another john dot com

Only for the Only

john 12/30/2010 0

It seems like it has been a while since I last posted a sermon. I wanted to get the recording for the Spanish sermon, but it might be best that is lost forever. Everyone said they gave it a B+; I thought it was a C. The translation was good and made it easy for me to follow. I was playing minds games with that sermon. There was something about having it translated, which meant I had to have it all done and typed, that threw me off. Still, I appreciated the chance. Hopefully, I'll get another shot at that soon!

The sermon below is the final sermon of 2010. Someone suggested that this Christmas seemed different for them--that the Spirit of Christmas seemed overwhelmed by the running around that goes with the season. Gifts, Angel trees, cards, wrapping paper, etc don't just show up. Somebody has to go get them.

For me, this was probably one of the better Christmases. This was the year we finally did it! We didn't worry about buying gifts. We drew names and bought stuff for the kids. No stress. Besides that, for me, the image of God's Light into our dark world stood out most to me. I am convinced this made my Christmas celebration more meaningful. Even though I love this song: Happy Birthday, Jesus.

So, with all that in mind, here is my final sermon of 2010. It is entitled Only for the Only. Confession: though I thought about it all week, it didn't get written until early, early Sunday morning. Those of you who can tell, can tell; I'll never let that happen again.

Stay blessed...john

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You'll Never Hear Me Say

john 12/29/2010 0

Of all the things I would like to say to you this coming year, this is not one of them:

"I'm a giver, not a taker. I'm not a burglar.

That was one DFW minister's response to charges brought against her. She allegedly broke into a church member's home and stole thousands of dollars worth of stuff on Christmas. Forget for a second all the ethical issues, my thought now if I'm the church member is, "Why did that reporter just flash my house on television and tell everyone I have that much stuff to take?"

Pastor Allegedly Burglarized Parishioner on Christmas Eve: MyFoxDFW.com

That's Why Some Of Your Pastors Act Weird
I got the funny look and had to explain several times back in Bandera when I asked for my office change (an old post I cannot seem to find). The office I had at first was towards the back of the building; I was all by myself, and you know I don't wanna be all by myself. It just felt uncomfortable for me to be back there, away from everyone, when I had someone else in the office with me. Did something happen? Would something have ever happened? No, and probably not. No one, however, plans for those kinds of things to happen. So, in that case, I was moved to the front of the building with everyone else. I even had windows to see the world!

Same thing here at Oak Haven. The door to the pastor's office could have been your closet door except that it had a sign across it that read "Pastor Study." I wanted to get rid of that the first night I saw it; I don't want anyone to have any misconceptions about what's really going on in there. We waited patiently until we could poke a hole in the door and stick a window in. It took two years, but that's what we were able to do. Now, privacy and transparency are both available when you call in now.

It is too easy for something to be made out of nothing. Windows and mini blinds don't take that away, but they are at least a small way to help protect members and pastors. So, if you come into my former study don't be shocked if I make sure the blinds and/or the door gets opened. I try to be discreet.

What That Means for Me
All that to say we ministers need to be careful. We are given some type/form/level of authority and power. Do not abuse it, and certainly don't use it to your advantage. We are invited into people's home. What a blessing! Don't squander that trust and sacred relationship for anything. Our work is too important.

So, unless you're behind me because you locked your keys in the house, I won't be climbing through your windows. Even then I'll probably just put my hands together so you can use me as a step to break into your own house. If I make sure a door is open, or ask someone to join us in a meeting just know I want to protect you and the spiritual relationship we have.

Stay blessed...john

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Watch Your Step

john 12/28/2010 0

The city of Irving did not collect trash last Friday. Likewise, they won't be coming around this Friday either. How are we supposed to celebrate and enjoy our holiday celebrations with trash piling up. How inconsiderate a decision to make.

So, as I have had to make several leaps over our mound of trash full of used wrapping paper, dinner plates and boxes I am reminded of this cartoon.

Our Christmas celebrations were wonderful. We were able to enjoy the company of family and join with our church for three Christmas Eve services. As far as the church goes, I am grateful for the people of Oak Haven. Several of them made great efforts to make sure our plans went through. As for my family, God I love them.

Remember, Christmas isn't over until Epiphany. Merry Christmas. Stay blessed...john

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A Boogie Christmas from our family to yours!

john 12/25/2010 0

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

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Merry day-before-Christmas

john 12/24/2010 0

Our family wishes yours a very merry and blessed Christmas celebration. Go to church tonight; you'll be glad you did.

