Laughter for a Change! Jane Voigts

Laughter for a Change!

Saturday, 3:00pm | Landing

The relationship of comedy, peacemaking and faith is one not often considered. Too bad! At our workshop, we will share from history and global cultures especially fun examples of comedy, festivity and play successfully engendering resistance to oppression and leading to healing and social transformation. We will share some pertinent ideas from Christian theologians. We will playfully explore biblical texts that (surprisingly!) encourage laughter in emerging God’s realm. Our workshop culminates with the spontaneous creation of an event utilizing merriment for protest and social justice…that we’ll then share with the whole Wild Goose Festees! Come learn how powerful – and fun – comic peacemaking can be!!

(Not to sound too coercive, but some sort of wacky tchotchke of a lovely parting gift may await all who come to our workshop. Just like what Jesus would probably do.)

Jane Voigts & Laura Gentry

Revs. Laura Gentry and Jane Voigts have been building unique bridges between comedy and theology for a long time.

Laura, currently the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing, Iowa, is also an internationally known master of the spiritual and health practice known as “Laughter Yoga.” She has recorded 6 CD’s and created the book and film Laugh Friends: A Laughter Workout for Kids. Laura continues to lead a popular community Laughter Club at her church and an annual Laugh Fest that draws laughter leaders and sacred tomfoolery from around the nation.

Jane, a United Methodist pastor currently residing in Waverly, Iowa, was a professional comedian (and “Czarina of Fun”) before being called to bring her screwy sensibilities into the Church. She continues to explore how the Bible functions as a comedy, with, among other things, her show The Bible Cabaret: A Musical & Comedy Revue Starring the Old & New Testaments that she performs around the country. With several polyester pant suits.

www.janevoigts.com

Session ID [54]