John Lynner Peterson

C’mon in my writing den – The Maple Loft.

A dear friend says, “The quality of my life is the quality of my relationships.”

Help yourself to the writings, stories, and sermons that are posted here.

They’re my way of staying in touch with cherished friends from across 6+ decades of life and 4+ decades of ministry

. . . and hopefully cultivating new relationships for years to come.

If I can be of any help or encouragement, speak, teach, preach or keynote an event for you, let’s talk.

Send me an email using the contact form, subscribe to my newsletter below, or just drop by now and then.

I’ll do my best to make sure it’s worth your while.

David’s Newest Book: Pew & Pavement

Thirty stories of urban ministry paved with gospel gladness.

The Bible begins in a garden but ends in a city. Here are stories born of a remarkable congregation’s century-plus ministry from their sanctuary’s pews to the pavement of the hurly-burly, bawdy, boisterous city. David Shirey introduces a cast of characters who have in common an uncommon tenacity and tenderness. Ella on bended knee with her toenail clippers. Cliff the barber with his toolbox and Bible, praying on the roof at the base of the steeple. Carol orchestrating the mother of all Vacation Bible Schools. Millie’s unbounded munificence to neighbors in need. From the asphalt streets of St. Louis’ near south side, here are thirty stories of urban ministry paved with gospel gladness. Enjoy!

First Book: It Don’t Get Any Better Than This

©Karla Gerard

Pull up a chair and sit a spell. In three dozen stories seasoned with warmth, humor, and tenderness, David Shirey introduces a cast of inimitable characters. Chet and his peculiar mandolin (“Them rattlesnake rattles make it sound better!”). Margaret, the feisty octogenarian pianist. Harry bolting for the men’s room mid-sermon. Miz Ella promising homemade banana cream pie from her deathbed. These stories transcending time and place will delight anyone who relishes a good tale told in tones of the gospel story. Tuck a napkin in your collar and pull up to the table. You’re in for a treat.    

“We couldn't put the book down.”

“Very addicting. I found myself saying, ‘I’ll just read one more story.’ Three stories later and I'm still reading.”

“This book is full of gems, stories that tug at my heart.”

About

David A. Shirey’s stories, slice-of-life vignettes, essays, and sermons ponder day-to-day life for glimpses of God’s redeeming grace.

He looks out at the world from his desk of curiosities under the canopy of a majestic maple.

A pastor for over forty years, he grew up a Buckeye, graduated a Hoosier, and now lives and writes in the Kentucky Bluegrass with the thoroughbreds, bourbon, and Big Blue Nation.

He and his wife Jennie have a son and two daughters, four grandchildren, and cherished friendships from across their life together.

Pastor David A. Shirey

John Lynner Peterson

David A. Shirey at his writing desk

John Lynner Peterson

Writings

Sermons

A Few Good Words - Civility

The themes of A Few Good Words and Just For Fun (below) underscore the theme of the essay in my biweekly newsletter column. Subscribe above. Free, of course.

  • “Aspire to decency. Practice civility toward one another. Admire and emulate ethical behavior wherever you find it. Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail – as you surely will – adjust your lives, not the standards.”

    Ted Koppel

  • “Civility is not what we do because we agree with one another. It is what we do because we belong to one another.”

    Diane Kalen-Sukra

  • “Civility is more than good manners. It is a recognition that violent speech leads to violent deeds; that listening respectfully to your opponents is a necessary part of the politics of a free society; and that liberal democracy, predicated as it is on the dignity of diversity, must keep the peace between contending groups by honouring us all equally, in both our diversity and our commonalities. All politics is about the pursuit of power, but liberal democratic politics carries with it a special responsibility to use that power for the dignity of each and the good of all.”

    Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

  • "I know no religion that destroys courtesy, civility, and kindness."

    William Penn


Just for Fun - Manners

The themes of A Few Good Words and Just For Fun (below) underscore the theme of the essay in my biweekly newsletter column. Subscribe above. Free, of course.