Pod the Alien Sketch : ‘Mother’s Day’

Standard introduction and entrance (Compere talking is interrupted by spaceship landing sound effects, What’s that I can hear? It sounds like a spaceship, and I think it’s coming this way! It must be Pod, our friend from outta space.  Projector shows external scenes with spaceship slide landing. Pod bangs on the door, Compere opens the door, Pod enters)

Hello Pod, how are you today?
You know I’m glad you asked me because I feeling quite… puzzled
Oh, and what is it you’re puzzled about?
Well I’ve become quite partial to special occasions here at your church. And I particularly enjoyed your Christmas Carol Service
Yes, you did didn’t you
I was the guest speaker on that occasion you know
Yes that would be why
And there are some wonderful things to learn about and celebrate in the Bible aren’t there. There’s the story of David and Goliath. I especially like the bit at the end where David cuts Goliath’s head off. And another about Sampson pulling down the Philistine temple and crushing all God’s enemies. And then there’s the time that Jesus drove all the market traders out of the temple with a big whip, and James and John calling down fire from heaven on the people who would believe..
Now you got that last one wrong, Jesus taught James and John not to do that. But I can see that there is a pattern here, you seem to like a gory story don’t you.
Yeah, well I’m a boy ain’t I and boys like the ruffty-tuffy stuff.
That’s as maybe, but you are getting off the point. What is it that you’re puzzled about?
No actually I was just getting to the point. Which is… with so many exciting things to celebrate in the Bible; why are you wasting time with… ‘Mother’s Day’! Well what’s that about then? You’ve really lost the plot this time! I mean Mother’s day’s isn’t even in the Bible! Am I right? Am I right? I’m right this time, aren’t I, aren’t I?
Well there’s nothing specifically …
Ha! I told you. You need me on your accountability board you do or you’ll turn into a cult! (stern look from compare, then Pod, weakly) … a dangerous, Mother’s Day cult.
If you must know, the idea of Mother’s Day comes from one of the ten commandments: “Honour your father and mother, so you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”
Oh, I see.
So I wouldn’t set your heart on the accountability board just yet.
No.
So you see Mother’s Day is day set aside to give special honour our mothers.
But that’s not really fair is it
I don’t see what you mean
I mean there isn’t a Kids day is there.
So what sort of things would you do on a ‘Kid’s day’?
Oh, I’d play and watch telly and do the kind of things I like
But that just sounds like a normal day for most kids, may be you could find some one to cook your meals and do your washing to. Now who could we find to do that for you, do you think?
Well  …(sheepishly) the Mothers I suppose.
Just like normal. I think most days are Kid’s days don’t you?
But that’s what mother’s do. It’s their job, they’ve got nothing else to do, have they!
My goodness Pod you take some convincing don’t you. Shall we find out some of the other things Mothers can do?
Oh yes, why not. (to audience) Are any of you Mothers?

• (Improvised – Wendy picks 2 or 3 Mothers – e.g. Jill, Marion, Mary, Pippa. And asks them each what other jobs they can do apart from being a Mum, Pod coos and asks questions)

 Wow! these people aren’t just Mothers, they are heroes! All these are really important jobs why aren’t they doing them now?
Some of them still are, but for all of them being a Mother is more important and just as heroic!
That’s right, they are heroic. We should find a way to honour them. They are really special.
Maybe a special day? I think you’re understanding at last.
Yes I see now, we should celebrate Mother’s day and let them know how special they are. Maybe we could buy them special presents, or cook them dinner, or do some of the things that for them that they normally do for us. Yes that’s a great idea. Hey Wendy, you’re a Mother yourself aren’t you?
Yes, I have two grown up sons.
So what job did you used to do?
(proudly) I used to make hats for the BBC
(pause) Like I said, these mothers are heroic and we all should honour them on Mother’s day. You know I’ve learnt something important on my visit. That Mothers are very special people who love and care for their children, and that Mothers Day is a way of  honouring them just as God wants us to. Well I’d better be going now, I’ll try to get back to see you again really soon. Goodbye

Standard exit (leaves. Spaceship takes off : OHP & accompanying sound effects. Goodbye Pod)

© M Day 25-Feb-2002