threads byweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - June 13, 2016
Just Be
by Stephen West, Co-Worship Director
A few weeks ago, a tiny little miracle came into my life. Her name was Ivey Ray. Without going way over board with the normal cliches of first time parenthood I will say everything people tell you about the moment your child enters the world is true. When she arrived a rush of emotions, dreams, and fears rushed through my mind uncontrollably. A few minutes later a calm and peace that only the Lord can give fell over me. Our family came in a little later and sat with us, glowing over the new baby and talking to her in the usual baby babble. The support from our families was really incredible and we could not have done it with out them. The next 24 hours were incredible as friends and family came in to show there support and share their stories of life. It wasn’t until later that I really thought about how amazing it was to have these people around. As I processed this I thought about how selfless each person was as they entered the door of our room and encouraged Ally.
I watched as they each held Ivey and pronounced blessings and prayers over her. Carefully they would pass her to the next person and in almost perfect choreography, moved toward Ally or myself. Looking back I think this is a picture of what the church should be, a closer picture to what scripture portrays. It was people gathering together and surrounding those in need. They were praying over us, sharing scripture, bringing us meals, and just spending time talking to us. Simply put we were sharing life, sharing a moment that the Lord had given us all. More than anything we sat together just being in the presence of one another and the Lord. It was the church at its best, and the truth is that this is happening everyday through people in our community. We can talk about the seemingly hundreds of ministries that are bringing the name of Jesus and hope to Madison County and I would suggest that those ministries and visiting people in the hospital was the intention of creating the church. It was about putting Jesus at the center, sharing life together, and meeting needs. I would challenge you that coming to service on a continued on page 4
A Support For Those Who Care Did you know that over 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s? Nearly one in every three seniors who die each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Every 67 seconds, someone develops this disease – and it is projected that by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds.
While those numbers are staggering nationwide, it is sobering to note that this disease affects hundreds here in Madison County, even here in our church! Do you know someone who suffers memory loss that disrupts their daily life? Someone who has a challenge in planning or solving problems or a hard time completing familiar tasks or has confusion with time or place?
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April - June Proceeds benefit India Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in India. 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
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 June 5: Best. Summer. Ever! - Loving, learning, living in relationships with God, with each other, with the people He misses most. June 12 : Worship – A Way of Life - WORSHIP is a way of life which celebrates the truth that God is God and I am not. June 19: Devotion – Daily Dedication to Knowing Christ - DEVOTION is a daily, and lifelong, dedication to the goal of knowing Christ. June 26: Guest Speaker: Jim Lyon, Former Pastor at MPC.
Missions Corner: iServe Opportunities - #iserveanderson Blood Drive
Wednesday • Blood Drive • Wednesday, June 29 • 2:00-8:00pm Crossroads Auditorium Sign up in The Commons or online at Red Cross.org/Madison Park site. Participants who sign up are eligible for Cedar Point tickets!
Anderson Independence Parade - July 3 - 7:30pm • Donate candy in The Commons • Help pass out candy at the parade, clean-up after parade • Wear your You Are Loved! t-shirts • Must be registered to walk in the parade. Register to participate on June 5 at the Missions Corner in The Commons.
Church of God Regional Convention and CHOG Table June 21-23 h Hosted at Madison Park Church hTuesday, June 21, 7:00-9:00pm: Session One with Milton Grannum hWednesday, June 22: 9:00-10:15am: Session Two with Ben Hardman 10:45-Noon: Session Three with Arnetta McNeese Bailey 2:00-3:15pm: Session Four with Steve Arterburn 3:45-5:00: Session Five with Steve Arterburn 7:00-9:00: Session Six with Reggie McNeal hThursday, June 23: 9:00am-4:30pm: CHOG Table3-Topic: Immigration/ Refugee Crisis. hAlanna Story Worship Leaders For complete schedule and to register go to jesusisthesubject.org/church-of-godconvention-2016.
