|
|
Daughter of a King Program Rebecca Whitmer of Stockton, CA, emailed me the following: Hi, Thank you so much for sharing your ideas! I used much of the “Of Royal Birth Program” for my ward RS Birthday dinner last Friday and it was a fantastic hit! I did change things a lot, but I used most of what you have shared so I just wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. And I would like to share it for others to use! (to read more about this program click here) Daughter of a King Song: Daughter of a King by Jenny Philips Intro: The following program highlights the joys and blessings of the gospel in every phase of life as a woman, a daughter of God. Knowing who you are, where you came from, why you are here, and how your life blesses the lives of those around you is the key to finding joy in each and every day, even every trial along the way. You truly are, a Daughter of a King. Scene 1 Song: Here Am I, Send Me By J. K. Perry Let Us Go Forth Ø Little girl descending stairs with white flower in her hair...ribbons trailing from “heaven” Narrator: In the pre-mortal life you lived with our Father in Heaven. There you prepared to come to earth to become a daughter, sister, mother, teacher, and friend. You knew and worshiped God as your Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize your divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. Ø Curtains open and girl leaves flower on small table by rocking chair and new mother (Woman’s voice) I am so excited about my journey, and a little scared, but I know that I will not be alone. I know my Father loves me and will be with me always. I’m glad I chose to be a part of His divine plan. And I know I will someday return to my King. Scene 2 Song: Walk Tall You’re a Daughter of God - Verse 2 & 3 Ø Woman rocking and dressing a baby girl for blessing day Narrator: And so you came to earth, so small and helpless. And knowing that you needed to be loved and nurtured our Heavenly Father blessed you with parents to guide you on your journey through this life. Song : I Am a Child of God by Paul Cardall begin narration 2 as voice over (Woman’s voice) O, how I miss my heavenly home and my family there, but now as those memories fade so far away, I am thankful that Father has blessed me with such a wonderful family here on earth. I know I am loved. I can hardly wait to experience all that this life has to offer. I am thankful for a family to lead and guide me through the choices I must make. Scene 3 Song: Born of Water, Born of Spirit by J.K. Perry Ø Girl and father dressed in baptismal clothing. Mother from scene 1 places flower in daughters hair over right ear. Sister Missionary helps father and daughter. Narrator: Now you are 8 and about to be baptized and make a special covenant to take upon you the name of Christ. Through this, Heavenly Father shows his love by giving you a way to repent and strive to become more like Him. And with the gift of the Holy Ghost you will be able to make righteous decisions. (Woman’s voice) I am excited to be baptized. Today I make my first promise with my Heavenly Father. My mother made my special baptism day dress just like my blessing dress. She wants me to take care of them and keep them as a symbol of my purity. My baptism today is my first step towards claiming my Royal Birthright. Scene 4 Song: Child of Light by Mindy Gledhill Ø Teenage girl having a dramatic episode finally rests on bed to write in her journal Narrator: As you grow into a young woman may you know that you are a choice spirit who has come forth in this day when the responsibilities and opportunities, as well as the temptations, are the greatest. You are at the beginning of your journey through this mortal life. Your Heavenly Father wants your life to be joyful and to lead you back into His presence. The decisions you make now will determine much of what will follow during your life and throughout eternity. May you keep your mind and body clean from the sins of the world, so you can do the great work that lies before you. Song: My Story from My Turn on Earth Ø Mother enters and places flower over her daughters right ear, comforts her, hands her the scriptures...and then leaves. (Woman’s voice) Today has been an extremely hard day. I feel like nobody understands what I am going through. I feel so alone. I know there is someone I can always talk to. Someone that promised me long ago that I would never be alone. I am glad that I know that Heavenly Father will always be there to listen and care. Scene 5 Song: Stand as a Witness by Katherine Nelson Ø Young sister missionary packing her suitcase, places the flower from her hair, in the suitcase with her scriptures. Narrator: For 21 years you have been nurtured by a family who prepared you to take your place in the world, and in Heavenly Father’s kingdom. You have increased your knowledge of the gospel, found your own testimony, and made covenants with Him in the temple. And if it so be that ye should labor all your days crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy in the kingdom of my Father! (Woman’s voice) I felt sad to leave my home, my friends and family I love, I felt unprepared, small and weak. I didn’t know enough. I wasn’t brave enough. I wasn’t ready. At least that’s how I felt, but I knew the Lord knew I was. I knew it was what he wanted me to do. I knew that if I humbled myself and trusted in Him, as hard as that was, that He would then qualify His Daughter to become His missionary Scene 6 Track 6 Song: There is a Place by Janice Kapp Perry Ø Young woman standing in front of mirror (temple) in wedding dress. Mother places the white flower in her hair over her left ear. Narrator: Today as you prepare to enter the Temple, you look back on all the steps you have taken to this point. And know that the decision you have made is the right one. (Woman’s voice) I’m glad I chose at a young age to begin preparing myself to be married in the temple. As I look into the mirror and reflect on the choices I have made I realize that I am one step closer to fulfilling Gods eternal plan. These covenants that I will make and the knowledge I