Before the beginning, God was. God existed before the opening of scripture.

Yet Genesis 1 gives insight into the essence of His divine existence in verse 26: “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Note that God speaks of Himself in the first person plural. God refers to Himself as “Us” and “Our,” signifying that He exists eternally in relationship.

“Perichoresis” is a Greek term which describes the relational nature of the triune God – God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In his treatise on Christian Theology, Alistair McGrath writes that it “allows the individuality of the persons to be maintained, while insisting that each person shares in the life of the other two.”

And God made humanity in His image – creating us in and for relationship with Himself. It was His divine intent that we would experience authentic, intimate relationship with Him and with other human beings. But humanity rejected relationships all the way back at the beginning when we chose to pursue our own divinity in a rebellious action designed to elevate ourselves through the “knowledge of good and evil.” Eating forbidden fruit was simply the evidence of Adam and Eve’s sin. Our ancestors sinned in their hearts when they rejected relationship with God in a quest to be like God. And sin separated us from God. Not because He no longer wanted to be with us, but because we chose to live without Him.

Since the moment of the human rebellion in the Garden of Eden, God has been on a mission to reconcile creation to Himself and to restore us to His plan for relationships. All of scripture is the revelation of God’s relentless pursuit of His beloved – God loving creation back to relationship with Him. “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

And He has called us to join Him in His mission of reconciliation. “…And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) For reasons beyond our comprehension, God has not only restored us to relationship with Himself through faith in Jesus Christ, but He has also invited us to join Him in His mission of reconciliation. “We speak for Christ when we plead ‘Come back to God!’” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

This is the Biblical basis for The Relational Church. And this is framework through which we see the Mission and Vision of Madison Park Church – our image of the preferred future to which we believe God is calling us. God’s mission forms our mission and provides the foundation for our service to Him. Our mission is simple – Reconciliation. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, we can summarize our missional mandate with the phrase: “Loving people back to God.” This is the catalyst for everything we do as a congregation and the filter through which all our endeavors must be sifted. Everything we undertake must pursue and advance God’s mission of relational reconciliation.

As we pursue our mission, there are core values

which shape our principles. Chief

among these is Relationships. Since God created us in and for relationship with Him and with other people, since

He reconciled us to relationship

through Jesus Christ, and since He

entrusts us with the message of reconciliation,

we understand relationships to be our guiding priority. This priority is affirmed when Jesus clarifies the greatest commandments as “Love God” and “Love your neighbor.” (Matthew 22:36-40) The Great Commandment shapes our mission by calling us to prioritize our love for God (Worship), our love for neighbors within God’s family (Community), and our love for the not-yet-reconciled (Mission).

The Relational Churchby Paul Strozier, Senior Pastor

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threadsbyweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - May 16, 2016

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-11:30amMasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted.

Worship ServicesSundAy

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.

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Current Teaching SeriesPastor Paul Strozier Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am

A story becomes personal with the invitation to become part of it. God has invited each of us to enter His story. We, in turn, invite others. This is how we fulfill God’s mission and share His message of reconciliation.

May 8 - Come and see…a Man who Sees Me - John 4:1-26, Genesis 16:13

May 15 - Come and see…The Son of God - John 1:34-51

May 22 - Come and see…a Man who Knows Me - John 4:27-42

May 29 - Come and see…the Resurrection - John 11:1-44

Missions Corner:Sunday, June 5 in The Commons Visit the Missions Corner to register for the Blood Drive and check out the Madison County Summer Mission Opportunities. Pastor Doug Linville and Ali Robinson will be there to greet you and share about Missions at Madison Park!

iServe Opportunities - #iserveandersonBlood drive Wednesday • Blood Drive • Wednesday, June 29 • 2:00-8:00pm Crossroads Auditorium Sign up at the Missions Corner in The Commons on June 5. Participants who sign up are eligible for Cedar Point tickets!

Anderson Independence Parade - July 3 • Donate candy in The Commons • Help pass out candy at the 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.

Racial Reconciliation Picnic - Sunday, August 21For 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.

Church of God Regional Convention and CHOG TableJune 21-23 h Hosted at Madison Park Church For complete schedule and to register go to jesusisthesubject.org/church-of-god-convention-2016.

Attention! GraduatesMadison Park Church extends hearty congratulations to all our graduates. • High school graduates will be recognized at services on Sunday, June 5. • High school graduates’ photos and graduation information will be published on the MPC website and in the May 30 issue of threads. • By May 18 please submit photos along with graduates name, parents name, school, plans following graduation and open house information. Submit information on the MPC website, News & Events Page, Submit an Announcement on the right hand side of the page. Fill in the information and attach a photo.

J.O.y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, May 19 at 12 Noon at Scatterfield Ministry Center. Enjoy wonderful fellowship, delicious food and guest speaker, David Reames, Congregational Care Pastor. Bring food to share at the pitch-in meal. Contact: Jackie Corn, at the Church Office.

Blood Pressure ClinicWednesday, June 1 from 5:30-6:30pm in The CommonsMPC Parish Nurses conduct a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends.

