An attentive group of around 60 people gathered on the upper floor of Peace Portal Alliance church Saturday October 18, to Celebrate Christian Writing, marking the 10th Anniversary of Surrey Christian Writers, a chapter of The Word Guild. The writers’ group began monthly meetings in 2015, under the leadership of Neil Bramble. Regular meetings are currently held at Renew Church in Surrey. The chapter exists to equip and develop writers for God’s glory and consists of novice to experienced writers.
A book theme informed the much-anticipated celebration day, which began with a “prologue” beginning with a reading and prayer from Psalm 19, by Brenda Jones, event organiser. Next was a Q & A on writing, with three authors from Surrey Christian Writers. Shelley Picard, Abbotsford playwright, moderated this portion of the event. Three “chapters” followed, at which authors read an excerpt from one of their works. An opportunity to enjoy coffee and treats, connect with authors, and browse book tables, followed each chapter segment. Attendees enthusiastically engaged in conversation during the breaks.
Among the authors present, was Dr. Monika B. Hilder of the Inklings Institute at Trinity Western University. She read from Letters to Annie: A Grandmother’s Dreams of Fairy Tale Princesses, Princes, & Happily Ever After, written in the fictional voice of a grandmother writing to her granddaughter over the first twenty-five years of her life, delving into the deeper questions of life.
Janice Hird read from God’s Firestarters, co-authored with her husband Rev. Dr. Ed Hird. The excerpt she read from the life of Susannah Wesley, is one of many accounts of heroes of the faith who fanned the flames of revival in their time.
Dr. Paul Allen, of St. Mark’s college, read from Augustine and Contemporary Social Issues, a compilation with ten other writers. His reading addressed the current issue of addiction through an academic, theological perspective.
Up and coming young writer, Annika Crum, travelled from Vernon and read a portion of her story Golden Footprints from the anthology Voices of the Future, Stories of Bravery and Belonging.
Fern Buszowski, who travelled from Alberta, read from Embrace Life, Embrace Hope, which arose from her firsthand experience with oral cancer, in addition to her professional counselling qualifications.
Over thirteen authors, representing several genres, participated in the event, sharing their written words, in the spirit of celebration and Christian community. The epilogue included door prizes, a word from pioneering journalist Lloyd Mackey, and a brief history of Surrey Christian Writers. And of course, cake.
It was a delightful time, with great interaction.
I was so sorry to miss this event. I circled the church several times and there were no signs to indicate where the meeting was being held. Even though I entered the building and found some people in the gym, no one seemed to be able to direct me to your location. It would be helpful to have clear directions for the next one.
Thanks!
Carolyn, we are so sorry you weren’t able to find it and will try to improve signage next time. If you are a writer, we welcome you to join our monthly meetings. Please email surreychristianwriters@gmail.com
Thanks Rose for your wonderful article. It was an incredible time to see how all came together – we had the program set up but God knew the plan! I pray someone will carry the torch now and organize this type of event yearly as many other writing festivals regularly happen in our communities to celebrate writing. There was certainly a positive response from all who attended and an appreciation to have this time for community to hear Christian authors read from their work and for authors to connect with each other in their common interest. I am thankful for the honour I had to plan this fitting event to celebrate Neil Bramble’s dedication in the last 10 years to our writing group and to the writing that gives us reason to celebrate.
Thanks Brenda. And thank you for all your work in organising the event.