Using OneNote to Support Logos

In a separate thread, Daniel asked how we use OneNote along with Logos.  I gave part of the answer in another thread - in response to Bob Pritchett's request for details on how we use Notes.  I will probably give more details than you need -- but here goes.

My use of OneNote is probably clumbsy - but it what is working for me now.  A bit of background may allow you to understand my interest.  As a part time pastor (otherwise on disability), I do not have a long history of sermon preparation.  My seminary (TEDS) was completed some 30 years ago and I served as a pastor for five years after seminary graduation.  God then took me into Post-Secondary teaching for 24 years.  I completed a master's degree in Computer Science Education and (later) in Community Counseling.  The latter degree was the first part of my bringing my ministerial credentials up to date.  I also completed three units of CPE in three (two very) different settings.   Seven years ago I began to serve a small United Methodist Church, was ordained by The Wesleyan Church.  I was diagnosed with MS in 2002 and earned the title of "totally disabled" in June 2007.  I continue to serve the Garland United Methodist Church in Brockport, NY, 12 hours a week.  We have two services - a traditional service in the morning and a service at a senior living complex just south of town.  Between sermon preparation (including three office hours per week), two services, and a small amount of visitation, my 12 hours goes pretty quick.

I first was introduced to OneNote on a tablet PC while teaching - and brought it with me to the ministry.  I start the week by coming down from Sunday and beginning to think about the passage (normally) or topic (a series I am currently working on).  On Wednesday night  I will select my hymns for Sunday - it is early, since the sermon is not completed, but the pianist needs the songs so she can practice.  Also on Wednesday and on Thursday (when I have my only office hours) I begin to gather material.  If I am doing a passage I will create a dynamic outline of the passage in OneNote.  If I am doing a topic, I will read and outline my major source for the series.

I then make my way (only scanning material at this point) through Logos identifying helpful books and authors.  I will "Print to OneNote" those items I find particularly helpful.  I also create a link in OneNote back to the source material. In OneNote, I will format material so that if fills about 1/2 of the page.  As I really read the material in OneNote, I will hightlight important concepts and make notes on the other half of the page.  Being that I use a Tablet PC, notes are sometimes handwritten, sometimes typed.  Occassionally, I will draw a picture to help me understand/remember a concept better.  If my preparation takes me to a webpage, I can follow the same procedure there (print and take notes in OneNote).  Since I am a tactal learner, all this drawing, highlighting, and writing helps cements ideas in my head. (Even in grad school, I would outline my textbooks by hand - a review of my handwritten notes got me ready for my exams .  There were some fellow students that hated me for the ease at which I prepared for my exams.)

I will have one tab for each sermon series, one major page for each sermon, and one minor page for each resource that I printed into OneNote.  I would occassionally have an extra minor page for my own thoughts - those that are not connected to any particular resource.

As I write my sermon, I will continue to review the material I prepared in OneNote.  If I borrow an idea from an author, I can go back to the source and add a valid endnote to my sermon.  By Saturday (sometime) I have a sermon ready - and move into Sunday.

I hope that gives you some idea on how I use Logos - feel free to ask for more details.  I would also, like Daniel, like to know how others are using OneNote.  I did see a template at some point on the NewsGroups from a user which showed how to use OneNote to support exegesis.  I have also used a couple of borrowed templates from MS Word to support exegises - expecially if I am studying a passage.

Blessings,

Floyd