Stay blessed...john

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A Historic Event

john 12/21/2010 0

Don't worry. If you can't read the announcement above, it's not a bad thing. Our church is offering its first Spanish worship service. I, and I think a few more of us, am pretty excited.

Yes, I'm preaching. Brittani says I sound too much like a "white guy." I told her her momma sounds like a white guy. Plan A was for me to preach in Spanish. Plan B was for me to preach in English and have someone interpret. It looks like all systems are go for Plan A!

This will be my first Spanish sermon. Someone from our church is translating my sermon from English to Spanish which I am, except for these few moments, working diligently to produce. On Christmas Eve I'll use the translated manuscript.

What a way to worship and celebrate Christmas with our community. If you're in the area please stop by for this historic event. No, I don't exaggerate. Stay blessed...john

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About Another John

john 12/01/2010 0

A few years ago I wanted to connect with the members and friends of the church I was serving. Sunday morning worship, joining with God's people, is a blessing for me. I even get paid to lead it. That is an important part of our faith development.

It is limited, however. There isn't time to talk about life. There isn't time to enjoy life. That happens outside of our sanctuary walls. Honestly, I am not the pastor you think, "Wow! How does she/he think such great, profound thoughts?" Nope. Not me. But I do know how to share life!

When I first got the blog attack, this blog was called The Blog That Ties. I wanted to have a place to share with others what can't always be shared on Sunday mornings. That isn't to say that if you're not a part of my church this blog doesn't apply to you. This is a place where our faith, friendship and life together meets.

In that sense, this is still The Blog That Ties. Honestly, it wasn't catchy enough for me. I never like that title all that much. So, I thought and thought some more before finally deciding on the title Anotherjohn.com.

It rolls off the tongue better. It also reminds me that I am indeed just another john of the world. Believe me; this is a blessing. I don't have to be the best john, or the one who has all the answers. I can be another faithful john.

And that is what this blog is about. You and I learning to be more faithful to the call of God on our lives. Easier said than done, but well worth the effort and a whole lot of fun

Stay blessed...another john.

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Under the Oak December 2010

john 11/29/2010 0

The latest edition of our church's newsletter is available to view or download (click here if you're reading by email):

Open publication - Free publishing - More newsletter

When the semester is over (tests and papers!) there is a little tweaking I want to do with it. For example, the calendar page tends to get crowded with information; I would like a different format that is easier to read. Also, I would like to add a member/new member profile section each month. Those are just a couple of things I'm thinking about.

Overall, what do you think of the newsletter? How readable is it? How informative is it? What is the least important element. Do you read it online or in print? Which is better and why?

Thanks for reading. Stay blessed...john

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My Schedule

john 11/29/2010 0

Here are a few ongoing calendar items of mine. Please don't hesitate to stop by the office or give me a call (972.438.1431) if you need to talk about anything. This is just to let you know where I might be at certain times; it's a rough look at what I am usually doing.

Tuesdays
I'll be at Perkins until noon.
I am leading a Disciple I study group every Tuesday night from 7:30-9:30.

Wednesdays
Back at Perkins in the afternoon.

Thursdays
I lead our church's Thursday morning Bible study from 10am to about 11:30am.

Fridays
Perkins, here I come again (in the afternoon).

Sundays
The final two Sundays of every month I lead a Monthly Church Membership Class from 9:30am to 10:30am.

Don't Let Me Not Hear From You
I don't want to find out you were in the hospital and no one ever told me! It's a blessing for me to pray with and for you before a procedure, or for any other reason. Call or drop by the office, or leave me a message here to get a hold of me. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Happy Birthday Ashlei!

john 11/17/2010 0

Today Ashlei turns the big 9. Happy birthday Baby Girl. We love you and are very proud of you. Thanks for sharing your birthday with me.

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North Texas Conference News

john 11/16/2010 0

A fresh new episode featuring: Demi Harriston David Rangel Korean Central UMC and other great topics that will impact the North Texas United Methodist Community Video Production: Wil Murphy Noe Hernandez Jackson Harkey Anchor: Sheron Patterson Voice: Rosalinda Luna

+NTC News

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Resurrected Opinions

john 11/08/2010 0

Yesterday's service was a blessing! We welcomed a new member to Oak Haven. I heard Bishop Norris speak about visiting churches and having the pastor, usually a young pastor (I'll leave that alone), ask him what he expected to happen in the service. His answer was, "Something that isn't in this bulletin."

