threads byweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - July 25, 2016
“I Have A Dream” by Ben Hodge, Worship Co-Director
“I have a dream!” It doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are. When you hear those words you know where they came from and who said them. The ’dream’ that Dr. King spoke so passionately of that day did not just manifest itself overnight; they were not just loose words that slipped off his tongue. They had been stirring in his heart ever since he was a little boy. But his dream to see unity and reconciliation in our nation was nearly buried by a series of challenges and personal struggles. Few people know that Martin Luther King, Jr. was abused as a child, attempted to commit suicide after his grandmother died, and as a young man battled depression. Dr. King had every opportunity to not pursue the dreams he had in his heart, but we all know that the weight of those struggles did not ultimately hold him down. August 28, 1963 was not only a pivotal moment in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., but it was also a day that would change the course of history. But what many do not know is that he had given an almost identical speech at least twice before in his adult life and had written several drafts prior to reciting it on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The final draft that he
was delivering that day did not actually include the “I Have a Dream” excerpt. It wasn’t until Mahalia Jackson (a well known gospel singer) shouted from behind him, “Tell them about the dream!”, that he departed from his script to share his dream with the people. That voice from behind—encouraging, prompting, and reminding him of his dream— is what led Dr. King to deliver one of the most powerful speeches in modern history. Sometimes it takes the encouragement of another to call out the dreams inside of us. Dreams that we have never given the chance to see the light of day. Dreams that we have forgotten were ever there. Dreams that have gotten buried beneath the weight of fear, doubt or discouragement from outside voices. As kids we have dreams of being doctors, lawyers, pilots, astronauts, race car drivers, etc. Maybe you dreamed of starting your own business or opening a restaurant. Maybe you dreamed of being a designer, an actor or a musician. Or maybe you never afforded yourself enough margins in life to even find out what dreams God has placed inside of you. Looking back on my life now, I can see how God planted the seed of a dream in my heart at a young age. But it took many years for that continued on page 4
The chaos occurring all around the world cries out for us as humans to stop and consider this truth: We are not ranked by our income levels, our gender, the color of our skin, our nationality, our weight, our perceived beauty, the number of likes we have on our Instagram and Facebook posts, the number of parishioners attending our church services, the size of our homes, the letter
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
Linked; Not Ranked This is a concept Madison Park’s fitness classes taught by Sister Fitness have been challenging themselves to adopt over the past month.
July-August-September Proceeds benefit Russia
SUNDAY
grade of the school our children attend, or the type of vehicle we drive. None of that matters in the big picture of life - nor does it matter to God. We are LINKED. If we would simply lay down our superficial ranking of one another we would see that we are linked together by one common thread - that we are uniquely but equally created in the image of God. We all experience love, sorrow, excitement, worry, happiness and pain - no matter our continued on page 4
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 July 24: Using God’s Gifts for God’s Purpose July 31: Marc Sundstrom, Executive Pastor August 7: Partnership with God
Begin • Belong • Become Begin Gathering: Sunday, August 7 - 10:15-10:45 a.m in Room 181 Donuts and juice are served. Begin Gathering is your information gathering point. It is held on the first Sunday of each month and is a time of discovering aspects of our church and the next steps to connectedness. The Gathering includes prayer, a meet and greet with some of our Pastors, basic information on worship times, resource materials, information about Belong and Become, small groups, and a word from Pastor Paul.
Family Night at the Edge August 3 • 6:00pm-9:00pm Enjoy a night at The Edge, 519 Golf Club Road in Anderson. • Free swimming, games on the covered patio. Bring your lawn chairs and table games. • Lighthouse Café will not serve dinner at church. Enjoy eating at The Edge on your own. • Join a 4-person Golf Scramble—put together a team or join a team that night! A $15 fee covers the cart and nine holes of golf, payable prior to tee time, at the Edge. Shot gun start is at 6:00pm. Enjoy the game and win some prizes! Each team can buy 4 mulligan’s for $20 with proceeds going to the Christian Center Sign up for golf at Grand Central or contact Jackie Corn (jcorn@madisonparkchurch. org), Administrative Assistant.
