threads biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God -August 8, 2016
What Time Is It? by Marc Sundstrom, Executive Pastor
As a father of four young
boys—our youngest is three and a half and our oldest will be 11 in a few short months—I find myself announcing what “time” it is often in the course of a day at home. There’s rest time and snack time(s) and bed time and time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s bath time and play time and quiet time and time for homeschool. It’s time to get dressed and it’s time to settle down and it’s time to read and it’s time to go. There must be something helpful in the mind of a young boy about knowing what “time” it is. I’m sure it was the same when I was a little boy, but it seems that the announcements of what time it was started to fade at some point. Perhaps the routine became so established that it was no longer necessary, perhaps intuition took over and it became more evident what time it was. Either way, it seems that the times of day gave way to weeks and months and eventually multi-year seasons of life at some point between my 10th birthday and my first child.
In June of 1999, I left home and the “single years” began, as I became a mostly autonomous adult with increasing levels of responsibility. Three years later, I stopped being single as Heather and I began our married life together --our “young couple years”-- prior to having children. In November of 2005, I changed my first diaper and as our fourth child is now completely potty-trained, I’m acutely aware that the “diaper years” have finally concluded at somewhere near a decade in total. Likewise, the “toddler years,” which began in 2007 and will come to an end in 2016, will include nearly a decade of at least one toddler in our home. In 2018, the “teen years” will begin, and on and on it goes. Family is not the only delineator of the seasons in my life, but it has certainly become the primary means of defining my current reality. There were also the “New York Life years” when I sold insurance from 2004-2008 and the “longest years” from 2008-2010 when I plunged into fulltime ministry, a $20 million church relocation project and a full-time masters continued on page 4
Love reaching out... Christian Center: The Community Dining Room is open to anyone in need of a meal. Whether someone is passing through or is a lifelong Anderson resident, each individual is welcome to a hot meal at the table. In an average day, the Christian Center provides 200-250 meals to the community, contributing nourishment and fellowship to people whose lives often lack both of these needs. Volunteers make this process possible, as church groups, families, and individuals donate food, cook and serve meals, and break bread with the residents. These types of interactions can eliminate fear and misconceptions about the clients at the Christian Center, allowing the community to contribute to the process of healing and hope
July-August-September Proceeds benefit Russia Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries 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-11:30am MasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted.
Worship Services Sunday
for those in need. You are invited to volunteer or donate to the dining program and see just how vast an impact you will have! Operation Love: Food & Goods Pantries The ministry provides a wide variety of services for the people of Madison County: Client Choice Food Pantry, Wed 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Emergency Food (walk-ins) Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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9:00am - 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 for a complete listing of all electives or visit the Ministries page at MadisonParkChurch.org.
Summer Teaching Series Pastor Paul Strozier Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am BEST. SUMMER. EVER! If you want to experience the best summer of your life, don’t just work on your tan, work on your relationships. Join us at Madison Park as we spend the summer developing spiritual disciplines to help us connect and grow in relationships with God, with each other, and with the people God misses most. After all…tans fade, but love never fails! “…and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 August 14: Sharing God’s Love August 21: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples August 28: Guest Speaker, Rolland Daniels
Begin • Belong • Become Belong Experience Wednesday, September 7 from 6:00-8:00am in Room 181 Includes: Free meal from Lighthouse Cafe. Childcare available starting at 5:45pm Belong is a one-time event that helps you make decisions on experiences you would like to have at Madison Park Church. Areas in which you want to grow and where you might connect. Pastor Paul shares. R.S.V.P. by calling 765/642-2000 or contact Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor.
Baptism Service Sunday, August 21 Baptism in each Worship Service and in the lake following the 9:00am service. This is the last opportunity of the summer to be baptized in the lake. Everyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized is encouraged to attend a class on Wednesday, August 10 at 6:30pm in Room 182 or Sunday, August 14 at 10:45am in Room 181. Sign up on the Sunday Connect Card or contact the Congregational Care Office.
16th Annual Churches & Community Reconciliation Picnic Sunday, August 21 from 12:00-6:00pm at Jackson Park (22nd Street & Raible Avenue ) Enjoy Food, Christian Fellowship and Continuous Entertainment. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the day. Free to all. For 15 years, pastors and churches in Madison County have come together in a Reconciliation Picnic at Jackson Park. Jesus prayed that all His followers would be one, united in heart and mind. How can we be one if we don’t know each other? And how can we know each other if we never get together? Every summer a few thousand people, representing 20-30 congregations (and many from no congregation), black/white/hispanic, have done just that: get together to eat, enjoy music from our various traditions, and take another step in fulfilling Christ’s prayer. • Volunteer from 12:00-6:00pm • Shifts are two hours each • Contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor at (765) 642-2000.
