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.
Book Review of Pew & Pavement by award-winning journalist Bill Tammeus
Bill Tammeus, the longtime Faith columnist for The Kansas City Star, a highly respected and distinguished journalist, reviewed Pew & Pavement in his March 5 blogpost. Click on the link above and scroll down to his second entry. My thanks to my dear friend Bob Hill for introducing Bill to my writing years ago.
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.
John Lynner Peterson
John Lynner Peterson
Writings
Sermons
A Few Good Words - Compassion
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.
Just for Fun - Hypocrisy
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.
