AnotherJohn.Com

I know there are people all around the world.  But I came across a website that emphasized that a little more to me. It's radio.garden. The site allows you to click on a green dot around the globe. Each dot is a radio station transmitting in real time.  Initially, I went through a bunch of American stations. I heard a lot of news about last night's presidential debate. Then I started clicking around the world. I heard languages I couldn't understand. And music I had never heard. The world is my radio station. As I listened, I thought about every day people living their lives all around the planet. God loves each of them. I wonder if they know that.  I hope they have a good day. Stay blessed...john

You may find Chuck Knows Church useful.  Our General Board of Discipleship produces the weekly videos about church life.  Chuck talks everything from vestments to wise men and tithing to potlucks.  It's a fun way to talk about simple things about the church.   Head over to chuckknowschurch.com  and see what you find.  Use the videos for a class or learn something for yourself.  Tell Chuck anotherjohn sent you.  Stay blessed...john

I'm excited to announce our church's new website.  It's been in the works for a while, but considering how hectic this year has turned out to be, it was also put on the back burner.  I think it's pretty informational.  Now, the quest will be to transition to a more engaging site. In the mean time, however, this is a good start.  Have a look at www.shinerfumc.org .  See if I'm missing anything, or included grammatical errors.  Who knows? Maybe I put them there to test you! By the way, how does your church website look?  Maybe this is a good time to update it.  Quite often it is your church's first impression.  Not to sound whatever, but church websites have a reputation for being not so good. Stay blessed...john

I will be disappointed if I find out Space Jam is not on Netflix because I think it's time to raise my children right.  Now, of all movies in the world to think about, why would I be worried about this film right now? I just learned that the website for Space Jam has not been changed since 1996.  That's the year I graduated high school and got married.  If you visit the website right now you'll remember what late 90's websites looked like.  You'll also be thankful we've learned a few web tricks since then. Still, it was kind of bomb (90's lingo, baby!) to be reminded that fluff can get in the way.   Word!  If I'm interested in Space Jam, that site has what I need.  As a preacher and a communicator that's a good lesson to remember. Give the message before anything else.  Don't get overly involved with the fluff that might take away from the message, or, maybe more dangerous, become more important than the message. What are you ...

I began this blog with hopes that it would help my church family better understand what goes through my mind Monday through Saturday.  Some posts have fared better than others.  Well, where I have fallen short in my efforts, others have pulled through for me.  Specifically, I’m referring to a website that I recently came across.   And I know you’ll love the title, too: EV'RY DAY I'M PASTORIN'... If you’ve ever wondered what makes your pastor tick, I think this website might help.  Find out what your pastors do when they try on vestments.  Feel their surprise when they hear the word “liturgy” in public.  Watch the development of their weekly sermon preparation. You may not enjoy this website the way I do; I think I’ve checked it every day this week.  But I think you might appreciate it a bit.  Let me know what you think.  Stay blessed...john

"Good morning.  Welcome.  It's good to see you this morning."  That's about as far as many of us preachers go with our welcome at Sunday morning worship.  Maybe some innovated one will say something like, "Oh, come on.  You'll have to do better than that.  I said, 'Good Morning!'" Jon Acuff recently shared a welcome a friend of his found at a church he attended.  I'm thinking about making it ours!  It reads: We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, yo no habla Ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or like our pastor who can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up or just got out of jail. We don’t care if you’re more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s Baptism....

Party lines: You're doing it wrong. Conga-like processions always come to my mind when I hear or think about party lines.   You might think about your favorite politician's stance on an issue.  Either way we would both be talking about something other than the O.G. of telecommunications. If I have it right, as many as 10 people would share a telephone line--called a party line.  Each caller had around 5 minutes before someone was supposed to pick up their phone to make a call.  Of course, nothing could stop someone from listening to your conversation.  Thankfully, no decent-minded person would ever have done that.  Correct me if I am wrong. While I can't imagine the annoyance of a party line, these days we have our own phone issues.  It was only a matter of time before telemarketers attacked our cell phones.  Some of us have been warning you for years. And, here we are today.  Telemarketers are finding new techniques to faithfully f...

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

It has been said that Run DMC changed rap music.  They told us to walk this way .  Now, I know that does not mean a whole lot to some of you, but have some respect!  Please do not make me wish that your Christmas fruitcake bowl will runneth over. If Run DMC changed the rap world and The United Methodist Church says it is called to make disciples for the transformation (change) of the world, it stands to say that the two should come together.  If that were to happen it might start with this look: Just think if someone were to make that into some sort of relaxed fit cotton blend t-shirt.  What a lovely Christmas gift that would make--just in case anotherwife is reading.   And this next video only proves further the two should mingle: ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to view the video.++

I have found the meaning of life.  And, now, you can know what it is, too!  After searching and contemplating for years, we can finally know what the point of it all is--like when I figured out the lyrics to the intro to Mr. Belvedere . Now, do not delay.  Follow this link to see the meaning of life: The Meaning of Life . You are welcome. 