We went through the typical liturgy to welcome someone into membership. This was the first time I included a congregational response to the liturgy. I asked a long time member to stand with the new member. The congregation had already been given instructions: We will sing all four verses of Alleluia, Alleluia. After the first verse if anyone would like to come up and welcome the new member please do so, and we'll all stand together at the final verse.

All but a handful of people walked up front to welcome the new member! That wasn't in the bulletin or anything I thought would happen. It was truly a powerful moment. You can't get that by asking people to come forward at the end of a service.

Oh yea, I almost forgot that I preached a sermon yesterday, too. Since you can't relive that welcoming, you can hear the sermon. Here are few things for you to do after you listen:

1) Pray this: O God, I want to live in the Resurrection of Christ. So, fill me with your life today. Teach me to bring hope, joy and new life to all your people, including myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2) Do this: Think of a religious and a political issue you feel strongly about. Write down 1-2 reasons you hold a certain opinion. Then write 2-3 reasons why someone else might have a different opinion. Considering Christ’s Resurrection, explain how “new life” might be found in each opinion(s).

3) Let me know what you think about the idea of Resurrected Opinions.

Stay blessed...john

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Under the Oak: November 2010

john 10/30/2010 0

So, do you have anything against my full head of hair? Do you find it difficult to understand my football loyalties? Then do something about it.

In this month's edition of Under the Oak you will find out just how to grind your ax. Also, you can read about something a lot less picayune on page 2. It is a great story.

Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More newsletter

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Is That Church Growing: When In the Lion's Mouth

john 10/25/2010 0

How will I feel next Sunday when I give a sermon that is not part of a series? Two months (almost) in a series helps keep things ordered for a busy schedule.

This was the final sermon in our series entitled Is That Church Growing? Whether you have heard the sermons or not I'd be interested to hear what you think "growing" churches have in common, or what are practices/attitudes of growing churches?

My favorite line from this sermon was, "We let sin cover a multitude of love."

I know you would never miss them, but in case your faith has been weak here are the other six sermons:
Sermon 1: Where Grace Happens

Theme: A place where the “lost coins” are celebrated when they are found, and people are looking for them

Sermon 2: Praying Like That

Theme: Prayerfully united that God’s will would be done in the world, not just for the people we like

Sermon 3: Imagine That

Theme: A church that knows it is a mission

Sermon 4: Seniors Who Don’t Get Discounts

Theme: Committed to teaching young people

Sermon 5: Here, Have My Gospel

Theme: Shares their good news.

Sermon 6: That’s the Book for me & Other Misconceptions

Theme: Cherishes and learns the Bible

Sermon 7: When In the Lion's Mouth

Theme: A place where people are not left alone

All available for 3 installments of $48.73. Or something like that.

Stay blessed...john

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Church Appreciation Video

john 10/07/2010 0

Brittani says we should do a video like this for Oak Haven. Yes!

Let's Hear it For Bay Shore (Music Video) from Andrew Mason on Vimeo.
+ChurchCruch

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You Tawkin to Me?

john 10/06/2010 0

Before you continue reading you might want to make up your mind what label is more useful for you to use for your local minister…preacher….reverend….brother/sister in charge...or whatever else there is to call that person(s) your church pays to know more than the average lay person.

You’ve probably met both, and many in between. Remember Mr., Dr., Rev., New Sliced Bread, II, Ph.D, WWE. Don’t hate him. There are also those for whom it made more sense to invest in a domain name rather than an academic title; their name lacks the abbreviations, but is accompanied by a copyright symbol. Nice.

No, it's not me, but it's a nice look!

No wonder many people don’t know what to call their clergypersons (whatever you already decided to call them). People often ask me what I preferred to be called. “Johnny” is reserved for Momma, so don’t go there. I do like the title, “And our winner is…” Scholarship checks make me feel the best when they call me, “Pay to the order of….”

Remember, though, I’m just another john. I’m just happy to be here. If I ever get caught up with what title people put in front of my name then I’ve forgotten the joy this calling has giving me. That said, I understand how some people, church members, struggle with it. Some cannot call me John. Pastor is my name and your church is my game. Others want to be more professional or respectful and change my name to Reverend. My favorite title came when I was an associate pastor. Don’t tell me it was an accident that Associate was abbreviated with only the first three letters!

