Winter Road: The Blog of Mark Winter's One Man Show Ministries

Make Your Lent Dramatic!

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday, the portal to the season of Lent, is less than a month away. Deepen the Lenten experience by staging a One Man Show event at your church. You can schedule three days of renewal with dramatic monologues, devotional meal programs and messages ... or you can schedule me to come in for a midweek or Holy Week service to portray Judas, Peter, John the Baptist or Doubting Thomas.

In 2008, I did my modernized monologue of Judas at a Maundy Thursday service in Weatherford, Texas. Later the pastor wrote,

"Mark Winter’s portrayal of Judas is a somber awakening to the darkness in each of our souls. Mark does an excellent job and within moments of his beginning to speak, you’ll believe you’re really listening to Judas. He presents the drama dressed all in black and looking sorry (but never repentant) and harshly determined. He begins by counting his coins and talking about his love of money. He indicates very clearly that money and material things can truly become our god. I could hear Jesus saying, 'You cannot love God and money' as Judas spoke. Judas doesn’t share with us who he is out of fear we may not hear the important words he has to say. But in the end he does. He says, 'I am… you!' Wow! That pierced my soul as I thought back to the times I, too, have betrayed my Savior in one way or another. At one point in the drama Judas says his biggest sin wasn’t so much the actual betrayal of Jesus, but the fact that, unlike Peter after his denial, Judas never found his way back to Jesus. It really brought home to me that anyone at any time can find their way back to Jesus’ loving arms no matter what they’ve done or haven’t done. If you’ve never seen Mark present Judas, you should. It’s the slap in the face we all need every once in a while. And rest assured, as members of my congregation have let me know, the audience will be moved and their hearts enlightened."

To book, call the One Man Show office at 817-281-2730 or send an email to info@onemanshow.org.

The Missing Piece: An Original Easter Play for Your Church

2012-01-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

It's interesting what you find when you clean out your file cabinet. In my case, I recently came across a script that I had forgotten about. Entitled The Missing Piece, I had written it for a friend who pastored a church in upstate New York at the time. He told me that his fine arts team was looking for something fresh and exciting to do for the Easter season and thought I could help. I got to work, wrote a first draft and did one revision before it debuted in the spring of 2001.

"Four performances and many people touched," the pastor wrote me in an email after the play.

The Missing Piece starts as a testimony by a woman who comes out of the pew, accompanied by her husband. She talks of how busy she was with family and volunteer work, but still had a missing piece in her life that she couldn't identify. As she talks, her testimony blends into a play.

Eventually the woman accepts an invitation to watch a passion play at her friend's church. Deeply moved, she commits her life to Christ and finds the missing piece. In the play is an actual jigsaw puzzle that the main character is working on at home, and she happens to find a missing piece to the puzzle soon after her life-changing experience.

The play features 16 characters, including a few people who lend only offstage voices. Two children are in the cast, as well as a few actors who portray biblical characters, including Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Roman soldiers.

I am making this script available for only $15, which includes the rights to make as many copies as you need. The money will support the ministry of One Man Show.

If you would like to read a one-page sample of the script, call 817-454-1129 or send an email to info@onemanshow.org. You can also order via phone or email.

An Evening that Went to the Dogs

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday was an evening that went to the dogs--but it was actually a good thing. LARAS House held their 4th annual "Spay-ghetti and Nooders" banquet at the Groesbeck, TX civic center, and it was a doggone success.

My youngest sister, who serves on the LARAS House board, invited me to be the keynote speaker at the banquet. She knew that I loved dogs and, being a preacher, felt that I could probably come up with something to say. I was billed as a "humorist," but a more accurate description might have been "Man with Twisted Sense of Humor."

A few hours before the banquet, Sis took me out to the LARAS House facility, located in nearby Mexia, TX. I was greeted by happy barks and wagging tails. I also got to meet the doggies who went to New York last October to particpate in Animal Planet's "Puppy Bowl."

That night, over 200 people filed in to buy tickets and review silent auction items before the dinner and program. Local politicians wandered the floor soliciting donations in big buckets and wearing signs such as "Captain K9" and "Big Chief Hot Dog." We heard a heartwarming adoption story and then it was time for the "Humorist" to take center stage.

I opened by asking if the "spay-ghetti and nooders" were prepared or fixed.Then I went on to make a confession that there were more pictures of my dogs on Facebook than of my kids. My sister was operating a projector, flashing images of the four Winter rescue canines on a screen as I told funny stories of how my wife and I got each one of them. I also imitated a cat responding to a LARAS House post entitled, "You May Be the Purr-fect Cat Owner If You..."

One of the qualificiations was, "You don't mind having your ankles rubbed by an affectionate, hairy animal." The cat's reply? Or shredded; makes no difference to moi.

As I neared the end of my talk, I urged the audience to keep fighting the good fight, promoting responsible pet ownership through spaying and neutering. Then I ended with this beautiful haiku, written from the perspective of a pet:

I am your best friend.

Now, always and especially

When you are eating.

Star-Gazing at Epworth UMC

2012-01-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Not literally. We didn't set up our telescopes in the church parking lot or anything. My sermon topic this past Sunday had to do with stars...the "starry host" mentioned in Isaiah 40:26. Rev. Sarah Howe Miller had invited me to fill her pulpit at Epworth United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX while she participated in a weekend Walk to Emmaus retreat.

I have some history at Epworth. My wife and I were married there nearly 30 years ago and my sister and her family are members. So it was great reconnecting with friends and kinfolk. Between the two services, I hung out with the teens and youth director, and we had a great time cutting up, chatting about future college plans, eating donuts and praying.

At both services, I delivered a children's sermon using a fabric bag that tells the story of creation by changing colors--there were even silvery stars that cascaded out of the bag at one point! After the message, I gave each kid a "Jesus Loves Me" sticker.

Epworth is blessed to have a new music director. It was her first Sunday, and she knocked it out of the park with a medley of "My Jesus I Love Thee/When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

My sermon was entitled "Do You Have An Epiphany Deficiency?" I opened by telling the congregation that last month, just in time for the holidays, the Hubble Telescope spotted an angel-shaped star about 2000 light-years from Earth (see photo above). About the time Christ was being born, this star was also born in the heavens!

I reminded my hearers that this is the season of Epiphany, the season of "shining forth," the time we remember the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. This divine appearance on earth should urge us to think big, dream big, pray big, give big and forgive big.

"Remember...the God who made all the stars is still creating, both 'out there' and in the human heart."

A New Year of Ministry to Kids

2012-01-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

First United Methodist Church in Temple, TX hosted my first kid's show of the year this week. The Almost Amazing Marko kicked off the first Wednesday night supper program of 2012, entertaining about 20 kids and their parents after a big BBQ meal.

Staff pastor Jane Woodward let me know that the church's current theme is "Practicing the Presence." I wove that idea into my show, using my Multiplying Sponge Ball trick to give my audience a visual on what happens when we share our blessings. Sponge balls would disappear from my hand and jump into a volunteer's hand. He started with one and ended up with four! When we practice the presence of God, we give away our gifts but they keep coming back to us, multiplied by grace!

The children were howling with laughter throughout the show as a wand collapsed, a flower drooped and a volunteer's head mysteriously enlarged and shrunk after the audience watched a spinning red-and-white wheel. All in all, it was a great kick-off for new year of ministry to children.

Revival during Lent? Why Not!

2012-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Canyou believe it? Christmas has just finished and Lent is only about a month away.Usually we think of the Lenten season as a somber, trying time as we forsakechocolate or do without meat. Have you ever thought it could be a prime opportunityfor revival for your church? Lent reminds us of fundamental truths: that we aredust, repentance can bring us closer to God, and spiritual disciplines canactually impart joy.

I havebeen a General Evangelist of the United Methodist church since 1999, operatinga ministry called One Man Show. I have developed a special, three-day eventjust for Lent. Typically it is held from Sun morning -Tues night, but the daysare flexible. The worship portion of the event features monologues andmessages. The "one man shows" are modern-day adaptations of severaldisciples, including Peter as a Texas fisherman and Judas as a haunted coincollector.

In addition, my revivals include optional devotional sessions for men, women and youth. I am also a children’s magician who can do Mother’s Day Out and chapel programs. If you can get me into your public grade school, I can present my secular“Right Choice” show which teaches virtues and values. So far, over 30.000 kids have seen this show, which one principal described as the “best I have ever seen.”

Cost of this event? Pass the plate and cover my traveling expenses. That's it! There is no minimum to raise. Host churches receive a complete info and prep packet that takes the guesswork out of the event.

Ready to book? Contact me via email at info@onemanshow.org or give me a call at 817-454-1129.

From an unsolicited email last spring: "Mark! Just wanted to thank you for your amazing job this past week! I loved it! But what I most loved is that my 12-year old daughter went on and on about you and asked if we could go to your church! Hahaha! Not that she doesn't love ours but she really GOT something out of your talks. I appreciate it! Thanks and God bless you and your ministry!"

Back To My First Pastorate...This Time in a Different Kind of Robe

2012-01-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

In 1992, I was appointed to my first full-time pastorate, the two-point charge of Grandview/Covington United Methodist Church in central Texas. Last Sunday, I returned to Covington for the first time since I left almost 17 years ago. Pastor Robyn Young had issued an invitation for me to perform "Simeon's Dream." Covington is now paired with Line Street UMC in Hillsboro, but there were still some of the "old-timers" there--as well as many new faces!

There is no choir at Covington UMC, so the congregation sang "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" at the appropriate time. When it was time for "Mary Did You Know?," Pastor Robyn played the excellent pre-recorded version by the famous Gaither Vocal Band.

The folks seemed to like the story of the righteous old man waiting for the Messiah. As I exited, Pastor Robyn got up to the pulpit and told the congregation that the performance gave her "God-bumps." One of the church members, who recorded Sunday school attendance back in the day, eagerly told me he wanted me to come back and perform more monologues.

At Line Street UMC, a small but pleasing choir sang "Mary Did You Know?" I believe I had the youngest Mary yet, a pre-teen girl. But she looked the part and did a wonderful job.

This was my last "Simeon's Dream" performance of the 2011/2012 season. In all, I visited five churches for a total of eight performances.

Grow Up

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing like kicking off a new year by preaching! And that's exactly what I had the privilege of doing at Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX. On the first day of 2012, I filled the pulpit for the vacationing Rev. Mike Redd.

There were two morning services. We began worship with the Epiphany carol, We Three Kings of Orient Are and the Charles Wesley classic, Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies. The Covenant accompanist is a music student at Texas Christian University who has some mad concert piano skills!

I led the pastoral prayer and gave the children's message. After the kids gathered on the floor, I brought out my Bible Coloring Book. Blank pages mysteriously filled up with black-and-white sketches of the life of Jesus and, finally, color entered the pictures. I urged the kids to make a new year's resolution to read their Bibles. "Only then will the Bible come alive and color our lives!"

My message was entitled "Grow Up," based on Ephesians 4:11-16. The main idea was that God wants Christians to grow up into the Head of the Church, who is Christ. In order for us to do that, we must become teachable, we must become servants and we must press on toward spiritual maturity.

Covenant UMC celebrates Holy Communion every Sunday. It's always a great honor to issue the invitation to come to the Table of the Lord and serve the elements.

I walked out of the church with a loaf of homemade bread crafted by a couple in the church. The husband told me that they feel that this is their ministry, baking bread for visitors. What a great outreach and one that proves their maturity in using their talents to serve others!

Stamp of Approval

2011-12-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

"Simeon's Dream was a fantastic experience for the folks of Rockbridge. Mark's portrayal made the story come alive. Some had heard the story before, but most had not. God used Mark to transport us back 2000 years to experience the expectancy of Christ. As a new church, we had not had a Biblical drama before. Mark set the bar high. I trust that people will be thinking about Simeon's Dream for years to come and what it means to live in expectation of Christ!"

Rev. Wade Killough

Pastor, Rockbridge United Methodist Church

Cedar Park, TX

Silent Night, Tex-Mex Night

2011-12-28T20:30:00.001-08:00

Earlier this year, in May, I preached a Jubilee revival at Alliance United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth, TX. After one service, a praise team member named Jolene approached me and said, "I heard you singing tonight. You have a nice voice. Would you sing a duet with me sometime, maybe during a Wednesday night service?"

I was flattered and replied, "Sure," but really didn't think Jolene would call me.

She did.

Jolene is a vocal teacher with a music degree, so it was a little intimidating for this guy to rehearse with such a talented singer. I've always described myself as a "prison singer"--always behind a few bars and searching for the key. But I gave it the old college try, learning breath control and phrasing and all that high-falutin' stuff that singers learn. Jolene and I settled on Silent Night since it was a popular carol and one that I already knew.

Finally, it came time for me to sing at the Wednesday night service at Alliance--and, wouldn't you know it, I was struggling with chest congestion and a nagging cough. But I had loaded up on lozenges and tea and got through three stanzas without my voice cracking up. Jolene joined me on the second and third verses, harmonizing with my bass voice. I thought it turned out well, but the real judge was my wife. After the service she said, "Wow, you were better than I thought you were going to be!"

That was a compliment. I think.

I also preached, delivering a sermon entitled Silent Night's Child based on Isaiah 9:6-7. During one rehearsal session, Jolene suggested that I build my sermon around the beloved carol. I thought that was an interesting idea, so the points of the message were that Silent Night's Child was:

THE SAVIOR ("Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is Born")

THE LORD ("Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth")

THE LIGHT OF PURE LOVE ("Son of God, Love's pure light")

It was a wonderful evening and a great way to end the year. Afterwards, my wife and I joined several friends at a Mexican eatery. It doesn't get much better than church and Tex-Mex!

The Way to Christmas

2011-12-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

"The way to Christmas lies through an ancient gate....It is a little gate, child-high, child-wide, and there is a password: 'Peace on earth to men of good will.' May you, this Christmas, become as a little child again and enter into His kingdom."

--Angelo Patri

Rollercoaster Year

2011-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

If I could describe this past year of ministry, it would have to be “rollercoaster.” There have been plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns. The down side is that this has been one of the most formidable years of financial challenge that One Man Show has faced. We have done a lot of cutting back as the rough economic times have caused some of our donors to write smaller checks. Love offerings have also been down, undoubtedly a sign of these difficult times.

The upside has been MINISTRY—and lots of it! It’s hard to know where to begin. Early in the year, at a midwinter retreat at Glen Lake United Methodist Camp, I was invited to lead a group of youth who volunteered to be part of a drama team. At the end of the weekend, the teens from the entire camp put on a grand worship service for parents and pastors, which included music, dance, readings, skits and Holy Communion.

One of the highlights in the fall was a children’s revival at First UMC in Jonesboro, AR that was celebrating its sesquicentennial. The kids and I gathered in the chapel while the rest of the church heard “grown-up preaching” in the sanctuary. As the Almost Amazing Marko, I taught Gospel lessons through illusions. Over three nights, attendance increased 57% and several parents told me that their children wanted to skip karate and other secular commitments to come to the show!

I was also able to write a book this year, an Advent devotional entitled Just One Word. With the publication of this book, I have been inspired to write more. Look for a Lenten guide next year.

My travels also took me to various churches to preach seven Jubilee revivals, present living history lessons through my Circuit Rider character and perform magic shows in public schools. This year, over 1400 children delighted to my Right Choice program, which teaches such values as honesty, kindness and citizenship in a fun and positive atmosphere.

Can you help me end this year on an “up” note? A self-addressed envelope has been enclosed for your donation, which is tax-deductible. Remember, One Man Show Ministries is totally dependent on the generosity of people like you, as we receive no funds from the denomination, no guaranteed benefits. And, if you’re not already doing so, I invite you to prayerfully consider supporting this ministry through the year. All donations are gratefully acknowledged with a receipt for your records.

Thank you for your support. Upward to a new year with God!

YOU CAN WRITE CHECKS TO "ONE MAN SHOW" AND MAIL TO

P.O. BOX 822052 FT WORTH TX 76182.

The ministry also accepts PAYPAL donations through the website. Click HERE.

A Good Day

2011-12-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

It was pitch-dark when I got up on Sunday morning to head down to Cedar Park, TX. I set my iPod to some Christmas tunes and headed south on I-35, sipping hot coffee from my cherished Santa Claus mug. Eventually the sun peeked out over the eastern horizon, spilling molten orange over the hayfields and treetops. It was going to be a good day.

After 2 1/2 hours on the road, I arrived at Rockbridge United Methodist Church to greet my friend and colleague, Rev. Wade Killough. He showed me to my dressing room, where I changed from mild-mannered evangelist to Simeon the tzaddik, the righteous man described in Luke's Gospel.

Rockbridge is a new church start with two contemporary services. Messages are practical, dress is casual, music is provided by a live praise band. Powerpoint slides flash announcements on the wall. One slide announced, CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DEC 25 11 AM PAJAMAS, CAROLS, COCOA, AND JESUS.

I have been playing Simeon for 11 years now and I'm still not tired of portraying him. Several years ago, I added two musical selections (provided by local church talent) and the role of Mary. The young lady who played Mary at Rockbridge looked like she had stepped out of the pages of scripture. She had olive skin, big brown eyes and thick, wavy hair. To top it off, she is a self-described "drama geek" who loves theater. She noted that the script could be adapted to have Mary actually say a few lines instead of me speaking for her. I gave her the green light and she came through like a champ, delivering her lines perfectly and reacting to everything I said.

A husband-and-wife team provided the music. The man played simple guitar arrangements to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Mary, Did You Know?" His wife had a deep, smoky voice that blended beautifully with the instrumentation.

After services, Wade invited me to a Mexican cafe with his wife and four kids. It was fun catching up while we munched on chips and enchiladas.

Like I said, it was a good day.

Stamp of Approval

2011-12-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

"Mark Winter is a veteran preacher / thespian. His presentation of Simeon's Dream brings the Bible to life and leaves the audience spellbound. The first person recount of the story is mixed with humor, music and Mark's distinct Jewish accent. Simeon’s final invitation of '…welcoming Him into the manger of your heart' is an invitation that is soft, priceless and authentic for any Christmas season."

Rev. Joe Carmichael

Pastor, Community of Hope UMC

Mansfield, TX

Message of Hope at Hope

2011-12-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

I knew it was going to be a great Sunday when I walked into Community of Hope United Methodist Church and was escorted to my "dressing room." The door had my name on it (with a star)! Inside the room, there was a table set up with a lighted mirror. Pastor Joe Carmichael and his staff really took care of me.

Community of Hope is a lively congregation. There is no grass growing under the feet of Pastor Joe or his members. For instance, half the foyer was stacked with wrapped Christmas presents and food items. When I asked a woman what it was for, she informed me that the church has adopted a local elementary school. The gifts were for needy children and the food would be used to hold a Christmas banquet for the school.

Two worship services are held at COH and I had the opportunity to present my Christmas monologue, "Simeon's Dream," at both. Mary was portrayed by a local high school theater teacher, and she did a bang-up job as she strolled down the aisle with the Baby Jesus in her arms, cooing a lullaby. COH also has a terrific praise band. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" was sung by a female vocalist with a crystal-clear voice, accompanied by piano. The entire band got behind a male singer for "Mary, Did You Know?," complete with a video of a high-angle shot of Mary holding the Babe, hay strewn on the ground below.

The comments after both services were encouraging. A teenage girl shook my hand and said, "That was AMAZING!" A woman told me, "The Holy Spirit was on you the moment you walked into the sanctuary until the moment you walked out." A man on his way out simply said, "Absolutely awesome."

Like I said, the church took care of me!

