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We shared a meaningful time of worship this past weekend. It was Communion Sunday and we received two people into church membership. There were several moments I felt the Spirit's presence in a comforting and affirming way.  One of them was when Ashlei sang this song. It's a wonderful song by itself. But it also went so well with the day's message.  He's Always Been Faithful I've been spoiled having someone in the family I can work closely with to put together music for worship. She and I are often on the same page.  Stay blessed...john P.S. Yes, I was in tears, too. This was one of our few remaining Sundays at Kelsey. 

Don't tell anyone! Yesterday, I snuck in a new verse to "Because He Lives." I don't know if that's some kind of copyright infringement, but I did it.  The verse is based on 1 Peter 1:3-9, which we used as our call to worship. I took the cue from GBOD and had people from the congregation stand to read each verse. I actually forgot who was doing the readings. So, I didn't know everyone who would stand and speak. It was intriguing to wait and see where the next voice came from.  My message was about believing and having life in Jesus' name. Knowing so many people love that song, it felt like a great spot to tie in the 1 Peter passage.  I don't know if anyone noticed that it wasn't the usual second verse. But I can tell you they sang it! Though trials may come and fear would shake us, we still rejoice with precious faith. We may not see the face of Jesus, but we believe and give him all our greatest praise. Stay blessed...john

  Psalm 95:1-5 Click here to listen to today's devotional This week, I was asked to lead worship for a small group. Now, I've already told them what I usually say first. I don't sing well. Singing is not something I should be leading other human voices in. Of course, I do sing. I just sing the way a grateful heart sometimes does when it forgets who's listening and remembers who is worthy. While I played my guitar for the group, I couldn't help but sing as I led the song  Great Are You, Lord.  I told the group that we were about to sing one of my favorite lines. I'll make a loud and joyful noise for this one: All the earth will shout your praise Our hearts will cry These bones will say Great are You, Lord That's an image from the prophet Ezekiel. He saw a valley of dry bones with no life or breath. Then, today, I read from Psalm 95. The psalm is a familiar invitation to worship the God who formed the earth and holds the depths of the world in holy hands. Toge...

I knew it. Michael Jackson died in 2009, and we all wondered who could take his place in pop culture. Now, I'm not sure anyone will be able to do what Michael did.  But in 2014, I knew who would come closest. By then, Bruno Mars was already successful. Obviously, because he played the Super Bowl that year. The man emerged playing a drum solo, and I remember watching that entire performance and thinking, 'He's the one.' He's incredibly talented, and everything he touches turns to gold.  When I listened to  his new song today , I heard what I heard back then. This is a great song! Stay blessed...john

I'm pretty sure I've seen every video Harry Mack has put out on social media.  Fans of HM know there's one rule: Never skip a Harry Mack video.  I've added a second rule: Like whatever HM. video you're watching before it even finishes.  I don't know that I've ever heard him and thought, "Meh." He has an amazing skill. People regularly accuse him of using AI tools to fake his videos. But I've seen too much of his work to think any else other than he's incredibly gifted and has worked hard to master his craft. And I've seen a lot of people say that they don't like rap music, but are incredibly impressed by what he does.  I don't know how you wouldn't be. There have only been two celebrities I've ever wanted to meet. The first was Alyssa Milano--don't worry, Gloria knows. The second is Harry Mack. Most people wouldn't even consider him a celebrity. But if Harry ever comes to Corpus Christi, I have my three words rea...

While I was sitting at annual conference, I came across the article about the students at Lydia Patterson Institute. I can't tell you how angry I felt.  There's a lot I don't say, but I am tired of seeing our children and most vulnerable being used in a game only the rich and powerful can win.  I think often of that line: We weren't meant to survive because it's a set up.  But I'm hopeful there are more of us who cannot stomach much more of this. And that will lead to a change of heart and lead us to greater compassion.  In the meantime, let's remember a few things Jesus didn't say.  Stay blessed...john

It's been quite some time since I've done a Music Monday.  So, let me stop talking about how long it's been and share a song with you. It's called "God Does" by The Red Clay Strays. Watch on YouTube Stay blessed...john

My kids make fun of me because I'll quote the Applebee's song from time to time. Actually, the cringe. But I think they'll love this. It came out last year, but somehow I missed it. It's pretty good. I laughed several times.  Fancy Like Christmas Somebody make me this creative! Stay blessed...john

Don't ask me how I came across this video when I was supposed to be finishing up a sermon. But whatever you're doing, you'll like this cover of Total Eclipse of the Hea rt. And his voice at the 2-minute mark! Stay blessed...john

I've been thinking about music a lot lately.  There's great opportunity at our church to expand our church's worship service.  It's exciting.  I couldn't help but think how awesome this group would make church worship. What do you think?

