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Artistic Write-in with Theresa Graeve

A Splash of Color: Sent with Love
A Write-in with Theresa Graeve

Where watercolors will lead to an inspiring story

March 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center

Theresa’s done it before and will do it again. Using an artistic approach, she’ll inspire us as writers. (Ask Kaylene. She had an idea for a book, and thanks to Theresa’s inspiration, the first chapter is now written.) After painting postcards with watercolors, the creative juices will “send our writing to the next level.” (That’s a Theresa quote.)

Obviously, we’re going to have fun. Theresa will provide the watercolors, postcards, pens, and paper needed. Feel free to bring your laptops as well. Snacks and water will be served.

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Omaha Christian Center is located at 4215 N. 92nd Street, Omaha, NE 68134. The meetings are held in the church’s fellowship hall. Park in the south parking lot, enter through the main door, and follow the signs.

Dwayne Straw: The Importance of Research

The Importance of Research

Join us at our next Wordsowers meeting:
February 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Street
Omaha, NE 68134

Please note: We no longer offer Zoom as an option for our monthly meetings.

Wordsowers is proud to announce that our very own Dwayne Straw will share about the importance of thorough research for both fiction and nonfiction writers. Some of the topics he’ll cover are: 1) What is the definition of research? 2) Does your story need research? 3) How does research impact your work, and we might add, your credibility? 4) Where do you search for information? 5) What pitfalls should you watch for?

Dwayne has been a part of Wordsowers for many years, way back when Kat Crawford conducted critique meetings in her home. He attended the meetings along with Jeanie, Angela, the Williamsons, Karen, and many others. (What an incredible legacy those names represent.) We’re encouraging you, whether an oldie-but-goodie or a newbie, to honor Dwayne for his years of faithfulness by attending this meeting.

Dwayne is a self-published author of four books that are a part of a fictional series set in World War Two, The Dane Shaw Series. Dwayne wants folks to know Dane Shaw’s name has no bearing on his own name. And yes, this editor (Lollie) asked him that question.  I have also read all four books and can vouch for his excellence in research, not to mention his strong character development, and powerful verbiage. His books are available on Amazon:  Dane Shaw Adventure (4 book series) Kindle Edition.

After Dwayne’s presentation and the Q&A session, if time allows, we’ll spend a few minutes addressing additional questions related to writing, publishing, formatting, editing, and more. Index cards will be available for you to jot down your questions, and one card will be selected to discuss.

Beginning in March, keep an eye out for our new WS newsletter feature, “Because You Asked,” where we’ll share answers to some of your submitted questions.

(The meetings are held in the church’s fellowship hall. Park in the south parking lot, enter through the main door, and follow the signs.)

Artistic Write-In with Theresa Graeve

Fun October Meeting Planned

Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom will not be available.)


Many of our Wordsowers members were not able to attend the July meeting with Theresa Graeve. Once people saw her artistic work and how much fun we had, they realized what they missed. Good news. She’s back!

Theresa will teach about Shibori and tie-dye paper techniques. Hopefully, she’ll bring a sample of her artwork, especially her COVID-19 survival kit. (Hint, hint, Theresa.) Since it’s also a write-in, we’ll tackle a surprise writing topic together. Be sure to bring your laptop or paper and pen.

We hope you’ll make a special effort to attend as this will be our last regular monthly meeting of the year.

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Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.

*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

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Write-In & Photoshoot

Wordsowers Write-In/Photoshoot
Saturday, October 18th
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134

Our next Wordsowers write-in is Saturday, October 18th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’d like to attend but don’t have a writing project, at least come for the fellowship. There’ll be opportunities for both writing and fellowship. Snacks and water will be provided. BYOD: Bring your own drinks. If you have any questions about the write-in, contact Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor.com.

If you want to update your professional photo (or if you don’t have one), Pat Mingarelli will be available to take pictures. He’s offered Wordsowers a package deal of $60.00 per person, which includes a professional shoot plus four digital pictures.

Pat requires a minimum of four photo sessions, so please get in touch with Wordsowers if you’re interested in participating. If you would like to schedule a time, email Lollie Hofer at lolliehofer@yahoo.com by Saturday, October 11th. You’re welcome to have your photo taken even if you’re not joining the write-in. (Although you might want to stick around for some good fellowship.)

