Threads - November 30, 2015

Christmas… “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”It’s the season that seems to be all about giving, helping others, and reaching out.It’s the season about believing…in love, in Santa, in hope. In Jesus.It’s the season that the church recognizes the birth of Jesus, the Christ…“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6-7. It’s the season that we call out the truth that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us.It’s the season of beautiful decorations, gifts, carols, e-cards, gift-cards, shopping, time with family, friends, parties, joy, red cups, white lights, fun, food and an incredible increased focus on the needs of others in our community, nation and world. When we boil it all down, we look around and realize…the world needs Jesus. Jesus at the “center of it all.” Christmas is all about Jesus and the greatest gift we can give is to help others discover the JOY…PEACE… LOVE and HOPE that can be found in believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.Let’s be honest. We are living in a season in which so many in our community, our nation our world need hope.

Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.What do you hope for?During this Christmas season, I’m sure there are SO many different hopes in the hearts of people. Hopes that range from a certain Christmas gift to peace in the heart of a home or loved one. One of the most difficult places that a person can be is on the brink of losing hope, that is why it is so important for us to place our hope in Jesus because Jesus brings us a living hope that lasts forever!I Peter 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.”The hope of heaven, by faith and believing in Jesus Christ…the greatest gift!It was during this week in 1994 that my family, friends and many more were hoping that God would choose to do a miracle and heal my mom, Elaine Reeder of cancer. She had battled leukemia for nine months, even in remission for a short time that fall, but the cancer had come back with a vengeance.

A Season of HOPE by Eric Reeder, Senior High Ministries Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—November 30, 2015

October - December Proceeds benefit Dove Harbor

Make 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.11:00am - 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. Visit Grand Central, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.++

Surviving the Holidays

The Holiday Season, with its family orientations, cheer and merrymaking can be a difficult time to navigate for those who have lost a loved one, experienced separation, divorce, loss of health, job or other loss. Coping with grief of any kind during the holidays can be difficult,Memories of holiday traditions may be filled with nostalgia and happy memories that one must cope with and find new paths through.Surviving the Holidays is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. The seminar features practical suggestions, guidance, and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, experts in divorce-related care, and other people who have experienced the holidays after a separation or divorce. These people share honestly about:

• Being prepared for surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays • What to do about traditions and other coming changes • How to survive potentially awkward moments at holiday events • How to help your children have a good holiday experience • Where to find comfort, strength, and hope in a seemingly hopeless timeThose who attend will receive a Survival Guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas, and exercises for daily help through the holiday season.Thursday, December 10 from 6:30-8:30pm in Rooms 190-192Child care is available upon request. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Director.

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December Sermon SeriesSundays at 9:00 and 11:00am And He will be called. . . Mighty God - December 6 Everlasting Father - December 13 Prince of Peace - December 20 Immanuel - December 24 (Christmas Eve)

a Christmas CarolIndiana’s longest running, live musical production of the Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale. EVENING PERFORMaNCES Friday–Sunday, December 11–13 at 7:00pm SaTuRDay MaTINEE - Saturday, December 12 at 2:00pm

Admission 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.Reserved Seating AvailableGold Circle Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Enjoy premium reserved seating for $10. Tickets outlets: Grand Central, Church Office, and online at iTickets.com. Seating is limited.

yuletide Swing…a Christmas Cabaret

Saturday, December 5 at 7:00pm in The Commons Scott Lutterman and the Heartland Big Band return to Madison Park for their popular “can’t miss” holiday concert event! Performed “cabaret style”, join Heartland Big Band and special guest artists for a fun evening of swinging holiday classics to usher in the Yuletide season! General Admission “Early Bird” tickets $15 (Children 12 and under FREE). Tickets can be purchased at Grand Central and the Church Office, or online at www.HeartlandBigBand.org.

Kid’s Learning Station and NorthKids Christmas Program Sunday, December 6 at 6:00pm - Main Auditorium

A celebration of songs, laughter and fun! Children from Kid’s Learning Station and NorthKids, Madison Park Children’s childcare ministries for children ages 6 weeks - 5th grade, present a delightful Christmas program. Come see the children sing, share, and celebrate the season. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome!

Dove Harbor/Texas Roadhouse Tips Day Friday, December 18, 11:00am-2:00pm Texas Roadhouse in Anderson The annual Texas Roadhouse Tips Day will feature delicious food with staff and friends waiting tables. All tips will be donated to Dove Harbor.

Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 11:00pm, Main Auditorium Make Christmas Eve at Madison Park a hallmark of your holiday celebration. Invite friends and family to enjoy a festive sing-along, a re-telling of the Christmas story, and a candle lighting ceremony.

