Threads - August 27, 2014

What an honor it is for me to serve on staff at Madison Park. This church has had a

significant role in my life through the years. It welcomed me as a freshman in college, nurtured me, inspired me, and allowed me to test my call to ministry. My wife and I were married in this church back when it was on North Broadway! A quarter century later when the Lord called us to serve as missionaries in Africa, this church partnered with us through Living Link financial support. That partnership was good the whole eight years we served in Kenya and sent us worship tapes so that when we were not ministering in the villages, we had the inspiration of our home church nurturing our souls. When Pastor Rolland asked me in April if I would serve as Interim Senior

Associate Pastor during this season of transition at MPC, it was not difficult to say “yes” for the Lord made clear this was my opportunity to give back to the church that has invested so much in me. I feel called to serve with the ones who have served me.Although Chris and I have been back five years, my work in missions at Church of God Ministries had us globally focused with little time or energy left to serve this church we have called home. Over these last three months, however, I have had the opportunity to get beneath the surface of what goes on at MPC and what a great awakening it has been. How blessed we are with great preaching, great worship, a great ministry staff, and great facilities. But that is only what is seen on stage. It is what goes on behind the scenes that give life and energy to this body of Christ. It is people, God’s

#CalledToServeby Don Smith, Interim Senior Associate Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—August 27, 2014

July—September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Madison Park Church’s ongoing missions work in Russia.Come early or linger after the Sunday worship services to enjoy conversation and refreshments. Visit MadisonParkChurch.org to view the full menu.

Sundays, 8:30am-11:30amMasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted.

Worship ServicesSUNDAY

9:00am - A blend of traditional and contemporary music, prayer, and teaching from God’s Word.10:45am - Features a praise band with distinctively modern edge and teaching from God’s Word.Classes are offered for all ages at 9:00am and 10:45am. For details, check out the Ministries Guide at MadisonParkChurch.org/ministries or pick up a copy at Grand Central.

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September brings new Sundays and mid-week classes.Here are a few highlights:

Single and ParentingSundays, beginning September 7 at 9:00am in Room 177Single parents face unique challenges. Talk with other single parents about the issues you’re facing. Solicit advice from other single moms and dads, and pose your own questions about single-parenthood. Register at MadisonParkChurch.org/News. Contact: Kelli McCord at [email protected].

Divorce CareSundays, beginning September 7 at 9:00am in Room 179Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group for people separated or divorced. This is a place to be around people who understand and to gain valuable ways to heal. Register at MadisonParkChurch.org/News. Contact: Emily Kovacik.

Divorce Care for KidsSundays, beginning September 7 at 10:45am in Room 180A 13-week class for kids ages 6-12. Children of divorced parents often feel alone, helpless, scared, sad, and confused. Divorce Care for Kids provides a safe and neutral place to help kids recognize and learn to share their feelings and heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. Register MadisonParkChurch.org/News. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765)-278-5029.

See the Fall Ministries guide for a complete list of classes and ministries at Madison Park Church. Download at MadisonParkChurch.org/Ministries.

New Classes Set to Launch

#CalledToServeSundays, September 7-October 12 in 9:00am and 10:45am services“Volunteers are love in motion!” —Anonymous

During the first few weeks of fall, MPC will recognize and celebrate the many volunteer teams that serve our congregation. Each week will highlight a different team; bright shirts will help identify the team members who will be available for questions and high-fives! Tables in The Commons will be hosted to provide information and sign-up for new volunteers.

On the final Sunday, all volunteers from every ministry along with Elders, Committee members and staff will celebrate together wearing their team colors, representing one big Madison Park Church Team — #CalledToServe!

Ancient Gates Release ConcertSunday, September 7 at 6:30pm in the Main AuditoriumAlanna Story will present a free concert and night of worship from their new album, Ancient Gates. Experience and be blessed by the music, words and personal stories of the ministry of Alanna Story.

Miriam Project Walk/RunSaturday, September 13 at 8:30am at the Broadway Ministry CenterThe 12th annual 5K run/walk & 10K run fundraiser for the Miriam Project, begins at the Broadway Ministry Center at 1400 Broadway and follows the Shadyside Park trails. Pre-registration guarantees a t-shirt and ends September 5. Race day registration begins at 7:45am. Register at MiriamProject.org.

All-Church PicnicWednesday, August 27, 5:00-8:00pm, Madison Park Front Lawn Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of rich fellowship and good food: grilled hamburgers, brats and hotdogs, served by the Lighthouse Café from 5:00-7:00pm at regular prices. Great music by Jeremy Morris and the Harvest Band from 6:00-7:00pm. Games and inflatables. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.

RETRO 2014: And The Beat Goes OnSaturday, October 4 at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium Enjoy classic hits at a live concert performed by Madison Park talent. Come early and enjoy ice cream, vintage cars and fellowship. Tickets on sale in September in The Commons or the Church Office. $10 adults (guest ticket available with each full-price ticket, advanced sales only) $6 students.

Have a vintage car you’d like to show off? We want cars and would love to have it on display for Retro 2014. Contact John Walters at (765) 617-2986.

