Hi. My name is Lisa Stilwell and I have been blessed with heading up the Drama Ministry here at Bethel Lutheran Church.

When I became a member, the Pastor asked me to fill out a “gifts” questionnaire, which when completed would hopefully show the areas where I could most effectively contribute to the church.

My background was as an actress/singer/dancer and I had eventually evolved into a well-established playwright. But it wasn’t until I recommitted my life to Christ when I became aware that God had more specific plans for me; plans that would use the gifts He’d given me to serve His church and the Christian community as well.

After viewing the results of the questionnaire, the Pastor suggested that I try my hand at writing Chancel Dramas based on the scripture readings for the day and have them performed during the service.

Thanks to the warm encouragement of Bethel members, I wrote THE LORD’S LAST SUPPER, based primarily on the gospel of John. The play was performed at Bethel during Passover, then again at First Lutheran Church in Northridge and again for the Atherton Baptist Homes in Alhambra.  Then, two years later, we were invited to tour with the play through the Southern California prisons.  It was quite an adventure with a cast of thirteen!

Next came THE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL, based on Acts, Chapter 3, which had its premiere at the Annual Labor Day Community Fair in Encino. And when we were asked to perform the play again for the congregation, singer/songwriter Mary Ekler came on board and wrote a song entitled, “Quiet.” The song was more than lovely and effectively took The Gate Called Beautiful to a whole new level.

There have been several plays since, some depicting specific areas of study, written and performed to enhance our understanding and assimilation of the sermon for that particular Sunday.  But the Lord didn't stop there.  This year, we have formed what is called a Drama Team -- a group of actors, directors, producers and writers and we opened our own theater on the campus, Bethel Theatre Encino, with a full blown out production of GODSPELL.  And now we've initiated an award-winning playreading series where a new and original play, by a Los Angeles playwright, is read each month.  For more information, click here. 

If you are an actor, director, writer, costumer, lighting designer, sound specialist or you have another gift, or simply have an unstoppable love for the theater, drop me an email and we can discuss how you might get involved in the Drama Ministry at Bethel.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Joyfully Serving Christ,

Lisa Stilwell

 

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