PJ Christmas Party

2011-12-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

What do you do with 140 kids while their parents are Christmas shopping?

Hold a PJ party, of course!

That's exactly what the children's ministry of St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX did this past Friday. The kiddos, clad in pajamas and slippers, fueled up with pizza, then had pillow fights, fashioned Christmas crafts and watched a movie.

As the Almost Amazing Marko, I visited the preschoolers first. I entertained two groups with my Drooping Flower routine (which became a poinsettia because of the holiday season). I also performed the Wordless Book--in the shape of a bag. The Wordless Book has been around for quite some time, telling the Gospel through colored pages. In the case of my "magical" bag, I keep turning it inside out to reveal a new color, which advances the story (brown for the manger, green for Jesus growing, red for His blood shed on the Cross, etc). After the illusions, I handed out JESUS ♥ ME stickers, always a big hit with kids!

After the preschool shows, it was time for the main event in the Family Life Center. The grade-schoolers sat on the floor with their pillows as I searched for the perfect Christmas. I pulled tinsel out of an empty tube, made flutterfetti snow from water, twisted a balloon reindeer for a little girl, magically transformed a bare Christmas tree picture and did the Hippity Hop Santa trick. There was a running gag through the show as I kept opening a candy box with no candy in it. I also told some really lame jokes in the process ("Why was the naughty candy cane afraid to go home after school?" "He was afraid he would get a licking!")

Finally, at the end of the show, I found the Color-Changing Bag with a gift tag attached to it. The tag read TO: EVERYONE FROM: GOD (YOU CAN OPEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS). Using the bag, I told the story of Jesus and then brought out a baby doll as we all sang "Away In A Manger."

I gave the candy box one more try, with some magical words and motions from the crowd. Voila! The empty box was suddenly full of tasty candy canes, which I handed out at the end of the show. Several kids hugged me, one wanted a picture with me, and a girl asked me if I would come to her birthday party next year.

A great night!

Want to book the Almost Amazing Marko? Call 817-281-2730 or send an email to info@onemanshow.org.

Sunshine on a Drizzly Day

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

It was tough leaving a warm bed for a cold, soggy day yesterday--but duty called.

Joy answered!

It was my 2011 debut of Simeon's Dream at First United Methodist Church in Alvarado, TX. The devout man of Luke 2 told his story at two worship services, accompanied by the appearance of a local girl as the Virgin Mary, bringing in the Baby Jesus. I penned this script in the year 2000 and, in these 11 years, have taken Simeon's Dream to Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama, Louisiana and many points in Texas.

Rev. Bryan Patrick and I were a little concerned that crowds would be down because of the damp weather, but folks showed up in force. "Powerful, moving, got me in the heart" were many of the comments that worshippers told me as they filed out after services.

It was still drizzling when I left the church, but I had sunshine in my heart!

Witnessing to the Light

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

On the 1st Sunday of Advent, I filled the pulpit of the vacationing Rev. Steve Nance, pastor of the Thornton/Groesbeck, TX United Methodist churches.

It was a bright, blustery day when I drove up to the little Methodist church house in Thornton. About a dozen folks gathered for worship. We sang some old favorites to the accompaniment of organ & piano, followed by prayer joys and concerns. I preached a message simply entitled "Witness," based on the prologue of the Gospel of John. I reminded the congregation that we have been charged to witness to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. As witnesses, we have seen something, we have something to say and, sometimes, our job is risky. But it is worth the endeavor as we share our testimony of how the Light has come into our own lives.

After the service, we gathered in fellowship hall for some coffee, cake and good conversation. Then it was off to Groesbeck UMC, where I have been several times before in the course of my 12-year ministry. I got reacquainted with folks who are like family to me. Early in the service, a number of kids came down for the children's message. A teen girl informed the congregation that the children's offering would be designated for the volunteer fire department of Groesbeck. After she sat down, I gave a magical message involving a color-changing bag that told the story of the real meaning of Christmas. Brown stood for the manger, green stood for Jesus growing in wisdom and stature, red stood for His blood shed at the Cross and gold stood for heaven, where there is no light of the sun or moon, because Jesus Himself is the Light! Before the kids returned to their pews, I gave them a colorful JESUS LOVES ME sticker.

Before I preached my "Witness" sermon, the music director, who had undergone bulging disc surgery, sang for the 1st time in a while. He delivered a heart-wrenching rendition of a song entitled "The Church Across the Street." The lyrics speak powerfully of the need for the church to go outside its walls and witness to the Light in word and deed.

My Book is Here!

2011-11-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

My Advent book, JUST ONE WORD, is finally in print!

JUST ONE WORD takes you through the 24 days leading up to Christmas with devotionals based on a single word from scripture. "A Personal Word" follows each devo with a story from my own life, and "Reflecting on the Word" poses questions related to the devotional--perfect for group or individual study.

For ordering and purchase information, visit www.onemanshow.org.

Cool Circuit Rider

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have visited First United Methodist Church in Belton, TX--9 or 10 years ago, when I had my biblical monologue, Lazarus Speaks, videotaped there. This time around, Pastor Darren Walker invited me to come as my Circuit Rider character, Brother Obadiah Ryder.

As God's Cavalryman, I had plenty of material to work with. Belton is rich with Old West history. Settled in the 1850s, it soon became the Bell County seat with a feeder route to the Chisholm Trail running along the east side of town. The Methodist church in Belton was organized 74 years after the American Revolution and five years after the Republic of Texas was admitted to the United States as the 28th state. The first Methodists met in a grove of trees and later gathered in a structure made from hewn cedar and native stone. By 1884, the congregation outgrew their original church building and completed a larger structure in 1886.

As always, I wove local history into my presentation, which people at both services delighted in. "This church has a fine heritage, one that you can all be proud of," I concluded. "But the past is past, and God's future lies open before you like a bright, shining meadow. Jesus said you are a city on a hill, and you must shine brighter than ever in these days of moral uncertainty."

On the way out after services, a few parents told me that their young children, normally fidgety during worship, sat transfixed as the Circuit Rider told his tales. One 11-year old girl looked up at me and crowed, "YOU ARE COOL!"

I asked her if she would call my 17-year old daughter and tell her that.

Circuit Rider Wishes Hubbard UMC a Happy Hundredth

2011-11-14T05:17:00.000-08:00

My circuit rider character, Obadiah Ryder IV, was around when the Methodist Church was founded in Hubbard, TX. The year was 1882, the same year that Robert Ford killed the outlaw Jesse James. There was no churchhouse back then, so the 17 charter members met in a private home. It wasn't until 1891 when a frame building was finally erected, which was later moved from its site and used by an African-American congregation. In 1911, the church structure that now stands was completed at the cost of $30,000.

And what a structure it is! The front of the church features two majestic towers on the corners. Inside, the sanctuary boasts longleaf pine floors, oak pews and pressed tin ceilings. Large stained glass windows dominate the east and west walls.

Ultimately, a church is not a building but people--and the people of Hubbard United Methodist welcomed me with open arms this past Sunday for their centennial celebration. I was not part of the morning service, so I showed up just in time for a big feast after worship. There was turkey, stuffing, mashed taters, yams, veggie casseroles, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, rolls and a dizzying array of desserts. All the while, a Powerpoint slide show featuring historical photos flashed on the walls.

After the banquet, folks regathered in the historical sanctuary for the "Church Building's Centennial Celebration." Pastor G. Dean Coultas welcomed the people and gave the invocation. A brief history of the church was read, followed by special recognition of some former pastors and their families. Special music included a duet of "Cornerstone" and a stirring medley entitled "Revive Us."

Brother Obadiah Ryder was in usual rollicking form when he tramped in wearing his dusty Western coat, spurs and saddlebags. When I perform "God's Cavalryman," I relate a standard personal history. My character's grandfather and great-grandfather were circuit riders in Kentucky and Ohio. My father migrated to Texas after the Battle of San Jacinto and became a Methodist preacher after the "War Between the States." As always, I wove some local history into my presentation.

After the special service, we reconvened in the Family Life Center to enjoy punch and a beautiful centennial cake showcasing a picture of the historical church building.

Is your church celebrating an anniversary, or are you planning a special heritage service soon? Call on the Circuit Rider to make the day one to remember! Visit www.onemanshow.org for more details.

Sample Devo from "Just One Word"

2011-11-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

My Advent book, Just One Word, will be ready for purchase soon. The book will contain 24 devotionals, each one focusing on a scriptural word with a sidebar called "A Personal Word," in which I relate stories from my own life.

The book will be printed by Snowfall Press and will be moderately priced. Based on the model of an Advent calendar, there are 24 devotionals to be read from December 1 - 24.

To whet your appetite, I have included a sample devotional for you to read:

Day 9

RECEIVE

“Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God.” Luke 2:28 New Century Version

Such a tender scene: an expectant saint, a poor carpenter bringing his modest sacrifice to God, a young mother cradling her firstborn son as she carries Him to the altar of dedication. How long Simeon had been waiting for the Babe, we don’t know. We also don’t know his age at the time he saw Jesus, but most scholars speculate that he was elderly. We do know that Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah (Luke 2:26), so his anticipation must have been off the charts. Picture a grandfatherly man with wrinkled jowls and long grey beard peeking into baby blankets like a child searching the house for hidden Christmas presents.

When Simeon finally beheld Jesus, he “took” the child into his arms. The word means to accept, take by the hand, readily receive or warmly welcome someone, especially into your home. There are other words for “receive” in the Bible, but they do not carry the same sense of tenderness and hospitality as this one. It is the same word that the grown-up Jesus used when He took a child in His arms and said, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me"(Mark 9:37 NASB).

Intellectual belief may welcome God into the brain, but leaves Him locked out of heart, body and soul. One can believe in a Supreme Being and even know the contents of the Bible without ever receiving Christ. Though Simeon was a scholarly man, he was also devout, passionate for the things of God. The Jews had a title for such a person: tzaddik. In Hebrew, the word means “righteous” or “just.” In some Jewish families, parents will tell their child to be a good little tzaddik and do some chore for them.

Simeon was a righteous man not because of his head knowledge, but his heart reception. All the rooms of his soul were open to God. He especially held dear the prophecies of the coming Messiah, and this expectation drove him to the temple, day after day, to look for Him. When he finally came upon the Baby, he received Him into his arms with a prayer of thanksgiving to God and a blessing for Mary and Joseph.

This all happened 40 days after Jesus was born, according to instructions in Leviticus 12 for the purification ceremony. Most of us would look at a Christmas gift that was presented 40 days late as anticlimactic, but not Simeon. He knew that Jesus was the perfect housewarming present. When he took the Baby into his arms, he also received Him into his innermost being. The Bible reminds us that we are God’s residence (I Corinthians 3:9, 6:19) and He brings His Son to the front doors of our hearts. If we put out the welcome mat, we are not receiving a guest who comes one day and leaves the next. We are welcoming a permanent resident who promises never to leave us or forsake us. More than a visitor, Jesus is our Elder Brother who dwells with us forever and gives us the right to become heirs of His Father.

Lots of people cringe when they think about in-laws or other guests staying for the holidays. For those who receive Christ, it is call to celebrate.

A Personal Word

I began writing my biblical monologue, Simeon’s Dream, when I was the guest speaker at a weekend retreat in Illinois. In between my talks, I would wander out on the campgrounds, sit on a leafy slope and scribble in a spiral notebook. After I had written the piece, my hunt for costuming began. I found a designer in North Carolina who created authentic biblical clothing. I visited a local theatrical store and bought a lace-backed beard and mustache. While I was there, I also picked up a long, crooked staff that looked like something an old prophet would carry. Sandals from a thrift store completed the outfit.

I debuted the monologue in the year 2000. Since then, I have performed Simeon’s Dream dozens of times in locations as varied as rural church basements to cathedral-like chapels in the big city. After a few years of performances, an idea hit me to recruit a host church member to play Mary at the climactic moment in which Simeon takes the baby Jesus into his arms.

At one church on a chilly December night, I pointed to the back of the sanctuary to direct attention to the teenage girl who was portraying Mary. She slowly made her way down the aisle, singing a lullaby. The doll she nestled in her arms seemed to become a real baby. I took the artificial child but real tears pooled in my eyes. I thought about my own children and how loathe I would be to give up any of them for any reason, no matter how noble.

And then, as I uttered the heartfelt prayer of Simeon recorded in Luke 2:29-32, I thought, “God was not loathe to do this at all. He gave His own Son to light the way for the nations and to glorify Israel. He did it for all of us.”

At that point I wasn’t acting. I was simply giving thanks and praise in a costume.

Just One Word

2011-11-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

My Advent devotional book, Just One Word, is finished and being readied for publication. It will be available for purchase in the next few weeks. To give you an idea of what the book is about, I have posted the introduction. Tomorrow, on this same blog, I will include a sample chapter for you to read.

Stay tuned!

I’m about as gangsta as Wayne Newton. Years ago, when I heard teens muttering “Word,” I thought, “What word are they talking about? There’s a lot of them.”

As I was later to find out, “Word” is youthspeak for approval or affirmation. You agree with something I say, you respond with “Word.” It can also mean, “Are you speaking the truth?” So if I tell you that I just won the lottery, you can ask, “Word?” If I reply, “Word!” it means that I have become your best friend.

If you’re following me at this point, just say “Word.”

I think most of us would agree that there is power in words. Crafted into rally cries, words have won wars. Woven into speeches, words have catapulted politicians into office. Words of praise lift us into the stratosphere; degrading words take us down. But there can be power in just one word, too. Walk down the street and hear a cop yell “FREEZE” and I bet you stop dead in your tracks. Or you’re sitting in a crowded auditorium and someone shouts “FIRE,” you will find yourself sprinting toward an exit even if you hate exercise.

A track coach motivates a runner with the command, “GO!” A hungry teenager bounds down the stairs when he hears his parent call out “DINNER!” A mother calms her fussy baby with a soothing “Hush.”

Bible culture knew the power of one word, too. Do you remember the story of the Roman centurion who approached Jesus because his servant was bedridden? The Lord announced that He would go to the officer’s home and heal the servant. But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Instead, just say the word and my servant will be healed” (Matt 8:8 NET Bible).

Just say the word.

The centurion was a Roman captain who commanded 100 men at a time, a tough, competent military professional. He would just have to say “Go” or “Come” to one of his soldiers and they would instantly obey. For this officer to recognize that a Jewish blue-collar worker carried “one word authority” was remarkable. In fact, Jesus was so astonished by this Gentile’s bold faith that He praised him in front of a crowd of Jews.

Just One Word is an Advent devotional guide composed of 24 single words from the scriptures. Because the length of this liturgical season varies from year to year, I have decided to use an Advent calendar as a model. When our children were young, they looked forward to Advent calendars every December. We searched for kid-friendly calendars with colorful renderings of shepherds, Wise Men and Nativity scenes. Our children would thumbtack the cardboard calendar above their beds. Every night, just before bedtime, we let them open the appropriate flap to reveal a scripture, which they read out loud.

Most Advent calendars typically begin on December 1 and go through Christmas Eve. In this book, unlike some of the fancier calendars, you will not get a toy or piece of candy when you start a new day. But I hope you will find insight and inspiration as you move toward the Manger.

Word?

Word!

Shoveling It at Community of Hope

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

In Philippians 3:8, the Apostle Paul used an ugly word when he compared his former life to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. "I consider everything ... garbage," he wrote.

The Greek word is skubalon. Bible translators have also rendered the term as "rubbish" and "scraps." The King James Version translated it as dung. I prefer the term compost, which may not be considered a polite topic to discuss in church. However, compost happens. What do we do with it?

This was my sermon topic yesterday as the guest preacher at Community of Hope United Methodist Church in Mansfield, TX. The vacationing Rev. Joe Carmichael asked me to come in and deliver the message (and has also invited me to return in December to perform my Christmas monologue, Simeon's Dream).

What a lively church! Services are called "Celebration Gatherings" and they lived up to their name with rockin' praise music led by Dustin Bauerle and the COH Worship Arts team. After worship, I came on to the platform and sat at a café table to deliver my message, Compost Christians. With Paul's words in Philippians as inspiration, I encouraged the worshippers to shovel the garbage of their lives on the compost pile so they could draw closer to Christ and know the power of His resurrection. Being a gardener myself (that's a picture of my own compost pile), I informed the congregation that compost will decompose faster if you turn it regularly, exposing it to oxygen. If we open our sins and shame to the breath of the Holy Spirit, God will take care of our skubalon much quicker than if we bury it or let it pile up.

After my message, the tech team rolled a video showing sad-looking people accompanied by bold text:

"COULDN'T FIND JOY."

"GANG MEMBER, A THIEF."

"CANCER PATIENT, AFRAID OF DYING."

"HAD ABORTION YEARS AGO. STRUGGLED WITH GUILT."

The COH team was singing Michael Gungor's "Beautiful Things" as the video progressed to the same people, now smiling and laughing, with testimonies on how Christ transformed their lives. After this moving reflection piece, I invited people to Holy Communion, a weekly practice at Community of Hope. Worshippers came to various stations and served themselves. The beautiful thing is, so many people served one another. I saw couples and families feed each other the Communion wafers. Two big sisters lifted their little sister, with daddy looking on, so she could reach the elements.

It was a great Sunday. I can't wait to return during the Advent season!

This is No Humbug

2011-10-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

It's no humbug--I have been cast in the lead role of "Scrooge the Musical" at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, TX.

When the director called me to give me the part, I was so excited that I immediately posted on my Facebook page. My wife left a comment: "You are Scrooge? This is news?"

Okay, so I've been typecast...

If you will be in the area during the holiday season, I would be honored for you to attend. The play runs from November 18 - December 23. I am double-cast, which means I will be playing on Monday, Friday and Saturday afternoon with the exception of Fri, Dec 16 when I have a church engagement. Monday and Friday evening performances begin at 7:30 pm and the Saturday matinee curtain is 3:00.

Rehearsals are going nicely with Eve Roberts and Artisan co-founder Dee Ann Blair in the directorial chairs. We have a talented cast with great voices. Popular tunes include "I Hate People," "Happiness," "Thank You Very Much," and "I Can Begin Again." In addition, you will get to see phantoms on roller skates. Where else can you see that?

I can mail you $1.00 discount coupons if you would like. Just send me an email at info@onemanshow.org with your address. The Artisan box office number is 817-284-1200. I would call soon because opening night is ALREADY SOLD OUT!

Spend the holidays with Scrooge & Company! A Merry Christmas to all!

Upward Bound at Cleburne

2011-10-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, I performed a magic show for the Awards Program of Upward Sports at First Baptist Church in Cleburne, TX. As the Almost Amazing Marko, I kicked off the show by pulling colored scarves out of an empty tube. Then we were off and running with tricks that conveyed life lessons. My Fibbus Detectus flower taught the kids the value of honesty. Four silks went into an empty bag and came out tied together, illustrating the principle of teamwork. I magically transferred spots to a black and white handkerchief and followed up with the biblical principle that we can all change with God's help.

Of course, as with all my shows, I used plenty of young volunteer help. I ended the program by selecting a boy to be the "Star of the Show." Using an illusion called "The Growing Head," the crowd of a hundred kids and parents saw the child's head expand and shrink.

A good time was had by all!

Held Over by Popular Demand!

2011-10-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I may be exaggerating a little. But, when Pastor Andy Smith of First United Methodist of Gonzales, TX booked a One Man Show Jubilee several months ago, he asked if I could stay an extra day. The occasion? Wednesday is the day that the church hosts their afterschool Pioneer Club and evening youth services. The youth and children's director wanted me to present special programs for each of their groups. I was happy to oblige.