All that is to say this: Call me whatever you’re comfortable with. Typically, based on what title someone gives me I can tell what expectations they have for my role, at least which one stands out the most. No one title encompasses everything we’re supposed to be and do as ministers; and no one title limits what we are able to do just the same.

So, what about it? What do you call your pastor(s)? Have you thought about why you use that title, or don’t? How do you think what you call your pastor dictates what you think their role in the church should be?

I’m very interested to hear what you have to say. Stay blessed…john

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Disciples--Transform!

john 10/05/2010 0

If one meeting is indicative of anything, our Disciple I group will be a lively one. We met for an informational meeting last week. All I did was talk about the elements of each lesson, necessary participation and what materials to bring. From that a good discussion arose about the ministry of the church. Oh, the places we will go!

I opened the meeting by making reference to many people’s concerns about participating in Disciple. The entire length of the study turns many people off immediately; the weekly commitment can be difficult. In some ways, then, it seems rather difficult. Prayer begins everything in Disciple. With that in mind, to open our meeting I shared this prayer taken from an older book entitled leaves from a spiritual notebook:

O Father, this day may bring some hard task to our life, or some hard trial to our love. We may grow weary, or sad, or hopeless in our lot. But, Father, our whole life until now has been one great proof of Thy care. Bread has come for our bodies, thoughts to our mind, love to our heart, and all from Thee. So help us, we implore Thee, while we stand still on this side of all that the day may bring, to resolve that we will trust Thee this day to shine into any gloom of the mind, to stand by us in any trial of our love, and to give us rest Thy good time as we need. May this day be full of a power that shall bring us near to Thee, and make us more like Thee; and, O God, may we so trust Thee this day, that when they day is done our trust shall be firmer than ever. Then, when our last day comes and our work is done, may we trust Thee in death and forever, in the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We begin next our meetings tomorrow. Just think: a group of young disciples transformed the entire world. Ten people are signed up in a small church in Irving, Texas (and other places, too). Away we go!

Stay blessed…john

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Music Monday: How Sweet the Name

john 10/04/2010 0

A great song. If you cannot listen to the player below click here. I couldn't find a music video, but you can follow the lyrics.

What would I have become
If you'd never stopped to pull me through
What would this life had done
If you'd never whispered liberty
I heard you sing so sweetly a song of love

Jesus how sweet the name
The name that saves
Jesus how sweet the sound
The sound of grace
The sound of praise
The sound that saves

So many songs I've sung
But there's none more beautiful than you
And here I've found myself
So I'm happy to be lost in you
I hear you sing so sweetly, a song called love

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Is That Church Growing: Seniors Who Don't Get Discounts

john 10/04/2010 0

Yesterday's sermon was the fourth in our series entitled Is That Church Growing? I was looking forward to this one. It was a little different than usual. The focus was on the young people and the church's ministry with them. Here's a quote:

We've done a good job of giving our young people things that make like more comfortable, but the church has done a poor job of giving them things that make life meaningful.

As always, you can view the bulletin here. The sermon loads in the player below, or click this link to open it up. Let me know your thoughts. Don't forget to complete the "Now What" related to this sermon: This week: Pray specifically for the young people of our church; you know their names, right? Consider, as an adult who cares for them and their spiritual development, write letters to them encouraging them to continue learning and growing.

Stay blessed...john

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Will you still Like us?

john 10/01/2010 0

That Oak Haven website outviewed this site once again last month! Those UMW loved that directory post; helped me catch up, but I couldn’t get ahead.

Now, I want you to keep helping Oak Haven. Are you on Facebook? Most of you probably are. Oak Haven is, too. When I set up that account I didn’t know all the rules. I just agreed to the terms. You probably did too! All that means is that the Oak Haven UMC account most people are familiar with is set up against Facebook terms. Organizations cannot have profile pages. They must have Fan Pages. We’ve since straightened all that out by creating a Fan Page.

Now, we need your help. The against-the-rules profile page has a decent number of friends following it. We would like to fully transition to our Fan Page without losing all of those friends following us. So, here is what you can do:

Visit the Oak Haven United Methodist Church Fan Page. If the Spirit so moves click on the "Like" button. This helps us raise our Fan Page following.
If you are a friend of the bad Profile Page then unfollow Oak Haven UMC. We want to stop using this page in the somewhat near future.
Share this article with everyone you know on Facebook :)

You are appreciated! Stay blessed…john

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Relationship Help?

john 10/01/2010 0

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck. Ricky, age 10 (The boy already understands)

That is only one question answered here. Take a look at the list for your dose of relationship help. Enjoy your Friday! Stay blessed...john

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Your tooth and my car

john 9/30/2010 0

Would you rather do this or visit the dentist?