Please note: Pictures will be taken outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful fall colors. You can pay Pat either by check, cash, or Venmo. Make checks payable to Pat Mingarelli.

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Kaylene Sasse Will Speak on a Powerful Topic

August Wordsowers Meeting

Guest Speaker: Kaylene Powell
Made for This: When the Lord Uses Our Shaping for the Edification of Others

Thursday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)


Come and hear about how both natural wiring and personal experiences shaped the heart, outlook, and output of one cross-genre writer. Reading of book excerpts and reflective exercises (for your own use afterwards) will be included. 

Kaylene Sasse (who writes under her maiden name, Powell) has published multiple language learning curricula and academic essay papers, as well as a novel, an academic nonfiction volume, a poetry collection, and a memoir. She has also written a second novel, three novellas, and several children’s stories that she would like to publish in the future. You can read more about Kaylene and enjoy her blog posts via www.kaylenepowell.com and follow her on Facebook (Kaylene Powell, Author). Kaylene lives in Bellevue with her beloved husband and sweet Maltese puppy.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines, and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Please note: The church is experiencing internet issues. We apologize if you’re not able to connect via Zoom. The church is working on the issue and we’re praying Zoom will be available for the May meeting with Angie Hanson.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

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A First for Wordsowers

July Wordsowers Meeting

Let’s Get Creative with Theresa Graeve
Combining Writing and Art

Thursday, July 24th, at 7:00 p.m.
(Meeting is on the fourth Thursday, not the fifth Thursday)

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)


This will be a fun-filled first for Wordsowers. Theresa Graeve, an artist (who is on the WS support team), will provide an art project for all attendees. After a time of creativity, folks will channel their artwork into a writing assignment. Towards the end of the session, they’ll have an opportunity to share what they’ve created. (Even if you’re not artistically inclined, you’ll still want to attend because the art project won’t be that difficult. We promise.)

There will also be time to fellowship as we create. You’re encouraged to bring a snack to share with others. If you get a little chocolate smudged on your artwork, perhaps it will add character to it.

For those who’d like to participate on Zoom, contact Theresa at graeve.theresa@gmail.com, and she’ll mail you the art supplies needed for the project. Notify her at least one week before the meeting to allow enough time for the package to arrive.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines, and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Please note: The church is experiencing internet issues. We apologize if you’re not able to connect via Zoom. The church is working on the issue and we’re praying Zoom will be available for the May meeting with Angie Hanson.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

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“Refresh Your Purpose” Retreat
RSVP by Saturday, June 7th


Refresh your spirit and your call.

Sonlit Acres
Waterloo, NE
Saturday, June 14th
9:00-5:00 p.m.

Mark your calendar for this life-inspiring event at Sonlit Acres in Waterloo, NE. You’ll spend time together with others in God’s Word and in worship, as well as have alone time where you can reflect on God’s purpose for your life. You’ll also have opportunities to write, share, and fellowship. At the end of the day may you be refreshed and inspired to walk out God’s call for your life as a writer. The cost for the retreat is $25.00, which includes a light lunch of deli meats, cheeses, bread, fruits, and veggies. Water will be provided. (Feel free to bring your own snacks/beverages to eat/drink throughout the day.)

To RSVP, contact Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com or respond to the newsletter’s email address. We need to hear from you by Saturday, June 7th, if you’re interested in attending the retreat. You can pay two ways – 1) bring $25.00 CASH with you to the retreat , or 2) send a check to Lollie in the name of Eleanor Hofer no later than Monday, June 9th. Her address is 12927 Chandler Street, Omaha, NE 68138.

Some folks are spending Friday night at Sonlit Acres. If you’re interested in spending the night, reserve a room directly through them. Here is their website: HOME | Sonlit Retreats. Contact Amy to receive a discount code to spend the night or if you have any questions about the retreat.

Location for the retreat is 2304 Campanile Road Waterloo, NE 68069. 

Please note, we will not have critique group or the regular monthly meeting in June.

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Order Kaylene’s and Amy’s Books Here

Congratulations to Kaylene Sasse and Amy Stanley whose books were released today. We’re proud enough that our buttons are about to pop off our shirts.

Here is the link to Kaylene’s book:

Heaven Help Me: How One Abuse Survivor Overcame Terror and Learned to Trust Again: Powell, Kaylene: 9781732163355: Amazon.com: Books

Here is the link to Amy’s book:

The Bookworms: Stanley, Amy L: 9798312891614: Amazon.com: Books

Well done, ladies.

