AnotherJohn.Com

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.    Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. -Psalm 139:14 ++If you are reading by email or newsreader, click here to watch the video.++

Hopefully, this happens more often than not.  Stay blessed...john

Here's something I came across today.  It's appropriate to end off "Pastor Appreciation Month."  God has placed pastors in my life that have prepared me for ministry and life, and I am thankful for them.  What about you?  What have you learned most from your pastors? If a pastor preaches over 12 minutes, he's a windbag; if her sermon is short, she came unprepared. If she gives her sermon in a quiet voice, she's a bore; if he puts feeling into his sermon, he's too emotional. If the church budget is balanced, he's a good businessman; if he asks for money to balance the budget, he's greedy. If she visits church members in their homes, she's nosy; if she doesn't, she's a snob and doesn't care. If she's young, she's not experienced; if he's old, he should retire. If he lives, the pastor at the church down the block is a better preacher and counselor than he is; if he dies, there was nobody like him and h...

This Sunday our church began a discipleship emphasis.  Actually, we first called it a stewardship campaign, but felt too many people would think we were asking for money because, you know, stewardship is all about money.  Well, not actually. For the next six weeks we are focusing on several aspects of life with God.  This week we began with prayer.  I think most people acknowledged the importance of prayer.  It's just finding the time and knowing the words that are hard to do.  I get that.  I have the same struggle which is why I still use material to guide me through prayer. Praying is not something we come out of the womb ready to do.  Fortunately, the Holy Spirit shows us how to pray.  And prayer is not a chore or something to mark off our things to do list.  It's a blessing. That is what I wanted to communicate in this sermon, entitled "You Do Have a Prayer."  God knows how the burdens of life in this world can make us...

Each one of the Fletcher Five has a container to hold keepsakes.  Recently, we had a chance to go through a couple of them and had a lot of fun looking at pictures, old handwriting and all kinds of other things.  Over the years, the kids' collecting habits have evolved.  At first they wanted to make sure to keep every piece of paper returned from school.  Every. Piece. Of. Paper. We were able to encourage them to only keep important school projects.  Now, we're in the quick habit of recycling every worksheet that comes home.  There was one exception last week.  Nathan's week of work was filled with the usual pile of worksheets, but one stood out to me.  I even hijacked the sheet, and am including it in my container. His assignment was about the importance of community.  He listed what a community was, and was asked to draw the "favorite part of your community."  This is what he submitted: I don't know who all those peo...

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 posted this picture to the blog's Facebook page .  Within two days it reached over 31,000 Facebook users.  That represents this blog's best attempt at being viral.  So, did everyone think it was funny, or did they just want to convince me to actually do this one Sunday? You be the judge. Stay blessed...john

We all know that football is a religion here in Texas, and I'll admit that I'm a dedicated follower. Now, I'm not a religious leader or by any means a fanatic. I don't do fantasy football; I don't know every statistical category; I don't know every roster. I've wanted to paint my face and wear a Darth Vader mask to a game, but have yet to do so.  I do, however, enjoy watching the games either sitting in my La-Z-Boy or in a crowded stadium.  I'm looking forward to watching the Super Bowl on our church's gym wall again.  My reading habits change during football season, I check my favorite team's website often and want to hear what the experts have to say on ESPN or talk radio. If we were to compare the religion of football with Christianity, you might say I'm like the guy who comes to church occasionally during the month and leaves $1 for offering.   I watch enough football to be labeled a follower of the football faith, but don't ...

Oh, how I would love to show this video to you and have a little talk.  Since I can't do that, you'll just have to watch it on your own and let me know what you think. Blimey Cow may not be a good resource for everyone.  You have to be able to appreciate their approach to the topics they present.  That said, I'm putting it on my blog.  That should tell you what I think about it. ++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++ After watching, did you find anything in there that applied to you? Let's hear it. Stay blessed...john

