Published: June 06, 2008 01:56 pm            

Christian comedian will headline benefit in Shanksville

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

Some pastors may think of themselves as comedians, but Gordon Douglas has gone from pulpit to stand-up.

The Christian comedian from Philadelphia will headline a benefit at 7 p.m. June 21 at Shanksville-Stonycreek Junior/Senior High School cafetorium, 1325 Corner Stone Road, Shanksville.

Linda Musser, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shanksville who is handling the event, heard about Douglas after he performed at Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House last year.

The benefit is sponsored by the Women of the ELCA Good Shepherd Cooperative Ministry, which is a combination of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Shanksville and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Buckstown.

Proceeds will benefit the discretionary fund of Shanksville Ministerium.

“That’s all the churches in Shanksville,” Musser said.

“The fund is for community needs. It’s a community outreach project.”

Douglas is described as a cross between the Energizer Bunny and Gilligan, with a touch of God’s grace thrown in.

His comedy skills took him from the nightclubs of Philadelphia to Hollywood when Bob Hope’s lead writer invited Douglas to audition for a program and learn the ropes in the comedy clubs in the 1970s.

Douglas’ comedy heroes are Bill Cosby and Red Skelton, and his comedy mixes real-life stories with off-the-wall physical comedy and his own hilarious view of life.

Douglas has delivered his comedy routine at pastor conferences, retreats, denominational meetings, fundraisers and couples events, where his “Things I Wish I Knew Before I Said I Do” program is a hit.

Douglas graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University in 1995 and has served as the head of the pastoral board of the Delaware County Pregnacy Center and regional coordinator of the National Day of Prayer for the past 20 years.

After years of combining comedy with his ministry, Douglas has made comedy his full-time job since 2007.

Operation Bellylaughs came into being after a woman told Douglas she had sent his comedy CD to her son who was in the military serving in the Persian Gulf.

Douglas realized he and other Christian comedians could send their material to the troops to brighten their days serving their country.

In addition to Douglas’ comic antics, a local gospel group, Apostles Creed, and a local barbershop quartet from the Roof Garden Chorus, Heart and Soul, will perform.

A social hour tea will be held following the performance, which Musser estimated should be a little over an hour.

“We’re hoping it’s a nice outing for families,” Musser said. “It’s geared to children and adults.”

Musser said this is the first time the cooperative has sponsored an event like this, but the group does do other volunteer ministries.

Tickets will be available at any Shanksville church or by calling Musser at 267-6620.

“We prefer that tickets be bought in advance,” Musser said.

“They’re $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free.”



Fundraiser

What: The comedy of Gordon Douglas to benefit Shanksville Ministerium Discretionary Fund.

When: 7 p.m. June 21.

Where: Shanksville-Stonycreek Junior/Senior High School cafetorium, 1325 Corner Stone Road, Shanksville.

Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free.

Information: 267-6620.

        

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