Another important thing our church needs right now is for more people to consider more greatly what the Bible is calling them to be. With that thought, I am hoping to begin a Disciple I class next month. The invitations have been sent (be praying for that, too) and the conference should be able to provide the DVDs and other material. The only thing we’re missing are the disciples. So far, 5 people have responded with a yes. So, I’ll just wait for the others.

How important is this for our church? I’m leading the class, that’s how important. Understand I have around 8 papers, 3 projects and the usual mid and final exams coming up this semester.  This is something, though, I think I need to do, no matter how difficult my schedule is. In other words I could try to pass this on to someone. But I need to be the disciple that sets an example. So, pray for me, too.

Stay blessed…john

Here is the sermon from this morning. I'm posting it late. Today was Nathan's birthday; we've been busy all afternoon.





The picture was taken by a member. He thought it would be good for anyone who listens to the sermon--to see the illustration we used.

If you listen, here is the Now What:

Watch your favorite TV shows, or read your favorite books. Take note of instances where God’s ways have not been considered. What difference might it make to the plot? Then consider the areas of your life where you have not considered God’s ways. Pray each day for forgiveness, and that you might be able to “live a godly, righteous, and sober life.”

I'm glad you're listening. Stay blessed...john

Only a big 6-year-old like you could have those kinds of moves. Happy Birthday!

We finished September's newsletter this afternoon. At this point we print the newsletter straight to our copy machine which runs copies front and back. All we have to do is fold and stamp. Almost clockwork. Enjoy (click here if you are reading by email). Stay blessed...john

Part of our vacation time was spent in Galveston. This picture was taken on the west end.  That's my young niece pictured with us.  Gloria and I realized that in all the time we have been to Galveston the kids had never been to the beach.  Does that make me a bad BOI (Born on the Island)?  Side note: I always wanted a small golden BOI pendant I saw someone wear as a kid, but never got one.  

Have you been there lately?  Well, apparently it's a dead city.  That is according to a particular blogger. Of course, things aren't what they used to be.  Throw a few hurricanes at a place and yes things will change. 

We have family that have moved from the island in recent years because of home prices and things like that.  I suppose it is like any other recovering place.  Most of the money that is used to help rebuild gets put toward those areas that potentially  attract the most revenue from tourists and other business.  I get that.  Everyone else, it seems, is left to make the best with what they have left, and many don't have much left.  Let's not forget them.

Island listed as 1 of 10 ‘dead’ US cities on blog

 Stay blessed...john

Last year Gloria and I sponsored a member of our church for A Walk to Emmaus. She, I think, has never been the same. In a few weeks two more women from our church are attending a walk at the Sabine Creek Ranch. The following month we are expected to have three men attend a walk. In two years our Emmaus community will have gone from 2 members (Gloria and I) to 7—a blessing, indeed.

Have you been on a Walk? What do you remember most? Let me say, if you haven’t attended one I think you should. Right now an Emmaus Walk is something our church needs. I get the feeling, though, Emmaus isn’t as widespread here as in south Texas. Maybe that’s just my imagination. My walk was number 1139, six years ago. The numbers for the upcoming women’s and men’s walks here are numbers 227 and 228, respectively. I’m sure that in your church there is someone who can tell you more. If not, or you’re not sure, just ask me.

Of course, KAIROS (an Emmaus counterpart) will always be an important part of our lives. But one day I’d like to work on an Emmaus team. And, of course, I’d like to see more members and friends of Oak Haven get to be a part of that experience. The best part of a weekend (remember, though, I haven’t worked on a team) is the closing ceremony. Each participant (pilgrim) is given a chance to speak about their experience. I find God to be strong in those moments. It should be quite easy for someone to stand up and say they felt loved, but tell that to someone trying to get past all their tears and thankfulness. Yes, an allergy moment for me!

I am grateful for the Emmaus experience and hope you might consider being a part of it. Let me know. De Colores!  Stay blessed…john

For my non-North Texas peeps here is a look at some things going on up here.

This video might be disturbing to some of you.  It almost is to me.  I hate to say that because I am sure (hope) it was done for a good reason.

Actually, it seems like one of those bad ideas you and a few of your friends laugh about while playing Wii Sports or something.  I suppose some people can't let a joke go.

