Holy Humor Sunday at Des Plaines church

Jesus, after all, had a sense of humor.

Christ Church, United Church of Christ in Des Plaines, will turn Sunday's service over to a celebration of humor, as "Holy Humor Sunday" returns for a second year.

The service, at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 11, will have a country western theme and worshippers are invited to come dressed in their best country and western attire - or just comfortable jeans.

Country and western hymns, "Gettin' Up and Goin' Music" and the Cowboy's Prayer are all part of the service; the Players for Christ, Christ Church's young people's theater troupe, will perform a skit; and Kiwi the Clown will make an appearance.

"The whole service is done with a respectful, comedic theme," said Bob Neil, Kiwi's alter ego and one of the organizers of Holy Humor Sunday.

Christ Church's pastor, the Rev. Virginia Ericson, introduced Holy Humor Sunday to her congregation in 2009. It is built on the old tradition of Bright Sunday - the Sunday after Easter, which was given over to joy and laughter. Early theologians considered Jesus' resurrection as a sort of practical joke that God played on the devil.

After the service, a chuck-wagon dinner will be held, with sloppy joes, hot dogs, and salads and desserts made by the congregation.

Christ Church is at 1492 Henry Ave., at Cora and Henry streets. Call (847) 297-4230 for details.