Gloria makes a return to the dentist's chair today. Let's hope this takes care of everything. When we were younger we made a bet concerning our teeth. First one to have them fall out owes the other a brand new car. We'll see how this visit turns out.

A few random thoughts about the dentist:

Dentists can be frustrating. You wait a month-and-a-half for an appointment, and they say, "I wish you'd come to me sooner."
A husband and wife entered the dentist’s office. The husband said, “I want a tooth pulled. I don’t want gas or Novocain because I m in a terrible hurry. Just pull the tooth as quickly as possible.” “You re a brave man,” said the dentist. “Now, show me which tooth it is.” The husband turns to his wife and says, “Open your mouth and show the dentist which tooth it is, dear.”
Dentist: I have to pull the aching tooth, but don't worry it will take just five minutes. Patient: And how much will it cost? Dentist: It's $90.00. Patient: $90.00 for just a few minutes work??? Dentist: I can extract it very slowly if you like.

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Know a Different God

john 9/29/2010 0

Here is a great thought for your day from Peter at beauty of the bible:

If you really want to get to know God, you have to be willing to get to know a God completely different from the God you think you know.

What do you think? How easy is it to get God to mirror what we would like God to be? What are some of the things we discover when we choose to know a "different" God?

Stay blessed...john

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Young Prayer

john 9/29/2010 0

I am extremely excited about Oak Haven's youth ministry. We are starting from the ground up. There is no model; there have been no young people to teach or guide. Now, we have an opportunity to develop, teach, nurture and lead our young people, and those adults WHO WILL minister with them. And it all begins this Sunday afternoon!

What do you think is important for a youth ministry to be faithful? Are there some things that are common that should be done away with? If you're helping me build a youth ministry what are you bringing to the table?

Please be in prayer for this ministry. Whether you live in Irving or anywhere else your ministry with us begins with your prayer.

Stay blessed...john

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Gotta Love Those UMW

john 9/28/2010 0

The role of the United Methodist Women cannot be understated. They do so much to raise awareness of issues surrounding justice and mission in our church. I’ve always appreciated their efforts to raise money and do good. I haven’t always been the greatest UMW member; school has kept me from many meetings. So, when I was asked to help update the UMW directory for Oak Haven, I wanted to do something special. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what that would be. After all, this is only a directory. All the information was in order; I just had to delete names and addresses no longer applicable.

What was a pastor to do?

Then it hit me. I conferred with the UMW president about my idea. She thought it was a good, but was unsure how the ladies would react. We wondered if a few members wouldn’t appreciate the effort. However, we concluded most of them would might. All together the project took several months to complete.

We began by asking each UMW member to bring in a picture of themselves. There were several we had to return. The pictures had to be from, at least, this decade, but preferably from only a few years back. We had to be able to recognize who they were! Once we finally received everyone’s pictures we were ready. One of the members of the group is a caricature artist. So, of course, we put together a caricature pictorial directory. Oh, this was so not your grandma’s UMW directory.

The ladies loved it! It was like Jr High all over again. Everyone wanted to get their yearbook directory signed by everyone in the group. I wrote in one, “You’re cool. Don’t ever change!” I hope it is something to keep around for a while, and maybe a fun way to introduce new members to the group. The laughs, the very loud laughs and smiles were worth every minute at the computer and copy machine. Each lady also received their original caricature. Thanks, Micki for all of your work!

At this point there are twenty members of the group. The directories included 1) a one page listing of members with phone numbers 2) Officers for the year 3) UMW mission statement 4) caricatures of each member 5) a birthday listing 6) alphabetical directory listing and 7) extra page for new members. We printed color copies on our office machine. We gave these to the group, but each directory cost approximately $5 to print. So, it wasn’t a costly project. Who knows, maybe it’s something you can do.

Have you thanked a United Methodist woman today?

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Music Monday: Your Song

john 9/27/2010 0

First, watch the video below (or here). Then decide what song is in your heart right now. Maybe you don't have a Hallelujah Chorus right now. That's okay. There are no right or wrong answers. This is your Music Monday. I think I have two right now. This one and this one, in no particular order.

So, let's hear your song.

Stay blessed...john

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North Texas Conference News

john 9/25/2010 0

Here is the latest edition of the NTC-News.

