Church signs are giggles for God

The Associated Press recently carried an article titled “Giggles for God.” It gives us a tiny bit of history about church signs (think Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses on a church door). It then regales us with church sign messages of today, especially humorous ones. Many pastors and church administrators have gotten creative about spreading the message of God. Whether witty, practical, or profound, the sign messages can brighten a commuter’s day, spur a moment of reflection while chauffeuring to sports practice, or maybe persuade someone that it is not all fire and brimstone inside.

While we have to be thoughtful about avoiding hurtful words which come at the expense of others, there is no reason not to use humor as one of the tools to spread the message. The Rev. Karna Moskalik of Stillwater, Minnesota, said, “It is a way to bring something lighter in the world.” Heaven knows we certainly need that! The Mayo Clinic lists many reasons laughter is good for us, physically and emotionally. Laughter stimulates our hearts, lungs, and muscles, as well as increases the feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Laughter helps soothe tension and lessen depression, making us feel more relaxed and connected with others. And as a long term effect, laughter can boost certain immune cells that fight illness. 

Consider some sign examples: “Adam & Eve - the first people to not read the Apple Terms & Conditions”; “Lord, help us to be the people our dogs think we are”;

“Practice thanking God for more than elastic waistbands”; or the one in front of a Madison Ave, NYC church during a miserable heatwave which read, “Lord, whatever you are baking, it’s done!”.

Rolf Jacobson, a professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, tells us laughter can help process tragedy or serve as a wedge to probe big questions. He says, “God’s business is turning mourning into gladness, Good Friday into Easter Sunday.” The AP article ends with this: “So chuckle away the next time you speed by a church sign. But spare a thought for the sweaty person of God who invented this perennial favorite: Too hot to keep changing sign. Sin bad. Jesus good. Details inside.” Amen.

Sunday, October 18 is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. The scripture readings for this Sunday are Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22. 

Commissioned Lay Pastor Mary Ellen Lucas will lead the service in the Presbyterian Order in the church building and as a Zoom meeting beginning at 11 a.m. To join the Zoom meeting, use the email contact on the website [dpflc.org] to ask for an invitation.

The congregations of Delta Presbyterian (PCUSA) and Faith Lutheran (ELCA) meet together and alternate orders of worship weekly in the log church building located at 1760 Richardson Highway. Our website is www.dpflc.org - click the link on the website to follow us on Facebook.

The Alcoholics Anonymous Buffalo Group is a group of individuals who strive for sobriety and seek others for support and encouragement. The group holds open meetings at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement on Mondays for discussion and Thursdays for the 12-step recovery program. Call 907-978-5575 or 760-835-2274, or see fairbanksaa.org for more information about Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Al-Anon group (people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking) meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Sue at 907-687-9682 or online at al-anon.org for more information.

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless the name of the Lord; proclaim God’s salvation from day to day. Declare God’s glory among the nations and God’s wonders among all peoples.” Psalm 96:1-3.

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