Someone once said, “God has a sense of humor. God has the last laugh and the last word. That word is Resurrection in Jesus Christ! He is risen! The joke is on human reason and rigidity! Rejoice!” Historically, “Holy Humor” began as “Bright Monday” in the ancient Greek orthodox tradition. It was set aside as a day of joy and laughter at Christ’s triumph over death. The zest and games and high spirits of the day continued through what was called “Bright Week”.
On May 1, 2011 St. Mark held its first annual Holy Hilarity Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter, to celebrate the greatest joke ever played… the joke God played on Satan by raising his son from the tomb. Members of the congregation dressed in bright colored clothing, hats, and wacky costumes. In addition to the traditional structure of worship, services included Christmas songs with Easter words (Fa la la la la la le lu jah!), with accompaniment provided by Dorothie Wilson. A musical selection was performed by the “Holy Hilarity Choir”, and joyous yoga was led by Pastor Linda who had us standing and sitting so quickly our blood pressure hit new highs and lows! The sermon was an inspirational dialogue between a visiting pastor and Doubting Thomas (Carol Porter and Ron Ferry). At the conclusion of service, members exited to the parking lot singing and blowing kazoos to “When The Saints Go Marching Out”, where waiting for them were the Good Humor Guys (Larry, Dick & Dakota) handing out Good Humor Bars from the back of a Good Humor Van! Based on the rousing participation and ear-to-ear smiles, it was apparent joy abounded in purposeful and grateful ways on Holy Hilarity Sunday, 2011!