Threads - December 3, 2014

Every once in awhile people ask me how junior high ministry is going. I usually try my best to answer without

the typical clichés, but no matter how I answer, often the following question is, “how do you do it?”“How do you do it?” obviously has many angles to why it is asked and how I could answer. I usually assume that this question is both a way to affirm but also recognize that junior high students and the years they live from sixth to eighth grade are full of a lot of craziness! No matter how this question is asked, I always know there is a great heart behind it. But there is also a certain degree of intrigue for holding a job that requires a person to lead 50-some junior highers!In junior high ministry there is as much a chance for genuine

conversation and fellowship as there is a chance for someone to fart during the response time of our Sunday service. To me, this sense of unpredictability and awkwardness is what makes Impact Jr. High so much fun to be a part of and pastor. During these unexplored middle years, our students are more willing to try new things and open their hearts a little more to God’s love.As Thanksgiving and the holiday season have arrived, the answer to “how do I pastor junior highers” quickly enters into the thankfulness categories of my heart. Of course, I am thankful for how God has called me and allowed me to pastor throughout the year. But there is something special about these cold November days and this warm holiday season that causes me to reflect upon how God has provided for Impact Jr. High.

How We Do It in Jr. HighJJ Perry, Junior High Ministries Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—December 3, 2014

October–December Beneficiary: Dove HarborMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Dove Harbor women’s shelter.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 ServicesSUNDAY9:00am - 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.

The feeling of making a difference and helping others can be satisfying. and the benefits wide and far reaching! Knitting and crocheting are often called the “new yoga.” Famous for its relaxing meditative qualities it is often being used as therapy to help people lead healthier, happier lives. It is also therapeutic for the mind to focus on

something—a pattern and a purpose.The people of the MPC Crafting Group are #calledtoserve for “therapy” with a purpose. Each Monday they meet together to create colorful hats, scarves, sweaters and baby sets made with busy hands, love and prayers. Their time and talents are volunteered and the variety of colored yarn donated.

Angie Evans, a young 20-something, recently joined the group. “I

have enjoyed crocheting for a long time and have been looking for a group that I could be a part of

with a purpose. God has

given us all talents and I wanted to use

mine to glorify God

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#calledtoserve—With a Twist

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A Reason to GiveMadison Park Church is reaching out to make a difference in our community this holiday season. Join in and support one or more of our A Reason to Give ministry partners. See page 4 for details or download the PDF at MadisonParkChurch.org.

• SPECIAL EVENTWednesday, December 3 at 6:30pm in The CommonsMeet representatives from MPC’s A Reason To Give initiative ministry partners and hear how you can make a huge difference this season!

Heartland Big Band Swingin’ Christmas CabaretSaturday, December 6 at 7:00pm in The CommonsThe Heartland Big Band brings in the yuletide season with swinging renditions of the holiday classics that will keep toes tappin’ thru the New Year!Enjoy new music and special guest artist and jazz violinist, Cathy Morris. Enjoy classics favorites such as “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas Waltz,” “Let It Snow” and the ever popular Nutcracker Suite, as only the HBB can perform it. Join HBB and their guests for a great evening of Christmas music in a cabaret setting!Tickets available at the Church Offices, in The Commons, and at HeartlandBigBand.org

MPC Child Care Christmas ProgramSunday December 7 at 6:00pm in the Main AuditoriumMadison Park’s 3 child care programs perform for friends and families to welcome in the Christmas Season. Come see cuteness at its best!

A Christmas CarolIndiana’s longest running, live musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale.

Dinner Theatre: Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pmEnjoy a festive catered dinner followed by a spectacular performance of A Christmas Carol. Reservations required. Tickets: $22.00. Outlets: Grand Central and the Church Office.

Performances: Friday–Sunday, December 12–14 at 7:00pmSaturday Matinee: December 13 at 3:00pmAdmission is free. Open seating. Doors to the Main Auditorium open 30 minutes prior. An offering will be received to benefit Dove Harbor women’s shelter.Gold Circle Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Enjoy premium reserved seating for $10. Tickets on sale: October 20. Tickets outlets: Grand Central, Church Office, and online at iTickets.com. Seating is limited.

All-Church Christmas PartyWednesday, December 17, 6:30-8:00pm in The CommonsFrom the youngest to the oldest are invited to enjoy an evening of Christmas activities. Begin with a delicious ham dinner at Lighthouse Café from 5:00-6:30pm followed by a variety of activities everyone will enjoy. Create a gingerbread house, make a Christmas ornament, decorate a Christmas cookie, take an elfie selfie, then complete the evening by singing Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas story. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor or JJ Perry, Junior High Student Ministries Pastor.

Dove Harbor / Texas RoadhouseFriday, December 19, 11:00am-2:00pmThe annual Texas Roadhouse Tips Day will feature delicious food with staff and friends waiting tables. All tips will be donated to Dove Harbor. Contact: Jennie Griffis at (765) 642-1853.