will receive will strengthen my testimony of my Heavenly Fathers eternal plan. Scene 7 Song: In the Meantime by Jenny Jordan Ø Mother with flower over left ear dealing with business of the day Narrator: Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to angels. Surely when a woman reverences motherhood, her children will arise up and call her blessed. (Woman’s voice) I could never imagine a greater gift than that of becoming a mother. Though at times I can get lost in the daily trials. This is when I pray to Heavenly Father and try to make a conscious effort to change the way I look at motherhood, especially during stressful moments when a child is crying or covered in dirt or refuses to obey. I try to think eternally, remembering my role as a mother in the eternal scheme of things. Scene 8 Song: A Women’s Heart by Jenny Jordan Ø Grandmother with flower in her hair kneeling to pray in morning, greeting grandchildren and then kneeling to pray in the evening. (Woman’s voice) I love being a grandmother. Being able to teach and pass on my own experiences that I have lived and learned from. Knowing the lives that I have touched and future generations that I will influence...this is what he created me to be. Woman, a daughter of a King. Ø Grandmother walks across the stage to the chair of the mother in scene 2. Retires in rocking chair. Dies. Narrator: In your golden years there is much to do and so much to be. With ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Scene 9 Song: Come Take Your Place by Hilary Weeks Ø Woman dressed in white appears from behind grandmother indicating her death, reviewing scenes of her life then ascending stairs representing returning to spirit world Curtains close behind her Dancer enters as lyrics begin Girls enter across stage front at second “Come Take Your Place” bridge At end of song ALL LIGHTS OUT Final Scene : spotlight on narrator Song: Daughter of a King by Jenny Phillips Narration is voice over Narrator: The Prophet Harold B. Lee said, Who are you? You are daughters of the most noble lineage that ever came upon this earth. More than that, you are all daughters of a heavenly power. May I, with that glimpse of understanding of who you are, paraphrase those words and say to you, children of Zion, daughters of noble lineage, I plead with you with all the power of my soul, "Be loyal to the royal within you." Encourage audience to stand at final chorus of Daughter of a King The End (to read more about this program click here) MUSIC Daughter of a King Words and Music by Jenny Phillips and Tyler Castleton Do you wonder if He knows who you are? Do you wonder if He knows the secret pleadings of your heart He has numbered every sand of the sea And he longs for you to know that He believes in you Can you feel a quiet power from above? Can you feel His strength surround you when your own is not enough? He has blessed you with his spirit from on high And He longs for you to know it lives inside of you Oh, be true – Daughter of a king, the Father’s royalty heir to His divinity He’s calling your name to come and take your place before His throne He has always known what he created you to be A daughter of a king You hold the promises of all eternity Rise to claim the noble birthright you were sent here to receive He has loved you since you lived with Him before Let Him lead you to the gifts He has in store for you Oh, be true – Daughter of a king, the Father’s royalty heir to His divinity He’s calling your name to come and take your place before His throne He has always known what he created you to be Father’s royalty heirs to His divinity He’s calling our names to come and take our place before His throne He has always known what He created us to be Scene 1 Here Am I, Send Me By Steven Kapp Perry Here am I send me I will go wherever you lead I will let Thy light shine And the glory be thine If God can do His work Through the small and weak Here am I send Me
Scene 2 Walk Tall You’re A Daughter of God by Jamie Glenn (Verse two) Long before the time you can remember Our Father held you in his arms so tender Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth He said, “My child, I love you. Don’t forget your great worth” Walk tall, you’re a daughter, a child of God Be strong please remember, who you are Try to understand, you’re part of His great plan He’s closer than you know Reach up; He’ll take your hand
Scene 3 Born of Water, Born of Spirit by Janice Kapp Perry May the water now surround and make me whole Wash away my past and cleanse my soul Let thy Holy Ghost descending like a dove Bear witness of Thy sweet redeeming love Born of water born of Spirit Renewed in faith and covenant with Thee Born of water born of Spirit By love’s atoning sacrifice made free With my spirit now refined, heart and soul to Thee inclined Born of water, born of spirit, child of Thine
Scene 4 Child of Light by Mindy Gledhill Do you ever wonder who you are Do you ever wonder as you stare into the stars Where you began And how you got this far from home Have you ever walked along the shore Have you ever seen the water dancing back and forth Did you look inside To see if there was more to life Well, there's a dream taking wing There's a voice that wants to sing And even in the deepest, darkest night The torch is raised to the sky There are hands that hold it high You were born to keep it burning bright You were made to fly You were meant to shine Child of light You will never, ever stand alone You were never called to bear the burdens on your own And where there is fear Love will take control and lead you on... Cuz there's a dream taking wing There's a voice that wants to sing And even in the deepest darkest night The torch is raised to the sky There are hands that hold it high You were born to keep it burning bright You were made to fly You were meant to shine Child of light There's a dream taking wing There's a voice that wants to sing And even in the deepest, darkest night The torch is raised to the sky And there are hands that hold it high You were born to keep it burning bright You were made to fly You were meant to shine Child of light.
