When I was younger, I would roll my eyes

whenever my mom would say, “My how time flies!” Now, as I celebrate ten years as your children’s pastor, I find myself saying the same thing. Our time in children’s ministry began before I came on staff. Kevin and I helped in preschool and elementary classes. When North went south to Anderson High school, I got to

coordinate some of the children’s classes. During that time, we’ve

seen babies become teenagers. Children have become adults. Some of those

kids we first taught are bringing their own babies into the nursery.When I came on staff, my son was

eleven and my daughter was

seven years old. Today, Garrett is twenty-one years old and a junior at Anderson University. Mariah is

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—December 18, 2013

Our Time is ShortPaula Spear, Pastor of Children’s Ministries

The first impression of MPC is found at the front door and catching immediate attention are people running around in bright neon colored vests, eager to make people welcome and comfortable. In rain or shine, hot or cold, they take their place, with hands outstretched to open the car door, help with a wheelchair, and park their car.The Valet Crew started on the first Sunday at Madison Park. Steve Gaar was on that first crew and continues to feel excitement about the team’s ministry as he serves in the leadership role. “It allows me to get to know lots of people in this church. I may not know everyone by name, but I know their keys and their car!”

Twenty-five people presently serve on three crews and they often need to “draft” others to help when needed. Shelly Stottlemyer, Pastor of Front Door Ministries, says that the dedication from the

team of volunteers has impacted her life and the lives of all they serve. “They park in all kinds of weather and are a wonderful, first impression for our church. I’ve seen happy faces greeting people as they get out of their cars and again when the cars are brought to them after worship. They unload wheelchairs and walkers, assist people to the doors in slippery weather conditions and run from the front of the building to the parking lot to park and pick up vehicles in a timely fashion.”

MPC Valets: That’s a Fine “How-Do-You-Do?”

October–December Beneficiary: 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.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. Visit Grand Central, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.

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Christmas Eve ServiceNEW Time! Tuesday, December 24 at 9:00pm in the Main Auditorium

Make Christmas Eve at Madison Park a hallmark of your holiday celebration. Invite friends and family to enjoy a festive sing-along, a re-telling of the Christmas Story, and a candle lighting ceremony.

Rejoice!Wednesday, December 18, 6:30pm in The Commons A sing-along Christmas program with Vonda Bowen, featuring favorite songs of the season.

DivorceCare Christmas PartySaturday, December 21 from 2:00-5:00 in Room 175 and 177 All current and former DivorceCare, Divorce Care 4 Kids and Single and Parenting participants are invited to a no-cost, fun-time with treats. Contact: Jennifer Johnson at jannbboc78@gmail.com.

Holiday Break ScheduleOffice and Worship Site Hours VaryWednesday Activities: suspended Wednesdays, December 25 and January 1.

Church Office (2200 Madison Square) and Worship Site (6607 Providence Drive): • Closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 • Open Thursday, December 26 • Closed Wednesday, January 1 • Open Thursday, January 2

If you have an emergency during these times, please call (765) 642-2000 and a pastor will respond.

End of Year GivingThank you for your faithful giving to the ministries of Madison Park Church of God. As the year draws to a close your gifts are needed now more than ever. Please consider Madison Park in your year-end giving. To receive 2013 giving credit for financial gifts, all gifts have to be received in the Church Office by closing at 4:30pm on December 31, 2013. If you are mailing contributions, letters must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2013 to receive 2013 giving credit for the contribution. Online contributions will need to be dated on or before December 31, 2013 to receive 2013 giving credit for the contribution.

Giving Envelopes Assigned giving envelopes for 2014 will be available in The Commons for pick-up on Sunday, December 29 through January 2014. If you do not currently receive giving envelopes, you may request them at MadisonParkChurch.org/envelopes. Contact: Rob Spaulding, Business Administrator or Calvin Pleninger, Bookeeper, at the Church Office.

