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Elmo Jenkins #3
The Old Man and the Tea
Elmo Jenkins is back for another fun-filled adventure at First Church. Tag along as his cadre of quirky friends continue to amaze, stupefy, and entertain Reverend Elmo. Be there when Erlene gets thrown in the slammer for conking a policeman with her dentures. Discover how Eddie Hughes breaks both his nose and his big toe. And suffer with Elmo as Bonnie puts him on a health food regimen.
Thurm, Julianne, Father Ted and the rest of the gang are back along with new friends Sergio, the limo driver, and the mysterious Elijah Enoch. Through it all Elmo discovers some life-changing spiritual truths, and chances are, you will too.
It's another hilarious ride through the halls of First Church you won't want to miss. - OBT Bookz
Thurm, Julianne, Father Ted and the rest of the gang are back along with new friends Sergio, the limo driver, and the mysterious Elijah Enoch. Through it all Elmo discovers some life-changing spiritual truths, and chances are, you will too.
It's another hilarious ride through the halls of First Church you won't want to miss. - OBT Bookz
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2013
574 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
McMillian Moody
17 books44 followersMcMillian Moody lives quietly in the rolling hills of central Tennessee with his wife, celebrated author Diane Moody.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 7, 2015
I loved this third book in the Elmo series. Several places in the book inspired me in my own spiritual life. I am looking forward to reading Book 4 shortly.
I write a weekly community news column in our local county newspaper. Two weeks ago, I urged readers to join me in 40 days of prayer to thank God for blessings and ask that He bless our churches and community by touching people to increase our attendance. Each week I put a paragraph or so about the continuation of our united prayer (based on Matthew 18:19), urging others to join us. After reading Book 3, my next week’s column will include a wonderful phrase, “knees on the ground,” borrowed from the book.
I write a weekly community news column in our local county newspaper. Two weeks ago, I urged readers to join me in 40 days of prayer to thank God for blessings and ask that He bless our churches and community by touching people to increase our attendance. Each week I put a paragraph or so about the continuation of our united prayer (based on Matthew 18:19), urging others to join us. After reading Book 3, my next week’s column will include a wonderful phrase, “knees on the ground,” borrowed from the book.
October 11, 2022
I really like this series; the third book has a bit of mystery about it!
June 19, 2018
An great read
When I first started the book, I wasn't sure if I would like it, but quickly warmed up Elmo and his day to day musings. Realistic in every way, and probably all too true. Definitely recommend this read.
When I first started the book, I wasn't sure if I would like it, but quickly warmed up Elmo and his day to day musings. Realistic in every way, and probably all too true. Definitely recommend this read.
October 14, 2015
In this, the third installment of the Elmo Jenkins series, Jenkins is an amiable goofball and newlywed whose presence at First Church is certainly secured in this book as he relays his epiphany from Elijah: knees on the ground.
Was it just me or was Eli obviously a figment of his imagination from the get-go? He just happened to not be in the coffee shop whenever Jenkins wanted to introduce hi to someone...why didn't the rhyming clerk ask Jenkins why he was talking to himself over in the back booth? A little far-fetched that Jenkins didn't catch that himself. Also, yes, the "knees on the ground" idea was great, but it was a little overplayed here.
A few tangential adventures cemented the goofball qualities of Jenkins, but they made him rather endearing. I did not laugh out loud as other readers did, but there's humor in here along with the Christian values. More corny than funny. On that note, though, Bonnie (Jenkins' wife) and Jenkins seem well-suited to each other...except for the health food kick.
Not having read the first two in the series, I felt a little at a disadvantage, but not terribly...just enough to make you consider picking up the first two to catch-up, even if it means backtracking.
Was it just me or was Eli obviously a figment of his imagination from the get-go? He just happened to not be in the coffee shop whenever Jenkins wanted to introduce hi to someone...why didn't the rhyming clerk ask Jenkins why he was talking to himself over in the back booth? A little far-fetched that Jenkins didn't catch that himself. Also, yes, the "knees on the ground" idea was great, but it was a little overplayed here.
A few tangential adventures cemented the goofball qualities of Jenkins, but they made him rather endearing. I did not laugh out loud as other readers did, but there's humor in here along with the Christian values. More corny than funny. On that note, though, Bonnie (Jenkins' wife) and Jenkins seem well-suited to each other...except for the health food kick.
