4
If we have continued in the faith of the gospel, we go into the New Year as a new person, having experienced God’s promise of transformation by the renewing of our minds. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” -Romans 12:2. The New Year is a chance to alter or correct the course, and determine to make things better. It’s a chance to be intentional, to make a commitment. I challenge you to commit to high-value living in a multitude of ways. If you’re looking back on 2015 and seeing that you drifted off course—spiritually, relationally, financially—I encourage you to consider eight life-shifting priorities, brought to light from a blog by author Pastor Cary Schmidt: Think God’s Glory Over Self-GratificationSelf is a tyrannical and disappointing god. The more self has, the less self is satisfied. We were created to live for God’s glory. We exist to know Him and make Him known. Nothing is more fulfilling to the human heart than knowing God and glorifying Him in the world. Think Becoming Over Doing—I’m a list person. Perhaps you are too. But this year God has shown me that my lists don’t begin to scratch the surface. I can’t get it all done. And through all the transition of my life He has loudly said—“You focus on BEING. Let me handle the DOING!” If we focus on “becoming,” then God will intervene and touch our “doing” that it might have maximum impact. Make sure that your “doing” flows from “becoming”—become who God wants you to become, and He will do through you what He wants done! Think Stewardship Over Ownership—My life is not my own. You don’t own you. This year is not yours to live. It’s yours to steward. Your life is a gift from God. It is on loan, and one day you will answer to Him for what you did.” Every day. Every breath. Every moment. Every relationship is His gift to you. You will either approach this year asking, “What do I want …?” Or you will approach this year asking, “God, what do you want…?” Think Investing Over Spending—If you spend life, you will have less of it a year from now. If you invest life, it will multiply. Spending looks at the now. Investing looks at the big picture. Spending focuses on me. Investing focuses on others. Spending is a downward cycle of depletion. Investing is an upward cycle of multiplication. Spending is exhausting and wearying. Investing is invigorating and energizing. Spending leaves me empty. Investing leaves me full. Spending is reactionary and impulsive. Investing is 2016 - High Values? by Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—December 28, 2015 January-March Proceeds benefit Haiti Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in Haiti. 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-11:30am MasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted. Worship Services SUNDAY 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, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch. org, Ministries page.++ MPC reached beyond its walls with a wide range of opportunities to impact the community with the spirit of giving and love at Christmas. A highlight of the season featured a variety of A Reason To Give opportunities to serve our community. MPC- goers contributed to the following Ministries: 504 Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes 26 Children were sponsored by Angel Tree Operation Love Christmas meal baskets, basic needs items, and bibles to 281 families with 871 members! 381 children and teens also received 4-6 Christmas gifts a piece, and hundreds of winter wear items such as coats, hats, and gloves were distributed. The Christian Center served roughly 7,500 meals to those in need during the holidays and provided approximately 1,400 bed nights to homeless men who are focused on getting back on their feet. $4,585 plus $550 from TRAKs given for Secret Families of Madison County $75 Given to Madison Park Troops Support Team Approximately 5,500 persons enjoyed the five performances of A Christmas Carol. $11,600.00 received in offerings to benefit the MPC ministry at Dove Harbor. continued on page 4 Counting the Christmas Blessings - Thank you for your generosity!

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If we have continued in the faith of the gospel, we go

into the New Year as a new person, having experienced God’s promise of transformation by the renewing of our minds. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” -Romans 12:2.The New Year is a chance to alter or correct the course, and determine to make things better. It’s a chance to be intentional, to make a commitment. I challenge you to commit to high-value living in a multitude of ways. If you’re looking back on 2015 and seeing that you drifted off course—spiritually, relationally, financially—I encourage you to consider eight life-shifting priorities, brought to light from a blog by author Pastor Cary Schmidt:Think God’s Glory Over Self-Gratification—Self is a tyrannical and disappointing god. The more self has, the less self is satisfied. We were created to live for God’s glory. We exist to know Him and make Him known. Nothing is more fulfilling to the human heart than knowing God and glorifying Him in the world.Think Becoming Over Doing—I’m a list person. Perhaps you are too. But this year God has shown me that my lists don’t begin to scratch the surface. I can’t get it all done. And

