Gospel singer Shawn Thomas to perform in Clarksville

Christian Community Church of Clarksville will host a concert by Shawn Thomas, nationally recognized gospel singer from Alabama. Thomas, who is openly gay and committed to his Christian faith, will perform his music at the church, which is located at 125 N. Riverside Rive in Clarksville. The concert will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will be held at 6:00 p.m.

The son of a pastor father and a musician mother, Shawn Thomas' music ministry is the natural combination of his parental influences.  His performance experience is varied including not only singing but also theater and dance.  In recent years he has ventured into more "behind the scenes" work as well such as production, choreography, and directing.  Likewise his Spiritual journey has been equally varied with a childhood foundation in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to exposure as an adult to principles found in "A Course in Miracles" and Unity teachings.

An award winning artist including Indie-Music's "Best Songwriter for 2004" and Stonewall Society's "Dance Award for Pride in the Arts" for the number one single, "The Beat of the Lord", Thomas is proud to release his newest project, "Changed".  The driving title track is his way of describing what some might call being "saved".  Combining the many experiences and lessons of his past, both spiritually and musically, the singer sees himself as "changed" through an evolution rather than an instant transformation.  It is this change that he proclaims in sharing the Grace and Love of Christ.

His albums include Come My Way (1993), Typical Male (1995), Out In This World (1999), Everything I Am (2003), Best of Shawn Thomas (2004), Everything I Am-Mixed Up (2004), Born (2004), and his newest release, Changed (2005).

CCC-Clarksville will also host Thomas for their Sunday afternoon worship service at 4:00PM on November 6, 2005. “This concert and special service is only a glimpse of our ministry for the Clarksville area,” said David W. Shelton, chairman of the board of the church. “It is our mission to share the love of Christ to all people, no matter what their sexuality might be.” The church is led by Rev. Jerri Ewell, who is the founding pastor.

For more information, please visit the church website at www.ccc-clarksville.com or contact them by phone at (931) 906-8525. Thomas’s website is www.shawnthomasonline.com.