I have been really excited about clown ministry, until today. It's a long story, but to make it short, my attempts to start something like that at my new church have been rejected (we moved to NC last year, and this church is new to us). I mentioned it to the minister, who sounded excited about it. But when I emailed him, he never replied. (I know he got the email because when I asked him in church on Sunday, he said he had). Then I get the church newsletter today and in it there's a picture of HIM in a clown outfit, saying that he entertained the kids at a special event. He never responded to my email, yet goes on to do it without me. So, I know I should put on my big girl panties and deal with it, but it hurts. It's like I gave him the idea and he ran with it. My husband says there's no excuse for him not responding to my email.
Coincidentally, I get this big packet of clown ministry stuff from Sassy Frass today (Thanks! You're a doll). But I'm bummed and feel like just packing all Pinky's stuff in the attic and forgetting the whole thing.

Sorry to vent. I didn't know who else I could unload on who might understand.

Hey, don't feel like the lone ranger.

You are dealing with people, and as much as we whould like to think that because these people are clowns, or with the church, everything will be fair and nice...they are still people with their own agandas. I think if we stick it out and be the grown up in the equation it all works out in the end.

Timing is everything. On stage and off. And Gods timing has to be the best. Not ours. Patience is one of those lessons I have had to have a repeat course in.

Smile and be nice. People will know you are the bigger person. Most important you will know. Then somehow it all works out. Sometimes I call it cosmic justice.

Yeesh, Pinky...that's pretty messed up. The fact that a minister, a supposed man of his god, has done this to you just makes it all the worse. It was a sneaky and underhanded way to inflate his own ego and you have every right to be mad at him and depressed about this situation.

My first thought would be to go and confront him about it in person, but that is just what I'd do. I know I'm not a self-help guru and I do not pretend to be. What might work for me might fail for you.
In the end, do your own thing. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Thanks, y'all. I'm going to church early on sunday (for something else). Maybe I'll seek him out and discuss it with him. By then, I'll have calmed down and had plenty of time to pray on it, and see it with more of a clear and level head. Let's hope!

The good news is that your pastor obviously thought that your idea of starting a clown ministry was a good one. It's too bad that he didn't include you in his first attempt at clowning, but I wouldn't give up. If this is the church you are going to be attending and this is guy is going to be your pastor, you probably need to swallow your pride and call the guy. Try to be positive and hide the fact that your feelings were hurt.

Tell him you saw his clowny picture in the newsletter and you're so glad he thought the clowning was a good idea. Ask him how it went and sound interested and excited when he tells you about it. Then tell him that you have a few two-clown skits (three-clown if your husband is going to be included) that you'd like to share with him and see if he can meet with you some time to practice them. (Do you have some good Gospel skits? If not, find some.) If he doesn't know how to make balloon hats and animals, maybe you can offer to teach him a couple.

With church clowning, the more the merrier. I've tried to do clown ministry when I'm the only clown in the congregation, and it's very lonely. Hopefully you can convince your pastor that a clown ministry will be much more effective -- and fun -- with a group of clowns.

Thanks, Pickles. That would be the mature and adult way to approach it. Hope I grow up before Sunday, LOL. I will tell him I saw his picture in the newsletter and that I would have loved to help him out that day. I'll try and get him to promise me that he'll call me when an opportunity like that comes along again. By the way, when I emailed him, I did attach a clown (gospel) skit that I thought would be good (maybe that's what inspired him?). That's the email he never responded to. My husband reminded me (after this incident) that we've never really felt "connected" to this church and that maybe we should worship elsewhere. I just wish there was a community of clowns here that I could get in with and learn from and perform with. I'm having a pity party! Anyone want to bring the chips and dip? LOL

Instead of chips, I'll bring some hummas and pity bread! (sorry, the pun thread is starting to affect my brain.)

I'm having a pity party! Anyone want to bring the chips and dip? LOL

Pinky, you're not having a pity party. Just because you get upset over something doesn't mean that you're a insufferable whiner. You're a human, you're not made of stone. You have the right to express displeasure when you have been screwed over.

Thanks, Cal. You all are a wonderful sounding-board, and I'm blessed to have you in my corner. :)

I agree with most of what everyone said, except I think you should be honest with the Pastor in letting him know you were hurt. Maybe he didn't think about that part of the situation and I think he should be made aware of how much it really affected you.