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A Reasonto Give

News You Can UseWomen’s Volleyball: Thursdays from 7:00pm-9:00pm in Cross Street Gym All women, age 14 and up, are invited to enjoy physical exercise and fellowship on the volleyball court. Contact: Melanie Denniston. Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, December 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 or Lynn Simpson.S.A.L.T.: Sundays at 6:00pm in Room 175. S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth) gathers to study Single and Satisfied by Tony Evans. All singles are invited. Enjoy bible study, fellowship and social activities. Facilitator: Don Wilson. Contact: Wanda Anderson at (765) 620-4607.Church in the Middle: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 175. The Christian Growth Class is using Pastor Rolland Daniels’ new book Church in the Middle as a guide to explore the importance of making connections outsite of the church walls to reach the world for Christ. The class is open to everyone. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): The J.O.Y group will not meet during the months of December, January and February. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 19 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

Children’s MinistriesDecember Wednesdays: • December 3 - Preparing for Christmas:

Rehearse carols for caroling party. Make ornaments to take to nursing home.

• December 10 at 6:15pm in the Childrens Center - Caroling: All Families are invited to go with their children to Christmas carol at two area nursing homes. Enjoy hot chocolate and donut holes following. (Regular programming suspended, children must be accompanied by an adult.)

• December 17 - All-Church Christmas Party: From the youngest to the oldest are invited to enjoy an evening of Christmas activities. Begin with a delicious ham dinner at Lighthouse Café from 5:00-6:30pm followed by a variety of activities everyone will enjoy. Create a gingerbread house, make a Christmas ornament, decorate a Christmas cookie, take an elfie selfie, then complete the evening by singing Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas story

• December 24 at 11:00pm in the Main Auditorium - Christmas Eve Service

• December 31 - All activities at MPC are cancelled.

December Sundays: • December 7- Regular programming.• December 14 - Children 4 years - grade

5 will be singing in the 9:00am and 10:45am services in the Main Auditorium. Rehearsals will be at 8:20am and 10:30am in the Main Auditorium. Find the two songs children have be rehearsing on the MPC app/Media Tab.

• December 21 - Christmas Sunday. Celebrate Jesus’ Birthday in the Children’s Center.

• December 28 - Children ages 3 through grade 5 will attend worship with family in the Main Auditorium Coloring books and crayons will be available in The Commons. Childcare available for children, birth through age 2.

Contact: Paula Spear, Children Ministries Pastor.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS:• Christmas Caroling: December 10IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Fall Teaching Focus: Huge Hearts:

Matthew 5:43-48, Following the teaching of Jesus, students will be challenged to Love All and have Huge Hearts for the Kingdom.• Sundays at 10:45am in

Crossroads Auditorium. • Wednesdays, 6:30-

7:45pm in Room 176-178.

• Christmas Party: December 17. Multi-generational party in The Commons

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Fall Teaching

Focus: THRIVE: Ephesians 3:14-21. Wednesday nights from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium

• STW OFFERING: for video Projectors/Church of God India project, each week

• Bible Studies:• Sundays at 9:00am in room 180• Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at

Williamson’s Home • Ignite Christmas Party: Wednesday,

December 17 from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

Opportunities to ServeStephen Ministry Training: MPC’s Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. If you are drawn to help people in their time of need, please consider attending the Training Sessions to begin in January. Contact: Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.Support The Troops—Preparing for Christmas: Sunday, December 7 in The Commons. Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their families. Register troops, families and volunteer. Items are

needed to send to the troops: Snacks, note expiration date. Toiletries.

R&R items: appropriate books/magazines, disposable cameras,

games, zip-lock bags, small plastic containers for storage, greeting cards they can send, pens, puzzle books, etc. Socks, dryer sheets, tissues, sunscreen, colorful pillow cases. Personal or convenient sized items are easier to ship. bring 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.

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

In Sympathy With:Shane and Laura Byrd on the loss of his father, Terry Lee Bryd on November 6.Lyman and Patty Fuller on the loss of his brother, Paul Fuller on November 6.Nikki and Troy Snow, on the loss of her father, Robert Ellis, on November 15.Kathy and Ron Maves, on the loss of her uncle, Dick Becklehimer, on November 17.Renee and DeWayne Joslin, on the loss of her brother, Dan Hughes, on November 18.Christopher and Jennifer Cox, on the loss of his grandmother, Margaret Cox, on November 19,

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.

Dec. 3: Parmesan Chicken with Stuffed Manicotto/ Kids’ Option: Chicken Fingers and Fries

Dec. 10: Coq au Vin with Wild Rice/ Kids’ Option: Hot Dogs and Chips

Wednesday, February 19 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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Financial Peace UniversityNine-week Class: Thursdays,

January 8 – March 5, 6:30-8:00pm in Room 181. Powerful. Enlightening.

Fun. Weekly video lessons and discussion groups. Dave Ramsey has a teaching style that is simple and easy to understand. He will change the way you

think about money. Register online at DaveRamsey.com. Instructors: Neal

Kirby and Sam Hanna. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

by making and giving. I enjoy not only the craft but especially the ladies and listening to their stories.” Around 14 ladies gather each Monday afternoon for crafting, sharing, prayer and devotions. A couple ladies are 80-something and still enjoy serving with their time and talent.One stitch at a time has created around 2,000 items that have been donated to well deserved people in and around Anderson. About 1,000 children’s hats were given to Coats 4 Children, Head Start, Dove Harbor and other agencies. A large donation of men’s hats was given to the Christian Center and House of Hope.

Many men expressed surprise and appreciation that they had received something hand made for them, brand new and warm.Maurine Conrad, coordinator for the group is often referred to as the Baby Hat Lady when she delivers hats to Community Hospital for the newborns. Over 600 have been made and donated this year alone. Maurine shares, “We make special sweater, shawl sets for each MPC-goer that has a new baby and also try to share a hat for the siblings of the new born. We also make cancer hats for MPC-goers with a stitch and a prayer, and again this year we made many hats that people could include in their Christmas Shoeboxes to be distributed to children around the world.

The creation and sharing of these handmade items is ministering to local and global health—one stitch at a time. Stressed? Burned-out? Have time on your hands? Need a change of pace and a purpose? Creative crafting can give mental improvement and provide meaningful items for people in need. And the ladies will even teach you how to knit or crochet!The group meets every Monday at 1:00pm in the Hospitality Room. Anyone of any age is invited to come create. Contact: Maurine Conrad (765) 622-9031.

When I think about this season of gratitude and this question of “how do I love and disciple junior highers,” I cannot help but think about how God has provided in so many ways. In fact, whether it be about ministry, family life, or my personal walk with Christ I am never able to say “amen” until I have first said “thank you.” Praying a word of thanksgiving is something that I know many of us do on a daily basis. Having a thankful heart is something that helps me stay humble and connected to God.Some days and some seasons are easier than others to say “thank you,” but when it

How We Do It... Continued from page 1

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#calledtoserve Continued from page 1

Community and Ministry Partner News

Candles & Carols: Friday, December 5 at 7:30pm in Reardon Auditorium, Anderson University. Join us as we celebrate the 50th annual Candles & Carols. This special evening will feature familiar hymns and carols performed by the university musical ensembles, including the AU Chorale, Dance Ensemble, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Women’s Chorus. Admission is free and seating is open. CD or DVD can be ordered. Contact: School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at (765) 641-4450.Season of Giving Fair: Saturday, December 13 from 11:00am-2:00pm at Mounds Mall in Anderson. Give the Gift of Compassion and HOPE this Christmas! Make an end of the year charitable donation which is tax-deductible and will be matched by the generous donations of local businesses. Dove Harbor is one of nineteen local nonprofit organizations that will be participating in this wonderful event sponsored by Leadership Academy of Madison County. Contact: Jennie Griffis at (765) 642-1853.

comes to our Impact Jr. High Ministry we read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to keep our hearts open, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”AnswerThe answer to how we are able to minister with junior highers comes straight from the testimony of 1 Thessalonians: lot’s of energy, even more prayer, and thankful hearts.That’s right, the answer to this article’s question and the way I spend every holiday season is with a grateful heart for how God provides energy and awesome people to help disciple our junior highers

towards following Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God as followers making disciples, I am so proud and grateful to brag about how God has given us great small group leaders.So, “how do we minister and pastor to junior highers?” We do it with volunteer leaders, we do it with parents and grandparents, and finally we do it with God’s awesome provision!In this season of thanksgiving, how has God provided for you to minister and love others, especially those crazy family members? Give thanks to Lord when you find the answer.

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a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

A Reason to Give

Operation Love Socks (any size, children & adult), canned corn, instant mashed potatoes, gravy (powder mix or in a jar)Christian Center Peanut butter, boxed cereal, hams for Christmas, coffee, men’s hats & glovesPark Place Community Center Non-perishable food itemsSupport the Troops Snacks (no glass items, non-melty, no pork), toiletries (no liquids), socks, dryer sheets, Q-tips, pillowcases, books, magazines, greeting cards, envelopes, board games

Angel Tree Sponsor a family for an incarcerated person with a $15 or $25 donationSecret Families $550 to sponsor one family; cash, check, or online giving. Christmas tree stand for medium or small tree (new or nice used), Christmas wrapping paperDove Harbor Christmas Support: Contact us to be matched with one of our families’ wish lists.Additional needs: 30 gallon trash bags, florescent light bulbs, dish soap.

Madison Park Church is reaching out to make a difference in our community this holiday season. Join in and support one or more of our A Reason to Give ministry partners. NOTE: Collection deadline for Operation Love, Christian Center and Park Place Center is December 7.