The Power of Laughter: Dreaming Together at Good Shepherd

Have you ever watched the animated movie Monsters, Inc.? In the movie, monsters enter children’s bedrooms through closet doors and scare them because their screams supply electricity for the monster world. But Sulley and his friend Mike eventually discover something remarkable: children’s laughter produces far more energy than their screams. Their work changes from frightening children to making them laugh.

I thought about that discovery as I listened to the children’s laughter at Pumpkin Palooza this past Saturday.

I still remember a conversation with Sarah last year, shortly after I arrived at Good Shepherd. She told me that our church had hosted Pumpkin Palooza years ago, and she wanted to bring it back.

“Great idea!” I said. “Would you like to lead it?” “Yes, I would,” she replied. “Do we have a budget?” “No!” I answered. “But I’ll take care of the budget. You keep dreaming and gather people who can help make that dream come true.”

I applied for and received a district mission grant. Sarah kept dreaming and inviting others to dream with her. And this past Saturday, that shared dream came to life.

The rain moved our celebration indoors, including two bounce houses in the sanctuary. I never knew our sanctuary could hold two bounce houses! Around 150 people joined us, and children from our congregation and neighborhood enjoyed the cake walk, face painting, hot dogs, cotton candy, crafts, decorating, and balloons. Everywhere I turned, children were playing, laughing, and having a wonderful time.

While preparing for the event, I heard a concern that many churches understand: “We have offered VBS and events like this for years, but very few people have come back for worship or become members.”

I understand that feeling. I have shared it myself. Of course, we would be grateful if families returned and found a church home among us.

But as I heard the children laughing, I began to wonder: What if their joy was already a reason to celebrate?

Children who live nearby—who may pass our church every day—came inside, received a warm welcome, enjoyed good food, and spent a happy afternoon together. They experienced Good Shepherd as a place where they were welcomed and loved.

That is meaningful ministry. That is something to thank God for.

In Monsters, Inc., children’s laughter powers a city. At Good Shepherd, their laughter renewed my gratitude and reminded me why we open our doors. Making room for our neighbors’ joy is one way we share the love of Christ.

Thank you to Sarah and to everyone who dreamed, planned, prepared, welcomed, and served. And thanks be to God, who helped our shared dream come true.

Our Pumpkin Patch this month offers another opportunity to help someone’s dream become a reality. Through this fundraiser, we help provide scholarships for children from low-income families at Coal Pit Preschool, build ramps for neighbors who need safer access to their homes, and support youth so that financial limitations do not keep them from participating in mission trips.

Behind every pumpkin sold is a possibility: a child’s opportunity to learn, a neighbor’s freedom to come and go, or a young person’s chance to serve and grow in faith.

I invite everyone to sign up for one shift at the Pumpkin Patch. Please sign up here: [insert link]. Your time and warm welcome can help make those possibilities real.

Let’s keep dreaming together—and helping someone’s dreams come true.

With gratitude and hope,

Pastor Jae Song