Holy Humor Sunday 🤣

“I slept in church because I’m striving to be more like God… He rested on the seventh day.”

Here at Salem, along with many other congregations around the world, we recognize the important, but often overlooked, gifts of laughter and joy! Laughter is a gift that allows us to keep our hearts light, even during difficult times. In the crucifixion, we know that Jesus has the last laugh over death.

For centuries, Easter Monday and “Bright Sunday” (the Sunday after Easter) were observed by the faithful as “days of joy and laughter” with parties and picnics to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Parishioners and pastors played practical jokes on each other, drenched each other with water, sang, and danced. It was a time for clergy and people to tell jokes and to have fun.

We continue the tradition today at Salem UCC. After the important holy days, Holy Humor Sunday has become one of the most anticipated services of the year at Salem. The service includes special songs, scriptures focused on laughter and joy, as well as other special surprises.