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News You Can UseMiriam Project: The Miriam Project, established by Madison Park Church in response to the need for adoptive services in Madison County, provides adoption services to assure that all children within the reach of this ministry are embraced by healthy and loving families within the body of Christ. Become an Adoption Advocate by contributing financially on the new online donation page and sign up to receive the monthly e-newsletter. Contact: Thomas Horrocks at (765) 640-1580.Men Needed for Handbell Choir: Sunday, January 26 at 9:00am.Eleven men are needed for a one-time-only, all men’s handbell choir. Need only a limited knowledge of music, ringing techniques will be taught. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, January 7, 14, and 21. Contact: Tom Evans at (317) 339-2176.S.A.L.T. (Single Adult Living Truth)—Holiday Break: Class will take a break for the Holidays, resuming in January. Celebrate Recovery: Fridays at 6:30pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Eight principles based on the teaching of Jesus help bring real life changes and provide healing from hurts accumulated over a lifetime and freedom from destructive behaviors. Child care available.Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, January 8 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@community.com.Safe Sitter Event: Saturday, February 8 at 8:30am-3:00pm, Room 175/176. Ready to care for children in a safe way? It is a very important job. You need life and safety skills to take care of and protect children. Safe Sitter is the only national not-for-profit solely devoted to preparing sitters age 11 and up, to confidently care for themselves and younger children when adults are not present. Lunch is provided. Registrants will bring home a backpack filled with safety info and supplies. Learn more at SafeSitter.org. egistration deadline is February 1, 2014. Cost $40. Contact: Amber Rodecap at the Church Office.

Children’s MinistriesTransformed Series for Elementary Age Children : Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm in the Children’s Center. Jesus—the Ultimate Transformer. Every where He went lives were changed. Children will discover that if they allow Jesus to lead and guide their lives, they too will be completely Transformed!Children’s Programming Suspended: Sunday, December 29 for children ages 4 through grade 5. Children are invited to attend worship with family and friends.

Childcare is available for children birth through age 3. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministry Pastor.

Student MinistriesALL-YOUTH EVENTS: • Christmas Party: Wednesday, December

18 from 6:00-8:00pm.IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Teaching Series—Take Home: Sundays

at 10:45am in Crossroads Auditorium; Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Worth It Series— Luke 9:23-25:

Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

Opportunities to ServeStephen Ministry—Christ Caring for People Through People: 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. On November 3 in both worship services persons who have completed training will be commissioned: Heather Imel, Melanie Hendricks, Bradley Duncan, Bob Gilliam. If you are drawn to help people in their time of need, please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. The next training begins in January 2014. If you need a Stephen Minister or information about training, contact Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.Support The Troops: Sunday, January 5 in The Commons. Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their families. Register troops, families and volunteer. Contact: Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447.

Lighthouse Café

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and mini-salad bar in The Commons: Wednesdays from 5:00pm until 6:30pm. Cost: Adults-$6, Children and college Students with ID-$4. Maximum of $22 per family. Dec. 18: Rosemary Roast Pork Loin

Kids’ Option: Mini Corn Dogs, Mac & Cheese

Dec. 25: Christmas Break No Activities at MPC

January 1: Christmas Break No Activities at MPC

Wednesday, February 19 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 Front Door Ministries.

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Holiday Giving Opportunities

Dove Harbor Opportunities: Three options to benefit Madison County’s shelter for women and children in transition:

• Toles Flower Cards: Purchase a floral card for $35 and receive a free small floral arrangement each month for one year—a great gift idea! Dove Harbor will receive $20 from each card sold. Cards are available through the end of January at Grand Central in The Commons, Dove Harbor and Toles Flowers, 627 Nichol Avenue in Anderson.

• Adopt a Family: Now is a great time to give. Join Dove Harbor to bless a family this Holiday Season. Contact: Deanna Zimmer at (765) 642-1853.

Gifts for India Now is a great time to give! The India Gospel League, MPC’s longtime partner in India, offers a gift catalog filled with giving opportunities ranging from $5 to $75,000. Gifts benefit missions efforts in evangelism and church planting, discipleship, children’s ministries, adult education and training, medical ministries, rural development and skills training, animals, and Adopt-a-Village. All gifts are fully tax-deductible. Ask for a Gift Catalog available at Grand Central or visit India Gospel League online at iglworld.org.Gifts for Haiti Now is a great time to give! Mission Haiti’s giving catalog contains 40 gifts of hope for a hurting world ranging from $4 to $75,000 providing milk, hot food, vocational training, livestock and building mission hospitals and church buildings. All gifts are fully tax-deductible. Visit their website at MissionHaitiMedical.org.Christian Center Donations Sunday, December 22 in The Commons Missions outreach into our own community seeks to help the ministry at the Anderson Christian Center. A needed donations list is available at Grand Central in The Commons.

