Laughter in Church

Periwinkle Chronicles, tales of the citizens of Periwinkle [because all the other colors were already taken] County:


The Rev. Dr. Randall Nathan, (Retard), filled in for Pastor Patty at worship Sunday at The Methodist. [“Retard” is how they pronounce “retired” in Periwinkle County.] Pastor Patty was on one of her periodic retreats with her “Amazon Women in the Church” group.

Randall thought it went fairly well, considering that Claire greeted him immediately after with “That was fairly good considering how old you are,” but he was accosted at the door by Bessie Bandervilt.

“I’m opposed to laughter in church,” said Bessie.

Randall was in a hurry to get to Buddy Mutts for lunch before all the loaner dogs were taken. [Buddy Mutts won’t let you in unless you have a dog with you. Some churches loan home medical equipment or carseats to grandparents. The Methodist does, too, but they also have a kennel of loaner dogs for folks who want to go to Buddy Mutts.] So he decided to get rid of Bessie with an insincere apology.

“I’m sorry I told those jokes,” he said.

“Oh, don’t worry,” said Bessie. “They weren’t funny enough to make anyone laugh.”


[“Christ in Winter,” reflections on faith for people in the winter of their years, can be found at http://christinwinter.blogspot.com/]