Start howling by clicking here, or view below:


Stay blessed pups...john
+Crazy Christian Clips

MickyMel was gracious enough to offer our church (and others) a free website review.  You know me; if it's free I'll sign up.  That little website that could is beginning to do its job more and more.  In fact, during July and August it has surpassed this blog in page views 2 to 1.  That's good for Oak Haven.  Anotherjohn.com needs a little work, I suppose. 

So, do me a favor.  Send mass emails that promise new day blessings for taking a look at these respective sites, and question the faithfulness of your friends if they don't pass on your message.  Take a look at Mickey's review below (or click this link if you read by email). Stay blessed...john

Getting ready for this week's sermon: Chosen for More. This is the second of a three-week series entitled Chosen.

Bishop Willimon’s thoughts on children’s sermons have returned to me. First, I read the blog post; then it was reprinted in The United Methodist Reporter. So, I’ve been thinking. Overall, his point is well taken, and I agree with his principle. Here are a few thoughts I would add (or affirm).

You know sometimes you want to go up front when the pastor calls the children!

In many ways children’s sermon are beneficial. It can be a meaningful time. Yes, people tend to speak over their heads, but how much more so than a normal sermon? Yes, the pastor should visit Sunday school classes and other events and activities of the children. What a blessing, though, to pray with our children on Sunday mornings; that’s what I look forward to. At Oak Haven the children go directly to our Children’s Church after the children’s sermon (moments). This gives me a chance to pray that God would speak to them and they would learn to become better disciples of Christ—the same prayer for adults.

Nothing offered to God is a waste. So, most children’s sermons aren’t a waste. However, most are uncomfortably self serving. I get you like children; you like to make people laugh; you can be funny. But please don’t use God’s name, and our children, to get your kicks. That’s a little to Third Commandment for me. All that said, the children’s sermon can be a great way to help teach children discipleship.

I’m no expert, but I have done many children’s sermons and heard many more good ones and those that have driven me up the wall. With that I’ll offer these points of consideration:

1. Prepare! Do not expect to get by. These are real lives you are interacting with. Take time to consider what you know about them, what the Scripture for Sunday is really about and how you can faithfully communicate that to them. Never wing it.
2. Illustrations stick. Good ones, that is.
3. Candy? These children will grow up in a world that teaches them to expect things in return; don’t add to that. Unless your candy is a good illustration save it for later.
4. Include the congregation. Have the congregation answer your questions, or invite them to sit with you as well. Ask them to pray, too (One time I had the children sing to the congregation You Are Loved. I wish I had been sitting in a pew that Sunday!)
5. No, Pastor. I’ll do this one. The pastor doesn’t have to be the only one who teaches the children (remember this?).
6. Speak Up. Now, this seems more practical than anything, and it does have practical qualities. But if you are crafting good children’s sermons it will also help teach your congregation. I’m not talking about Sunday’s lesson, but how to communicate faith to young people. So, as a congregant, I need to be able to hear you.

You could probably write a book on this subject. Oh, wait that market’s already been hit. Still, this is what goes into some of my preparation for this time of our worship. What about you? What kinds of experiences do you have with children’s sermons? What makes a good children’s sermon, if we need one?

Stay blessed…john

Yes, a choir director was on my Pastor’s Wish List, but I know others have been wishing for a while, too. Allow me to explain. Just over a year and a half ago Oak Haven lost their choir director of over 40 years. His death was, obviously, a great loss. He had been a great director, but more than that someone a lot of people looked up to and admired, and whose faith spoke what he believed about God.

The Sunday after he passed away was a difficult one. We had already had his funeral a few days prior. Of course, everyone knew this was our first Sunday without him. The choir’s anthem began with a blip and had to be restarted. It was obvious we missed our friend in many ways. Through the readings and the other parts of the service the unusual silence and stillness was deafening. At that time our sermon still came pretty close to the end of the service. Just prior a special music selection was given.

It was a selection our friend had requested some time ago. Time and things got in the way and it just never happened. This Sunday, however, was to be the perfect Sunday to sing Consider the Lilies. As I just wrote the title and recalled the emotions and the message the song gave us in a few short minutes, and the voice that was obviously inspired, something more than goose bumps came over me. It was a powerful moment for me and I think many others.