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Under the Oak: October 2010

john 9/25/2010 0

We finished the church newsletter yesterday. Most people have to wait 2-3 working days to view theirs, or get their copy on Sunday morning. Not you! You get to first crack. See how awesome you are.

Open publication - Free publishing - More newsletter

Stay blessed...john

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Do you have the charge conference blues?

john 9/23/2010 0

Are You Prepared for Charge Conference?

I'm in the final stages of preparing our charge conference booklet. Our annual meeting has a different format this year. Next Sunday we are joining other Irving congregations for a joint worship service at Plymouth Park UMC, then each congregation moves to a room for their own charge conference. In part, I suppose, this helps eliminate administrative hours for the D.S. That was one of the goals of the conference realignment.

Hopefully, Oak Haven will respond the same way we have the past couple of years. We have had most of our church represented at our meetings. I really try to emphasize the celebration aspect of the meeting. Every year we were able to be in ministry together; that is a blessing in itself. Sometimes we were able to do what we usually do; sometimes we didn't get to do what we wanted; sometimes we were able to try new things. In any case, we were in ministry together.

There are three questions I hope each member takes time to consider and answer. Our conference booklet has space to answer them. Having the questions helps (doesn't define) us put into perspective the activities we have been involved in, and what the point of our mission is. I'm of the opinion our churches don't do enough reflecting. To that end the questions are:

How has your faith been encouraged, strengthened or challenged the most this past year at Oak Haven?
Provide (3) strengths and (2) weaknesses of our ministry here at Oak Haven:
What areas of ministry would you like to see developed more this coming year?

If someone answers those then they will celebrate what God has done. They will have taken time to reflect on our mission and how we need to make sure we are working towards that end. Finally, it helps direct the goals of what the church will be doing in the coming year.

What about your charge conferences? What kind of mood does yours have? Do you look forward to the meeting, or is it a necessary evil? Do you get in and get out? The longest meeting I've had lasted just over two hours. The shortest meeting lasted 29 1/2 minutes! Happy Charge Conference Season!

Stay blessed...john

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Bible in Pictures, Not Comics This Time

john 9/21/2010 0

You know how it goes. The pastor asks the congregation to "turn in your Bible to the book of..." Half the people spend the first minute trying to find where that book is. Some are brave enough to use the Table of Contents (that's what they're for!). Obviously, the more you read the more you know. So, read.

However, it is easy to get lost in the biblical world, especially if you are just trying to find a starting point. Funny names, unfamiliar places and ideas can mount up quickly and prove frustrating. If you're trying to get a better understanding of the Bible my advice is simple, I hope.

Of course, read. Get used to reading the Bible before anything (Well, praying is good, too). Even if it's just a paragraph at a time. Then learn the structure of the Bible. For example, it should be easy to find Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers or Deuteronomy. Why? Yes, they are the first five books, but more than that they represent a particular period of the story of God's people. The books of the Bible are grouped together by category. Learn the categories.

Once you get a good understanding of what is happening overall in a book you can better understand more of the images or ideas within it. That's just a general idea to get you going.

I came across some pictures that represent various books of the Bible. Here is your homework. Learn how each picture relates to its book. This helps with what I'm talking about.

Here are a few examples:

What do you think?

Stay blessed...john

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Is That Church Growing: Praying Like That

john 9/20/2010 0

Here is the sermon from yesterday. It is the second sermon in a 7-week series entitled Is That Church Growing? There are many things I’m an excited about here at Oak Haven. Still, I don’t want to give any impression of my answer to the series’ question.

I did leave out an important connector in this sermon. Towards the end, after the balm in Gilead reference, I did not connect the idea of the church’s role in praying for that hope and healing like I should have. That was the main point of the sermon. So, hopefully, I said enough about prayer to stress that. Probably not, but God is gracious.

This morning I came across a small article in a book entitled We Believe in Prayer. The article was called God is in Charge, written by Dr. Nels F. S. Ferre. Here are the opening words:

Without prayer I cannot now conceive of life. We are real and right as we pray correctly, for we are real and right in relation to God, and prayer, at its deepest, is our relating ourselves to God’s will.

Somebody a lot smarter said something I did (or something like that); why wouldn’t I share that with everyone?

You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or by following this link. Also, you can view the order of worship by clicking here.

Stay blessed…john

Tags # Sermons Continue Reading

Victory, even against the Lions is sweet.

john 9/20/2010 0

All this plus a Cowboys defeat!

