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I love the heart of an adoptive family that says; we want to

know the culture, we want to know where he (adoptive child) comes from because we want to be influenced by his presence. The Miriam Project is looking for adoptive families who say that the adoptive child influences and changes their lives.Here is one storyJust this last month we had a very cool experience at our office. Actually it started eight years ago with a little boy named Finn who was placed by a birth mom. This birth mom could not share with anybody in her world that she was even pregnant. I know it may be difficult to understand or wrap your mind around this life experience. She went through her whole pregnancy, delivery and placement of her child without anyone in her world knowing that she was even pregnant. However, because of the way the adopted family embraced her, accepted and loved her in the hospital, she actually stayed a little longer than she had to.What was true for that birth mom is true for all of us; when you experience love and acceptance it is very difficult to leave. When she left the hospital and said good-bye to her son and the

adoptive family, it was with the understanding that they would not meet again. The adoptive family went on their way raising this precious child. They have adopted three children. The birth families of the other two children have been available and Jane and Michael have gone out of their way to make sure that the children have contact. They have gone on long weekend visits to other states to visit birth family members. They have invited birth families into their home for long extended stays so that the child would gain a better understanding of their heritage.Jane and Michael’s heart ached because their one son had no contact with his birth family. His connection with his “tummy mommy,” as their family calls her, was a video they created in the hospital. And because of the way that the adoptive family spoke of her, the way that they viewed her as being so precious and loved, he wanted desperately to meet her. He prayed for her often and he always referred to her in his prayers as his tummy mommy. As his eighth birthday was approaching they decided to do the best that they could, they would take him on a tour of where he was born and to meet some of the people involved in those early days of his life.They called the Miriam Project and asked if we could set up a meeting and they also planned

Tummy Mommy by Doug Linville, Executive Director, The Miriam Project, Dove Harbor,

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—November 4, 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.++

The PLAN!by Forrest Wallace, Facilities/Operations Manager

From a very heart felt desire for prayer came the possibility of doing a prayer walk around our lake on the grounds of MPC, which became the beginning of THE LAKE PROJECT.Next came a very casual conversation about the lake and how over grown it had become. From that conversation, one of our landscape guys said, “He had been thinking about the lake and was convinced he was to do something out there, and would it be O.K. if he could get a couple of other guys to clean it up a little.” And so it began!At first it was a couple of guys on Saturday (just to get out of the house) with gloves, clippers and a rake. Then came a few more men with weed eaters and it was no longer just Saturdays but several days a week.

Then a PLAN began to take shape! The PLAN began to take on a life of its own and it was no longer just about the lake, it wasn’t even about these men doing the work. It was now

about GOD’S purpose for each of these men.When more equipment was needed, it became available Then an opportunity for a Boy Scout Troop to become a part of the plan enabling some of the scouts to earn an Eagle Scout ranking.Then came a chance meeting between our project leader and a man looking for a purpose for being at MPC – God is so good! Backhoes, bobcats, extractors and bull dozers showed up at the lake and began working.

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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 1: Grace - The generosity of God through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:9November 8: Giving - Our response to the generosity of God. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15November 15: Generosity - The generous church. 2 Corinthians 9:1-11November 22: Gratitude - The generous life. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

Operation Christmas Child - Shoe BoxSunday, October 25 - Sunday, November 15

What goes into the box is fun…what comes out is eternal! Share the loving Gospel of Jesus Christ with a child living in difficult circumstances around the globe. Simply fill a shoebox with fun toys, school supplies, and non-liquid hygiene items; you may also include a personal note and photo (and don’t forget $7 donation to cover shipping costs). MP kickoff is Sunday, October 25; collection will continue through Sunday, November 15. Stop by the table in The Commons on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings to get more info and to drop off your box!

