Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas

Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas ![rw-book-cover](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Dwbg0OXkkEY/maxresdefault.jpg) 🔗 **Source:** [Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: #easter #worship #holy-humor #thomas #resurrection #doubt #faith #community > author: St. John's United Church of Christ > source: YouTube > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY > date created: 2024-12-31 18:33 > > # 🏷️ Title: Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas >  ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Embrace both faith and doubt as healthy parts of spiritual journey — Thomas's story #faith - [H2] Practice Holy Humor tradition to celebrate Easter joy — worship service #worship - [H3] Support community members through prayer and presence — pastoral care #community ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [[#📝 Summary]] - [[#📖 Main Content]] - [[#🗒️ Notes]] - [[#📚 References]] - [[#🗣️ Paraphrase]] - [[#📰 Newsletter]] - [[#✅ Action Items]] - [[#🧪 Hypotheses]] - [[#📊 Methodology]] - [[#❓ Questions]] - [[#🔮 Future Research]] - [[#💡 Implications]] - [[#🧠 Learning Styles Assessment]] - [[#📊 Accessibility Assessment]] - [[#🌍 DEIB Assessment]] - [[#✅ Logical Validity]] - [[#🛡️ DARVO Analysis]] - [[#🎯 Conclusion]] ### 🔗 References - [Acts 2:14-32](Bible) - [1 Peter 1:3-9](Bible) - [John 20:19-31](Bible) ## 📝 Summary - What happened: Holy Humor Sunday worship service featuring the story of "Doubting Thomas" - Why it matters: Demonstrates how faith communities can embrace both celebration and questioning as part of spiritual growth - Key stakeholders: Church congregation, pastor, community members sharing prayer requests - Risks and tradeoffs: Balance between reverent worship and lighthearted celebration - Bottom line: Faith and doubt can coexist healthily in authentic spiritual community ## 📖 Main Content This worship service illustrates the tradition of Holy Humor Sunday, celebrated on the Sunday after Easter to acknowledge that God "got the last laugh" over death through Jesus's resurrection. The service centers on the biblical story of Thomas, who doubted the other disciples' reports of seeing the risen Jesus until he could see and touch the wounds himself. The pastor frames doubt not as the opposite of faith, but as a healthy component of spiritual growth. Thomas's honest expression of his need for proof is presented as relatable and ultimately leading to deeper faith. The service balances humor with serious theological reflection on how resurrection life transforms both individual believers and communities. The extensive prayer time reveals a congregation actively caring for members facing surgeries, health challenges, grief anniversaries, and celebrations of healing and achievement. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=0) — [H3] Pre-service setup and sound check - Key idea: Technical preparation and informal conversation before worship - Evidence: Discussion of microphones, music levels, and children's musical interests #### ⏱️ [05:30](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=330) — [H2] Opening worship and welcome - Key idea: Inclusive welcome emphasizing community gathering - Evidence: "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### ⏱️ [08:15](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=495) — [H3] Announcements about church activities - Key idea: Active church community with multiple ministries and outreach - Evidence: Vacation Bible School planning, art showcase raising $1,296 for food pantry #### ⏱️ [12:45](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=765) — [H2] Introduction to Holy Humor Sunday tradition - Key idea: Easter understood as God's great joke on the devil - Evidence: "Easter was understood by many in the early church as the great joke that God played on the devil" #### ⏱️ [15:20](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=920) — [H3] Children's sermon with jokes and magic tricks - Key idea: Making worship accessible and fun for young people - Evidence: Pastor shares jokes about Noah's chickens, Adam and Christmas Eve, German shepherds #### ⏱️ [22:30](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=1350) — [H1] Thomas story and message about faith and doubt - Key idea: Thomas's doubt leads to deeper faith through honest questioning - Evidence: "Unless I can actually see him and actually touch the nail prints in his hand... I don't believe it" #### ⏱️ [35:45](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=2145) — [H1] Scripture reading from John 20:19-31 - Key idea: Post-resurrection appearances show Jesus bearing scars while offering peace - Evidence: "Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe." #### ⏱️ [42:10](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=2530) — [H1] Sermon on faith, doubt, and transformation - Key idea: Faith and doubt work together to bring wholeness rather than being enemies - Evidence: "Faith and doubt don't have to be enemies. Thomas's skepticism gives way to enthusiastic affirmation" #### ⏱️ [52:30](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=3150) — [H2] Communion of saints affirmation of humor - Key idea: Historical Christian leaders endorsed laughter and humor in faith - Evidence: Quotes from Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and others affirming humor's role in Christianity #### ⏱️ [55:40](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=3340) — [H2] Community prayer time with multiple requests - Key idea: Congregation actively supports members through health challenges and celebrations - Evidence: Prayers for surgeries, grief anniversaries, healing, and gratitude for space mission success #### ⏱️ [68:15](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=4095) — [H3] Offering and closing hymn - Key idea: Dedicating resources for ministry with joyful hearts - Evidence: "Grant us a joyful heart and a holy sense of humor" #### ⏱️ [72:20](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=4340) — [H3] Benediction emphasizing joy and mission - Key idea: Sending congregation to share laughter and love in the world - Evidence: "Go out to laugh, to live, to love. And when you hear a good joke, remember that sharing is a great thing" ## 📚 References - [Acts 2:14-32](Bible) - [1 Peter 1:3-9](Bible) - [John 20:19-31](Bible) - [1 Corinthians 13:13](Bible) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - Holy Humor Sunday celebrates resurrection joy through laughter while acknowledging that God defeated death - Thomas's honest doubt about the resurrection led to deeper faith when Jesus appeared and invited him to touch the wounds - Faith communities benefit from embracing both celebration and questioning as authentic parts of spiritual growth ## 📰 Newsletter This Holy Humor Sunday service beautifully demonstrates how faith communities can create space for both reverent worship and joyful celebration. The pastor's handling of the Thomas story offers a refreshing perspective on doubt as a pathway to deeper faith rather than faith's enemy. The extensive prayer time reveals a congregation genuinely invested in each other's wellbeing, from surgical recoveries to grief anniversaries to celebrating space missions. This kind of mutual care exemplifies the community-building potential of regular worship gatherings. Resources: [UCC Resources](https://www.ucc.org/), [Worship Resources](https://worship.calvin.edu/), [Holy Humor Sunday Materials](https://fellowshipofmerry.org/) ## ✅ Action Items #### Community - Maintainers: Develop worship resources that balance reverence with appropriate humor - Contributors: Create inclusive prayer practices that welcome diverse spiritual needs - Sponsors: Support programming that brings joy and connection to communities #### WordPress - Community: Adapt inclusive welcome practices for online spaces and events - Training: Develop materials about creating psychologically safe learning environments - Marketing: Learn from authentic community storytelling approaches ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Communities that embrace both joy and struggle create more authentic spiritual environments - Honest expression of doubt can lead to stronger rather than weaker faith commitments - Intergenerational worship that includes humor helps children develop positive religious associations - Regular communal prayer builds stronger social support networks within communities ### 📊 Methodology - Longitudinal study tracking faith development in communities with different approaches to doubt and questioning - Comparative analysis of