Based on a conversation with Michael Gulliver, Managing Director of Funny in a Good Way, a non-profit organization in the Ottawa Valley.

Every year, communities across Canada celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Using the resources produced by the World Council of Churches and a new host country each year, churches host ecumenical worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship events. In Pembroke, Ontario, a community has introduced a unique way to celebrate the WPCU: with laughter.

Funny in a Good Way began in 2018, with the vision of creating non-denominational Christian events that celebrate the “Joy of the Lord” through worship and laughter. While the focus of the event is Christian unity, the fundraising for organizations that need it serves as an important element which demonstrates the centrality of community efforts and collaboration among Pembroke’s various Christian organizations.

Inspired by the comic offering of  Fun and Faith , a North American live events organization focused on family friendly Christian events, and discouraged by the low attendance of Christian unity events in his area, Michael Gulliver wanted to create a Christian unity event that is “funny in a good way.” Michael is part of the band GATE47, so he shared his idea with them and the annual Funny in a Good Way Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebration was born.

Each year, the celebration begins with a few worship songs performed by GATE47 (which from the beginning formed the majority of the board of directors for the organization), followed by a skit by pastors from the Pembroke and Area Clergy Association, and a performance by featured comedians. Christians from all over the Ottawa Valley (Anglicans, Pentecostals, Baptists, Lutherans, etc.) come together for an evening of community, worship, music, and laughter.

This event is at the centre of a community collaboration between the Christian organizations in Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley. Each year, the net proceeds from ticket sales are donated to a different charitable Christian organization in the area, such as pregnancy resource centres, warming centres, soup kitchens, and food banks. This year, the donation was given to the Saint Vincent de Paul Pembroke Soup Kitchen. Working together, all organizations are able to further their goals in reaching and helping others.  Additionally, the organization donates 10 % of the ticket to individuals who might otherwise note be able to attend the event.

“Raising this kind of money alone – it’s not possible. By doing it with resources and a community, we can raise a significant amount for charities that need it. We are a microcosm of what a community can do if people come together.” – Michael Gulliver

While the Funny in a Good Way event does not adhere to the yearly WPCU resources exactly as provided, they begin with an introduction about the history of the WPCU and go on to embody the central message the WPCU aims to encompass each year: community, worship, faith, and unity in diversity. If you are inspired by Funny in a Good Way’s creative and unique way of adapting the WPCU to the context and needs of their community, consider adding something new to your WPCU celebrations next year!

“Think outside the box. Use universal languages like music and laughter to bring people together.” – Michael Gulliver