WholeHeartedLife

April Shout-Outs!!!

Welcome to a new monthly feature on WholeHearted Life called "Shout-Outs!!!". I've been thinking a lot lately about people who get "it" done...

What is "it"? "It" is whatever "it" is and there are some people that are just willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to make sure that "it" gets done here on a weekly basis. For these people it doesn't matter what "IT" is, they will do it for JESUS and for the vision of hyde park!

I often sing the praises of those who work directly with me, members of the band, worship leaders, choir members, Eddie D. (i even talk occasionally about the guys up in the booth who make us sound great and keep our services running smoothly week-in and week-out). The people I want to give a shout-out to today are those who I don't often mention - people like:

• Penny Blaine, Joe Davis and the Kidz Konnection Krew. These guys and girls make me laugh whenever I have the opportunity to minister with them but even more important is the fact that they make our kidz laugh all the while teaching them timeless lessons  in a way that ministers on the kidz level. This Krew (you like the hip "k"?) puts together approximately 40 programs per year, all on a week to week basis (which means they perform 80 times per year) - it's tough! And many times have a hard time even getting to worship with us because of things that need to happen BEFORE the next group comes in.
• Our Kidz Place Team. This ministry, headed up by Kim Campbell, make our kidz Sunday's special. I can't think of any ministry more important than one that teaches the principals of the scriptures to our children. Thanks goes out to all of you in this ministry!
• Our Guest Services Team. Laura Sampson, Mary Dahl, Chuck Smith, Marilyn Britt, Ellen Babson head up this team that is so important to who we are as a church. They along with parking lot extrodinaire, my man David (Old Skool) Lovette, remind us that every week is someone's 1st week at hyde park!.
• The ROC Cafe' Crew. This ministry, headed up by Hubert Waddell, sets a great tone for Sunday's at hyde park. Hubert and Ray Britt are the 1st people I normally see at hyde park on Sunday morning. There are a lot of people who make the cafe' click on Sunday's.
• I've gotta throw someone in from the music ministry - Ralph Shomaker. Ralph organizes and pulls all the music that you hear on Sunday's. Were it not for Ralph our musicians would still be suffering from someone pulling and organizing music who hates it (that would be me ). What Ralph does for our ministry is literally immeasurable. I literally could not go back to the way things used to be and still perform on the level that we do week-in and week-out.

There are so many more people who could make this list - it might be you and maybe you'll be getting a shout-out in May! Do me a favor - shoot these people an email or a card and let them know how much you appreciate what they do!

So which one were you?

This ought to be fun...

The discussion at my lunch table this past Sunday after church was "who" matched up with our characters in the skit Sunday morning. (If you missed the service check it out here and then respond)

I was pegged as being like "Tom" with a touch of "Steve-O-Rino"...
Keyna was a mixture of "Steve-O-Rino" with some "Mona" mixed in...
Our friend Renee' was squarely fit with the title of "June".

What about you and your friends? Be kind - Responses start NOW!

Sunday Nite (and other stuff)

Today (at least for me) was amazing at hyde park. We learned that God made all of us with a unique personality (the chances of there being another person exactly like you is ZaZillion to one *yes - i coined a new word - a zazillion* ). We laughed, we sang out, we worshiped and I had the opportunity to pray individually for some - a great, great day. I hope that you were there...

• We laughed... the skit this morning during Pastor's message was HILARIOUS! June (Leilani), Tom (Jared), Steve-O-Rino (Nicky) and Mona (Sara) were such good matches to help all of us recognize that God uses different types of people to accomplish different works. Great job to the cast and to their director, Rhonda.
• We learned... do you get it? Did you see how God might could use you at hyde park in the week to week ministry?
• We were LOUD... not really, but our "love was loud" this morning as hundreds lifted their voices to the King of kings!
• The song, "Beautiful Jesus" was huge today. I love that new song!
• And "Our God Saves" - the anthem of the year.
• You know, as I thought back over the day an interesting thought entered my mind: "today looked a lot like what i "signed up" for - much worship, YOUR Spirit flowing and high, Lord, the joy of JESUS evident and lot's of new people in the house...". Seeing JESUS change lives is 2nd only to bringing Glory to Him (and seeing lives changed does bring glory to Him).
• Pastor was so comfortable on stage... I was so impressed with how well he interacted with the actors this morning - a natural.
• FAITHTrac 101 (New Attenders Class) next weekend - Awesome. I love seeing new people learning about hyde park from our Pastor. Which means...
• I get to PREACH next Sunday!! I am already pumped!!
• I'm also pumped about baptism coming up in 2 weeks! I ask you, "have you been baptized SINCE you believed?" If not, take the "plunge" and start that new life with JESUS.