Our church added a new element to its worship service: a Ministry Celebration.  I mentioned this to you on the Groupon post .  The ministry celebration is a way to highlight various ministries within The United Methodist Church.  So far, with only two weeks worth of sharing, people have responded with some of the same positive comments we have heard before.  ~Whew. Then I got to thinking.  Just because you are reading this does not mean you are attending church with us .  Why should you not know about what our church--The UMC--is doing? So, each week I will share with you our Ministry Celebration.  Hopefully, it will be another reason for you to thank God.  Our first two were as follows:    1. Bed Start.  A ministry of Custer Road UMC , Plano    2. Wesley-Rankin Community Center , Dallas Now, perhaps you might want to consider making this a part of your service.  Instead of telling your pastor, "Hey, let's ...

Honestly, I am all "wrote" out.  I just finished our church newsletter, and I began some paperwork that I need for internship, and hopefully commissioning.  So, I have no idea what I want to write for this post.  It is the end of the month, which means a recap of the top posts of August.  Maybe I will just leave it at that for now, and expect your forgiveness.  Top 5 posts of the month: The Lord's What? Pastors Says F you Sermon Series: Family Matters The dead cow lecture Taking one for the team Since I have nothing to say today, how about I introduce you to others who do.  These sites brought a bunch of people over to the blog this month.  Show them some love: FrankViola.org ChurchMag LisaDelay.com

anotherjohn dot com has met Facebook , and the two of them are playing well together.  My timing was off.  Right before we went on vacation, I made a Facebook page for the blog.  About a dozen people were able to "Like" the page.  And then we left.  The number of "Likes" has stayed put, which is both good and bad.  Good because no one decided to leave.  Bad because no one else came on board. Blog experts talk a lot about setting goals for your blog.  I have done that somewhat and have met my first goal.  It was pretty simple: Increase pageviews.  Although I should have, I did not put a number on that goal; it was simply to increase.  The pageviews lords must have heard me because we did increase in that area.  This is still a small-time blog.  However, before we averaged 20-30 pageviews a day.  Now, since I first set out to increase readership, we are a probably at 60-70.  Good job, everyone! Every post y...

Recently I attended a worship service I felt relied too much on its technology.  I am sure the people who attended appreciated the technology, and it is probably a big reason why they are there.  And, the church seemed to specifically target a populace that would normally not find itself at church.  So, I do not knock the participants, and not even the technology, necessarily.  I have a lot of questions for the church leadership, though, because it seems like the push for thematic worship "experiences" creates a dependence on technology to foster an experience.  The service, though, got me wondering--as did this link on " 10 hobbies destroyed by technology. "  I had not thought of the 9th hobby.  People talk a lot about technology's place in worship and church life.  This is nothing new.  We have seen, however, more and more churches seeking ways to incorporate technology.  If your church has or is trying to do that: Are there areas...

So, you have been working all day, and you still have so much to put up with.  Don't you just wish this would m ake everything okay. And you thought your first day on the job had some kinks? Take a look at some of these Rookie initiations and be thankful. By now we have all heard the lecture on the difference between the things we want versus the things we need.  Now, maybe this more or less can liven up that speech. I really want one of these; no, I do not need them, but I would really enjoy having one.  And, to be clear, I really do not need a toast tattoos ? ( +link ) It's your bike and it's your name.  Now, they come together.  It's like writing a bike . Do old people only love Jesus? This guy says he is young, like Jesus, but still: Blessed are the uncool churches . Finally, what are you really afraid of ?  We all know women can't park , right?

Ah, the B-I-B-L-E.  Yes, that's the book for me. But be careful!  Sometimes we can do this to scripture.

This is one instance where it is okay to laugh at the boy with tape on his face. ( +link) Amazing little tea candles . Nintendo guns like they were intended. is it a vase or two faces? Remember to think simple .  This is what keeps us alive. Does this sum up free will? King of the Hill preaches ! Hitler finds out the Miami Heat lost to the Mavericks.

  Please do not let this walrus work out better than you. ( +link ) This prank is coming to a camping ground near you! It was only a matter of time before the inspirational bike kid brought his speech to the nation . This Dirt Devil is good. Is there truth here ? You knew Knight Rider was cool, but did you know all this ?     Warning: You will watch the video below , and you will get dizzy.

I have spent this week preparing for sermons, Bible studies and writing personal reflections and blog post. Sometimes, within all that work, I come across some things you might be interested in. When you are down, and wondering where to start again this is the best place. Pi is better with music ( + ) Life in a perfect world Speaking of perfect worlds, what about glow in the dark TP? What 9-year-old hasn't dreamed of breaking this record ? Or what teenager hasn't threatened to do this ? Did you know all ducks wear dog masks .  No, you can never unsee it.  This guy is the most famous MacBook thief . Think about your house and decide which wall will be your Lego wall. Here is a dose of cute kids (Click on the title if you are reading by email): Thumbs up, everybody . Boy catches his first fish No, Momma won't kill you.

If I wore glasses, which I should, this is something I would have to ask myself all the time: Anyone seen my glasses ? Dating is for some people, and then there are t hese guys The stay-at-home dad Finally, Barbershop 3 came out. There is a twist in the plot. I li ke vegetables Could all churches be as sincere as this?