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Happy Birthday BGirl

john 9/18/2010 0

Happy Birthday, Britt. You can't imagine how proud your dad is of you. Yes, even though you wear 3-D glasses (with no lenses, mind you) everywhere. Maybe that's a reason to be proud.

Love you.

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Another Linkdump: Sept 18, 2010

john 9/18/2010 0

You have got to get you the Spat Solver; it's what you need!

The heat of July is upon us. Do what you can to stay cool. These links will not help you do that, but are still worth checking out.

Pavarotti and James Brown - This Is A Man´s World

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Galveston's Hope & Resurrection

john 9/15/2010 0

I know I’m a few days late. It’s been 2 years and three days since Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. Galvnews.com gets a daily hit from my laptop. Of course, all my family is in the area. I think I may have already mentioned that.

So, to bring you, my online reading family, to Galveston I want to share with you this link from The Galveston County News. It’s called Hope and Resurrection. Shouldn’t that be a sermon title? Still, you get the impression that things are, though slowly, coming together. It takes time.

Have you been lately? Stay blessed...john

From Galveston County Daily News

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Mathews' Mission

john 9/15/2010 0

I have to confess; I was not familiar with the ministry of Bishop Mathews. During the summer I took a UM History course. One of the reading assignments was Matthews' autobiography entitled A Global Odyssey. At first, the just under 500 page book seemed like another daunting addition to a course book list. However, I was glad I read it. I can't imagine living a life full of accomplishments and experiences that would require that many pages.

But that was the life of Bishop Mathews. Last week Bishop Mathews died at the age of 97. Read an article about Mathews here. I would recommend reading the book. It was interesting for me to read how someone whose life was lived in complete Christian mission reflected on his experiences.

As it turns out, I may have been the only person in class to answer the one essay question about the bishop. I'm glad I had a chance to know of his witness.

Stay blessed...john

Tags # Books # Misc Continue Reading

Another Invocation

john 9/14/2010 0

Okay, Gloria wasn't thrilled about me sharing her video coverage on the Irving channel. So, you'll have to ask her to show you where that is. John Fletcher, however, is taking this time to be as self serving as he can be right now (third person is always the place to begin).

This was the second time I was asked to give the invocation at the city's council meeting. Last year I left a little ticked, but got over it. A councilperson's laptop magically turned on during the prayer. I won't rant about why that bothered me.

Anyways, here is the video (click here if you're reading an email) of last week's council meeting with a special invocation by the most reverent John Fletcher. Oh, and the rest of the meeting can be viewed on another website. Stay blessed...john (back to normal)

Tags # Misc # Video Continue Reading

One Post about OneNote

john 9/14/2010 0

In preparing for the beginning of this semester I came across Microsoft’s OneNote program. It came with the Office Suite I ordered a couple of years ago, but I never paid any attention to it. I was trying to sync my relatively new phone to my computer so I could have my classes, tasks and contacts up to date. As I did that OneNote opened.

So, I started messing around with it. I think I like it. Essentially, it’s a multi-subject notebook—all in one place, thus OneNote. You can create notebooks that contain sections. To each section can be added pages and subpages. For example, I created a Notebook entitled Perkins (school). Then I labeled a section (more can be added) within Perkins as Fall 2010. Under each section are pages for each of the four classes I am taking. Finally, each day’s notes are created in subpages of each class respectively.

Of course, you can type, but inserting other elements like pictures or shapes is just as easy. Many times a professor will use a graph or diagram as an illustration. By the time I would try to create one of those in WORD I missed the point of the topic. OneNote allows me to easily arrange shapes and other elements. Also, text boxes can be moved around.

I’m still getting a feel for it. There might be more convenient ways to use it, and who knows if I will continue to use it. For now, thought, I think I like it. The program comes with Office Suite 2007. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Are there security issues or anything else to keep in mind?

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Is That Church Growing: Where Grace Happens

john 9/13/2010 0

Last week I told you about our upcoming sermon series. This past Sunday we began the series Is That Church Growing?

You can listen to the first sermon of the series by clicking here or using the player below. Beware: the recording didn't come out like it should. I tried my best to make it easier to listen to. Sometimes that happens.

You can view the bulletin we used for our service as well by clicking here. Let me know what you think. Stay blessed...john

Tags # Sermons Continue Reading

john 9/13/2010 0

At this point we have enough people to begin a Disciple I group. I think this is an important element of Oak Haven's growth. So, thanks for praying with me, and keep praying.

