Jesus Loves Me, Yeah Sure Ya Betcha

Do you think Jesus had a sense of humor? We don't often talk about that; we talk about his compassion and his love and his power and his grace. But if we read today's gospel with an eye toward his sense of humor—we can determine he was looking for a big laugh. “ how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye?” Picture someone with a log sticking out of their eye and you gain the perspective that that Jesus had a somewhat outlandish sense of humor.

We are celebrating Jesus and laughter and the joy that Easter brings us. Our theme today is speaking Minnesotan.

You see, we seem to have our own way of speaking. And it isn't always technically correct. Our first selection has our church technology committee represented by David helping out computer-illiterate life-long Minnesotan, Gary.

2. Jesus enjoyed a good laugh and a good celebration. He saved a wedding disaster at Cana by turning the water into wine. Weddings are an important part of our church life. Here's a look at romance and then a wedding may look in Minnesota. (David, Julie and Gordy)

3. Of course, whether it is finding the location of a wedding or a church dinner, you really need to understand how to communicate directions in Minnesotan. (Jayne)

1. One of my jobs as pastor is being available for counseling. It is not like they taught us in class however. You can listen in to this counseling session: (Gordy and ??)
   
   
2. The bible is the guide for our church life. Most of us understand its has gone through many translations-Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English and now to share the Minnesota translation of the Ten Commandments, here's Rosie.
   
   

Conclusion: Okay, not much theological truth going on today. I hope the service reflected our view that God has a sense of humor; that Jesus taught some of his parables with a twinkle in his eye and laughter on his lips; and that worship doesn't have to be the same old thing. Celebrate with us the good news of resurrection victory! I hope everyone had a chance to read Judy's article in the Independent Review this week. I conclude with some of her insights: “Created in the image of God, we laugh. Laughter is good for us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Laugh in the name of God and share the Easter laugh with others.” Amen.




Hymn: Jesus Loves Me




Patient: Are you busy Pastor? Its no big deal. I could come back.

Gordy: No problem. How's it goin'

P: Oh, not so bad, really. Could be worse. Can't complain.

G Good deal _________. Did anything happen that you wanted to bring up then?

P. I'd rather not talk about it. It's kind of personal you know.

G Yep. So, what do you think of this weather then?

P Funny weather for April isn't it? It got down to 20 at my place the other day, clipped off the asparagus and I wonder whether the apple trees are gonna blossom even.

G That's different. I'm glad I didn't set out my tomato plants. You know, we could still get snow. I've seen snow in May _______.

P It wouldn't surprise me none. I never put my tomatoes out before Memorial Day.

G And a guy should start covering them on Labor Day. It can frost on Labor Day. I see our time's about up _______. Anything else?

P There was one thing. My Chrysler makes a coughing sound through the carburetor when I first start it.

G Is that on the LeBaron?

P Right, the 382 engine.

G I'd say you got a needle valve problem. Myself, I'd throw a rebuilt carburetor in that thing.

P I wondered if that wasn't it.

G Anything else then ____________?

P Nope, I've said too much already. How've things been with you?
G I don't want to talk about it.

P No problem.

G. Well, I guess that's about it then. Take it easy, ________.

P You bet.

G See you next week.

P Whatever.

Charge/Long Goodbye:

Gordy: We'd better head out, then.

Jayne: Ya, it's getting late you know.

Julie: Yeah, let's hit the road!

David: Are you kidding? The jokes just got started.

Gordy: OK, just one more.

David: (joke)

Jayne: Well, this is it, we're leaving.

Rosie: Well, you don't have to rush off. You know, we still got the coffee hour.

Gordy: Let's go Julie, get off the pew.

Rhonda: Oh, I hate to see you go. Why don't you stay for a little joke?

Julie: We just heard another joke.

Rhonda: Well, be that way. At least I'm gonna send a few jokes with you in this bag.

Julie: You don't have to do that, Rhonda.

Gordy: So Okay, we're leaving now. This is it.

Rosie: You don't have to go on our account. You sure you’re not mad about something?

Julie: Oh, don't be silly Rosie.

Rhonda: You got everything then Julie?

Julie: If we don't have it, we can get it next time.

Gordy: Julie, we're moving to the car now. This is it.

Jayne: We're off, we're not stopping for anything. Take it easy then.

David: Yeah, well, you too then.

Rosie: Come back again soon.

Gordy, Julie, Jayne: You bet.













Romance and Marriage:




Introduce participants: Julie and Gordy 35-36 years ago. David is playing the pastor.

This is what the start of our romance looked like:




Gordy: So you don't have to, Julie, but I was wondering if you might want to go someplace with me...not tonight exactly, but you know, sometime then?

Julie: Well, I could think of a lot worse thing, Gordy.

Gordy: So, Friday then?

Julie: No problem, then, it might even be fun you know.




Well, as you know things worked out for us, but not without hitches in scheduling. Gary has a little story about our potential nuptials.




Gary's joke




And so we found a rainy day, and had our Minnesotan wedding:




David: Do you, Gordy, pretty much promise to honor and obey Julie, and take her to be your lawfully wedded wife, as far as that goes then?

Gordy: Yeah, good deal!

David: And you, Julie, do you pretty much take Gordy to be your lawfully wedded husband then?

Julie: Whatever.

David: That does it then kids. You can kiss if you want. And let me tell say that I hope this marriage is a heckuva deal for both of you.




And we lived happily ever after. (Jayne and location directions)