The book of Revelation is a book about worship.  That seems strange to many people.  Images of beasts, plagues, whores, horsemen and the end of time make it difficult to see John's call to worship the One who is worthy.  In fact, those types of images scare many people into thoughts of destruction and disaster. With some imagination and soul searching, however, we can look and see what John wants us to know.  Revelation is not about predicting the future.  Rather, it's about our commitment to God.  John's vision reminds us 1) God has a better way of life for us, 2) We can live that life and 3) It is all worth it. Week 1: A Divine Imagination Week 2: Faith Counts Week 3: The End of Your World Stay blessed...john

Everyone knows summer can be hard on church attendance.  People travel.  People say they travel.  It can be difficult to tell how many of your church friends you may see in church on any given Summer Sunday.  Instead of taking summer "off" or leaving the good stuff for when everyone comes home, I wanted to do something a little different for those folks who are able to make it to church during the hot months. Who knows, maybe it would even help get that one soul out of bed if they knew they could expect something different in church. So, longer story short, I decided to do a sermon series on the book of Revelation.  I've had plenty of questions and conversations since I first let everyone know about it.  There have been a few that have said they were looking forward to hearing it all.   I guess it was a good idea. Here are the first two sermons. ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click on the title to begin listening to...

Remember your baptism.  Stay blessed...john

Today, our family is celebrating Gloria's birthday number ## .  Oddly enough, we'll be traveling to celebrate another life--a newborn nephew. Thankfully, the Internet lets us join in the party no matter where we are.  So, sit back, push play and party with us as we wish Gloria the best on her birthday. ++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to start the party .++ Stay blessed...john

I've  told you before about one  of my favorite websites, but I don't think I've mentioned another.  In the last week or so, there's been a "Yo mama so Methodist" trend on  United Methodist Memes  (aforementioned other site).  Some of them have been pretty good.  So, I joined the trend and combined two of our favorite things: Methodism and football. I leave it to you to decide which order those should be arranged. If you're a good Methodist and a decent fan of football, you get it.  Stay blessed...john

Today Gloria and I are celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary.  In that time I've realized a lot about myself.  For example, I see now that I have tended to be the one who took all the pictures of everyone else. That isn't a bad thing until you try to make a 3-minute montage with pictures of yourself and your bride. So, with that in mind, join me in wishing Gloria a happy anniversary. ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++ Stay blessed...john

Grumpy Cat just finished reading Psalm 96: O sing to the Lord a new song.   And you might be reading some Galatians 1 this week in church.  If so, this is for you. Stay blessed...john

One day, our lives will look like this: After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 But, until that day, we have to put up with stuff like this: ++If you are reading by email or newsreader,  click here to watch  the video?++ Thoughts? Stay blessed...john +22Words

Aldersgate Day is May 24th.  It's the day we United Methodists remember John Wesley's "heart strangely warmed" experience.  I'm not sure if Wesley made such a big deal out of that day as we do now.  Still, as we follow Wesley's life and theology, that evening marked a significant moment in is faith.  He would later question the assurance and faith he was given that night as he continued in ministry. Here are his words: In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. Journal, May 24, 1738 I love how he wasn't even re...

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?

Please use your children's sermon to train children, not entertain adults.

I told my friends I was not going to eat for 30 hours. They were all like.... Our church is hosting its first 30 Hour Famine .  We're pretty excited.  Long-time readers of the blog remember our other Famine days.  So, you know there's an anticipated haircut in everyone's mind.  It's amazing how church folk really want to help the youth reach their goal.   Have you ever participated in the 30 Hour Famine?  What was your experience?   Look for our Famine video next week.  Stay blessed...john

* Did you stand?  What?  You saw the asterisk and you didn't stand?  I'm beginning to question your commitment to Christ.  Who doesn't stand in church when they see an asterisk? Answer: A lot of people. It's fun to watch the church wave as people realize they're supposed to stand to sing this song or hear that reading.  Some wait to be the last one sitting.  That's probably an ego thing. Now, instead of  making fun of  criticizing people for not knowing when to stand, even though you've inserted the canonical  *indicates stand  admonition, how about you help them out a little more.  I've done a lot of things I'm proud of in the last two churches I've served.  I'd hate to say it, but one of my most daring accomplishments has been that I have  X ed the *. Okay, I've done some more important things. Instead of hoping that asking people to, "Please stand" will work or remind them of the great and powerful *, we...