This is the second Jubilee that I have conducted for First UMC and I was excited to return. This is a "happenin' church" with vital ministries and spiritually-hungry people.

It all began on Sunday with two services, in which I gave a children's message using a Gospel Flipper-Flapper and a grown-up message on the New Birth. Before Sunday evening service, we indulged in a Dessert Potluck with homemade ice cream and other goodies. Then it was off to have some sweet time with the Lord as the "Gospel Swing" band got our toes tappin' and hands clappin' with camp meeting favorites. On Monday night, the First UMC praise band took over and Sid Fly, a friend of Pastor Andy's, came on the final evening to sing some of his own songs to guitar and banjo.

But I wasn't just busy in the evenings. I made two separate morning visits to the Happy House chapel to do some magical presentations for a crowd of preschoolers. When I made my second showing, the kids waved at me with smiling faces and a few ran up to me to give me hugs.

Bright and early on Monday morning, I gave a breakfast devotional for about 25 men. I gave away a few door prizes, too, including one of my Jubilee booklets and a copy of my DVD, Lazarus Speaks.

Staying over the extra day was well worth it. On Wednesday afternoon, 100 kids filed into the sanctuary for a magic show presented by the Almost Amazing Marko. The Pioneer Club is a wonderful ministry of the church. Volunteers from First UMC pick up children from the three Gonzales elementary schools and provide supervised play time, hearty snacks and age-appropriate classes with Bible stories, music, crafts, science and life skill lessons.

My show went over like gangbusters. I used a lot of volunteers for my tricks, all of which carried messages on Christian friendship, spreading blessings and the great love of Jesus. At the end of the program, I brought out my Candy Caboose and, to my dismay, opened an empty drawer. After several failed attempts to fill the box with treats, I called on an adult volunteer to help me with some magical, body-shakin' moves. Success! All the children received a Dum-Dum Pop. I thanked my grown-up helper, who I later discovered was a DPS officer. A Cop with Hop!

After dinner with the kids and their parents, I rushed back into the sanctuary to join about 30 youth for their program. After some games and worship, I gave a talk on "Giving God Your Best," based on Mark 12:30.

As I was gathering my stuff to leave, Pastor Andy said, "Expect another invitation."

Maybe next time I will be held over for two extra days. Ah, the price of being so popular!

On the Grow at Glen Rose

2011-10-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Glen Rose, Texas has held a special place in my heart for many years. From the mid-80s to early 90s, I served as dean of many youth summer camps at Glen Lake United Methodist Retreat Center. I went on my Walk to Emmaus at the camp and my parents were members of First United Methodist Church in Glen Rose for a few years. All three of my kids went to summer camp there. Most significantly, while my mother and father lived in Glen Rose, my father went to be with the Lord, doing what he loved doing—taking care of the trees at the campground.

So it was with great excitement and nostalgia that I traveled down to Glen Rose this past Sunday in a gentle rain. My friend and colleague, Rev. Billy Strayhorn, had invited me to conduct a One Man Show Jubilee at his church, First UMC. I immediately felt at home. Several members fondly remembered my folks and welcomed me with open arms.

The Evangelism Committee of the church did an incredible job of preparation. They had planned wonderful meals, an ice cream social, two school shows and other activities. It also didn’t hurt that another friend and colleague, Rev. Joel Robbins of Ovilla UMC, had come down a few days before my arrival and held an evangelism seminar at the church. Pastor Joel speaks boldly and frankly about the current state of the United Methodist Church and the need for vital evangelism. The folks who attended his seminar were energized and still talking about his presentation during my stay.

I especially appreciated the “Two for Ewe” packets that the Evangelism Committee had printed and made available to all church members during the revival. The packets featured a paisley sheep cutout on a folded piece of cardboard that held two Jubilee tickets. The back of the tickets featured the complete Jubilee schedule for the week. Members handed out tickets to friends, relatives and people about town. I even got into the spirit by giving tickets to an employee at a local sandwich shop. She had no church home, so I got her name and told the church the next night to “go get her.”

Other highlights of the Jubilee included a Sunday morning “Bandannas ‘n Breakfast” gathering with cowboy singer Wiley Pat Gavin, a youth talk on Sunday night and two Right Choice shows at the local elementary and intermediate schools before a combined audience of about 900 students. I was also treated like a king at the "country estate" of some church members. During the revival, I stayed in their mother-in-law cottage that overlooked a placid pond.

On the final night of the Jubilee, we ended the service with Cardboard Testimonies. Quite a number of people participated while the minister of music played a beautiful rendition of “Beautiful Things” on grand piano. The testimonies brought tears to our eyes:

ALCOHOLIC AT AGE 14/ADDICTED TO CHRIST
WORRIER/PRAYER WARRIOR
DRIVEN BY WORK(S)/FREED BY GRACE
ABUSED BY MY EARTHLY FATHER/ACCEPTED BY MY HEAVENLY FATHER

At the end of the presentation, the congregation stood and applauded. God ultimately got the glory for the liberating power that He brought to our lives. I told the church that they, too, had a testimony and encouraged them to think about how to share it with others.

I look forward to see what the Holy Spirit will do at First UMC Glen Rose in the near future. Pastor Billy informed me that the church has grown 25% in the last two years. With their “go-getter” attitude and love for the Lord, it’s not hard to see why.

Super Sesquicentennial

2011-10-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

There may be some members of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro, AR who can't pronounce "sesquicentennial," but they sure know how to celebrate it!

A century and a half ago, the church began when a Methodist preacher gathered a makeshift congregation in a livery stable. On Sunday, 1100 people converged in the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University to celebrate its modest beginnings and pray God's blessings over their future.

Music defined the service with a chancel choir, children's choir, handbells, a brass quartet, organ, grand piano and praise band. The combined choirs presented a specially-commissioned hymn entitled God Is Here, and four members who have shared in the annual tradition of singing O Holy Night gave us a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas song.

Other highlights included video greetings from the Arkansas Conference bishop, a Service of Holy Communion, a sermon by a retired pastor who had the longest tenure at FUMC, and a children's message by me as The Almost Amazing Marko. As kids streamed down from all corners of the convocation center, I produced my Box 'O Tricks and slipped out a piece of paper. I wove a story about a rich man who couldn't find happiness in his boat, house or airplane until an employee invited him to First UMC, where they "put Jesus first." As I told the tale, I made the corresponding shapes, made a tear and, at the climax, unfolded a cross, which I gave to a cute little girl in the crowd.

After the morning service, we walked across the campus to the alumni center, where we enjoyed a picnic on the grounds. The weather seemed to be custom-made for the event, with glorious blue skies and a balmy breeze.

That evening kicked off a three-night revival. We had robust congregational singing and were treated to various specials from the deep talent pool of the church. Each evening, just before the children and I were dismissed for my magic presentations, we viewed a video presentation on the "Lost Boys" of the Sudan. The church has gotten behind a number of Christian Sudanese refugees in the area. All evening offerings were going to help build a community center in the South Sudan city of Bor.

When it came time for the children's revival, adult volunteers would lead the kids down some hallways and stairs to the chapel, where I took the stage for some fast-paced "Magic with a Message." On the first night, with the help of a volunteer, I whipped up a magical birthday cake for the church. In another routine, I told the story of four kids, represented by colored silks, who went to Sunday school one morning. They were all different and weren't quite sure about each other. As I introduced each child, a boy volunteer handed me the appropriate silk and I slipped them into a little wooden churchhouse. When the kids learned that they were the Body of Christ, and each member was valuable, I pulled out the silks--all tied together!

On the third night of the revival, we had 55 kids in the chapel, a 57% increase from the first night. Several parents told me that their children wanted to skip karate and other evening commitments to come to the show! We ended the program with a routine called "Don't Miss the Boat." I picked 7 volunteers to play Noah and the last animals to board the ark. Noah got to wear a long grey beard and the animal players donned masks and held cards with messages. Who was the last one to get on the boat? Through a process of random elimination , the Elephant was the only one left. When the little girl turned around her card, it read, Sorry I was late. I had to pack my trunk.

I told the children not to miss the boat of God's plans for their lives. "All of you have gifts and talents to use for Jesus," I said. "Find out what they are and start using them to bless God and other people!"

This was my 2nd time to be invited to First UMC. As I was packing up, the children's director, Shannon May, said, "Great program! We are definitely going to invite you back again."

Happy Birthday, First Church!

Book the Almost-Amazing Marko at YOUR church! Kids and kids-at-heart will learn about God in an exciting program of illusions, comedy and audience participation. The show is adaptable for many venues at any time of the year! For more info, visit www.onemanshow.org.

Three-peat in Cheney

2011-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, I returned to First United Methodist Church of Cheney, KS for the third time since forming One Man Show Ministries in 1999. It's always an honor to be invited to return to a church, but to be invited back a third time....well, the Cheney United Methodists either must like my ministry or they couldn't find anyone else!

I continued the Wesleyan theme that I began earlier this year. My Sunday sermon focused on the New Birth, a theme which John Wesley preached on several times. In addition, I performed my magic Coloring Book routine during the childrens' time, a trick that turns blank pages into full-color images of Bible stories. The message? "We must read our Bibles so they will come alive!"

Sunday school was held after worship. I went upstairs to give a talk to the youth. I shared my testimony and really bonded with the dozen or so teens that were there.

On Sunday afternoon, we headed to Souders Museum about a half-mile west of Cheney. The museum is a row of buildings that house old farm implements, a switchboard, wood-burning stove and other historical artifacts. I performed a magic show for kids and their parents in an old chapel on the grounds, which is topped by the original steeple of Cheney Methodist Church. Meanwhile, teens tossed around the football, a few men smoked pork ribs and others arranged side dishes and desserts that church members brought. After supper, the Cheney Praise Band led us in some lively worship, followed by my skit, Back Pocket Holiness, and a message on sanctification.

I was up bright and early on Monday morning to deliver a breakfast devotional to about 20 men. After the message, I gave away a copy of my booklet, The Year of Living Blessedly. Then it was off to the St. Paul's Lutheran School, where I presented my Right Choice magic show to about 40 elementary-aged kids. As one kid was filing back to class, he shouted out to me, "That show was AWESOME!"

I preached on "Springs of Grace" on Monday night, a message on the spiritual pipelines that God uses to channel His refreshment and renewal to us, including prayer, Scripture, Holy Communion and Christian fellowship. My hosts, a husband and wife team, performed a wonderful medley of old-time Gospel favorites. She played the piano while he sang in a crystal-clear tenor.

Tuesday morning was spent with about 20 ladies at a mid-morning coffee. I delivered a message entitled "Too Busy for God?", focusing on Mary and Martha. We had a drawing for a copy of my DVD, "Lazarus Speaks."

On Tuesday afternoon, my host took me out of town, where we fished on some land that he owns. He took his Golden Retriever puppy and we had a good laugh when the dog chased the bobber on my first cast and got tied up in the line. (Despite the canine antics, we ended up catching one catfish each).

We got home just in time to clean up and go to a sandwich supper sponsored by the church. At worship, a men's quartet delivered a rousing Gospel song and I preached on "Compost Christians," a message about how God can transform the junk in our lives into something beneficial. About ten people lined up to present their Cardboard Testimonies while the Gungor song, "Beautiful Things", played in the background. The hand-painted signs contained incredibly moving testimonies that spoke of human brokenness and God's redemptive love.

At the end of my third visit to Cheney First UMC, I thanked the members for hosting me once again. "I have a special request if you invite me back a fourth time," I said. "Can it be in the winter so I can go pheasant hunting with somebody?"

After the service, in the reception line, one of the members invited me to come up in January to go hunting with him. I just may take him up on the offer!

Stewardship Rider

2011-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Circuit Rider didn't have far to travel on Sunday--just a few miles from his home to Haltom City, TX where he whipped up the folks at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. The occasion was a pledge campaign dubbed "Generosity is HEART Work," which culminates next week in a stewardship chicken dinner.

Over 160 folks attended worship. They were treated to the Gospel music of the St. Luke Band, a quintet who sang such favorites as How Great Thou Art and I Saw the Light. Bro. Obadiah Ryder made his entrance during the sermon time, introduced by a four-minute narration, complete with music excerpts, on the history of the Methodist circuit riders. Coat powdered with traildust, saddlebags slung over his shoulder and his trusty Winchester rifle in hand, Bro. Ryder recalled the early days of Haltom City, when it was a settlement called "Birdville." Methodist preachers crisscrossed the land, but no formal church was established until 1928. The Birdville Methodist Church expanded rapidly after World War Two and voted to relocate with a new name, St. Luke's.

Bro. Ryder reminded the congregation that their current campaign was one in a long line designed to expand the Kingdom of God. He asked for "Amens" and got a few halfhearted responses and made them try it again. "I'll make shoutin' Methodists of y'all yet," he said.

Toward the end of his talk, the Circuit Rider shared that the current population of Haltom City is 42,000--and nearly a quarter are children under the age of 14. "Let me ask y'all a pointed question today," the preacher said. "Do all those people know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Are all of them in church on this glorious Sunday morning? Is there one soul in this town who needs the hope and healing that only God can provide? Finally, are there children watchin' them newfangled TV sets today who need to be in Sunday school? If so, then your job is not done."

Bro. Ryder reminded the church that God ultimately does not want their money, but their hearts. "For when God has your heart," he said, "He will have your money. He'll also have your time, talents, possessions, hands, feet and witness. He will have it all and then you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you."

After the service, the folks filed out and thanked the Circuit Rider for coming. A few older kids remembered me from about six years back when I preached a revival at St. Lukes and did a children's program there. Another little boy looked up at me, wide-eyed, and asked me if my rifle was real. He had been watching reruns of The Rifleman and his father said he loved the show. When he saw me carrying in the rifle, he wondered if I could handle it as well as Chuck Connors did!

As I was packing up, Rev. Tom Connolly came to thank me. "Your presentation was spot-on," he said.

"God's Cavalryman" is my tribute to the hard-riding circuit riders of yesteryear. This monologue can be adapted to fit the history of your local church and community. Call One Man Show Ministries at 817-281-2730 to find out more!

The Last Frontier Sparks New Beginnings

2011-09-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

My wife, Laura, returned home on Wednesday night after a 10-day trip to Alaska. After visiting our nephews in Anchorage, she flew to Port Alsworth, where she served as a volunteer for Samaritan's Purse, the ministry she has worked for since 2003. SP is an international Christian relief agency headed by Franklin Graham, Billy's son (in the picture with my wife on the left and her roommate on the right).

I asked Laura to write a report on her mission adventures. She gladly obliged.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." I Peter 10-11

It’s absolutely amazing how clearly we can hear God when we strip away the “clutter” of our lives. One week in a stunningly beautiful, completely remote part of Alaska taught me that.
On Labor Day (Sept. 5), a seemingly motley crew of nine servants from the continental U.S.– four women and five men—converged at the Samaritan's Purse base camp in Soldotna, Alaska. (Our group proudly represented Idaho, Michigan, New York, South Carolina and Texas). This marked the beginning of a week-long journey out to Port Alsworth in the Lake Clark National Park, about a 30-minute plane ride away through a mountain pass crawling with glaciers. Our mission: to help with construction of a camp being renovated to accommodate wounded war veterans and their families.

There was no TV, radio, cell phone signal or stores of any kind in this tiny settlement near the Bristol Bay area, just west of the Kenai Peninsula. With all of life’s normal distractions removed, we were left only with each other – and God! After a full day of construction and post-construction cleanup activities around this camp, we converged in the lodge where we ate, fellowshipped, played games, read and heard each other’s life stories. We enjoyed spending time with several longer-term volunteers and construction workers, all serving God with great passion and joy.

There was Randy, who had come to Port Alsworth in June for two weeks after losing his job due to the economic downturn. His father had suffered from post-traumatic stress after war service, so Randy had a special call to help other vets. His two weeks in June were so meaningful, he went home for a few weeks, got his affairs in order, and returned to Port Alsworth in July to stay on until late into the fall to help finalize the construction so the camp is ready to open next summer. His desire to serve and follow Christ was such a witness to us all!

And then there was Mike. His community, 50 miles north of New York City, had been hard-hit by the 9/11 tragedy. For Mike, the journey to Port Alsworth culminated in a time of healing for him as he merged his Christian walk with the beauty and splendor of the Alaskan landscape. Mike was often observed just sitting quietly and gazing out the large lodge windows over the vista of Lake Clark with mountains looming in the background. And on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, as our nation collectively remembered the tragic events exactly 10 years prior, Mike gave a powerful devotion about how this tragedy affected him and his community personally. Oh, and by the way, it was Mike’s birthday!

As we walked in and around the camp each day performing our individual tasks, we were all anticipating the finished “product” that will serve our wounded veterans. For those Christian vets who will come to enjoy the beauty of this place, they will surely walk closer to the Lord. For those soldiers who do not yet know the Lord, our prayer is that through the pristine surroundings and the loving care of the staff that will serve them there, they will make a decision that will bring them an abundant life here and in eternity.

While most of us had served on mission trips at other points in our lives, we all agreed that this trip with Samaritan’s Purse was special because the mission is so pure – to love and serve as Christ did. Some in our group were skilled carpenters, electricians and builders. Some of us knew how to clean really well. Thankfully, God used each and every one of us to make a difference in a project that ultimately will serve to bring peace and comfort to those who have made physical sacrifices for our country. We went to bless and came back blessed and encouraged to do even more in the name of Christ.

You can see her entire photo album on my Facebook page.

Fruitful Fall Lined Up

2011-09-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Though fall won't officially begin until September 23, it's FINALLY starting to feel like autumn around here. Cool fronts are slipping through north Texas, a little rain has fallen and the sauna-like temperatures of the summer are dropping below the century mark. I am looking at my fall calendar and can't wait to see what God does in the next few months. There are a variety of events planned, from a Stewardship Sunday circuit rider visit in Haltom City, Texas to a sesquicentennial celebration in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

YOU can get on the One Man Show calendar by calling my office at 817-281-2730. For a complete picture of what I can bring to your church, visit my website at www.onemanshow.org and click on the Schedule button.

Here's my ministry itinerary for the next couple of months:

Sept 18 "God's Cavalryman" St. Luke's United Methodist Church Haltom City, TX

Sept. 25-27 One Man Show Jubilee First UMC Cheney, KS (Special Sun evening services on the grounds of Souders Historical Museum)

Oct 2-4 The Almost Amazing Marko puts on "Magic with a Message" as FUMC in Jonesboro, AR celebrates 150 yrs of ministry!

Oct 9-11 One Man Show Jubilee First UMC Glen Rose, TX

Oct 16-19 One Man Show Jubilee First UMC Gonzales, TX

Oct 21-23 One Man Show Jubilee First UMC Rio Vista, TX

Oct 22 Upward Bound Magic Show First UMC Cleburne, TX

Oct 30 Pulpit Fill-In Community of Hope UMC Mansfield, TX

Nov 4-5 Inspirational Speaker Discover God's Call Retreat First UMC Irving, TX

Nov 13 "God's Cavalryman" Hubbard and Mt Calm UMC Texas

Stamp of Approval

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Mark, you would not believe the comments I am still getting regarding Sunday's worship. The band, your sermon/monologue, communion, everything just worked.

Thank you for sharing with us on such a memorable day - you have made an impact. As one congregant said, 'Sunday gave me pause! And I don't pause very often!'

May God continue to bless your ministry as you seek to be a blessing to others."

Rev. Jay Fraze
Associate Pastor
First United Methodist Church
Corsicana, Texas

The Hero

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Ten years ago, where were you on the morning of 9/11?"

