I'm working on a "monster themed set of services for next summer. I am looking for tricks/object lessons for the following. got any ideas?

The resurrection of Lazars and Jesus resurrection vs reanimation " Jesus = Life World = death" Using a Mummy puppet in this service

Paul's teaching that we are aliens this world is not our home heaven is. "be in this world but not of it' Using a Alien Puppet in this service

God knows our secret heart are we monsters inside? Using a Hang on monster puppet in this service

God uses Ezekiel to bring the dry bones to life "God uses us to do His will" Using a Skeleton puppet in this service

Healing of the 10 lepers & thankfulness "God is worthy of our gratitude and worship" Zombie puppet in this service

(1) have a teddy bear (or other cute puppet) on visible (and invisible) strings linked to a CROSS - very jerky movements

cut the animated strings and let the puppet flop over

BUT Jesus allows us to overcome difficulties (show the CROSS vertically and pull on the invisible strings)

Volker (FCME - Germany) won the FCMUK 2010 stage competition with this using the music "You raise me up" (West Life)

(2) use d'lites and a d'lite bag to show light overcoming darkness

I'm not a big fan of using lots of different readings / puppets in a show/Sermon. I'd stick to one message per Service to stop folks getting confused. In the UK I use an activity book called "Fright the good fight" which looks at how Daniel, David and Joseph overcame scary moments. But I tend to use other magic to show these. David (upon which rock - Barry Mitchell http://www.barrymitchellproducts.com/sto......07030133 ), Daniel and the Lions (Duane Laflin http://www.laflinmagicstore.com/ProductD......de=GMDTL ) Joseph (Hero/zero and super hero silks-- Barry Mitchell http://www.barrymitchellproducts.com/sto......ero-zero ). Wonder Imagery also makes silks of all these Bible Heroes http://www.timsonefelt.com/store_product......estament (and they're in lucky 7 as well). Puppets tell the Bible story, but I use other props etc to help me demonstrate it as part of a 25 minute plus show.

What age group are you aiming at??
What other tricks/routines will build up to these??
Are they in a Church or where??
How long do you have??

Also look at David Ginn's monster magic book.

I usual start off my programs with a humorous telling of a Bible story with a puppet. Then 3 or so tricks that illustrate the truth from that story and finish with a Chalk art painting that leads to the altar time (lots of times I use music that fits the truth being fought. Other times I tell a story that compliments the first bible story)

At this point I do not have anything much as far as planed out tricks yet and still have to write out or find funny vent versions of the Bible stories.

I plan on using the bongo hat and obedient heart with the Monster day. I have the Skeleton version of the stratosphere and Cut and restore ropes for the Dry bones day, I'll do a die box and or 20th century silks for the resurrection day. I don't have anything yet for the other two days.

My age range is 3rd graders through adults.

My venue is churches and camps

And my service is around 1 & 1/2 hours.

If you own the Skeleton in the Closet props, we have a fabulous interactive routine called Skull-o-pini. FCM member Marvin Hall adapted our routine for Gospel presentations. And he has kindly given us permission to share his adaptation with anyone who purchases Skull-o-pini. Check our website for more details: http://www.arthurstead.com

Arthur & Leslie Stead

Ali Bongo's hat

Inside outside box (Gozinta) with a monster(or other object) inside

I just found the Tommy James forgetful Spider that would work great for the Monster day. Do a "what a tangled web we weave" patter.

Monsters? sounds kinda creepy and somehow weird....

Frankenstein- Many Parts-One Body.