Not having read the first two in the series, I felt a little at a disadvantage, but not terribly...just enough to make you consider picking up the first two to catch-up, even if it means backtracking.
September 19, 2017
I am really enjoying the Elmo Jenkins series and this was book 3 of 6. It is the continuing adventures of young minister Elmo Jenkins. In this volume, he's now the assistant to the pastor of First Church. There's another mystery which runs throughout this volume as the preceding two. The title tells you what the mystery is about and the mystery is sort of solved at the very end. This book seemed to end more abruptly than the first two and I sort of had questions remaining, but maybe that was the point. At any rate, I'm ready to start book 4 and I'm going to be sad and will miss Elmo Jenkins and the other characters once I finish book 6.
August 11, 2016
Another good book, the last in this series, I think?! I really enjoyed these books, I am hoping the author (husband of Christian author Dianne Moody) has written more. Elmo is a great character and the little stories woven in are just very funny and heartwarming to read. I thoroughly enjoyed these :)
October 28, 2014
The last of a good three-book series. It's an avowedly Christian work of fiction. An interesting look at the inner workings of a big urban church through the eyes of pastoral intern Elmo Jenkins. Lots of hilarity and humor with serious life lessons (not all spiritual) inner woven.
September 13, 2019
There was so much that I disliked about this book. The book espoused traditional gender roles, which while I disagree, wouldn't have caused me to dislike the book as much as it did. The problem was the booked went into toxic beliefs about men and women, especially women. The women in this book fill one of three roles the loving wife, the abusive victim, and the temptress. None of the women were characters, but plot devices. The most damning thing in the entire book was the line about how one man realized God gave his wife depression so *he* could learn about God's hurt for the brokenness of the church. I almost chucked my book across the room. God doesn't hurt other people so you can learn something.
Other than that, the book was horribly cliched and predictably. The whole old man being an angel was obvious from the start, especially with his name. It also frustrated me because it portrayed growth in a relationship with Christ in a way most people would never see. Most people don't get discipled by angels. They get discipled by people and I wish the book would have shown that. Also, the whole prayer before the church does something is treated like this revolutionary idea instead of what should just be common in the church.
This whole book is flawed and supports a theology that I cannot. By the end of the book, it goes from annoying to toxic.
Other than that, the book was horribly cliched and predictably. The whole old man being an angel was obvious from the start, especially with his name. It also frustrated me because it portrayed growth in a relationship with Christ in a way most people would never see. Most people don't get discipled by angels. They get discipled by people and I wish the book would have shown that. Also, the whole prayer before the church does something is treated like this revolutionary idea instead of what should just be common in the church.
This whole book is flawed and supports a theology that I cannot. By the end of the book, it goes from annoying to toxic.
November 2, 2018
The title caught my attention because one of my favorite short stories of all time: "Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway. It is much easier and inspiring then "The Great Gatsby" which it should replace for High School students in English Lit. However this book #3 about Elmo Jenkins, an assistant church minister as he is now out of protected school and out in the world is a very fun book to read; and very realistic about life, interaction, romance from a male perspective, wasps, squirrels, picnics and of course ones relationship with God who inspires. The first book of this series should be read and a copy kept by every minister, pastor, and all religious leaders. This #3 book is very enjoyable if one reflects on the two earlier books, so read those two first.
April 13, 2018
The "life and times " of Ellington "Elmo" Jenkins associate pastor at First Church. Thinges are a bit strange at First Church; a new administrative assistant is causing waves, and what is happening with the Senior Pastor assistance? Add to the mix a proposed 12 million renovation capital funds campaign and we have another look at the workings at First Church. For those of us either in full time ministry or married to someone who is, do yourself a favor and read these entertaining books about life in the church!
June 14, 2018
Beyond excellent read!
Unfortunately, this is Book 3 of a 6 book series, and I didn't read the first 2! However # 1, the book is perfectly fine without reading the first 2. However #2, I will be purchasing the Elmo Jenkins series and others by McMillian Moody! Additionally, the author responded to my email!
Unfortunately, this is Book 3 of a 6 book series, and I didn't read the first 2! However # 1, the book is perfectly fine without reading the first 2. However #2, I will be purchasing the Elmo Jenkins series and others by McMillian Moody! Additionally, the author responded to my email!