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 ...

You know a commercial series has its grasp on you when you see an actor in another setting and can't shake the image you have of them selling you something, say insurance.  J.K. Simmons put aside being the professor at the University of Farmers to make a pretty good movie.   I watched him recently in The Music Never Stopped . How many people have you met that did not like music?  There was a book of the Bible that was written about those people, but since there wasn't that many of them it didn't get included in the canon.  Most people love some form of music or, at least, understand that music touches the soul like nothing else can.  If that's you then I think you can appreciate this film. The Movie It's based on a true story about a husband and wife who learn their estranged son has been found to have a brain tumor.  The tumor is removed, but their son is left with no ability to form new memories.  The last memories they h...

Most people like O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.  Until you tell them we're going to sing the whole thing! Stay blessed...john

You've seen the "You are here" maps in public places. You've looked at that red dot and tried to make sense of where it was locating you, wondering if you understood where you really were. It's important information to have in case of an emergency situation. And it's good to have in life, too. I'm thinking this next song speaks to that a bit. How insignificant we feel sometimes. How hopeless our future seems. Consequently, our life reflects such feelings. That quickly wears a person down. Have a listen to Ben Howard's "The Fear" and see what you take from it. Here are the lyrics: Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me how you feel Just a blade in the grass, spoke unto the wheel Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me where it's all gone The luster of your bones, those arms that held you strong   I been worryin' that my time is a little unclear I been worryin' that I'm losing the one's I hold dear I been wo...

I say that I will scream if I hear another sermon, clergy retreat, district meeting  or conference presentation that mentions church membership decline.  And if they include numbers and percentages I will walk out.  Now, if I did that my throat would constantly be hoarse and I would never attend another meeting because it's mentioned quite a bit. And how two-faced am I?  Church membership decline came up in my sermon this past Sunday; I even slipped in a statistic.  I neither raised my voice beyond my usual bellowing and was the last person to the leave the sanctuary. I think it was God. It seemed right, and a good and joyful thing to mention it as we thought about Peter's miraculous work with Tabitha and how so many believed in the Lord because of it. It's agreed by many that the church has lost some of it's prophetic voice.  Maybe she's been yelling too loud at other things, but many do not think the Christian church has much to contribute to the...

We have been chosen by God. But what does that mean? How are we chosen? And for what are we chosen? You can use the mini sermon player below or click on the sermon title to hear each file. Chosen to Be Chosen for More Chosen to Know

   A small act of kindness goes a long way. Do you believe that? I do because it seems God is able to do much with very little. It is often said God formed Creation ex nihilo, meaning “out of nothing”—talk about not having much to work with. And what about 2John & 3John? These are two of the shortest books in the Bible, 13 and 15 verses respectively. You could read both in minutes. Quickly, these letters express Christian love, teaching and fellowship. I can imagine the joy and excitement as these were first read to their faith communities.    Letters like 2John & 3John, called epistles, were written to churches for various reasons. They were included in the Bible because early Christians considered them inspired and of God. Imagine that. A person pops in your mind, or you hear of a struggle someone is facing and you decide to write a letter to say “Thinking of You” or “I’m Praying for you.” A call or visit may be a small act to you, but it c...

Gloria told me I should change the title of this sermon.  So, I did.  You can thank her for not hearing a sermon entitled A Big But . Instead, I went with This Changes Everything, hoping I could still get the point across.  The point?  Easter is the biggest "But" of all!  It's called a coordinating conjunction.  Look it up or have a quick listen to this Easter sermon.  And don't be jealous that your church didn't talk about buts on Easter. That's a pretty big but(t) ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to listen to the sermon.++ Stay blessed...john

Oh, how do I despise what I see? ++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++ Let me count the ways.... Nevermind. Why don't you tell me what you think. Stay blessed...john +22words

