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(from left)
The Reverends Charles Wesley, John
Wesley; their father Rev. Samuel Wesley and
mother Susanna Wesley Susanna says, “Do not pass through life like the rest of
mankind, like straws on a river being carried whichever way the stream or
wind drives them. Commit your works
unto the Lord, and He shall direct your thoughts and guide and order your
every step.” |
Laurette
Willis’
Susanna Wesley –
LIVE! Click here for: « HOME « BIO « Recommendations« SCHEDULE « STORE
« PraiseMoves
« Keynotes/Seminars
« Shows « Laurette’s Gazette « Women’s Ministry « FAQ « Fitness for His Witness |
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For Church Service or Women’s
Ministry! The remarkable woman
who helped shape the lives of John and Charles Wesley “comes to life” in a
moving performance guaranteed to inform, motivate and inspire. Brothers John and
Charles Wesley, the fiery, charismatic founders of the Methodist Church;
Charles being the well-known writer of thousands of Christianity’s most
cherished hymns – such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Jesus, Lover of My
Soul,” “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” and “O, For A Thousand Tongues to
Sing.” Professional actor and
playwright Laurette Willis portrays Susanna Wesley in an informative and
entertaining presentation for your church service or special program. Hear What Pastors Are Saying: “Your portrayal touched the hearts of our
congregation. People felt like we
actually had a visit from Susanna (Wesley).” C. Ghormley, Senior Pastor
(Retired) First United “Susanna Wesley is wonderful! Laurette has done her homework to be as
authentic in dress and presentation as possible … a lively, timely and
inspirational format. Our congregation was thrilled with her presentation. I
recommend her to any United Methodist congregation wholeheartedly.” George Warren, Senior Pastor First United “You
brought new meaning and value to the old saying, ‘The hand that rocks the
cradle rules the world.’ I highly recommend your dramatic presentation of
Susanna Wesley.” Jack F. Schaible, Pastor Highlands United “Besides having a profound knowledge of the
life of Mrs. Wesley,
Laurette Willis has an excellent stage presence that makes one hang on her
every word. I highly recommend her
work as an entertaining, educational presentation you won’t soon forget!” Linda M. Harker, Senior Pastor Faith
United A Note from Laurette: Dear Pastor or Ministry Leader, Thank you for
taking a few quick moments to consider a program that has been presented to
congregations since 1995. Knowing my background as a
professional actor and playwright, Rev. George Warren (Senior Pastor, First
United Methodist Church of Ada, OK) asked me to prepare a presentation of
Susanna Wesley for a Mother’s Day service.
The portrayal of John and Charles Wesley’s mother was well received
(thankfully!), and I began receiving invitations to area churches,
conventions and ladies’ groups. Designed to be compatible with
your sermon time, Susanna Wesley –
LIVE! is an interactive presentation, where “Susanna” (in
period costume and English accent) speaks directly to your
congregation or group about her extraordinary family. Presented in an interview format
using Mrs. Wesley’s own words whenever possible, “Susanna” shares dramatic
moments from her life: • The fire that nearly claimed
young John Wesley’s life • Their struggle with poverty • The unique way she and Rev.
Samuel Wesley educated their children • The laughter and tears • John’s remarkable conversion
experience • The method Susanna used for her “kitchen congregation”
meetings In later years, John’s Methodist
Society Meetings were conducted in similar manner to his mother’s early
“kitchen services.” I would welcome your questions
about the performance and how we might create a memorable, historical
experience for your congregation, conference or event! All the Best for
Him, Laurette Willis Director, DoveTale
Productions One-Woman Shows: Laurette’s original one-woman shows and workshops are available for
matching funds from the Oklahoma
Arts Council or the Heartland
Arts Fund (search
under Willis) for Public
non-profit groups and schools. • Introducing:
Miss Emily Dickinson • Great Women of the Oil
Fields • Sister Aimee
(Aimee Semple McPherson) • Reflections:
Letters from World War II A versatile and energetic presenter, Laurette Willis
will captivate your audience and turn a special project or gala evening
program into an experience to be remembered! For information on
how to bring Laurette to your area, please CONTACT Laurette directly. Click
here for: « HOME « BIO « Recommendations« SCHEDULE « STORE
« PraiseMoves
« Keynotes/Seminars
« Shows « Laurette’s Gazette « Women’s Ministry « FAQ « Fitness for His Witness |
During one of her husband Samuel’s lengthy stays in business, Susanna noticed that Samuel’s temporary replacement, “the Reverend Mr. Inman,” was driving people out of the church – in droves! ”Susanna” shares how she began to hold Sunday evening services for her family: “We sang psalms, read prayers and I selected one of
Samuel’s sermons to read
aloud. Well, at first the
servants begged to come, and
then neighbors and friends until we
had over 200 people in attendance! I dutifully wrote to Samuel informing
him of our ‘kitchen services’
– as did the infuriated Reverend Mr. Inman!” In later years, son John’s Methodist Society meetings were conducted in similar manner to his mother’s early “kitchen congregation” meetings. |
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