Revive andersonNovember 1 - 8Revive Anderson is part of REVIVE Indiana; churches bonding together to reach the four corners of the state so that God’s Church will be revived, boldly declaring Jesus and making disciples. • Kick Off REVIVE: Sunday,November 1 at 6:00pm at The Bridge Church • Monday-Saturday REVIVE: 7:00-9:30am • Prayer Breakfast, Training and team deployment • Each Day at a different local Church •Evening Services: 7:00pm at East Side Church of God Volunteers are needed to help with kids and teens, parking, ushers, greeters, food servers, clean up, host homes, transportation, disciple maker and administration. Volunteer forms are available at Grand Central. More information at facebook.com/.../Revive-AndersonEast-Central-Indiana.

MOPS Holiday Gift Bazaar Saturday, November 14, 9:00am - 3:00pm in The CommonsGet your shopping done before the rush! Vendors, food, Christmas backdrop for card photos, drawings, childcare (for a small fee) and more! Proceeds benefit MPC’s Moms of Preschoolers program. Applications for Vendors are available. Contact: Annie Nichols at annie.nichols538@gmail.com.

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 Dove Harbor women’s shelter.Reserved Seating Available

Gold Circle Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and Saturday Matinee performances. Enjoy premium reserved seating for $10. Tickets on sale: November 7. 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 Dove Harbor women’s shelter.

_______________________________________SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MPC-GOERS - See circle on page 3.

News You Can Use

yOu aRE LOVED...NO MaTTER WHaTGod is on mission in His world to reconcile humanity in relationship to Himself. We are called to be a relational people reaching out to the people God misses most. The YOU ARE LOVED card is a tool for use in daily contacts. Cards are available at Grand Central, Holy Grounds, the Hospitality Room and the Church Office. Have a story to tell about how you shared your card? Post a brief story to bless and encourage others on the MPC facebook at facebook.com/MadisonParkChurchofGod. Decorate for ChristmasFriday, November 27, 9:00am-NoonEveryone is invited to participate in decorating MPC for the Christmas Season. Contact, Ron Woolsey, Events Coordinator. yuLETIDE SWING…a Christmas CabaretSaturday, December 5 - 7:00pm in The CommonsScott 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 online at www.HeartlandBigBand.org.Fresh Start ClassSundays at 9:00am in Room 179New to Madison Park or just starting on your faith journey? Be sure to include this 10 week class in your church experience. Fresh Start is a “back to the basics” class dealing with the foundational beliefs of our faith. If you’re new to faith, have questions, or just need Spiritual “tune up” this class is for you. Instructors: Cal Bloom and George Nalywaiko.

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.

• Saturday, November 14 – 6:00pm:Game Night at Karl Graddy’s – Pizza – about $5.00 per person- pitch in drinks, snacks and desserts.

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 inspiring

program. with Vonda and Lloyd

Bowen. Contact Jackie Corn, at jcorn@

madisonparkchurch.org.

Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, November 4 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.

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 EVENTSState youth Convention - IndianapolisNovember 6-8 Theme: 365>just a day - Galatians 5:13-14

IMPaCT—Junior High Ministries: • October 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: •October 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 reminded that somebody really cares. Here’s the opportunity, would you as an individual or couple or small group prayerfully consider

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 4 - Chicken and Noodles // Kids

Option: Chicken and Noodles

November 11 - Baked Ham, Cheesy Potato Casserole // Kids Option: Grilled Cheese and Chips

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, Purchace Gold Circle Tickets for $10-Assures you of front and center seats.

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).

ad Blocks - Available at varying sizes and prices.

Sign-up at Grand Central or Contact: Ron Woolsey at

642-2000.

“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. There are only three spots open . Deadline to sign-up for the 2016 trip is on November 15, 2015.

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

Congratulations to:

John and Evie Jacobs welcomed their first grandchild, William “liam” Patrick White on October 13. Parents are Thomas and Christine White.

In sympathy with: •Mary Blake (wife), Ernie and Nancy Blake (brother) on the death of Richard “Dick” Blake on October 8.