16th Annual Community Reconciliation Picnic Sunday, August 21 from 12:00-6:00pm at Jackson Park (22nd Street & Raible ) 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.
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News You Can Use Best. Summer. Ever! Brochure 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. 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.
Children’s Ministries Children’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center Child Dedication: Sunday, August 14, in both services Parents Partnering 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 Pastor, to participate and for more information
J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, August 18 at Noon at the Scatterfield Ministry Center. All adults age 55 and older are invited to enjoy wonderful Elementary Children’s Baptism Class fellowship and delicious food. Bring food August 28 - October 2 to share on the buffet table. Beverages are provided. Sunday’s from 11:00 am - 12:15 Contact: Jackie Corn, pm SERMON Administrative Room 180 Assistant, at the NOTES AND MORE Church Office. Teaching children to The Madison Park Church of God APP be OBEDIENT from on your Smart Phones the heart... Blood Pressure will be closing at the end of July. Clinic Contact Christi Wednesday, Maidlow, Sermon Notes are now available weekly at August 10 Children’s YouVersion Live/Events. Please download the from 5:30Pastor, to enroll YouVersion APP on your Smart Phone 6:30pm in this class. and/or computer. in The Class size is Commons. limited. YouVersion’s Live/Events features gives you a chance MPC Parish to interact with the Bible and the sermon custom Nurses content during the service and provides space for conduct a CAMP you to take your personal notes at the end of each free blood MADISON: Bible Reference. Launch the the APP • Choose pressure Wednedays 6:30Live/Events • Search for the church (by name screening for 7:45pm June 15 Madison Park Church, or even zip code MPC-goers - August 31 in the 46013) • Choose the event by name (e.g. and community Children’s Center. Sunday August 7) friends. Camp Madison is an exciting, fun and learning iServe Opportunity: adventure for kids through Brigade-Killbuck grade 5. At Camp Madison August 3-4-5 from 8:30-10:00am they will learn and experience the at Killbuck Elementary. Fruits of The Spirit. Camp Shirts will be Help Kindergarten students get off the available. Summer break will be July 20, 27 bus and into their classrooms. Contact: Ali and August 1. Robinson, Missions Coordinator.
Begin • Belong • Become
• July 27: No Church Dinner • August 3: Family-Night-At-The-Edge (No dinner served at MPC. Enjoy dining at The Edge on your own. • August 10: Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Slaw // Kids Option: Grilled Cheese & Chips
• Time Flies: Sunday, July 31 at 10:00am Room 175-177: Kids entering sixth grade, and their families, are invited to this special celebration. • Move-Up Sunday: August 7 All children entering Kindergarten through grade 5 will move up to the next age level class. • Kindergarten Picnic: Sunday, August 14 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. 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! Mark you calendar for this special event! MOPS (Moms of Pre-Schoolers) Play dates - 10:00am-Noon • July 29 - Pulaski Park - Ball For more information contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.
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Contact Us MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018
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. Sundays, August 7, September 4 from 10:15-10:45am in Room 181.
MADISON PARK WORSHIP SITE 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013
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. Wednesday, September 7 from 6:00-8:00pm in Room 181.
CHURCH OFFICES LOCATED AT WORSHIP SITE 24-hour line: (765) 642-2000 • Fax: (765) 643-0976 Hours: M - F / 8:30am to 4:30pm
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. September 14-November 9 from 6:30-8:00pm in Room 181.
