I walk in the door at work, drop everything I am carrying onto my desk, grab a cup of

coffee, settle into my chair, and take a deep breath. I am ready to start the day.But you know, not every day is like that. Some mornings there are two or three phone calls or texts telling me that someone is sick and can’t come in to work, or that something is needed and could I please stop and get it on my way in to the office. Some days I cannot even put things down on my desk before there are people at my door wanting something or to tell me there is a sick child, or that there was a leak in the gym, or that paint is coming off the walls—you get the picture, right?By the time everything is taken care of and people are all settled down, it seems the day is almost done.

What did I get accomplished? Did I get anything done on my “to do” list? What would God say about my day? Was He honored? Put first? Even remembered?I think one of the real challenges in my job is to be able to make sure that the important things are not cast aside and forgotten because of all the “urgent” little things that come up on a daily basis and get in the way. I love the verse in 2 Corinthians 4:18 where Paul talks about keeping our eyes fixed not on temporary and earthly things, but rather on the unseen heavenly things. The challenge is how to do that.I would love to tell you that I do that all the time. But I don’t. However, I have learned a few things to help me remember how to keep the “unseen” in my sight throughout the day.

Seeing the Unseenby Melanie Denniston, Director, Kids Learning Station, North Kids and School Age Care

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—August 13, 2014

July—September Proceeds benefit RussiaMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Madison Park Church’s ongoing missions work 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-11:30amMasterCard, 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.

As Madison Park Church celebrates the end of the sixth and final week of the Season of Waiting—with celebration, and an embracing of our identity and mission, our hearts turn toward trying to grasp what we have experienced. We long to see and know how this has changed the body at Madison Park Church. And while some of the harvest from our waiting is not yet ready, many of us have seen and experienced some ‘early fruits.’ Gathered here are a few of the

insights our family is reporting back about. They are coming from many different phases of life and perspectives, yet all finding meaning and hope during this time.One such voice is that of Carolyn King. In this Season of Waiting, she found out she had cancer. Last Sunday’s song, Every Season, was a meaningful reminder that those seasons change. “We all have seasons to go

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The ‘Early Fruits’ of Waitingby the Pastoral Search Committee

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Racial Reconcilation PicnicSunday, August 17, begins at NoonJackson Park in AndersonEveryone is invited! Come be a part of an Anderson tradition.For 13 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.

Ancient Gates Release ConcertSunday, September 7 at 6:30pm in the Main AuditoriumAlanna Story will present a free concert and night of worship from their new album, Ancient Gates. Experience and be blessed by the music, words and personal stories of the ministry of Alanna Story.

Miriam Project Walk/RunSaturday, September 13 at 8:30am at the Broadway Ministry CenterThe 12th annual 5K run/walk & 10K run fundraiser for the Miriam Project, begins at the Broadway Ministry Center at 1400 Broadway and follows the Shadyside Park trails. Pre-registration guarantees a t-shirt and ends September 5. Race day registration begins at 7:45am. Register at MiriamProject.org.

RETRO 2014: And The Beat Goes OnSaturday, October 4 at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium Enjoy classic hits at a live concert performed by Madison Park talent. Come early and enjoy ice cream, vintage cars and fellowship. Tickets on sale in September in The Commons or the Church Office. $10 adults (guest ticket available with each full-price ticket, advanced sales only) $6 students.Have a vintage car you’d like to show off? We want cars and would love to have it on display for Retro 2014. Contact John Walters at (765) 617-2986.

Mark Lowry and The MartinsFriday, October 10 at 7:30pm in the MPC Main AuditoriumCome and enjoy “Music & Madness” with comedian Mark Lowry and special guests The Martins and pianist Stan Whitmire. Sponsored by Trinity Communications Group.Tickets: $20 advance purchase ($15 group rate of 10 or more), $25 at the door, $25 Artist Circle seating. Children age 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. Must sit on a lap and not occupy a seat. No ticket required.Purchase tickets online at trinitycommunications.org or call (260) 484-1029.

#CalledToServeSundays, September 7-October 12 in 9:00am and 10:45am services“Volunteers are love in motion!” —AnonymousDuring the first few weeks of fall, MPC will recognize and celebrate the many volunteer teams that serve our congregation. Each week will highlight a different team; bright shirts will help identify the team members who will be available for questions and high-fives! Tables in The Commons will be hosted to provide information and sign-up for new volunteers. On the final Sunday, all volunteers from every ministry along with Elders, Committee members and staff will celebrate together wearing their team colors, representing one big Madison Park Church Team — #CalledToServe!

