The Story Shop!

Books, Movies, Teaching Resources, and more! Click on any title to purchase product or to learn more about it.

Movies

Healing River PosterHealing RiverWritten, directed and produced by Mitch, this multi-award-winning drama remains one of the highest-rated inspirational feature films ever premiered on Amazon Prime. (Click title for streaming/digital edition. Click here for DVD.)Notzilla poster (mitchteemley.com)

Notzilla Written, directed and produced by Mitch, this “cult classic” (MovieWeb) family-friendly comedy has been celebrated in fan art, and now a graphic novel (see below)! (Click title for streaming/digital edtion. Click here for DVD.)

Promises to Keep (saintmichaelmovies.com)Promises to Keep Starring Mitch and Christine Jones (Healing River), this is the first of several films Mitch appeared in for St. Michael Movies (other titles include Divine Decision: Double Down and The Pope Drops In).Out of Time

Out of Time Mitch’s first feature film as a producer, this well-regarded modern-day version of the Rip Van Winkle story was produced by Columbia Pictures for Showtime. (Also available as a DVD.)

Books

2271885_xlNotzilla Mitch’s newly-released graphic novel/comic book, from Antarctic Press! Available in three collector’s editions, hardcover and paperback.Sojourn cover art (mitchteemley.com)

Sojourn “Where shall I go from thy Spirit?” So begins this anthology of short works by The Writers Group, founded by Mitch. Set aside some time to read and meditate on these reflections as you pause–sojourn–on your own life journey. Co-edited by and including four pieces written by Mitch.Skit Guys Strike Back (skitguys.com)

Skits Strike Back This best-of collection, featuring scenes and monologues by the famous Skit Guys writing team, includes four witty, touching narratives written by Mitch.Healing River - novel header

Healing River – Coming! Based on true events, this intense-but-inspirational novel explores even more deeply the story depicted in Mitch’s acclaimed feature film.

Music

'Impossible Love' from the feature film 'Healing River' (mitchteemley.com)“Impossible Love” – The breakout single from the feature film Healing River. – available from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, many other music services.

Stay tuned – more music to come!

Teaching Resources

for Pastors, Teachers, and Group Leaders

Short Videos: Ideal for Sermon Illustrations, Teaching Illustrations, Small Group and Youth Leader talks (click on any title to learn more, or to download the video)

Welcome to Church (mitchteemley.com)Welcome to Church: No Luggage Required – This hilarious mini-movie addresses the anxieties of first time visitors — “What if we have questionable pasts? Don’t speak Christianese? Don’t have the right version of the Bible?”— with a warm and witty “Just be you!” conclusion. Great for welcoming guests, for the start of the fall, after Easter, or any time you want to encourage people to bring their friends!

Wait! (mitchteemley.com)Wait! (Version 1) – Frustrated with God’s timing, a disgruntled believer calls Him on the phone. Funny, thought-provoking intro to message or discussion on God’s perfect timing! (Isaiah 40:31) – Note: Wait! (Version 2) has a slightly different ending.

A Patchwork of Love (mitchteemley.com)A Patchwork of Love – When is it time to retire from ministering to others? Never! This warm, witty portrait of master quilter Frieda Taves (96 when this video was shot) reminds us that ANY age is the right age to share the love of Jesus!

I Always Knew You Love Me, Mom (mitchteemley.com)I Always Knew You Loved Me, Mom – Three young adult children make Mother’s Day videos with seemingly only one thing in common: Love. But is there more? This love letter to moms ends with an unexpected O. Henry-like twist!

My Declaration (mitchteemley.com)My Declaration – What does patriotism mean for people of faith? In this thoughtful and stirring presentation, four everyday people challenge us to participate: “I may not be one of America’s founders, but I am one of its continuers!”

My Father's Apple Trees (mitchteemley.com)My Father’s Apple Trees – Sermons Central says, “Delightful true story about a five-year-old giving his first present to his father, narrated by author-humorist Mitch Teemley. A powerful metaphor for loving our heavenly Father.”

Jesus Go thumbJesus GO – A teenage girl and her Pokémon Go!-obsessed kid brother meet an older man who insists that “Jesus came up with the idea first!” This wise and witty mini-movie for all ages is a perfect intro for talks on spiritual growth and sharing our faith!

