I am available to speak to and to sing for churches, clubs, and other organizations. I have given presentations in Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee. View a list of planned events, or submit a request for me to visit your group.

First-Person History Programs

• Building a Kingdom: The Life of Alfred the Great
  During the 9th century, England faced multiple waves of Viking raiders and settlers. Alfred rose to prominence by successfully challenging them in war, but he was also an accomplished leader in peace as he promoted religion, education, and justice. Alfred is the only English monarch to be remembered as "The Great." Dressed in medieval attire, John relates Alfred's story in a first-person narrative.
  

• One Soldier's Story: A Tennessean in WWII
  John's grandfather Wesley Notgrass (1915-2007) joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States and Europe during World War II. Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. The presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.
  

• Recollections of a Confederate Soldier
  Sam Watkins was 21 years old when the War Between the States began in 1861. He marched and camped and fought with Company H of the First Tennessee Regiment until the end. John steps into uniform and character to share anecdotes from Sam's memoirs about that "unpleasant misconception of there being such a thing as a north and south." His stories are personal, humorous, and full of the faithful attitude with which Sam told them.
  

Teaching and Encouragement

• Civic Duties
  John gives a survey of Biblical teaching on how God's people can and must be involved in civil government through prayer, good deeds, and educated effort.

• Ending Legal Abortion
  John outlines the historical, medical, and Biblical evidence against abortion and offers suggestions on how we can end legal abortion in the United States.

• Higher Education
  What is the purpose of education? How can God’s people develop their talents and put them to good use? John explores answers to these questions as he considers college and other options for young adults.

• Honor Your Father and Mother
  Ray and Charlene Notgrass, John’s parents, made conscious decisions to help their children grow up in the Lord. John encourages parents and children to appreciate the blessings of home and to work diligently for the continuation of a faithful heritage.

• Make It Your Ambition
  A session for high school students, college students, or young adults about the need to dream big dreams for God's glory, to be different from the world, and to prepare well for marriage so that they can pass on a heritage of faith to their children's children. (This workshop can be addressed to young men only or to young men and women, with parents always welcomed.)

• So You Want to Be a Millionaire?
  John examines what the Bible says about how we get and use money, including the topics of work, giving, investing, lending and borrowing, and building community.

• What God Joins Together
  Enjoy an in-depth survey of what the Bible says about preparing for marriage, with an emphasis on purity and patience. Topics include knowing the purposes of marriage, understanding the roles of husband and wife, guarding the heart, and respecting parental authority. (This workshop can be addressed to young men only or to young men and women, with parents always welcomed.)

Music

• Songs of Faith and Family
  Accompanying himself on the guitar, John shares original songs about the blessings of believing in God and following his ways in our families.

Here are some of the organizations that have hosted me in the past:

• Artios Academy, Nashville, TN
• Biblical Worldview Conference, Boise, ID
• Blount Home Education Association, Maryville, TN
• Calvary Christian Church, Cookeville, TN
• Cookeville High School, Cookeville, TN
• Cornerstone Christian Church, Livingston, TN
• Christian Home Educators Fellowship, St. Charles, MO
• Christian Home Educators of Ohio, Columbus, OH
• The Family Vision Library, St. Charles, MO
• First United Methodist Church, Gainesboro, TN
• Gainesboro Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN
• Home Educators Encouragement Alliance, Atlanta, GA
• H.O.M.E. Homeschool Group, Nashville, TN
• Hopewell Church Covenant Family School, Columbia, TN
• Indiana Association of Home Educators, Indianapolis, IN
• Jackson County Historical Society, Gainesboro, TN
• New Hope Christian Academy, Gainesboro, TN
• North Carolinians for Home Education, Winston-Salem, NC
• Secret City Festival, Oak Ridge, TN