That's the question that Rev. Jay Fraze asked the 127 worshippers yesterday at "The Current" worship service, held in the Great Hall of First United Methodist Church in Corsicana, TX. The people turned to each other and shared their memories of that horrific day.

This was a service of reflection and remembrance. After the pastoral welcome and announcements, the Current praise band led the congregation in Let God Arise and Because of Your Love. Though the music team was down a few members, they still sounded great with guitar, percussion and two vocalists. Pastor Jay's wife, an ASL teacher, signed the songs.

When it came time for the message, the lights dimmed and the voice of a radio news anchor reported on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The bagpipe strains of Amazing Grace began to play softly as the congregation heard comments from President Bush, several eyewitnesses and a portion of the memorial sermon given by Billy Graham at the National Cathedral.

As the bagpipes faded, I strode down the middle aisle, outfitted in fireman overalls, boots and a FDNY T-shirt, a yellow helmet under my arm. I studied a cross hung on the wall behind the altar table and then turned to the congregation.

"They're calling me a hero," I said with a New York accent. "Putting me on a pedestal because I got a dozen people out of the North Tower alive. Well, I don't wanna sound ungrateful or nothin', but I don't want to be put on a pedestal. 'Cause y'see, someone a lot more important than me got put on a cross, and He saved more than twelve people...He saved the whole world."

I wrote this monologue, The Hero, soon after 9/11. I felt the need to do something, and this was my outlet. My character weaves the story of the falling tower in Luke 13:1-9 with the events of September 11. A preacher named Joshua visits Ground Zero a week after the attack and urges the crowds to "repent, or you too will all perish." The firefighter reflects on his own life and resolves to turn from his sins and turn toward God. At the end of the monologue, he concludes that Joshua doesn't want to be on a pedestal, either, but living in the hearts of those who will receive Him.

"If I were you, I'd invite Him in right away," I said, slowly exiting. "Because with everything I've seen on my job, you just never know about tomorrow."

Following the sketch, while the band played The Old Rugged Cross, Pastor Jay took the Communion elements and silently offered them to the congregation. It was a fitting end to a sobering service.

Why Finish

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Rev. Adam Hamilton's book, Why?, tackles some tough theological questions:

Why do the innocent suffer?

Why do my prayers go unanswered?

Why can't I see God's will in my life?

Rev. Kevin Wilson, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie, TX, has been preaching a six-part series on this book while senior pastor, Rev. Jerry Galloway, has been on summer sabbatical. This past Sunday, Rev. Wilson asked me to come in and preach on the final chapter of the book, "Why God's Love Prevails."

"It seems like Kevin has done all the heavy lifting this past month," I said, opening my sermon. "He has tackled all these enigmas and dilemmas, and all I have to do is preach on God's love. What a cush job!"

I followed Hamilton's points in the book with my own personal illustrations. We know that God's love prevails because God is with us, God works through us, God forces evil and suffering to serve us, and God's will ultimately triumphs -- or as I quoted the bumper sticker, "Love Wins."

It was a great Sunday with the blazing temperatures of the past few months dropping into the low 90s (for Texans, that's cool). I also had the joy of serving Holy Communion at the 8:30 & 11:00 services. The cherry on top was seeing a lot of friends at First UMC, since I have visited there many times before in the course of my ministry. A few have traveled with me to Mexico on mission trips.

Pastor Kevin and his wife treated me to a Mexican meal after church services. We didn't solve any philosophical conundrums, but those kinda fade away when you stuff your face with enchiladas and tacos.

Stamp of Approval

2011-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

"Mark is a true witness to the faith! He brings his gifts and talents and combines them with a message of God's tremendous love in a powerful way.

Our church has experienced many of Mark's messages over the years, and the recent Jubilee was a favorite that really brought our two churches together forming new bonds and a common witness to the power of Jesus Christ. The churches and the community have been truly blessed by our Jubilee time together and we look forward to having Mark back again with us next year!"

Rev. Leslie Byrd
Kerens First United Methodist/Pleasant Grove United Methodist

A Hot Winter

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Even though Winter came to Frost this past weekend, it was still HOT. The high on Sunday was 109° and I felt every degree wearing my wool duster and boots as the Texas Circuit Rider, Obadiah Ryder IV.

Actually, God's Cavalryman rode in on Saturday night to the neighboring town of Italy. Rev. Leah H. Gregory, pastor of the Italy/Frost United Methodist circuit, had organized an ice cream social (featuring Blue Bell, of course), complete with the Bruce Bacon Cowboy Gospel Band for entertainment. We had a grand ol' time in the fellowship hall. About 45 people showed up, including 20 or so youth who came in from an afternoon of bowling in nearby Waxahachie. The Circuit Rider made a boisterous appearance, relating his adventures in the late 1880s when Italy got its name from a postmaster who said that the weather in those parts reminded him of the climate of "sunny Italy." (By the way, the locals pronounce it "It-lee").

On Sunday morning, Pastor Leah and I returned to Italy UMC for worship. I was slated to give the children's message, but there were only two pre-school kids in the sanctuary. Pastor Leah explained we were all God's children, so I gave the message to the entire congregation! The children's sermon revolved around a magic trick called "The Disobedient Heart," in which a wooden heart on a string won't do what it's told until God enters the picture and gains control. Then I gave the two young'uns "Jesus Loves Me" stickers. Leah preached a sermon based on the widow's mite in Mark 12:41-44. Interestingly, she said that this scripture usually results in a stewardship message, but today she was going to focus on the intent of the heart. We had no idea what each other's message was going to be about!

Then it was off to Frost. It was Round-Up Sunday and the sanctuary was filled with about 70 people. Bruce and his cowboy band were back to sing such Gospel favorites as "Do Lord," "Hallelujah, I'm Ready," and "I'll Fly Away." This time, the Circuit Rider included some local Frost history. In the 1880s, Crossroads was the boomtown in those parts, but when the railroad bypassed it, Frost became the new population center. The Methodists in Crossroads took their church-house apart and re-assembled it in Frost. Next year, the Frost Methodists will celebrate 125 years of ministry!

After worship, we gathered in Fellowship Hall for a down-home BBQ meal. Pastor Leah's husband, Stan, had smoked 50 lbs of brisket, 40 lbs of chicken, 20 lbs of sausage and 10 lbs of "Texas Roundsteak," aka bologna. Everyone brought side dishes, including pinto beans, cole slaw, potato salad, garden tomatoes, fresh-shelled corn and desserts. There was even a "Round Up Sunday" chocolate cake!

Now that I think about it, why did I complain about the heat? Stan was standing over a hot smoker all weekend. . .

Bashed!

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a reunion weekend. I got to stay with my 2nd cousin while I conducted a revival at the churches where his wife pastors (see story below). On Saturday morning, I took off to Burleson, where I did a magic show for a Back-to-School bash organized by the student director of First United Methodist Church--and one of my former youth group members back in the late 80s.

When I arrived, kids were romping around in technicolor bounce houses scattered over the property. Inside, popcorn, lemonade and ice cream were being served up. A stage had been set up and a huge banner was stretched from wall to wall that said THE ALMOST AMAZING MARKO.

The time finally arrived for me to take the stage. About 30 kids -- along with a scattering of parents and teens--sat on the floor while I kicked off the show with a trick on citizenship. Since the kids had to start classes on Monday, I thought it would be appropriate to do my Right Choice public school program. Other tricks dealt with honesty, showing kindness, sharing talents and reading good books. There was lots of laughs and volunteer participation.

When the show ended, I took out my candy caboose and opened the drawer to treat the kids. Alas! The drawer was empty. I accused Kyle, the student director, of stealing the sweets--an accusation he didn't deny. Being a magician, I had the crowd go through some hocus-pocus gyrations and--curses!--the drawer was still vacant. The problem was that a big, grown-up guy in the back of the room hadn't participated in the magical movements. So I made him come up, repeat the magic words, rub his tummy and do a little hoochie-koochie dance.

Success! I served up Dum-Dum pops to all the children. The kids thanked me and after I had packed up, Kyle's son came up to me and gave me a huge hug.

I guess the "right choice" message took!

Family Reunion Jubilee

2011-08-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

It was in the late 80s, when I was an associate pastor at an east Ft Worth church, that my wife and I met a couple named the Byrds. They were about our age with kids like us, so we hit it off right away. As we got to know each other, John and I discovered that we were related, our dads being first cousins.

This past weekend was a reunion of sorts as I stayed with the Byrds to preach a One Man Show revival. John’s wife, Leslie, is the pastor of Kerens United Methodist Church and Pleasant Grove UMC in Corsicana, a two-point charge separated by about 15 miles in Navarro County. The “Byrd Bed & Breakfast,” which doubles as the Kerens UMC parsonage, was light years better than a lonely hotel room. I had a king-sized bed, plenty to eat, three friendly dogs for company, a hummingbird show on the front porch, great conversation and a big screen HD TV to watch during my down time.

The Jubilee kicked off on Friday night at Pleasant Grove and alternated between churches through Sunday evening. Leslie is an organizer who had the churches decked out with balloons, streamers and other decorations. Before Friday service, about 40 folks gathered in the fellowship annex at PGUMC for an old-fashioned box supper. Everyone brought in a cake box that they had decorated and filled with food and a bottled drink. The boxes were individually numbered and we drew out of a basket for our supper (I got a homemade pasta salad and fresh fruit).

Evening services at both churches were fun and lively. I have visited both congregations several times before, so you could say this was a spiritual family reunion, too. Folks were ready to worship. We sang hymns called out by the people in the pews. On one night we had a guest soloist and on the final evening at Pleasant Grove, a teen girl beautifully played a pair of piano instrumentals. As always, I gave an invitation after my messages and people lined the altar rail.

Early Sunday morning, John was up at the Kerens church getting a homemade breakfast ready for the men. We feasted on egg casserole, crisp bacon and biscuits and gravy. As the meal wound down, I delivered a devotional entitled “The Man With a Plan.” The message challenged the men to get involved in mission work. Leslie told me that I had added fuel to a fire that had just been sparked, as the church is gearing up to launch a community mission project called “Brushstrokes of Love.”

Pastor Leslie taught "One Room Sunday School," where folks from both churches participated in a lesson based on J. Ellsworth Kalas' book, I Bought A House on Gratitude Street. Based on Psalm 90:12 ("Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom"), we had a thought-provoking discussion on priorities.

It was “Pack a Pew” Sunday at worship. Leslie had been challenging both congregations to invite people to the service and hinted that there would be a prize for the church that brought the most visitors. Kerens won the honor and learned that their reward was a barbecue supper prepared by John (yes, he is quite the chef). The Kerens folks, being a gracious bunch, told the Pleasant Grove church to join them in the future festivities.

On the final night of the Jubilee, about 50 people gathered at PGUMC. After my sermon, a parade of people showed their cardboard testimonies to musical accompaniment. These simple testimonies, written in black marker on pieces of cardboard, brought out the tears: “DAD DIED. PUSHED GOD AWAY/GOD STAYED, I’M SAVED.” “UNSURE AND AFRAID/WITH GOD I’M AT PEACE.” “THOUGHT I HAD TO BE PERFECT. ANGRY AT GOD. ALMOST DIED/HAVE FOUND NEW LIFE IN CHRIST!”

As we all stood in a line showing our cardboard testimonies, I reminded the congregation that they, too, had a story to share … a story of how God has changed their lives, a story to proclaim to others.

Pastor Leslie closed the service by asking me to kneel at the altar rail while the church came forward, laid hands on me and prayed for me and my ministry.

Aren’t family reunions wonderful?

Between Atlanta and Pittsburg

2011-08-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

The first thing that struck me when I walked into the First United Methodist Church of Omaha, TX this past Sunday was the friendliness of the members. Folks came up and greeted me as "Brother Mark,"warmly welcoming me to their church. The same thing happened at their sister church in Naples, TX as I kicked off a One Man Show Jubilee. (By the way, if you want to know where Naples is, Pastor Mike Fraley will tell you "it's between Atlanta and Pittsburg.") You can find all of those towns on a map in east Texas, where the pines grow tall and the accents are as thick as Big Thicket underbrush.

In celebration of the Jubilee, the folks at Naples dressed up the altar and walls with balloons and colorful streamers. After Sunday morning services, in which I preached on the new birth, we had the obligatory Methodist potluck in Fellowship Hall. It had been a while since I had eaten homemade casseroles, and it all tasted gooooood!

On Sunday evening, I met with about ten youth. I gave twisting balloons to a few volunteers and told them that the first one to blow up their balloon and tie it off would win a prize. Having some experience in this area, I blew mine up first and tied it off. One kid insisted I had a trick balloon. I let him randomly pick another one from a bag. I inflated and tied that one off, too while the rest were still struggling to make even a bubble in theirs.

"It's not that I'm smarter or better than you are," I told them. "It's simply that I have years of experience in blowing up these kind of balloons." That was my introduction in sharing my personal experiences, holding little back as I related some of my struggles and missteps in life. I ended by telling them how I came to faith in Christ and how I still make blunders from time-to-time. Then I read Philippians 3:13-14: "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Then it was off to worship, where I performed a skit entitled "Back Pocket Holiness," in which a man reminisces over his childhood baseball collection. He tells how he and his buddies, upon coming across a prized baseball card, would slip it in their back pocket, which acted as a boy's treasure vault. God had a back pocket for us, too. If we choose to stay in God's pocket, we are set apart for His purposes and thus become holy.

School hasn't started yet, so Pastor Mike asked if the Almost Amazing Marko could come to the Naples church and put on a show. A small but eager group of kids showed up as Marko went through his program, dazzling them with magic and teaching them about making right choices. Afterwards, we chowed down on pizza and cookies. That evening at worship, I performed my "Life Box" skit and preached on "Springs of Grace."

At o'dark thirty on Tuesday morning, I showed up for a hearty men's breakfast. About 25 guys showed up and listened to my devotional entitled "The Man With A Plan," a message about the place, power and purpose of missions. In the evening, about the same number of women came to a salad supper. I gave a devotional on Mary and Martha and held a drawing for my "Lazarus Speaks" DVD.

Tuesday evening worship ended with a message on "Compost Christians" and cardboard testimonies given by me, Pastor Mike and several church members. A combined choir from the Omaha and Naples churches, who had been performing all week, finished strong.

After the service, a few people came to me and said they felt a spirit of revival stirring. "I believe many of us can say we are better Christians," one woman remarked. Pastor Mike already has tentative plans for me to return next summer.

My next Jubilee takes place this weekend at Pleasant Grove UMC in Corsicana, TX and First UMC in nearby Kerens. In addition, I will be heading over to First UMC in Burleson on Saturday morning to put on a magic show as part of a "Back to School Bash."

A Devil of A Story (Can't Beat the Old, Old Story of Jesus And His Love)

2011-08-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

The first thing that happened when I walked into First United Methodist Church of Azle, TX on Sunday was prayer. A greeter took me into the parlor, where four church members welcomed me into their circle to pray for the worship service. That's what I call starting your Sunday off right!

Senior Pastor Dr. Dean Posey, who was on the road, had invited me to fill the pulpit and serve Holy Communion. Dr. Posey has been preaching a series on "Miracles," so I decided to continue the theme with a sermon entitled A Devil of A Story (Can't Beat the Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love). The scripture text was the opening story in Mark 5, in which Jesus casts out a legion of demons from a Gerasene man. The miracle, I pointed out, not only demonstrated the power of God, but the miracle of Grace. In God's infinite love, Jesus came to a soul who had been entrapped by hell, just as He comes to all of us who are "dead in our sins." (Col 2:13).

The first service was held in the HUB, which one member jokingly referred to as the "Huge Unnamed Building." It is, in fact, an expansive space used for worship, fellowship dinners, Upward Bound games and other activities. We were led in heartfelt worship by a praise band consisting of keyboard, guitar, vocalists, drums and mandolin.

The 2nd service was traditional, starting off with a beautiful piano duet of Come All Christians. The offertory, In This Place, At This Time, was led by the chancel choir and a flutist. At both services, laypeople came up to pray for me just before I preached.

I also learned that First UMC has been very involved in community outreach lately. In November 2005, Dr. Posey challenged the congregation to make a significant step in serving others. They have adopted a 10-year goal of spending as much on "beyond-the-walls" service as they do on themselves. A glance at their ministries reveals that they are succeeding. The church is involved in a county food bank, Habitat for Humanity, Stephen's Ministry, a counseling and pregnancy care center, and many other ministries. I also had the privilege of learning that a team just got back from Joplin, Missouri, where they helped tornado victims with clean-up work.

The Azle United Methodists are definitely sharing the old, old story of Jesus and His love!

Golden Time at Silvercreek

2011-08-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Silvercreek United Methodist Church and I go way back. I have been visiting this Azle, TX church almost since the beginning of my ministry in 1999. When Pastor Vaughn Baker invited me to fill the pulpit this past Sunday, I jumped at the chance.

As it happened, Pastor Vaughn's travel plans fell through, so he was there on Sunday...but still had me come and preach. In the course of his introduction, he told the congregation that Winter had come during this very hot summer to deliver the Word.

"Just how hot is it?" he asked. At that moment, a picture flashed on the media screen behind him. A doe was investigating a deer feeder that sported the brand of a Texas ranch. The lid of the feeder had lifted off because the deer corn had become popcorn!

In addition to preaching, I delivered the children's message. At the 2nd service, just as I was getting started, a little boy interrupted me. In his hand he clutched a dollar bill. He was on a mission to give his offering, which the kids do every Sunday but which I knew nothing about. Thankfully, a children's worker let me know about it and we got the little boy settled down, assuring him that he would be able to give his dollar in due time. A tither in the making!

Silvercreek is a great little church that has slowly expanded over the years. I have seen them build a gym, new wing and children's playground. In addition, they have converted the parsonage across the street into office and meeting space. As a reminder of their heritage, they still have their original frame building on the grounds. Built over 110 years ago, the little clapboard churchhouse was designated a Texas Historical Landmark in 1983.

I am returning to Azle next week to fill the pulpit for Dr. Dean Posey at First United Methodist Church.

An Andy Griffith Sunday

2011-07-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

With its lancet windows, tall bell tower and white clapboard exterior, First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, TX looks like a set from The Andy Griffith Show. The churchhouse has stood at the corner of Spears and Atchley Streets since Grover Cleveland was President of the United States!

While there is a lot of history there, the Alvarado United Methodists aren't stuck in the past. They have a beautiful family life center, innovative ministries such as small groups and a contemporary worship service.

On Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching twice while Pastor Bryan Patrick was taking a vacation with his family. I immediately felt at home when I was warmly greeted by several members. At the first service, two young people provided special music with flute and cello. At the 2nd service, a praise band rocked the sanctuary and the congregation enthusiastically joined in. In addition to preaching, I also delivered the children's message, handing out I-Y-Q stickers at the end. (After the kids read the letters out loud, I told them, "I-Y-Q, too. As a matter of fact, I-Y-Q just Y-Q-R!")

An added bonus was that my mother and one of her bridge-playing friends came to visit. After worship, my sister and brother-in-law joined us at a local restaurant, where we drank tall glasses of iced tea and devoured home cookin'. The only thing that was missing was Aunt Bea's butterscotch pecan pie.

L'shana habaah b'yerushalayim! (Next Year in Jerusalem)

2011-07-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

For years, I've heard friends, family members and pastoral colleagues rave about their trips to the Holy Land. In the back of my mind, I thought, "Someday, I'll go."