•Luanne and Andy Klepfer on the death of her sister, Becky Watson on October 10. •Mary and Keith Trent on the death of her mother, Barbara DeHaven on October 18.

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There is a drainage ditch leading into the lake that made walking around the lake difficult. “O.K. – let’s build a bridge.” Now there is a bridge! “It would nice if we had some grass growing around the lake,” so they planted 1,200 pounds of grass seed.From a simple prayer request in 2014, these men have worked through rain and snow, heat and cold, at something bigger than just an overgrown lake. God has given them a purpose, a Kingdom Purpose. So as 2015 nears an end, the work at the lake will come to and end - for this year, but they will return in 2016 to assist the Boy Scouts in placing benches around the lake for people to rest as they journey around the lake.Referred to as the “A Team”, Terry Minton, Ed Pugsley, Rick Prather, Joe Bonisa, Mike Truman, Dan Schoger, Pete Granger, Rick Sprague and the Aaron Bays Family are now praying for what God has next!

The Plan Continued from page 1

on touring the hospital where Finn was born. The adoptive family had been trying to find the birth mom, without Finn knowing, while respecting her right for privacy. The little boy said to his mom and dad, “Wouldn’t it be a miracle if I could meet my tummy mommy?”and soThey asked if the Miriam Project would reach out to her. Brooke LeMay (Miriam Project’s case manager) had an encounter where she actually saw the birth mom in a store; some might say it was a coincidence , but we say was our God’s timing. Seeing the birth mom in a local store was a surprise to us because she had moved out of state the last time we had contact with her. The birth mom was shocked and delighted to hear about the family’s wishes for a visit and that her little boy would love to meet her. She agreed to meet and we were able to host a meeting between this precious little boy and his tummy mommy. It was more than precious: it was sacred. God’s presence was felt as there were laughter, games, shared pictures and tears. Once again, the birth mom was able to feel and experience deep love and acceptance as this little boy’s miracle came true. After the visit the birth mom told Brooke she has decided to share with her family about the existence of her little boy, Finn.Different for the good!Jane and Michael are affected by this child and their family is different and better, for

the good, because this child is in their home. They love this child through and through, in the same way any mom and dad love their biological child. An adoptive child is their child placed by God.At the Miriam Project we pray God will place specific children into specific homes. We believe God placed Finn into Jane and ael’s home because he was their son, from heaven’s view, before they ever met him. We are blessed to stand with Jane, Michael, Finn and his tummy mommy.Thank you Madison Park for making these moments happen. We ask that you join with us in November, as we celebrate adoption awareness month. If you know of anyone that’s in a difficult pregnancy, please know you can trust us, that we will treat that expectant mom with dignity and respect. And that a match will be made in a way that she experiences deep love and acceptance. She will never have to walk alone for we will be there with her for as long as she would want us to walk with her.I’ve given you just one example of a family’s embrace of their adoptive child. We have so many more stories to tell and so many more stories yet to be told with your continued prayers and support.More information is available at MiriamProject.org or contact the office at (765) 640-1580.

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

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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Tummy Mommy Continued from page 1

• Operation Love - Operation Love Ministries is preparing for its annual Christmas Wishes Pro-gram, sharing the love of Jesus with over 250 fami-lies 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 pre-pare 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.

• Operation Christmas Child - Now through November 15, Drop off in The Commons. Discover the power of a simple gift by reaching out to children in difficult circumstances around the globe. Fill a shoebox with items such as small toys, toiletries, hard candy, and school supplies. Drop off shoeboxes in The Commons through November 17. Be sure to include $7 for shipping and handling. More at www.samaritanspurse.org. Contact: Sandy Mc-Curdy at (765) 683-1435.

• Angel Tree - Connecting parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts. Many children in Madison County have par-ents 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 oppor-tunities 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. Mon-etary 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 Com-mons 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 families. Register troops, families and volun-teer. 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, Crayola 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?

Holiday Giving Opportunities