out in the garage for me this evening. I have some wood that I need carried in before it gets too cold.
Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Ethan: Sure! (Gets up to leave) Tell Mom Ill be back on time for dinner. Paige: (Yells after him) Moms cooking your favorite meal tacos. Ethan: Sounds good! Paige: Hey! Wait a minute. (Gets up and follows him) both exit (Mrs. Willis enters) Mrs. Willis: How was your day, dear? Mr. Willis: I wanted to talk with you, but refrained from it in front of the kids. They do not need to worry about things. Mrs. Willis: What is it dear? Mr. Willis: Mrs. Parker came over the store today just as I was about to leave. Mrs. Willis: Mrs. Parker? (Surprised voice)

Mr. Willis: Yes, that is the way I felt. She is struggling financially at the orphanage. It looks like it will be closed unless God intervenes in a miraculous way. Mrs. Willis: That is bad news. Where will all the children go? Mr. Willis: This thing is.she asked me to pray about it? Mrs. Willis: Did you agree? Mr. Willis: I had prayer with her, and she is expecting God to answer. Mrs. Willis: You sure are challenging God to do a miracle arent you? Mr. Willis: Theres more. Mrs. Willis: Is it serious? Mr. Willis: I have been keeping this from you, but the Shoppe is not doing well financially. We are spending more than we are taking in. I do not know if we can keep on like this. I have tried advertising, posting flyers, making special candy, but it is not enough. Honey, we are going to have to keep Christmas at a minimum this year. Maybe we should plan to give one gift to each other this year.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Mrs. Willis: That would be a wise decision. We have some praying to do. I hear the kids returning. (Stands up) Id better get dinner on the table. (Goes to set the table) Choir: Im Getting Nuttin for Christmas (Americas 25 Christmas Songs for Kids) (Paige and Ethan enter talking) Paige: Hi Mom, hi dad! Ethan: Is dinner ready? Im starved. Mrs. Willis: It will be ready by the time you wash up and take a seat. (All use hand sanitizer and take a seat at the table) (Bow heads and fold hands) Mr. Willis: Dear Lord, We thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for this food we are about to eat. Bless this home and remember those who are have less than we do. We have much to be thankful for. In Jesus name, amen. (Lights go out) Lights on choir only Choir: Thankful (Group Power Lab) or So Good to Me (Shout Praises Kids DVD) Scene 3 Orphanage Kids Make a Discovery (Kids are outside the Candy Shoppe Jumping rope, and bouncing some balls) Narrator: The next morning was Saturday and all the Orphanage children loved to play outdoors. Since there was an open field next to Mr. Willis Shoppe, they normally played there. An accident occurs that changes circumstances for the Orphanage and the Candy Shoppe. Benjamin: Hey, thats not fair! You always pick first. I want Ryan on our team. Leah: We need him over here. You both are our best players, and its not fair that our team loses most of the time when you play on the same team. Ryan: I can play half on your team, and half on Bens team. Anna: What about me? Dont I count? Zoe: Youre too little to count. Naomi: Thats not nice, Zoe! (Puts arm around Anna)
Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Benjamin: Ok, Ill take Leah and Anna. (Anna runs over and hugs Ben) Ryan: Then that leaves me with Zoe and Naomi. Anna: Lets play Christmas Tree Freeze. Benjamin: That sounds dumb. Why would we play that game? Zoe: Its fun! We are all trees waving our branches in the wind. If the North Wind comes along and touches us we are free to walk around. The South Wind can stop him before he gets to us and we stay frozen in place. We need a North and South wind person. Who will do that? (Timmy has came upon them riding his bike) Timmy: Can I play with you all? (Wistfully) Benjamin: This is a dumb game and I am not playing (Throws his ball and it hits Mr. Willis Candy Shoppe window shattering it into pieces. Benjamin stands shocked - mouth open then acts frightened running off) All kids: On no! What will Mr. Willis say? (Mr. Willis appears) Mr. Willis: Do you children know what happened here? (Silence) Mr. Willis: Come on, you kids have been out here all morning, you must have seen something? (All freeze) Narrator: Mr. Willis is feeling quite angry. He has no money for replacing a broken window. Now these kids have gone and broke his Candy Shoppe window, and just who was he going to pay for it. He knew they had no money or Ms. Parker who runs the orphanage. He would have to patch it of course. What a day! All his troubles seemed to mount up now. God, he prayed silently. Help me to do what Jesus would do. Please help me with this store and the orphanage that is in great need. These are your children and help me to love them regardless. Music: Showing the love of God to others Mr. Willis: Come on inside, every one of you!
Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

(The Kids look at one another) Mr. Willis: Come on in, I said. (Kids go inside the Candy Shoppe and sit around on the floor some at the table) Anna: Mr. Willis, Benny is sorry. He is very, very, very sorry. Mr. Willis: So it was Benjamin who broke the window? Hmmm. You cant throw balls at windows and not expect some damage. What happened? (All freeze) Choir: Every Move I Make (Shout Praises Kids Integrity) Narrator: The kids reluctantly told Mr. Willis the truth about how the accident had occurred. Mr. Willis reminisces on his days as a young boy. He had done the same thing once to the old school building. He was playing ball with some friends and the ball was thrown hitting the old school window. He never forgets the whipping his dad gave him for it although it was an accident. He knew this was an important moment in the children's life to see him act as a Christians even under these misfortunate circumstances. God help me, he prayed. Help something good to come from all this some way, Lord. Mr. Willis: You know when I was a boy I hit a window once. It was not on purpose but I sure got a lickin for it. I can still feel that right now. God showed me to forgive you for this. He wants you children to get along and not fight and argue over things like this. He will help you, but first you need to give your hearts to Jesus. Timmy: What is that? Mr. Willis: God gave his only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. (Takes Bible and read John 3:16) If we confess those sins, he will forgive us and help us make better choices. (Reads I John 1:9) He will put his love in our hearts that we will not want to do those kinds of things. Only God can take away anger inside of us and give us peace instead. How about it? Timmy: Sound good to me. Mr. Willis: Jesus will forgive you right now if you will ask him, too. Would you like to have his peace and joy and forgiveness? All kids: Yes Mr. Willis: You just pray this prayer after me. Dear God, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Kids: Dear God, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness. Mr. Willis: I admit I have sinned against you. Kids: I admit I have sinned against you. Mr. Willis: I believe you died for my sins on the cross. Kids: I believe you died for my sins on the cross. Mr. Willis: Please forgive me for my sins. In Jesus name, amen. Kids: Please forgive me for my sins. In Jesus name, amen. Mr. Willis: Now be sure to share this with someone else about what Jesus has done for you. Mr. Willis: Here I want to give you all a stick of candy. No dont worry, I will tell Ms. Parker all about it. (Passes out a stick of candy) Naomi: What are you making, Mr. Willis? Leah: It smells so good. Mr. Willis: Just some experimenting here. (Benjamin walks in the door) Mr. Willis: So here is the boy who broke my window. Benjamin; I am sorry, Mr. Willis, I should not have run but I was scared. Please forgive me. Annie: I let Jesus in my heart. Benjamin: What? (All freeze) Choir: I Give You My Hear (Shout Praises Kids Integrity) Narrator: Mr. Willis once again shared the story of how he had broken a window once and got into big trouble over it. He shared the Gospel message with Benjamin and asked him if he wanted to pray. (Mr. Willis and Benjamin kneel to pray) Both Mr. Willis and Benjamin knelt and as Ben asked Jesus into his heart. They got up and Mr. Willis gave him a big hug giving him (Ben is handed a candy stick) a candy stick like the others.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Music: Gods Salvation (Benjamin wanders over to the counter of supplies and picking a bottle up sniffs it. Mr. Willis: I am sure God and the angels are pleased this morning. I am happy, too. (Looks over at Benjamin) What are you doing over there, Benjamin? Benjamin: (Exclaims) What IS this? Mr. Willis: I do not know what all I have over there. What does it smell like? Benjamin: I dont know, but it is different and I like it. Can we make something with it? Mr. Willis: You mean, you kids? Zoe: Can we? That would be fun! Naomi: Look at this holds a large letter J, I would like to make something for Jesus. Can we, Mr. Willis? Mr. Willis: Sure, why not. Jesus is the reason for the season. All of you put on an apron to cover those nice clothes, and we will get busy. Naomi look through this box for a "J" pan I think I have one. Zoe, get out a big cooking kettle. Benjamin will you please get the measuring cups and spoons, and Ryan and Anna help me with these old newspapers in covering the table. Leah, help Timmy bring his bike inside to a safe place. (All get busy). We have something to celebrate about. Choir: Good Christian Men Rejoice (A Big Barrel of Carols Gods Kids Worship) Narrator: Mr. Willis and all the kids get busy working together in preparation for making some candy. What will this new recipe be like? Will the flavoring that Benjamin discovered be any good? Lets see what happens. Benjamin: (Stirring inside the pot) This smells delicious! I think it needs just a little more flavoring, Mr. Willis. Mr. Wills: Just how would you know that? Benjamin: I just have a feeling. I used to help my mom a lot in the kitchen before she died. Mr. Willis: I am very sorry about that, Benjamin. It must be tough for you since she died. Benjamin: It was and still is. Ms. Parker at the orphanage tries, but she does not have money to do a whole lot. We love your candy for we hardly get it at the orphanage.