Mark Lowry and The MartinsFriday, October 10 at 7:30pm in the MPC Main AuditoriumCome and enjoy “Music & Madness” with comedian Mark Lowry and special guests The Martins and pianist Stan Whitmire. Sponsored by Trinity Communications Group.

Tickets: $20 advance purchase ($15 group rate of 10 or more), $25 at the door, $25 Artist Circle seating. Children age 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. Must sit on a lap and not occupy a seat. No ticket required.

Purchase tickets online at trinitycommunications.org or call (260) 484-1029.

Tickets available beginning Sunday, September 7 in The Commons and at the Church Office, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

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News You Can UseJ.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): Thursday, August 28 (the 4th Thursday) at 11:30am at South Meridian Church of God, 2402 Meridian Street in Anderson. Enjoy great food, fellowship and special music hosted by the retirees group at South Meridian CHOG. Please enter under the portico at the back of the church building and take the stairs or the elevator to the lower level fellowship hall. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.Adult Baptism Class: Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30pm in the Green Room or Sunday, September 7 at 10:45am in Room 177. Persons who would like to be baptized are invited to meet for information and instruction. Those planning to share in the baptismal service on Sunday, September 14, please attend the class. Contact the Church Office to sign-up or stop by the table in The Commons on Sundays, August 24 and 31.Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, September 3 from 5:30-6:30pm in The Commons. MPC Parish Nurses conduct a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends. Contact: Sonia Smythe at [email protected] with Kids: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 190. Class runs September 3-October 22. From temper tantrums and attitude problems to drugs and sex, learning limits and becoming responsible is a major part of growing up. For everyone in a parenting or teaching role. Workbooks available for $10. Contact: Cherilyn Horning at [email protected] Lutterman and the Heartland Big Band—The Count Meets The Duke: Saturday, September 27 at 7:00pm in The Commons (Doors open at 6:15pm). The music of two jazz legends come together as the swingin’ music of Count Basie and the styling’s of Duke Ellington join forces on this evening of great big band standards. Featuring international jazz vocalist Everett Green and vocalist Karen Sipes. Songs include: “April in Paris,” “Satin Doll,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” and many more. Tickets on sale in The Commons, at the Church Office or online at HeartlandBigBand.org.Child Dedication Class: Sunday, September 28 at 9:00am in Room 178. Parents are invited to attend this Child Dedication Preparation Class to learn more about the what it means to dedicate your child. The next dedication service is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. Sign-up for the class by September 14, calling the Church Office. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Church in the Middle: Sunday at 10:45am in Room 175. The Christian Growth Class is studying Pastor Rolland Daniels’ new book Church in the Middle. Explore the importance of stepping outside the building to reach the world for Christ. The class is open to everyone. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.

Children’s MinistriesSAFARI PARK: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Children’s Center for elementary age children. An exciting adventure to the jungles of Africa. Experience what it’s like to head out on safari and learn about Mungu’s wild love for kids. Don’t miss this adventure. Kwaheri. Contact: Shaiya Badgley.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS:

• Indiana State Youth Convention: November 7-9 in Indianapolis

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries:

• Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads AuditoriumIGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • September 3: Fall Launch Bible Studies: Sundays at 9:00am in room 180;

Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at Williamson’s home.

Opportunities to Serve

Support The Troops: Sunday, September 7 in The Commons. Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their families. Register troops, families and volunteer. Bring donated items to Grand Central any Sunday or to the Troop Support Table on the first Sunday of each month.A complete list of suggested items are available at Grand Central. Contact: Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447 or Jean Covalt at (765) 643-2278.Connections Teams: Looking for ways to connect at Madison Park? Serving on one of the Connections Teams might be just the ticket! Check ‘em out:• Greeter Teams• Parking Valet

Team• Lighthouse Café

Servers and Attendants

• Information Center Team

• Holy Ground Coffee Bar Team

• Hospitality Host/Hostess

• Athletics TeamsContact: Pastor Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Office.

Family News To submit a threads announcement regarding a birth or death, please contact the Pastoral Care office at (765) 642-2000.

Congratulations to:William and Janet Griffis, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on August 21.

In Sympathy With: Shari and Doug Lawyer on the loss of her father, Karl Utley on Saturday, August 2.Robert and Cindy Detweiler on the loss of his mother, Ann Marie Detweiler on Saturday august 2.Joe Granger on the loss of his wife, Ruth on Wednesday August 6.Family and Friends of Nancy Lou Julian who passed away on Tuesday, August 5.Hether Trennepohl, Kole and Madison Goodnight, on the loss of their mother-in-law and grandmother, Judith Trennepohl on

Sunday August 10.

Community and Ministry

Partner NewsSecret Families of Madison County Christmas Fundraiser: Saturday, August 23 from 5:00-8:00pm at Cooper’s Sports Bowl

in Anderson. Make a difference in a family’s

life this Christmas! Includes three games of

bowling, shoe rental and an cosmic glow-in-the dark

atmosphere. $15 per person, 10 years and younger $10. Contact:

Danielle Brossart at (765) 606-5466.

