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Not long ago I visited a man in the hospital. This man had only one leg. One had been amputated, and he couldn’t put any weight on his remaining “good” leg. He was suffering from “phantom pain.” He had endured a lot. He had fallen out of bed and in addition to everything else going on in his life, he now had a cut on his head – to go along with a huge bump!Ah…but his spirit was so positive. He told me about his philosophy, which includes, “Not my adequacy but my attitude determines my altitude!” What he was saying was, “My skills, background, education were important but they do not determine who I am. What determines who I am is my attitude…being thankful with a good and positive attitude toward Him and others. These things determine who I am. And Who’s I am!” His trust is firmly placed in the hands of God. What a blessing to spend time with him.Later, as I was walking down the hall toward the elevator, I spoke with one of his nurses. She said, “Serving him is such a privilege. He is so positive. Other nurses are envious of us who care for him.”As I left the hospital, I couldn’t help but think, “Under those circumstances, what would I be

like? If I couldn’t go to others, would they want to come to me? What do others say about me? Is my relationship with Jesus something that others see, and are drawn to? What am I doing to make a difference?I heard about a story on television that was deeply moving. A group of elderly people were being evicted from a nursing home. Their problem? They were on Medicaid, and according to the nursing home administrator, what the government paid wasn’t enough to cover their expenses. So they were evicted. One woman in a wheelchair said, “I’m nothing but excess baggage….”That same night on the same news there was a story about hunger. A mother held her malnourished, hungry son in her arms. She wasn’t strong enough to feed him. All she could do was to hold him as he died. That story is repeated 17,280 times around the world every day.What do we say to stories like that? Do we say, “It’s their fault.” After all, the woman in the nursing home could have planned better for her later years. Or, the mother and her family could have worked harder to provide for their children.” “I’ve worked hard for what I have. Others can do the same!”

Can God use ME? by David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—November 16, 2015

October - December Proceeds benefit Dove Harbor

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Dove Harbor women’s shelter.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.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, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.++

A Reason to Giveby Don Smith, Interim Senior Associate Pastor

I like Christmas! It is the one time of the year where the most people in the world imitate the nature of God through compassion, love, and giving. As Christians, we see it more intimately than that. It is “Love Incarnate” – allowing God’s love through Christ to reach out through us. Our focus is more in giving than in receiving. We have found the words of Christ to be true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Last year at Madison Park a wonderful season of giving was introduced called, A Reason to Give! In the space of several weeks we encouraged people as they checked off their holiday gift list to consider giving to one of eight ministries in our community that have a significant seasonal or annual impact in Madison County. These ministries are ones

that our church partners with throughout the year. Most of them are led by people in our church. We know them and work closely with them. It is only natural that at Christmastime we share with them and the people they serve.

The response to the opportunity to give was simply incredible! Week after week people brought in their gifts to these different ministries. On the last Sunday, we had gifts lining the front of the auditorium and spilling over in the Commons. Let’s do it again!

Consider the following:Why we give – We give because we are so blessed by God. Our daily bread may be meager or much. It does not matter. Compared to the majority of the world we are living in a country that is blessed. Even more, we have the hope and love of our Father living in us. John the Apostle wrote, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing

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November Sermon SeriesSundays at 9:00 and 11:00amGENEROuS: a study of the Biblical principles of generosity in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

November 22: Gratitude - The generous life. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

a Christmas CarolIndiana’s longest running, live musical production of the Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale. _______________________________________DINNER THEaTRE - Thursday, December 10 at 6:30pm

Enjoy a festive catered dinner followed by a spectacular performance of A Christmas Carol. Reservations required. Tickets are $22.00 and are available at Grand Central and the Church Office. _______________________________________EVENING PERFORMaNCES Friday–Sunday, December 11–13 at 7:00pm

Admission is free. Open seating. Doors to the Main Auditorium open 30 minutes prior. An offering will be received to benefit ministries such as Dove Harbor women’s shelter.Reserved Seating AvailableGold Circle Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and Saturday Matinee performances. Enjoy premium

reserved seating for $10. Tickets outlets: Grand Central, Church Office, and online at iTickets.com. Seating is limited. _______________________________________SaTuRDay MaTINEE - Saturday, December 13 at 3:00pm