Miriam Project’s Annual 5K Walk/Run & 10K Saturday, September 10 - 8:30am - Broadway Ministry Center Whether you are an avid runner or just want to take a stroll on the trail, all are welcome. Pre-registration is open until September 2. Click HERE to pre-register at the discounted rate. A printable version of the registration form is available HERE. You can also register on race day. We are currently seeking sponsors for the race. If you own a business or think your employer might be interested in sponsoring the event, checkout the Sponsorship link or give us a call at (765) 642 1853. We hope you can join us as we raise money to continue serving adoptive and expectant families in Indiana.
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News You Can Use Best. Summer. Ever! Brochure
Children’s Ministries
This brochure offers tons of opportunities to engage in practical ways with our congregation and community. Each one is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of real people. Pick up a copy at Grand Central.
Children’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center
Cycling Group Tuesdays at 6:00pm, weather permitting, at the MPC parking lot. Bicyclists of all ages are invited to meet each Tuesday through October and ride from 6:00pm until dark. All skill levels and paces are welcome; no bicyclist will be left behind. Contact: Bruce Jones at (765) 602-3424.
Child Dedication: Sunday, August 14, in both services Parents Presenting with God as they raise their children....Dedicating a child acknowledges God’s sovereignty not only over the child, but also Mom and Dad. There’s no greater moment when parents sense that children are a gift from God. Child dedication is a commitment made before God, church, and family. The rite is intended to be a public statement by the parents that they will train their children in the Christian faith and seek to instill that faith in them. Contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor, to participate and for more information
J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, August 25 at Noon at the Scatterfield Ministry Center. All adults age 55 and older are invited to enjoy wonderful fellowship and delicious food. Guest speaker, Mark Adcock, will share about the joys, privileges, and responsibilities of grandparenting! SERMON Elementary Bring food to share Children’s Baptism NOTES AND MORE on the buffet table. Class Beverages are The Madison Park Church of God APP August 28 provided. Contact: on your Smart Phones October 2 Jackie Corn, closed at the end of July. Administrative Sunday’s from Assistant, at the 11:00 am Sermon Notes are now available weekly at Church Office. 12:15 pm YouVersion Live/Events. Please download the YouVersion APP on your Smart Phone Room 180 and/or computer. Blood Teaching Pressure children YouVersion’s Live/Events features gives you a chance to Clinic to be interact with the Bible and the sermon custom content Wednesday, OBEDIENT during the service and provides space for you to take August 10 from from the your personal notes at the end of each Bible Reference. 5:30-6:30pm in heart... Launching the Bible app from your phone simply: The Commons. Choose Live/Events • Search for the church (by MPC Parish Contact Christi name - Madison Park Church, or even zip code Nurses conduct a Maidlow, - 46013) • Choose the event by name (e.g. free blood pressure Children’s Sunday August 7) screening for MPCMinistries Pastor, goers and community to enroll in this class. friends. Class size is limited.
• August 10: Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Slaw // Kids Option: Grilled Cheese & Chips • August 17: Southwest Chicken Salad w/Black Bean Salsa // Kids Option: Mini Corn Dogs/ Mac & Cheese • August 24: Beef and Noodles // Kids Option: Beef and Noodles • August 31: Oriental Chicken Salad // Kids Option: Chicken Strips & Fries
CAMP MADISON: Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm June 15 - August 31 in the Children’s Center. Camp Madison is an exciting, fun and learning adventure for kids through grade 5. At Camp Madison they will learn and experience the Fruit of The Spirit. Camp Shirts are available. • Kindergarten Picnic: Sunday, August 14 at Noon in Crossroads Auditoriuim Kids graduating from Kindergarten are invited to this farewell celebration and enjoy lunch, games, and fun. Sorry, parents....only kids are invited to attend! R.S.V.P. to either Becky Rosenberg at (765) 642-8560 or Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor. • Volunteer Celebration: Sunday, August 14 Volunteers matter! A special appreciation gift for all TRAKs Volunteers: Pick up your We Love You a ‘Latte’ and You Are ‘Berry’ Special coupons for Holy Grounds to purchase a coffee or smoothie drink during the month of August. Pick up your coupon in the TRAKS area August 14- 28.
