VISION STATEMENT

Spreading joy, promoting laughter, sharing the good news in the Bible, and glorifying God through excellence in the performing arts of illusion/magic, juggling, unicycling, comedy, improv, mime, clowning, ballooning, ventriloquism, art, drama, music, and storytelling.

The FCE is an association of entertainers from all of the variety arts. It is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, and non-profit para-church organization. The FCE is associated with and cooperates with the International FCM and other performing organizations where possible.

The goals of the FCE are to:

• Promote clean variety entertainment that is appropriate for all ages.
• Bring the good news of God's Kingdom to people through fun, laughter, and awe.
• Inspire and encourage other Christian entertainers to excellence.
• Aid performers in improving performance skills and provide a free exchange of ideas.
• Be a fun place to meet fellow performers and network with peers.
• Encourage Christian performers to live out their faith and be examples of Christ.
• Mobilize Christian performers for charity events

To that end, the FCE will do the following:

• Provide a free and timely e-mail list of upcoming clean entertainment events, workshops, performance opportunities, etc.
• Hold bi-monthly meetings including a Christmas party or summer picnic
• Organize variety shows when possible and donate the proceeds to a charity
• Provide support to members and other performing friends in the form of prayer, cards, or gifts
• Assist in mentoring to bring in a new generation of high-quality performers on fire for God
• Sponsor helpful lectures from qualified presenters

MEMBERSHIP

There are no membership requirements or auditions necessary to be involved in the FCE. Anyone that is interested in the performing arts can be on the mailing list or come to the meetings. Membership dues are $10/year payable to the treasurer directly. Membership provides the following benefits:

• Eligible for valuable prizes at meetings such as tricks and DVDs. Perform a trick gets an extra chance to win.
• Voting privileges at the meetings.
• Other negotiated discounts (For example, $100 off registration at the Comedy Magic Workshop.)
• Free advertising want ads in our newsletter
• Free advertising link on the FCE web site
• Feel-good factor of fully supporting club activities

Dues are used to pay for our web site, printing costs, cards/gifts for members in need, prizes for meetings, etc.

MEETINGS

The FCE attempts to meet the 3rd Thursday of every other month but the schedule varies due to major holidays, conventions, etc.

Meetings begin at 7:00 pm and last until about 10:00 pm. After some brief announcements, prayer, and snacks, we often have a lecture on various topics. Then we have a performance time where we share tricks, routines, ideas, stories, etc. that encourage and inspire each other. To end the evening, we hold a prize drawing. Jugglers and unicyclists may arrive early at 6:00 pm in the gym or outside if the weather is nice to practice together. Sometimes we show "vintage" video of performances.

Some people might have a fear of performing in front of other entertainers. We're a friendly and forgiving bunch. We've been there before. This is your chance to try out new material. If you can perform in front of us, for sure you can in front of a "normal" crowd...and I'm not saying we aren't normal. But we aren't. So take advantage of this opportunity.

Bring a snack to share and something of your own unique entertainment talent along and just have fun. A photo directory of members is available at the meetings to help us get to know each other.

For more information and to confirm meetings contact Tim Cimbura <tim@cimbura.com> or 763-355-5243. Visit our web site at <http://www.fce-mn.com> and sign up for our e-mail list.

Meeting locations are at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove and various homes of the members. We attempt to make the location convenient for the greatest number of members while keeping our costs low for facility rental.

HELPFUL WEB SITES

Here are web site links that may be helpful to members. Since it is impossible to screen all programs or evaluate all products, this does not indicate full endorsement by the FCE. If you notice anything out of character with the FCE on any of these web sites please notify us.

Some sources for Gospel illusions and family entertainment:

• Duane Laflin
• Sammy Smith
• Steve Taylor
• David Ginn
• Dock Haley's - Owned by former FCM president Steve Varro
• David Mitchell - JAM Magic
• Andre Kole
• Daytona Magic
• Magic Legends
• LaRocks Magic

Links to other helpful organizations and info:

• Fellowship of Christian Magicians - International variety arts group
• The Christian Juggler's Association
• Christian Comedy Association
• Comedy Magic Workshop - Regional conventions
• Juggling Pattern Demo

Links to great Minnesota Entertainment venues:

• ComedySportz - Clean improv entertainment
• Triple Espresso - Hilarious variety show started in Minneapolis

NEWSLETTER

The e-mail newsletter is available to anyone. It includes news about our members, upcoming clean and family-oriented variety shows, lectures, workshop info, arts info, want ads, mission/job opportunities, meeting schedules, helpful tips, an occasional trick, etc.

Members wishing full routine ideas are encouraged to subscribe to the monthly “Christian Conjurer” magazine available from the national FCM.