My Story from My Turn on EarthI’m the one that writes my own story I decide the person I’ll be What goes in the plot And what will not Is pretty much up to me And just in case I need to erase It was figured out before A thing called repentance Can wipe out a sentence A page or a chapter or more Everyone who writes his own story Now and then will make some mistakes But given some care They needn’t stay there And this is all that it takes You must know You’ve done wrong and so You feel very bad and then You don’t try to hide it Do try to right it And vow you won’t do it again This book of mine is ver important And so someone is waiting right there To help with my story He’s been here before me And always is close as a prayer We will write each day and night And do it well and faithfully A wonderful story Of sadness and glory It’s written by Jesus and me
Scene 5 Stand As a Witness by Katherine Nelson I have felt the power of His love Flowing down to rest upon my soul I have knelt for knowledge from above And His quiet whisper let me know That He has placed a flame inside of me I feel the need to share it, now for all to see, so I will stand as a witness, carry His light Shining hope into each life that’s fallen dim I will stand and be counted, prepare myself within As a daughter of promise, I will stand as a witness of Him I have known the sweetness of His word Felt a seed of faith begin to grow I have seen the joy in those I serve How it feels to come into His fold Living with His love inside of me I feel the need to reach out to heaven’s family, so I will stand as a witness, carry His light Shining hope into each life that’s fallen dim I will stand and be counted, prepare myself within As a daughter of promise, I will stand as a witness of Him As a daughter of promise, I will stand as a witness of Him
Scene 6 There is a Place by Joy S. Lundberg and Janice Kapp Perry What would be our purpose If our family could not be More than fleeting happiness For just mortality? Why would loving families Be so important here Just to end with death and disappear? But in our Father’s plan He wants our happiness So He has opened up the way For families to be blessed In sacred temples of our Lord Families are sealed for evermore
Scene 7 In the Meantime by Jenny Jordan In her hear she holds the dreams That she’s carried since the day she turned thirteen Of al that she would be when she was grown Of all that she would do when she was finally on her own She dreamed she’d fly And she’s still waiting for the chance to try But in the meantime she’s a mother and a daughter and a wife Doing all she can to stay above the daily grind She wonders when she’ll ever have more meaning in her life She doesn’t know she’s being molded and refined In the meantime Someday she’ll go back to school When the carpools and the soccer games are through ‘caus deep inside she’s still the girl Who’s always felt the fire to make a difference in the world She dreams she’ll soar When she finally has the time to do more But in the meantime she’s a sister and a teacher and a friend Hours turn into days that turn to years that never end She wonders when she’ll ever really find herself again But she’s becoming one on whom God can depend In the meantime Heaven feels the joy of every victory in her life and heaven hears her heart before she cries Somewhere in the middle of the triumphs and the trials She’s becoming sanctified But in the meantime she’s an answer and a blessing and a gift To every empty, aching heart that only she can lift She still wonders if she’ll ever get to see where heaven is If she could only see her mansions waiting there If she could only feel how much her Father cares She would know she’s being perfectly prepared In the meantime
Scene 8 A Woman’s Heart By Jenny Jordan Morning comes and finds her on her knees The Spirit speaks and she is listening She offers everything her soul can give To make a difference through the life she lives Her faith holds her family close She understands what matters most Her gentle touch is where love starts That’s the way of a woman’s heart She’s the keeper of the vision She’s a beacon in the night A teacher and defender of the truth And everything she touches Bears the traces of her light She’s faithful to What God Himself would do She’s a friend to the lonely and the lost Every day another bridge to cross Her hands of mercy know the healer’s art That’s the way of a woman’s heart Evening comes and finds her on her knees She speaks and He is listening With sweet assurance that she’s done her part She weeps in His peace And that’s the way of a woman’s heart