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News You Can UseChurch in the Middle: Sunday at 10:45am in Room 175. The Christian Growth Class is studying Pastor Rolland Daniels’ new book Church in the Middle. Explore the importance of stepping outside the building to reach the world for Christ. The class is open to everyone. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.God’s Not Dead Movie Night: Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30pm in Crossroads Auditorium. God’s Not Dead weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action. The film will educate, entertain and inspire life-changing decisions. Buttered popcorn and drinks provided by Community Hospital. Everyone is invited to this free event. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.Adult Baptism Class: Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30pm in the Green Room or Sunday, September 7 at 10:45am in Room 177. Persons who would like to be baptized are invited to meet for information and instruction. Those planning to share in the baptismal service on Sunday, September 14, please attend the class. Contact the Church Office to sign-up or stop by the table in The Commons on Sundays, August 24 and 31.Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, September 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 at sonia.smythe@ecommunity.com.Small Group for Adults: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each Month, 10:00-11:30am in the Hospitality Room. Older Adults are invited to enjoy scriptures and fellowship. Contact: Liz Macklin at (765) 649-9894.Bicycling Ministry: 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) 278-9243.

Children’s MinistriesPlanned Purity Seminar: Saturday, November 1, 9:00am–3:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium: Planned Purity shows how purity is formed in a life, beginning with the heart and including sexual purity at the appropriate stage. A simple concept called The Five Doors of the Heart can be applied when parenting young children, and also applies to adults pursuing purity themselves. A book resource will be available also. You won’t want to miss this event! Details, including registration costs, to come.

Student MinistriesIMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Summer Focus—Like Water: Growing in

God. Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads Auditorium.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Bible Studies: Sundays at 9:00am in

Room 180; Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at Williamson’s Home.

Opportunities to ServeBe The One…to change our lives! The kids are Madison Park Church have big dreams. They want to be pilots, teachers, and pastors. They could even be your doctor...or President!

Don’t you want them to know God before they do? YOU can be

the ONE! You can shape who they become and

build God’s Kingdom. They are WORTH the INVESTMENT! Volunteers needed in Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary. Contact: Ali Robinson, Early Childhood Coordinator.

Special Events Volunteer: Greeters,

ushers, and product table volunteers are

needed to serve at special events held at Madison Park.

Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator at the Church Office.Connections Teams: Looking for ways to connect at Madison Park? Serving on one of the Connections Teams might be just the ticket! Check ‘em out:• Greeter Teams• Parking Valet Team• Lighthouse Café Servers and Attendants• Information Center Team• Holy Ground Coffee Bar Team• Hospitality Host/Hostess• Athletics Teams

Contact: Pastor Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Office.Special Events Volunteer: Greeters, ushers, and product table volunteers are needed to serve at special events held at Madison Park. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator at the Church Office.

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

Congratulations to:Ryan and Lindsay Woolsey on the birth of their son, Nolan James on Wednesday, July 30.

In Sympathy With:Dennis and Jill O’Malia on the loss of his niece, Shannon Hall on Sunday, July 27.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Secret Families of Madison County Christmas Fundraiser: Saturday, August 23 from 5:00-8:00pm at Cooper’s Sports Bowl in Anderson. Make a difference in a family’s life this Christmas! Includes three games of bowling, shoe rental and an cosmic glow-in-the dark atmosphere. $15 per person, 10 years and younger $10. Contact: Danielle Brossart at (765) 606-5466.Musical Fundraiser: Wednesday, September 3 from 11:00am-5:00pm at The Pitt on The Point in Anderson.The Pitt Bar-b-que proudly sponsors a fundraiser for the music ministry of First Lady Lutrille Dixon. Tickers $7 includes chicken or tips, coleslaw and green beans. Will deliver five or more dinners. Walk-ins welcome. Call (765) 631-1094.Linville Counseling: Linville Services Professional Counseling provides a kind, non-judgmental and honest atmosphere to develop personal emotional relational and mental potential. For more information, visit linvilleservices.com or call (765) 642-1853 to schedule an appointment.

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.

August 13: Italian Spaghetti Kids’ Option: Pasta and Marinara

August 20: Parmesan Chicken Kids’ Option: Parmesan Chicken

August 27: Grilled Hamburgers/Brats Kids’ Option: Hot Dogs

Wednesday, September 17 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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All-Church Picnic

Wednesday, August 27, 5:00-8:00pm, Madison Park back lawn. Bring your lawn

chairs and enjoy an evening of rich fellowship and good food: grilled hamburgers, brats and hotdogs,

served by Lighthouse Café from 5:00-7:00pm (regular prices apply). Great

music by Jeremy Morris and the Harvest Band from 6:00-7:00pm. Games and inflatables. Contact:

Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual

Formation.