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Begin • Belong • Become Begin Gathering: Your information gathering point. The gathering is held on the first Sunday of each month. A time of discovering aspects of our church and the next steps to connectedness. Belong Experience : Your starting point. A one-time event that helps you make decisions on experiences you would like to have at Madison Park Church. Areas in which you want to grow and where you might connect. Pastor Paul shares. Become Group: Your growing point. A nine-week group that helps you grow into a disciple for Jesus, using the nine steps of the Discipleship Pathway Grid. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor(765) 642-2000
Contact Us Mailing Address PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018 Madison Park worship site and CHURCH OFFICES 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013 24-hour line: (765) 642-2000 • Fax: (765) 643-0976 Hours: M - F / 8:30am to 4:30pm
www.MadisonParkChurch.org
What Time Is It? continued from page 1
degree program online. How do you define the “years” and seasons of your life? What season of life are you in right now? Are you in the working years, the empty-nest years, the retirement years? Maybe it’s less positive—the divorced years, the illness years, the bankruptcy years, the disabled years or the lonely years. Knowing the season of life you are in can be helpful. But knowing that— good or bad—it will come to an end can provide either the perspective to make the most of it or the hope to know that it will not last forever. Some seasons of life seem to be leading somewhere, while other seasons may seem to be leading nowhere in particular or, worse yet, leading backwards or in the wrong direction. We wish some seasons would last forever and can’t wait for other seasons to end.
Whatever season you are in, the longerterm your perspective is, the better your perspective is. It is hard to not get completely caught up in the “here and now,” but the benefits of a broader viewpoint are many and varied. The sweet is sweeter and the sour is more palatable when seen in the grand scope of time. I recently heard a quote to the effect of, “Any problem in light of today is a big problem, any problem in the light of my lifetime is a smaller problem, and any problem in the light of eternity with Christ is no problem.” I believe the same is true for the countless small joys that are easy to pass over in the short-term, but are the stuff of life in the long-term. My three-year old curling up in my lap after a nap, celebrating an “I did it!” moment with my five-year-old (what ever IT might have been), playing cribbage with my eight-year-old, hearing my 10-year-old use the word “imperceptible” perfectly
Upcoming Mission Trips: An opportunity to witness firsthand what God is doing in areas where Madison Park Church is invested with her finances and her friends on the field. • Heart to Honduras in October 2016 • Haiti in 2017 For more information contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor.
Opportunity To Serve Dove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training Session Tuesday, September 6 from 6:00-7:00pm at the Broadway Ministry Center - 1400 Broadway Street in Anderson. Information and training for volunteers at Dove Harbor and Miriam Project Adoption Services. Anyone interested in volunteering in these ministries is invited to attend and learn more information. The class is scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month. Contact: Meg Scaggs at (765) 642-1853..
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Love reaching out...continued from page 1
Family News Sympathy with: • Arlena Wood on the passing of her sister, Madonna Talbot, on July 15. • Casey and Misty Hovermale on the passing of Misty’s grandmother, Geraldine K. Overdorf, on July 20.
Right now Operation Love is in high need of the following: Peanut butter and jelly Fresh meat and produce Rice, beans, & pasta Canned soups, meats, and fruit Children’s and teens back-to-school clothing
Student Ministries
Missions and Outreach
What time is it? It’s time to be grateful. It’s time to know that God is with you. It’s time to know that you are loved. It’s time to look out at the horizon. It’s time to contribute something that matters. It’s time to start. It’s time to forgive. It’s time to embrace today…
Clothing & Goods Pantry Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (by appointment) Nutrition & Cooking Classes 4 weekly classes Schedule varies throughout the year Human Services Program Needs Assessment and Referral Emergency Financial Assistance Budgeting Assistance and Case Management Pharmaceutical Assistance
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IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: Sundays at 11:00am in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Rooms 176-178. IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.
while eating his bed-time snack. A longer-than-usual hug with my wife, a sunset, a good run, fall colors, hearing a great song for the first time, touching hearts with an old friend.
Community and Ministry Partners CONCERTS: Main Street Church of God 4211 Main Street in Anderson • The Dixie Melody Boys: Sunday, August 14 - 6:00pm • Soul’d Out Quartet: Saturday, September 17 - 6:00pm • Common Bond Quartet: Saturday, October 29 - 6:00pm Free Admission. Freewill offering available. Contact: Carl Stagner at (765) 635-6142
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India Gospel League: Sam Stephens, IGL President, describes the kairos moment in South Asia today – where doors are open, where people are receptive. In the last 25 years, India has witnessed a time of Jesus being glorified through the rapid expansion of His kingdom! A great spiritual awakening is sweeping across the whole region of South Asia. In the last two decades in India, it is estimated that more than 30 million people have come to Christ. There are nearly 8,000 baptisms every day! Prayer Requests from India: Pray for God to raise up additional laborers for the vast harvest field in South Asia. Pray for IGL’s barefoot pastors as they start churches among villages that have no Christian presence. Pray for the 350,000+ villages in South Asia that still need their first church plant. Pray for the resources to build the needed new water wells. Pray for the people in South Asia who are struggling for water, that the Lord would provide them with access to clean water. Pray that as new water wells are built they will give believers an opportunity to lead the villagers to the source of living water, Jesus. Pray that with each filled jar, this water well would be a tangible reminder of God’s love for the villagers.