Hope Presbyterian Church
Austin, Texas

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Harlequins of Hope

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Harlequins of HopeHarlequins of Hope is a Christian clown troupe led by Rev. Ed Salvant. Participants include various members of Hope Presbyterian Church.

The Harlequins of Hope provide a unique roll of proclamation of the Christian Gospel in the life of the church. On occasion, the clowns make a brief presentation during morning worship or during some special church activity.

The Christian clown is reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul that "we should become fools for Christ's sake!" Also recall the words of the first question in the Shorter Catechism: "What is the chief end of man?" and the answer: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." There is a sense of JOY associated with the Christian Faith as well as a sense of Glorifying God.

The Christian clown movement is an attempt to put all of this together. It is not for entertainment alone. It is not for laughter alone, though it is true that the clown can be entertaining and funny. But the Christian Clown is much, much more.

It is through this entertaining, funny approach that the Christian clown puts the congregation at ease and sort of catches them by surprise and unawares as a deep truth of God is proclaimed. It's sort of a "gotcha" kind of proclamation! But the Christian clown becomes in some respect the "Jesus Figure." He or she (and the clown is asexual, by the way) assumes the feelings or the pain or the joy of the people in order to release joy in the world, just as Jesus did.

In short, in Christian clowning the chief task is

  • to be childlike
  • to give of oneself
  • to elevate other persons to positions of worth
  • to communicate clearly that other persons are loved.

For more information on the Harlequins of Hope and their Ministry, contact Parish Associate Ed Salvant at 512-258-9117.

Hope Presbyterian Church • 11512 Olson Dr. • Austin, Texas 78750 • 512-258-9117