I think I am going to share this picture with the group.

Those of you who have participated in a Disciple study probably realize how true this is, and that Disciple's goal is to get past that. What do you think? What are your Disciple I, II, III or IV experience? I've only met a couple of people who have completed all four. We're trying to change that!

Stay blessed...john
+link

Tags # Church # Faith Continue Reading

What's Your Sermon Count?

john 9/09/2010 0

Let’s talk about sermons (not those). Specifically, let’s make mention of the sermons those Chosen ones at Oak Haven hear each Sunday—mine. I was somewhat surprised, but of course grateful, when I noticed recently our sermon count. As some of you know, in addition to being posted on this site, the church’s weekly sermons are available at www.oakhavenumc.org. I’ve told you before about the sermon player we use. It is great; I can’t personally do it right now, but if you’re interested you might consider a gift to help support all the work they do.

How many sermons have you heard?

Our sermons date back to just about when we came to Irving. There are obviously some missing in that time. Technology is great, but sometimes it doesn’t do exactly what you want, and sometimes I just ran out of time! In all, as I write now, there are 58 sermons available online. They have been played 2,351 times (2-comma-three-five-one). Now, some churches can sneeze sermon counts that high, but this is the place they used to call The Little Country Church in the City. That’s a lot of plays, if you ask me. Some sermons have been heard as few as 3 times (thanks, Mom!), with the highest at 58. So, if I did my math correctly, that is approximately 40 plays per sermon.

Here is what I think is best about it. For the most part, I’m not convinced the people sitting in Oak Haven’s pews are doing the listening. Why on Earth would they do that to themselves? Of course, there are those that occasionally tell me they listened after they missed a Sunday. That’s good in and of itself. For the most part, however, I’m pretty sure these are others that either came across our website or may have visited before.

Regardless, I am pleased our church is able to connect this way. So, keep listening and sharing with others and we’ll keep posting.

I’m curious. What sermon topics would be beneficial for some of you? I would like to do a series related to your questions. Let me know. Stay blessed…john

Tags # Church # Sermons Continue Reading

A Rain on My Parade

john 9/08/2010 0

I am grateful for the rain. We needed it. Our water was tasting funny and our grass was suffering, etc. Of course, with rain comes flooding, car accidents and endless newscasts about them. That is so frustrating. We watch local news in the morning as we are getting ready for the day. When it rains like it has the past two days there is nothing else worthy of reporting. Some people probably appreciate that. I don't.

Rain falling on streets doesn't constitute shocking video coverage. Thank you for letting me know it is raining. Thank you for warning me about flash flooding and thank you for the up to the minute rain gauge reports.

Rant over.

This reminded me of a video from the Ellen DeGeneres Show. It's funny, and will most likely make you laugh. So, only watch it if you need to. Enjoy. Stay blessed...john

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Bye Bye Summer

john 9/08/2010 0

Summer time is over for us. It's back to the grind of school schedules and other activities. I thought I would share some pictures of some of the Fletchermints during the hot days of summer. .

Stay blessed...john

It's a party

Gloria and Oprah

Lovebirds

First day of school

Posing in the water

Another pose

Family visit

Nice moves

Feeding the ferry birds

Grandma and her baby girl

Tags # Faith # Pictures Continue Reading

10,000 people for ten projects in ten days

john 9/07/2010

How much attention has your local UMC given to the upcoming 10 Fold project? This may be something you mission committee members should take a look at.

Watch the video below or click here.

Stay blessed...john

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Life Explained

john 9/06/2010 0

I'm not sure which translation this represents, but I thought it was funny when I first read it. Thanks, Parks.

On the first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:

'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years… How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created humans and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry, and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But the human said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it...'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

Tags # Forwards Worth Sharing Continue Reading

Chosen to Know

john 9/05/2010 0

Here is the final sermon in our latest series entitled Chosen. I would be interested to hear your comments or observations from the last three weeks. I am beginning another series next week related to this post; it's entitled Is That Church Growing?

You can listen to today's sermon below or, if you're reading by email, you can click this link. Also, if you visit the sermon channel you can view a copy of our bulletin. Let me know if you think that is a good idea.

Stay blessed...john

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The Bible in Pictures

john 9/03/2010 0

These pictures came in an email a few weeks ago (Thanks, David). Some of these are pretty funny. God separating the clothes is good, and Jesus being rejected is hilarious! I figured you could use a laugh. Which one do you like?

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