Was yesterday actually the Sunday after Thanksgiving at hyde park! I couldn't really tell as we had such a great gathering before the Lord. The Sunday after Thanksgiving has traditionally been a VERY off weekend as we have so many people who travel for the holiday - call it the economy, call it faith... I myself was very pleased!
So here's what you missed if you weren't with us:
- Yesterday's music was led by the group, "Sisters", who came to us from Spartanburg, SC. The group, which is made up of sisters Kim Lord, Heather Day and Valerie Ellenburg, are actually the combination of the groups LordSong and their lifelong family group, The Ruppes. It was great to have them with us - they were great - their harmonies are unbelievable!
- Check out their music if you didn't have the opportunity to go to their table yesterday.
- I brought yesterday's message, titled "Cleaning House", as Pastor Dennis is on vacation.
- The message was based on Matthew 23:25-28 and was based on some thoughts I had as I thought through the implications aimed not JUST at the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day but also at myself...
- ...you see, I am a Recovering Pharisee.
- I had a friend who asked me the following question after the second service: "How does a person know whether they are a Pharisee or a Recovering Pharisee"? I had not really thought about it but off the cuff my answer was something like this: "A recovering pharisee understands that they have the tendency to be judgmental and legalistic and is calling out to Jesus to change his/her heart, mind and soul, from the inside out. The pharisee doesn't think they have a problem. They have a tendency to justify their judgmental attitude and normally don't see any problem with it (but they DO see the problem with others).
- That, by the way, was an excellent question.
- One thing about the message: I felt like I didn't communicate the point in the 1st service that I wasn't preaching AT them but rather I was talking about something that God has revealed inside of MY heart. As always, if the shoe fits you should wear it, but know that I'm wearing one just like it

- I was very encouraged by the number of you who expressed to me that you did some "house cleaning" after the message. I pray that all who were moved will follow through on the decisions that we made.
- We're completing our Christmas stage this weekend! This is going to be one of the most incredible Christmases you've ever been part of at hyde park!
- Anyone interested in being part of our Christmas Worship Choir should be at rehearsal Wednesday nite at 8pm!!!!
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