News You Can Use

Stephen Ministry TrainingBegins on January 7 from 6:30-9:00pm - 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. Fifty hours of training helps equip persons for the Stephen Ministry. If you are drawn to help people in their time of need contact, Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.

Season of Giving Gift Fair: Saturday, December 12 from 11:00am-3:00pm at Mounds Mall in andersonDove Harbor will be a part of this unique opportunity to honor those on your gift list while also providing help and hope to the residents of Dove Harbor. With each purchase you will receive a beautifuuly wrapped gift card with a description of the gift and the organization it will help. Gifts are tax-deductible and will be matched by the generous donations of local businesses. Contact: Andrea Carlile, Resource Development Director, Dove Harbor. Surviving the HolidaysThursday, December 10 from 6:30-8:30pm in Rooms 190-192A helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. For more information, contact Darlene Pease. Child care is available upon request. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Director.

MPC Small Groups: Various locations and meeting times. With more than 40 small groups from which to choose, Madison Park has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a group that is just for men or women, volunteer-minded or Bible-study based, there is a small group that will deepen your faith and enrich your spiritual journey. You are invited to facilitate or join a Small Group. Contact: Jackie Corn, at the Church Office.

S.a.L.T. (Single adults Living Truth)• Wednesdays at MPC: Join other singles

at a table to enjoy a delicious Lighthouse Café Dinner and fellowship.

Saturday, December 5 – Secret Families’ Saturday – 6:30 am – Shoppers meet at Meijer – 7:30 am – Wrappers Meet at Madison Park Church - 9:30 am – Deliveries from Madison Park to Families Saturday, December 5 – Christmas Dinner. R.S.V.P. event.

Thursday, December 10 – Christmas Carol Dinner Theatre at Madison Park- 6:30 pm – R.S.V.P. to Bette Stanley.

Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party.

Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, December 2 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] or Lynn Simpson, [email protected].

Student MinistriesaLL yOuTH EVENTS

Wednesday, December 9 - Youth Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 16 - All Church Christmas Party

6:00-8:00 in Crossroads AuditoriumIMPaCT—Junior High Ministries: Wednesday, December 2 - Christmas CarolingDecemberTeaching Focus—Jesus is Born-

Sundays at 11am in Crossroads Auditorium

(doors open at 10:15am), and Wednesdays from 6:30-

7:45pm in Rooms 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •December Teaching Focus—Messiah

Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

•Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

Opportunities to ServeSpecial Events Volunteers

Volunteer to serve and enjoy several holiday season special events. The success of each event depends greatly on the help of volunteers to transport decorations, costumes, the set for A Christmas Carol,

set-up, decorating and serving at the Dinner Theatre, greeters and ushers. Enjoy working together and the added fellowship with other MPC-goers. Contact: Ron Woolsey, Events Coordinator.

Blessings and Opportunities Madison Park is the home church to approximately 50 people residing in convalescent homes. Wonderful, Godly people who are almost desperate for friendship, for encouragement - to be reminded that somebody really cares. Here’s the opportunity, would you as an individual or couple or small group prayerfully consider “adopting” a person in a convalescent home, encouraging them, investing in them, perhaps sending them cards or creatively showing them love and care? We are truly blessed...in order that we can be a blessing to others. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation, Missions, (765) 642-2000.

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: • Evie Jacobs on the loss of her grandfather, Frank Mackenzie, on November 19.

Community OpportunitiesCandles and Carols Friday, December 4 at 7:30pm in Reardon Auditorium on the campus of Anderson University The annual “Candles and Carols” Christmas program revives many memories for those who attend each year. Feelings of togetherness, the excitement of singing traditional Christmas hymns with thousands of friends, and hearing the familiar strains of “Silent Night” echoing through the auditorium in the glow of the candlelight encourage audience members to return to Candles and Carols each year. Candles and Carols is a free concert with general seating. More information at anderson.edu/candles-and-carols.

Wednesday, January 20 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. continued on page 4

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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 college Students with ID-$5. Family Plan: $25 for up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person. December 2 - Parmesan Chicken // Kids Option: Pizza and Chips

December 9 - Beef and Noodles// Kids Option: Beef and Noodles

December 16 - Christmas Celebration: Roast Turkey & Dressing// Kids Option: Chicken Fingers & Fries

Lighthouse Café&

Holy Grounds

Purchase Holy Bucks for $1 and Lighthouse Café Meal Tickets for $7.

Great gifts/stocking stuffers! Proceeds benefit Missions

around the world.

The only hope we had was in God.

