(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: Click here for: « HOME «BIO « CONTACT US «Keynotes/Seminars « PraiseMoves «STORE « PowerMoves Kids « Recommendations
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 Methodist Church, Muskogee, OK “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 Methodist Church, Ada, OK “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 Methodist Church, Bella Vista Village, AR “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 Methodist Church, Tulsa, OK 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 Other Shows Available: Scripture comes to life as you meet some of the Bible’s most compelling ladies. Choose from among Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, Priscilla and Ruth in the critically acclaimed one-woman musical drama Great Women of the Bible. You may prefer Sister Aimee (Aimee Semple McPherson). Perhaps wacky comedy is the order of the day. Take a nostalgic musical comedy look at the 1940s in The Nutty ‘40s Radio Show. Be a member of the studio audience on the day everything goes wrong – and become part of the show! Hear for yourself why Laurette’s nickname is “The Woman of 101 Voices!” 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.		During one of her husband Samuel’s lengthy stays in London on church 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.