Admission is free. Open seating. Doors to the Main Auditorium open 30 minutes prior. An offering will be received to benefit ministries such as Dove Harbor women’s shelter._______________________________________a Christmas Carol Patron / Sponsors Special opportunity for MPC-goers and MPC-Business Owners to support A Christmas Carol. Your name and business will be listed as MPC-Patrons and Sponsors.Patron Levels: Bronze-$50, Silver-$100, Gold-$200, Corporate Sponsors: Premier-$10,000 (includes 32 complimentary Dinner Theatre tickets), Platinum-$5,000 (16 DT tickets), Gold-$2,000 (8 DTtickets), Silver-$500 (4 DT tickets), Bronze-$250 (2 DT tickets).

yuLETIDE SWING…a Christmas Cabaret

Saturday, December 5 at 7:00pm in The Commons Scott Lutterman and the Heartland Big Band return to Madison Park for their popular “can’t miss” holiday concert event! Performed “cabaret style”, join Heartland Big Band and special guest artists for a fun evening of swinging holiday classics to usher in the Yuletide season! General Admission “Early Bird” tickets $15 (Children 12 and under FREE). Tickets can be purchased at Grand Central and the Church Office, or online at www.HeartlandBigBand.org.

WEDNESDay FaMILy NIGHT aT CHuRCH: November 18: A Reason to Give November 25: Thanksgiving - No Activities at church December 2: Christmas Caroling at local retirement facilities December 9: Enjoy dinner and fellowship at Lighthouse Café December 13: All-Church Christmas Party

Kid’s Learning Station and NorthKids Christmas Program Sunday, December 6 at 6:00pm - Main Auditorium: A celebration of songs, laughter and fun! Children from Kid’s Learning Station and NorthKids, Madison Park Children’s childcare ministries for children ages 6 weeks - 5th grade, present a delightful Christmas program. Come see the children sing, share, and celebrate the season. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome!

Christmas Eve Service: Thursday, December 24 at 11:00pm, Main Auditorium.

News You Can Use

Thanksgiving Schedule ChangesAll Wednesday Evening Activities are suspended on November 25Church Office (2200 Madison Square):

• Closed Wednesday at 12:30pm; Thursday and Friday, November 26-27

Worship Site (6607 Providence Drive):• Closed Wednesday at 12:30pm; Thursday and Friday, November 26-27NOTE: Open on Friday from 9:00-Noon for Christmas Decorating.• Open Saturday, November 28.

If you have an emergency during these times, please call (765) 642-2000 and the pastor on call will be notified.Season of Giving Gift Fair: Saturday, December 1 from 11:00am-3:00pm at Mounds Mall in andersonDove Harbor will be a part of this unique opportunity to honor those on your gift list while also providing help and hope to the residents of Dove Harbor. With each purchase you will receive a beautifuuly wrapped gift card with a description of the gift and the organization it will help. Gifts are tax-deductible and will be matched by the generous donations of local businesses. Contact: Andrea Carlile, Resource Development Director, Dove Harbor. Surviving the HolidaysThursday, December 10 from 6:30-8:00pm in Rooms 190-192A helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. The seminar features practical suggestions, guidance, and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, experts in divorce-related care, and other people who have experienced the holidays after a separation or divorce. Those who attend will receive a Survival Guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas, and exercises for daily help through the holiday season. For more information, contact Darlene Pease. Child care is available upon request. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Director.

MPC Small Groups: Various locations and meeting times. With more than 40 small groups from which to choose, Madison Park has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a group that is just for men or women, volunteer-minded or Bible-study based, there is a small group that will deepen your faith and enrich your spiritual journey. You are invited to facilitate or join a Small Group. Contact: Jackie Corm, at the Church Office.

S.a.L.T. (Single adults Living Truth)• Wednesdays at MPC: Join other singles

at a table to enjoy a delicious Lighthouse Café Dinner and fellowship.

Sunday, November 29 – Bible Study – 6:00 pm to 7:30pm at Nancy Bitner’s – Pitch in supper.

