trinitylutheranchurch

On Reformation Sunday 2009 (October 25th), Pastor Harold transformed into Isaac the Clown. Pastor Harold is a trained and accomplished Christian Clown, and after the transformation performed the entire service in mime, never speaking a word (a rare treat for the congregation!). For the sermon, Beverly Harold narrated while Isaac mimed the message.

The service on Reformation Sunday 2009 is an interpretation of the historic liturgy by clown and mime.
Clowning has its roots in the Church of the middle ages (around 1200 A.D.) when many people could not read or write. Clown/mimes would act out the great stories of the Bible. At this time stain glass windows were invented to tell the stories of our Faith. Clowning left the Church and then became more known in circuses and street performances. In the early 1960’s, a Lutheran Pastor named Floyd Shaffer brought clowning back into the Church. Christian clowns lead worship, visit in nursing homes and hospitals, and perform dramas with a biblical message. The “white face” represents death and the bright colours represent resurrection joy. Pastor Harold has had his alter ego "Isaac" since 1979. Isaac is a Hebrew word for "Laughter".