My short walk to the pulpit lasted hours. Sheer silence was broken by tissues being removed from their boxes and little bags; sniffles and the deep breathing that comes with keeping your tears back filled our small sanctuary. I almost allowed a time for us to remember him again, but in those hours I walked to the pulpit decided not to. We had said goodbye—a funeral service worth remembering. This was our time to remember God’s Word to us, even in our mourning. So, I preached what I had prepared, but realized that perhaps no one would remember what I said against the words of this song:

Consider the lilies of the field,
How they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds in the sky,
How they fly, how they fly.

He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky.
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sheep of His fold,
How they follow where He leads.
Though the path may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.

He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky,
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sweet, tender children
Who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them He carried
From the day of His birth.

He clothes the lilies of the field,
He feeds the lambs in His fold,
And He will heal those who trust Him,
And make their hearts as gold.

For a while before his passing the choir had been struggling. Members had moved away and the number of choir members had dwindled to just a handful of people. They were determined, however, to continue their music ministry even despite what could have been the final obstacle they couldn’t overcome. As I have assured them time and again, with their resources they have done quite well. God can do much with faithfulness (and a good attitude helps, too).

Now, everyone recognizes the time has since come to have a new choir director. Actually, we know the need is long overdue. As a worship team, choir and pastor, we are ready to pray together for the person(s) God would have lead our music ministry. Would you pray with us?

God, as your people in this place, we lift to you our prayers for the person or persons you have prepared to lead us. We have the great responsibility and joy of leading others in the worship of your great and mighty name. For many years one of your servants did so with great faithfulness. Now, we need another whose heart is to do the same. Send to us who we need now. To the One who puts the song in our hearts we offer our praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Stay blessed…john

This is a great idea for a song. Incidentally, I’ve always wondered why most of my favorite songs are just about three minutes.

This is almost how I feel about preaching. You want me to preach Truth, show us for who we really are and encourage you to become a better disciple all in under twenty minutes?! For the most part I think I can. At least I try. Most of you have never heard me preach more than about 23 minutes. Don’t think it isn’t tempting! I use to go 30-45. Archie Bunker—Those Were The Days!!

For me this song speaks to our desire to cram God into our time. Sermon…15 minutes; worship…1 hour; disciple…Sunday. Now I can be on my merrily way. But our walk with God is lifelong and when we’re able to allow God into our time (like we invented it) our desires can change.

Listen to the song and let me know what you think.


Listen to the song by clicking here (if you're reading this in an email) or watch it below, and let me know what you think.  Stay blessed...john

It's about 9:45 Sunday evening. I typically like to get the sermon posted by 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Today, however, is the last day before school begins for the kids, and I go back Tuesday. So, we've been getting school supplies ready and paperwork filled out (and a nap was in order!).

This is the first sermon series I have done, at least with a name. In three weeks we'll see how it went. For now, here is week one entitled Chosen to Be. If you take time to listen don't forget to follow up with our Now What:

Pray this week for God to show you what it is you are called to be. If/when you are assured pray for the wisdom, courage, faith and everything else you will need to fulfill that calling from God.

Stay blessed...john

It's an interesting study with, I hope, very unsurprising results.  I saw this graph at More Than Dodge ball.  It seems like you could substitute 15 with 25, 35, 45 and on up.  What do you think?

Stay blessed...john

Yes, it’s a book about preaching and you might have this wild idea it is only for preachers. And yes, a preacher would benefit from it. However, Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary has great information for anyone interested in understanding the lectionary and what benefit a church has in using it. Last week I told you I was finishing it, and I am. I want you to read it next. That’s why I selected it for this month’s edition of Reading With the Pastor (in our church newsletter).

The lectionary has never been a problem for me. Some people, I think, feel like it takes either God’s inspiration or the Holy Spirit out of the equation when determining which texts will be used on any given Sunday. I disagree. Perhaps I’m naïve, but I trust the Holy Spirit was working when representatives from various Christian denominations got through the process of establishing the three year cycle. Some of you have crazy church council war stories; you know how difficult it can be for us to agree on anything. And you want me to think the Holy Spirit took a vacation while this was being developed? I also trust the Holy Spirit in my own preparation each week for a Sunday’s sermon.

There are a few other reasons why you can pretty much guarantee my Sunday’s sermon text.