You don't need to be whinny as you put it, but I don't think putting it accross in a positive manner would be wrong. Maybe God is using you to bring to his attention that he needs to be more open to letting others help and not to "covet" their good ideas!!!

Quiet your anger and hurt (this is Satan) and listen to God and let him lead you in your role in this matter. If you truly trust God, he will bring you both through this event better for having participated. I truly believe that everything, even in it's smallest measure, is part of God's design. Just because we sometimes can't see it, doesn't mean he's not hard at work!!!!

This may all be about Pastor and not you. You may just be the tool. Wouldn't that be wonderful to think that God would use you to that end? Wow what an honor!!!! Don't let anothers' bad actions cripple your calling to clown for God!!!! After all God is the one that put the clown in you!!!!!!! You go girlfriend!!!!!

Duckie, I have to agree that yes, I believe it is Satan that makes me feel hurt. My pride and all. And I just flat out feel rejected. I will take your advice to heart, and try not to let it turn me totally off my willingness to grow and learn as a clown. God bless you.

Are you sure he isn’t already involved in clowning? Maybe he was just a little busy and didn’t get round to replying to your email?

I wouldn’t take it to heart, and I certainly wouldn’t hang up my clown shoes over it. Even if you don’t do clowning with the church surly you can meet up with other non ministry clowns for a bit of a giggle.

Pinky,
I think you should talk to him in a frank and gentle manner, one on one, and let him know how you feel. Read Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus says that if a person offends you, speak to him yourself to find out what is going on before you get other people involved. I think if we would all follow this advice, we would have a lot less hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

I wish that everyone who had a problem with my husband (he's a pastor), would talk to him right away so he has a chance to clear up misunderstanding and to apologize if needed. Many people are afraid to talk to their pastor when they disagree with something that has happened. He very well could have been too busy to reply to your e-mail. If he is a true man of God he will strive to include you somehow in his clown ministry. (or he could be a jerk, you never know, pastors are human too, I should know, I'm married to one, luckily mine's no jerk) :D

I will be praying for you,
Petunia

I agree with Duckie and Miss Petunia, talk with hiim and let him know you how you feel. You never know he might have wanted to see how open his members were to it before including you. Some older members might not be a receptive to a new member coming in with new ideas as they would an existing member. Some have a hard time changing..... You'll never know if you don't talk with him.

Thanks, everyone. I will let you know what he says when I talk to him tomorrow. He's our assoc pastor, and he's relatively new himself (started about a year ago). He performed for the kids alone at one of their functions, so I don't think it was an issue of older members not accepting it.
Even if he had clowned before, I can't imagine why he wouldn't call me and ask me to help him out with it...unless he wanted it to be about him. I know, that sounds mean. I just can't come up with another reason. Maybe I'll get one tomorrow. Thanks again!

Update: The Assoc Pastor wasn't there this morning. I'm drafting an email to him instead. I'm having my husband OK it so it doesn't sound whiny. :)

Hey Pinky! Don't give up. The world needs as many clowns as it can get! Giggles

Update: The Assoc Pastor wasn't there this morning. I'm drafting an email to him instead. I'm having my husband OK it so it doesn't sound whiny. :)

Good idea, I usually like to have a second opinion before I send out a letter/e-mail that is of a sensitive nature to be sure that what is written sounds how it is intended! (sometimes not as harsh as intended) :)

DONT Give up pinky! I had to contact our childrens pastor several times and it finally took the words God is leading me this direction. Who is he to deniy that from me so he said ok be here this day this time and have fun. I showed and impressed it went from bing volunteer to Paid ! Be Persitet! My Childrens Pastor does some twisting but nothing like mine he had done everything before but I got a email this morning from our Senior Pastor informing me I am now the Churches resident Clown

"The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people." ~ Randy Pausch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Pausch)

Thanks everyone. Update: I didn't end up sending the email. It was OK, and my husband said it sounded good. But I still thought it sounded whiny. I mean, there was just no way to say what I felt without sounding hurt (because I was). So, something tells me not to send it. I might mention it next time I see him, if God leads me that way. I love you all!
I love that quote, Finito. Gotta remember that one!

Everyone has supported you so well on this forum. Good job everyone.
Please don't lose what God has given you to clown. Maybe just not your time yet at church. Keep doing what your doing in the clowning world. Practice your routine what you might do at church. Keep a smile on your face.
If you feel this strongly, you probably should talk to him. He won't know unless you talk to him privately, or even with hubby there.
There could be a very good reason you may not even know yet.

I'm thinking in time your pastor will probably not have time in the future to clown. He will probably be busy with other church business and other people, and you will be able to step up to the plate.

Keep reading your bible to help you get through the hurt, I know what you mean when junk happens at my church. No church or pastor is perfect and neither are we. We are all human.

I would not e-mail him anything personal, you don't know who reads it.
But we are here to serve God. Don;t forget going to the nursing homes and cheering up some of those folks. What about some of the shut inns at your church. You could start doing visits with some of the church members. But remember, I wouldn't speak of the situation about your minister. Just let it go, and when God leads you to speak to him, do it in a Godly matter.
"A day without laughter, is a day wasted"

Thank you for your sweet, thoughtful note. I can tell you have a Godly heart, and I will take your advice. I know that God will open a door for me with clowning; I trust Him to do so. He's shown me in little ways that this is what He wants me to do.
Blessings,
Pinky

Pinky,

Look at it this way, it is not a shut door or time to pack it in, but to move on and find something else. Sometimes God takes us to the point we need to go to get us prepared for the greater work ahead. Get ready, I am sure it will be coming soon! :)

God bless

Thanks so much. I actually felt tested Tues night; maybe I failed, I don't know. I went to a party where the senior pastor was (not the minister who "clowned", he was the assoc pastor) and the conversation turned to my clowning. The pastor wasn't part of the conversation...but everyone was asking me why I didn't clown at our church. I was honest and said the idea hadn't been met with a warm reception. I didn't say anything bad about the assoc pastor, just that I wish he returned emails :)

Pinky- It's sad when ministers of the Lord have to be this way. Pray that you can be used to serve God at Nursing Homes, Assisted Living facilities or hospitals. Sometimes, I want to use my talents in the church but God leads me to take a few steps back and wait for his timing. You are a class act and that is a gift. Happy Clowning.8-) Sunny

Pinky,

I don't think you should rule out clowning in your church yet either. Remember, you still don't know what the deal is with the associate pastor. Who knows...maybe he's just a flake and spaced off responding to your initial e-mail.

When we're trying something totally new, we are often lacking in confidence and in great need of encouragement. So it's easy to take something like this personally and interpret it as a rejection. But you don't know if that's the case.

I think you should hang in there and there may still be a future for Pinky in clown ministry at her own church.

Hey Pinky:
:) My daughter (JuJu) and I (Twis-T) go to a church where my brother is the minister and he does not agree with us being gospel clowns. We just go to other churches and events like VBS. My daughter was asked to do a routine at a church in Mo. (we live in Arkansas) when we go to our family renioun this year. We also have some of the SS (Sunday School) teachers from the Church that sponsers the Christian School she goes to for dates to visit their classes.
I have been to a church where I was a member for 5 years and when I did skits for neighboring SS classes the minister would not let me go to services because I did not have time to go home and clean off the clown make-up. He said I would be disrespecting God and sending a wrong message to the other members if I attended as a clown.
Don't hang up your clown shoes yet. We pass out balloons and tracts no matter where we are. Our favorite activity is to go to a fast food place and make balloon animals and flowers and pass them out with tracts to the people and workers there.
Just pray over it a other doors will open up for you. We'll be praying for you.
Twis-T and JuJu

Thanks so much, Twis-T. I think it's just wonderful that you haven't let other people's opinions stop you from doing the Lord's work in your own special way. The tracts idea is a good one. Can I ask you where you get them? I was raised Baptist (I'm a Methodist now), and I remember reading those tracts in Sunday school. I thought they were neat. God bless you and what you do.

There's an update to all this: the associate Pastor (the one who rejected me) came up to me after church the sunday after the party (see above). Someone at the party must have said something to him about my feellings. He said, "I guess you saw my picture in the newsletter (as a clown)". I said, "yes, I did". He said, "they made me do it" (meaning the staff, I guess). He just kept shaking his head saying "they made me do it" and smiling. I have no idea what that meant. I said, "you should have called me, I would have loved to have helped out". And he said, "yes, I should have". Anyway, I just made him promise me that the next time an opportunity like that came up that he would call me.

Well played, Pinky. You did it right.

Great job Pinky! I think you handled it fair & square! Sometimes going with our initial emotions can get us into lots of trouble. I'm glad you showed Godly restraint and self control (they are fruits of the Spirit you know:applause: ) I hope the ministry pkgs. helped to inspire you and move you forward...Just remember that satan wants Pinky59 to hang up her shoes and costume and give up, that way he has defeated a ministry that God has not brought to fruition in your life and every little fire within us that he can snuff out........, he will!!!
Keep that flame burning, someday you'll have a church on fire!
God Bless You Pinky!
Sassy Frass

GO, Pinky! I'm proud of you, girl! You handled that situation like a pro.

Pinky,
I usually get my tracts from Fellowship Tract League www.fellowshiptractleague.org (http://www.fellowshiptractleague.org) as they do not charge for them. My total monthly income is $159 so I cannot afford to buy any tracts at the present time.
When I am able to buy tracts I use Chick Publications (http://www.chick.com) this is a great site, they have witnessing ideas and different ways to use the tracts. There is also articles on different ways to use the tracts while witnessing. I have also use Gospel Tracts | Christian Tracts | Bible Tracts :: The Tract League of West Michigan (http://www.tractleague.com) for tracts. You have to be careful if you don't use any version but the authorized KJV like I do because alot of the tracts use different versions. You can also do a search for tracts on the computer.
Hope this helps you and any more question I'll be glad to help in any way I can.
Twis-T:pie:

I have to give my pastor a hand, no matter what skit or program I am doing as a clown Pastor Bob has never said anything to me or the other clowns for sitting in on services in clown. He does however coment after service about how great our performance was. I love having a church where its ok to be in church and worship the Lord no matter your clothing. After all God sees our heart not our outfit for the day.

Same here Penelope. Our former pastor was OK with me starting the ministry group and pretty much left us alone, not involved at all, no complaints but no encouragement either, last 3 yrs with our new Pastor it's been totally different, If we're going some where he's there front row seat [I think he'd like to be clown, but I haven't talked him into it yet... he does like to do drama skits from time to time].. He really encourages us and brings it up to the church what we're doing, and really shows his support. You're doing it for the Lord but it's nice to know people support what you're doing too.

When I am able to buy tracts I use Chick Publications (http://www.chick.com) this is a great site, they have witnessing ideas and different ways to use the tracts. There is also articles on different ways to use the tracts while witnessing.

I, personally, (along with many others I know) find Chick's tracts to be both annoying and offensive. (Not to mention prejudiced and frequently inaccurate.) I think that one can do better in finding worthwhile pamphlets for Christian witnessing which present the Gospel in a much more mature and positive manner.

But I'm bummed and feel like just packing all Pinky's stuff in the attic and forgetting the whole thing.

Sorry to vent. I didn't know who else I could unload on who might understand.

Pinky,

NEVER let someone push you away from what it is you love to do.

I probably shouldn't relay this story but here is what happened to me.

I ran for a national representative position of one of the major Magic organizations once, a position that had gone unfilled and I was the only one at the time interested. I was told I would be a definite candidate by several people including the person who had been appointed to the position at the time as he said he really didn't want to do it.

So, my wife and I took money we really didn't have to spare and flew down to the national convention held that year in New Orleans. I was excited and ready to take on this position and give back some of what I had received after being a member for nearly 10 years.

I got up early and went down to the general membership meeting where the elections were being held. I was shocked when they announced they were again appointing the guy who didn't want the position (AND who wasn't even present at the convention) for a 2nd term. I didn't get the position. Words can't explain the disappointment I felt. I was definitely mislead.

The end result...I stepped aside from performing and did not return to it until a few years later after the birth of my second daughter.

Looking back, I now realise how big of a mistake I made stepping aside from something that meant so much to me, and I'm having the time of my life now.

Keep your spirits up and don't ever throw it all away.

~Sam 8-)

Sam, what a great lesson you learned. Thank you for sharing that with us. It's kinda like "they win" when you hang up your big red nose. I get it. :)

To Pinky59,

I found it very encouraging to see how you handled your situation with patience and maturity. If you feel God wants you to clown, He will lead you to where He wants you to clown. It may be in front of a family instead of a congregation. Or it may be to a friend, coworker, relative, etc. IMO, keep practicing what you have learned and keep developing new skills because the opportunities will come!


Darrell

Hey Darrell. Thanks so much! I love the encouragement I get here, it really sustains me and provides wind beneath my wings. Where in NC are you? Are you going to Moose Camp?

I'm about 40 miles north of Greensboro. I won't be going to Moose Camp this year because my wife and I have a 3 year old and now a 3 week old baby girl. All funds will be going toward diapers and doctors, lol.

Darrell

Congratulations!!! A built-in audience! :)

Congratulations Darrell.

Congratulations Darrell!

I'm so glad I have pretty young kids too (4, 2, and 2 months) because they think my balloon sculptures are AWESOME! I figure if I can improve a little as they grow, I should be able to impress them for a little while longer:D

What a great story- and witness. I am getting excited about going back to my southern California alley and getting involved and maybe a church ministry. I listen to all your stories and am so inspired. I will be back to my alley in a few weeks and itching to get more involved in clowning. There is much to learn. Thanks so much for all the sharing- I have big shoes to fill.

Hi Pinky,

I gotta agree with what Duckie says, she's really got the right God perspective. I would have felt the same way though and it's good you can share your feeelings here where you've got a bunch of great clown friends to listen. Keep on keepin on as the song used to say. God has some really great things in store for you as a clown.

What a great story- and witness. I am getting excited about going back to my southern California alley and getting involved and maybe a church ministry. I listen to all your stories and am so inspired. I will be back to my alley in a few weeks and itching to get more involved in clowning. There is much to learn. Thanks so much for all the sharing- I have big shoes to fill.


God bless you in your ministry. Keep us in the loop as to how it goes!

Nothing wrong with what you did….. And it was the Ministers guys’ choice in doing what he did….. It’s not what I would have done…. But in his job title, he had power to do the do he wants to do….. And if someone wants to not listen to others with the same goal shame on them, but as for getting Mad, or Upset it really is not worth getting either about this issue.. Oh not saying you should not talk to him, but when you talk to someone who really showed where they heart truly is I have 2 examples first one is to show them that it bothered you and the second is someone who stepped over the line to knowingly hurt your feelings the set up for both need to be set up special for each person that’s where the acting games with friends help with training.

#1 Short version: I just wanted you to know you really hurt me in this issue and want to pray right now Lord I forgive _________ for hurting my feelings, and please God, you told me I was your Favorite, over and over again, so I know you’re listening Like you said. You like me the best of all your children….. But please for me take this man into your arms and kill him…… Kill him dead let the lighting bolts go threw his whole body for the pain he directed and caused me. Because it just isn’t fair so do this for me your favorite child awhman…….

#2 Short version: I know we had words the other day, and I was thinking bad thoughts after are little conversation, and I felt bad for the bad thought that where directed at you afterworlds and wanted you know I took it all back…._____________ (I waited for response) But you where flying in a plane and I took at all back and need you to forgive me…________
(Wait for a response) Because really it wouldn’t be fair for all those innocent people on the plane with you to go down in flames just for being there….

I have done the first in a church but that is a raw quickie concept I showed you. But it’s all the acting games and acting skills, and setup…. I just would not get festered up inside over what happened because not answering email and outright a control thing you know where he is at, so what’s the point in confronting him, unless you just want to say it in passing and make fun of yourself and the beauty about the first example, it lets you vent in a comical type way and get the point to him or her that a person does not have power over you..
And practice out of make up when you go in public what funny cool things rather then funny strange. Funny strange is easy and can get you in trouble…. But funny cool is when you use your mind, for entertaining …. But I have multiple personalities in my head and 6’6” so able to get away with a lot when I trying new stuff in public
I have seen this once by interacting in public and being able to be in control and be funny in a moments notice, because something might happen and that 5 min is needed to make people laugh and smile to cause a diversion can save a production or can cause a delay and stop people from panicking when needed and save someone’s life, But with no sound, no Mic, in a stadium on ground floor, will I be able to entertain 20,000 people for 5 min until police, or fire fighters get there.

Ok, I know I am way late weighing in on this subject but here is my thought.If you believe God called you to be a gospel clown [and it sound's like you do] focus on that, he may not open the door at the curch you attend. Trust that he will open a door somewhere and be prepared for it.
There that and 5 bucks might buy you a cup of coffee!!!!
B Hayve

Ok, I know I am way late weighing in on this subject but here is my thought.If you believe God called you to be a gospel clown [and it sound's like you do] focus on that, he may not open the door at the curch you attend. Trust that he will open a door somewhere and be prepared for it.
There that and 5 bucks might buy you a cup of coffee!!!!
B Hayve

Thank you for that perspective, B Hayve. That's certainly where my focus should be. God bless you.

Hi Pinky,
I have been blessed to be part of a clown ministry troupe for about 15 years,now. We do perform at my church sometimes, but do much more at other churches. The pastors at my church are very supportive and positive.
I learned so much at Clown Camp, Moose Camp and TNT Camp about clown ministry and all its possibilities. I am hoping you have an opportunity to go to one of these camps!
Our group does not choose to hand out tracts. We prefer to let God's love shine through our skits and our interactions with the people we encounter. We try to be a goofy example of kindness, graciousness, joy, love and laughter. After all, Paul said: Rejoice, again I say rejoice! So that's what we do! As for clowning at your own church, if it is meant to be, it will happen within God's timing. In the meantime, you could choose to try to build a connection with your associate pastor so he feels comfortable in calling on you to help him the next time. Building connections builds cooperation. Forgive him for being human and maybe a little thoughtless. We don't know what his intent was, but why not choose to believe his intent was positive - the staff dared him to act as a clown or something like that - instead of hurtful. We don't know all of the things that went into his decision to clown at that event. You're being gracious about all of this could also help him to grow!
Anyway, these were just some thoughts I had about your whole situation. Keep on trying to do clown ministry where ever you can! God Bless and know you're in my prayers!

Hi Belle! thanks so much....I actually DID attend Moose Camp, this year, in fact. I am already signed up for next year. Thanks so much for the prayers too. My original post is quite old, and I have already had a better connection with the associate pastor (he STILL doesn't answer email, however, LOL). I've clowned a few times at church, but the most recent was this past Wednesday. It didn't go so great (technical difficulties), but I'm trying not to let it get me down. I'll keep on working on it, and striving to do better. All for His glory! God bless!

Sorry that I've been away Pinky. I just got back in from Indiana and the wife's class reunion. Initially I was pretty ticked off at what your Assoc. Pastor did. The benefit of being away all this time is that I got to see the conclusion of this little conflict in no more than the 5 minutes it took me to read all the posts!
I know what an incredibly sweet lady you are and I hate to hear about you getting your feelings hurt. Thankfully you're very strong in your faith as well. I'm glad it had a great outcome and maybe you can teach your new clown buddy (the assoc. pastor) a few things.

The AXE is BAAAACK! Yaaaaay! Thanks, buddy, for all you said...we sure missed ya around here.

Where's the *hug* button at? Princess? We need 'hug' buttons.

Hi Pinky,
Funny, I had not noticed the dates of when this was all occurring at the tops of the posts! Well, I am glad to hear that you are working things out.
I am so glad you were at Moose Camp this year. I really wanted to go, but did not find a way to fit it in! I have been several other years (6 times, I think) and have always learned so much. I bet you got to fool around with lots of Moose Camp friends that I know, too. I always learn soooo much at camp - it's kind of weird - but lately I feel like the more I learn, the more I figure out how much I really don't know!
Nice to make new friends!
From an old girl scout song: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold."

wow, it's a shame we didn't get to meet at camp...are you going in '09? I met Pickles on this message board...but she (and others) encouraged me to ignore my fear and go to camp. I had a blast. I'm usually pretty shy and keep to myself; I surely stepped out of my comfort zone, but I was richly rewarded for doing so. Sad news; Mark Renfro had his last year at camp this year. He won't be back. We loved him dearly! Oh well, there are lots of great teachers/goofballs there! I hope to see you next year!

I have always wanted to go to camp. Right now, i can't afford to take off from work.

Things are tough all over. I wouldn't be surprised if the attendance is way down in '09. You'll make it someday, and you'll love it. Well worth waiting for!

Pinky,

Keep the faith, remember God created you and YOU (red nose and all) and that HE will sustain you.

I am part of a Christian Clown Troupe and the church really does not use us to the fullest potential---but we still remain faithful and know that God is in control regardless.

Prayers and blessings
this Christmas season, to all 8-) servant clowns

Thanks, Pedals! You're a sweet sister in Christ. Have a wonderful Christmas!