through all the transition of my life He has loudly said—“You focus on BEING. Let me handle the DOING!” If we focus on “becoming,” then God will intervene and touch our “doing” that it might have maximum impact. Make sure that your “doing” flows from “becoming”—become who God wants you to become, and He will do through you what He wants done!Think Stewardship Over Ownership—My life is not my own. You don’t own you. This year is not yours to live. It’s yours to steward. Your life is a gift from God. It is on loan, and one day you will answer to Him for what you did.” Every day. Every breath. Every moment. Every relationship is His gift to you. You will either approach this year asking, “What do I want …?” Or you will approach this year asking, “God, what do you want…?”Think Investing Over Spending—If you spend life, you will have less of it a year from now. If you invest life, it will multiply. Spending looks at the now. Investing looks at the big picture. Spending focuses on me. Investing focuses on others. Spending is a downward cycle of depletion. Investing is an upward cycle of multiplication. Spending is exhausting and wearying. Investing is invigorating and energizing. Spending leaves me empty. Investing leaves me full. Spending is reactionary and impulsive. Investing is

2016 - High Values? by Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—December 28, 2015

January-March Proceeds benefit Haiti

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in Haiti. 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.++

MPC reached beyond its walls with a wide range of opportunities to impact the community with the spirit of giving and love at Christmas. A highlight of the season featured a variety of A Reason To Give opportunities to serve our community. MPC-goers contributed to the following Ministries:

504 Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes

26 Children were sponsored by Angel Tree

Operation Love Christmas meal baskets, basic needs items, and bibles to 281 families with 871 members! 381 children and teens also received 4-6 Christmas gifts a piece, and hundreds of winter wear items such as coats, hats, and gloves were distributed.

The Christian Center served roughly 7,500 meals to those in need during the holidays and provided approximately 1,400 bed nights to homeless men who are focused on getting back on their feet.

$4,585 plus $550 from TRAKs given for Secret Families of Madison County

$75 Given to Madison Park Troops Support Team

Approximately 5,500 persons enjoyed the five performances of A Christmas Carol.

$11,600.00 received in offerings to benefit the MPC ministry at Dove Harbor.

continued on page 4

Counting the Christmas Blessings - Thank you for your generosity!

Page 2: Threads - December 28, 2015

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Wednesdays at 6:30pmBiBle time Wednesdays, 6:30pm – Hospitality Room/The Commons Enjoy a good meal with friends in The Commons then stay an hour longer to learn more of God’s Word! Instructor: Ron Matas.

discipleship essentials Wednesdays, 6:30pm – Room 182

Jesus’ own pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others and allow life to rub against life. The workbook designed for this class will help you follow this pattern Jesus drew for us. Working through it will deepen your knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen your faith. Study Guides available. Instructors: Robert and Tami Curts, Gary and Kathy Wessel.

financial peace universityBeginning on February 3 Wednesdays, 6:00pm – Room 177 Powerful. Enlightening. Fun. Weekly video lessons and discussion groups. Dave Ramsey has a teaching style that is simple and easy to understand. He will change the way you think about money. Register and order your kit online at DaveRamsey.com. Instructor: Aaron Gardner. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office. learning to pray like Jesus Wednesdays, 6:30pm – Room 179Explore the teachings and practice of prayer in the life of Jesus and experience it in your own life. Dr. Leroy Quashie will cast a vision of the personal, powerful qualities of prayer as we learn to pray like Jesus. Facilitator: Leroy Quashie. Contact: Shelly Short, [email protected] of madison park - Wednesdays, 6:30pm – Room 180 Men of all ages are welcome to be a part of this Bible study for men. Instructors: Chris Brooks, Neal Kirby, and John Wendt.

sundays at 9:00amdiscipleship essentials Sundays, 9:00am – Room 182

Jesus’ own pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others and allow life to rub against life. The workbook designed for this class will help you follow this pattern Jesus drew for us. Working through it will deepen your knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen your faith. Study Guides available. Instructors: Cherie and Phil Averitt, Annie and Jon Nichols.

sundays at 10:45amchristian groWth BiBle studySundays, 10:45am – Room 182 Studies of the scriptures, historical understanding from the church at large, including the Church of God Movement, and practical application for life today. Open to all ages. Instructor: Jerry Sipe. real life Sundays, 10:45am – Rooms 176-178 Upbeat and informal, this class takes an in-depth look at every day issues through the fiber of scripture. Open to all ages. Instructor: Forrest Higgenbotham.

