If you’re an Episcopalian with a computer that receives e-mail and has audio speakers, you may have heard something that sounds a lot like a radio commercial for an upcoming stock car race. Except this one advertises an Episcopal church.

A booming voice chanting “This Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! It’s a sacramental showdown at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church!” launches a 30-second sound file that has many laughing out loud in disbelief, hitting the forward command on their computers to share it with friends, and some even phoning the Birmingham, Ala., parish that’s mentioned.

This is not a joke. It’s for real. And while some might call it sacrilegious, not sacramental, many are calling it oh-so-clever and proof that Episcopalians have a healthy sense of humor.

For Mike McKenzie, 41, the man who created the audio phenomenon, it’s an expression of his seriously re-energized faith journey. As the creative services director at Cox Radio of Birmingham, he got the inspiration one day to put his talents to work for his church.

He copied the results in a computer sound file and sent it by e-mail to his rector, the Rev. Marc Burnett, who was so proud of his parishioner he played it from the pulpit. Within a few days, people all over the country were opening their e-mail, not sure whether to believe their ears.

“I’m fairly new to the Episcopal church, only since last May,” said McKenzie, “and St. Andrew’s has been a beautiful breath of fresh air. The people here are wonderful, so kind and loving, a real cross-section of folks. Our rector is a teacher, not a preacher, and he inspires you to learn for yourself. This is a great place.”

McKenzie said he wasn’t trying to make a commercial and admits he’s surprised by the response. “We’re encouraged to think outside the box as a church. When I first realized that, I said to myself, Oh, my gosh, I’ve found my home.”

“See the St. Andrew’s acolyte drill team amaze the crowd with feats of liturgical acrobatics!” the announcer shouts. “Feel the overwhelming tsunami of love during the saying of the peace! It all starts this Sunday with Rite I at 8 a.m. and Rite II at 10:30 and coffee hour at noon!”

“People are ready for some playfulness," Fr. Burnett said. "These are tense times in our church. While this doesn’t match everyone’s sense of humor, the overwhelming majority love it.”

McKenzie’s creation has never been broadcast as a radio commercial, but with the response he’s had, he says he’d be happy to help anyone who wants to advertise their church in a similar way.

Meanwhile he’s staying involved at St. Andrew’s, preparing for confirmation this spring. “I’m on the way to becoming a full-fledged Episcopalian. Having grown up a Baptist, the Eucharist is new to me; I feel as if I’m communing with God like one of the 12. It stays on my mind a lot.”

Click here to listen to McKenzie's creation.

Nan Ross

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