On a completely different note...

• Saturday was Madie's birthday. I can't believe that she is 12. It seems like yesterday...
• Madison was in competition Saturday down in Brunswick County. SHE WAS AWESOME! Her group won their division and placed 3rd overall in their age group. That was my 1st dance competition experience... if her apparent talent is any indication it won't be my last

Big week ahead for us - Check back tomorrow!

"Gift-Envy"

If you have loved the "Made" services thus far you are definitely in for a surprise this weekend!

This weekend's message is titled, "You're Not So Weird".  You know, the whole "Made" series is based around the fact that all of us are "created to make a difference".

Have you ever found yourself...

• doing something because you felt like it was the "right thing to do" but for whatever reason it just didn't feel like you?
• wondering how come what excites "him" does nothing for you?
• having "gift envy" - coveting someone else's gift or talent?

If you answered "yes" to any of these then this weekend is for you. And to top it all off - we will teach this principal in the coolest way imaginable! I believe that you will "GET THIS" in a way that you never have before! DO NOT MISS THIS WEEKEND's SERVICE AND DON'T BE LATE! (YOU WILL BE SORRY).

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Notes from BSU Part Two (The Bridge Illustration)

Once you've shared your story, if the opportunity arises, you can share what it all means to them with this illustration - you can literally draw this on a napkin:

You tell them: We matter to God. He made us, and He wants to have a relationship with us.
(then add a "cliff" to your picture demonstrating us being separated from God...)

You say: We're all sinners, right? (Romans 3:23). Our sin separates us from God - it's like it creates a canyon between us and God that we can get across.
(then, adding to the picture you write the word "DEATH" at the bottom of the canyon, drawing arrows that point towards death...)

Saying: because of our sin, the bible teaches that we earn death (Romans 6:23) - that was not acceptable to God because He loves us so He decided to do something about it - He sent Jesus...
(you now draw a cross spanning the canyon and cross out death, saying...)

"When Jesus died on the cross, not only did he pay the price that earned us death, the cross is like a bridge between us and God - bridging the gap in a way only He could do!"
(Drawing 2 stick figures and an arrow showing us walking across to God, saying...)

"Jesus made a way that we could now be reunited, reconciled to God - He did it with the cross..."

Remember, we don't save - the power is God's and the results are totally up to Him. When you step out in faith to share this watch out... God WILL take over (at least He always has with me). Good sharing - I'm praying for ya!

Notes from BSU Part One (Sharing Your Story)

I had the priviledge of speaking at the Baptist Student Union (UNCP) last nite. As I encouraged them to boldly share their story across the campus I told them that I would post the following notes for them to write their story...

It then occured to me that many of you could use a refresher course in sharing your faith story. You know most people:

• know they SHOULD share their faith

• have never led someone to JESUS

• believe that JESUS wants us to share our faith

Following are my notes (courtesy of Eddie D and FAITHTrac 401) - Learn to share your story!
(This is long for a post but it's good )

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the

reason for the hope that you have.”   1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

      A.   IF YOU  BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS AN ADULT

THE FOUR PARTS OF YOUR TESTIMONY

                        1. What my life was like before I met Christ.

                                    What common circumstances would an unbeliever identify with?

                                    What were your attitudes that an unbeliever would identify with?

                                    What was most important to you?

                                    What substitute for God did you use to find meaning in your life?

                                    (sports/fitness, success at work, marriage, sex, making money,

drugs/alcohol, having fun, entertainment, popularity, hobbies)

                        2. How I realized I needed Christ.

                                    What significant steps led up to your conversion?

                                    What needs, hurts, or problems made you dissatisfied

                                             with the way you were living without God?

                                    How did God get your attention?  What motivated you?

                        3. How I committed my life to Christ.

What specifically did you do? Where did it happen?

What did you say in your prayer?    Be specific.

                        4. The difference it has made in my life.

                                    What benefits have you experienced or felt?

                                    What problems have been resolved?

                                    How has Jesus helped you change for the better?

                                    How has it helped your relationships?

                                    Give a current example.

The Testimony Pyramid

      
B. IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS A CHILD BUT WALKED AWAY

            OR NEVER GREW UNTIL A DEEPER RECOMMITMENT AS AN ADULT.

            Use the same four steps, but start with the time just prior to your recommitment.

            Give some examples of how you were trying to meet your own needs without

            Christ but it wasn’t working. Describe what caused you to realize you needed

            Christ directing your life and how you made a full commitment to him.  Then

            explain how Jesus is currently meeting the deepest needs in your life.

            

      C. IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AT AN EARLY AGE AND NEVER STRAYED.

            

            Use the same four steps with this modification: Point out some deep need or

            common problem that you see other people trying to resolve. Point out how

            unsuccessful their attempts are to meet their own need. Then explain why you

            never experienced that problem by trusting Christ early in life. Don’t say the exact

            age.  Continue with steps 3 and 4. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING YOUR TESTIMONY

• Pray and ask God to give you the right words.
• Write it out on paper. God honors preparation
• Keep it short and to the point.  Don’t lose site of your goal.
• Be concise.  Avoid excessive, unnecessary details.
• Try to keep your testimony below 3 minutes
• Refer to experiences most people have in common.
• Share a slice of your life (a story) that they will identify with
• Be honest about your continuing struggles. Your life is not perfect.
• Don’t imply that all of your problems ended at conversion
• Spend the most time on part 4: the difference Christ has made.
• Emphasize WHY you received Christ (the benefits of doing it).
• Mention the benefit of being certain of your destiny when you die.

• Don’t  exaggerate or brag about pre-conversion sins.
• Don’t make negative remarks about other religions or people.
• Don’t mention any denomination.

• Don’t quote a lot of Scripture. (A maximum of one verse)
• Don’t answer questions they haven’t asked.

• Give concrete examples of the changes in your life.
• The more specific you are, the more dynamic it will be.
• Avoid using dates, names, and ages. It doesn’t matter to them.

• Be prepared. Practice it until it feels and sounds natural.
• Read it aloud and edit it to make it conversational.
• Let a friend read it and make suggestions.

·         Speak casually and informally, in a matter-of-fact tone.

·         Don’t dramatize or embellish your story.

·         Don’t share mystical experiences.  Share on their level, not yours.

• Don’t talk down to people. Don’t sound “preachy.” 
• Use “I, me, and my” not “You”.  It’s about you – not them.
• Use humor- it reduces tension and relaxes people. Smile!

"50 oz of meat, Four trimmings, Fries and a drink"

Have you ever heard of professional eating?

I have a friend named Josh - Josh is a great eater. What I mean by great eater is that Josh has taken the Andy's Challenge multiple times and was so fast that he got the chance to compete this past weekend in the Big A Challenge as Josh "Jabber-Jaw" (cause all eating contestants gotta have a cool stage name!). Josh came in 2nd to a guy who is a professional eater (Literally. The guy travels around competing in contest for money). Josh won $500 bucks!

Some facts about Josh...

• he is a member of the Crossover Middle School leadership team at hyde park. My daughter Madison is a "Crossover Kid" - they love Josh!
• Josh has been working on getting out of consumer debt. He will take the $500 he won by being 2nd in the competition and put it towards that.
• Josh will do just about anything. We have shot some of the funniest videos with him...
• Josh is going to school to further his education. He has expressed a desire to work in the technology field.
• Josh says that he has "gasses in his mouth" that break down the food that he eats so he can eat more faster. I say rather that Josh is full of "gasses".
• God is working in Josh's life - Josh wants to live a life that glorifies JESUS.

"All that is great, mike p - but what are you trying to say?" You know, Josh could probably be a professional eater if he wanted to... but i seriously doubt that professional eating is what God "MADE" him to do. You see, we are all created to make a difference in this world. Maybe God will use Josh's ability to eat to allow him the opportunity to share JESUS with someone he never would have met otherwise, who knows? So, if pro-eating isn't his calling what might it be? Let's look at a couple of facts - here's a place that all of us can start:

1. What do you love? Josh loves people - people love Josh.
2. What is a talent you have? Josh loves to fellowship (hanging-out is like a spiritual gift) with others - Josh loves to enjoy life. You may not see the talent there, I do - God uses our personality to change lives. Josh is also a great eater. is that a talent?
3. What is something that drives you? Josh wants to live a life that pleases God.
4. What is a strength you have? Josh will do things others are afraid of attempting.