March is full of exciting holidays. Here are a few: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day; If Pets Had Thumbs Day; Holy Experiment Day; Frozen Food Day; Extraterrestrial Abductions Day; Goof-Off Day; Something on a Stick Day; I Am in Control Day. Laugh now, but we’ll see how you feel come Chocolate Covered Raisin Day! Of course, calling these days holidays might be a stretch. Still, these made-up days help us break the monotony of each day and give us something to celebrate. So, enjoy them if you like, but also recall there is another day in March that gives real meaning. For many, Easter first brings images of eggs and chocolate, or some combination of both. Bunnies and baskets are a must, as are family barbecues, too. These help us enjoy the day and the opportunity to meet with family and friends to celebrate. So, enjoy them, but know that our true meaning as God’s people is celebrated in Christ’s Resurrection. That’s why some people call it Resurrection Day; we are Resurrection p...

The calling to nurture and be a part of the faith development of our young people has been ringing in my own heart for quite some time now. Over the last several years I have seen how the church has fallen short with that calling. It's one of my life's goals to establish faithful youth ministries that help young people know what it means to love God and love people--there are, of course, many facets to that. So, I was quite giddy really as our church began to anticipate establishing such a ministry. As of last night, we are on our way. We met with a handful of students last night for our first youth gathering. I had fun, and I think everyone else did as well. Here's a quick look at what we did.  ++If you're reading by email or newsreader, click here to watch the video.++ Stay blessed...john

Often it seems that our most important lessons come at difficult times.  Maybe it's in those times that we're finally paying attention or realize maybe we didn't have things all figured out.  Tough spots in life may be the only time we keep our mouths closed enough to listen for what we need to hear.  Whatever the case, we tend to learn those lessons that stick with us during our most trying times, or, to use biblical language, in our wilderness, or desert, experiences. It was through the parted waters of the sea that the Israelites learned the power of God, but it was in the desert they learned to trust God.  According to the gospel writer, Luke, after his baptism, the first place Jesus goes is the desert.  Oh, he learns something there.  As do we. What we learn in wilderness is that we are in need of God.  When we were in Egypt, so to speak, we knew our livelihoods would be okay .  Now, we're stammering in the desert hungry a...

"I'd be bored," is what Brittani blurted out about midway through this video.  "Fine," I said, "find something else to go with your lesson."  She had been preparing for a children's Sunday school class and wanted something else to go along with her First Sunday of Lent lesson. I thought her bored comment was referring to watching the video.  It wasn't.  No, she wondered about being in the desert for 40 days.  After a while you'd want to check your phone...whoops.  Who are you going to have a conversation with?  As you get through the hunger pains you might decide you were a little bored. Have you ever thought of being in the desert?  What kind of feelings would you have?  What would go through your mind?  We can't even make through a one hour worship service without our mind wandering.  What would 40 days in the desert do to us? Here's a great video that portrays Jesus' 40-day desert temptation.  Watch it and see what ref...

Need a smile? Watch this next video . You're welcome. Stay blessed...john

Apparently, pastors do more than put people to sleep.   ++If you are reading by email or news reader, click this link to learn why God made a pastor .++

Another saint's faith had been made sight. That was the comforting thought and promise as the pastor visited with the family preparing their loved one's memorial service. These are holy moments. Often tearful and difficult, but holy. A pastor is invited into a family's mourning. That requires enough humility, responsibility and authority that you would suppose the pastor would have ensured there was a box of tissue available. Pity what we don't do sometimes. No tissues needed, as it turned out. Swelling tears were quickly followed and replaced by laughter and a good story or two. This saint was surely to be missed. And surely there would be many friends who would want to pay their last respects. This celebration of life was just as much for them as it was for the family. Throughout life, the departed saint had demonstrated genuine friendship. Now, the family would have a chance to follow suite. Arrangements were made to invite everyone to a catered dinner at the c...

Last week I aggravated an old knee injury.  I'd like to say it looks worse than it feels.  Unfortunately, however, it was looking pretty ugly and feeling the same way. I tell you that because I was so disappointed Sunday morning.  The first part of my sermon was all about being, getting and staying UP.  God calls us UP to the mountain sides of faith.  But you and I know that we cannot stay UP because God also calls us to Get Down. Oh, when I said that I wanted to break out in dance, very similar to this: Get Down On It But that sore knee kept me from doing so! In fact, for the most part I stayed behind my pulpit (music stand) as I preached. Proof it can be done. Still, one day soon I will get down. In the mean time I hope the message is clear. God wants to meet us where we are. God wants us to know the glory of God. There are no more peaceful and affirming moments than when we know we have been in God's presence. But we must realize that God...

