Programs
I am always very open to any theme you may choose. I love researching the Word on subjects and themes and would be happy to be given a subject of your choosing, also.
Monologues: These are 30-40 minute monologues I have written and perform in costume. They are based on scripture, use information discovered in research, along with imagination.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus - This presentation begins with the angel appearing to a young Mary in her home revealing God's plan for her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. Her conversation includes memories of Jesus' birth, early childhood, leaving home, miracles He performed, His crucifixion and resurrection. Woven into the monologue are suggestions for the contemporary woman in dealing with like situations. Scripture is quoted and songs are sung a capella.
Mary Magdalene - Mary reveals her struggle with "demons" and describes her life before Christ and what a profound difference He made in her. She shares experiences she had with her Lord and how deeply she loved Him for redeeming her and transforming her so radically. She tells of their journeys together, His death on the cross and His appearing to her after His resurrection. The monologue ends with my singing "I've Just Seen Jesus."
The Inn Keeper's Wife - This original monologue is "lighter," using humor and imagination to describe the night of our Savior's birth. The purpose of this presentation is to focus our attention on the big event of the holiday season, rather that all the stresses, preparations, and activities that come along with it. Women have always been busy with jobs, families, and special occasions, and this links us to women of the past who struggled with the same pressures. The story of the birth of Christ is seen in a fresh way through the eyes of this woman as she describes the events of the night. A capella traditional Christmas songs are woven throughout the monologue.
Presentations for one session only:
Clothed in Christ - Taken from Colossians, Chapter 3, this hour long presentation uses a mannequin to visually demonstrate our "taking off the old self and putting on the new self" described in this chapter. The mannequin is fully clothed at the beginning and is garment by garment "stripped" to communicate our need to rid ungodly character traits. We talk about standing naked before God. She is then re-clothed in "Godly" garments that Christ paid for us to wear when He died on the cross. This begins with a humorous story about the mannequin and ends with a much more serious self-examination. It uses many illustrations that are true to life, and I sing solo in the middle and end. (This has an additional session that completes the chapter if used over a weekend or 2 session meeting. It is entitled, "Keeping Your Clothes Clean.")
Filling Our Cup With Joy - This 45 minute presentation uses a variety of teacups and mugs that are displayed to represent numerous areas in our lives where we attempt to find joy. We try to find joy in our marriages, our children, our jobs, our church activities, our friendships, and our finances. In reality, we will only find joy in our relationship with Christ. There is a unique mug that beautifully is transformed "magically" before our eyes to signify this relationship with Him. This encourages women to realize that their intimacy with Christ is the fulfillment of life.
In His Glory - This 45 minute presentation talks about the glory of God. I use the experience of Moses being in the presence of God to challenge us to reflect His glory in our world today. There is no more wonderful place to be than in His presence basking in His glory! I sing a couple of songs in this presentation as it challenges us to make time for Him in our busy world.
For the Glory of Your Name - This is a 45 minute presentation that deals with names. 1. We are given a name at birth (Jesus was named by God, and our parents name us). 2. We earn names in life (Jesus earned His many names that reflected the character of God, and we earn the names we are known for in our community by our conduct). 3. We will be given a new name in heaven (Jesus will be given a new name by His Father, and we will be given a new name written on a white stone). We celebrate the name of Jesus and the authority of His name, and we analyze our own lives.
Power in the Potter's Hands - This 55 minute presentation compares the similarities in a potter working with clay and our Heavenly Potter working with us. Scripture is used to support the process a potter goes through while creating a vessel for use and how that compares to the ways our Father creates His vessels for use. We are all created, convicted, cleansed, and changed. He also cooks us, cares for us, chooses us, and controls us. I sing two songs in this presentations: "My Soul Desire" and "The Potter's Hand."
Weekend Presentations:
At the Feet of Jesus - This three session event is the newest! The first session Rita presents a 35 minute monologue as the Biblical character, Mary of Bethany. She tells the story of Mary's journey of bravery in coming to Christ. She re-tells the Biblically based events found in the gospels: her listening at His feet, her struggle to understand the death of her brother, Lazarus, and the complete joy in his resurrection, and then finally, her need to lovingly express her gratitude as she anointed the feet of her Lord. The monologue concludes with Rita's daughters: Mary Megan, Molly, and Shelby singing and acting the closing song, Alabaster Box. The second and third sessions, Rita speaks to the contemporary woman on Listening at the Feet of Jesus and Loving at the Feet of Jesus and how we can apply Mary's life story to our own we write each day. A beautiful, Egyptian perfume bottle is given at the conclusion of this event to each participant as a reminder to be a fragrant aroma as we spill our lives out as an offering each day.
Get on Board or Drown - This 4 session workshop focuses our attention on Noah and the Ark found in Genesis. We talk about our relationships, our requirements in being obedient to God, our ride with God, and our rainbows of promise from God. I sing solo in each session. The sessions last from 30 minutes to 50 minutes. The workshop concludes with a moving invitation at the foot of the cross.
Well, It's About Time - This 4 session workshop is centered on Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 and the Bible-based instructions for us to follow when attempting to make Godly choices in life. There is a lot of humor in this presentation. I sing solo in each session. Each session lasts about 40 minutes. The closing is very unique, and each participant is given a ladies watch to wear home as a tangible reminder of our time spent together with the Lord. (That part is a secret!)
Loving Him, Them and Me - Here is a 4 session study on Mark 12:30-31. Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, and he responded that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and we should love others as ourselves. The first 2 sessions examine our love relationship to God one on one. We closely study the 10 commandments. Session 3 highlights ways women can love themselves better...very practical information for making daily changes in our habits and lifestyle. Session 4 ends with how to demonstrate the love of God to others more effectively. I sing 2 solos throughout this presentation..."By Heart, By Soul" and "We Will Stand."
Mother/Daughter Retreats:
Leaving a Legacy of...Faith, Family, and Friends - Rita teaches moms and daughters the importance of their relationship to each other. The focus is placed on such a relationship found in God's word...Jochabed and Miriam, and it also includes a project of love that will open communications and provide each daughter with a lifetime reminder of the weekend.
Purity...Being Found Favored by God! - Rita examines the life of Mary, the mother of Christ and reminds moms and daughters that God favored her, and He favors them, too! He chose Mary to carry the Son of God inside of her body, and He chooses to allow US to carry the Spirit of God in ours! We study in three sessions the heart, body, mind, and mouth; areas of our lives, and how to stay pure in an impure world.
Both of these weekend events offer a separate session with MOMS ONLY!