Josh, like many of you, is trying desperately to find out what he is here for, what his place is. The above entries will start the journey. Josh earnestly wants to know what that thing is - What about you? In this weekend's message God is gonna use our pastor to make it so clear how God uses personalities for His glory. Don't miss it! 

"Can O' Worms..."

i hate to even open up this "yummy" can, but...

- Who do you speak to when you attend the worship experience?
- Do you rush in (normally late) hoping that you don't miss too much OR do you come in early?
- When you come in do you talk to people that you know or do you welcome the people that you don't know?
- Do you ever go out of your way to strike up a conversation with the people who are sitting there "to themselves" or look to be a blessing to those among us who "need a touch"? I was told this story by someone just yesterday:

At my job there is a person that I work with who attended our church for awhile but hadn't been coming lately. I often talk to them about coming back to church and I've been inviting them for a couple of months.

Finally, this weekend I invited them and sure enough when I walked in they were there! I was excited that they were here and went over and sat down and talked to them.

When I went into work yesterday, they thanked me for coming over and speaking to them. What they told me next made me feel SO bad - they said, "You know, I was a member of ___________'s class. We quit going and nobody ever called. We haven't been to church in a while and do you know that you are THE ONLY PERSON WHO SPOKE TO US YESTERDAY?" They weren't mad, they were just sad that no one else "missed them".

Where do you fall in this story? Have you called that person that you've noticed isn't around? Have you looked for someone sitting by themself and gone over to talk to them? I bet many of you know someone who feels this way...

I know that I'm opening "a big Ol' can of worms" on this one... someone's probably gonna blame me for this - but WE ARE A BODY, all of us, in fact we're HIS BODY - are you living out your function or is your "appendage" dying on it's limb?

My greatest hope for the "Made" study is that, once again, people will realize that God needs all of us to "do life together", to love others in action (even when it's inconvenient) and to function more fully as the body of JESUS. What about you? Do you "get it"? Are you willing to be inconvenienced that you might be used for others? Remember - You were created to make a difference! 

How "I" was made...

Over on the hyde park message board this question was presented yesterday by Melissa H:

Question of the day from MADE. How has God made you uniquely different from everyone else?

A hidden talent etc...When I sign on next, I want to hear some answers....Even humorous ones...

I will start,I was born with teeth,have a blonde and a black eye lash and I cannot sing..lol! NEXT!!!!!

Great question, Melissa - Here's my answer...

I was born in Maine, 1970, to an unwed college student who made the right decision to not only give me the gift of life, but to place me in a catholic children's home. I've been told that my birth father's family probably didn't even know...

When I was 6 weeks old my mom (the one hyde park people know) adopted me. She said that my cheeks looked like a chipmunk. She was impressed with the love that the nuns had shown to me - she said that On the day she brought me home the nuns cried. It made her feel good because she thought that they had loved on this baby boy who had no home.

As I grew, my grammie (the one that hyde park people know) was my best friend. There were no kids where we lived so she was my playmate everyday - it touches me to know that my children also know her in this way at her age (87 years old - grampie is 91).

We moved here when i was 4... Without getting into to much detail, my parents split up when I was around 6. My mom married my dad (the one hyde park people know) when I was 8. My dad, Danny, raised me from that time... if you asked me when I was a teen, "how's your dad?" he's who came to mind. That's why at the age of 18 my last name was legally changed to Pittman (which is why I have been legally adopted 2 times).

I always loved music. I remember mom listening to 70's rock when i was a kid (i know all those tunes, Elton John and such... "B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets")

Unknown trait: I have always lacked confidence and had a pretty low self-esteem. (Negative thoughts don't leave easily, do they?).

I've had a good life. Always felt loved. I never really dealt with the "adoption thing" that a lot of adopted kids struggle with - it's never been a big deal. I've never really wanted to meet my birth parents - i've probably not thought about it more than 15 times in my whole life. I would say that the only effect that it had on me was the need to really be there, to be HUGELY involved with my kids (not that my parents weren't...) - i'm just kind of weird about being very involved, whether it meant changing diapers, fixing Madie's hair, not allowing them to be in after-school care...

Well, that's who I was as a child... Wow, you know I really have never done that?

Songs for "Made"

Looking for some songs to get you "up!" and remind you Who it is that you were created for? Here they are: