CATHEDRAL INSTALLS GIANT CARNIVAL SLIDE

Norwich Cathedral in the U.K. has just installed a 50-foot carnival slide – Brits call it a helter-skelter (* Yes, like the Beatles song). The large, circular slide – part of the medieval church’s “Seeing It Differently” project – was installed in the nave, or central part of the church building. The Rev. Canon Andy Bryan says he was inspired to install the helter-skelter after visiting the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. (* The Sistine Chapel has Loop-o-Planes in it!) He says it’s designed to “open up conversations about faith.” He says, “The fun comes in the shape of a helter-skelter. The serious comes in creating opportunities for reflective, God-shaped conversations. It is playful in its intent but also profoundly missional.” The helter-skelter installation at Norwich Cathedral comes at the same time as another church, Rochester Cathedral, installed a mini-golf course as a way to attract more visitors.
* Next week, communion wafers will be replaced with funnel cake.
* When it’s hot you can slide right into the Baptismal font.
* Is this really a good time for churches to try to attract small children?
* I thought church carnivals are supposed to be out in the parking lot.