Devotions and time alone with God before I ever step in the door at work. On those days when I am rushed and have so many things to accomplish in only a short time, it is tempting to think that I can put my alone time with God aside for later or even for just a while. When I start the day without God and in a hurry, it seems like all I do all day is hurry, often with little to show for it at the end of the day. When I make time for God, I sense His presence and feel calmness in the midst of the chaos.Be intentional to praise God. Instead of complaining about what I don’t have, acknowledging what God has given me. You know, when you just get a little money tucked away and then your car has a major problem? Instead of grumbling about spending the money on the car, how about praising him for giving you that extra money so you can get the car fixed. I need to spend more time praising Him for all things; good and bad. Knowing that He will see me through anything! Acknowledging Him for who He is.Looking for God in the things around you (and really seeing Him). A precious child’s face. Teachers laughing and sharing about their day. Watching a child take their first step or a child learning to share

with a friend. Talking to someone about how much God loves them and encouraging them that they matter.Praying throughout the day. There it is again. That idea of prayer being active not passive. Using prayer as a time for direction, change, and focus; of getting myself ready for the next step. Realizing that I am flawed and easily distracted by the things around me, but that praying refocuses me on the things that God wants me to see. It only takes a minute, but its effects last much longer.Acting on my faith in God. It’s not doing things on my own or rushing to get things done, but rather being confident that He has given me all that I need to face the things that come my way. He has made me who I am, put me where He wants to use me, and is waiting for me to do the things He has placed before me! Philippians 4:13

says, I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Therefore, I can be confident in Him.Keeping a humble heart. Did I let God lead me through my day? Did I use the opportunities that He gave me well? Is there something that I don’t feel good about and I need to make it right? Is my heart at peace?I am so thankful that God gives grace freely and repeatedly. That at the end of the day, I am given grace for the opportunities missed, the things I didn’t see or do, and the times I am not what He wanted me to be. And that, yes, I am still loved by Him. No matter what. Always.

Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

through.” Carolyn shared. “I love spring, but I’m in winter—much like the waiting season our church is in. We are not in control, but God is. So we wait for His perfect timing, not our timing.” Carolyn reflected the faith and trust of knowing a great and good God—one that knows the plans He has for us, and even uses the ministry of winter to refine faith and clarify His sovereignty.Many people in our congregation have been striving in their own life experiences of waiting. In a personal waiting time that has extended over 20 months, Pete Bitar is starting to see some movement toward a new season. He felt the church’s Season of Waiting has drawn those who participated closer to God, mainly through the discipline of prayer. He had the sense that IS the big picture benefit—

understanding what it is to be the children of God, to have that birthright of relationship with Him. Pete longs to see the body enthusiastically and outwardly seeking the Lord together, energizing and inspiring each other, and acting as a counterweight to the world’s gravitational pull. “That helps me to be more spiritually minded—the idea that you have the whole body behind you as you face the world, and I really long for more of it.”Around the table at MPC staff meetings, this season of waiting has produced rich and deep prayer times. Tom Evans reflected how much more of God there is to be had. “Our idea of big and God’s idea of big are vastly different. Don’t come to God with a gallon jug to accept what God is offering, when He has a water tower full of blessings to give!”And that seems to reflect the general mood of our church right now—there is a

lot of hope and excitement about the future, in what could have been a long, dry summer of unproductive waiting. There is a sense that this is a beginning rather than an ending, a way of future life rather than something we close the door on, and go back to life as it was ‘before.’ This church has broken the ground, and dug the furrows, and submitted to the farmer. The Lord has watered and nurtured us, and planted some very important seeds. Soon the fruit of this harvest of waiting will be ‘in season.’ After all, waiting has turned out to be a worthy investment, and quite a privilege.What has been your experience or reflection on this season of waiting? We invite you to share your reflection with us, so we can understand what the Lord has done among his people. Replies can be made to lisabitar@hotmail.com, or directly, Lisa Bitar, (765) 425-6183.

Seeing the Unseen Continued from page 1

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The ‘Early Fruits’ of Waiting Continued from page 1

A Look Ahead:September 14 Baptism Services

9:00am and 10:45am

Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 DO Something Anderson Blitz Week Mark your calendars to join neighbors and friends in city-wide service projects.