And Now for Something Completely COVID

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The late Bishop Judith Craig, mentor to me and lots of other United Methodist women through the years, always stressed keeping a sense of humor about the church. Because truly, the human condition can be so tragic and then so silly that all we have left is laughter.

So here we are on the verge of the great three days of the Crucifixion-Resurrection, suffering our own trials with the coronavirus pandemic, and we've just got to let off some steam. Here are some random gleanings of internet humor and hope to ease us into our high holy days.

How many pastors have you counted wearing T-shirts or polo shirts for their online video and livestream presentations? They look like real people! Will the trend follow them when they head back to their pulpits in the unforeseeable future? Fashionistas everywhere eagerly await ...

United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, has one of the cheeriest noon devotionals with its April 9 video on Facebook. Watch for the dog! 

C. Michael Hawn, noted accordionist and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music at Southern Methodist University, is downright stylin' in his personal COVID protector (see photo).

Quoth he on Facebook: "I feel a bit like a bank robber in Scotland, but am grateful we saved the cloth that was to be used to make the kids pajamas about 40 years ago, and that Collyn Hawn has perfected her mask-making skills on me. After taking a walk outside today, I could tell people were coveting my stylish Covid-protector. — in Westham" (Virginia).

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS: The North Texas Conference Cabinet has put special emphasis into observing Holy Week online with a series of devotionals written by cabinet members. Each one speaks to an important aspect of Christian faith during this sacred time. Check them out from the North Texas home page.

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS, PART 2: Hungry for good news amid the stress of the coronavirus pandemic, actor John Krasinski continued his new podcast, "Some Good News," with a series of funny videos sent in by his audience. Be sure to watch all the way to the end for a "Zoom Surprise" that delights a little girl.

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS, PART 3: Michigan Conference communicator Kay DeMoss went looking for "COVID heroes" and discovered United Methodists doing what we always do: spread the love of God in the most dire circumstances. Here's an example from Detroit's Central UMC. Check out Kay's story on the Michigan conference website.

And now, a return to a harsher reality. 

Media Mentions as of April 9, 2020

Why Holy Week is made for this pandemic – Religion News Service

Middle Tennessee United Methodist Churches Reach Out to Older Adult Population during ... – Clarksville Online

Scituate churches keeping the faith during social distancing – Wicked Local

Coronavirus Infecting Minorities In Dallas County At Higher Rate – CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

War over Easter: Kansas lawmakers revoke governor’s order limiting church gatherings – The Kansas City Star *

Ohio governor urges religious leaders to consider coronavirus concerns, discourages gatherings as Easter and Passover approach – Cleveland.com *

Jerry Falwell Jr. says warrants are out for two journalists after critical stories on coronavirus decision – POLITICO

Religious leaders who flout social distancing are endangering their followers—and the future of their faiths – Foreign Policy *

* Paid subscription may be required.

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. Send news of how your congregation or annual conference is meeting the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.