October 18, 2019
Tea, my Brother??
My first book by M Moody. It was interesting and held my attention, but I kept waiting for the "Punch Line." It arrived at the end of the book. I liked the humor, life challenges and down to earth presentation. A quiet mild mannered read. Enjoy with hot tea!!! 😇
My first book by M Moody. It was interesting and held my attention, but I kept waiting for the "Punch Line." It arrived at the end of the book. I liked the humor, life challenges and down to earth presentation. A quiet mild mannered read. Enjoy with hot tea!!! 😇
November 11, 2020
Reverend Elmo went for coffee every morning and seen this same man sitting in the back by his self always reading so he decided one day to approach him and say hi. The man was reading the bible.So they started sitting together and talking. Reverend Elmo goes thru some humorous times in the story. Lightly religious story. Not really interesting to me and not because it speaks of religion.
July 18, 2017
Loved this book just as I've loved the previous in the series. It is theologically sound with enough humor to keep it real. Wish Elmo were on staff @ my church! Looking forward to more in this series
August 19, 2017
So Funny & So Enjoyable
Once again McMillian Moody has outdone himself. What an enjoyable book to read. The characters and situations depicted are so contemporary and relatable. Yet, Moody is still able to convey truth and inspiration into his work. Well done.
Once again McMillian Moody has outdone himself. What an enjoyable book to read. The characters and situations depicted are so contemporary and relatable. Yet, Moody is still able to convey truth and inspiration into his work. Well done.
June 23, 2018
Interesting book
When I started this story, I wasn't sure whether I would finish or not. As I got further along into the characters, felt and enjoyed the story. Having worked in a church, the story was very good.
When I started this story, I wasn't sure whether I would finish or not. As I got further along into the characters, felt and enjoyed the story. Having worked in a church, the story was very good.
August 11, 2020
I had my suspicions about Eli, and they were proved right at the end of the book. But it was still a real goose-bump moment. Enjoyed reading the trilogy of the first three books. Now I'm on the trail of finding the rest of the series. I need to know what happens in Elmo's life!
November 21, 2022
a nice continuation of the series
I like this series because while promoting faith and religion it also gives us an insight to what goes on with churches and reminds us that people can be flawed. It is an easy read and all the characters are growing.
I like this series because while promoting faith and religion it also gives us an insight to what goes on with churches and reminds us that people can be flawed. It is an easy read and all the characters are growing.
April 11, 2018
Great book. I am really enjoying this series. The characters are becoming old friends to me and I love hanging out with them.
September 21, 2017
wish I had read them in order. Great book, humorous, and faith filled.
September 22, 2017
Very enjoyable!
November 19, 2017
Good book ,love the series. So true of my church experiences. Interesting people that I can relate with from my church. Looking forward to the next 3 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
Well I nearly gave up reading this book early on. It got better but I definitely felt I’d missed something by not reading the earlier 2 books. A few funny bits.
February 21, 2018
Tea for two?
I'm hooked on Elmo Jenkins! I really enjoyed this installment, just as I have the previous books. Eli was an interesting addition!
I'm hooked on Elmo Jenkins! I really enjoyed this installment, just as I have the previous books. Eli was an interesting addition!
April 1, 2018
This was another very good book staring Pastor Elmo. This one seemed to have more theology in it.
May 26, 2018
I enjoy these well written folksy novels.
June 10, 2018
Churches
So enjoyable. All can relate to church problems and the very
Necessary aspect of prayer. I love the humorous stories.
So enjoyable. All can relate to church problems and the very
Necessary aspect of prayer. I love the humorous stories.
June 16, 2018
Knees in the ground
Hard to put down. Most insightful book I have read lately. You won't be disappointed when you read it all the way through. Surprise ending.
Hard to put down. Most insightful book I have read lately. You won't be disappointed when you read it all the way through. Surprise ending.
July 31, 2018
A down to earth peek into the personal life of a young minister seeking to serve the Lord while wading through the water of church politics, marriage, and life in general.
November 3, 2018
Funny and inspiring
I'm enjoying this series and will continue through the rest of the series . Makes me appreciate our church and pastor's !
I'm enjoying this series and will continue through the rest of the series . Makes me appreciate our church and pastor's !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews