Little Falls Baptist Church of Gorham, Maine has been a supporter of our ministry for many years.  Pastor Tony is a great guy, and had been a co-worker for one school year when he was our phys. ed. teacher. His wife has brought me in to help with their summer kids programs.  Their daughter graduated from WCA, and my wife assisted in the home schooling of  their son.  It is a special connection  It was nice to return to LFBC last weekend and do my show in their morning service for the whole congregation, and it was especially good to see how pastor was doing after some recent health concerns.

I love doing shows in Sunday morning services for a multi-generational audience, and that's what last Sunday was.  I appreciate my show being taken seriously enough to be included in 'regualr' church.  So, after a my standard three ball opening to Mahalia Jackson's "When the Saints Go Marching In", I went right into "Jester's Creed", my juggling take on the Apostle's Creed.  For those who read this and are immediately put off by the idea, thinking it must somehow he heresy, or at least in poor taste, I encourage you to see it sometime before making a final judgement.  

Regardless, I did a couple fun routines next that although appreciated by all, were kid orientated.  Then I did m y "Mary and Marty" routine.  In terms of pure imagination, this is my favorite one I've ever created.  In it, I act out the part of Marty (based on the sister, Martha from the account of Jesus meal with two sisters: Mary and Martha).  Playing off of imaginary actors for the parts of Mary and Jesus (a voice recording only), I juggle plates, cups, spoons, a tablecloth, bottles and more as, like Martha of Bethany, I try to be a perfect host to Jesus.  Only after a lor of effort am I rebuked by Jesus, as Martha was then, "Marty, Marty.  You are anxious and troubled about many things.  One thing is needed.  Mary has chosen the better part, and this can not be taken away."  It's my longest routine at almost seven minutes,and is both funny and meaningful.

After this I did some more juggling, but I intended to continue to challenge the congregation with more than just 'sweet, fluffy' material.  I ended the service with my latest version of "Judgement Day" (A rough cut of this routine is on my youtube channel.  Check it out) followed by the illusion / story of the woman who washed Jesus's feet with her tears.

I will add that some old friends, John and Rose Duran, were there.  They've seen my show evolve over the years, and I know I've lost a trick or two in my juggling routines due to the blessing of getting older. Nonetheless, John was very encouraging afterwards, particularly regarding my monologue / acting pieces.  Thank you.  A kind word helps keep me going!