Excitement for Christian Poets

Poets at the first annual Gathering of Christian Poets, March 15, 2002, said it was the most exciting poetry event they had ever attended. Among other things, they judged an imaginary poetry contest, critiqued poetry, and played a wacky game called "Spin the Simile," featuring the "Nathometer" which measured applause from the audience.

Poets dressed in items of cowboy clothing acted out a "Showdown in the Spirit," learning about the importance of passion in writing, and the difference between being a settler or a pioneer. Amid the laughter and fellowhip that filled the room at the Terrace Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, Christian poets made new friends and honed their creative abilities.

Barbara Mitchell is a rootin-tootin poet in "Showdown in the Spirit"

Event sponsor, Nathan Harms of New Leaf Works, presents Lauraine Saretsky with door prize--a copy of "Poetry for Dummies" and a handmade poetry plaque created and donated by Ev Heffernan.

Poetry Readings and Contest Winners

In the evening, poets and guests crammed into the theatre to hear seven poets read from their recent work in the fourth annual ODES of MARCH Poetry Readings. Winners of over $550 in prizes for the ODES of MARCH Poetry Competition were also announced.

Calendars are already marked for the 2003 Gathering. Frequently heard during the day were regrets that many more Christian poets had missed out on an event of such significance. Those who attended will be eager recruiters for the next Gathering.

 

Photographs from the ODES of MARCH 2002

Readers at the ODES Friday evening (l-r): Ross Lynem, Lauraine Saretsky (front), Linda Siebenga, Nathan Harms, Fenna Schaapman, Barbara Mitchell, Ev Heffernan.
Some of the guests in attendance at the readings.
Daytime workshop activities with (l-r): Linda Siebenga, Gwyneth Bell, Donna Lynne Erikson, Fenna Schaapman and Leanne Baudistel.
Linda Siebenga and her trusty steed (unnamed) play their part in "Showdown in the Spirit."
The winning team of Fenna Schaapman and Donna Lynne Erikson connive towards the creation of a better simile in "Spin the Simile."
Gwyneth Bell stirs up a mess of grub during "Showdown in the Spirit."
Ev Heffernan of Calgary orchestrating her address to the Gathering. "Showdown in the Spirit" was centered on the comparison between living our Christian lives as "settlers," comfortably harbored near the town center, and living as "pioneers," forging into unknown territory with God as the "trail boss."
Leanne Baudistel demonstrates her superb equestrian capabilities as a poetic pioneer.
Ross Lynem as the banker.
Lauraine Saretsky dishes up heavenly ice cream for poetic settlers.
Part of the Gathering at lunch.

Do you ever feel as if you're the only Christian poet in the world?

If you're a Christian poet with a passion, we're gunning for you. Drop us an email so that we can be in touch with you, pray for you and keep you informed of upcoming events.