The Alligator Luncheon

Church services and religious gatherings by nature can range from solemn to joyful, serious to inspiring; but rarely do we look for them to be comedic or funny.  Sometimes, however, the humor of what we are doing, or not doing, can’t be restrained.   When something funny or unexpected happens in a church service, it sometimes makes it all the more hilarious or memorable.

I’ll never forget the funeral service when the acolyte didn’t see the urn of the deceased, center-stage on a pedestal, and tripped over it.  As if in slow motion, we all watched the vessel containing the cremated remains, tumble down the carpeted steps of the altar area spilling out its contents.  Thankfully the ashes were still in a plastic bag, so there was no vacuuming involved in the clean up.  The mood instantly changed in that moment, some may say for the better.  It brought a moment of levity in what was a sad, nervous, or tense moment.  If handled properly and respectfully, these type of moments can be a welcoming flash of humanity meeting the eternal.

This happened even in Jesus’ ministry.  I can’t imagine the crowds response when four friends of a lame man tore through the roof of a house to lower him down to Jesus’ feet to be healed.  Some were shocked and appalled, I’m sure. I bet others saw the humor in an otherwise awkward situation, including perhaps Jesus.

We are going to be reviving a tradition of Mariners’ Church called the “Alligator Luncheon”.  The first time I heard of it, I loved it. This is when we give an award, all in good-hearted fun, to the most memorable faux pas of the year.  Whether you notice it or not, every Sunday there usually is some sort of blunder or gaffe that allows us to look at each other and laugh.  These are the times where we can either be embarrassed, or we can learn to stop taking ourselves too seriously.  I prefer the latter.

Starting in 1979, Mariners Church has handed out the “Alligator Award” to the usher, acolyte, epistler, altar guild member, or clergy who had the most memorable blunder. The award was given this name because someone said the word “Alligator” when trying to read the word “Allegory”.  The trophy is passed on from the previous year’s winner to the next and is even in the shape of an alligator. There is also a 45 year old perpetual award plaque that allows the winners name to be engraved for posterity.

You may ask: Why would anyone want to have their names engraved, memorializing their shortcomings? Because it’s funny! But, if anyone struggles to see the humor, it’s also very grounding. Anyone who follows Jesus, and serves others alongside Him, should know that His grace alone is what sustain us. We wouldn’t even know Jesus if it wasn’t for His grace. So, our ability to laugh in moments like this is a sign of our understanding of His unconditional love.

We gather at a local restaurant and nominate those people involved in the indiscretions that are worthy of recognition.  There will be a lot of good story-telling and laughter.  We get to revel in the fact that although we are doing important eternal work, we still can laugh and enjoy the mishaps along the way. I like to think God laughs with us. No one knows our imperfections better than Him.

You don’t have to have served in a position at the church to be invited to this luncheon, but if you do serve on Sunday mornings you will be getting a special email invitation since you may know or be involved in the misadventures.

This year we will be meeting at the Andiamo Detroit Riverfront in the Renaissance Center on November 9 at 12pm for lunch. Parking will be validated by the restaurant, and the lunch will be $40.00 per person which includes salad, bakery selections, main course, dessert and soft drinks. There will be a cash bar available.  Since we need to have a count by October 31, please let me know, by replying to this email, if you would like to attend.

I believe it will be a good time to fellowship, laugh, and have some fun.  So, I invite you to come and celebrate with us this long tradition. It may seem silly. However, in a world with so much pain and suffering around us, I think it’s important to not only be aware of that and actively engage in bringing more of God’s Kingdom on Earth (more about that next week), but also take time to celebrate silly, funny things. Our humanity benefits from a healthy balance.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd