“Mark is an incredibly gifted evangelist who brings scripture to life and had the children at First United Methodist Church of Mart eating out of his hands…bless you, Mark, for letting the rainbow of God’s gifts shine forth!” Rev. Denise Rogers Pastor, First UMC Mart, TX 

I finally joined the 21st century and got an iphone. It got a great workout during my most recent Jubilee in Beeville, Texas. This was my 3rd time to return to the United Methodist church in this county-seat town in southeast Texas, and I was busy snapping pictures right and left...

Mark Winter is a breath of fresh air and an energizing presence with his modern portrayals of the “Greatest Story Ever Told.” At Sardis UMC, we just finished a wonderful three-day Lenten renewal in which Mark shared his great talent for drama with the life-changing message of the Gospel. Mark’s...

According to a Feb. 27 article in the United Methodist Reporter, UMC membership and average worship attendance in the U.S. continues to plummet. Membership dipped 1.4% in 2010, having declined 1.2% in 2009. Average worship attendance was down by 2.3% in 2010, compared to a drop of 1.9% the year...

The Academy Awards show last night prompted me to remember my first Toastmasters talk that I delivered a few weeks ago. I was excited to receive Best Speaker of the Day with “My Life As a Movie.” With my wife winning last Friday (see post below), I guess we will...

My wife and I recently joined a local Toastmasters club. I figured I could improve my preaching skills and Laura was getting more opportunities to speak through her job at Operation Christmas Child. Last Friday, Laura gave her first talk, the “icebreaker speech” that introduces the speaker to the audience....

“Wake-Up Call” is Rev. Mark Winter’s newest monologue, and a wake-up call is what we got at our two Ash Wednesday services at First UMC Killeen, TX.  Mark envisioned John the Baptist as a modern backwoodsman with a hunting jacket, walking stick and wading boots. During the scripture reading he...

“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...

“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...

“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...