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News You Can Use Baptism Service Sunday, June 26 Baptism in each Worship Service and in the lake following the 11:00 service. Everyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized on Sunday, June 26 is encouraged to attend a class on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30pm in Green Room 2, or Sunday, June 19 at 10:45am in Room 180. Sign up on the Sunday Connect Card, on the MPC website or App or contact the Congregational Care Office. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Evening Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30pm in Room 175 Benefit from learning more about the ten signs of Alzhiemer’s Disease. Enjoy the special guest speaker from the Alzhiemer’s Association, discussion about beginning a Caregiver Support Group and fellowship. Sign up at Grand Central on Sunday, June 26. Contact: David Reames, Congregational Care Pastor. 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.
Thurs. June 23: 7:30-County Churches vs. MPC-C 9:00-West Cross vs. MPC-A Find a complete schedule on the MPC website/News & Events page. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor. J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, June 16 at Noon at the home of Terry and Sherry Minton, 510 S 300 E in Anderson. All adults age 55 and older are invited to enjoy wonderful fellowship and delicious food in the beautiful outdoor setting. Bring a side dish, meat will be provided. Invite family and friends!. Contact: Jackie Corn, at the Church Office. Blood Pressure Clinic Wednesday, July 6 from 5:30-6:30pm in The Commons MPC Parish Nurses conduct a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends.
Children’s Ministries
Children’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and Best. Summer. Ever! 11:00am Brochure Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s This brochure offers Center tons of opportunities to engage in practical ways CAMP with our congregation and MADISON: community. Wednedays 6:30Each one is a chance to 7:45pm June 15 make a real difference in - August 31 in the the lives of real people. Children’s Center. Camp Madison is MPC Softball Teams an exciting, fun and Pick up a copy at Grand Central Support MPC’s three learning adventure for or download on MPC softball teams and enjoy kids through grade 5. At website. the great outdoors. All Camp Madison they will games are played at 38th learn and experience the Fruit Street Pulaski Park. The teams of The Spirit. Camp Shirts will be love a good cheering section! available. Summer break will be July 20,27 and August 1. Tues.June 14: • Movie Mondays: Hamilton Town Center 6:00-East Side vs. MPC-B $1 Show - Meet at 9:30am in the Lobby 7:30-MPC-C vs. County Churches June 12 - Rio 2 9:00-First Baptist vs. MPC-A June 20 - The Peanuts Movie Thurs. June 16: June 27 - Horton Hears A Who 7:00-County Churches vs. MPC-B • Mounds Park: Tuesday, June 28, 11:00amTues. June 21: 2:00pm 6:00-MPC-A vs. MPC-B Bring a picnic lunch and join us at Mounds Park playground 7:30-East Side vs. MPC-C
Wednesday, July 13 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 Connections Ministry.
• June 15: Beef and Noodles // Kids Option: Beef and Noodles • June 22: Church of God Convention at MPC - No dinner at Church • June 29: Hamburger, Brats, Corn on Cob // Kids Option: Hot Dogs and Chips
MOPS (Moms of Pre-Schoolers) Play dates 10:00am-Noon June 3 - Grandview Park June 17 - Jackson Park July 1- Shadyside Park For more information or to volunteer, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor. Camp Challenge Indiana State Church of God Camp for children and teens. Camp Dates: Regular registration (4/1/16 – 2 weeks from camp start date) Late registration (within 2 weeks of camp start date) June 12-17 Senior High $220 $250 $280 June 19-24 7th & 8th Grade $220 $250 $280 June 26-July 1 4th, 5th & 6th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 10-15 3rd & 4th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 17-22 5th & 6th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 24-28 Adventure Camp $270 $300 $330 More Information and Register at gocampchallenge.com
Student Ministries ALL YOUTH EVENT: Project 765 Thursday, June 16 from 8:00am-9:00pm A one day service project for our community. We will team up with other area youth ministries to work on projects with local non-profits, schools and the city. Bring: work clothes, closed toe shoes, water bottle, swimsuit and towel, sunscreen. Cost: $10, covers lunch, dinner and pool party. Drop off and pick up at Eastside Church of God. Sign up by June 8. Contact: Eric Reeder, Senior High Pastor or JJ Perry, Junior High Pastor at (765642-2000)
Contact Us
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Mailing 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 4:30pm
www.MadisonParkChurch.org
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Jusr Be continued from page 1