Well, it looks like that "someday" will finally come next year as I co-host an Educational Opportunities journey to Israel from June 5-14, 2012. Several months ago, I was invited to perform a Lenten monologue for the adult singles class at White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, TX. During the announcements, the Sunday school teacher mentioned that he was returning to Israel for the 3rd time and invited everyone to come along. After class, I asked him if I could go.

"Sure," he said. "You can even co-host the trip."

That was the fastest promotion I had ever received!

I am already excited about this journey. We will visit all the places you would expect: Nazareth, Capernaum, Bethlehem, Jericho, Jerusalem. We will remember our baptism at the Jordan River, float on the Dead Sea, ride a cable car up to the Masada fortress, visit ruins dating from the days of Abraham. I have been invited to lead some of the devotional times while we're there, including a Holy Communion service as we voyage across the Sea of Galilee! Our final two days will be spent in Jerusalem, where we will visit the traditional site of the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Pool of Siloam and the Garden Tomb.

Cost and Payment: The total cost of the trip will be $3496 from Dallas-Ft Worth, which will include airfare, lodging, breakfast and dinner buffets, all excursions, taxes and fees. Out-of-pocket expenses will include lunches, souvenirs and a love offering for our tour guides. A $300 deposit is required to secure your spot and your balance is due 60 days before departure. If you register before the end of July, you can save $80 on the entire cost of the trip.

To register: Visit http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/. Under "Find A Trip," you will see a box on the right-hand side of the page that says I KNOW MY TOUR INFORMATION. Type in Tour # HL 12. The departure date is 060512 and the letter you input is "L." The Group Leader ID is #51958. After you plug in all this info and click the "Search" button, you will be taken to our specific trip page. If you need more info or help, send me an email at info@onemanshow.org or call my office at 817.281.2730.

Hope to see you next year in Jerusalem!

Affinity for Alliance

2011-07-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Back in May, I preached a One Man Show Jubilee at Alliance United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth, TX. Before the three-day revival ended, I was invited to return in July as Pastor Jim McClurg was preparing to travel to Africa for a mission trip.

It's always a joy to visit the folks at Alliance UMC. I have been there many times in the course of my ministry. In fact, in the second year of One Man Show, I debuted my children's Bible Blast Off program there and several Alliance members have accompanied me to Mexico for mission work.

On Sunday, I visited as Nate, the Texas Rangers fan who tells the story of how he decided to follow Jesús after talking to him at a ballgame. I based the story on Nathaniel's encounter with Christ in the first chapter of John's Gospel. After the skit, one woman noted, "I will never look at Nathaniel the same!" I also got to do some liturgical work, giving a pastoral prayer at all three services and serving Holy Communion at the early service.

We also invited each congregation to come forward and lay hands on junior high youth and adult leaders who were preparing to go on a mission trip. Their destination is Mineral Wells, TX under the auspices of Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission (CTCYM). We weren't told what the youth would be doing, but if it's like the mission trips I sponsored as a youth pastor, there will be painting, yardwork, maybe even building a wheelchair ramp for an elderly homeowner. Whatever they do, it will be in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ!

Mark in the Pulpit

2011-07-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the picture is a "Jack in the Pulpit" plant, but I was in the pulpit yesterday at First United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, TX. This was a return trip for me, as I have been invited to this church many times over the years. This time around, I filled the pulpit for Pastor Jeff Miller, who is taking a vacation.

This is a singing church. In the early morning service, we sang "Since Jesus Came into My Heart," "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" and "Living for Jesus." In the 2nd service, we opened with "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise", introduced prayer time with "Grace Greater than Our Sin" and closed with the Charles Wesley hymn, "O For a Heart to Praise My God."

In addition to a "grown-up sermon" entitled "Compost Christians," I delivered a children's message in the 2nd service using a giant foam flower. I asked the kids if they had ever taken a wildflower and played "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not." I invited them to pluck the petals off my toy flower and the game ended on "He Loves Me Not."

"Wait a minute," I said. "He loves me NOT? That's not right. God loves us no matter what, right?"

I asked one of the girls to reach into the yellow center of the flower and pull it out. Lo and behold, it became a cross! I told the children that this is how we know that God loves us, that He sent His own Son to us to die for our sins. I ended by quoting Romans 5:8 and handing out stickers.

Next Sunday I will take my "Play Ball" skit to Alliance United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth, TX.

Winter & Lagrone Team Up

2011-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Joel Lagrone gets around. He has portrayed Jesus in hundreds of performances at metroplex churches and The Promise musical in Glen Rose, TX. He is the worship leader at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, TX and plays in a band called sɛlf 'rīCHəs brŭth'ərs (pronounced "self righteous brothers"). Earlier this year, Joel performed with me at The Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, portraying the Phantom of the Opera in Phantom: The American Musical Sensation.

If that isn't enough, Joel recently sang God Bless America for the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers at his 37th invited game!

This past Sunday, he belted out God Bless America AND the National Anthem at New Day United Methodist Church in Mansfield, TX. It was all part of a patriotic service that featured great music and a performance of "Play Ball," my humorous monologue that updates Nathaniel, the "fig-tree disciple," as a rabid Texas Rangers fan.

Alex Vorse and the New Day praise band kicked things off with a rockin' version of This Land Is Your Land. After a few more tunes, Joel stepped to the front, dressed all in red, and delivered The Star-Spangled Banner in his resonant baritone. Alex and his sound team had arranged for digital crowd noise and the rally charge before I entered in a red Rangers jersey, letting loose with Take Me Out to the Ballgame and tossing out bags of Crackerjack. Then came the story of Nate, who becomes a disciple of Jesús at a Rangers game, deciding to get out of the stands and onto the field for God. Joel bookended the whole presentation with a beautiful rendition of God Bless America, inviting the congregation to join him after the rarely-sung prelude:

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer."

The holiday congregation was small but very enthusiastic as they filed out of church. One RVing couple asked if I could take my ministry to snowbird campgrounds (the answer was yes). The next day, a woman posted on the One Man Show Facebook wall, "A most wonderful worship experience this past Sunday!"

After the service, Joel and his wife joined me, my wife and assorted friends and family members for lunch. Joel and I chatted about the possibilities of linking up for future ministry presentations, bringing in other actors and musicians we know. Perhaps I will need to change the name of my ministry to "One Man Show ... and Friends."

The Straight Poop

2011-06-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

What a pleasure to return to First United Methodist Church of Midlothian, TX this past Sunday! My last visit was as Lazarus on Christ the King Sunday in November 2009. I have also showed up to the church as the circuit-ridin' preacher.

One woman came up to me before the first service and asked, "Why aren't you in costume?" I told her that, sometimes, "I just gotta be me."

I preached twice and delivered the pastoral prayers. The first service was traditional with a robed choir. Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited a few kids during the children's time to tell them about "Hometown Nazareth" Vacation Bible School, which would kick off that night. "I traveled a long way to visit you today," Mary said with an amused twinkle in her eye. "All the way down the hall."

At the 2nd service in the Family Life Center, tents were set up around the worship area in anticipation of VBS. The "Well" praise band got our hearts pumpin' and spirits jumpin' with a couple of energetic worship songs.

My message at both services was entitled "Compost Christians," based on Philippians 3:7-12. I suppose I have preached a few "poopy" sermons in my day. Yesterday my sermon was really poopy--on purpose. I took off on the word "rubbish" in verse 8, which literally means "dung." The Apostle Paul tossed all of his earthly achievements and law-based righteousness on the manure pile so he he could know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

"Have you discovered that much of what we hold on to as treasure is actually trash?" I asked the congregation. "It’s not that our achievements and affiliations are bad in and of themselves, but they start to look like garbage when compared to the 'surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.' As Oswald Chambers said, 'Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man.'

I went on to say, "The problem is, we hold on to our stuff tightly and let our commitment to God go slack. We clutch our triumphs and we hold on to our troubles and tribulations, too. We won’t let go of things that are clearly garbage, such as grudges and anxieties and failures that belong in the past. None of us would go scoop out the chunks in the kitty litter box and carry that mess around in our purses or shirt pockets, but many of us do that every day with our emotional and spiritual garbage – and we do it without a second thought."

I reminded the church that God is in the composting business, able to take the rubbish of our lives and convert it into something beautiful and beneficial. I ended with a story of a woman who came to a church I was serving to get food and necessities for her children. Her husband had warrants out for his arrest and there was no cash flow in the house. "If things don't get any better, I'm going back to dancing," she said.

Being a naive kind of guy, I didn't initially catch that she meant adult entertainment kind of dancing. After I figured that one out (and stopped blushing), I prayed for her and loaded her up with groceries, sure I would never see her again.

I was wrong.

About a year later, by divine appointment, I ran into this woman at a church conference. By the power of Christ, she and her husband had turned their lives around and she had gone back to dancing--this time in her church's sacred movement team! God took her "dirty dancing" and composted it to bring glory to Him and blessings to others.

Father Knows Better at Ridglea UMC

2011-06-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Last year, a pastor invited me to his church on Father's Day to perform a skit. The only problem was, I had no such piece for Father's Day. After a quick internet hunt, I found a sketch entitled Father Knows Better, penned by Lawrence and Andrea Enscoe (Lillenas Publishing Company). It is a poignant modernization of the biblical story of Jairus, the synagogue ruler who sought Jesus to heal his dying daughter. The tale is found in the three "synoptic" Gospels, though Jairus is not mentioned by name in Matthew.

In this adaptation, a father laces his sneakers while telling of the day that his little girl fell ill. The man, who loves power and control, had to give it all up to beg healing for his daughter. At the end of the sketch, his daughter calls out, wanting to know when he'll be ready to play catch. The man finishes lacing up his shoes and then concludes that giving his daughter over to Jesus is the best thing a father can do -- "sometimes it's the only thing."

Yesterday, I performed Father Knows Better at Ridglea United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth, TX. Lots of dads (and moms, too) told me how much the sketch meant to them. As a father myself, I didn't really have to fake the emotions of the character as he related the painful day that his daughter fell ill. After the early service, Rev. Danny Tenney came up to me and simply said, "Wow."

He's a daddy, too.

Sharing Crackerjack and Jesus

2011-06-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Nate pulled a doubleheader at First United Methodist Church in Cleburne, TX on Sunday, telling his story at two morning services.

As a Texas Rangers fan, Nate strolled into the sanctuary decked out in jersey and cap, singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. At the end of the song, he tossed out a jumbo bag of Crackerjack to a lucky kid.

In case you don't know, Nate is a modern incarnation of Nathaniel, a man who liked to meditate under fig trees. (John 1:45-51) When Philip informed him that he had found the Messiah who hailed from Nazareth, Nathaniel was absolutely certain that nothing good could come out of that small Galilean town. Then he met Jesus, who said he had beheld Nathaniel under his fig tree, and the skeptic turned believer.

All the elements of the Biblical story are in my rendition, entitled Play Ball. The takeaway lesson is that Nate, after meeting Jesus, knew he had to get out of the stands and onto the field. Pastor Robert Herzig reinforced the point by reminding everyone that it was Pentecost Sunday, a day when the disciples poured out of their prayer room to take the world for Jesus.

In Defense of Altar Calls

2011-06-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

This past week, Rev. Adam Hamilton held three teaching sessions at the Central Texas Annual Conference in Waco, TX. I think this may be the first time I actually sat for over an hour in my chair during an annual conference session. In case you don't know, Rev. Hamilton is the pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, which draws in approximately 10,000 worshippers every week. Hamilton is also a respected leadership consultant and author who has penned ten hot-selling books.

At annual conference, Hamilton spoke on church leadership, relevant worship and missional outreach. He has an engaging style, practical illustrations and self-effacing wit that has made him the latest "guru" in the revitalization industry of the mainline church. I can see why he is so popular.

I heartily agreed with most everything he shared. Our churches need pastors who are visionary leaders, not managers, and laity who see themselves as ministers according to the model of Ephesians 4. Worship needs to be experiential, touching hearts, helping people connect with God and leading them deeper into discipleship. We need to return to our Wesleyan missional roots, offering Christ-centered outreach that draws people in and gets them involved. In one form or another, this message has been out there quite a while, but Rev. Hamilton has a way of "repackaging" it in a winsome style.

It might seem foolish to disagree with Rev. Hamilton, given his popularity and success. But he seems to be an open-minded guy who is not threatened by challenge. He probably won't even read this blog post. But for those of you who do, I want to put forth the case for the "altar call." Rev. Hamilton shared that some people have questioned why he doesn't issue such an invitation after his services. He made note that the altar call, as modern Protestantism knows it, didn't develop until the 19th century and is really not biblical at all.

True, there were no altar rails in the days of Peter. But the principle of invitation is there; indeed it is all through scripture. After the fisherman preached a fiery sermon in Acts 2, the crowd asked, "What shall we do?" The Holy Spirit had unsettled their hearts and they knew there was another step to be taken—they just didn't know what it was. Peter boldly responded, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

The biblical record tells us that Peter warned and pleaded with many more words. Three thousand accepted his message and were baptized. Now that was an altar call!

Certainly if a preacher has nothing to say, or says it in an uncompelling way, there may be no need to issue an altar call. Even so, the Word has a power of its own that shatters stony hearts and breaks up fallow ground. Every time we share the Gospel, it seems to me that somebody just might want to respond. Why don't we give them that opportunity before their hearts cool and their conviction fades away?

I know the arguments: it's manipulative. Altar calls play on the emotions. They're too "Baptist" or "Pentecostal." When I issue my invitations, I tell the people that I will not hover over them or order the accompanist to play one more verse of "Just As I Am" until somebody comes up. I usually sit down in the front pew and let the congregation know that I will pray for them or counsel them if they want me to; otherwise, they are free to kneel at the rail and commune with God themselves. I am content with the Holy Spirit drawing people to Christ, but I still feel that people need to hear the preacher assure them, "If God is stirring your heart, come." I've even had folks approach me after the sanctuary has emptied out to ask for prayer or make a profession of faith. They may have slipped out the back door if I, as a representative of Christ, had not extended the invitation that God himself has given:

Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.

(Is 55:1)

Rev. Hamilton gives heartfelt illustrations, so I will offer one of my own. Recently I talked to a friend who visited a mainline church many years ago. He was going through spiritual struggles and visited the church in hopes of finding some answers. The sermon moved him that day and tears flowed down his cheeks. No invitation to faith was given. Despite the fact that the preacher and church members saw his distress, no one offered to pray or counsel him. My friend left the service feeling worse than ever.

To be sure, God has many ways of drawing us to him. The altar call is not the only way, but I still believe it can be a vital tool in our evangelistic outreach. What would it communicate to that one person who, like my friend, came to church with a heart-vacuum and then heard the pastor or worship leader say, "God is ready to receive you today. Come forward if the Spirit is drawing you and let us pray for you."

A lot of folks may not come. But one just might. And didn't that woman in our Lord's parable light a lamp and sweep her whole house for one lost coin?

Fifth Sunday Circuit Rider

2011-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

"God's Cavalryman," the Methodist Circuit Rider, rode in to Cleburne, TX this past Sunday, visiting Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Every 5th Sunday, the congregation holds an old-fashioned song service. This time, they moved it to the tabernacle behind the church building.

The worship leader led the congregation of about 40 people in hymns, prayers and a responsive reading, then it was time for Obadiah Ryder IV to tell rollicking tales of his bygone life on the trail. My circuit rider presentation isn't just a history lesson, however. At one point, I reminded the people that they don't have to be preachers in order to share the Good News. "No sir! All you need is the burning love of God in your heart and the passion of your calling. 'Offer them Christ...that's what John Wesley told his missionaries bound for America so many years ago. 'Offer them Christ.' Can we do any less?"

After the service, we had a cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixin's...including home-made french fries, beans and brownies! A woman came up to tell me how much her grandsons loved the service. "You certainly had their attention!" she said.

Stamp of Approval

2011-05-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Alliance United Methodist recently hosted Mark Winter's One Man Show for a three day Jubilee. Mark is an engaging preacher that connects with the congregation through humor, drama, and effective illustrations.

We had recently completed a series on the fundamentals of Wesleyan theology. Mark's messages were a great way to finish the series as it addressed some of the central themes of Wesleyan theology that make Methodists who they are, and why our grace theology is what the world needs to hear.

Mark is an effective evangelist and God is using him in a mighty way and God can use him in your church.

Rev. Jim McClurg
Pastor, Alliance Untied Methodist Church
Ft. Worth, TX

Capital R-E-V-I-V-A-L at Alliance UMC

2011-05-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

There is a revival and then there is REVIVAL with a capital R-E-V-I-V-A-L ... and that's what we had at Alliance United Methodist Church in Ft. Worth over the past few days.

I'm convinced that the difference between a successful revival and a calendar revival is not the oratorical skill of the evangelist or the plethora of activities during the event, but the openness of hearts to receive God's Word. And it seemed to me that the hearts at Alliance were ready and willing for a touch from the Holy Spirit. The people not only came; they came with joy on their faces and Bibles in hand.

My One Man Show Jubilee kicked off on Sunday with three morning services. The choir sang a toe-tapping rendition of "Down to the River to Pray" and I preached a sermon on the New Birth entitled "Happy Re-Birthday." Evening services featured heart-stirring music from the choir and praise team, including an interactive song written and led by the youth director entitled "Jump." The altar rail was packed every night with Stephen Ministers standing nearby to minister to people.

I wasn't able to get into the public schools with my Right Choice program, so I performed a magic trick before my evening messages. Of course, I brought up a kid each night to help me. I had several parents gush after the services telling me that their children didn't want to come to the revival, but were begging to come back after they saw the magic program.

On the final night, I preached a message entitled "Compost Christians," telling stories of how God "composted" the mistakes, sins and hurts of people to bring out blessings. Then a parade of laypeople told their deliverance stories through Cardboard Testimonies while a soloist sang Casting Crowns' Lifesong. I don't know about the others in the pews, but my eyes were tearing up at the witness of God's redemptive power.

A bonus during this week was being reunited with some friends who have accompanied me on Mexico mission trips and served with me on various Walk to Emmaus retreats. I also was reunited with a lady who was in one of my first youth groups about 25 years ago. She recently took on the job of music director at Alliance.

Pastor Jim McClurg and his team did an excellent job in preparing for this Jubilee. It truly was a "capital" revival!

Emmaus Workout

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

I got a lot of exercise this past weekend--"Emmaus Exercise," that is. Three times I performed this modernized version of the Emmaus story in Luke 24:13-35. The first performance was held at the Brownwood District Laity Banquet at First United Methodist Church in Early, TX. On Friday night, over 200 people gathered to recognize lay speakers, eat savory BBQ and listen to the praise stylings of Common Ground, the praise band of First UMC in Brownwood. Anyone who brought canned goods was able to enter a drawing. The lucky winner got to designate where the food would go, and the Santa Anna food bank was the blessed receipient.

I received a great compliment after my performance. The audio man came up to me and said, "Your skit really held my attention. I didn't look at my watch once!"

On Sunday, I traveled down South Freeway to Crowley, TX, where I performed at two services at the First United Methodist Church. The story opened with me limping in with a sweat-stained shirt, a bottle of water in my hand. I told the congregation that I had just been on a 10K charity walk, which then reminded me of another walk I took where I met the Risen Jesus. Because it was Bright Sunday, people were encouraged to wear colorful clothing, which some did. A man came in with rainbow suspenders and another woman wore a crocheted dress with all kinds of knockout colors.

I was also able to serve Holy Communion, which I don't get to do much anymore as a traveling evangelist. I was a little concerned that I didn't have enough time to change between my skit and the liturgy, but I managed. I confessed my trepidation to both congregations, but added, "It occurs to me that it's not the appearance of the server that matters at this meal, but the graciousness of the host. And we have a most gracious Host in Jesus."

Stamp of Approval

2011-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a great adventure for our congregation on the week before Easter! Everyone was spellbound with your modern day portrayal of Judas and Peter. On Holy Thursday we started the journey with Judas and how each and everyone of us could relate to what Judas had done. Then on to Good Friday services where Peter was portrayed as a modern-day fisherman which all of our youth could hardly wait for the ending. Words spoken after the drama production were encouragement for anyone to accept the Easter story.

As we continued to the sunrise service at "The Cross" in Ballinger we remembered the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus. The service with Lazarus brought the message of Easter to us and challenged us to live as we had been given the chance to rise from the tomb.

Thank you, Mark, for giving us great drama and sharing the Easter story with us. You have enlivened us to move forward as individuals and as a church to bring the message of Jesus Christ to those around us. Thank you for a great experience.

Rev. Buddy Moore
First United Methodist Church
Ballinger, TX

Up Next: "Proposals"

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Proposals" is the next play I will be in at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, TX. I am in the Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday evening cast, officially opening on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. The play runs through May 21.

Written by American comedy master Neil Simon, "Proposals" is a nostalgic memory piece set at a vacation home in the Poconos. The lives of nine people intersect during a bygone summer, the characters reanimated through the narration of housekeeper Clemma Diggins. As with all of Simon's plays, "Proposals" will have you guffawing in one moment and brushing away a tear in the next. I play Burt Hines, a convalescing workaholic who is still in love with his ex-wife. My fellow cast members are an extremely talented bunch.

Make plans now to attend by calling the Artisan box office at 817-284-1200. DON'T DELAY! Opening weekend is nearly sold out and several procrastinating friends (you know who you are!) were disappointed that they didn't get around to seeing me in "Phantom." I have discount coupons that I would be happy to mail to you if you message me at info@onemanshow.org.

Holy Week in Ballinger

2011-04-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

I hit the ground running when I arrived in Ballinger, TX last Thursday. I picked up Pastor Buddy Moore at First United Methodist Church in the early afternoon, then drove a block down the road to the elementary school. Buddy helped me unload my gear and set up for a Right Choice show. Within the hour, the cafeteria was packed with 200 3rd-5th graders, eager to be entertained. Mission accomplished, using magical ropes and flowers and silk handkerchiefs to convey lessons on making good choices.

I laughed out loud when I was performing my magic coloring book routine. The book starts with blank pages and then mysteriously fills up with words, images and colors from famous nursery rhymes. During one part of the trick, I recite partial nursery rhymes and let the kids complete them:

Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider,
Who sat down beside her
And.....

A boy sitting in the front shouted, "ATE HER!"

I was really tired after a 3-hour drive and magic show, but the pastor's wife refreshed us with a tasty lasagna dinner. That evening, the church hosted a Maundy Thursday service with over 50 in attendance. I donned a black suit to portray Judas, a modern characterization taken from The Carpenter's Tools by Jerry Cohagan. After the monologue, I preached on "The Road to Forgiveness" and Holy Communion was served. We ended worship by singing One Bread, One Body. Pastor Buddy sang the first verse to us, we sang the second verse to him, and then all of us sang the last verse together.

On Friday evening, the youth of the church served a hearty ham dinner in fellowship hall. Afterwards, we gathered for Good Friday worship featuring Peter the fisherman, another portrayal from The Carpenter's Tools. In this version, Peter is a boisterous Texan who shrimps the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards, I preached a message entitled "Net Gains." Pastor Buddy sang Were You There? to end the service and we all left in silence as the altar rails were draped in black.

I had a respite on Saturday, so I decided to take a 45-minute drive north and visit some kinfolk in Abilene...including my grandmother, who will turn 106 in June! Grandma lives with my aunt and uncle and though she is frail, she still has her eyesight, hearing and mental faculties. She can tell you vivid stories of growing up in "no man's land" before Oklahoma became a state. It is always a blessing when I can make this visit.

On Easter Sunday, I woke up at o'dark thirty to be part of the community sunrise service at "The Cross," a landmark in the Ballinger area. On a breezy hill under cloudy skies, pastors from various denominations led worship for about 75 people. I was invited to bring the message, entitled "Why Look for the Living Among the Dead?,"carried live on KRUN AM.

Back at First UMC, I exchanged my street clothes for a biblical robe and headdress. At the 11:00 service, I walked in as Lazarus to perform one of the first monologues I ever wrote after becoming a drama evangelist. About 150 people heard Lazarus' tale of death and resurrection, followed by an admonition to come out of their own tombs of regret, doubt and fear.

What a great Holy Week! This was not my first time to visit Ballinger, and I don't think it will be my last, either. Pastor Buddy is thinking about a cowboy service next year with "God's Cavalryman" riding in!

An Easter Carol

2011-04-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right...

~Phillips Brooks, "An Easter Carol"

Stamp of Approval

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Mark Winter's Jubilee is a time of Scripture-focused, Spirit-led, thought-provoking revival and encouragement. His heart is warm and compassionate, his message is entertaining and convicting, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages is amazing! Mark's 'Right Choice' school program had our elementary students captivated as he talked about character and integrity. Rev. Winter is truly a breath of fresh air!"

Dr. Josh Walters
First Baptist Church Timpson, TX

Dark Presentation on a Bright Palm Sunday

2011-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday in northcentral Texas was stunning: barren-blue skies and temperatures that were the very definition of "balmy." It was almost a shame that I had to darken the day with my portrayal of Judas, but duty called.

Through a friend who is a member at White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, TX, I received the invitation to perform the monologue for the Singles' Sunday School Class. Taken from Jerry Cohagan's The Carpenter's Tools anthology, Judas is rewritten as a modern coin-collector haunted by his failure to return to Jesus after he betrayed Him. Over 20 singles sat in chairs at long tables as I walked to the front and somberly told the story in an all-black outfit, fingering dollar coins at a small table.

After the presentation, I introduced myself and talked a little about my ministry. Then I fielded a few thoughtful questions, such as "Do you write all of your own material?" and "Do you think you have more influence as an evangelist than as a pastor?"

It was a great morning despite the dark presentation, and it gave me a chance to warm-up before my Holy Week revival at First United Methodist Church in Ballinger, TX, where I will portray Judas on Maundy Thursday.

Baptodist Evangelist Visits Timpson, TX

2011-04-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the one about the Methodist evangelist who visited a Baptist church?

Actually, this isn't a joke; it happened this past week as I brought my Jubilee revival to First Baptist Church in Timpson, TX. As a General Evangelist of the United Methodist Church, I've been commissioned to go to any church setting that will host me. Since I've been told numerous times that I "preach like a Baptist," it was a good fit!

When I arrived at the church on a bright-blue Sunday morning, I knew it was going to be a good day when I saw a church member manning a "Free Compliments" table by the front door. He told me, "You are a man of God filled with the Spirit!" There were two lively Sunday morning services. Our souls were immediately stirred with a string of great songs, including "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)," "Lord, Send A Revival", "Here I Am to Worship," "Change My Heart, O God" and "Love the Lord." Good Gospel music was a hallmark of the evening Jubilee services, brought to us by soloists, choirs and a women's quartet. I preached a series of messages based on the story in Luke 4 when Jesus read the scroll of Isaiah in Nazareth. Skits supplemented the sermons, including the dramatized story of a man sweating under his personal baggage and a monologue entitled "Blind But Now I See," a modernized retelling of the tale of the blind man in John 9.

Pastor Josh Walters wanted everyone to know that there would be "free food" every night before the Jubilee services. True to his word, we were fed tummy-friendly meals, including spaghetti, tacos and hamburgers. We also had a generous dessert table and, on the final night of the Jubilee, an ice cream social. This Methodist felt right at home!

On Monday afternoon, I visited the Timpson Elementary School as the Almost Amazing Marko. As 300 eager kids looked on, I presented my Right Choice magic show, wowing the audience with a hypnotized rope, disappearing silks, a magic coloring book and drooping flower--all to teach the kids about making good choices in life. The following day, a woman reported that one of her kids said, "Marko's show was great. I wish he were my uncle!"

On Tuesday afternoon, a church member invited me to her farm outside of Timpson, entertaining me and a friend with a tour of her land and a wonderful lunch of white cheddar cheese sandwiches, homemade squash soup and Strawberries Romanov. This animal lover was excited to meet her three dogs and to get the opportunity to brush down one of her horses. Good thing I brought my boots!

Pastor Josh and his congregation welcomed this Methodist evangelist with open arms. I was especially grateful for the hospitality of a church couple who gave me their entire upstairs as a private hotel! As I was packing up on Tuesday night, a woman approached me and said, "I'm really sad that this is ending."

I was a little sad, too.

And that's no joke.

Wesleyan Jubilee Debuts at First UMC in Carthage

2011-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

My first Jubilee of 2011 was a reunion of sorts. Years ago, I conducted a revival in Center, TX when Rev. Keefe Cropper was the pastor at the United Methodist Church there. Not long after that, I ministered at First United Methodist Church of Carthage, TX, just north of Center. Keefe is now the pastor at First UMC in Carthage and several folks remembered me from the last time I visited. One man said, "You wore overalls during one service, didn't you?" I told him he had a good memory, as I performed my "Prodigal Son in Overalls" skit.

The Carthage Jubilee was the debut of my new Wesleyan series of messages and monologues. My sermon topics included the New Birth, Sanctification, Means of Grace and Spreading Scriptural Holiness. Two brand-new skits, "Back Pocket Holiness" and "The Life Box," tied into the messages. I kicked off everything by preaching two services and thanking the congregation for the big fruit basket that awaited me in my motel room on Saturday night, chockful of apples, bananas, oranges, plums, grapes, strawberries and mini boxes of raisins. "I think my fiber needs are met for the week," I joked.

In between services, we met in the Activities Center for brunch and I performed a magic show for the kiddos with messages on friendship, God's love and changing our hearts. On Sunday night, the youth praise team, "Northern Escape," led us in worship. Youth director Tonia Crittenden had asked for 100 teens to show up as her birthday present. She got half that number, but was tickled pink anyway. On Monday night, the children sang for us and I performed the "Life Box" skit. By the time my character crammed all of his "stuff" in the box, there was no room left for the Bible. My message, "Springs of Grace," centered on the Means of Grace--such as prayer, fasting, scripture, Holy Communion and fellowship--that bring divine refreshment to our lives. One man came up to me after the service and shook my hand, saying, "Your message was exactly what I needed to hear."

The Jubilee ended on a powerful note on Tuesday night with the chancel choir opening up with "Revive Us Again." After I preached a message entitled "Compost Christians," emphasizing that God can convert the garbage of our lives into something beautiful and beneficial, members of the congregation displayed their "Cardboard Testimonies." With the song, Beautiful Things, floating through the sanctuary, men and women marched out with pieces of cardboard that contained a short message of a personal challenge. When they turned the cardboard around, the message was one of hope, how God transformed their situation. The congregation applauded several times during the presentation.

What a wonderful way to start the 2011 Jubilee season!

Beauty, Beauty, Beauty

2011-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Took an early evening stroll last night with my wife. Irises were unfolding, trees budding, a mockingbird was belting out a tune in a yaupon holly tree. Spring was hanging in the air like otherworldly perfume, and I was happy to be alive.

"Give beauty back,
beauty, beauty, beauty,
Back to God, beauty’s self and beauty’s giver."
—Gerald Manley Hopkins

Stamp of Approval

2011-03-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

"I can’t thank you enough for (Sunday)evening. The kids had a wonderful time. I got a text from a mom last night and she told me that her daughter talked and talked and talked about each and every trick. I love that group of kids and have gotten where I can read them. They faces were very, very excited about the whole evening. I loved it when the little girl told you she didn’t think you were magic and then to see the expressions on her face was priceless. Again, thank you. I look forward to working with you again and again and again."

Debra Longley
Director of Children's Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Killeen, TX

Old-Time Methodism For a New Day in Killeen

2011-03-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Pastor Skip Blancett of First United Methodist Church in Killeen, TX had a very specific request when he called the Circuit Rider into duty.

"We're moving into our new building at the end of March," he said, "but in the meantime, we've been worshipping in the community center. It's getting old and my folks need a boost. I want the circuit rider to fire them up."

Obadiah Ryder accepted the challenge. He had heard about the spanking-new 37,000 sq ft church house perched on top of a hill overlooking a rapid-growth area of Killeen. Inwardly, he gave glory to God that the spiritual descendants of the little congregation of his day, housed in a modest wooden building with a bell tower, had arrived in the Promised Land to serve even more people.

This past Sunday, 400 worshippers packed the community center to have an old-fashioned Methodist service. Some wore bonnets, cowboy hats and Levis. They sang such camp meeting favorites as Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, I'll Fly Away and Shall We Gather at the River? Pastor Skip called for people to spontaneously share their testimonies on what God had done for them this past week. After each person witnessed, there was thunderous applause.

Finally, it came time for Obadiah to make his spur-jangling entrance. He beat traildust off his coat and called for some cool water. Then he launched into tales of his circuit-riding life back in the late 1800s, when the Santa Fe Railroad bought 350 acres in Bell County and the town of Killeen sprung up as a result. At the end of this talk, he reminded the Killeen Methodists that they have built a fine heritage, one they could all be proud of.

"But the past is past," he admonished, "and the future lies before you like a wide-open meadow. Your new building is literally a city on a hill and you must shine brighter than ever in these days of moral uncertainty."

With that, he led the congregation in O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing and faded back into the mists of time.

"God's Cavalryman" is my tribute to the circuit-riding preachers of yesteryear. Obadiah Ryder is one of my most popular characterizations, perfect for Heritage Sundays, anniversary celebrations, stewardship campaigns or building dedications. Call him up on one of those newfangled telephones at 817.281.2730 or send him an email at info@onemanshow.org.

Upward Magic in Azle: Part Two

2011-03-06T04:15:00.000-08:00

"By popular demand, we've brought back the Almost Amazing Marko for the second year in a row to close out our Upward season..."

With those kind words, Dr. Dean Posey, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Azle, TX, introduced me in front of about 200 kids and their parents on Saturday afternoon. I took the stage and showed the crowd my pet rope, "Don Knotts." He was shy about sitting up, but finally did to the delight of the children. With that opening trick, I taught the kids the first lesson of the day: "Bless others with your gifts and talents."

The next trick involved my "Fibbus Detectus Flower." I told the children that the Upward website listed a statistic that 14% of student athletes think it's OK to cheat. With that, a girl volunteer told a lie, which caused my flower to sadly droop. Telling the truth restored the flower to its original height. "The truth sometimes hurts," I said, "but honesty is still the best policy."

Other tricks taught the value of perseverance and teamwork. I ended by doing a trick that turns an ordinary piece of paper into a boat, house and airplane. I explained that the world says we're a champion if we accumulate possessions, own a mansion or go on exotic vacations. As I tore off a strip of paper, I said that a famous king who lived many years ago advised us not to put our treasure in things on earth, because thieves can steal, moths can consume and rust can eat everything away. Rather, we should put our treasure in things above.

With that, I unfolded the remaining piece of paper to reveal a cross. "You are a true champion when you follow Jesus Christ," I said.

Perseverance

2011-03-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last spring, when my wife and I recommitted for the millionth time to lose weight and get into shape, I decided to do something "out of the box." I enrolled in a local karate school and began training in the ancient Korean art of tang soo do. It's been a wild, fun, frustrating journey, full of aches, bruises, jokes and sweat. Yes, I'm a Kung Old Fool and should be in Health Care-ate. The good news is, I have shed a few pounds and gotten into better shape, so it's not all bad. My wife enrolled in Weight Watchers and has dropped over 60 lbs!

The video below shows me breaking a 1" pine board with a reverse punch, part of my test to move from 8th gup to 7th gup. It took two tries to break the board.

Perserverance is my mantra as I slog ahead. Not a bad rule to live by no matter what worthwhile endeavor you undertake.

Pick Up Your Trowel

2011-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, Rev. Gary Turner of First United Methodist Church in Euless, TX visited the Discover God's Call Retreat where I was serving as Inspirational Speaker. After I finished one of my talks, Gary came up to me and asked, "Would you adapt that message for my church? We're going through a capital funds campaign and your insights into Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem would be perfect."

I was more than happy to do that. Yesterday, I had the privilege of preaching at both services, as well as attending a Sunday school class and delivering a magical children's message. As an added bonus, my wife was able to go to church with me!

Here is the message that I preached, entitled "Pick Up Your Trowel," based on Nehemiah 2:17-18:

A construction worker dies in an accident on his 40th birthday and finds himself greeted at the Pearly Gates by a brass band.

St. Peter runs over, shakes his hand and says "Congratulations!"

"Congratulations for what?" asks the worker.

"Congratulations for what?" says Peter. "We are celebrating the fact that you lived to be 160 years old."

"But that's not true," says the construction worker. "I only lived to be forty."

"That's impossible," says Peter, "we added up your time sheets!"

Today’s scripture is part of a construction story. A man named Nehemiah is our hero who didn’t start out to be a contractor; he was a cupbearer in the court of Persia, hundreds of miles away from his homeland in Israel. Almost a century and a half earlier, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had invaded Jerusalem, broke down the walls and ransacked the temple. Many of the Jews were deported to Babylon in chains but, 70 years later, the Persians were the cock of the walk. When word comes to Nehemiah that the walls of Jerusalem are still a pile of rubble, his heart shatters like a vase. He weeps and prays before he gets permission from the Persian king to return to his ancestral homeland. Once there, he carefully maps out a plan and presents it to his people.

“You see the trouble we are in,” Nehemiah says. “Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

Goldsmiths sweated alongside merchants; priests shed their ceremonial robes and picked up trowels; daughters worked shoulder-to-shoulder with their daddies. Fifty-two days later, the work was completed. The walls were up, gates hung. The people gathered for a revival, returned to their homes for a week of feasting and then re-gathered to publicly renew their covenant to God. I would call that a successful capital campaign, wouldn’t you?

“Pick up your trowel.” God has called you; first and most importantly, He has called you into a personal relationship with Himself through His Son and, secondly, He has called you into a place of meaningful service. Christ has saved you unto good works. The Holy Spirit has gifted you to continue the ministry of Jesus on earth. So where do we start? How do we build a life pleasing to God?

First, we must pick up the trowel of VISION. When I say “vision,” I don’t mean waking up in the middle of the night and talking to angels at the foot of your bed, unless that’s your thing. A vision is a God-implanted idea of “what could be.” Nehemiah made three nightly surveys of Jerusalem before he ever made his proposals to the city council of Jerusalem. Vision gave him the ability to see brick upon brick, mortared neatly into place…gates of bronze hung straight and true…majestic watchtowers casting their shadows across the valleys. He saw what was, but then he saw what could be.

Vision asks the question, “What if?”

⇒What if I looked at those weird-looking boys that my daughter drags home as people to reach with God's love instead of nuisances to simply tolerate?

⇒What if we took out all that junk in that room at the end of the church hall and used it for something useful, something for God's glory?

⇒What if we made our annual church bazaar an outreach event instead of just a fundraising event?

Someone at Bethany United Methodist Church in Enid, OK saw an empty cupboard in the church as an opportunity to feed low-income seniors, migrant workers and single parents with kids. That was in 1999. Today, the Shepherd’s Cupboard is the third largest food bank in Oklahoma, housed in the basement of the church. I know all this because I preached a revival for them several years ago, and they put me to work. Before the pantry was even open, about 75 people showed up to hear my morning devotional in the sanctuary. Then the work began. Three hours later, we had given away a thousand bags of groceries, plus milk and bread and hams. All because someone at that church had a vision of what an empty pantry could be!

