Ms. Clown Goes to Church

The church I attend is located in a tourist area and we often have vacationers drop in for morning worship. But even though I was aware that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town, I was a bit surprised on Sunday when, just minutes prior to time for service to begin, a clown arrived.

As would be my luck, when I took my place on the pew beside Hubby, Ms. Clown was sitting at the other end. Not sneaking sideways glimpses during the service was rather like trying not to laugh when laughter is an inappropriate response. And telling myself I would not look even one more time at the pink hair and garish hat seemed only to insure that I would, indeed, steal another glance.

During the service, I probably thought more than I should have about the disguised woman sitting just a few feet away.
• Who is she?
• What’s the purpose?
• What are the children thinking?
• How can the minister pretend nothing unusual is going on, when there is clearly something really strange right in front of his eyes?

So, you may be wondering, “Is she making this up?” Nope! Ms. Clown was happy I wanted to take her picture and offered to bring her camera next Sunday since I used a cell phone and she was sure I didn’t get a good picture.

I did get answers to some of my questions. Ms. Clown feels that the charitable organizations in our town are not doing their jobs well, and she has started her own one-woman charity organization to raise money specifically for medical care for the poor. Her theory: her clown outfit will call attention to the need and entice people to give. Her inspiration: the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. I agree that the outfit attracts attention!

Ms. Clown plans to be around for a while - most likely until cold weather disrupts her project. Well, the costume thing does work for Santa at Christmastime, and I’m sure we will get used to having Ms. Clown in attendance at church during the summer.