R.I.P. Charles Henrickson (1953-2024)

Okay, I am feeling a bit better today over the loss of Charles. Although Charles had a reputation of being a highly informed Biblical scholar, others such as myself, appreciated the wit and humor of his writings, especially his song parodies. One of his song parodies even had a big effect on a on the membership of a rival Lutheran denomination which went woke and subsequently went "broke" over a steep decline in membership due in large part to a song parody Charles wrote to the tune of "YMCA" about that woke denomination ELCA, (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America):

So again, to honor the memory of Charles with a strong dose of humor, here is his song parody "E.L.C.A." which mocked a woke denomination almost out of existence:

“Luth’ran”
Doesn’t mean quite the same
As what you’ve been
Taught to know by that name.
We’re removin’
All the scandal and shame
Of a church that stands for something.

Luth’ran,
No, you’re not misinformed,
Yes, it’s true now,
We commune the Reformed.
No forced union
Made us bow or conform,
Just a warm and fuzzy feeling.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
We have women in black,
Now there’s no turning back
To the hang-ups of dead white guys.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
You can set yourself free
From dead orthodoxy,
You can do whatever you please.

Luth’ran,
Won’t you please come along
To the Elca,
Where’s there’s no right or wrong.
In the Elca,
Heretics can belong,
They can teach at seminary.

“Luth’ran,”
But our fingers were crossed,
All our doctrine
Has been totally lost.
All that’s Luth’ran
Is what we have embossed
On our cards and stationery.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
We have women in black,
Now there’s no turning back
To the hang-ups of dead white guys.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
You can set yourself free
From dead orthodoxy,
You can do whatever you please.

Elca,
Where it’s very uncouth
And unwelcome
To say you have the truth
And where seldom
Is a word ever heard
To discourage sin or error.

Elca,
Where it’s all shades of gray,
I said, Elca,
Where it’s hip to be gay.
Our umbrella
Is as big as a tent,
There’s no need for you to repent.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
We have women in black,
Now there’s no turning back
To the hang-ups of dead white guys.

It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
It’s fun to be in the E.L.C.A.
You can set yourself free
From dead orthodoxy,
You can do whatever you please. . . .

He was a genius at parody songs. I remember some that he wrote to the DUmmies from the DUmmie FUnnies. Hilarious! He had a wicked sense of humor....and kept his smile till the very end.

SOrry PJ-may his soul have eternal rest.

I’m sorry for your loss, PJ; and also the loss to his family. RIP, Pastor Henrickson.

RIP brother in Christ. We will all one day behold the face of our Savior and rejoice forevermore in His presence.

This is sad news. Charles’ posts were always enjoyable to read. His ability to draft parody song lyrics quickly was a treat, and his religious posts were often insightful and instructive. He will be missed. Prayers for his friends and family.