Special to The Advocate

Church groups help writers share the message
By PAT CHAMBERS

"It was built out of a personal need. I figured I would cast the net and see what would happen," she said. She cast that net three years ago and an artist, an actress, a poet, a writer and a playwright showed up at the first meeting.

"I never saw myself as a writer, but I had a burden for the children at church and across the nation. I realized we were neglecting the teaching of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith," group member Donna Munson said.

Munson started writing lessons for the First Presbyterian Sunday School teachers. Before long, she was encouraged to publish the curriculum through the Presbyterian Lay Committee under the title "Belonging to Christ."

"I go to the Government Street Bible bookstore, see my book on the shelf, and can't believe I wrote that," Munson said, adding that God worked through her.

Members also said the writing group offers encouragement.

"People talk about writing as a lonely thing, but the group gives you the support to go on," poet Larry Simerall said.

"You don't have to do a major work for someone to care about it, and for it to bless someone. The group keeps saying,'Go ahead.'"

Others who meet with the First Presbyterian group include Betty Cunningham, a painter, singer and actress, who has written for Southern Living. Cunningham is illustrating a book with Jill Rigby, publisher of "Manners of the Heart," a book based on the fruits of the holy spirit outlined in the Book of Galatians.

"Every page is like a prayer. That's where the Lord comes in," Cunningham said.

In addition to offering moral support, writing groups discuss the creative process, the business side of publishing and ways to contribute to churches' missions.

Writing groups often take on lives of their own. For example, the Writer's Voice, a ministry of The Healing Place Church, evolved to meet a need, its members said.

Group facilitator James Wendom flowed into his position in August after church actors and writers expressed a need to hone their writing skills.

The group is part of the church's arts ministry and it provides an environment for writers to pursue their interests and glorify God, Wendom said.

Brian Moore, who leads the arts ministry, said the group's role is to fulfill a vision for the church that calls for incorporating more dramas into worship.

People often see their lives reflected in drama, and that reflection could result in lives transformed, Moore said.

Churches need to offer biblical solutions for today's social ills, such as Internet pornography and the high rate of divorce among Christians, Moore said.

Members of Writer's Voice include Michael Wroten, who writes inspirational fiction. He is working on a book, "Sug's Turkey Hunting Lesson," a story about a country family that portrays humorous and spiritual lessons; Jess Lee, an actor who writes plays for the church; and Lynn Battista, a schoolteacher who composes poetry with a hip-hop flavor.

Gwen Scichowski, a competitive speech instructor, said she initially wrote poetry and in journals for only therapeutic value. However, after attending a speakers and writers conference, she felt led by God to start a book. Scichowsky also has published an article and helped write a sketch for the drama ministry.

Although the connection between the arts and the church is not new, members of writing groups said the arts are tools to attract seekers and those who say they are lukewarm to organized religion.