The Unopened Present: Christian drama sketch

Geof: It’s a terrible present, it’s like giving me guilt and work as a present, you have it! (panicking, throwing it back)
Michelle: I don’t need it, I’ve already got Jesus
Geof: That explains a lot! Sighs. I don’t know what to do with that (pointing at leaflet). It’s going to be all “you need to change your life, you need to stop doing this, that and the other, you need to be nice to Grandma”, it’s going to be a load of grief. Who wants that?
Michelle: Nobody wants the present you’re describing, but that’s not what Jesus is about. He’s about making peace between you and God, he’s about being free and having hope, not do’s and don’ts. You don’t have to take my word for it, give him a go and see for yourself. He is the best present ever. All you have to do is receive him (offering leaflet back to Geof, Geof reaches for it, freeze both holding it)


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

The Unopened Present: A Christian drama sketch

Geof: In a “secret Santa”? I don’t think so
Michelle: Just open it will you?!
Geof: (opens present) I don’t know what it is
Michelle: Ooh! Someone’s given you Jesus, that’s nice
Geof: Ah! (throws leaflet to Michelle) I don’t want it
Michelle: Yes you do, it’s your present (throwing it back)
Geof: I didn’t ask for it! (throwing it back)
Michelle: It’s a brilliant present (throwing it back)
Geof: If I decide I want it later, I’ll buy it myself then (trying to negotiate his way out of taking it)
Michelle: You can’t buy Jesus! Or earn him. He’s a free present.


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

Christian drama sketch The Unopened Present

Michelle: Not for you it isn’t! (shaking present at him)
Geof: I don’t want it, I’m not in the mood. Stick it in a draw for someone to have next year.
Michelle: How can you not want a present? Are you ill?
Geof: No, I just don’t want to pretend there’s anything left to celebrate, when the reality is the holidays are over and we’re back to work, back to normal life
Michelle: But there is something left to celebrate, here it is in my hand! A present! Just for you!
Geof: What if it’s some I rubbish I don’t want? I can’t face the disappointment
Michelle: What if it’s the best present you’ve ever had EVER?


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

Christian drama sketch

The Unopened Present

Michelle: Geof! You’ve made it back to work at last! It seems an age since you’ve been here
Geof: Well, first it was the snow, then the ice, then Christmas break, then that training course...
Michelle: Don’t worry, you’ve not missed out, I’ve kept it for you
Geof: Kept what?
Michelle: Your “secret Santa” present (getting a wrapped Christmas present out of a Santa sack)
Geof: I can’t have a “secret Santa” present now, it’s the 14th January! It’s too late! Christmas is over.


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

As a place to live, Bournemouth ("Bomo"?!) is now famed for it's pubs and clubs (in good ways and bad!), as well as it's award winning beach, and this is an added appeal to many in choosing to come here.



We have put together some useful information and links for students studying here, or thinking of coming to Bournemouth.

UK Students in Bournemouth


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

Bournemouth students

In the 2009 league table, Bournemouth University was ranked 32nd out of 117 overall, a leap of 48 places in four years, and called the number 1 new university by the Guardian University Guide. Tourism and Sports Science at the University are ranked second in the country. The Arts University College at Bournemouth has developed into one of the leading specialist education institutions in Europe focusing exclusively upon contemporary arts, design and media. There are only four accredited Chiropractic Schools in the UK, and one of them, the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, is right here in Boscombe! Bournemouth & Poole College offers a wide variety of further education courses for school leavers and mature students - including BTECs, AS and A levels, and many vocational courses - but also now runs higher education courses.



richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

New Year's greeting from Pastor Martin

I am truly looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us and am confident that he will do a great work in and through us as his church. I love Jer 29:11; we actually had it as a motto verse in Bristol. It reminds us something of what the Lord’s heart is for RPC and indeed each of us as individuals and not just for 2011, but for the whole of our lives. It reads:-.

‘For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jer 29:11

So friends let’s stand together united in prayer, praise and service this coming year and discover his exciting plans and purposes for our lives.

God bless Martin


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

New year's greeting from Pastor Martin

Message from Pastor Martin, January 2011

Wow! Where did 2010 go! Talk about time flying; well I think it must be flying at the speed of light. This time last year Joy and I started seeking the Lord in earnest as to where he wanted us to go and serve him next. Here we are today after already serving here at RPC for nearly 4 months. We can’t believe it!

So what does 2011 hold for us as a church and what do you feel about that? Are you looking forward with a sense of excitement and anticipation; or perhaps with a degree of reservation and trepidation, particularly with the talk of change in the air? After all change is not a thing we as human beings naturally warm to. Despite this however, I trust the Lord has been stirring your hearts, as he has mine and excitement mixed with anticipation is your pervading experience.



richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK