Andrew P. Quick It was only one song, in one scene, and the words were simple, “I love to laugh, Haha, Haha. Loud and long and clear.” Those lyric are as true for me now as they were when I sang them in the fifth grade production of “Mary Poppins”. I have been called to be a clown and to use laughter as a form of ministry. There was laughter throughout my early years of leading the drama ministry in High School, and college where I studied theatre, improvisation, and physical comedy while leading the interactive scripture team at my church. After graduating college in Santa Cruz I was off to the big city (San Francisco), running away with the circus. I lived in a clown commune and attended clown school. There I learned the finer art of managing a business (that is not a joke) and co-founded my own LLC. I toured the world and then settled back in San Francisco. Years later I stumbled upon a small theatre in Portola Valley that just so happened to share its campus with a church. While attending worship before a matinee performance, I realized what had been missing those years I was bringing laughter across the world: a faith community. Communities of people taking time to question, breathe, and sit together in a holy and quite place. At that service it was as though my spirit took a breath of fresh mountain air for the first time in years. I was reminded that making people laugh isn’t just fun, but it is where I experience God. This summer I toured the Bay Area providing free entertainment for families. At a specific show Mr. Mustache, my juggling partner, and I had a family in the audience who has deaf. The three kids bounced along in the front row and observed with large eyes as Mr. Mustache and I tumbled, flipped and threw things at one another. As I scanned the spectators for a volunteer I locked eyes with the oldest boy. We engaged in a game of toss and catch without my usual vocal directions. The kid silently understood my every instruction. At the end of the routine I put up my arms to indicate it was time to bow, yet instead of curtsying he just gave me a huge hug. Needless to say Mr. Mustache and I both were teary eyed and overwhelmed with emotion. My goal starting seminary was to make my art more intentional. However, what I realized in that hug was that my craft is purposeful. It is calculatedly funny. Moreover, if I open myself up, my art can simultaneously be transforming. The two factors motivating me towards ordination as a Teaching Elder in the PCUSA are laughter and transformation. Laughter is a key component to my life not only professionally but also spiritually. As I have stated many times before, I am called to bring heaven to earth through laughter. Furthermore, laughter can lead to conversions from sadness into joy, bondage into gracious freedom, and brokenness into healing life. While reflecting on my summer of mirth I realized that this revolutionizing power is what continues to draw me towards ministry. Yes I enjoy making people laugh, however the bond amassed through community laughter constructs a foundation for authentic relationships. Through vulnerable relationships the church becomes a place of transformation for its members, and the church enables revolution in their local communities. Thus, transformation is the act that calls me towards becoming a Teaching Elder. I hope to facilitate innovation from within the Church through servant leadership and a ministry of laughter. .