It Came from Outer_thumbnailIt Came From Outer Darkness – The story of sin’s entrance into the world, retold as a 1950’s alien invasion movie! Vintage video from the groundbreaking comedy duo Mitch & Allen. Great for sermons, discussions on evil, or Halloween alternative events!

Grace 101 titleGrace 101 – A professor threatens to fail his Religious Studies students unless they can describe—in one minute—the essence of Jesus’ teachings! Surprise ending provides the perfect set-up for a message on grace, the gospel, or on the character of Jesus.

Scenes and Monologues: Actors, Church Drama Groups, Community Theatre Groups: Mitch has written dozens of scenes and monologues (most in the 2-to-5 min. range) for SkitGuys.com. Peruse the descriptions below and click on any title to read or to learn more or download the script.

Anytime

Welcome to Church (mitchteemley.com)Welcome to Church: No Luggage Required (Scene – 3 actors) – A hilarious “welcome to church” sketch designed to put church visitors at ease, and encourage church members to bring their friends.

Holy Bible! (mitchteemley.com)Holy Bible! (2 or 3 actors) – This spoof of the classic TV series Batman asks, “What if even super-heroes aren’t super enough?” A funny and surprisingly effective introduction for gospel presentations.

King Midas - Monologue (mitchteemley.com)King Midas – Monologue Version (Monologue) – A greedy man learns what really matters in life – and what really doesn’t. A touching, gently whimsical illustration of the redeeming power of love.

King Midas - Ensemble (mitchteemley.com)King Midas – Ensemble Version (6+ actors) – Fun, easy-to-do ensemble version of the King Midas story (above). A touching, gently whimsical illustration of the redeeming power of love.

Fall / School

Grace 101 (mitchteemley.com)Grace 101 – (1 actor and 3+ extras) – A Religious Studies professor criticizes his class for missing the central idea of Jesus’ teachings. The surprise ending provides the perfect set-up for a message on grace, or on Jesus’ character.

Dancin' Fool (mitchteemley.com)Dancin’ Fool (7+ actors) – Satire about a “dorky” 1970s teenager trying to win the affections of a popular girl at school. Fun metaphor for pursuing God without regard to what others think (2 Samuel 6:14).

The Tutor (mitchteemley.com)The Tutor (3 actors, 2 extras) – True story. A college prof encounters a young inner city man who restores his belief that anyone who’s willing can redeem others’ lives. Great intro for a talk on discovering your ministry.

Thanksgiving / Gratitude

The Dryer Fairy (mitchteemley.com)The Dryer Fairy (2 actors) – At a laundromat, Rick and Toodie of Ask for Directions (below) learn to give thanks “in all things.” Great illustration for a message on gratitude.

Grrattitude-Thanksgiving Version (mitchteemley.com)GrrAttitude (2 actors) – Thanksgiving Version of The Dryer Fairy (above). Rick and Toodie learn to give thanks “in all things.” Great illustration for a Thanksgiving message.

Christmas / Advent

The Christmas Experience (mitchteemley.com)The Christmas Experience (Full-length Christmas Program) – An interactive family-oriented Christmas event designed to evoke the feeling of being present at the time of Jesus’ birth. The audience journeys to four different stations where brief Christmas dramas, His Name Is John, No Room, Listen! and The King of the Jews (below) are performed, then gathers for singing, a short message, and candle-lighting. This script includes artwork for slides, bulletin cover/insert and Photoshop files. Each of the four scenes may also be ordered separately (below):

His Name is John (mitchteemley.com)His Name is John (2 actors) – Elizabeth and Zacharias, the parents of John the Baptist, speak of their joy, and of giving back to God what He has given to them. Great Advent message illustration.

Listen! Monologue (mitchteemley.com)Listen! A Shepherd’s Testimony (Monologue) – The morning after the Nativity, a shepherd tells the throng of people in Bethlehem about the miracle he and his brothers have witnessed (based on Luke 2:17-18).

Listen! A Shepherd's Testimony (mitchteemley.com)Listen! A Shepherd’s Testimony: Ensemble Version (3 actors) – The morning after the Nativity, three young shepherds tell the throng in Bethlehem about the miracle they have witnessed, an event that will change the world forever.

