In the old days of the Christian church, Easter celebrations lasted a whole week. People would rejoice and party because Christ is alive and God has the last laugh over the devil. In recent decades, more and more congregations have revived this custom by celebrating Holy Humor Sunday, as Calvary Lutheran Church did on Sunday, April 3.
The service aims to encourage joy and laughter without becoming silly. This year, the sermon on John 20:19-29 involved balloons. Every worshiper received two balloons upon entering the church. Reverend Anke Deibler spoke about the joyful Easter breath of Jesus . Everyone blew up one of the balloons and held it tight. The balloons were deflated and inflated to see which was more bouncy, more uplifted, just like the disciples were bouncier and more uplifted after receiving Jesus breath of Easter spirit. Everyone then released the balloons they were holding. They flew all over the place, and people were laughing.
Deibler pointed out that the Easter spirit blows in unpredictable Finally, the second balloon was blown up. This time it was tied, harnessing the Easter breath. The balloons were bounced around the congregation, and so much fun and laughter ensued that Deibler finally had to stop it so she could finish her sermon by pointing out that once the spirit was harnessed and the balloons were tied, the laughing lasted much longer and people interacted with one another.
She ended with the encouragement to let the Easter breath of Jesus shape us and our lives. Worshipers of all ages loved Holy Humor Sunday and are already wondering what next year might bring. Calvary Lutheran Church services are held at two different times. Contemporary at 9 a.m., Sunday school at 10 a.m. and a traditional service is held at 11 a.m.Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 16151 Old Frederick Road, off the I-70 Woodbine/Lisbon exit.
The Knights of Columbus at St. Louis in Clarksville are sponsoring a few family fun days to watch the Orioles play at Camden Yards. The games will be played on the following Sundays —June 26, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. All games begin at 1:35 p.m. in section 77 and are $20 each. For more information, please contact Jim Garippa at 443-995-1211 or jmgarippa@gmail.com.