Lighthouse Café

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and mini-salad bar in The Commons: Wednesdays from 5:00pm until 6:30pm. Cost: Adults-$7, Children and students with ID-$5. Maximum of $25 up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person.

August 27: Grilled Hamburgers/Brats Kids’ Option: Hot Dogs

Sept. 3: Beef and Noodles / Kids’ Option: Beef and Noodles

Sept. 10: Lasagna / Kids’ Option: Cheese Ravioli with Marinara

Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00pm in the Hospitality Room

Explore Madison Park provides the essential information you need to know before calling Madison Park Church your church home. The class answers questions such as who we are, what we believe, and our church membership process in a relaxed, fun, and interactive format. You’ll meet others who are on the same journey as you and begin the process of getting connected. Find details or sign-up in the Hospitality Room or online at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Pastor of Connection Ministries.

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Appreciation Reception for Rob

Spaulding Sunday, August 31 in The

Commons following both services. Share words of appreciation and

fellowship with Rob and Lisa Spaulding. Rob has faithfully served as MPC Business Administrator for the past fifteen years. A basket will

be on the punch table for cards of appreciation. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant,

Spiritual Formation.

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RefresHer Bible Study for Women

Tuesdays, beginning September 9 at 9:00-11:30am in Crossroads Auditorium.

All women are invited to grow spiritually, deepen friendship and nurture personal

discipleship. Coffee fellowship, large group teaching, small discussion

groups. Free Childcare. Instructor: Lisa Bitar.

A Look Ahead:September 14 Baptism Services

9:00am and 10:45am

Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 DO Something Anderson Blitz Week Mark your calendars to join neighbors and friends in city-wide service projects.

November 1 Planned Purity Seminar 9am-3pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

people, who feel called to serve the Lord through this church.Have you noticed them?They greet you at the curb on Sunday morning and will park your car if you need help. They greet you as you walk through the doors, provide information, give you refreshments and fellowship, welcome your little ones and youth to learn about Jesus, serve you in worship as you give your offerings and receive communion, sing in the choir, play in the orchestra and bell choir, assist in the baptism services, run the sound system, and have special prayer with you.Let’s go deeper beneath the surface!Before you arrive at church on Sunday morning those called to serve have: groomed the lawn, beautified the flower beds, met with boards and committees, visited the sick and the bereaved, walked alongside the lonely and hurting, done community projects, ministered to those in prison, encouraged the shut-ins, reached out to society’s forgotten ones, gone on mission trips, sent words of

encouragement to our men and women in uniform, coached athletic teams, provided fellowship venues, served us dinner on Wednesday nights, given professional counsel to the church leadership, supported the office staff, provided funeral dinners, and prayed through the day or night for the needs of this church.We call them “Volunteers,” but they are more than that, for in serving they are answering God’s call to serve as His hands and feet through His church to the world He loves.I am told by our Pastoral Care team that if everyone who calls Madison Park their church would show up on one Sunday, there would be 3000 people present! We averaged 1800 people in weekly worship this past year. Every one of those people has at least eight people they know who have no church connection in this community. Our outreach influence according to church consulting professionals is potentially 16,000 to 24,000 people! Our volunteer teams number around 800 people. Without them we could not support the ministries that we do. WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!

For six weeks, beginning Sunday, September 7, we are going to recognize the significant ministries of these volunteers under the theme: #CalledToServe. Each week we will focus on important groups of volunteers who will be identified by a special color of shirt and apparel. You will get to see first-hand who these great people are and the difference they make in their calling to serve at Madison Park. Please tell them how much you appreciate their ministry and ask them why they serve and what they do. It will encourage them and you when you do.Are you feeling a call to serve? These six weeks will give you an opportunity to learn about the ministry here at Madison Park and identify an area you can serve in. If you need help finding your place of service there are those who can help you discover that place where you can make a difference in the lives of people at MPC and in our community.Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog

and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Musical Fundraiser: Wednesday, September 3 from 11:00am-5:00pm at The Pitt on The Point in Anderson.The Pitt Bar-b-que proudly sponsors a fundraiser for the music ministry of First Lady Lutrille Dixon. Tickers $7 includes chicken or tips, coleslaw and green beans. Will deliver five or more dinners. Walk-ins welcome. Call (765) 631-1094.

Linville Counseling: Linville Services Professional Counseling provides a kind, non-judgmental and honest atmosphere to develop personal emotional relational and mental potential. For more information, visit linvilleservices.com or call (765) 642-1853 to schedule an appointment.

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Contact UsMAILING ADDRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018

MADISON PARK WORSHIP SITE 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013

CHURCH OFFICES 2200 Madison Square • Anderson, IN 46011 24-hour line: (765) 642-2000 • Fax: (765) 643-0976 Hours: M - F / 8:30am to 4:30pmwww.MadisonParkChurch.org

Community and Ministry Partner News

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Ministries GuideMPC’s Ministries Guide helps newcomers and MPC-goers alike find a place to jump in. The guide presents opportunities for adults, students and children to join small groups, attend a class, or learn about ongoing volunteer and ministry opportunities.Download the guide at MadisonParkChurch.org or pick-up a copy at Grand Central.