No Room (mitchteemley.com)No Room (2 actors) – In Bethlehem on the eve of Jesus’ birth, we meet a man whose heart has “no room” and a woman who is ready to make room, no matter what it takes. With God all things are possible, even the inconvenient!

King of the Jews (mitchteemley.com)The King of the Jews (3 actors) – Hearing about the immanent birth of the King of the Jews, Herod plots to retain that title. Pride and a desperation to remain in control challenge everyone–there’s a bit of Herod in each of us.

A Modern Day Christmas Experience! (mitchteemley.com)A Modern-Day Christmas Experience (Full-length Christmas Program) – A modern day version of the popular interactive family program The Christmas Experience (above). Includes sometimes dramatic, often funny, contemporary versions of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. The audience journeys to four different stations where scenes, The Wisemans, The Shepherds, No L, and Naïve TV (below), are performed, then gathers for singing, a short message, and candle-lighting. Each of the four scenes may also be ordered separately (below):

The Wisemans (mitchteemley.com)The Wisemans (3 actors) – A touching modern take on the story of the Magi, the Wisemans, a family of seekers, discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Shepherds (mitchteemley.com)The Shepherds (6 actors) – A delightful modern take on the story of the angel appearing to the shepherds on the eve of Jesus’ birth.

Naive TV (mitchteemley.com)Naïve TV (6+ actors) – A naïve youth group rediscovers the meaning of Christmas while reenacting the Nativity story.

No L (mitchteemley.com)No L (3 actors) – In a modern suburb, we meet three holiday planners who have “no room” for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Great illustration for a talk on changing our plans to make room for God’s.

Valentine’s Day / Love / Marriage

love-of-your-life_270_270The Love of Your Life (3+ actors) – Two young adults, challenged to tell each other about “the love of your life,” offer unexpected responses–and revelations. Great illustration for Valentine’s Day and/or for a message about the love of every true believer’s life, God.

Confession, I'm In Love With My Wife (mitchteemley.com)Confession: I’m in Love With My Wife (2 actors – or do as a Monologue) – A married man seems to be confessing to an affair. But who is this mysterious “other woman”? Great intro for talks on marriage, love and commitment.

The I Love You Game (mitchteemley.com)The I Love You Game (2 actors) – Jeff confesses that he no longer loves his wife. His friend Justin challenges him to “level up,” explaining that marriage is an ongoing opportunity to fall in love over and over again!

Easter / Lent

The Simon Peter Chronicles (mitchteemley.com)The Simon Peter Chronicles: Complete Collection (Six Monologues) – The Apostle Peter’s encounters with Jesus as narrated in six deeply personal journal entries. These are great sermons illustrations for a series on Peter, or for the six Sundays leading up to Easter. Each of the monologues may also be ordered separately (below).

Simon-Peter Chronicles - The Veil (mitchteemley.com)The Veil (Monologue) – Simon (later known as Peter) speaks of the barrier that separates sinful people from a righteous God. And then he meets Jesus, the One who will destroy that barrier!

Simon-Peter Chronicles - Follow Me (mitchteemley.com)Follow Me (Monologue) – Simon Peter abandons the security of his fishing business to follow Jesus into an unknown future. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God” (Corrie ten Boom).

Simon-Peter Chronicles - An Ordinary Man(mitchteemley.com)An Ordinary Man (Monologue) – In a sin-twisted world, Simon Peter realizes, Jesus is the only truly normal human being, and his commitment to follow Jesus deepens. Has ours?

Simon-Peter Chronicles - The Rock (mitchteemley.com)The Rock (Monologue) – Peter is overjoyed at the way God is working through him. Yet a terrible test lies ahead. “I could never deny Him,” he declares. We are called to serve Him–no matter what.

simon-peter-chronicles-the-end-of-my-self_270_270The End of My Self (Monologue) – Following Jesus’ arrest, and his own denial of Him, Peter’s dreams are invaded by images of destruction. Even in our darkest hours, Jesus is there with us.

simon-peter-chronicles-feed-my-sheep_270_270Feed My Sheep (Monologue) – The risen Christ appears to his disciples, but Peter’s joy is shadowed by guilt. Jesus’ assurance of love and forgiveness comes with a commission: pass it on!