1) It’s there. Why should I do all the dirty work? Some other group has worked, prayed and split their brains trying to figure out which texts should be brought together. With my schedule sometimes I can’t tell what I’ve read and for what (class, sermon, study, etc) I’ve read it for. It helps to have the selections available, and something about reinventing a wheel…
2) Using the lectionary almost forces me to cover what I might otherwise overlook. I know I’m probably the other preacher who has that tendency. Yes, there are texts that are not included in the RCL, but you weren’t going to preach on those anyways. We can find ways to study those. As a side note I think we should spice up the lectionary by adding more readings from the Song of Solomon.
3) There is a real reason the texts are arranged the way they are. It’s not that I have to preach on a certain theme each Sunday; I’m not limited by one particular concept. In other words, I am not told by the powers-that-be what to preach. Are you kidding? I’ll preach what I want to, and you better believe no one can make me stop at verse 23b—I read the entire verse! I’m committed. Seriously, though, I am able to help retell the Christian story in an intentional way.

There is a lot of good material in the book. I’ll share one concept that comes back to my mind when I see the cover now.

The lectionary of the church year reads the Bible from a certain perspective. It is a different perspective than would come from reading it, or any of the books in it, lectio continua. It is a different perspective than reading it looking for an answer to a question such as “What must I do to be saved?” It is a perspective based on the assumption that living the church year, reading the Christian story, and liturgically inhabiting it year after year will enable one to understand reality more and more in terms of God’s will and God’s love.

What I think they are saying is that I don’t have to try to get the Bible to agree with what I want to tell you. Instead, if I commit to the lectionary I am allowing God’s voice to tell and remind us how to live more like God.

What are some of your experiences with or without the lectionary? How much thought have you given it before? Does it matter? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Stay blessed…john

Okay, you're getting a Spanish lesson today.  Your Music Monday selection is an older one from Marcos Witt entitled Enciende Una Luz.  It's an easy tune to pick up with a powerful message.  Hear are the lyrics:

Chorus:
Enciende una luz, (Light a light)
dejala brillar (let it shine)
La luz de Jesus (The light of Jesus)
que brille en todo lugar (that shines in every place).
No la puedes esconder (you cannot hide it);
No te puedes callar (you cannot quiet)
ante gran necesidad (before such a great need)
(In other words: How can you hide it or keep it quiet when there is so great a need?)
Light a light in the darkness (Light a light into the darkness).

Spoken:
In the world there is more than 40 percent of the population that have not heard the name of Jesus. This represents 2.4 million people. They haven’t heard a single song; they haven’t read in their history books. Most of them don’t even have history books because they don’t have an alphabet.

A lot of them are those that are isolated from the world in the mountains and deserts of the world marginalized and forgotten about by everyone else.
While the church of God is wastes time in discussions, arguments and divisions these millions are going to an eternity without Christ. What are you and I going to do? Will we be the generation that takes the message of hope? So…

Bridge:
(Romans 10:14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Beautiful are the feet of those who announce the peace, the Good News of Jesus.

Click here for the video, or watch it below:


Okay, I want to hear you all singing it soon! Let me know when you're ready. What is your take on the song? Stay blessed...john

Here is the sermon from this morning.  This was my first sermon since our two-week vacation.
This is what you're supposed to do after listening:

This week read the book of Hebrews in 1-2, but no more than 3 sittings. Also, take time to write a letter of encouragement, thanks or appreciation to someone from church that has been a blessing to you or has helped you in your faith.

Before I started the summer session, I checked out a few books on preaching. After my preaching class I wanted to go a little further. Isn’t that the mark of a good instructor? I’ve only finished two, and I am working on completing the other four before the Spring semester begins.

The Jazz of Preaching: I liked the idea of the book—preaching with freedom and joy. Those are two things a few preachers I’ve heard need a shot of. Did I type that? While I appreciated many of the author’s ideas and input, I did feel like the book dragged on a bit. Still glad I read it.

Preacher, Can You Hear us Listening? This was a great reminder that it is a task to listen to a sermon (not in a negative way). There are things that get in the way of the sermon being heard, and we do well to help our congregations through them.

I would love to offer more insight into the books. But 1) I read them, like, so two months ago and 2) I checked them out of the library so I wasn’t able to mark them up like I typically do. Maybe I’ll do a better job with the remaining selections.

Here's what I'll be reading.  I'm trying make the sermons better.

• Captivating Children’s Sermons: Crafting Powerful, Practical Messages

• Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary

• Preaching

• Undone by Easter

Stay blessed...john