Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
How many Methodists does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: It’s undetermined. Whether your light is bright, dull, or completely out, you are loved. You can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Bring a bulb of your choice to the Sunday lighting service and a covered dish to pass.
In the spirit of this joke, on Sunday, April 8, we will participate in an ancient tradition called “Holy Humor Sunday.” In the old tradition, churches would spend the week following Easter as days filled with joy and laughter. Christians were intentional about having picnics and parties, playing practical jokes and enjoying life to the fullest. Since then, churches have continued this tradition on the Sunday following Easter with a lighter, brighter service that is intended to bring the joy of Christian life into worship.
You are invited to participate in “Holy Humor Sunday” through a few different avenues. First, if you have a good Christian joke that you would be interested in sharing in worship, please let me know. I have already given us the first one and I cannot wait to chuckle and laugh at what you have to share with the congregation. Second, I invite you to dress for the occasion. Since we are in a change of seasons (from the season of Lent to the season of Easter and from football season to baseball season), I invite you to wear your favorite team jersey or colors. This can represent any sport, team or school of your choosing. The more fun you have in your team spirit, the more fun worship will be. During worship we will have our regularly scheduled elements of worship, including communion, with fun and creative moments and experiences mixed in.
God is the one who created laughter and ordained joy as one of the nine fruits of the Spirit. Let us take such a gift from God and enjoy the new life that Christ gave us through the Easter miracle as we gather in worship, celebration and praise!
Pastor Stacy
P. S. Don’t miss worship on Sunday, April 22, either, when our Holy Land pilgrims will bring testimonies and pictures from their trip to Israel.