retention rates in communities that practice Holy Humor versus traditional liturgies - Survey research on psychological safety in worship environments that welcome both celebration and lament ### ❓ Questions - How can online communities create the same sense of mutual care demonstrated in this congregation's prayer time? - What role does humor play in building resilient communities that can weather difficult periods? - How do different cultural contexts shape appropriate expressions of joy and doubt in spiritual settings? ### 🔮 Future Research - Cross-cultural study of humor traditions in various religious contexts - Investigation of doubt's role in developing mature versus fragile belief systems - Analysis of community care practices that translate effectively to digital environments ### 💡 Implications - Practice: Regular times for sharing both celebrations and struggles build stronger community bonds - Policy: Inclusive welcome statements require backing up with genuine acceptance of diverse spiritual journeys - Education: Teaching about historical traditions like Holy Humor Sunday enriches understanding of faith development - Community: Modeling authentic expression of both faith and doubt creates psychologically safe environments ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 10th-12th grade (accessible theological concepts with some technical terms) #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: Worship bulletin, visual elements of service, gestural elements - Improve: Slides with key scripture passages, visual timeline of Easter season #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Full audio service with music, spoken prayers, sermon - Improve: Enhanced audio quality for key readings #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Extensive use of biblical language, theological definitions, storytelling - Improve: Glossary of liturgical terms, comparative religious language examples #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Standing, singing, interactive prayer time, children's activity elements - Improve: More opportunities for movement, tactile prayer practices #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: Structured liturgy, theological argumentation about faith and doubt - Improve: Clear outline of service flow, historical timeline of Holy Humor tradition #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Communal singing, group prayer, social announcements - Improve: Small group discussion questions, post-service fellowship activities #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Individual prayer time, personal reflection on scripture - Improve: Take-home reflection questions, journaling prompts #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: References to seasonal church grounds work, creation themes - Improve: Outdoor worship options, environmental stewardship connections ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear spoken content, verbal descriptions of activities - Improve: Structured transcript with clear speaker identification #### Keyboard navigation - Present: Audio-only format requires minimal navigation - Improve: Chapter markers for easier content navigation #### Contrast and readability - Present: Audio format bypasses visual accessibility concerns - Improve: High-contrast bulletin design for in-person attendees #### Text resizing and reflow - Present: Transcript available for text scaling needs - Improve: Responsive web formatting for online transcript #### Media and captions - Present: Full audio content with spoken elements - Improve: Professional captioning for hearing-impaired attendees #### Forms and interactions - Present: Verbal invitation for prayer participation - Improve: Multiple ways to submit prayer requests (written, verbal, digital) ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: Christian liturgical tradition with some interfaith references - Improve: Acknowledgment of diverse spiritual backgrounds, multicultural humor examples #### Inclusive language - Present: Gender-inclusive pronouns, welcoming language about life journeys - Improve: More diverse theological perspectives, varied cultural expressions of faith #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Multiple formats (music, spoken word, silence), predictable structure - Improve: Sensory break options, alternative participation methods #### Representation - Present: Mixed-age congregation participation, diverse prayer concerns - Improve: More diverse leadership voices, varied cultural traditions #### Psychological safety - Present: Explicit welcome statements, acceptance of doubt as valid - Improve: Clear community guidelines, multiple ways to engage ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Deductive strength: Biblical interpretation following established hermeneutical principles - Inductive strength: Examples from Thomas's experience generalized to contemporary faith - Causal reasoning: Connection between authentic expression of doubt and deeper faith development - Analogical strength: Comparison between Thomas's need for proof and contemporary skepticism #### Fallacies - False dichotomy: Occasionally presents faith vs. doubt as binary when arguing they can coexist - Appeal to authority: Heavy reliance on biblical text without engaging critical scholarship - Hasty generalization: Assumes all doubt leads to stronger faith without acknowledging exceptions #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Warm, inclusive, pastorally caring with appropriate use of humor - Balances theological seriousness with lighthearted celebration effectively ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: No significant denial patterns present - Attack: No attacks on accusers or critics identified - Reverse victim/offender: No victim/offender reversals noted - Emotional cues and rhetoric: Primarily positive, supportive emotional framing with validation of diverse spiritual experiences ## 🎯 Conclusion This Holy Humor Sunday service demonstrates how faith communities can create space for authentic spiritual expression that includes both celebration and questioning. The pastor's treatment of Thomas's doubt as a pathway to deeper faith rather than its enemy offers a mature theological perspective that could benefit many struggling with spiritual questions. The extensive community prayer time reveals the practical outworking of stated values about welcome and inclusion. This congregation genuinely cares for members through health crises, grief, and celebration, providing a model for how online communities might adapt similar practices of mutual support and authentic sharing. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad ### [H1] Doubt serves as pathway to authentic faith development > [!quote] Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas by St. John's UCC via YouTube. Published 2024. Accessed 2024-12-31. > "Faith and doubt don't have to be enemies. Thomas's skepticism gives way to enthusiastic affirmation." Contemporary application for faith communities struggling with intellectual honesty and spiritual growth. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=2530#H1) #xref #articleseed ID:rw_001 ### [H2] Holy Humor tradition celebrates resurrection victory > [!quote] Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas > "Easter was understood by many in the early church as the great joke that God played on the devil." Historical context for lighthearted worship approaches during Easter season celebrations. [view highlight](https://youtu.be/Dwbg0OXkkEY?t=765#H2) #xref ID:rw_002 --- ### 🔖 Atomic Split Pad (Zettel Candidates) #### [Z1] Community prayer builds social support networks - Scope: Congregational worship with regular prayer sharing - Pointer to timestamp: 55:40-68:15 - Links: [[Mutual-Aid]] [[Pastoral-Care]] [[Community-Building]] #### [Z2] Inclusive welcome requires authentic acceptance practices - Scope: Progressive Christian worship contexts - Pointer to timestamp: 5:30-8:15 - Links: [[Hospitality]] [[Diversity-Inclusion]] [[Church-Growth]] --- ### ✏️ Fleeting Queue - [F1] Research historical development of Holy Humor Sunday tradition — worship history #fleeting #inbox - [F2] Analyze --- ## Full Transcript [00:00] Why am I [00:09] gradu [00:37] name above [00:40] all [00:44] worthy [00:47] praise. [00:51] My heart sing. [01:12] You are holy [01:19] My heart will sing [01:22] how great [01:25] is [01:33] how great [01:36] is our [01:39] See [01:41] how great [01:43] is our [01:47] will see how great [01:51] how great [02:06] is our Sing [02:09] with me. How great [02:13] is our God? [02:17] Oh, see how great. [02:21] How great [02:24] is [02:33] Yeah. [02:44] You guys [02:47] probably [02:51] still [03:06] That's [03:19] my volume. [03:30] Yeah, turn [03:43] down. [04:08] It's in here. [04:24] >> When I was [04:29] There there is a separate hissing noise [04:32] but it's coming from the air. [04:47] I don't play for [05:18] There is a separate kind kind of a [05:20] hissing sound. I mean just a real low [05:23] airflow sound, but it's coming from [05:25] that. [05:44] 197 218. Right. [05:48] >> Okay. [05:50] >> Okay. Perfect. [05:58] I was just wondering um do either Asher [06:01] or Shiloh show any interest in musical [06:04] stuff yet? [06:05] >> Shiloh is really right now in a phase of [06:07] listening to music. [06:08] >> Nice. [06:08] >> Asher when he was three, [06:10] >> wonderful part of autism. He uh could [06:13] name every instrument because of a book [06:14] that we had about the symphony. He could [06:16] name every instrument in it. He may have [06:18] forgotten some of that. Um at this point [06:20] like whatever fun. [06:26] >> Yeah, sure. [07:10] Heat. Heat. [07:21] Heat. [07:30] Heat. [07:36] Heat. [07:50] Heat. [08:19] short one. Nobody wasn't enough time. [08:24] >> All right, now I got that and Thank you. [09:37] Okay, [09:39] I'm going downstairs. [09:41] See you in a couple. [09:55] Hi. [09:57] How are you? Good. [10:14] One of these [10:21] morning [11:58] Good morning. [14:05] Hallelujah. [14:09] All right. [15:01] Good morning. [15:10] Hallelujah. [16:13] Hi Diana, how are you? [16:15] >> Good. How are you? Good. [16:19] >> Are you joining us this morning? [16:21] >> I'm gonna uh sing from back here. Um I [16:24] don't need a microphone. I'm sitting [16:26] here because I'm reading today. [16:29] >> Yep. [18:47] I forgot to take the oil. [19:04] the oil in in the candles from reminds [19:07] me of a song [19:10] a song I learned in church years ago. [19:13] They're probably the first church I [19:14] remember. Give me oil in my lamb. Keep [19:18] me burning. Burn me. [19:24] >> I love it. Yeah. [19:27] And then there was another verse. Give [19:29] me gas in my me trucking for the Lord. [20:09] Yeah. And um I was telling uh Chris, he [20:12] was just up here a minute ago. We had a [20:15] second verse that said, "Give me gas in [20:18] my keep me trump." [20:24] >> Yeah. [20:26] >> Yeah. A long time ago. [20:33] >> Uhhuh. [20:35] >> Yeah. [20:36] >> Or around a campfire. [20:39] Thank you. [21:50] New York. [22:27] Princess [23:40] They are closer. [23:46] Happy [24:22] Oh my god. [24:54] Amen. [25:02] That's good. [25:38] Thank you. [25:41] Yeah. [25:44] There's one over here, too. [25:47] Oh, [26:06] YouTube. [26:35] Well, all right. Let me get up here. [26:46] You haven't had a yellow [27:05] This is the day. This is the day that [27:10] the Lord has made. That the Lord has [27:14] made. We will rejoice. [27:18] We will rejoice and be glad [27:22] and be glad in it. [27:26] the morning as king. We will rejoice and [27:31] be glad in it. [27:34] This is the day. This is the day of the [27:39] Lord. [27:46] >> Good morning. [27:47] >> Good morning. [27:48] >> Welcome to worship at St. John's United [27:50] Church of Christ. Whether you are [27:53] joining us online or are here in our [27:55] sanctuary, it is so good to be gathered [27:58] together. [28:00] We welcome one another into this time of [28:02] worship. Please join with me now. No [28:05] matter who you are or where you are on [28:08] life's journey, you are welcome here. [28:13] There are wonderful things happening in [28:14] the life of our church on this Holy [28:17] Humor Sunday. And a little bit of [28:19] information about what holy humor is is [28:22] found in your bulletin. It's this more [28:24] lighthearted approach to worship. The [28:27] fir the second Sunday after first Sunday [28:30] after Easter reminding us that [28:34] Easter was understood by many in the [28:35] early church as the great joke that God [28:38] played on the devil that Jesus was [28:40] thought to be dead and gone. And God [28:42] says, "Aha, [28:44] think again. [28:46] Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. [28:50] There's a lot happening in the life of [28:52] our church. And I'm going to invite [28:53] Roxanne, though I think she's in [28:55] costume, [28:57] um to share an announcement or two [29:01] on this beautiful day. I am so tired of [29:05] hearing people complaining about, "Oh, [29:07] it's gets cold one day and then it's hot [29:09] the next day and it's cold the next day. [29:11] I wish it would just get warm and stay [29:13] warm, but come July when it's [29:16] horrendously hot, you're gonna all be [29:19] looking at me and saying, "Thank you, [29:20] Roxan. [29:22] Because we're going to snowball [29:24] challenge mountain." Snowball mountain [29:26] challenge. Got it. For vacation bible [29:29] school this year. So when it is horribly [29:32] hot outside, we will be chilling. [29:36] All the preparation is underway. I am [29:39] looking for people to help with [29:40] decorating, help with snacks, help with [29:43] the our youngest members that come. So, [29:45] please see me if you can help this year, [29:48] July 19th to the 23rd. [29:53] Oh, thank you. And um our art showcase [29:57] has wrapped up. Everybody's been called. [29:59] Most everything has been picked up. It's [30:01] in the books as a win this year. It [30:04] would seem to be very popular. So, I [30:06] thank everybody who contributed [30:08] anything, even if it was just manpower [30:11] to help. We at this point have raised [30:14] $1,296 [30:17] for the food pantry in Fagetville. [30:21] That is awesome. [30:23] So, thank you again to the teams who [30:26] inspired all of this and thank you to [30:29] everybody who was a part of it. We um [30:31] I've already been asked several times, [30:32] are we going to do it again? and we're [30:34] saying yes, but maybe not next year. [30:36] Let's, you know, give it a year or two [30:38] and then do it again so that it doesn't [30:40] get stale. Sound good? [30:46] We indeed give thanks for the many ways [30:48] that we share community and connection [30:52] here in our church. We have gathered [30:55] together for the worship of God. The [30:57] peace of Christ be with you. [30:59] >> And also with you. Let us share signs of [31:02] peace and welcome with one another. [31:39] Did you know that? [31:46] Okay. [31:48] Another guy and that's in addition to [31:51] also. [32:10] >> Good morning. [32:13] Please join us as we prayfully sing our [32:17] song [32:18] God. [32:24] Please join [32:49] Are you [33:03] glory? [33:19] Hold insty [33:40] and darkness [33:46] and trembles at his voice. [33:50] Treles at his voice. [33:55] How great [33:57] is our God. [34:00] Sing with me. How great [34:05] is our God [34:07] and all sing [34:12] how great [34:15] is our God [34:37] begin [34:41] and the And [34:45] the dark we [34:48] all [35:07] great [35:09] our [35:12] Sing [35:14] how great [35:16] is our God [35:19] and all will sing. How great, [35:24] how great [35:27] is our God. [35:42] You are worthy of all praise [35:49] and my heart will sing. [35:52] How great [35:55] is our God. [36:05] You are [36:10] you are worthy of our praise. [36:16] You are all the sing. [36:31] How great [36:33] is our God. [36:36] Sing with me. How great [36:40] is our God [36:43] and all see how [36:49] great [36:51] is our God. [36:59] How great [37:02] is our God. [37:05] Sing with me. How great [37:09] is our God. [37:12] And all will see how great [37:16] how great [37:20] is thy. [37:28] >> Amen. [37:34] Friends, we worship in the name of God, [37:37] creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. [37:41] Amen. [37:42] I invite you to stand as you are able, [37:44] in body or in spirit. As we join in this [37:47] morning's call to worship, [37:50] we believe in God who made us in his [37:53] image. [37:55] We live, we laugh, we love [37:58] >> because we are like him. We believe in [38:01] Jesus Christ, the son of God, our Lord [38:04] and Savior. [38:05] He had the last laugh on the devil when [38:09] he rose from the dead. We believe in the [38:12] Holy Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal [38:14] with the Father and the Son, our [38:17] counselor, our guide, our motivator, our [38:21] joy. Forgive us, Lord, when we take [38:24] ourselves too seriously. When we don't [38:27] claim the happiness that is ours as your [38:30] children. When we forget that you will [38:32] have the last laugh in this world. [38:35] Restore to us the joy of our salvation. [38:39] As we worship today, our opening hymn is [38:43] found in the green himnel number 197. We [38:47] welcome glad Easter. [39:07] Easter [39:08] Jesus [39:12] and one of [39:17] his [39:19] Praise [39:30] to Jesus [39:32] Oh, [39:38] we [39:46] Oh [39:52] my [40:00] praise to Jesus. [40:13] for Sing [40:17] and he is my [40:23] voice [40:26] and sing. [40:40] Heat [40:49] up [40:57] here. [41:11] Let us join together in the prayer of [41:14] the day. [41:16] Oh great laughing God, we come into your [41:19] presence with joy and longing to be [41:22] surprised. [41:24] >> We thank you that you have given us the [41:27] gift of laughter and delight. [41:31] These things give hints as to the nature [41:34] of your purpose for us and for all the [41:37] earth. May we find that in giving up to [41:41] laughter there is healing and hope and [41:45] abundance and blessing. Tickle our souls [41:49] with the brush of your spirit to renew [41:52] our worship and our living. [41:55] >> Amen. [41:56] >> And the prayer for illumination. [41:59] As we listen for your word and seek to [42:02] follow your call, keep us mindful that [42:06] you always have the last laugh. [42:09] >> May we know your fire of love deeply in [42:13] our being. May we be your love. May we [42:18] bring your love. May your love reign as [42:21] we rejoice with you this day. [42:24] >> Never taking ourselves too seriously [42:28] while always seeking you. [42:31] >> Amen. [42:50] The first scripture [42:52] for today comes from the book of Acts [42:56] chapter 2:es 14 and 22-32. [43:02] But Peter standing with the 11 raised [43:05] his voice and addressed them. [43:08] You that are Israelites, listen to what [43:11] I have to say. Jesus of Nazareth, a man [43:15] attested to you by God with deeds of [43:18] power, wonders, and signs that God did [43:22] through him among you, as you yourselves [43:25] know. This man handed over to you [43:29] according to the definite plan and [43:31] fornowledge of God. You crucified and [43:35] killed by the hands of those outside the [43:38] law. But God raised him up, having freed [43:42] him from death, because it was [43:44] impossible for him to be held in its [43:47] power. For David says concerning him. I [43:51] saw the Lord always before me. For he is [43:55] at my right hand, so that I will not be [43:57] shaken. Therefore, my heart was glad and [44:01] my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh [44:04] will live in hope. For you will not [44:07] abandon my soul to Hades, or let your [44:10] holy one experience corruption. [44:14] You have made known to me the ways of [44:16] life. You will make me full of gladness [44:19] with your presence. Fellow Israelites, [44:23] I may say to you confidently of our [44:25] ancestor David that he both died and was [44:28] buried, and his tomb is with us to this [44:31] day. Since he was a prophet, he knew [44:35] that God had sworn with an oath to him [44:38] that he would put one of his descendants [44:40] on the throne. For seeing this, David [44:44] spoke of the resurrection of the [44:46] Messiah, saying, "He was not abandoned [44:50] to Hades, nor did his flesh experience [44:54] corruption." [44:55] This Jesus God raised up and of that all [45:00] of us are witnesses. [45:04] The second reading comes from the first [45:07] letter of Peter chapter 1 verses 3-9. [45:13] Blessed be the God and father of our [45:15] Lord Jesus Christ. By his great mercy, [45:19] he has given us a new birth into a [45:21] living hope through the resurrection of [45:24] Jesus Christ from the dead and into an [45:27] inheritance that is imperishable, [45:30] undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven [45:34] for you, who are being protected by the [45:37] power of God through faith for our [45:40] salvation, ready to be revealed in the [45:43] last time. In this you rejoice, even if [45:48] now for a little while you have had to [45:51] suffer various trials, so that the [45:54] genuiness of your faith, being more [45:57] precious than gold, that though [45:59] perishable, is tested by fire, may be [46:03] found to result in praise and glory and [46:07] honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [46:11] Although you have not seen him, you love [46:14] him. And even though you do not see him [46:17] now, you believe in him and rejoice with [46:21] an indescribable and glorious joy. For [46:25] you are receiving the outcome of your [46:28] faith, the salvation of your souls. [46:32] Amen. [47:27] We walk by faith and not by sight. Oh, [47:35] we hear [47:38] from Christ [47:41] as [47:44] wewhere. [48:01] Holy [48:04] cross. [48:34] When I [48:52] bless [48:58] Amen. [49:10] Right. Time for our young ones to come [49:12] forward. [49:30] Just the two of you. Oh boy. [49:34] Wow. [49:36] Turn it around this way. [49:40] It is Holy Hilarity Sunday. [49:44] No other young ones back there. Oh, come [49:47] on up. [49:49] I thought we had more. I know we had [49:50] more at Sunday school. Come on up, [49:51] Sutton. [49:53] I don't want you to miss any of my [49:54] jokes. [49:56] >> Oh yeah. [50:00] Jump up there. [50:04] So why did Noah have to punish the [50:08] chickens on the ark? [50:14] They were using foul language. [50:20] What did Adam Oh, is Elanor back there? [50:22] Get up here, Eleanor. Get Don't make me [50:25] come back there. [50:31] What did Adam [50:33] say [50:35] the day before Christmas? [50:40] Any idea? [50:42] What did Adam say the day before [50:43] Christmas? [50:45] It's Christmas Eve. [50:51] I didn't say they were good jokes. Okay. [50:53] What do they call pastors? Okay, guys. [50:56] What do they call pastors in Germany? [51:00] >> What was that? [51:04] >> Anybody? [51:06] >> German shepherds. [51:14] >> All right. It is a day of fun. What's [51:18] that? [51:20] What's that? Do you have to come up [51:22] there? No. No. [51:25] It is a day of fun because God got the [51:27] last laugh in, didn't he? [51:32] The authorities thought by putting Jesus [51:34] to death, they were going to end all [51:36] this this talk, all this, you know, [51:39] savior, king kind of crap. didn't happen [51:43] because God said, "I got you." And [51:46] brought Jesus back. [51:49] So, he got the last laugh. But not [51:51] everybody quite believed. [51:55] Just like today, not everybody [51:57] completely believes. [52:00] So, have you ever seen anything that's [52:02] just too good to be true? You just think [52:06] that that can't be h, [52:09] you know, it just kind of baffles you. [52:14] I've got some things here. [52:20] If I told you [52:23] I could erase the future, would you [52:26] believe me? [52:31] >> I can. I can erase the future. [52:35] You don't believe me? I can prove it. [52:49] What can I say? I I got another one. I [52:52] can levitate a pencil. [52:56] >> Do you believe me? I can I can levitate [52:59] a pencil. You ready? [53:10] Oh, almost lost it there. Hold on. Let [53:13] me try it again. Here, [53:19] there we go. Ah, [53:22] hocus pocus mous. [53:26] Jesus Christ is Lord. Oh, look at that. [53:28] Look at that. [53:33] Well, yeah, I got a pencil there holding [53:35] it. [53:39] That is cheating. But we're having a [53:41] little fun today, right? Today's the day [53:43] about fun. But our scripture that we're [53:45] going to hear is the story of Thomas. [53:48] Now, after Jesus rose, he came back to [53:52] different people a couple different [53:54] times before he ascended. In today's [53:57] scripture, he came back to the [53:59] disciples. They were all together in a [54:01] locked room. [54:03] Now, they were in a a locked room [54:05] because they were scared. Let's face it. [54:07] They didn't know what they were going to [54:08] do. Their savior, their leader, had just [54:11] been killed. [54:13] They're worried the authorities are [54:15] going to come after them. So, they're [54:17] huddled in a room locked so nobody would [54:20] know where they were at. The only thing [54:21] is Thomas wasn't with them. All the [54:24] other disciples were there. And Jesus [54:27] just suddenly appeared like like out of [54:29] thin air, just appeared. [54:32] And they were shocked and he spoke with [54:35] them. [54:37] They could see the nail marks in his [54:39] hands. This was the Lord. He was killed. [54:42] He is back. He is alive. I'm talking to [54:45] him right now. The disciples are saying, [54:49] but Thomas wasn't there. [54:52] And when they told Thomas later, he's [54:54] like, "No way. I don't believe that." [55:00] Just like it's hard sometimes for us to [55:02] believe things we can't see. He says, [55:05] "Unless I can actually see him and [55:07] actually touch the nail prints in his [55:10] hand and touch the side where they [55:12] stabbed him with the sword, I don't [55:14] believe it. I'm not going to believe [55:15] it." [55:19] And of course, a few days later, Jesus [55:22] appeared again. And this time, [55:26] this time Thomas was there. And he said [55:28] to Thomas, "Here, touch my hand." [55:33] And Thomas said, "Lord, now that I see [55:36] you, I believe. I believe." [55:39] And Jesus said, "Blessed are you for [55:41] seeing and believing, but more blessed [55:44] are those [55:46] who have not seen and believe." [55:51] That's called faith. [55:54] Is Jesus standing here right now? No. [55:58] Have you ever personally seen Jesus in [56:01] the flesh? Neither have I. I don't think [56:04] anyone here has. [56:06] But yet, here we are today praising God, [56:10] thanking him for his son and for his [56:13] son's death on the cross. [56:18] I've never seen God either. Do you ever [56:20] see God? I mean, a physical a being of [56:23] some sort. [56:26] No. But yet we believe. Why do we [56:29] believe? Well, we have the Bible which [56:32] tells us the story. [56:34] And a lot of times it's the things we [56:36] see around us, the things that happen [56:40] that make us say, "Don't tell me there's [56:42] not a God. The kindness in others, the [56:46] giving, the loving [56:49] miracles that happen." And let's face [56:50] it, there are miracles that happen that [56:52] cannot be explained [56:55] except by faith. [56:59] We may not see God. We may not see [57:02] Jesus. Not in this lifetime, [57:06] but we have faith. [57:11] We are blessed. [57:13] We have faith. [57:16] Let's bow our heads. Lord, we thank you [57:19] for sending your son and though we may [57:21] not see all of you. We believe and we [57:25] believe in your Holy Spirit that comes [57:27] to give us strength, power, and courage. [57:31] Thank you for all the blessings you've [57:34] given us. In your son's name, we pray. [57:37] Amen. [57:39] All right. Don't step in the dog poop on [57:41] your way out. [57:44] What? [57:48] Nobody noticed it. Nobody noticed it. [57:52] Here. [57:55] Miss Rebecca's waiting for you. [57:59] From the Gospel according to John, [58:02] chapter 20 19 through31. [58:05] Listen for what the spirit is saying. [58:09] It was still the first day of the week. [58:12] That evening, while the disciples were [58:14] behind closed doors because they were [58:16] afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus [58:19] came and stood among them. He said, [58:23] "Peace be with you." [58:26] After he said this, he showed them his [58:28] hands and his side. [58:30] When the disciples saw the Lord, they [58:32] were filled with joy. [58:35] Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with [58:37] you. [58:39] As the Father sent me, so I am sending [58:41] you. [58:43] Then he breathed on them and said, [58:44] "Receive the Holy Spirit. [58:47] If you forgive anyone's sins, they are [58:50] forgiven. [58:51] If you don't forgive them, they aren't [58:53] forgiven." [58:56] Thomas, the one called Ditimus, one of [58:59] the 12, wasn't with the disciples when [59:01] Jesus came. The other disciples told [59:04] him, "We've seen the Lord." [59:07] But he replied, "Unless I see the nail [59:10] marks in his hands, put my finger in the [59:13] wounds left by the nails and put my hand [59:15] into his side, I won't believe." [59:20] After 8 days, his disciples were again [59:22] in a house, and Thomas was with them. [59:26] Even though the doors were locked, Jesus [59:28] entered and stood among them. He said, [59:31] "Peace be with you." [59:35] Then he said to Thomas, [59:37] "Put your finger here. Look at my hands. [59:41] Put your hand into my side. No more [59:44] disbelief. [59:46] Believe." [59:48] Thomas responded to Jesus, "My Lord and [59:51] my God." [59:54] Jesus replied, "Do you believe because [59:56] you see me? [59:58] Happy are those who don't see and yet [60:02] believe. [60:04] Then Jesus did many other miraculous [60:06] signs in his disciples presence. Signs [60:09] that aren't recorded in this scroll. [60:13] But these things are written so that you [60:14] will believe that Jesus is the Christ, [60:17] God's son, and that believing you will [60:21] have life in his name. [60:25] This is the word of God for the people [60:27] of God. Thanks be to God. [60:32] Will you pray with me? [60:35] Spirit of the living God, fall aresh on [60:39] us. May the words of my mouth and the [60:42] meditations of all our hearts be [60:44] acceptable to you, oh God. For you are [60:46] our rock and our redeemer. [60:50] Amen. [60:53] For the past couple of years, we have [60:55] celebrated Holy Humor Sunday on the [60:58] first Sunday after Easter. Easter is [61:02] more than just a day. It's a lurggical [61:05] season known as Easter tide. It's the 50 [61:08] days between Easter and Pentecost. [61:12] The mystery and miracle of Easter [61:14] continues to surprise us. And we are [61:17] called to rejoice in the resurrection. [61:20] the great joke that God played on the [61:23] devil and thinking that Jesus was dead [61:25] and gone [61:27] and instead to say, "Think again." [61:31] No matter how grim or dire things may [61:33] seem, love gets the last word. [61:38] Often we think that worship must always [61:40] be a somber and solemn occasion. [61:44] Yet I find that assumption to be [61:46] limiting to the full for the fullness of [61:49] human experience and our relationship [61:52] with God because God invites our fully [61:55] embodied participation. [61:59] After all, we know that Jesus wept. [62:02] I'm fairly certain that because he was [62:04] fully human as well as fully divine, he [62:07] also laughed. [62:10] It's recorded in scripture that Peter [62:12] and John had a foot race and that John [62:16] won. If you don't believe me, it's in [62:18] John 20:4. [62:22] It's almost like the gospel writers [62:24] themselves have a sense of humor. [62:27] Being able to say, [62:30] "I I beat Peter in a foot race and now [62:32] it's in the Bible." [62:35] You will note that this year's service [62:38] has been modified from those in years [62:40] past. We'll have a time for you all to [62:43] share jokes in the parlor after worship, [62:46] enjoying camaraderie [62:48] and a cookie. [62:50] A light-hearted feel though informs the [62:52] outline of our service this bright [62:54] Sunday where Jesus indeed shines and [62:58] reminds us that our journey involves [63:00] both faith and doubt. [63:05] The original gospel of Mark doesn't [63:07] include any postresurrection [63:10] appearances. It ends abruptly in chapter [63:13] 16 at verse 8 with a longer ending [63:16] verses 9- 20 added later. an attempt to [63:20] make the story seem more complete. [63:24] We know Matthew's gospel features the [63:26] great commission where the disciples go [63:28] back to Galilee where Jesus has spent [63:31] most of his ministry and he appears to [63:34] them telling them to go and make [63:35] disciples of every nation. [63:38] He gives them instructions about what [63:40] they're supposed to do next. [63:43] Luke tells of the disciples on the road [63:45] to Emmas and how Jesus walks with them [63:48] as they recount the events of what's [63:50] happened in Jerusalem. [63:52] They don't really know who he is until [63:54] suddenly they figure out Christ is [63:57] there. [63:59] The most famous post-resurrection [64:01] appearances are found in John's gospel. [64:05] And we read the story of so-called [64:07] doubting Thomas each year on this [64:10] Sunday. [64:12] I find Thomas actually to be a really [64:14] rather relatable character [64:17] because he needs some level of proof. He [64:21] wants to see before he believes. [64:25] Thomas is bold enough and brave enough [64:28] to express his doubt. Then when the [64:32] risen Christ appears and shows him the [64:34] wounds in his hands and his side, Thomas [64:36] gives voice to faith. [64:39] The other disciples rejoiced. Thomas's [64:42] response is praise. [64:44] There's a difference. [64:47] I appreciate Thomas's honesty. How he [64:50] names what he needs and what he's [64:52] seeking. He's asking for what we all [64:55] would ask for. Reassurance, [64:58] the promise of a future. [65:01] And that's what Jesus gives him. [65:04] Our faith is often tested and tried. It [65:08] is forged in the fires of pain, [65:11] suffering, and grief. We often don't [65:13] know exactly what we believe and why we [65:16] believe it until something happens to [65:19] make it clear where we stand. [65:22] Doubt, therefore, can be healthy, my [65:25] friends. God gives us critical thinking [65:27] skills. [65:29] Too much doubt isn't good either. The [65:32] world already has plenty of skeptics