Presentations

Upcoming Events

John Notgrass is available to present for homeschool groups, churches, schools, and community organizations. He has given presentations in Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. See what John has to offer below and submit a request for him to visit your group.

First-Person History Programs

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.
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.

Teaching and Encouragement

Preserving the Harvest
The homeschooling movement will continue to be successful only if each successive generation catches the vision of faithfulness. John Notgrass, a homeschool graduate, believes that his parents have been successful parents because they have passed on to him a vision for serving the Lord with his life. John encourages parents to keep investing in their children through high school and beyond, preparing them to bear much fruit in God's kingdom.
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, and 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.
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.
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.

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.

Past Presentations

Here are some of the organizations that have hosted John Notgrass:

Artios Academy, Nashville, TN
Biblical Worldview Conference, Boise, ID
Blount Home Education Association, Maryville, TN
Boyd-Buchcanan School, Chattanooga, 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
FOCHE Homeschool Group, Edwardsville, IL
Gainesboro Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN
Granville Fall Celebration, Granville, TN
Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo, St. Louis, MO
HELPS Homeschool Group, Florissant, MO
Home Educators Encouragement Alliance, Atlanta, GA
H.O.M.E. Homeschool Group, Nashville, TN
Hopewell Church Covenant Family School, Columbia, TN
INCH Homeschool Convention, Lansing, MI
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
Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN
Secret City Festival, Oak Ridge, TN
SHARE Homeschool Group, St. Louis, MO
Upper Cumberland Civil War Round Table, Cookeville, TN
WTHEA Curriculum Fair & Conference, Jackson, TN

370 S. Lowe Ave., Ste A
PMB 211
Cookeville, TN 38501
1-800-211-8793
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