Calvary Lutheran Church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive, hosts Laughter and Illusions, a benefit for Youth Missions and My Habitat Clarkston, Saturday, Feb. 7.
Taylor Hughes will entertain with comedy and illusions at two shows, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Hughes has earned ‘Best Comedy Magic? and ‘Best Illusion? awards by the Society of American Magicians, and has been featured on the television series ‘Masters of Illusions.? He was booked through the Clean Comedians group.
“We chose to hire one of their entertainers to assure that this would be a family-friendly event and because of their passion to support youth,” said Susan Batchik, youth ministry coordinator.
“He’s a really good comedian ‘he really fits the bill,” said Senior Pastor Jonathan Heierman. “I’m excited about it. One of the things he does is saw the pastor in half. But which pastor will it be?”
The event, including silent auction, raffle prizes, free desserts and coffee, is a “faith raiser,” not fund raiser, for the church, Heierman said.
“Its purpose is to raise faith and community investment in kids and the future,” he said. “We hope to raise funds with a great evening, but more importantly, invest in kids.”
“We intentionally do not call this a fund raiser because our focus is on raising faith and growing relationships through outreach into the community,” Batchik said.?”We count the blessings first ? then the dollars.”
The benefit will be a fun, family-friendly event, also featuring the Clarkston High School Mime Troupe as special guest performers.
“Each year, our faith raiser is a witness to not only the youth who host the event, but also to the community of how we can be better together,” Batchik said.
Past faith-raiser events included golf, dinner, and drama, said Ken Fouty, associate pastor and youth pastor.
“Once a year, we ask for monetary support for youth ministry,” Fouty said.
Proceeds will support mission trips, social services for foster kids, My Habitat Clarkston, and travel and lodging at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s National Youth Gathering in Detroit this July.
About 30-40 youth from Calvary Lutheran will participate in the five-day event, he said.
“It’s a big thing ? 30,000 people from all over the country,” Fouty said.
The Clarkston Habitat project to build a home for a family in Springfield Township is in the home stretch, Heierman said.
“It will be complete in the next month or so ? it’s exciting to be finishing the work,” he said. “Calvary Lutheran has been part of it all along. It’s a lot bigger than just Calvary ? My Habitat is a community coalition working together to build a better habitat for all of us, invest in a house, invest in youth, and invest in community to make a better community.”
They also work with Clarkston Coalition for Youth, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Independence Township Senior Center, and Clarkston Independence District Library on community programs, Fouty said.
All local church youth groups are also invited to participate in a Youth Lock In for Grades 8-12 following the second show, from 10 p.m. on Feb. 7 to 7 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Admission is $10 or free with ticket stub from Laughter & Illusions. Bring chips, cookies, brownies, rice krispy treats, candy, or other treat to share with the group, blanket, pillow, and air mattress, comfy clothes, and toothbrush and toothpaste.
“It’s to encourage all of us to get to know each other and discover how we can be better together in all we do,” Batchik said.?
RSVP to sbatchik@calvary-lutheran.org, 248-625-3288 ext. 206, or 248-214-7674 mobile.
Laughter & Illusions tickets are $12/adults; and $10/seniors ages 65+ and students K-12. Childcare will be available onsite for kids under 5.
Doors open an hour before each show. Order tickets at www.laughterandillusions. com. Call the church, 6805 Bluegrass Drive, at 248-625-3288.