and [65:35] cynics. [65:37] Yet doubt does allow for the possibility [65:40] that we don't know everything. [65:43] Faith helps us to leave room for the [65:46] mystery of God to be at work among us. [65:50] Blind faith can also lead us astray. We [65:53] can become rigid and dogmatic, [65:55] illequipped to handle it when our world [65:58] falls apart. So, it's a balance, [66:02] a faith that is flexible, [66:05] that has room, [66:07] that can grow. [66:10] Thomas, who has followed Jesus for the [66:13] three years of his ministry as a [66:15] disciple, [66:17] helps us to see how faith and doubt can [66:20] work together to bring us toward [66:22] wholeness. [66:24] The good news is Easter means you can [66:27] put truth in the grave, [66:30] but it won't stay there. [66:34] The first part of this story is Easter [66:37] evening. [66:38] The disciples have sequestered [66:40] themselves in a locked room. Everyone's [66:42] there except for Thomas. [66:45] The text doesn't tell us why he's [66:47] absent, just that he's not there. [66:51] When Jesus appeared to them, Thomas [66:53] missed out. [66:55] Jesus speaks words of peace, bestowing [66:59] upon them the Holy Spirit, sending them [67:01] forth to continue the work. [67:05] But Thomas wasn't there, and he can't [67:07] quite bring himself to take the word of [67:09] his fellow disciples. He didn't get to [67:11] see the risen Christ. [67:14] He might even think that his fellow [67:17] disciples are attempting to pull a [67:18] practical joke on him. [67:21] So Jesus comes back a second time eight [67:24] days later. He still bears the scars. [67:29] Remember in John's gospel, trauma is not [67:32] erased. It is transformed. [67:36] Thomas's doubts fade away when Jesus [67:38] appears among them. His belief in the [67:41] resurrection is solidified. [67:44] Of course, Jesus challenges us to [67:47] believe even when we don't see, to trust [67:51] in more than just the power of our ears [67:53] and our eyes. [67:55] In verse 29, he says, "Happy are those [67:58] who don't see and yet believe. [68:02] None of us were in that locked room, yet [68:05] we have come to have faith in Jesus. We [68:09] affirm that death doesn't have the final [68:11] word, that the grave could not hold him, [68:14] that resurrection life has begun. [68:18] Maybe there needed to be two times that [68:21] Jesus appeared and that John documented [68:24] in full rather than simply stating as he [68:27] does in verse 30 that Jesus did many [68:30] other miraculous signs in his disciples [68:33] presence. Signs that aren't recorded in [68:35] this scroll. I personally would have [68:38] loved to know what some of those signs [68:39] were, [68:41] but he shares these two examples [68:45] in order for us to truly grasp [68:48] about the resurrection, [68:50] what it how it happened, the impact that [68:53] it makes. [68:55] Faith and doubt don't have to be [68:57] enemies. [68:58] Thomas's skepticism gives way to [69:01] enthusiastic affirmation of who Jesus [69:03] is, my Lord and my God. [69:08] Leave room for mystery. [69:12] One of the things that we ask our [69:14] confirmands to do is to create their own [69:17] statement of faith. [69:20] It is a reminder that confirmation is a [69:22] process of reaffirmation [69:25] of ownership of the vows and promises [69:27] made in baptism [69:30] often by parents when you're a young [69:32] child. [69:34] The faith that we have at 14 [69:37] will not necessarily be the faith that [69:39] we have at 41 [69:42] or beyond. And I hope that it's not. I [69:45] pray we all have experiences that lead [69:47] us deeper into the heart of God. [69:50] This is an exercise that prompts [69:53] exploration and creativity. What do you [69:57] believe and why? How does that impact [70:01] the way that you live? [70:04] Early Christians were often referred to [70:06] as followers of the way. [70:09] Jesus preached many sermons about how to [70:11] live and how to be. The most famous, of [70:14] course, being the sermon on the mount. [70:18] We know that we need a sense of what we [70:20] believe with clear understandings of how [70:23] to live and to be as disciples. [70:27] The creeds, those ancient affirmations [70:29] of faith are very good. They help us [70:31] articulate who Jesus is, [70:34] especially in relationship to God. [70:38] Yet, I find them to not be enough. We [70:40] need more. [70:43] We are to be known as Christians by our [70:46] love. A love that endures, that [70:49] perseveres, that lasts. It's no wonder [70:52] that the Apostle Paul writes in 1 [70:54] Corinthians 13:13, "Now faith, hope, and [70:58] love remain, these three, and the [71:01] greatest of these [71:03] is love." [71:06] We have choices to make about the values [71:09] we hold and how we express them. Peace, [71:14] not war. Creativity, [71:18] not destruction. [71:19] Empathy, [71:22] not hate. Generosity, [71:25] not greed. [71:27] Everybody, [71:29] not just us. [71:31] Like Thomas, we may have to wrestle with [71:33] our own doubts in order to come to a [71:36] greater understanding of faith. [71:39] In the risen existence, the spirit of [71:41] Easter theologian Paula Goodter writes, [71:43] "Belief in the resurrection is an act of [71:46] rebellion against the evil corruption [71:49] and oppression that can so easily swamp [71:51] us. Belief in belief in the resurrection [71:55] can be a refusal to accept the world as [71:58] it is that it can never change. [72:00] Believing in the resurrection allows us [72:03] to see the world with a long view. [72:06] Believing in the resurrection can and [72:08] should transform not only how we view [72:10] the world but how we live in it. [72:13] We should become people in whom others [72:15] can see new life and people who [72:18] introduce that new life whenever the [72:20] world is life denying. [72:23] Resurrection makes a difference not only [72:25] to Jesus and the earliest disciples [72:28] but also to us as we live out our lives [72:33] day by day. [72:36] Do people see the resurrection in you? [72:40] May we offer one another the gift of new [72:43] life, of a fresh start, and of community [72:47] that offers compassion and courage and [72:51] care. [72:53] Easter reminds us that some of God's [72:55] best work happens when the world is the [72:59] darkest. [73:01] So let us continue to wrestle with our [73:03] faith and our doubts [73:06] and love one another [73:08] as Jesus has loved us. [73:12] Amen. [73:31] I invite you to join with me in a [73:33] communion of saints affirmation of humor [73:37] found on the yellow insert and on the [73:40] screen and we will read this [73:42] responsibly. [73:44] We affirm with the Bible that there is a [73:47] time to weep and a time to laugh. We [73:51] affirm with John Kristom that laughter [73:55] has been implanted in our souls. We [73:58] affirm with Thomas Aquinus that there is [74:01] a time for playful deeds and jokes. We [74:05] affirm with Martin Luther that you have [74:08] as much laughter as you have faith. [74:12] >> We affirm with John Calvin that we are [74:15] nowhere forbidden to laugh. We affirm [74:18] with Francis de Sales that humor is a [74:22] foundation for reconciliation. [74:25] We affirm with John Wesley that a sour [74:29] religion is the devil's religion. We [74:32] affirm with Saurin Kirkagard that humor [74:36] is intrinsic to Christianity. [74:38] We affirm with Theodore DSki that if a [74:42] person laughs well, they are a good [74:45] person. We affirm with GK Chesterton [74:48] that a good joke is the closest thing we [74:52] have to divine revelation. We affirm [74:55] with Dietrich Bonhaofer that ultimate [74:58] seriousness is not without a dose of [75:02] humor. We affirm with Flannry O' Conor [75:05] that Christianity is a strangely cheery [75:09] religion. We affirm with Kirstster [75:12] Stendle that humor along with irony [75:15] forms a safeguard against idolatry. We [75:19] affirm with Charles Schultz that humor [75:22] is proof that everything is going to be [75:25] all right with God. Nevertheless, [75:29] we affirm with Elton True Blood. [75:32] >> Never trust a theologian without a sense [75:35] of humor. [75:37] >> Amen. [75:45] As a Christian community, one of the [75:47] things we do is pray together. We laugh [75:50] together. We cry together. We walk [75:54] together through life. [75:57] And we pray together. [75:59] We lift up our joys, our cares, our [76:02] celebrations, our concerns to God and to [76:05] community. [76:07] What are the prayers that you bring with [76:09] you this morning, [76:14] Courtney? [76:19] The short list is that um this week I [76:22] was finally