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

Congratulations to:AJ and Christa Taylor on the birth of Lauren Elliana on November 19. Grandparents, Randy Ballinger, Pam and Don Talor and great-grandparents, Bob and Jeanne Ballinger.Dustin and Alyssa Laciano who welcomed baby girl, Avalynn on November 26. Proud great-grandmother is Carole Sorrell.

In sympathy with:Jack Doddridge at the passing of his wife, Marlene on November 21.Dendra and Holly Sanders at the passing of husband and father, Bill on November 22.Brian and Tammy Frasier at the passing of Brian’s mother on November 30.Norma Armogum at the passing of her father on December 2.Ross and Brooke LeMay at the passing of Brooke’s grandmother on November 28.

Don and Mindy Murrell at the passing of Don’s brother on November 27.Tyler and Jenn Barker at the passing of Tyler’s grandfather on November 29.Jeff and Pam Martin at the passing of Jeff’s mother on December 2.Spencer and Cheryl Shank at the passing of Cheryl’s mother on December 5.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Linville Counseling - Trained and Understanding Counselors: 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.

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 4:30pm

www.MadisonParkChurch.org

seventeen and a junior at Pendleton Heights. We have our children for just a minute, and then they’re grown!Time is so precious! If a child came into children’s ministry every Sunday and Wednesday for the last ten years, he or she would have spent 1,000 hours in ministry. That seems like a lot of hours, until your realize that is equal to just over forty, twenty-four hour days. Out of ten years, TRAKs has less than two months of time to teach our children about Jesus! (And that’s if the child is at church twice a week, every week we’re open!) We don’t have much time!And parents have little time as well. Between birth and graduation, a parent has 940 Sundays with their child. Parents need to get serious with the time they have now! It will be gone before they know it. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)Psalm chapter ninety is a prayer of Moses. The Bible says Moses lived to be 120 years old. Yet, he is talking in this chapter of how we are so fragile and gone in an instant. It isn’t the kind of thing you’d expect from an old guy that didn’t get a new career as deliverer and law giver until he was eighty years old! Moses knew that time mattered.Take the time to teach your kids what matters most. We at TRAKs love to see your children come through the door. We also know we have even less time with them to teach them about what matters than you do.

Parents, may your prayer be that you realize how short you have your children. We live in a world that distracts us from the things that matter most. TV, the internet, academic pursuits and sports all compete for a child’s time. Parents have those distractions and work and family. It can be easy to let spiritual pursuits take a back seat if you aren’t reminded how short time really is.We must fight for what’s important. We tend to make what matters—matter more. If we truly believe Jesus saved us, then we owe it to the children to share that good news with them. God knew our time with our kids is short and how easy it is for us to get distracted. He spoke through Moses to all generations in Deuteronomy, chapter six: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4–8 (NIV)Our relationship with God is just too important to let it become a low priority. Even more important, our children’s relationship with God is too important to let it become an afterthought.

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

MadisonParkChurch.org.

Our Time is ShortContinued from page 1

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People use the service for a variety of reasons: parents who have multiple children and not enough arms to carry them, medical challenges, inclement weather, not enough energy on a given day, heavy items to carry, don’t want to get wet or just running late. Steve explains, “We are able to park cars, provide wheel chairs, but have also run back to a car to get a purse, jump start cars and change tires!” The impression and impact the men and women of the Valet team make on visitors and long-time attendees makes a difference on their coming back to MPC. Steve stresses that it also makes a lasting impact on the lives of team members. “I have made some great friendships with the other valets and with the people. I have even gone out to the parking lot to get people’s cars at Meijer or Wal-Mart when I see my valet customers out around town and they need help. I am motivated by seeing the deep appreciation on people’s faces who otherwise would not be able to attend Madison Park if we did not offer this service.”The Valet Team is actively seeking volunteers to form more teams. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Interested volunteers may contact Shelly Stottlemyer, Pastor of Front Door Ministry or see Steve Gaar on any Sunday at the Valet station at the front doors of

MPC Valets: That’s a Fine “How-Do-You-Do?” Continued from page 1