Tapestry of Faith: Riddle and Mystery: A Program on the Big Questions for Grade 6

Leader Resource 3: WCUU Script - A Visit to UUville

To the Anchor:

In today's WCUU broadcast, Roving Reporter wanders around UUville and asks citizens what they believe happens when we die. Your job is to follow the script, read your part and otherwise keep things going. When the broadcast begins, you are alone on camera, sitting or standing in front of a microphone.

[Director: Cue the station break.]

[Director: Cue the Anchor.]

Anchor: This is WCUU, Wisdom of the Community of Unitarian Universalists, on the air.

[Director: Cue the theme music.]

Anchor: Good morning. I am [give your real or stage name], and I am here to explore what happens when people die. Even as I speak, WCUU's Roving Reporter is alert on the streets of UUville, choosing random citizens to ask about their beliefs. At the end of our show, we will ask our brilliant WCUU NUUs Analyst whether the statements you have heard represent typical UU beliefs. Let's talk to our Roving Reporter now. Hey, there, Roving Reporter, are you there? Come in, come in, Roving Reporter!

[Director: Cue Camera Operator to focus on Roving Reporter.]

Roving Reporter: I am here Anchor. I am, [give your real or stage name], your Roving Reporter. Here's a great big smile [smile] for all you good folks out there watching me roam the streets of UUville.

[Director: Cue Camera Operator to focus on Anchor.]

Anchor: So let's get at it, Anchor. What have the good folk of UUville got to say about death?

[Director: Cue Camera Operator to focus on Roving Reporter and follow as Roving Reporter goes up to First Citizen, who is riding a bike. They talk briefly about what First Citizen is doing and then Roving Reporter asks about First Citizen's death belief, and First Citizen replies. Roving Reporter says "thank you" and moves on to the Second UUville Citizen, then the Third UUville Citizen and the Fourth.]

[Director: Cue Camera Operator to focus on Anchor. Cue NUUs Analyst to join Anchor in studio set.]

Anchor: Thank you, Roving Reporter. Those were fascinating reports. Now let's hear what our NUUs Analyst has to say about all this. So, NUUs Analyst [or NUUs Analyst's real or stage name], what do you think? Have we just heard typical UU views about death?

NUUS Analyst: Indeed we have, Anchor [or Anchor's real or stage name]. UUs do look to many Sources to help them think about death and the answers to other big questions. Ultimately, though, they understand that nobody can really be sure what happens when we die, at least until we ourselves die. Most UUs do not believe in a heaven with angels and clouds, but some of them do. Some believe in reincarnation. Other beliefs exist, too. But, most UUs agree we should worry more about how to use our lives than about what happens after death. Another belief shared by most UUs is this: People live on after death because of what they did in life. And the love they give in life is sure to survive them after death.

Anchor: Thank you, NUUs Analyst. That helps a great deal. Any other wise ideas to tell us?

NUUs Analyst: Here's a good way to put it: Many UUs worry more about the heavens and hells on Earth than they do about any heavens and hells that come after death.

Anchor: Thank you. That is very good to know.

NUUs Analyst: Do you also want to know all the good things that UUs have done in life to help their world? It wouldn't take me much more than three years to tell you.

Anchor: That's okay, NUUs Analyst. Maybe another time. Right now, it is time for us to leave the air. Theme music, please.

[Director: Cue the theme music.]

[Director: Cue the station break.]

[Director: Cue the Anchor.]

Anchor: This is [your real or stage name] signing off for WCUU.