AnotherJohn.Com

This is not a new discussion by any means.  I don't intend to add any thought to the topic.  But this is the season (the week) it comes out the most.  So, what are your thoughts about the whole foot washing thing?  We at Oak Haven will not emphasize it this year.  Last year's Maundy Thursday service did focus on the act and offered the opportunity to participate.  Most of those present did participate.  The final team meeting for our KAIROS walks always included a foot washing service.  So much of that ministry is about servant hood;  the service was a powerful way to prepare to do what we had planned for.  What other times might foot washing be appropriate?  How comfortable are you when your church hosts a service that includes foot washing?  Do you have any foot washing stories?  Stay blessed...john

Someone is preparing this song for our Maundy Thursday service. It is in The Faith We Sing songbook and is called Come Share the Lord . I've enjoyed using that resource since being here at Oak Haven; I never used it before then. There are a bunch of nice songs to use. Let me know what you think about this one. Maybe I'll be able to post what we do on Thursday. Here are the lyrics: We gather here In Jesus name His love is burning in our hearts Like living flame For thru the loving Son The Father makes us one Come take the bread Come drink the wine Come share the Lord No one is a stranger here Everyone belongs Finding our forgiveness here We in turn forgive all wrongs He joins us here He breaks the bread The Lord who pours the cup Is risen from the dead The one we love the most Is now our gracious host Come take the bread Come drink the cup Come share the Lord We are now a family Of which the Lord is Head Though unsee...

I don't know if you have recognized my profile picture.  Someone from Oak Haven is really good at this.  So good, in fact, I offered a special assignment.  The project is almost done.  Of course, I can't tell you what it is now because it is a surprise.  Only a small group of people know--they have sworn themselves to secrecy....or ELSE! Just wanted to share the picture with you.  Look at the full set of hair.  Stay blessed...john

Here is something I am working on and would appreciate your input regarding.  Sometime just after the Easter holiday I would like to launch a lectionary group at Oak Haven.  This group would consider the weekly lectionary readings used for each Sunday worship service.  There are several reasons I am looking forward to having this group. First, I love it when people get into the text and begin to discover things, and come away with faith forming questions. Secondly, if people in our church are doing that, the potential is for the sermon to be that much more effective.  Thirdly, it gives me a chance to hear and recognize the struggles or questions others may have with the text.  This might be the most valuable aspect for me. I'm thinking of having a weekly meeting time, perhaps a Sunday afternoon or Monday evening.  I would also want to welcome email submissions; it seems like a likely scenario to include a posting here on the blog and maybe even the chur...

   Where does the practice of preaching fit into the world of the Church today? How is it used, and of what significance is it to those who would listen? These are just a few of the questions that can be taken from a reading of Charles Campbell’s The Word Before the Powers . It becomes clear Campbell believes preaching is an ever important element of the Church’s ongoing formation and resistance to the powers at work within the world. Therefore, Campbell offers a unique approach to the task of preaching by presenting an ethic of preaching that “informs the church’s ethical reflection and moral life” (p71). This is a serious task with far reaching implications.    Preaching takes on two great functions in accomplishing this task. First, simplistic preaching, preaching that is watered down to meet and conform to the status-quo, does not adequately take up the mission of ethical formation. It cannot; the status quo is bonded to the powers of the world. Preach...

There is great joy in spending time with our children!  That's partly why I appreciate this video.  Sure, these are world-wide performers known by millions of people.  More than that though I see, hear and feel that joy between a father and his son sharing in something they both love. As I watch this video I wonder what activities I can share with my children.  Do I know my children well enough to appreciate experiences like this?  Will I have to wait a few years before they might be willing to join me?  Music is a big part of our family.  Who knows?  Maybe one day you'll hear of the Fletcher Five.  Stay blessed...john Performance Taylor McFerrin and his dad, Bobby Music Instinct PBS