Maybe he would set his IPAD on fire! I'm not in love with Apple .  I have my reasons. But don't get me wrong, I do recognize some of the strengths and merits of, let's say, the IPAD.  As a matter of fact I am addicted to a baseball game, and that makes the price of the IPAD worth every penny. ;) Still, this looks like something worth checking out.  Has anyone used the IPAD to learn how to play an instrument?  Well, it seems you can, I suppose.  While I do not know how efficient this is, it looks good in theory. Check out this video on the Ion Audio: Learn to Play Guitar, Keyboard and Drums on your IPAD

Believe me; I know what Christmas is really about.  The most meaningful Christmas hymn is Emmanuel.  You're probably thinking of Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel.  That's nice, too.  But this is the one I'm thinking of: At Christmas we celebrate that God is indeed with us!  That is a Merry Christmas. We've got that cleared up. Now, I can show you this because it's pretty funny:

I am choosing hymns for this Sunday's service, and thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed this as I did.  Now, it is your turn--just a little music humor.  If you get it, you do.  If not, don't worry. 

Music often expresses some of our most deepest emotions.  People look to music to say what they feel they cannot.  Think about some of your most favorite music.  What do those songs say for you? Well, maybe you thought too much of yourself and never imagined that Weird Al could say for you what you have wanted to for so long.  Really, though, what else would you expect from someone who gave us inspirational hits like Eat It , Amish Paradise and Party in the C.I.A .? So, without further ado, I offer to you Al's most inspired song ever: ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to view the video.++ How many forwards have you received today? That's too many. Maybe this is the video you need to forward.

Have you heard of The Prayer Dare?  It is a 40-day dare that is designed to encourage people to become more acquainted with prayer.  The days' reading are pretty simple and straight forward.  What I appreciate about the book is that each day has a specific dare attached to it, something you do after reading.  We talk a lot, and think a lot, too.  I want to offer ways for people to act upon what, for example, a sermon is about.  And, likewise, don't just talk about praying or wanting to pray more; learn how to pray more and do it! That is where this book comes in.  It has some weak theological points about it, but, overall, those can be overlooked when you consider that you are being led to learn to pray more. If I think about the churches we have served, I can remember those people who I and others knew were people who prayed.  I want those people close to me as I minister with a church.  And, I want more people to be considered a...

When people hear that my dad is a pastor they assume I followed in his footsteps.  That is not exactly how it worked out.  Many people also assume I have a great desire for my children to do the same.  Well, I'll confess I would not mind taking one or more of them under my pastoral wing, but I do not want them doing what I do unless God calls them to.  And with that in mind, now you can watch this .

In March our church will release a new songbook. It is called Worship & Song. I haven't seen it, but from what I gather it's a mix of old and new. I'm hoping to get a copy when it comes out. You can get a glimpse of what is to come by checking out the Worship & Song website . Would your church be willing to purchase this new resource? Why or why not? Stay blessed...john

Every once in a while some professor will leave a few books out on a table at school. A small note is added to the stack: FREE Last Monday I took my last--my only--Final Exam of the semester. As I blissfully danced by the room where the often wonderful piles of free books are, you guessed it, there were a few selections. You don't need to know how many, but imagine enough to fill my backpack (don't judge me). One of the selections was With One Voice: A Lutheran Resource for Worship. It reminds me of The Faith We Sing . For funsies I look through it to read through the hymns (don't judge me). I've become more familiar with the UM Hymnal by doing that. Also, I had never used The Faith We Sing before we came to Irving; so, I'm always looking through that as well (Please, stop judging me). Before my hardcore Methodists brothers and sisters get on me for considering bringing Lutheran music into a Methodist worship service, let me just say get over it ass...

I kick myself every week for not having made this post earlier. Last year we got into the American Idol thing. Music is a big part of our family. So, we like to listen to what these singers can do. I don't care much for the judging panel; it's pretty ridiculous that nine times out of ten I know what each judge will say (their witty humor excluded, of course).  Yo! This is not a boast. But you should know I'm not just pulling names. Last year I correctly picked the final three contestants. Of course, I kicked myself then too for not posting anything.  And, well, let's just say the final results were not a bit surprising in the Fletcher household. So, let me give you my final three picks. These are the three I picked once the final big group was comprised (15 or 20?). Another reason to get this post out now is because one of my finalist had the fewest votes this past week. So, here they are: Casey James Michael Lynche Crystal Bowersox  And we'll see...

The Day Music Died. Most of what I know about that day came from the movie La Bamba . RitchieeeeeeeeEEEE! Ritchie Valens Singing "Oh Donna" Live I've been thinking a lot about music lately. First, I wouldn't mind convincing myself I could afford that drum set or keyboard. Second, I've used my IPOD quite a bit more the last several weeks than I had before that time. Some of the goals mentioned at our church's planning session involved our choir and music ministry. I've been trying to select (pre-planning)the hymns for our worship service for the next several weeks. Finally, music in the church is on the syllabus for the next couple of weeks. When time allows I want to share with you my thought about music as an idol. Stay blessed...john