Parent and Child dedication Sunday, June 19 in the 9:00 and 11:00am Worship Services

Parent and Child dedication Class: Sunday, June 5 at 11:00am in Room 180: The parent and child dedication is a public commitment before God, church, and family. The dedication ceremony provides the parent(s) an opportunity to express their desire to lead and spiritually nurture their child in cooperation with the Holy Spirit and the support of the church, in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, so the child

will develop a desire to love God and others. Parents wishing to dedicate their child please contact, Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Sponsor an Elementary Camper at Camp Challenge, Church of God Youth Camp in Southern Indiana: TRAKs is seeking to

provide MPC children the opportunity to experience the everlasting encounter of church camp. Kids wanting to attend camp this summer are currently raising funds and building camaraderie in preparation for this life changing week. The desire is for any child wanting to attend camp to be provided the opportunity. Please consider sponsoring a camper or making a donation to the “Elementary Camp Fund.” Your gift is tax deductible. You will be included in the experience via photos, social media, personal and written contacts. The cost is $220 per camper per week. Give in regular worship offerings, online or by texting. Please indicate for “Elementary Camp”. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor. Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center

Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in the Children’s Center. QUEST welcomes preschool - elementary age children to join in their grade level classrooms. Sundae on Wednesday Celebration - May 25 at 6:30 in the TRAKs Children’s Center Practice the community of the first church as we have been studying in the Quest of Paul. Ice cream and toppings will be provided so kids can create their own sundaes. For more information or to volunteer, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Student MinistriesIMPACT—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. •Bible Study: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

Shop and donate to dove HarborShop at any PayLess or Kroger and a

percentage of your purchase will be given to Dove Harbor. Register your PayLess card for Dove Harbor at pay-less.com Click on Sign In or Register - Enter email address and password - Enter zip code and pick your store - Click create account - Enter your plus card number, last name, and click save - Enter all of the information requested and hit save - Enter 37835 or Dove Harbor, select organization from list and click on confirm. Dove Harbor - Click enroll.

Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your PayLess card number. Members must swipe their registered PayLess card or use the phone number that is related to their registered PayLess card when shopping for each purchase to count. Any purchases made within our region, which is Anderson and surrounding areas, including

Indianapolis locations within the Kroger family will count towards Dove Harbor!

Wednesday, July 13 at 6:00pm in the Hospitality RoomExplore 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.

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• May 18: Chicken and Noodles // Kids Option: Chicken and noodles

• May 25: Hamburgers, Brats, Potato Salad // Kids Option: Hot Dogs and Chips

• June 1: Northern Italian Spaghetti // Kids Option: Pasta and Marinara

Missions and Outreach

News You Can Use

Miriam Project Change for Children

Get a baby bottle in The Commons, fill it with coins, paper money, or

check. Return it to The Commons by June 19 to support the Miriam Project Adoption Services’ Annual Change for

Children Fundraiser.

Contact: Meg Scaggs at (765) 642-1853.

Missions and Outreach continued from page 3

Contact UsMAIlInG 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 4:30pmwww.MadisonParkChurch.org

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Grasping our mission of Reconciliation and framing it within our primary value of Relationships provides the foundation for our congregational focus. But we must put God’s call into practice if we are to fulfill His mission. If we are to be effective in our service to Him, it will require a strategy which shapes that service. Jesus defines the strategy for us in His final instruction to His followers before His ascent into heaven: discipleship. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus’ disciples are told to make disciples. And His instruction provides the details of our strategy of Discipleship, teaching us to grow in our relationships with God (Surrender), with His family (Small Groups), and with the people He misses most (Service and Story).

As we move forward in our mission, the strategy of Discipleship will become the focus of our work. We are called to make disciples who make disciples, thereby

carrying out God’s mission of reconciliation in the context of relationships. In the coming months we will shape our messages, our ministries, and our resources around these principles of discipleship. We will explore deeply what it means to surrender to God as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We will devote ourselves to establishing and strengthening our small group communities with the conviction that everything God has called us to do in our service to Him happens best within such a context. And we will devote ourselves to serving our brothers and sisters who are not-yet-reconciled, learning to share God’s story as we listen to theirs.

As we pursue God’s mission of Reconciliation, guided by the value of Relationships and shaped by the strategy of Discipleship, our ultimate goal is God’s ultimate goal: Restoration. God’s plan is to redeem His creation and restore us to His original plan. Therefore our vision is…

To become A Relational Church, living as followers of Jesus Christ, reconciled and reconciling in relationships with God, with each other, and especially with the people God misses most.

For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ,

and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth

by the means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.

The Relational Church continued from page 1

upcoming Mission Trips:

An opportunity to witness firsthand whatGod is doing in areas where Madison ParkChurch is invested with her finances and herfriends on the field.• Heart to Honduras in October 2016• Haiti May 5-13, 2017For more information contact: Doug Linville,

Missions Pastor.

Stephen Ministry Training Training: June through September 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.

Dove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training SessionTuesday, 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.

Adopt and Bless an AdultMadison 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. Thank you to those who have responded but there are still several names left. 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 (765) 642-2000.

Birth Congratulations To: Dawn Huguenard on the birth of grandson, Barrett Christopher Carr, born April 2 – 8lbs. 9oz. Parents Brandon and Bethany Carr.

In Sympathy with:• Ron and Judy Matas on the loss of Ron’s sister, Mary Fabry, on May 1.• Alan and Cassandra Pring on the loss of their son, William Wesley Pring on April 25.

Annual Menifee City-wide Clean-up Saturday, May 21 from, 8:00am-4:00pmJoin the volunteers and city workers for the 31st annual Rev. J.T. Menifee City wide clean-up. Meet at 15th Street and Madison Avenue. Bring gloves, trash bags. Safety vests will be provided. Lunch will be served to all volunteers and city workers at Noon at 15th Street and Madison Avenue. Also on that day, tires, paint, TV’s, etc. may be disposed for a fee at Athletic Park. For Anderson Residents only, must show ID and use cash only. Heavy item pick up is available. Get on the list by May 20 by calling (765) 648-6445. For more information call (765) 648-6098. Employment Opportunity:

idove Harbor: Part-time Case Manager position. 29 hours per week. Contact Cherilyn Horning, Program Director at (765) 642-1853. Complete job description at doveharbor.org/news.

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