weekend isn’t what the Lord intended “church” to be. Please do not hear what I’m not saying, I believe Sunday services are incredibly important and critical, but I do think that if we drive in Sunday and drive away without walking closely with other people we are missing the point of the “church.” We were made to just be with other people and share this gift of life. Looking back at my own childhood the church I grew up in taught me so much about the character and heart of the Lord and I am so grateful for that, however, they described spending time with the Lord more as a checklist or a thing to accomplish. Each morning you would complete your tasks; wake up, brush your teeth, read your bible, pray, and then get on with your day. It made my life with the Lord a succeed or fail situation. If I read my bible I succeeded and if I didn’t I failed. Through high school and college I began to see that God wanted relationship with me, to just be with me. Not striving or checking time with Him off my list but being with Him. Being a father to a newborn means most of the conversations are one sided, but there is a sweetness and true relationship in just being together. There are literally hours that
I spend holding her and staring at her and she looking back at me. I treasure these moments and love just being with her. There aren’t long strings of poetic and polished words but quiet smiles and loving eyes. If no words can bring me this much joy how much more does the Lord love it when we just be with Him, doing life with Him. We were not created to accomplish tasks, we were created to just be with our Creator and those around us. Sure we have things that have to be done, but if we neglect the very thing God intended are we really doing anything, are we really living? My challenge to you is to take a moment and just be with the Lord, don’t say anything or try to organize it, just be with Him. Then find someone in your sphere and celebrate what the Lord is doing in their life; buy them coffee or a meal and just be present with them. Just be.
A Support for Those Who Care continued from page 1
Whether you are an active Alzheimer’s Caregiver or you can see the emerging signs of dementia in a loved one, please consider joining others in a time of fellowship, support and education surrounding this disease. Or if you simply have questions about dementia issues, you are welcome to come. A sign-up table will be in The Commons, Sunday, June 26, followed by a meeting on Tuesday, June 28 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in room 175 at the church. Our evening will be led by certified presenters, sharing the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s followed by a discussion about starting a support group here at Madison Park. For further information please contact Dave Reames, Congregational Care Pastor or Laura Callen, Administrative Assistant, Congregational Care at (765) 642-2000.
Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.
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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. •Flip Flop Scavenger Hunt: Saturday, June 18, 4:00-9:00pm at the Mintons, 510 S 300 E in Anderson. A fun Scavenger Hunt, cookout, water games, skisms and s’mores! Meet and pickup at the Mintons. Cost: FREE!! Permission Form needed to attend. •International Youth Convention and Missions Trip. June 27-July 5: San Antonio, Texas Trip Training Meeting: Sunday Pre-trip Party/Meeting Friday, June 24: 6:00-9:00pm At the McCurdys - 1311 N Raible in Anderson For all trip travelers and parents/families.
Missions and Outreach Racial Reconciliation Picnic Sunday, August 21 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. 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 May 5-13, 2017 For more information contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor.
Opportunity To Serve Dove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training Session Tuesday, June 7 at 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.
Family News Birth Congratulations John and Aubrey Lloyd welcome baby boy, Zachary Lloyd (11 lbs. 1 oz, 22”) on May 23.
Anniversary Congratulations Congratulations to John & Carol Mitchell who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their church family is invited to enjoy an open house on Sunday, June 26, from 3:00-5:00pm at the Anderson Country Club. R.S.V.P. to Shellie Green at (407) 6143507. In Sympathy with: • David Hartley on the passing of his nephew, Dylan Hartley, on May 22. • Lenora Bolinger on the passing of her husband, Gerald Bolinger, on May 20. • Paul and Donna Parton on the passing of Donna’s brother, Keith Bronnenberg on May 25. • Michael and Joyce Miller on the passing of Joyce’s mother, Mary Martin, on May 31. • Greg and Peggy Carmack on the passing of their son, Joseph Williams, on June 2.
Community and Ministry Partner News Employment Opportunities: Dove Harbor: iPart-time Case Manager position. 29 hours per week. Contact Cherilyn Horning, Program Director at (765) 642-1853. Complete job description at doveharbor.org/news. iIncome Support Coach This position is 20 hours per week. Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field. Contact Cherilyn Horning, Program Director at (765) 642-1853. Complete job description at doveharbor.org/news.