Saturday, December 5 – Secret Families’ Saturday – 6:30 am – Shoppers meet at Meijer – 7:30 am – Wrappers Meet at Madison Park Church - 9:30 am – Deliveries from Madison Park to Families Please R.S.V.P. by Sunday, November 22 if you are able to help and where you would like to help.

Saturday, December 5 – Christmas Dinner. R.S.V.P. event.Thursday, December 10 – Christmas Carol Dinner Theatre

at Madison Park- 6:30 pm – R.S.V.P. tp Bette Stanley.

Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party. J.O.y. (Just Older youth): Thursday, November 19 at Noon at Scatterfield Ministry Site. Enjoy delicious pitch-in dinner, wonderful fellowship and Holiday

Sing-a-long with Vonda and Lloyd Bowen.Ham

and rolls will be provided. Bring sides or dessert.

Contact Jackie Corn, at jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org.

Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, December 6 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 or Lynn Simpson, lynnsimpson75@gmail.com.

Children’s MinistriesWednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in the Children’s Wing

It’s time to Explore, Discover, Investigate and Learn! QUEST invites preschool and elementary age children to explore a Bible

person, place or story through games, multi-media, drama and music. November QUEST continues exploring the life of Moses..November 18 at 6:30pm in the Main Auditorium: The 5-week study of Moses will conclude with a family worship experience. Everyone is invited to this special time of fellowship and worship. Following this family service, we will take a Holiday break.Contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Ministries Director.

Student MinistriesaLL yOuTH EVENTSWednesday, December 2 - Christmas CarolingWednesday, December 9 - Youth Christmas PartyWednesday, December 16 - All Church Christmas Party 6:00-8:00 in Crossroads AuditoriumIMPaCT—Junior High Ministries: • November Teaching Focus—Wisdom

from O.T.- Sundays at 11am in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Rooms 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •November Teaching Focus—God’s

Not Dead Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

•Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

Opportunities to ServeSpecial Events Volunteers

Volunteer to serve and enjoy several holiday season special events. The success of each event depends greatly on the help of volunteers to transport decorations, costumes, the set for A Christmas Carol, set-up, decorating and serving at the Dinner Theatre, greeters and ushers. Enjoy working together and the added fellowship with other MPC-goers. Contact: Ron Woolsey, Events Coordinator.

Blessings and Opportunities Madison 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

Wednesday, January 20 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. continued on page 4

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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 college Students with ID-$5. Family Plan: $25 for up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person. November 18 - Thanksgiving Celebration:

Roast Pork Loin and Dressing // Kids Option: Chicken Fingers and Fries

November 25 - Thanksgiving, No activities at Church

December 2 - Parmesan Chicken // Kids Option: Pizza and Chips

DECORaTE MPC FaCILITIES FOR

CHRISTMaS

Friday, November 27 9:00am-Noon

Everyone is invited to participate in decorating MPC for the

Christmas Season. Contact, Ron Woolsey,

Events Coordinator.

reminded that somebody really cares. 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, Missions, (765) 642-2000.Haiti Mission Trip Rescheduled February 27-March 5, 2016 The mission trip that was postponed in October due to civil unrest has been rescheduled.

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

Birth Congratulations To:

Alex and Ashley Witham welcome baby girl, Kensington Scarlett, 7.3 lbs 19 inches, born on October 25.

In Sympathy with: • Linda Byers on the loss of husband, Kenneth “Fred” Byers on October 17. • Corky Mitchell on the loss of her sister, Viola Shaeffer on October 28.

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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after another” (1:16). Why do we find Christmas such a wonderful time to give? It is part of God’s message to the world He loves. When we give we are passing on the blessings.How we give Let me suggest three ways you can give this season. First, look at the list printed of these ministries we are partnering with. See what their needs are. Give as you are led. Every gift is important and when we all do something it adds up to much. You will see. Second, you may want to give time. Each of these groups need volunteer help, especially this time of year. You will have opportunity to meet the leaders of these ministries in the Commons of Madison Park beginning Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30 PM and then on Sunday mornings through December 6th. We have scores of people in our church that serve throughout the year in these organizations. Perhaps God would like to use you in such a role. It is life-changing! Third, you may choose to give a monetary gift. We have confidence in these partners that when a gift is given it will be used for the purpose for which it is given.

