"Holy Humor Sunday" sounds like a modern invention, but actually it’s a practice with deep roots, particularly in the Eastern Churches. In those traditions, the joy of Easter is extended to the Sunday after Easter Sunday with a celebration called “Bright Sunday” or “Smile Sunday" or Holy Humor” Sunday. It’s a way of understanding Christ’s Easter resurrection as God’s own last laugh, a kind of practical joke on sin and death and the powers that be, when the world goes knock-knocking on the tomb door only to find that Jesus is not home but has risen. It’s a reminder that joy and laughter really can change the world. (John 16:16-22)

Join us for worship Sundays @ 10am Eastern Time, on-site & online via Zoom. Connect at www.NeedhamUCC.org
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The Congregational Church of Needham strives to be a justice-seeking, peace-making, LGBTQ+ affirming, radically inclusive congregation of the United Church of Christ in Needham, MA. www.NeedhamUCC.org

Church is the practice.
Love is the point.

We’re taught that Jesus’ Easter resurrection is a good thing–that, in fact, it’s the very best thing: the death of death, the springtime of souls, the divine affirmation of Jesus’ Gospel ministry of justice, peace, and compassion. But the guards who witnessed it firsthand were so frightened they “shook and became like dead men.” That doesn’t sound good. How do we let go of whatever may be keeping us from embracing the resurrection as truly Good News, and not just for us but for the whole world? (Matthew 28:1-10)

Join us for worship Sundays @ 10am Eastern Time, on-site & online via Zoom. Connect at www.NeedhamUCC.org
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The Congregational Church of Needham strives to be a justice-seeking, peace-making, LGBTQ+ affirming, radically inclusive congregation of the United Church of Christ in Needham, MA. www.NeedhamUCC.org

Church is the practice.
Love is the point.

The first Palm Sunday wasn't just a parade. It was a protest. The crowds that took to the streets with Jesus were there to lift their "Just no!" against the life-stealing, death-dealing powers of imperial politics and religion. And when their frightened leaders told them to quiet down, they only became more unruly. Now it's our turn to become unruly and lift up our own just no against the same forces in our world today. (Matthew 21:1-11)

Join us for worship Sundays @ 10am Eastern Time, on-site & online via Zoom. Connect at www.NeedhamUCC.org
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The Congregational Church of Needham strives to be a justice-seeking, peace-making, LGBTQ+ affirming, radically inclusive congregation of the United Church of Christ in Needham, MA. www.NeedhamUCC.org

Church is the practice.
Love is the point.