What does a preacher have to say to make you angry? We opened our worship service with that question this week.  I'm sure some preacher has rustled a few of your feathers once or twice.  Was it on a Sunday morning?  Was it some off-comment during a church meeting?  Did the preacher tell you what s/he really thought about (insert hot-topic issue) during a Bible study? If you can recall the last time you wanted to throw your preacher off the nearest cliff, you fit perfectly into the story of Jesus going back home to preach.  Incidentally, I worked on this sermon the same time I was preparing for a family member's funeral back home.  Thanks, God.  That was real funny. Jesus went home.  He ran into his peeps and went to church.  Everyone was probably proud as he got up and began to read from the scroll.  They were even more amazed with what he had to say....at first. If only he could have kept his holy mouth closed. But thank Go...

Tomorrow I am doing something I never thought I would do. In fact, I often said I would never do it! Our family is celebrating the life of my step-father, Darrell. He passed away this past weekend, even though he was one of those people I thought would be around forever. Darrell and I butted heads quite a bit as I grew up. Oh, I was the know-it-all and he was the tough guy. That's a perfect mix for a lot of things. Still, I loved him and I know he loved me. He had been around all my life. So, what am I doing tomorrow? I'm leading the funeral service for my dad. I never called him by that name, but that is what he will always be to me. Many of you are praying people. If you're praying with our family, please include an extra or two prayers of strength for me. It isn't uncommon for God to ask us to do what we thought we would never do. God is funny that way. Praise the Lord, though, because in our weakness, we are made strong. Amen. Darrell Lance ...

Please don't tell me this is you! Stay blessed...john

Is it possible to go through life on this planet without being hurt?  I don't think so.  We all have pain.   Part of my role as minister is to remind people that God understands our pain and wants to comfort and console us. Christ knew what it meant to be hurt.  His home town friends tried to kill him and his disciples ditched him when he needed them the most.  And that's not even going theological--something about God become incarnate.   God is able to renew us and instill in us a peace that surpasses anything we could imagine.  That peace brings healing and wholeness of life. Still, people hurt.  And we don't know where in life they're dealing with their hurt, or not dealing with it.  Today may be the day they hear of God's mercy and peace and want it for themselves.  Tomorrow may be the day.  Their 101st birthday may be the day.  In the mean time, their anger may manifest itself in particular behaviors that ...

You can probably imagine the kind of looks I received when I told the church yesterday that I thought "we should stop reading the Bible." Those good church people knew that didn't sound right. Of course, I said a lot more (Well, not a LOT more)than that to explain what I meant. In many ways, it's unfortunate that the Bible, our sacred text has become another victim of our consumeristic ways. Many of us have been taught to read the Bible because it's what we're supposed to do. We've never been any good at doing what we're supposed to do. Some consider the Bible to be a life manual. There's two things problematic with that. First, most of us only read a manual if/when we think we need to. Second, the rest of us didn't even know there was a manual in the box. If we did, we probably threw it straight into the trash.  The Bible has to more to us than another product. I think we should learn to listen and hear God's word. When...

With the rush of the holiday season behind us and the New Year before us, I always appreciate receiving late Christmas cards.  Sometimes, the cards get returned to sender and that accounts for the tardiness.  There are address mix ups that happen, too.  Most of the time, however, I am thankful because someone sends a card because they are just like me—mailing cards just didn’t happen on time this year.  More than that, though, I like being reminded of the joy of the season.        Stress, anxiety and uncertainty are abundant and all too familiar to many of us.  Each of those alone is enough to burden someone.  When they are blended into everyday life, waking up everyday can be a chore.  We need the reminder that God wants so much more for us.  God offers peace that surpasses all understanding.  There is healing, pure wholeness of spirit that only God can provide.  When we are overwhelmed by the ci...