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Mr. Willis: (Peers into the pan) It looks just about ready to pour into this pan. Naomi, do you have the pan to put this into? Naomi: Sure do, Mr. Willis. (Mr. Willis pours into the pan) Mr. Willis: We will let this harden and then give you all a sample. How about that? All Kids: Sounds great! This has been a fun day! Narrator: The kids waited eagerly for the candy to harden which was not long. Mr. Willis gave them all a sample. (Mr. Willis gives a piece of broken candy cane to the children) The children are delighted for they have never tasted such a candy before. Annie: It is yummy. I like the red and white colors. It reminds me of Jesus in my heart. Mr. Willis: That is a good observation, Annie, for someone so young. Jesus shed his blood on the cross to forgive us, and he makes us white as snow. I am really excited about this candy you kids have helped with today. I feel real good about it. Take some home with you and share. I am going to sit the rest if it out in the counter for people to sample and see what happens. We may be making some more orders. (All freeze) Narrator: As customers came into the store that day, they tasted a sample of the new candy made with peppermint flavoring. There was not one person who did not exclaim over the flavor and ask to place an order. (If you have extra people, they can come in and out the store during this time as shoppers) Some even returned back to the store. People were so amazed at the new flavor they told their relatives out of town, and more and more orders came into the store. Mr. Willis was a busy man for many weeks making candy and taking many orders for Christmas from churches, schools, and all kinds of gatherings. God had taken something that seemed to be a misfortune from a broken window and a serious financial situation to answering the prayers of Mr. Willis and his family. God is good all the time. Even when things seem out of control in our lives, God is in control. God said to ask and you will receive. His promises are true for you and me today. My God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in heaven. We can trust in these promises. (Lights out) During this time all the children leave and the scene will open to Mr. Willis sitting in the living room with his family on Christmas Day) Scene 4 A Thankful Heart (Mr. Willis reads the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-20 and closed his Bible)
Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Mr. Willis: We have so much to be thankful for, children. God has been good to us. The Candy Shoppe was struggling and God provided a way for us to make it financially. Mrs. Willis: It is wonderful how God provided for the Orphanage as well. I praise his name. Paige; Tell us about it. Ethan: Yeah, what happened? Mrs. Willis: Do tell them, dear. Mr. Willis: The major heard about what the children at the orphanage had done with the candy and how Ms. Parker was struggling to keep it open. The city officials voted to take on the monthly payments and utilities bills. Several churches are giving food on a weekly basis. I heard they even have a schedule as to what churches will provide food each week. One church is taking in hot meals once a day for the children. Mrs. Willis: Praise the Lord (Wipes her eyes) Paige: That is awesome, Dad! (Rings some bells) I just feel like ringing these bells because of what God has done for our family and the orphanage. Ethan: The kids at school are even bringing in canned goods for the orphanage. I cant help but see what a great God we serve. Mr. Willis: God is good. (Pause) Now dont you think it is time to open these presents? Mrs. Willis: Yes, its about time! Let me hear those bells again, Paige. Choir: Ring the Bells (Americas 25 Christmas Songs for Kids- Brentwood) Lights out! (Spotlight on narrator only) Narrator: Christmas is a season to celebrate what Jesus has done for us. He came as a Baby sent by God to save a lost world form their sins. If it was not for the Christ Child, there would be no reason to celebrate this season. Let us not forgot who is the REAL reason for the season. Jesus Christ. Remember those who are less fortunate than you are. There are many in need of a kind heart to reach out to them and show the love of Jesus. We can share what God has done for us, by giving from our heart and resources to those needy ones whom He died for upon the cross. May you have a blessed Christmas this season and remember that God will answer prayer for YOU, whatever that need may be. Trust Him.
Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.

Choir: Go Tell It On The Mountain, Feliz Navidad, We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Americas 25 Christmas Songs for Kids- Brentwood) (All exit) All cast return to stage and bow as names are called giving what part they played. Music is inserted if you wish to make it a musical. I have added a few suggestions; however, but these can be omitted if you would rather just use the drama only.

Rev. Dr. Jeanne McIntosh September 27, 2011. All rights reserved.