🎬 GRACE 2U – Episode One: “Grace as Invitation”
Live studio audience, lights up, energetic All Day Song” music plays.
📸 [CAMERA 1 pans across a clapping, smiling audience. Confetti bursts, jazzed-up game show jingle fades into announcer voice-over.]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.):
🎙️ “Live from the intersection of grace and unexpected invitations… it’s time for… GRACE 2U! The only game show where the less you deserve, the more you win!”
Music swells into instrumental chorus: ‘Love Him in the Morning…’ Cue loud audience applause, studio lights swirl. John and Marti enter from opposite sides of the stage.
📸 [CAMERA 2 pulls in on John in jeans and an Angels T-shirt doing a mock victory lap. CAMERA 3 tracks Marti in high-fashion stride, sunglasses on, removing them just in time for a Broadway smile.]
JOHN (grinning):
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to GRACE 2U — the game show that gives you what you don’t deserve…”
MARTI (with style and spark):
“…so you can give away what can’t be earned! I’m Marti Fischer — clearly overdressed for the occasion…”
JOHN:
“…and I’m John Fischer, clearly not. Today’s theme is taken straight from the book of Luke, and it’s called: Grace as Invitation. Marti, tell ‘em what they’re playing for!”
📸 [CAMERA 4 zooms in on Marti as dramatic spotlight hits.]
MARTI:
“Today’s wisdom bomb comes from Luke 14:13–14, where Jesus tells us who to invite to the world’s most awkwardly inclusive dinner party — and trust me, the guest list is divine.”
📣 [DING-DING-DING! Game Show Bell]
JOHN:
“Which brings us to our first question! And audience — you’re playing along. Let’s roll it!”
🧠 ROUND 1: QUICKFIRE GRACE
📣 [Cue Game Show FX — neon flashing “QUESTION TIME!” banner drops down.]
MARTI (reading from her glam cue cards):
“Question 1: Who did Jesus tell us to invite to His banquet?
A. Family and friends?
B. Our neighbors?
C. The poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind?
D. Religious leaders?”
Audience murmurs, someone in row 2 yells “C!”
JOHN:
“Nice shout, Row 2 — but don’t get cocky yet. Question 2: Why does Jesus want us to focus on these folks? (Hint: Check the fine print in Luke.)”
MARTI:
“Question 3: Who are we usually tempted to overlook? And Question 4 — the kicker — how can you extend your guest list today?”
📸 [CAMERA 1 pans audience — awkward laughs, nervous glances.]
JOHN (grinning):
“Oof. That one stings a little. Marti, who would you add to our list?”
MARTI:
“I’m thinking that woman at the gas station who always waves but no one waves back.”
JOHN:
“Nice. I’d say that guy who lives across from the Mail Stop… the one we stepped over on the way to lunch. Probably should’ve started with him.”
Audience chuckles. One person claps slowly.
🎭 ROUND 2: GRACE GETS REAL
📣 [TRUMPET FLOURISH — “TO TELL THE TRUTH” graphic spins across screen.]
MARTI (dramatically):
“Okay everyone — for Question 5: only one of these is true. You decide!”
A. A woman delivers extra communion to homebound neighbors weekly.
B. A teen builds a YouTube channel about ancient Bible manuscripts.
C. A man turns his front yard into a prayer labyrinth for strangers.
JOHN (leaning toward audience):
“C’mon now. Someone’s out there turning a garden into a God-space. But only one is real…”
📸 [CAMERA 3 tightens on confused front row. Audience debates quietly.]
✍️ FINAL ROUND: DEEP CUT GRACE
MARTI:
“Question 6 — Fill in the blank:
‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to ____.’
(Hint: Mark 10:45. And no, ‘Netflix and chill’ is not a valid option.)”
JOHN:
“Question 7: Which of these is not a parable about inclusion?
A. The Prodigal Son
B. The Good Samaritan
C. The Rich Man and Lazarus
D. The Tower of Babel”
MARTI:
“John, it’s essay time.”
JOHN:
“Oh yes it is. Folks, brace yourselves — it’s time for…”
📣 [DRAMATIC CHORD. LIGHTS DIM.]
✏️ BONUS ROUND: 25-POINT ESSAYS
MARTI:
“Essay 1: Your Daily Act of Grace: Invite someone who’s usually left out — into your time, space, or conversation. Then tell us how it went.”
JOHN:
“And Essay 2: What’s one time you were made to feel seen or included in an unexpected way?”
📸 [CAMERA 1 pulls back to wide shot. Theme music fades in gently.]
JOHN:
“Each correct answer today is worth 10 points. Essays? A glorious 25 points each — judged by a panel of angels. Probably.”
MARTI (smiling):
“Send your answers 1–7 plus your essays to us by email. Top scores win prizes, dignity, and possibly an extra helping of eternal joy.”
🎤 CLOSING CREDITS
📣 [APPLAUSE. Confetti cannons go off again.]
JOHN:
“I’m John Fischer—”
MARTI:
“—and I’m Marti Fischer. And this has been…”
TOGETHER:
“GRACE 2U!”
JOHN:
“…the game show that gives you—”
MARTI:
“—what you don’t deserve—”
BOTH:
“—so you can give out what can’t be earned!”
📸 [CAMERA 4 slow zoom out. Light sparkle transition.]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.):
“GRACE 2U is brought to you by: Become a MemberPartner — a true Catalyst of Grace. Click below and sign up today!”
🎵 [CLOSING THEME MUSIC PLAYS. FADE TO BLACK.]
MemberPartners are the lifeblood of this ministry. With a regular donation of $20 or more you can enjoy the benefits of becoming a MemberPartner. Click below.
John Fischer The Catch 