HOT CROSS BUNS Verse Choir Version

Transcription

1 HOT CROSS BUNS Verse Choir Version This is a simple poem to use with a verse chorus. It is not really a play: just a brief five-minute interlude in an Easter service to offer variety in getting the message across and an opportunity for people to be involved. Special costuming is not needed but can be adopted if desired. With a number of people involved, memorisation should not be taxing. The capital letters at the beginning of many of the lines represent different reciters. This can be varied if less people are involved. The Sections do not directly follow from each other, although there is obviously a loose connection. There are many ways in which the poem/play can be presented. This gives opportunity for producers/directors to use their imagination and creativity. Possible approaches: Participants seated in a circle around a coffee table or tables as if in discussion. Participants lined up or grouped across the stage with a spotlight resting on each individual speaker or group as needed. Setup like a class room Some cast members sitting in the congregation and jumping up and walking on stage as they speak their lines, apparently spontaneously, as if adding or developing a thought to what has just been said on stage,. If all are seated, have them stand when they speak, move them around etc as appropriate. You could video the performance beforehand and simply show it during the service. This would give scope for camera close-ups and a variety of angles etc. The congregation could then be invited to sing the closing song after the video. Slow, clear, expressive speech and enunciation is vital at all times. It is particularly important that, where the voices are in unison, the wording is crystal clear. The chorus includes five or six speakers. Ideally, the members of the chorus will be different from the other actors, but this is not essential. The chorus lyrics are intended to be recited in unison as if by rote or perhaps even in robotic fashion. It is to be distinguished from the passionate, emotive lines of the rest of the verse. Except for the last chorus which is to be delivered quietly with feeling. It is recommended that the poem (without the instructions) be printed in your Easter bulletin so people may reflect on it later if they wish.

2 HOT CROSS BUNS The following words can appear on the screen during the performance. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey For as often as you eat this bread you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 2:2; 11:26; Revelation 10:9-10 I A (holding a bun, and speaking as if a bit annoyed about this) When summer s heat still burns the sky, 1 the Hot Cross buns appear so merchants can condition us that Easter time is near. B (showing off?) You know Easter is the oldest Christian festival of all, its origins go almost back to Peter, Luke and Paul. C (keeping us on track, serious, speaking as if thinking and meditating while speaking) They recollected Jesus death with fasting and with prayer, they grieved with godly sorrow for the anguish suffered there. C The Cross embraced their vision as they focused on God s Son D (with a half-laugh, trying to be smart) our cross is just a marking on a spicy baker s bun. Chorus (spoken in unison) 1 For northern hemisphere application use this alternative first line: When winter s cold still chills the stars

3 II A (speaking as a teacher might do, and holding his/her bun) Ingredients are mixed and pounded flour, spices, yeast and baked in blazing heat so we can celebrate the feast. B (quietly, but strongly and earnestly) Without demur the Saviour faced the wrath of heaven above; he passed through fires of judgement, the epitome of love. Chorus (spoken in unison) III (Spoken as if by four know-alls who point their fingers, nod their heads etc as they make their points, speaking deliberately and slowly.) C An Easter pastry s nice to eat,

4 D A B but like the apostle s scroll, it may be sweet between the lips yet bitter to the soul. Chorus (spoken in unison) the field is won, to Pentecost IV B (As this is the final section, the players need to ensure that they address the audience clearly and forcefully) The Saviour gave us broken bread and ordinary wine to bring to our remembrance God s unparalleled design C to use the Cross to bear our sins the ugliness, the pain to offer us forgiveness and the chance to hope again. A So eat up, friends, enjoy the bun, Its piping is a guide to think wistfully of Jesus whom we call the Crucified. B Remember how he suffered and how willingly he died. C How in the Cross the law s demands were fully satisfied. D Come lowly in humility

5 and sacrifice your pride. Chorus (spoken in unison) It s just a bun, a pleasant snack, a simple thing to bake; but it signifies the Saviour, and the amnesty he makes. Song During the following song, A takes the original bun he/she has been holding throughout and slowly breaks it, giving a piece to each of the others, as if handing out communion bread. The song can be given as a solo or a duet or a group item, after which the congregation may be invited to join in. The lyrics should appear on the screen only after the song has been performed so that people first just listen. It is important that the coda be included in the performance as it is an essential part of the song, not an option. If you would like to hear a sung version of Fill My Eyes a short video can be viewed at the following link but note that the last line has been modified and the coda is missing. God&&view=detail&mid=BDB D82AEBE76BDB D82AEBE 76&&FORM=VRDGAR See the score in a separate attachment.. Fill my eyes, Oh my God, With a vision of the Cross; Fill my heart with love for Jesus the Nazarene. Fill my mouth with Thy praise; Let me sing through endless days, Take my will, let my life be wholly Thine (Music and lyrics copyright by Ken Chant) Prayer/s focusing on the Cross and thanking God for our redemption through Christ. (Extemporaneous or composed by the speaker or the producer to be applicable to the local situation.) Barry Chant January 2018.

6 HOT CROSS BUNS I When summer s heat still burns the sky, 2 the Hot Cross buns appear so merchants can condition us that Easter time is near. Easter is the oldest Christian festival of all, its origins go almost back to Peter, Luke and Paul. They recollected Jesus death with fasting and with prayer, they grieved with godly sorrow for the anguish suffered there. The Cross embraced their vision as they focused on God s Son our cross is just a marking on a spicy baker s bun. Chorus 2 For northern hemisphere application use this alternative first line: When winter s cold still chills the stars

7 II Ingredients are mixed and pounded flour, spices, yeast and baked in blazing heat so we can celebrate the feast. Without demur the Saviour faced the wrath of heaven above; he passed through fires of judgement, the epitome of love. Chorus III An Easter pastry s nice to eat, but like the apostle s scroll, it may be sweet between the lips yet bitter to the soul. Chorus

8 IV The Saviour gave us broken bread and ordinary wine to bring to our remembrance God s unparalleled design to use the Cross to bear our sins the ugliness, the pain to offer us forgiveness and the chance to hope again. So eat up, friends, enjoy the bun, Its piping is a guide to think wistfully of Jesus whom we call the Crucified. Remember how he suffered and how willingly he died. How in the Cross the law s demands were fully satisfied. Come lowly in humility and sacrifice your pride. Chorus It s just a bun, a pleasant snack, a simple thing to bake; but it signifies the Saviour, and the amnesty he makes. Copyright Barry Chant 2018.