Next, we must pick up the trowel of MISSION. A mission gives vision its voice. When Nehemiah said to the city elders, “Come, let us rebuild,” he was stating the mission.

I have read your “Forward in Faith” Fact Sheet. Without a sense of vision and mission, this campaign could be seen as just “another project,” something the church has decided to do to get my money. But seen through the lens of faith, it will be seen as a mission. First of all, Forward in Faith is trying to reduce indebtedness and the Bible repeatedly encourages us to get out of debt. Paul writes in Romans 13:8, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for (whoever) who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Secondly, the expansion of the parking lot isn’t about asphalt, it’s about people…people who will feel welcome right off the bat when they can find a parking space. Just several weeks ago, my wife and I visited a church where the parking lot was crammed. We couldn't find a spot, so guess what? We left.

The Apostle Peter writes to the church, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully, administering God's grace in its various forms." (I Pet 4:9-10)

Nehemiah didn’t see the Jerusalem wall as just a routine Saturday morning Trustees workday. His passion was Jerusalem. He yearned to see the walls up, the gates hung, residents moving in, the streets buzzing with activity, the Temple full of worshippers. His desire was both practical and spiritual. First of all, the walls of an ancient city were not decorative; they were defensive. Many cities had massive double walls overshadowed by guard towers. Nehemiah knew that the reason Jerusalem had not returned to its former glory was because of the shattered walls. No one would want to open a shop or raise a family without strong defenses.

But Nehemiah was also motivated spiritually. Jerusalem wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill town, but God’s dwelling place, the site of the Temple and the holy hill of Zion. To restore Jerusalem was to glorify God.

Lastly, we must make take up the trowel of DECISION. We must decide to act and put our calling and gifts into play. We can have a vision, we can even have a mission, but until we put the mission into motion, it’s a dream…not a deed.

A few years ago, a family friend named Linda lost her husband after 7 years of a blissful marriage. The woman was devastated and sunk into despair. She started having health problems and her finances began to slide. She doubted that God cared for her anymore. I kept praying that God would send her a small token of his great love.

One Sunday morning as I was coming back from church, I was waiting for the light to change less than a mile from our house. A few moments later, I pulled into my driveway. When I got out of the car, I noticed that I had company. A woman had pulled in right behind me and my first thought was, “Uh oh. Did I cut her off in traffic and she’s gonna give me a piece of her mind?” No problem, it’s not like I’m unfamiliar with this after 30 yrs of marriage. She introduced herself and then told me that she saw my “One Man Show Ministries” lettering on the side of my SUV.

“I tithe to my church but I also try to give something above and beyond every week,” she explained. “I was praying at the intersection about who to give this to and then I saw your window sign. So…here.”

And she handed me three crisp $100 bills. Now I confess that my first impulse was to take the money and get some nice box seats at the ballgame. But I knew who this money belonged to. I called Linda and told her what had happened. “This money is from you, straight from God,” I said. She burst into tears and I think she’s still crying.

Sometimes we feel that God is speaking to us mystically and other times we just see a need. The bottom line is, we must put awareness into action. It’s not enough to see a need and hope someone else does it; if we can meet that need with the gifts and resources that God has given us, we must respond. When we do, we will see the Spirit work, often in unexpected and humbling ways.

Nehemiah did precisely that. Here was a man whose life reflected a man of obedient action, not an armchair quarterback or ivory tower philosopher. Nehemiah does not pray, "God, make it better”; his prayer is,” God, use me to make it better." Because of his vision, mission and decision, the Holy Spirit moved, the people mobilized and the walls that lay ruined for over 140 yrs were completed in less than two months.

So pick up your trowel…and see what God will build through your life.

Radiate!

2011-02-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

RADIATE: To emit (light, for example) in or as if in rays; to illuminate; to manifest in a glowing manner

Radiate is the 2011 Midwinter Retreat theme at Glen Lake United Methodist Camp in Glen Rose, Texas. This past weekend, over 250 youth from churches in the Central Texas Conference showed up to worship, make new friends and shine their light.

The "end-game" for the retreat was a youth-designed worship service held on Sunday afternoon. To prepare, the campers invested hours in rehearsing music, dance, skits, scripture readings and messages. Others wandered around the camp using their photography skills to put together a slide show. Another group, called the "Energizers," trained to be a hospitality and greeting team.

As a dramatist, I was asked to direct the youth who were interested in skits. Over 25 youth and adults showed up to get to work. I broke them into smaller groups, handed them scripts and set them loose. It was fun watching them put a creative spin on their characters and lines. I gave them a few pointers ("Project!" "Enunciate!") and kept cheering them on.

Of course, we did some of the usual "camp things," too. In their free time, youth played basketball, fished, climbed trees and took hikes. Services were awesome. A professional praise band from Houston, Things Not Seen, led us in some rockin' worship and supervised the youth-led music groups. On Saturday evening, members of the Student Leadership Team distributed glow sticks so we could "shine our light" during the closing number.

Finally, after lunch on Sunday, the time came for us to make our way to the Glen Rose High School auditorium to do a "dry run." The service began at 2:30 with a bang. The music team, composed of woodwinds, choir, percussion and guitars, led us in an energetic rendition of Oh Happy Day! My drama teams were scattered through the entire service, performing hilarious skits with messages on love, acceptance, transformation, the Body of Christ and God's calling. The service ended with Holy Communion...of course, youth served the elements.

The Student Leadership Team did an incredible job in planning and orchestrating the Midwinter Retreat. They encouraged the campers to take what they learned back to their local churches and radiate the love of Jesus.

God Is On a Role

2011-02-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

As my Camelot stint at The Artisan Theater was winding down in January, some of my fellow members were getting excited about auditions for Phantom: The American Musical Sensation, premiering in March. One of the cast members, who played Lancelot, wanted me to audition for the role of Carriere, the manager of the Paris Opera House who carries an astonishing secret. I told him I would love to be in the show, but I felt like I needed to keep my calendar open for ministry bookings. He kept after me to audition until I finally said, "If God wants me to be in this show, then the role will fall into my lap."

I thought that was the end of it. Auditions came and went, and all the parts were filled. Then I got wind that one of the double-cast actors in the role of Carriere dropped out...then I got a call from the show's director asking me if I would audition.

"God, is that you?" I silently asked.

I went to the rehearsal hall the next night, sang a few bars and got the part. "Well, God, I guess that is you," I thought.

The show premeires on Friday, March 18. This is not the well-known Phantom of the Opera musical penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Written by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, this Phantom gives more backstory than Webber's version. Thus far I have only been in a few rehearsals, but I can already tell you that the music is sweeping and the cast sparkles. Toward the end of the show, I will sing a moving duet with the Phantom entitled "You Are My Own."

I am in the Monday/Fri/Sat matinee cast. Because of some ministry commitments, I cannot be in every scheduled performance. Here are the shows that I will be in :

Fri, Mar 18
Mon, Mar 21
Fri, Mar 25
Sat Mat, Mar 26
Fri, Apr 1
Mon, Apr 4
Fri, Apr 8
Sat Mat Apr 9
Fri Apr 15
Sat Mat Apr 16
Mon Apr 18

Evening shows begin at 7:30 pm and Saturday matinees are 3:00 pm. I have $1.00 discount coupons for every ticket that you purchase. Call me at 817-281-2730 or email me at info@onemanshow.org and I will be happy to send you as many coupons as you need. The Artisan box office phone number is 817-284-1200.

So...I'm not sure God was directly involved in getting this role for me, but I'm going to attack it like He did. The Bible reminds us,"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." (Col 3:23)

And I will have to work hard on this. I have a lot of lines to cram into my aging brain and an operatic piece to practice. But better to burn out than to rust out...right?

Hello, Beautiful!

2011-02-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

It’s a small town – one of those kinds of towns people make jokes about. You’ve heard ‘em – “that town is so small that when you dial the wrong number, the person on the other end gives you the right number. It’s so small that there’s no place to go that you shouldn’t. It’s so small that Third Street is on the edge of town. "

Valentine, Texas is such a small town – a dusty hamlet nestled between Van Horn and Marfa on State Highway 90. Population: a mere 187.

But once a year, as Valentine’s Day approaches, this small town becomes very popular, a romantic mecca of sorts as cards & letters pour into the tiny adobe post office. The reason? Lovers want their correspondence stamped with the Valentine, Texas postmark, which is newly designed every year by a student from the Valentine school system.

One morning, Postmaster Maria Elena Carasco was moving a box of Valentine cards when she heard a faint, mysterious voice: “Hola, bonita,” the voice said in Spanish. “Hello, beautiful.” For a split second, she felt like the tiny post office was haunted. Was it the voice of her dearly-departed husband, who had died unexpectedly of a heart attack? Maria Elena pulled out the cards and began hand-canceling each one with the Valentine postmark. Then she came across a talking greeting card, the kind with the electronic voice box inside. “Hola, bonita,” it said. “Hello, beautiful.” Maria Elena laughed. The card would soon make its way to someone’s hands and heart, reminding her again of why Valentine’s Day was her favorite time of the year.

Two thousand years ago, God sent a Valentine’s Card to earth, postmarked with the precious blood of his own Son. The outside of the card was simple, even rustic, but the inside contained a message that was as stunning as it was beautiful:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)

“Hello, beautiful,” God has written. “You are my unique creation. I have made the ultimate sacrifice for you. I want you to follow me, and when you’re ready to leave the earth, we can spend all of eternity together. What d’ya say, Beautiful?”

The card has been signed, sealed and delivered. It waits – begs – to be opened. All it needs is someone to say “Yes” to the invitation.

Someone like you.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, compared God's grace to a house. The porch is "Prevenient Grace," the love of God for us that precedes our love of God. It’s a big porch, because everyone is there: saints and sinners; men, women, youth and children; classical music lovers and gangsta rap fans; the New Yorker who takes the subway and the Indian who travels by canoe down the Amazon. Everyone gets a generous dollop of prevenient grace on God’s big front porch! In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas give a prevenient grace message when they arrive in Lystra, a town in Asia Minor. These apostles tell the crowd that God kindly testifies to his goodness by “giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; (God) provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

But the porch isn’t the house. God stands on the other side of the door and beckons us to come in and possess the entire mansion. His love requires a response. Wesley said that the door of God’s house is “Justifying Grace,” sometimes called “Justification.” Big words. . .big concepts. What does justification and justifying mean?

If you look up the words in the dictionary, you will find several definitions.

In printing terms, justified type is a block of text that is even at the margins. God’s justifying grace takes a life worn ragged by sin and lines it up with love, mercy and tenderness.

“To be justified” is a legal term means you have been vindicated. According to Romans 6:23, we are all guilty before God and “the wages of sin is death.” We have been brought into the divine courtroom for sentencing. We wince as the charges are read, knowing that we have broken God’s law. The gavel comes down with awful force as the verdict thunders throughout the halls of justice: ‘NOT GUILTY!’ We look up, stunned. The bench is empty. The Judge has removed his robes and now stands beside us, offering to take the rap. He goes off to our punishment, setting us free. “While we were yet sinners,” Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, “Christ died for us.”

“To justify your actions” means to prove that you are right. However, the Bible tells us that “there is no one righteous – no, not one” and “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” In financial terms, we have made some bad investments, freely spending the currency of jealousy, greed, selfish ambition, irreverence, lust, gossip (okay, enough of my own personal list)—and now it’s time to pay our Divine Creditor. But we can never overcome the arrears of sin through our good deeds – the debt is too astronomical, like trying to pay off the federal deficit in nickels. But God has a Chapter 13 of his own that requires no lawyers, no legal maneuvers, no heavy documentation – just a simple “yes” to his Son that wipes out our debt of sin and credits our account with righteousness. You don’t have to understand it all. To be justified doesn’t mean you have to have a PhD in theology that enables you to spout off Anselm’s satisfaction theory of the atonement. All you have to understand is that God loves you and sent his Son to you.

Years ago, a woman in my church shared that she was watching Jesus of Nazareth, the 1977 mini-series, before her husband got home from work one afternoon. She had been struggling with the notion that God loved her personally. She could buy that “God so loved the world,” but she wasn’t sure that God loved Rhonda. While she was watching the crucifixion scene, she said the Holy Spirit testified to her spirit that Jesus, indeed, marched to the cross for her. When the realization came, she dissolved in tears right when her husband walked through the front door. Of course, he assumed that he had screwed something up.

“What’s wrong?” he said.

Rhonda looked up with tears streaming down her face and snot coming out of her nose and said, “Jesus loves me!”

Okay, it may not be that dramatic for you. When I opened my love letter from God, there were no tears or cartwheels. Just a quiet acceptance of God’s acceptance of me. It was 1983. I had been married for a year, and those of you who are married know how fun that first year is! Much too difficult to make it without God. But we tried, anyway. I thought things would magically fix themselves. But they didn’t. The marriage got more frustrating. My life was going around in aimless circles. I was drinking too much. I wasn’t very lovable and I felt I didn’t deserve much love. Who was my God at that point? That dubious trinity called me, myself and I. You see, whatever we devote ourselves to is our god—and I found out that I make a very poor god!

One day Laura suggested we go to church. I looked at her like an iguana had crawled out of her ear. Hey, I wasn’t that desperate!

“Church?” I said. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Guys in robes, trilly organ music, blue-haired ladies? No thanks. If I want to be tortured, I’ll go to a family reunion.”

But she persisted. We finally went. And I found that it wasn’t half-bad. It was actually scratching an itch. We returned. Then we joined a Sunday school. I met the youth director and started helping him.

Then one day I did the unthinkable….I dusted off my old confirmation Bible...and I started reading it….on purpose!

And in the pages of Scripture, I discovered a Jesus I never knew. This wasn’t the stained-glass, goody-two-shoes Jesus that I had concocted in my mind. This was a God who walked dusty roads, hobnobbed with sinners and went toe-to-toe with religious phonies. His bearing impressed me. His words inspired me. His agenda to include the outcasts moved me. I joined the 1st century crowds in asking, “Who is this man? Where did he get his authority? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Yes, but more—a divine craftsman whose Spirit began shaping and sanding my rough heart.

Jesus said he came to seek and save that which was lost. I was lost. He said that he would die for the sins of the world. I had sin. He claimed that he was Bread from Heaven and Living Water. I knew I was hungry and thirsty for God. So I finally placed my trust in Christ. I got off the porch and walked through the door. I quietly responded to his love letter and have been in love with him ever since.

Believe me, when you accept this amazing, justifying grace, your problems don’t magically vanish and you don't become whole overnight. If you hung around me for a week, you’d see that very clearly. Sometimes I don't react well to pressure, I still struggle with “issues” from my past and my wife and I even have an occasional spat – she never lets me win. But my decision to respond to the Grace that had been there all along has made all the difference in the world. To paraphrase the bumper sticker, “I’m not perfect, but I am forgiven.”

And being forgiven makes you feel empowered. Like you can start over at any time. That God’s desire is not to condemn you, but commend you. Such grace takes root in your heart and grows faith, hope and love in your life. I love this line from the Michael Card song, The Way of Wisdom: “You can stop pretending that it all depends on you; for it’s not how much you love, but how much He loves you.”

Listen! Can you hear it? “Hello, Beautiful.” Sounds like a come-on, doesn’t it? Well, it is! God’s come-on! But it’s a come-on with a huge payoff—abundant life, now and forever. Come on, Beautiful, open my love letter! Come on, Beloved One, get off the porch and come into my house! Come on, my Precious Princess, hand over your sins and let me wash you as white as crisp linen! You are worth it!

It’s a great offer, isn’t it? The Creator of the universe offering you a chance to get right, get clean, and get going toward heaven. But an offer pre-supposes a response, doesn’t it—a reply?

So the question is. . .what is your answer to Jesus?

Treasure Hunt

2011-02-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

Thirteen people went on a treasure hunt this past weekend at Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. They were searching for treasure in the form of their spiritual gifts. A team of guides from Discover God's Call helped them along and, of course, the Ultimate Guide—the Holy Spirit—was there, as well.

The discoverers were primed before they even stepped into the church doors. They had taken a 15-day home Bible study and spiritual gifts inventory. The retreat kicked off on Friday evening with a sandwich supper and ended on Saturday night with a service of Holy Communion. In between, discoverers honed their calling in small groups, solitude and worship. During small group time, a dedicated team of intercessors prayed for the participants to receive their calling. At one service, a discoverer announced that she had shelved her gifts because of fear of criticism from others. With tears streaming down her face, she resolved to put her gifts back into play because she knew God had given them to her.

As Inspirational Speaker, I delivered four talks during the course of the weekend. The subject of my messages was Nehemiah, who inspired his fellow Jews to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem. This Old Testament story was perfect since all kinds of spiritual gifts were in play during this project. My farewell message encouraged the discoverers to practice fortitude, focus and faith as they returned to their homes, churches and communities to pursue their calling.

Interested in participating in Discover God's Call or having your church host a retreat? Follow the link above or call the One Man Show office at 817-281-2730 for more information.

God's Best China

2011-02-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

I've been taking a personal retreat at the end of the year to look over my Jubilee messages and skits, tweak them or scrap them altogether to start something new. In 2011, I decided on a Wesleyan theme, preaching sermons with a distinctive Methodist bent. The following message, God's Best China, is one of those sermons, a message of holiness and sanctification based on Zechariah 14:20-21. I hope this sermon inspires you. If it does, let's book a Jubilee! My contact information is below.

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As I prepared for this message, I ran an experiment with my wife, Laura. I asked her to name the china pattern we have, how many pieces, and where did we get it. She immediately replied, “Noritake Etienne. It’s an 8-place setting plus several miscellaneous pieces. We got it from Sanger Harris, which is now Macy’s.”

Wow. I couldn’t have done any of that. As a typical clueless guy, I have a vague sense that we have some wedding china somewhere in the house and on special occasions Laura brings out real plates and cups that don’t look like they came from the thrift store…and they all match.

In the last chapter of the Book of Zechariah, God brings out his best china for all to see. Zechariah was a prophet who lived about 500 years before Christ. He envisioned a future era when the Messiah would reign over the whole world. In that day, clay pots will be as holy as the sacred golden bowls in the temple. Everything from the ornamental bells on horses to cooking pots in the kitchen will be inscribed with HOLY TO THE LORD—words that had previously been engraved on a gold plate on the High Priest’s turban and nowhere else.

We’re comfortable with talking about holy things like priestly garments and sacred ground, but when it comes to people, holiness either intimidates us or irritates us. We think of a holy person as someone who is head and shoulders above us mortal churchgoing types, a Mother Theresa who gives up all to serve the poor or a St. Stephen who gets martyred for the faith. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s easy to think of holy people as somber, self-righteous types whose faces would crack if they smiled. Did you hear about the little girl who saw a mule for the first time in her life? She said, "I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian -- you look just like Grandpa."

The Bible knows nothing of these concepts. Holiness is something God possesses; in fact, the Word tells us that God is holy. ”Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Is 6:3) So if holiness is who God is, then holiness has to be good! It is we humans who have given holiness a bad name.

So what does it mean to be “holy?” The Bible word means different, distinct, separate or set-apart. Something or someone who is holy is set apart from evil and set apart to God. I think we often get the quest for holiness backwards. We try really hard to be good, and we bring God in as a part-time consultant when we mess up. We cannot be truly holy by ourselves. Years ago, a retired pastor in a West Texas church shared a story with me. One Sunday, he preached a sermon about grace, how we enter the kingdom of heaven not by working hard but simply by accepting God’s gift of grace. A sour church member who nevertheless was known for her service verbally accosted the preacher after the service.