able to get [76:24] a shot for um some bulging discs in my [76:28] back. Pain and sleep have vanished. I [76:31] would like sleep to return. Um because [76:34] the kind of injection that I got tends [76:36] to give you more energy than what you [76:38] actually want to use. [76:41] So there's that. Uh headsp space at work [76:44] has been improving. [76:46] Continue to use ongoing prayer and [76:48] support. The next three weeks are going [76:51] to be an interesting challenge. Um, and [76:55] mostly I just need God to calm and quiet [76:57] my soul and settle anxiety around all of [77:01] the things. And the big rejoicing of the [77:03] week is that last week I asked that we [77:05] pray for Artemis. Goodness, did that go [77:08] flawlessly or what? Um, and the way that [77:10] that impacted [77:13] so many people. Um, people call it their [77:16] emotional support astronauts, right? [77:18] Like in the midst of the world being the [77:20] world this week, how amazing was it to [77:24] see a person of color, a woman, and the [77:29] entire crew at NASA? I mean, how many [77:32] ladies were in that control room and [77:34] look about where history has come in [77:36] that time? Um, it was just it wer both [77:41] miraculous and wow, the math exactly [77:44] worked. The humans doing the math [77:46] exactly worked. So it was good [77:51] to summarize. [77:54] We give thanks for relief from pain and [77:57] we pray for the return of sleep. We pray [78:00] for calm and centeredness and [78:02] groundedness in the coming weeks. And we [78:05] rejoice in the joy that the Artemis [78:08] mission has brought to so many for their [78:11] safe return and the accomplishments [78:14] of a team to make all of that happen. [78:18] God, by your grace, [78:20] >> here our pray [78:20] >> here our prayer. [78:22] >> Tom, [78:25] >> I have two items of interest. First of [78:27] all, more on a downto-earth note, [78:31] appreciation for all the work that's [78:33] been done this past week around the [78:35] church grounds. From the planting of [78:37] flowers and parking lot B's entrance to [78:41] the island in the center here, it being [78:45] repaired and replanted after the [78:47] devastation of running electrical lines [78:49] through it to the [78:53] work that's been done along the bushes [78:55] and the entrance coming through the [78:57] cleanup that was done there and the crew [78:59] that went around yesterday cleaning up [79:01] all the branches and trimming dead [79:03] branches from the trees. it uh really [79:07] makes the grounds look a whole lot nicer [79:10] and more pleasant. [79:12] The second item is a concern. Um prayers [79:16] for Tom and Donna Harrison. Tom is [79:19] scheduled for spinal surgery this week [79:23] or [79:23] >> Thomas. [79:24] >> Thomas, yes, I'm sorry. Thomas is [79:27] scheduled for spinal surgery this week. [79:30] That is a very delicate and concerning [79:34] procedure. [79:36] Um, pray for Tom having a successful [79:39] surgery. Pray the Holy Spirit is with [79:42] the surgeons and the surgeon team that [79:44] they provide that he provides guidance [79:47] to these medical staff so that the [79:51] surgery is successful and pray for Tom's [79:54] quick recovery. [80:01] We give thanks for the many signs of new [80:03] life [80:05] happening around our grounds and those [80:07] who make that new life shine and [80:09] sparkle. [80:11] For the grounds cleanup that happened [80:12] yesterday, for the gardeners who are [80:15] planting in various locations around our [80:18] property, we are seeing new life [80:21] and we rejoice in all of God's blessings [80:23] and the people who make that happen. [80:26] We pray as well for Tom Harrison. Tom is [80:30] scheduled for sin spinal surgery on [80:32] Wednesday of this week. It's a delicate [80:35] procedure and we pray that it will be [80:37] successful and the outcome exactly as [80:40] desired. [80:44] It's been a long road and we give thanks [80:46] that Donna is with him all the way. So [80:49] for Tom and Donna as well we pray [80:53] >> God by your grace [80:54] >> here our pray. [80:57] Harold, [81:00] >> prayers for healing for our friend Aaron [81:03] Martliff. Just prayers for her healing [81:11] >> for Aaron and healing. We indeed pray [81:16] God by your grace. [81:18] >> Here our pray. [81:21] Nancy [81:29] like prayers for our son Gary [81:33] who is going to have major surgery on [81:36] Wednesday in Hershey. [81:42] We pray for Gary Raybach who is having [81:45] major surgery on Wednesday in Hershey. [81:47] long anticipated surgery that we pray [81:50] will fix everything so that it is better [81:55] and best and right. So we pray for Gary [81:59] and Pat and Dick and Nancy and all who [82:02] love them. [82:03] May all go well. God by your grace [82:07] >> here our pray. [82:11] >> Allison [82:12] Diana's going to bring the mic around. [82:23] Pray for the US. [82:26] >> Pray for the US and Iran in good faith [82:29] to go back to the negotiating table to [82:32] work for peace, not just in the Middle [82:34] East, but in the whole world and for the [82:36] Lebanese government and for the Israelis [82:38] to get together and stop the killing in [82:41] Lebanon. [82:43] Our [82:47] peace poll is in our sanctuary and it [82:50] says, "May peace prevail on earth [82:53] and we pray for those who may come to [82:56] the negotiating table to make peace [82:58] happen [83:00] to negotiate in good faith. Whether that [83:03] be the United States and Iran or Israel [83:06] and Lebanon or many other places around [83:08] the world where conflict is erupting. [83:12] We pray for peace [83:15] and an end to killing. God, by your [83:19] grace, [83:20] >> here our pray, [83:20] >> here our [83:21] >> pray. [83:26] >> Shanny, [83:27] while Diana brings the microphone around [83:29] to Shanny, I'm going to lift up Sharon [83:32] Mayor, who is recovering from surgery on [83:35] Monday. I'm going to So, we pray for [83:39] Sharon that her surgeries have been [83:41] successful and that her healing [83:44] continues. I know that she was a little [83:47] um anxious about this and we give thanks [83:51] that one phase is done and that healing [83:54] is happening. God by your grace, [83:58] >> here our prayer. Shanny, [84:02] >> yesterday was a year since Whitney died [84:07] by suicide. [84:08] Prayers for her family. [84:18] Anniversaries [84:20] are hard [84:23] and they stir up lots of emotions, [84:25] especially when we know them. [84:29] We know to expect them [84:32] and we will forever mourn the loss of [84:34] Whitney in our lives. [84:37] We pray for those who love her best, her [84:40] husband and son, her parents, for Shanny [84:44] and Dan, for the lives that she touched. [84:48] And we will keep her alive by telling [84:50] stories about her. For I believe that we [84:53] die twice. The first time when the [84:56] breath leaves our bodies and the second [84:58] is the last time someone says our name. [85:02] Whitney is not gone. [85:04] She is here and we are keeping her [85:07] alive. In the midst of our grief and our [85:11] sadness, there is love. [85:14] God by your grace, [85:16] >> here our prayer. [85:19] Aaron, [85:25] >> a joy that the um art showcase went so [85:29] well, raising, as mentioned before, [85:32] $1,296 [85:34] for the Fagetville food pantry. And also [85:38] to mention the little food free food [85:41] pantry that we have in our parking lot. [85:45] may um that we be in a spirit of [85:50] generosity to provide those who are [85:54] struggling with food insecurity. [85:59] We indeed give thanks for the generous [86:01] ways that we are helping our neighbors [86:04] who are experiencing food insecurity [86:07] through the artistic showcase and the [86:09] little little free pantry and many other [86:12] efforts to make sure those who are [86:14] hungry are fed. God by your grace [86:18] >> here our pray. [86:21] >> We pray for Doug Steppler. Doug had [86:23] double knee replacement surgery on [86:25] Monday. I've heard from Amanda he is the [86:28] procedure went well. He is home and [86:31] recovering and we pray that all [86:33] continues on track because one is bad [86:36] but I can't imagine two. So Doug, I'm [86:39] waving to you [86:41] and praying that all is indeed [86:43] progressing as planned. Now it's pain [86:46] with a purpose. The pain of healing. God [86:50] by your grace [86:51] >> here our prayer. [86:54] We pray for prayers. We ask for prayers [86:57] and support from the congregation for [86:59] the Meyers and Whitman families. Nina is [87:03] in the hospital and she requests no [87:06] visits as she's spending most of the [87:08] time asleep. [87:10] John is at Meadow Haven Rehab in room [87:12] 108 working on his mobility. [87:16] The rest of the family is of course very [87:18] tired and emotional and so support to [87:22] Sarah and Dale and Curt and Elizabeth [87:25] and others in their family is greatly [87:27] appreciated. [87:28] Please keep them all in your prayers [87:31] especially at this time. God by your [87:34] grace [87:35] >> here our prayer. [87:42] And I will offer one more prayer. I'm [87:45] not a German shepherd, but I liked that [87:48] joke. Um, but I will take a moment of [87:51] personal pastoral privilege. Um, my [87:54] visit to Iowa this past week was met [87:57] with much success. My brother is [87:59] thriving in his new location [88:02] and it was wonderful to be able to see [88:04] that for myself. picture. Maybe I am a [88:08] little more like doubting Thomas than I [88:09] than I realized that I I needed a level [88:13] of reassurance that what I was receiving [88:16] in photos and emails was really actually [88:19] true. [88:20] And I drove 980 miles yesterday to get [88:23] back to you. [88:27] >> So I give thanks that especially that I [88:29] got to cross the Tuscerora Mountain in [88:32] daylight. It's the worst part of the [88:35] whole trip. [88:36] So for my brother and his new life and [88:40] resurrection as such and for my safe [88:42] return, I am indeed giving thanks. [88:46] >> God by your grace, [88:47] >> here our [88:48] >> here our pray. [88:51] >> Let us go to God in prayer. [88:56] >> Holy one, you hear the prayers of our [88:59] hearts and our lips. [89:02] You hear our laughter and our tears and [89:05] you are with us through everything. [89:09] The prayers that we lift up, [89:12] the ones that we share aloud and [89:14] silently, [89:17] you hear what we need. [89:21] You offer us grace and presence, [89:25] joy and life [89:28] in the midst of everything. [89:31] We pray indeed for peace [89:35] in our world and in our homes and in our [89:37] hearts. We pray for guidance and [89:41] healing. [89:46] We ask for your help as we navigate [89:48] grief [89:51] and we give thanks for the safe return [89:53] of astronauts to Earth. [89:57] For these things [90:00] and so much more, we pray in Jesus' [90:03] name. [90:05] Praying the prayer that he taught us to [90:07] pray. [90:09] >> Our Father, [90:10] >> who art in heaven, [90:13] >> be thy name, [90:15] >> thy kingdom come, thy will be done [90:19] >> on earth as it is in heaven. Give us [90:22] this day our daily bread. And forgive us [90:26] our debts as we forgive our debtors. [90:30] Lead us not into temptation, but deliver [90:34] us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, [90:38] the power, and the glory forever. Amen. [90:45] With joy and humor, compassion and love, [90:49] let us further the work of our church in [90:52] the world, supporting the ministry of [90:54] St. John's with our time, talent, and [90:58] treasure. [91:00] Our morning offering will now be [91:02] received. [93:10] Praise God. [93:12] All blessings. [93:16] Praise [93:20] God. [93:22] Praise him father [93:27] host. [93:29] Praise father son and holy [93:34] host. [93:42] >> Let us together dedicate these gifts. [93:45] Gracious God, grant us a joyful heart [93:49] and a holy sense of humor. [93:52] Give us the gift of faith to be renewed [93:56] and shared with others each day. Thank [94:00] you for caring for each of us and for [94:03] all your creatures. [94:05] Help us use these gifts to mold our [94:09] corner of the world to be more and more [94:12] like the heavenly realm living and [94:15] acting so that your work is done on [94:19] earth as it is in heaven. Amen. [94:22] >> Amen. Our final hymn today is number [94:25] 218. [94:26] Come ye faithful, raise the strain. [94:55] Heat. Heat. [95:06] Yeah. [95:09] Heat. [95:28] Heat. Heat. [95:39] Yeah. [95:41] Heat. [96:08] Heat. Heat. [96:16] Oh, [96:36] heat, heat. [96:51] The laughing one called us together so [96:54] that we could share in the laughter of [96:56] life. The laughing one sends us out to [96:59] carry the joy of life and love to the [97:02] world. Go out to laugh, to live, to [97:05] love. And when you hear a good joke, [97:09] remember that sharing is a great thing. [97:15] Thank you, God, for Easter story. Christ [97:19] is ris. Love has won. Death with all its [97:25] power and fury [97:28] can't defeat what you've begun. [97:32] Thank you, God, that there is nothing [97:36] stronger than the love you give. [97:40] We rejoice a new world's coming. In our [97:46] ris Christ we live. [98:03] Heat. Heat. [98:38] Heat. Heat. [98:47] Heat. Heat. [99:12] Heat. Heat.  📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas.md|Sunday April 12th, 2026- Holy Humor Sunday & Thomas by YouTube]] ## Highlights - Let us join together in the prayer of the day. Oh great laughing God, we come into your presence with joy and longing to be surprised. >> We thank you that you have given us the gift of laughter and delight. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsak822af4ysp50e7reda8)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him. And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy. For you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsak968hk43arxhvdt23d0)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - Jesus. Not in this lifetime, but we have faith. We are blessed. We have faith. Let's bow our heads. Lord, we thank you for sending your son and though we may not see all of you. We believe and we believe in your Holy Spirit that comes to give us strength, power, and courage. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsakak3w06bt3sba702c8d)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - Will you pray with me? Spirit of the living God, fall aresh on us. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to you, oh God. For you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. For the past couple of years, we have celebrated Holy Humor Sunday on the first Sunday after Easter. Easter is ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsakc7zwxxgjtdnfkj47fq)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - "I I beat Peter in a foot race and now it's in the Bible." You will note that this year's service has been modified from those in years past. We'll have a time for you all to share jokes in the parlor after worship, enjoying camaraderie and a cookie. A light-hearted feel though informs the outline of our service this bright Sunday where Jesus indeed shines and reminds us that our journey involves ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsake0hnzp4pzyzgpa6xcg)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - I invite you to join with me in a communion of saints affirmation of humor found on the yellow insert and on the screen and we will read this responsibly. We affirm with the Bible that there is a time to weep and a time to laugh. We affirm with John Kristom that laughter has been implanted in our souls. We affirm with Thomas Aquinus that there is ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsakgxkkz9b63t116zhfk5)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - >> Never trust a theologian without a sense of humor. >> Amen. As a Christian community, one of the things we do is pray together. We laugh together. We cry together. We walk together through life. And we pray together. We lift up our joys, our cares, our ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsakm148gf6qrxf44c2emq)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - You hear our laughter and our tears and you are with us through everything. The prayers that we lift up, the ones that we share aloud and silently, you hear what we need. You offer us grace and presence, joy and life in the midst of everything. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsakr3f9y6q30bah7wc4kj)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - and so much more, we pray in Jesus' name. Praying the prayer that he taught us to pray. >> Our Father, >> who art in heaven, >> be thy name, >> thy kingdom come, thy will be done >> on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsam0n4861kr2eq10e2vgn)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted - you for caring for each of us and for all your creatures. Help us use these gifts to mold our corner of the world to be more and more like the heavenly realm living and acting so that your work is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. >> Amen. Our final hymn today is number 218. Come ye faithful, raise the strain. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01krgsam7p89m1hfm34yrnw6ta)) - Tags: 👻 ai highlighted