The doctors had done all they could. We had done all we could. We prayed and hoped.My mom was a strong Christian. She believed in Jesus, lived for Jesus and did all she could to encourage, help and lead others to Jesus. Her faith was strong and her hope in heaven was inspiring.I remember the day that she took a turn for the worse (she didn’t have any room for that turn). After a fast drive from Anderson University to the Ohio State University Hospital, a tough night in the hospital and some very difficult decisions were made, my Dad, my brother, my pastor and I went into her ICU room the next morning and waited. It didn’t take long.My pastor prayed and in his prayer he said, “Lord, into your hands we commit Elaine’s spirit.”The next moment was a miracle.My mom, who’s body had become very sick and jaundice and her eyes barely able to open, suddenly after we prayed… her face was shining bright, her eyes opened wide, twinkling with vision and with a smile on her face…she looked up and it was as if she was looking through the ceiling and I believe

into the face of Jesus as he was calling her home…to heaven! I looked into my mom’s eyes as she looked into Jesus’ eyes. What a gift! A gift that still gives me hope!We hoped that God would do a miracle and heal my mom that day. He did.She is healed, forever.There have been many seasons in my life that I have hoped for many different things to happen. We have prayed for a miracle, for healing, for God to provide, restore, help. I’ve seen God answer in all kinds of ways according to his grace and sovereignty. The truth is, the greatest miracle of all is the gift of God’s love, grace, peace, joy and hope that is found in his son, Jesus. The Bible encourages us, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15This Christmas season, choose to believe…in Jesus. He is the reason for the hope that we have.“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy

Spirit.” Romans 15:13Share your thoughts on this

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A Season of HOPE Continued from page 1

• Operation Love - Operation Love Ministries is preparing for its annual Christmas Wishes Program, sharing the love of Jesus with over 250 families in need through Christmas meal baskets, toys, and other family needs. Sponsors “adopt” a family, donate meal items or new-in-box toys. Deadline for donations is Sunday, December 6 in order to prepare baskets. • Christmas Meal Sponsorship $35 • Socks (any size, children and adult) • Boxed Stuffing, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Gravy (powder mix or jar) Volunteers are also need to assist with the project. Contact Andrea Baker, at [email protected] or call (765) 644-2121 for details. Deadline for donations is Sunday, December 6 in order to prepare baskets.

• Angel Tree - Connecting parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts. Many children in Madison County have parents in prison. This is a wonderful opportunity for families, individuals and small groups to minister to those in prison and their children. Contact: Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850.

• Dove Harbor Benefits - A variety of giving opportunities are available during the holiday season. Contact: Andrea Carlile at (765) 642-1853.

•Secret Families of Madison County - Now is a great time to give. Help sponsor a family in Madison County to provide a complete Christmas; tree, food and gifts. Names of families in need are acquired from county elementary schools. Monetary contributions are needed, it takes about $550 per family. Volunteers are also need on Saturday, December 5 to purchase gifts for each individual family at Meijer, wrap them at MPC and deliver them to the families. Stop by the table in The Commons for details or contact Danielle Brossart at (765) 606-5466.

• The Christian Center - The Christian Center kitchen serves 85,000 men, women and children a year. Donations are deeply appreciated to enable the center to faithfully carry out this vital ministry. The Christian Center is located at 625 Main Street in Anderson. (765) 649-4264.

• Park Place Community Center - MPC partners with Park Place Church of God's Food Pantry, located in the community building behind the church on College Drive. The pantry gives food items to those who might otherwise have little to eat. Contact: Joe Womack at (765) 620-9342.

• Madison Park Military Support Team Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their families. Register troops, families and volunteer. 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.

• Operation “Thank You" - Operation Thank You is our way of letting the ACS teachers know what a gift they are by providing much needed supplies: Tissues (any brand), Expo Dry Erase Markers (4 pack), Fiskars Scissors, Elmers Glue Sticks, Crayola Crayons (24 pack) or 12-pack Crayola Colored Pencils. Will you be Santa to the teachers and students at ACS this Christmas by donating to Operation Thank You?

A Reason To Give

Board of Elders NominationsEvery year, the Elder Selection Committee accepts nominations from the congregation for the vacancies on the Board of Elders. This year, there are two spots open. The MPC Bylaws give a detailed list of qualifications for becoming an Elder. Bylaws are available at madisonpark-church.org/aboutus, or at the Church Office.The Selection Committee encourages you to think about the people in your small group, Sunday school class, your ministries, etc. Who is it that provides spiritual leadership for your group? Who helps provide direction for your group? Who, in your circles at Madison Park, do you look-up to spiritually? Those are the people that might make good elders. Nominate those people.The Elder Selection Committee will make sure the nominated candidates meet all of the requirements and qualifications. When you are making your nomination, please describe why you believe the person would make a good Elder.Nominations can be turned into the church office or emailed to Jonathan Trick, Chair of the Elder Selec-tion Committee. Nominations must be turned in by December 6.