Rev. Jacob Sahms, the pastor at Wesley UMC in Hopewell, shared this story of finding creative ways to be the church during COVID-19:
I had this crazy idea that this year for Holy Humor Sunday (the Sunday after Easter where some traditions celebrate that God played a joke on the devil by resurrecting Jesus), that instead of telling jokes for twenty minutes that I would ask some of my storyteller friends to share their gifts via video, and maybe just maybe, we’d bring some joy to people who are stuck inside.
Crazier still, they said yes. Some of them have never even spoken to me before (maybe that made them more inclined to say yes!); some of them are folks whose projects I’ve admired for awhile and am proud to call my friends. Thank you all.
So here are the folks who contributed to this video, which is unlike any worship experience I’ve ever seen or been a part of in twenty years in ministry. These folks have my heartfelt thanks for participating, and friends, to quote Friday Night Lights, “my heart is full.”
Alexandra Boylan, actress, producer, and speaker, “Switched”, “Catching Faith”
Chris Singleton, motivational speaker, “Emanuel”
Matt Chastain, actor and director, “Small Group”
Jim and Jenn Gotzon Chandler, actors and producers, “The Farmer & The Belle”, “Frost/Nixon”
Garry Nation, actor, “MBF”, “Polycarp,” “Chasing the Star”
Robert G. Lee, writer, speaker, and comedian, “The Old Adventures of the New Christine,”
Todd Terry, actor and realtor, Amazon’s “Vindication,” “Breaking Bad”
Spencer Folmar, director and screenwriter, “Shooting Heroin,” “Generational Sins”
Meg Calvin, author and podcaster, “I am My Own Sanctuary”
Wes Miller, director and screenwriter, “Hell on the Border,” “River Runs Red,” “Atone”
Chris Dowling, director and writer, “Run the Race,” “Priceless,” “Where Hope Grows”
Craig Rolan Martin, producer and actor, “The Good Road,” “Free Burma Rangers,” “The Insanity of God”
The Skit Guys, comedians
Tim Janis, director, composer, musician, “Buttons” Tim submitted some humor and provided the amazing prelude
Members of the Wesley Band (Wes Spain, Carter Woolridge, and Eva Woolridge) recorded the praise music.
Tech maven Heather Johnson created the opening images.
Any mistakes or typos are purely my fault. We hope this video brings you a smile, a laugh, and that you’ll share that joy with someone else.
Check out the Holy Humor worship here: https://www.wevideo.com/view/1655527202
Remember, God is working in many different ways during this season. So, keep your eyes open for how God is working. Take some time to share those stories with me, either through email (andrewbook@vaumc.org) or phone (757-771-4224).