Worship arts class Sundays, 10:45am – Room 180 A life-enriching Bible study open to all ages. Instructor: Don Vosburg, [email protected]. Contact: Donna Nobles, [email protected].

s.a.l.t. (single adults living truth) Sundays from 6:00-7:30pm – Room 177All singles are invited to enjoy Bible study, fellowship and social activities throughout the year. Facilitator: Don Wilson. Contact: Wanda Anderson, [email protected].

s.h.a.p.e. small groupBeginning Jan 27 Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm – Room 181 An 8-week Small Group experience. Explore your unique purpose in life, based on how God created you, and learn next steps to fulfill your purpose! Discover your spiritual gifts, your heart, abilities, and enjoy informal group discussion. Prerequisite: Explore Madison Park Class. Instructor: Forrest Wallace. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Pastor of Connections.W.o.W (Women of the Word) Wednesdays, 6:30pm – Room 175 Grow deeper in your walk with God and be en-couraged by other women through this in-depth Bible study. Instructors: Barb Collier, Laura Collier, Nelda Ely, April Linville.

h.o.p.e. thursdays at 6:30pm

Holy Opportunity for Personal Empowerment offers 13-week Support Classes.

Contact: Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Director.

• divorce care Room 190

DivorceCare is a 13-week class and sup-port group for people who are separated or divorced. A place to be around people who understand what you are feeling and hear

valuable information about ways to heal from the hurt of divorce. Contact: Darlene Pease at

[email protected]

• divorce care for kids (dc4k) Room 193

A 13-week class for children ages 5-12 of separated or divorced parents. Divorce Care

for Kids provides a safe and neutral place to help kids recognize and learn to share

their feelings and heal from the pain caused by separation or divorce. Instructor/Contact:

Diann Seelbach, (765) 278-5029.

• single and parenting Room 191

Single parents face unique challenges. Talk with other single parents about the issues

you’re facing. Solicit advice from other single moms and dads, and pose your own ques-

tions about single-parenthood.

Wednesday classes begin January 6 and Sunday, January 10, unless otherwise noted. Questions? Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

Winter Discipleship/Christian Growth Opportunities

Resolve to dig deeper at Madison Park!Plan to attend any of the new or returning classes coming to Madison Park Church!

Page 3: Threads - December 28, 2015

News You Can Use Holiday Office and Church Site ScheduleAll Wednesday Evening Activities at church are cancelled on December 30Church Office (2200 Madison Square):•Closed New Year’s Day, January 1 Worship Site (6607 Providence Drive):•Closed New Year’s Day, January 1If you have an emergency during these times, please call (765) 642-2000 and the pastor on call will be notified.

Stephen Ministry TrainingBegins on January 7 from 6:30-9:00pm - 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. 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 Corn, 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.

Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Party.

Blood Pressure

Clinic: Wednesday, January 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,

[email protected].

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Baptism ClassSunday, February 7 from 11:00am - 12:15pm in Room 180Students, grades 3-5, who have made a personal decision to follow Christ, are invited to participate in this 5-week baptism class. Uncle Lloyd Bowen and Mr. DJ Callahan co-teach this class. Parents are

asked to attend the final class.. Class size is limited. To reserve a spot in the class or for more information, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministry Director .

Children’s ProgramsSundays at 9:00am and 11:00amClasses and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center

Quest -Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in the Children’s CenterIt’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.Quest III will launch on January 13The 5-week session will focus on Jonah.a Family Experience will cap the Jonah experience on February 10 at 6:30pm in the Main auditorium.For more information or to volunteer, contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Ministries Director.For more information or to volunteer, contact: Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Ministries Director.