“Can’t say I liked your sermon this morning, Preacher.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“Did I understand you to say that we don’t get into heaven by our works?”

“Yes ma’am. That’s what the Bible teaches. Grace is a gift of God and we can’t earn it.”

The woman stomped her foot in disgust. “You mean all those pies I’ve baked for the church socials all these years MEAN NOTHING TO GOD?”

Salvation by pie-baking is nowhere to be found in the scriptures. Holiness is not earned, it is is endowed. God possesses holiness and God loves to give holiness away for those who will humbly receive. As such, holiness is entirely relational. The closer we get to God, the holier we become.

This may sound shocking, but I don't think God cares one bit if we “say our prayers.” I do think he loves it when we go to him authentically and open our hearts in his presence. I don't think God cares if we memorize the Bible. I think he loves it when we believe that the scriptures are his Word and Truth and have the power to transform us. I don't think God cares if we fast. I think he loves it when we set apart worldly pleasures that we might set ourselves apart for Him, our Greatest Pleasure. I don't think God cares if we drop a little something in the offering plate. The preacher and finance committee might care, but I don't think God cares. I know he loves a cheerful giver and he cares when we give generously and even sacrificially, knowing that our resources ultimately come from him. The Pharisees prayed and fasted and gave—and they missed God.

Zechariah mentions that no Canaanite will enter God’s temple. He wasn’t referring to real Canaanites—those evil ancient enemies of the Jews—but to Israelites with Canaanite hearts who pretend to be righteous while secretly despising the true things of God. As C.S. Lewis said, “It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.”

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that holiness was the reason God raised up the people called Methodist. He believed that the process of becoming holy—called sanctification—was the rally-cry of Methodism and he required his circuit riders to constantly preach on the topic. Wesley spoke of inward and outward holiness. Inward holiness is when we meet Christ in the inner sanctum of our hearts for cleansing and transformation, while outward holiness is the visible fruit of our personal relationship with the Savior, resulting in a life pleasing to God. If one was uncoupled from the other, they become false expressions. Inward holiness without outward holiness amounts to feeble navel-gazing; outward holiness without inward holiness morphs into self-righteous posturing. But when a person spent time with God so that person could spend God on others, true holiness would blaze forth.

“On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty.”

Ultimately, God’s best china is not a sacred pot or bowl, but people. People who yearn to experience God and long for others to experience God through them. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (I Pet 2:9)

You may not be able to name the china pattern in your house, but if you name God as your Father and Christ as your Lord, you can be sure that you are His best china. You are indeed holy.

The Jubilee is a three-day event that combines preaching, dramatic skits and devotional programs, all designed to renew and refresh the local church. Contact One Man Show Ministries at 817-281-2730 or send an email to info@onemanshow.org

Back to The Real World

2011-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

My Camelot gig is done at the Artisan Community Theater. It was a lot of fun, but it's back to the real world. No, not the MTV show. I have NO idea what that's about—and I'd like to keep it that way. It's back to the reality of ministry. As far as bookings, One Man Show went through a dry spell but things are starting to pick back up.

On February 11, I head down the loop to Arlington, TX, where I will serve as Inspirational Speaker at an overnight Discover God's Call retreat. As you can read from the link, DGC is a great ministry designed to help people discover and use their spiritual gifts. My four talks will focus on Nehemiah, who rallied the Jews to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

The next weekend, I will travel to Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose, TX. There I will participate in the Radiate Midwinter Retreat, helping youth who are interested in church drama to develop and perform skits for a big worship service on Sunday afternoon. The students will be able to take home their experience to assist their local churches in worship.

That's it for February, but the spring will pick up steam with three Jubilee revivals, a Circuit Rider presentation, an AWANA Awards magic show and a skit at the Brownwood Laity Banquet.

The "Real World" won't be so bad, after all!

A Dream Come True

2011-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

"Don't let it be forgot,
that once there was a spot,
for one, brief shining moment,
that was known as Camelot!"

From a tender age, I listened to these poignant lyrics sung by Richard Burton, played on a hi-fi record player in our kitchen and pumped through the entire house via intercom. I had never seen Camelot, but I knew the score by heart and loved it. As a teen, when I saw the movie starring Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave, I finally saw how the music was woven into the narrative tapestry of Arthur's quest for civilized justice and the tragic love affair between Guenevere and Lancelot. Soon I was in the library, gobbling up Tennyson and Malory, T.H. White and Chrétien de Troyes. I even wooed girls by singing If Ever I Would Leave You, and I figured if I had looked like Franco Nero instead of an awkward, pimply teenager, my singing courtships would have been more successful.

In college, I decided to major in drama and hoped someday to star in my favorite musical. My chance was realized when I heard that a community theater in Tulsa was putting on Camelot as part of their summer fare. As a student at the University of Oklahoma, I went home after spring finals until it was time to go back to school in the fall, and I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to audition.

I figured wrong.

One night as I chatted on the phone with my father, I reluctantly told him of my plans to try out for the musical. I say "reluctantly" because my dad wasn't crazy about my major or involvement in a local playhouse. He wasn't as bad as some joyless character in an old movie that demanded that his son take over the family business, but he made it clear on numerous occasions that he thought theater was an unmanly and unwise career choice. This time, he was more forceful. He demanded that I come home and find a summer job. I argued with him for a while but I knew I was using a pea-shooter against an iron wall. My dad was an autocratic man. Besides, he held the purse-strings. I had to submit.

That summer, I attended the musical and kept putting myself in various roles, wondering if I would best fit in the pointed cap of Merlyn, the kingly robes of Arthur or the armor of one of the singing knights. I enjoyed the play but felt a twinge of sadness that I didn't have my shot. Not long after that summer, I gave up theater as a major and, in time, abandoned community theater altogether.

A few months ago, my wife casually noted that The Artisan, a nearby community theater, was putting on Camelot. "Let's go see it," I said. Laura told me that they hadn't even held auditions yet.

My heart stirred. Should I go for it? It had been 30 years since I had tried out for a play. Was I too rusty? What if I weren't cast? That would be a tough blow. Old "Dad tapes" started to play, but they were overridden when my wife said, "Your schedule is clear. Go ahead and do it!"

The audition was long and nerve-wracking. After about two hours, the director read aloud some names of people whom he wanted to stay.

"The rest of you are dismissed," he said matter-of-factly. "Thanks for coming."

My name wasn't read. I was battling disappointment but gave myself a silent pep-talk that at least I tried. As I stood up to leave, the director caught my eye and called me over.

"Your name is Mark, right?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"I know you put down on your audition form that you wanted to play Merlyn or Pellinore," he said, "but would you take the role of Sir Dinadan if I offered it to you?"

I tried not to clap my hands and jump up and down like a four-year old girl. "Sure, absolutely," I said.

Three decades after my father blocked one of my dreams, another Father decided it was time for the dream to come true. The last two months of rehearsals and performances have been grueling, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. We opened with a splashy gala on December 31, a fitting way to start the new year with my sons and wife in the audience. Since then, my daughter, mother, sisters and many friends have come to see the production and I have forged bonds with many of my fellow cast members...some who are ardent Christians.

There are people who feel that God has let them down because a cherished hope never became a reality. I understand these feelings. I hold other dreams that may never come to fruition. But I know this: our God is a God who "has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11) If one of your dreams doesn't come true, it may be that the dream wasn't really right for you. Or, perhaps, the Holy Spirit has you in a holding pattern, as He did me. Sometimes a dream loses its power so another dream can emerge, a more powerful one that comes straight from the heart of the Father. If we hand the shards of our shattered dreams to God, He will eventually piece them together into a beautiful stained-glass window so His glory can shine through.

I can't stop thanking the Lord for making it possible for one dream to finally come true. It was thirty years late, but somehow exactly on time.

Do You Have Epiphany Deficiency?

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, January 16, I finished my two-week preaching stint at First United Methodist Church of Breckenridge, TX while Pastor Jeff Miller and his wife were on vacation. My sermon was entitled "Do You Have Epiphany Deficiency?" The message was based on Isaiah 40:21-26, which exalts God for His incomparable grandeur. Here is the text of my sermon:

About a month ago, just in time for the holidays, the Hubble Telescope spotted a giant Christmas ornament in the sky. At least, that’s what it looked like from earth: a heavenly green oval bordered by a thin ring of brilliant purple. (see picture at top left) In reality, the bauble was a supernova explosion that occurred in a nearby galaxy about 400 years ago. The bubble-shaped shroud of gas is 23 light-years across and is expanding at more than 1 million miles per hour!¹

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah looked up and invited us to look up, too. The stars didn’t awe him as much as the Star Maker. As I mentioned last Sunday, we are in the season of Epiphany, a time to focus on God’s awesome revelations. Epiphany comes from a Greek word that literally means a “shining forth.” The Babe who was once laid in a manger has now, by the power of His resurrection and the glory of His ascension, revealed Himself to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Epiphany is a time to think big, to lift our eyes from petty concerns and meditate anew on the wonders of God. However, some Christians suffer from “Epiphany Deficiency.” There’s a painting that pictures a busy sidewalk in the city. Pedestrians are scurrying by one another, absorbed in their own concerns, frowning, scowling, their eyes glued to the ground. In the background, a sign on a church door says, “LOOK UP.”

The cure for an Epiphany Deficiency is to look up—literally. When we consider the stars, we, like Isaiah, begin to revere the One who made them all. Last month, astronomers announced that the universe contains three times more stars than previously thought. That’s roughly 300 sextillion stars—a 3 followed by 24 zeroes!

Actually, we don’t have to look any farther than our own world to be awed and amazed. Earth is a massive globe of rock and metal that is nevertheless precisely balanced and turns easily on its axis, ripping through space at nearly 20 miles per second. Our planet is slanted at exactly 23.45 degrees. A few degrees more or less, and our world would either become a giant deep-freeze or flaming barbecue. Our placement in the solar system seems to be no accident, either. At 93 million miles from the sun, we enjoy a “Goldilocks distance,” neither too hot nor too cold—just right! A British astrophysicist who was knighted for his accomplishments once said, “The universe appears to have been designed by a Pure Mathematician.”

God is BIG! Bigger than us, bigger than the cosmos, bigger than anything anyone could imagine! He is constantly placing signs in the skies (and many other places, too), reminding us how truly magnificent he is. Yet so often we slip into an Epiphany Deficiency. We obsess about earthly matters. We keep our feet planted on familiar ground instead of mounting up with the wings of eagles. We forget about our Heavenly Father and His infinite power, His exalted ways and His amazing grace—or we try to tame God, box Him in and mold Him into our own earthbound image.

In his book, “The Ragamuffin Gospel,” Brennan Manning relates the true story of a Sunday school class that was studying Genesis 22 – Abraham taking Isaac to the mountain of sacrifice.

After the group read the passage, the pastor offered scholarly commentary and then asked, “So what does this story mean to us?”

A man in the class replied, “It means that my family and I are going to look for another church.”

The pastor was startled. “What? Why?”

The man explained that when he studied the God of the Bible, he felt like he was near the real God – not the “dignified, businesslike, Rotary Club God we chatter about here on Sunday mornings.” The God of Abraham, the man went on, was a deity who could blow a man to bits, give and then take a child, ask for everything from a person, and still demand more.

“I want to know that God,” the man concluded.

Manning ends the story with these words: “The child of God knows that the graced life calls him or her to live on a cold and windy mountain, not on the flattened plain of reasonable, middle-of-the-road religion.” ²

Years ago, an Epiphany editorial in The United Methodist Reporter summarized our human condition: “Mired in shriveled visions and petty ambitions, discouraged by world events and anemic economic conditions, too many of us exhibit spiritual shrinkage. We dream little dreams, hope little hopes and, consequently, live little lives.” ³

But there’s good news: just in time for Epiphany, astronomers discover a giant ornament in the heavens! New things, too, are happening all over the globe: explosive church growth in China, Africa and India; atheist scientists and philosophers acknowledging the existence of God; increased interest in prayer and spiritual disciplines. The Holy Spirit is sweeping across the earth, and we have been invited to be swept up with Him.

So let’s get rid of Epiphany Deficiency! We do that by looking up and allowing God to expand our vision. When that happens, we begin to dream big, pray big, serve big, give big and forgive big! For a Christian, now and always is the time to do big things, relying on a God who is bigger than our past mistakes, bigger than our present fears, bigger than any future calamity. So look up. Gaze at the stars. And remember, the One who made the universe is still creating…both “out there” and in the human heart.

1. Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA). Acknowledgement: J. Hughes (Rutgers University)

2. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, 1990, Multnomah Press

3. "A Galaxy is born. Rejoice!" Editorial from The United Methodist Reporter Jan 3, 1992

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of preaching at all three services at First United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, TX. Pastor Jeff Miller asked me to fill the pulpit for the next two weeks while he and his wife are on vacation.

I preached on The All-The-Way Plunge, based on Matthew 3:13-17. Here is the text of my sermon:

You may wonder why the scripture today focuses on Jesus’ baptism. Didn’t he just get born? We’re barely a few weeks out of Christmas and we already have him getting dipped in the Jordan River!

Those of us who have grown up in liturgical denominations like the United Methodist church know that the season of Epiphany follows the celebration of Christmas. Epiphany comes from a Greek word literally meaning “a shining forth.” Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? While Christmas marks the birth of an infant in lowly surroundings, Epiphany goes the opposite way and celebrates the big and bold manifestations of God. Epiphany looks to the Star of Bethlehem, notes the first miracle of Jesus when he changed water into wine and, yes, celebrates the baptism of the Lord when the Holy Spirit descended as a dove and God’s voice thundered forth approval of His beloved Son.

My whole family loves the water. My parents tell me I was jumping off diving boards before I was in kindergarten. When I was about 10, my dad bought a boat and we spent every summer weekend on the lake, fishing and swimming and skiing. Years ago, when we took our kids to swimming lessons, all three of them would just jump right in, no matter how cold the water was. Some swimmers are like that – plungers. How many of you like to plunge right in? How many of you like to take your time getting into the water?

How many of you wouldn’t be caught dead in a swimsuit?

Faith is like swimming. Some Christians are plungers. They totally commit themselves to the water. Others walk out until their ankles are covered, then their knees. Next they rub water on their arms, and slowly lower themselves all the way in, splash around for a short time and return to land. And a whole mess of folks haven’t even gotten wet! They’re still on the beach as spectators.

In Jesus’ day, some people came out to hear and see John the Baptist, and they responded immediately and wholeheartedly to his call for repentance baptism. Others were cautious, not of the water but about plunging into a radical new life. The Pharisees and Sadducees, for instance. These pious, wealthy churchmen showed up at the river, but not to repent. They came merely to observe and judge. They had it good. Wealth. Knowledge. Prestige. Power. Why change?

We don’t like to think of ourselves as Pharisees, but if we’re honest, we do act like them when God invites us to take the “all-the-way plunge.” We want to hang out on the shores of religion without getting wet. We want the option of keeping some part of our lives dry, that area that we don’t want to dunk in the waters of commitment. Way back in the Middle Ages, when the troops of Charlemagne got baptized, the soldiers went all the way into the water except for their sword hands. They held that hand above water so they could still kill with impunity.

Let's admit it: total commitment to God can be scary. Most of us want to maintain control, or at least an illusion of it. What will my life look like if I took the plunge that God wants me to? Will He make me do something unusual or uncomfortable? I'm a United Methodist, you know; we don't do weird things.

We’re like the pig who was strolling along the country lane with the hen. They pass a church with a marquee sign that asks, “WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THE POOR?” The hen immediately responded, “We could feed them bacon and eggs!” The pig shook his head, grunting. “No way!” he said. “Why not?” the hen asked. “Because for you it only requires a donation,” the pig replied, “but for me, it means total commitment!”

And so we apprehensively poke a toe into the water and then draw back with a shiver of fear, a ripple of reservation.

“John, what do you mean by repentance? Change, you say? A complete turn-around? Hm. What will this change look like? Will it inconvenience me? I have a routine, you know. Does it mean I’ll have to give up some old ways? Well, I might be able to give up some, but I have some comfortable habits, a few secret sins that I want to hang on to….what’s that, John? TOTAL commitment to Christ? Giving up ALL control to Him? Won’t my friends and family think I’m a religious nut? Let me just splash around a little bit, hang around in the shallow end. And don’t get my wallet wet, either. Keep my watch dry, too. The church is always asking for time and money. You see, John, there are some things that I simply don’t want dunked. So let me have, oh, just half a baptism. Better yet, a quarter of a baptism. Only a drop of change, if you please.”

And so we dawdle on the shore, secretly wanting to dive into a bold new life but keeping our feet anchored to familiar ground, our anxiety about a complete change of heart suppressing our longing to be transformed.

What can spring us loose? What will it take for us to plunge all the way into the river of faith and commitment?

The only thing that would free us to charge into the water is if someone plunged in before us... yes, that’s it! If we could witness another person go in – someone in whom we could trust, someone with confidence and authority, someone who has completely thrown himself into the baptismal waters and emerged in victory – then we would go in.

Look! See who is rising out of the Jordan, drenched from head to toe. Heaven parts above him, and the dove of the Spirit lights upon his shoulder!

Still Room!

2011-01-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

There's still room left for the February 11-12 DISCOVER GOD'S CALL retreat at Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX. This is an excellent retreat for those who have attended the Walk to Emmaus and would like to go further down the road with the Lord, or for anyone who wants to effectively serve their church by tapping into their God-given gifts.

Discover God's Call is primarily a lay-led experience. The "pump is primed" with a personal home Bible study and then the retreat itself begins. I will be the Inspirational Speaker, focusing on the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall. There will also be small group time with friendly, perceptive leaders; sharing of personal progress; testimonies from previous DGC attendees; fellowship, meals and energizing worship with other committed Christians. You will be made alive by discovering your spiritual gifts and God's call to use these gifts in your own ministry through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Make plans to attend. You will be blessed! To register, visit the North Texas DGC website.

Simeon Finishes the Season in Ballinger

2011-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Frost clung to my windshield as I headed out to Ballinger, TX on the first Sunday of the new year. By the time the sun rose, cirrus clouds hung motionless in the sky, looking like white brushstrokes against a blue canvas. A few hours later, I was driving past the brushy buttes and sprawling ranchlands of West Texas.

My destination was First United Methodist Church of Ballinger, where I have preached a couple of revivals over the last ten years. Pastor Buddy Moore was away on holiday vacation and asked Simeon to pay a call in his absence.

This was my final Simeon's Dream performance of the Christmas season. A young mother with an infant son fittingly played Mary and a female soloist delivered the two musical selections that take place during my monologue. Afterwards, the songstress told me that she had been a theater arts teacher and appreciated me bringing drama into the church.

I want to thank all the churches and organizations that hosted Simeon's Dream during the 2010/2011 holiday season:

First United Methodist Church Cleburne, Texas

Wesley United Methodist Church Cleburne, Texas

First United Methodist Church Hereford, Texas

King's Manor Methodist Retirement Center Hereford, Texas

First United Methodist Church Coleman, Texas

First United Methodist Church Azle, Texas

First United Methodist Church Ballinger, Texas

This is how Sir Dinadan Rolls

2011-01-02T19:26:00.001-08:00

Camelot at Artisan Center Theater (M/F/S-M) from Artisan Theatre on Vimeo.

Yeah, that's me crossing swords at 2:08. I'm quite the cut-up. Come see me and the rest of the Camelot cast at the Artisan Theater in January.