Mother’s Day / Father’s Day / Parenting

I Always Knew You Love Me, Mom (mitchteemley.com)I Always Knew You Loved Me, Mom (3 actors) – Kids aren’t the only ones who mature – so do moms. Three adult children speak about their mothers, who seeming have only one thing in common: love.

My Father's Apple Trees (mitchteemley.com)My Father’s Apple Trees (Monologue) – A man (may be read or performed by a woman) reflects on the first present he gave his father, and how like that gift, everything we give back to God is already His–except our love.

Do You Love Me, Dad (mitchteemley.com)Do You Love Me, Dad? (Monologue) – A young dad agonizes over his flawed fathering skills, and in the process has an epiphany about his relationships with his own dad. Great illustration for talks on fatherhood or parenting. 

Independence Day / Patriotism

My Declaration (Monologue) - SkitGuys.comMy Declaration (Monologue) – What is patriotism, and what does it mean to Americans, especially people of faith? It means not only to celebrate, but to participate.

My Declaration (Monologue) - SkitGuys.comMy Declaration (Ensemble) (3 actors) –This is the dynamic, interactive three-person version of My Declaration (above). “I may not be one of America’s founders, but I am one of its continuers!”

Faith / Praise / Worship

Wharton Finds a Whatzit (mitchteemley.com)Wharton Finds a Whatzit (Monologue) – This adorable paraphrase of the Book of Exodus–in the style of Dr.Seuss!–focuses on God’s provision for His people. Despite its satirical tone, Wharton ends with a wise and thoughtful conclusion about trusting God.

Little Rock, Big God (mitchteemley.com)Little Rock, Big God (Monologue) – A Dr. Seuss-style retelling of the David and Goliath story! Like Wharton Finds a Whatzit, this hilarious poem (PowerPoint illustrations included!) offers surprising insights about courage and faith.

Discipleship / Sharing Your Faith

Jesus GO (mitchteemley.com)Jesus GO! – (3 actors) – Pokémon GO! is the most popular app of all time. But could it be that Jesus came up with the idea first? Great intro for a message or group discussion on living and sharing our faith!

Cubicles (mitchteemley.com)Cubicles (2 actors) – Young Christian and non-Christian co-workers invite each other to events at their homes. Both are terrified at what sort of event “that kind of person” might throw. Fun intro for talks on sharing our faith.

Prayer / Confession / Salvation / Spiritual Growth

Ask for Directions (mitchteemley.com)Ask for Directions (2 actors + off-stage voice) – While on a family trip, Rick and Toodie of The Dryer Fairy (above) learn the importance of asking for directions. A fun, fresh perspective on prayer and pride.

Parable of the Spare Change (mitchteemley.com)Parable of the Spare Change (Monologue) – A young man (or woman) insists that, despite prayers, God has done nothing to help them…or has He? Perfect for illustrating the themes of prayer and faith.

hello-god_340_340Hello, God? (2 or more actors) – A two-part comedy sketch about a clueless young man (or woman) attempting to contact God by phone. Great accompaniment for messages on prayer and/or God’s character.

The Roncoe Bible (mitchteemley.com)The Roncoe Bible (3+ actors) – A sales pitch for a dubious new version of the Bible that promises to give you everything you want! Great illustration for talks on truth and God’s Word.

Hardness of Heart (mitchteemley.com)Hardness of Heart (Monologue) – In this parody of a TV commercial for a prescription drug, we learn about Confessitall®, and how it can help anyone struggling with the epidemic of H.O.H. (sin).

Epic Tale (mitchteemley.com)Epic Tale (Monologue) – In the style of an epic fantasy, a cat calling himself “The Legend” prophesies his own grand destiny. Is he deluded? Fun illustration for messages on the gospel and God’s patient love for us.

Leah's Lament (mitchteemley.com)Leah’s Lament (Monologue) – How do we react to trials? What do we do when God keeps us from what we feel we deserve? Leah struggles, as do many people, between becoming embittered and trusting God.

Wait! (mitchteemley.com)Wait (2 actors) – An immature Christian tries to call God on the phone and seemingly gets His voicemail instead. A funny–and important–reminder about learning to “wait on the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31).