When we give – You may give your gift anytime, but our special focus will be on three Sundays, November 22 and 29, and December 6. On that last Sunday we want to celebrate giving! Imagine with me an overflow of gifts to these ministries that will be passed on to our neighbors in need in Madison County. Let us show them Christ through abundant giving and love. It is His love reaching out through us. That is our reason to give!

A Reason to Give Continued from page 1

Really?Is the elderly woman in the wheelchair my mother…or sister? Is the dying baby my brother? Is the man mentioned previously my dad? Or my brother? Pastor Paul’s current sermon series challenges us to be generous in all areas of life. Recorded in 2 Corinthians 8, we learn that the church in Macedonia literally begged for the privilege of giving. Generosity begins by asking one simple question, “How can I serve today?”On January 8, 1956, missionary Jim Elliot died a martyr’s death, while trying to share the love of Christ. Not long before his fateful mission, he is quoted to have said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Now nearly 60 years later, we continue to quote that truth.

all this is fine and good.But can God use me…today? Consider this:

Abraham was old. Isaac was a dreamer. Jacob was a liar. Joseph was abused. Moses had a stuttering problem and was a murderer. Gideon was afraid. Samson had long hair and was a womanizer. Rahab was a prostitute. Jeremiah and Timothy were too young. David had an affair and was a murderer. Isaiah preached naked. Jonah ran from God. Naomi was a widow. Job was bankrupt. John the Baptist ate bugs. Peter denied Jesus. The disciples feel asleep while praying. Martha worried about everything. The Samaritan woman was divorced – more than once! Zacchaeus was too small. Paul was too religious. Timothy had an ulcer…and Lazarus was dead!I guess, when we consider who God is, He CAN use me! Together, let’s humbly allow Him to use us, and develop us into our full potential. The Psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; Help us to spend them as we should” (Psalm 90:12 LB). Amen!

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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Can God Use ME? Continued from page 1

A Reason To Give • Operation Love - Operation Love Ministries is preparing for its annual Christmas Wishes Program, sharing the love of Jesus with over 250 families in need through Christmas meal baskets, toys, and other family needs. Sponsors "adopt" a family, donate meal items or new-in-box toys. Deadline for donations is Sunday, December 6 in order to prepare baskets. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the project. Contact Andrea Baker, at aba ker@operationloveministries.org or call (765) 644-2121 for details.

• Angel Tree - Connecting parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts. Many children in Madi-son County have parents in prison. This is a wonderful opportunity for families, individuals and small groups to minister to those in prison and their children. Contact: Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850.

• Dove Harbor Benefits - A variety of giving opportunities are available during the holiday season. Contact: Andrea Carlile at (765) 642-1853.

•Secret Families of Madison County - Now is a great time to give. Help sponsor a family in Madison County to provide a complete Christmas; tree, food and gifts. Names of families in need are acquired from county elementary schools. Monetary contributions are needed, it takes about $550 per family. Volunteers are also need on Saturday, December 5 to purchase gifts for each individual family at Meijer, wrap them at MPC and deliver them to the families. Stop by the table in The Commons for details or contact Danielle Brossart at (765) 606-5466.

• The Christian Center - The Christian Center kitchen serves 85,000 men, women and children a year. Donations are deeply appreciated to enable the center to faithfully carry out this vital ministry. The Christian Center is located at 625 Main Street in Anderson. (765) 649-4264.

• Park Place Community Center - MPC partners with Park Place Church of God's Food Pantry, located in the community building behind the church on College Drive. The pantry gives food items to those who might otherwise have little to eat. Contact: Joe Womack at (765) 620-9342.

• Madison Park Military Support Team Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their fami-lies. Register troops, families and volunteer. A complete list of suggested items are available at Grand Central. Contact: Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447 or Jean Covalt at (765) 643-2278.

• Operation 'Thank You" - Operation Thank You is our way of letting the ACS teachers know what a gift they are by providing much needed supplies: Tissues (any brand), Expo Dry Erase Markers (4 pack), Fiskars Scissors, Elmers Glue Sticks, Cray-ola Crayons (24 pack) or 12-pack Crayola Colored Pencils. Will you be Santa to the teachers and students at ACS this Christmas by donating to Operation Thank You?