OK - I've been a terrible slacker & been away from the forum for WAY too long!! But God has a way of working things out in HIS perfect timing. I say this because lately I've been feeling a bit discouraged by my own church. I started clowning with our church ministry just under 2 years ago. Not long after I joined we had a HUGE boom in that particular minstry. Then, as with most, it began to fizzle. There were a select few who stayed faithful. Well, this past spring, the couple that had lead our closn ministry for a while had some problems come up & decided to step down & have since left the church due to personal reasons. Being the dedicated clown I was, I volunteered to step in for them. Well... this all happened very close to the time our Pastor's son was getting married, so naturally his wife was consumed with the wedding. And when somone steps down from leadership of a ministry, the Pastor &/or his wife are the ones to step in. So, I totally understood. On more than 1 occasion I volunteered my services to the pastor's wife for the ministry leadership. She kept putting me off. Needless to say, the ministry has pretty much completely fizzled except when they want the clowns to make an appearance at a church banquet or something. This upsets me. I have begun to feel like they only want clowns they can call on to entertain the chaps & not really a clown ministry. Like for the family banquets, they don't want us to do any skits or magic or anything - they just want us to babysit & make balloons for the kids. Don't get me wrong - I love making balloons & playing with the kids. But our clowns can do so much more than that... we have a message. And sometimes I just feel like they don't want to support this type of ministry - like we aren't as important as some other ministries in the church. It's very discouraging.

I still don't feel like we get the support from our church that others do, but God has lead me to a wonderful group of clown friends from this area (different churches) & has opened doors for ministry in other places. We have had several opportunites to get out in the community & do things through this group & it has been a real blessing. That is where my heart is - clown ministry, not clown entertainment. I saddens me that our church doesn't seem to support us where the other churches do. Like, just recently, we did a service at one of the other clown's church (there are 3 different churches represented in our group) & both of the other pastors were there as well as people from both churches. But noone from our church even bothered to show up even though we didn't have service that night. That's the kind of thing that bothers me.

Well, I'll step down off my soap box now & keep on doing what God has called me to do where ever He opens the doors.

Well we are glad to have you back Harmony. We thought you had abandoned us for that "other" forum, the one all about balloons...

Welcome back, Harmony! We missed you!!!! I need for you to set a good example and start posting your "Balloons of the Week" again. Yours were always so good.

Harmony, I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing that with your church. I can certainly relate...but it's only me at my church, so there's no real "clown ministry". And I am really new to clowning, so I haven't exactly pushed the point with them. It sounds like that group of inter-faith clowns is the way to go. I don't want to push you away from your own church, but perhaps you would be fed better at the other church where you held your last ministry performance?
Either way, God will use you for His glory, I am certain.
God bless,
Robin/Pinky

Thanks for the welcome backs!! I hadn't forgotten y'all. It's been crazy busy & actually had sorta abandoned BOTH forums!! Then this whole bein bummed about the GTO (that's the name of the ministry from our church). But it's all good. I've missed y'all!! I need to get back into twisting a balloon a week!! It's been so crazy I haven't even done much twisting lately. But I'm setting my goals for the new year & among them is being more faithful to my forums & working on a balloon a week. I have a TON of balloon pics of stuff I can do so I can put together a small album or a couple of menu type pages. Well, maybe not a ton... but I have a roll & a half of them. Only problem is they are still in my camera & case!!! But I'll be developing Christmas pictures soon so that's on my new year list too... Right along with GET ORGANIZED!!!
As for the church & clown ministry, don't misunderstand, we love our church. We definitely get fed the Word there & are growing. We are still very involved in other ministry areas - teaching children's church, singing in the choir, etc. It's just the ministry part of the clowning that seems to be getting neglected. And that is where God has called me - to use the gifts, abilities & personality he's given me to spread the gospel, not just entertain & babysit chaps. I have been told by our pastor's wife that we'll talk after the first of the year about the clown ministry. So, we'll see what happens there. Until then, I'm praying for God's guidance & thanking Him for every opportunity He has given me with Royal Ruckus (that's the mixed group from 3 different churches).

If any one is interested in the performance that Harmony is talking about I have posted some pictures in my photo album and a post that says South Carolina Clowns.

Yeah, & we're working on getting some vidoe clips to post too. We have a dvd of the service, just not the means to post only clips yet.

very nice..............

Ugh that is revolting... it's always sad when someone takes an idea of yours and runs with it, without any displays of gratitude or at least humbling themselves to give props to the person who came up with the idea. It's good he is able to cheer people up but you should definitely have been included. I'd try to have a reasonable talk with him about it, and how hurt you feel. I really can't understand how people can act this way. It sounds like he just wanted the glory for himself. I hope it's not the case though and that it was just some sort of odd misunderstanding. *hugs*

After all this time, I'm not exactly sure what was going thru his head. Thanks for your kind words. I've gotten to know him slightly better, and I think he's just one of those folks that tries to be all things to all people, and ends up not being able to follow thru of half of what he promises. His heart is in the right place, I think. ;)