Spiritual Oasis

The Home Page of Rev. & Dr. George M. Plasterer

I hope you will enjoy this exploration in spiritual growth, learning, and Christian discipleship. I present these pages in the spirit of the denominational theme of United Methodism: open hearts, open minds, and open doors. I invite your response.

I have tried to get the following pages to operate as a frames connection, and have been unable to do so far. Until then, please explore these pages.

I have developed a welcome page. Please visit there for personal information, United Methodist Links, Contact information, current projects, biographical information, and personal interests.

You will also find a list of favorite links. These links are another indication of personal, professional, and intellectual interests.

Index to Spiritual Oasis:
Aids for Preaching and Teaching, including recent and selected sermons

One Hour of Prayer
My Witness

The following are PDF format

I have developed a Karl Barth page

My version of Walk to Emmaus Talks

My version of Alpha Talks

My study of the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church

Potential Book, What Matters Most: Christian Living in a Modern World

Potential Book, Simply Christian: Christian Believing in a Modern World

Potential Book: Prayer: Becoming Friends of God and the World

Devotional Reflections: Meaning of Prayer

Devotional Reflections: The Human Life of Jesus

Devotional Reflections: With John Wesley

Devotional Reflections: Concerning Honor

Devotional Reflections: On the Power of Vision

Devotional Reflections on Church and Post-modern Culture

Each week, I have a midweek message. I post it under sermons, in the month in which I send it. If you would like to be on the mailing list, even if you are not a member of the church, I invite you to email me. Please read the devotionals on the appropriate month.

Further, I invite you to comment on any of the items I have written. I love to learn.

Here is an interview of me that appeared in The Paper of Montgomery County, March 10-11, 2007, entitled “8 questions with Rev. Plasterer.”

George Plasterer is the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church located at 212 E. Wabash Ave. He leads traditional Sunday service and recently added a relaxed and informal worship experience that he calls “The Gathering.” Plasterer attended Indiana Wesleyan College and earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy. He went on to receive his masters. Plasterer has been married to Suzanne for 15 years and they have four children.

Question: If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), who would they be and why? I would have a meal with the Apostle Paul. I am fascinated with his writings and he was devoted to getting the Word out. Karl Barth was a theologian similar to Paul, writing on what Jesus did to reconcile us to God and each other and I would eat with him. It would be interesting to chat with Thomas Jefferson because I appreciate our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Question: When you’re alone in the car, do you sing along with the radio. Answer: No, but I sing to my iPod.

Question: If you could add one restaurant, one retail shop and one activity to our community, what would they be? Answer: Starbucks, most any bookstore, and a big worship service to bring all the churches in the community together in one place, knowing Christ has brought all of us there and is our Lord and Savior.

Question: When we’re kids we’re asked what we want to be when we grow up. Are you dong what you thought you’d be doing? Answer: When I was a kid, my family didn’t go to church. Very early in life I loved school and wanted to teach. So now I get to teach and preach the Bible.

Question: What’s the last book you read? Answer: “Notes from the Underground,” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was written in 1864.

Question: What’s your favorite sound in the world and why? Answer: I’d say the sound of the waves when my wife and I go to Florida.

Question: What’s one thing you probably won’t do before you die, but would like to? Answer: I’ve always loved space. If I had the opportunity and the money, I’d take a trip to Mars or the moon.

Question: What have you seen in your lifetime? Answer: The obvious is computers. I remember my DOS-based computer with 20 megabytes. They have changed the way I prepare sermons and studies. Entertainment has changed with cable and satellite, but I’m amazed at how little I want to see. Also, the United States has become so polarized. It seems like people talk past each other and debates are mean spirited. People are obscured from talking about issues.