Powerful Message of Grace and Hope for Writers

May Wordsowers Meeting

Speaker: Angie Hanson
Navigating Grief with Grace and Hope

Thursday, May 22nd, at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)

Wordsowers is thrilled to announce our May speaker, Angie Hanson. She will share how the Lord of grace and hope walked with her as she experienced a series of horrific tragedies in her life. She’ll encourage writers to use their life experiences to minister to and encourage others facing difficult situations.

Angie Hanson is a grief educator, certified grief coach, and the founder of Butterflies + Halos, a grief-focused stationary and support brand. As a multi-time author, she shares her personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience to help others navigate grief with grace and hope.

She is the author of Chapters of a Resilient Heart, a deeply personal memoir on grief and healing, and a contributing author in Resilient A.F.: Stories of Resilience, Volume 2. She is also releasing in May 2025, two more co-authored books, Grace & Grit: Stories of Overcoming Life’s Hardest Challenges with Resilience, and the upcoming Stories of Family & Friends Lost anthology, where she honors the legacy of her late husband. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and grief coaching, she creates space for healing, connection, and the power of resilience.

Find Angie and her offerings at: Butterflies & Halos Homepage – Butterflies and Halos. Follow her on socials at Instagram or FB: Facebook.

You can purchase her book on her website or you can go to Amazon to purchase or if you like the kindle version, it is also available at: https://a.co/d/8KC5GF8.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

You’re Asked for It: Write-Ins

April Wordsowers Meeting
Write-In
with Amy Stanley

Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)

You’ve asked for write-ins for quite some time now and we’ve finally listened. Bring your laptops or pen and paper, along with whatever project you’re working on, to the April Wordsowers meeting. Amy Stanley, who is overseeing a couple of write-ins this year as well as a Saturday retreat in June, will conduct the write-in.

For writers not currently in the middle of a project, come anyway. We’ll provide some challenges and prompts for you. Let’s get those creative juices flowing.

If you’re able to do so, we’re asking you to bring snacks to share with others. The evening will be a mix of writing, fellowship, munching, and crunching. Wordsowers will provide the beverages.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

Learn the Ins and Outs of the Writing Process

March Wordsowers’ Meeting
Guest Speaker: Rita Rocker
The Process: From Writing a Manuscript to Being Published

Thursday, March 27th at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)

Rita Rocker will be the guest speaker at the March Wordsowers meeting. She’ll cover the essential steps in the writing process, from seeking God’s guidance and inspiration through the Holy Spirit in your writing to suggestions for editing options, crafting a book proposal, finding a publisher, and promoting your book. Since this is a broad topic, she’ll cover the basics along with providing a handout covering each step of the process.

We’re asking Wordsowers’ experienced and published authors to be a part of the meeting as well. During the Q & A session, we’ll invite you to join Rita in answering questions that attendees might have regarding the writing process.

Rita Rocker is a speaker, author and trainer with SoaringHigher.rocks and has a program on YouTube (KPAO) on TransformationNow! She is the author of five books and co-author of twelve international anthologies. Her books speak of rising from tragedies to triumph, self-esteem and self-image, career development, communications, professional image and etiquette. All books share about a person’s value and worth and then moves to keys to success in work and life. Rita is a former Mrs. Nebraska and Mrs. America contestant (widowed during her term) and speaks with hope, help, humor and heart.

To contact Rita, her email is rita@soaringhigher.rocks and her website is SoaringHigher.rocks.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

Is God Calling You to Serve WS?

The WS Support Team Needs You
Opportunities to Serve Others

Nope, we’re not talking about tennis. We just needed to get your attention.

To be honest, Wordsowers needs willing people to step out of their comfort zones to serve others. The WS support team is looking for two or three people who are interested in being a part of the team. After talking to the Lord about it, if you feel this is something He’s calling to you to do, contact Debbie at debbie.crom@yahoo.com or Lollie at lolliehofer@yahoo.

Here are some service opportunities for you to consider: set the agenda and lead monthly meetings, oversee the Critique Group, promote Wordsowers in the Omaha community, provide write-in opportunities at coffee houses, and help the team plan special activities apart from the regular meetings.

After prayer, if Jesus is nudging you to serve Him through Wordsowers, please contact us.