Theologians offer more humor in 'Crazy Book'

The smart-alecky theologians behind last year's satiric book "Crazy Talk: A Not So Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms" are back with a sequel: "Crazy Book" (Augsburg Books, $17.99).

The theory is the same: using humor to explore religion. But the format has been expanded; instead of just definitions, the authors have added tongue-in-cheek categories, such as the biblical figures' "turn-offs" and "pet peeves." Cain's pet peeve? Little brothers, of course.

As with last year's book, it's the brainchild of the Rev. Rolf Jacobson, a professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. His fellow writers are Karl Jacobson (his brother) and Hans Wiersma, religion professors at Augsburg College and contributors to the first dictionary.

For readers who don't get the joke right away, there's an explanation that incorporates a (serious) religion lesson. For instance, Peter's turn-off is the sound of roosters crowing. Why? Because of Jesus Christ's prophecy that Peter would betray him before a rooster crowed three times.

Which leads us to the pet peeve of the pharaoh in Exodus: flash floods.

Church attendance tends to drop precipitously in the summer as Minnesotans pack up on weekends and head to cabins, lakes and golf courses. But don't try to use that excuse at Calvary Lutheran. Embracing the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy, the Golden Valley church is hosting a series of super-casual Thursday evening outdoor services.

The 6:30 p.m. services start next week and continue through Sept. 3. They will be held in an oak grove on the north side of the church. Worshipers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, and they should feel free to come in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops.

For those folks not leaving town on weekends, the church, 7520 Golden Valley Rd., will continue to hold its regular Sunday services at 10 and 11:15 a.m.

TreeHouse, a faith-based organization serving at-risk teens and their families, is holding an informational meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday. The meeting will focus on a wide range of programs that address issues including poor performance in school, suicidal urges, substance abuse and eating disorders.

The program will take place at the organization's Bloomington office, 9030 W. Bloomington Freeway (it's a service road on the west side of Interstate 35W just south of the 90th St. exit). Lunch will be provided. There's no charge, but you are asked to register by Wednesday by contacting Calli Estes at 952-238-1010 or cestes@treehouseyouth.org.

When WCCO-TV's Bill Carlson was battling the cancer that took his life last year, he said that if he had to be sick, he at least hoped that some good would come out of it for other people.

His wish has been granted. The American Cancer Society is creating the Bill Carlson Raising Awareness Award that will be presented annually to someone who has highlighted the need for early detection of cancer.

The first award will given posthumously to the former news anchor and movie critic. It will be accepted by his widow, Nancy Nelson, at the society's Hope Grows 2009 Gala at the Marriott City Center on May 30.

Last weekend's reprise of Plymouth Congregational Church's "bluegrass mass" was a smashing success, but don't expect a repeat performance anytime soon.

"I don't like getting in a rut," said Philip Brunelle, music director at the church at 1900 Nicollet Av. S. in Minneapolis. "It went even better this year than last year, and right away, people were asking if we'd do it again next year. We'll do it again, but not next year."

In his 40 years at Plymouth, Brunelle has made it clear that his definition of "getting in a rut" is a very strict one. "There are only two events I'm willing to do on a regular basis," he said, "Easter and Christmas."

He's kidding -- we think.

Jeff Strickler • 612-673-7392