Student Ministries

IMPaCT—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 Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

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. December 30 - new years: no activities at Church

January 6 - Baked Potato Soup Kids Option: Grilled Cheese

January 13 - Italian Spaghetti Kids Option: Pasta & Mariana

Service of Remembrance

Sunday, January 17 at 3:00pm in the Main Auditorium

Celebrate the life of loved ones and friends who died during 2015. To be included

in this service, please submit a photo of your loved one for the video portion of the

service. Attach photos in an email to [email protected] along with your name,

the person’s name and relationship or place picture and information in an envelope and

take to Grand Central. All pictures and information must be submitted by

January 11. For details, contact David Reames,

Interim Pastoral Care Pastor

January Teaching Series Get Fit “…Benefits in this life

and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

Spiritually Fit - January 3

Financially Fit - January 10

Physically Fit - January 17

Relationally Fit - January 24 Emotionally Fit - January 31

Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am

Page 4: Threads - December 28, 2015

causative and intentional.Investing means I wake up every day asking God to lead me, guide me, and use me for His purposes. Investing means I use my moments to serve, to edify, to build, to encourage. Investing means I can face death with no regrets.Think Important Over urgent—Dwight Eisenhower said it this way, “The urgent is rarely important, and the important is rarely urgent.” The most important things in life are usually the quietest. Important things don’t usually demand your attention now. They are not urgent. But if important things are ignored, life becomes abundantly urgent. The more you give yourself to that which is important, the less you will be ruled by the urgent.Think Relationships Over Productivity—People over process. God loves people not tasks. He cares about your relationships, not check-lists. Checking off lists makes you feel productive, and developing healthy relationships doesn’t. But relationships are what matter most to Jesus! His top two commands are relational—LOVE GOD, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER. More than anything else, He wants you to have healthy relationships. He wants you to be reconciled to those you’ve hurt. He wants you to forgive those who have hurt you. He wants you to love your spouse, nurture your children, fellowship with your church family, and win others to Jesus by loving them intensely. He wants His people to be the most hospitable, charitable, gracious people on the planet.

Think Influence Over accomplishment—At the end of life, we will all discover that we

way over-valued our accomplishments and way under-valued our influence. We prize our trophies and celebrate our achievements. But so often we step on or neglect others in the process. Far more important than your achievements in the new year, is your God-given influence. Admittedly, it will be hard to measure your influence at the end of the year. You’ll need to trust God with that. Influence is intangible. It’s spiritual, and eternal. It’s the only way to make your life count forever.Think Focus Over Multitasking—We live in a time when multiple forms of media (even good media), devices, and real people are asking for your attention at the same time. We often say, “there is nothing more valuable than time.” I believe there is something at least as valuable as TIME—and that is ATTENTION. Time and focus are two different things. One negative impact of technology and media is our collective loss of attention span. Our ability to focus—especially on relationships—has diminished. We must recapture uninterruptible moments. We must renew our attention spans—for God, for people, and for high value priorities. Anything of eternal value requires focused attention. Your attention span is under assault—so guard it carefully!This list will require some serious prayer and response. And when you do, your conscience will bear witness within you that you are aligning your life with God’s values. His Holy Spirit will affirm you. His hand will provide for you. His wisdom will guide you. And His strength will sustain you to living the New Year for HIS highest values!

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

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

— 4 —

2016 - High Values? Continued from page 1

Continued from page 3

Family News

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

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

Birth Congratulations:• Elaine and Conrad Allen welcomed grandson, Richard Thomas on December 11, born to their daughter, Leslie Waters.

In Sympathy with: • Angela and Jeremy Parker on the passing of her father, Kenneth King on December 6.

• Dan, Sheryl and Iam Tremaine on the passing of Dan and Iam’s father, Don Tremaine on December 7.

• Charlene Meier on the passing of her husband, Paul Meier on Friday, December 11.

• David and Dianna Mosedale on the passing of his mother, Mary Ann Mosedale on December 22. .

Faith Promise

January 24 - February 14

Sandi Patty Concert Forever Grateful - The Farewell Tour Sunday, April 24 - 7:00pm Madison Park Main auditorium

Tickets available at the Church Office. Premier Seating Tickets must be purchased online. For more Information and to purchase tickets go to: http://oetkendesign.com/premier/sandipatty/042416-01b.html

Community and Ministry Partner News