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...

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...

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

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 Open publication - Free publishing - More chu...

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,...

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...

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 Cl...

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...

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, 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....

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!...

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...

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...j...

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...

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...

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....

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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...