Scene 9 Come Take Your Place by Hilary Weeks Can you hear it Can you hear it Angels are calling your name Do you feel it Do you feel it Heaven is lighting a flame There's a voice in your heart Whispering who you are Can you see it Can you see it Your place in the Father's design Are you ready Are you ready This is your season to shine There's a voice through the dark Gathering noble hearts You carry the light of His Son And running through your veins is royal blood You're the brave and the strong, you're the faithful You have been saved for this moment and time You hear the call You feel the flame You've been prepared Come take your place Can you hear the angels calling you Do you recognize your name Can you see your part in His design No one else can take your place There's a voice clear and strong You're right where you belong You carry the light of His Son And running through your veins is royal blood You're the brave and the strong, you're the faithful You have been saved for this moment and time You hear the call You feel the flame You've been prepared Come take your place You are the brave You are the strong You are the faithful ones You carry the light of His Son And running through your veins is royal blood You're the brave and the strong, you're the faithful You have been saved for this moment and time You hear the call You feel the flame You've been prepared Come take your place Here are some remarks she has about the program:
The program is beautifully simple. Set the stage with all of
the vignettes at one time from left to right...except for the opening child
of God who crosses from right to left in front of closed curtains as she
decends from heaven to the life that is represented on the stage. The
Woman's Voice narrator is behind the curtain on the left side of the stage
so that when the final vignette actor rests in the rocking chair for the
last scene, she comes out symbolizing the spirit of the child of God leaving
the body and returning to the spirit world where the child of God came from.
You will need
1 Stairs if possible for child to decend and woman to
return on in the end
2 Rocking chair for mother
3 Baptism suits for father and daughter
4 Bed for teenager (I used an aerobed...it was perfect)
5 Table and suitcase for missionary to be packing
6 Mirror for bride...could use a large scale representation
of the temple
7 Uur mother of young children brought a laundry basket
with a few other small props like dishes, towels to fold etc.
8 Grandmotherly looking easy chair...look in the foyer or
the mothers lounge of your building
The actors move in the vignette only during the song
representing that phase of life. The small children do not come onto the
stage until their part (so they don't have to sit still so long). The
mother from the beginning is NOT the child represented in the rest of the
story so she leaves her vignette. She moves into the baptism, teenager, and
new bride vignettes. We recycled the children for the grandmother
vignette...they came in after the line about praying and then left the stage
again before the end when the grandmother crosses the stage and dies. The
grandmother vignette should be all the way on the opposite side of the stage
so when she crosses, it is like the stage is her whole house and she is
resting in her own chair.
Our grandmother got a little confused and did not walk across
during the song...it actually was more dramatic to have her walk across in
silence. The narrators order is reversed in this scene as the woman's voice
speaks first, as the grandmother walks (or just before she walks in silence)
and then the narrator.
The lyrics are included at the end of the program, however,
in the editing I actually included the 3rd verse of Walk Tall too and I have
not added those lines yet. I did not give the lyrics to everyone because it
would have severely impacted our budget :)
This was extremely successful and we plan to do it again. I
could not get the sisters to meet to run through the program and that was
reeeaaaallllyyyy necessary so everyone understood their parts and how it
works together...I ended up explaining it to each vignette the night of and
no one got to eat because we were working on the program.
We were blessed with a dancer who did her own choreography to
the song. It could obviously be done without it, but it was incredible to
have that part in there. It was really neat to see the girls all lined up
on the stage too. The Child of God holding the doll representing her
newborn body, the girl at baptism, teen, missionary, bride, young mom,
grandmother, then spirit body.
I had a flower at each place setting that matched each of the
actors representing the child of God. The mother places the flower in the
girls hair for the baptism, teen and bride. I don't know if the audience
picked up on that though. Only like 3 of them walked out wearing their
flower. I will definitely include the flowers again, but I will probably
draw reference to them in the intro so each member of the audience
understands that she too is a Daughter of a King and the flower is a symbol
of her divine heritage from our Heavenly Father.
OH YEAH, I read the RS Declaration as part of the intro AND
I wanted the bishop to be the narrator...or at least do the final narrator
part which is a quote from President Lee...mine was not available, but that
would be really neat.
We are working on making the music available, you will just need to buy the music first and then we will email you the edited version! |
|
| |||||