You may have all the solemnity you wish in your neckties, but in anything important (such as sex, death, and religion), you must have mirth or you will have madness. —G. K. Chesterton

Today we had Jazz Mass, so we had plenty of mirth, too. The jazz musicians, the Russell Thomas Combo, were some of the best I've heard. We attracted several new people to church who seemed to very much enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The stuffed shirts stayed at home, so we cut up a little and didn't get glared at. Part of the medley they played for the prelude included "Girl from Ipanema", inspiring one couple to get up and dance, which raised a few eyebrows, but we didn't get struck with lightning, so I guess the Good Lord enjoyed it, too. Our 12 year old acolytes wore sunglasses, and there was hand-clapping during the choir's offertory, and applause afterwards (very un-Episcopalian). We processed out at the end of the service to "When the Saints Go Marching In." My Bible clearly says: Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Psalm 150:4

The frivolity reminded me of the time when Mother, who was playing the organ at FUMC in Baldwyn, ended the last hymn with a popular jingle of the time: You deserve a break today at McDonald's! Everybody laughed and the pastor promptly said the benediction because, he said, "It's clear that Jack is ready to eat lunch." I'm surprised Ricky Bishop didn't tell that at her funeral. It was always one of his favorite stories.

Some of the music will be added to the St. Philip's website soon, if anyone wants to hear it.