www.MadisonParkChurch.org
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I Have A Dream continued from page 1
seed to work its way to the surface because I had the script of my life written out perfectly according to what I thought I wanted—a career in professional basketball. From the time I could pick up a ball, all I wanted to do was play. I played and practiced every day for years. If I wasn’t at school, you would likely find me at the gym or practicing in the driveway. My summers consisted of sports camp after sports camp with AAU games in-between. When I went to college, I continued my singular pursuit of basketball. If I wasn’t in class, I was in the gym; I was the first one in and the last one to leave. It never even occurred to me to dream of doing anything else with my life. That was my life-script, and I left no room for revisions. But all the while the Lord was cultivating a different dream deep within me. My college offered a weekly worship gathering on campus, and every week my friend Scott knocked on my dorm door and
invited me to go. For weeks I declined because I’d simply rather spend my time in the gym. But Scott was relentless, and I eventually caved. I started attending these worship gatherings, and it was the first time I ever saw outward expressions of worship. I began to sense the Lord speaking to me and opening up my heart in new ways as I learned and relearned what worship meant. It wasn’t long after I started attending that I was asked to play drums for the gathering. I had played drums as a hobby growing up, but I gave up playing music when I went to college so that I could focus on basketball. So it was a big deal to say ’yes’ to drumming; but I did. Over the course of the next few weeks I heard the Lord’s voice speaking to me more clearly than ever, and I knew it was time to let go of the script I had written for my life—of playing professional basketball—and allow God to bring the dreams he had planted long before to rise to the surface. And my life has never been the same. There will always be obstacles that stand in the way of pursuing the dreams the Lord
has planted deep in our hearts. Too often we let those obstacles convince us that it is better that we just lock up our dreams and throw away the key. And left to ourselves, we might never even think to go off script and loose the lock on the dreams that God has rooted deep in our souls. That is why we need each other! We have the power to either speak life or speak death to each other’s dreams. To either bury or bring to the surface the things that God has placed inside each of us. We need more Mahalia Jackson’s! Who are bold enough to shout from behind, ’Tell them about the dream!’. Without that nudging, Martin Luther King, Jr. would have likely stayed on script and not delivered one of the most powerful speeches in modern history. But the powerful urging—the nudge from behind— unlocked the dream in his heart and gave voice to it for the world to hear. And the world was better for it. Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch. Linked; Not Ranked... continued from page 1
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Student Ministries 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. • End of Summer Hangout Wednesday-July 27 from 9:30am - 2:00pm Drop off and Pick up at Scatterfield Ministry Site. Come have one more summer hangout before school starts! Tubing at Canoe Country and lunch at McDonalds. This is an INVITEDAY. $8 for MPC Students. Free for Friends! Everyone bring money for McDonalds. IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.
Missions and Outreach 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, August 2 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..
material or physical differences. We as humans are designed to partner up and do good things in the name of the Lord. Linking up paves a way for God to weave our unique talents, dreams and ideas together so that we can positively impact our world LINKED together rather than individually RANKED. We have to LINK UP to make a difference!
Family News
From July 19 - August 16 the Sister Fitness classes are linking up with Dove Harbor to make a difference in the lives of the women and children of Madison County. The superficial barriers will be stripped away... no one will be seen as better than the other. We’re linking up in the name of love. Dove Harbor has provided a list of needs with dollar amounts assigned to them. The Sister Fitness classes have pledged to raise funds to meet those needs (96 needs - each ranging in dollar amount from $25 - $1,500).
Sympathy with: • Dianne Briggs on the passing of her mother, JoAnn Van Binsbergen on July 2. • Kelly Utt on the passing of her grandmother, Joan Sebree on July 4. • The family of Estel McKinney at her passing on June 30. • Mike and Nancy Reed on the passing of his brother, Timothy David Reed on July 5. • Beverly Bradley on the passing of her father, Lester “Butch” Brooks on July 12.
Community and Ministry Partner News 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
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How powerful would it be for the church body to link up with the Sister Fitness class and double the class’s efforts? You could send a powerful message to both the Dove Harbor resident AND the class members working hard to bless those women and children by matching a donation. Could you match a $25 donation? A $75 donation? Any match would be a powerful statement that we are all LINKED in this together. That we see each other. That we believe where two or more are working in His name God sees them and will bless their efforts. Help us show the women and children of Dove Harbor that they are not ranked with the rest of us -- they are LINKED with us... And together we will pull them up, love them, and stand with them. Contact: Dove Harbor at acarlile@oveharbor.org or Sister Fitness at sisterfitness@gmail.com to participate.