Hilarity Sunday

Rev. Shane Isner

Our church felt stagnate, needing energy, ideas, newness…something. Not long in their pulpit, I - a hopeful homiletical novice - offered a suggestion that could be either exciting or corny, but certainly different enough to capture attention.

“Y’all ever hear of Holy Hilarity Sunday?” I asked. The staid Scandinavian descendants on my Board returned skeptical glares. I persisted. “Basically, we’ll make worship on the Sunday after Easter fun and funny. Maybe give visitors reasons to return?” They agreed, provided I did most of the work. 

The targeted Sunday arrived with one long-time member warning me, “I hope this isn’t too cheesy, Pastor…” Me too. Then I lost my coffee, a dangerous development. Frantic, I scoured the building after Sunday School without success, up through the prelude’s first chords. Calm eluding me, I bounded onto the dais, waved my hands melodramatically – “Welcome to Holy Hilarity Sunday!” – and knocked over the vanished Starbucks cup! 

It tumbled onto the sanctuary floor, expelling lukewarm liquid across our blessedly dark, heavy-duty carpet. “I’d been looking for that,” I admitted sheepishly, as the church chuckled, wondering whether this was part of the schtick. 

Lorn, our vice-moderator, exited the room swiftly then returned with towels and water. He gestured, “Keep going, Pastor,” before kneeling to clean my mess. The congregation hooped and hawed approval, offering a standing ovation as he exited, which I enthusiastically joined.

In time, the sermon began. I unloaded a torrent of puns on these suspecting souls for the first few minutes. However, I also attempted sincere Biblical analysis, commenting on Nehemiah’s majestic suggestion, “Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.” Notice, I offered, it’s not God’s judgement, or anger, or disappointment operating here. Rather, the prophet predicts that if we allow God’s joy, God’s delight to provide us power, we’ll overcome trials that steal happiness. Useful prophecy, I suggested. 

As jokes turned into insight, groans gave way to smiles, then sighs. I’m not persuaded the sermon was special, although I think I read the moment right. Joyous faith need not equal unserious faith.

However, Lorn again stole the show. After cleaning, he remained absent longer than anticipated. I had just begun preaching when the sanctuary door opened and Lorn sauntered down the central aisle. I paused my mediocre wordplay, noticing a cup of water in his hand. More specifically, a sippy cup of water, the kind toddlers use to avoid spills. He lofted it like Moses, placed it on the pulpit, smirked victoriously, and turned to sit with his wife and stepdaughter. 

I doubled over with hilarity. The congregation woke Lazurus with laugher. Our collective mirth banished any remaining nerves that this faux-holiday was useless. Lorn’s brilliant timing, comedic wit, and genuine act of service demonstrated the point precisely. Let joy - God’s joy that you are you, God’s joy that flawed, fabulous us count among God’s family - let that strengthen you, inspire you, support you, delight you. It did me that Sunday as brilliantly as ever.

Although more than Lorn illustrated the message. After service, 91-year-old matriarch Ruth lingered until others had passed me at the sanctuary’s door. “Shane,” she started, “I wasn’t so sure about this jokey Sunday thing.” 

“Me neither,” I confessed. 

“And,” she continued, hesitating as tears formed, “I got a terrible call this morning. My niece died. I almost didn’t come.” 

“My word, Ruth,” I said, “I’m so sorry.” 

“But I’m very glad I’m here. I needed God’s joy today.” 

Amen, Ruth. Amen.

A Creation Lens for Sermons

Rev. Carol Devine

We are living in a climate changed world and the impacts are increasing in frequency and severity. Climate change intersects with and impacts everything we care about, from our health and food security to the economy and racism. The bible reminds us that the earth is sacred, (Psalm 24, Colossians 1.15-20, Genesis 1). Not only can we still make a difference with climate, but we are called by God through the scriptures to live out our faith by caring for creation.

Creation care and justice should be the main focus of our sermons several times a year, and there is never a sermon where creation should not be present. Our congregations want leaders to do more about climate, and to help them know what they can do. In addition, helping our people make the connection between their faith and creation care helps to deepen their faith and brings vitality to the congregation.

Good preaching is centered in the heart, not the head. While solid exegesis and research are an important part of the process and should guide our sermon writing, that information is rarely captivating to the listener.

Start this work by taking time to recall, and write down, moments of awe that you have had in the natural world, times that you were overwhelmed by the beauty of the earth and felt deeply connected to life and to God. Think about places that have particular importance to you: childhood backyard, woods, mountains, or streams. Think about animals throughout your life that have been important to you: pets, farm animals, or wild animals that you have encountered. Think about weather events, a storm you were caught in, snow you played in, or flying kites on a windy day. Recall creation memories and take note of the beauty and mystery that is creation now, including the details: colors, sounds, smells, textures, temperature, and tastes. This recalling and sharing positively impacts our spirits, invites our congregation to remember with us, and moves us all to protect and care.

Scripture is full of creation that is sometimes central to the story, and other times provides background that brings us more deeply into the text. Jesus was born among animals, spent time in the desert, on the sea, and in the mountains. Food is central to many important stories. Bring the congregation to consider what Jesus or other characters might have been experiencing as part of creation, such as the dusty road, the warmth of the sun, or crusty bread. 

A good sermon is developed over days, not hours. Start with your text, do your exegetical work, and consider all the ways creation is present in the passage. Think about what is happening in the world and where climate intersects with that issue. Research your topic including what actions need to be taken. All along the way, pay attention to your feelings. Take notes and then set it aside for a day or more. During that time, God will speak to you on the subject through a song, a news story, a conversation, a memory or new experience. When possible, spend some time in nature and listen to God as you contemplate your sermon. As you write and then preach your sermon, speak from your heart. We are not just trying to teach, we are trying to transform.