A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2015 was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!! Once again, Jill O’Malia and her ace team worked their magic – as did Mary Poppins – on a stellar production. The twenty-fourth annual presentation was regarded by many to be the finest in its storied history. It was truly an inspiration on so many levels. First, the creative team, beautifully conceived and adapted two principal characters from the Disney classic, Mary Poppins, as the “wildcard” second spirit ensemble, with expert script writing by Cheryl Shank. Jessica Cherry and Joshua Wilkinson masterfully portrayed the roles originally performed by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.John Walters, who also played Charles Dickens, the narrator, served as producer of the superb technical team that “flew” Mary Poppins perfectly (No small feat). Special shout out to JJ Shubert and Bruce Jones for their “flying” expertise. Once again, Majestic Productions, from Summitville, IN, partnered with MPC on exceptional staging, lighting and special effects. Special thanks to coordinator Ryan Woolsey.The enchanting Disney songs from Mary Poppins, joined by new music composed by Mick Gilliam, gave the production a freshness that delighted audiences!The cast and crew worked so beautifully together -- there really was peace and good will and cooperation all the way around. Cast members bonded into a close-knit family who enjoyed each other and times in the rehearsal hall resembled warm family Christmas gatherings.

There was a great sense of pulling together in the MPC community and the Lord met the financial need to underwrite the expense of the production. Special recognition to Sandy Baker and Marty Gillespie for their tireless effort in securing sponsors and patrons. The offerings of $11,600 for the ministry of Dove Harbor exceeded the last two years. I know you join me in giving thanks to God for that. Madison Park’s “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” has truly become a community event with a community cast, a credit to the community theater involvement of its director of sixteen years, Jill O’Malia.There were many stories of first time attenders and seasoned attenders who were equally moved by the impact of the production. On the final night, as I was watching a tender scene in the story, I whispered to our director, Jill, that I had seen that scene now sixteen years and I still had a tear in my eye. She said she did too.It is the story of redemption, ever old and ever new. It packs a punch because we all need it. It brings us hope because His mercies are new every morning. I am thankful to be a part of this family who tells the redemption story faithfully and with excellence year after year. Join me in praying for the Lord’s hand in planning and preparing for MPC’s silver anniversary presentation of the timeless Dickens tale, “A CHRISTMAS CAROL.”

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

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!! by Steve Williamson, Worship Arts Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—January 11, 2016

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.++

Renowned business consultant, Peter Drucker, says, The best way to predict the future is to create it. Even though we can’t control the future, we do have the power to shape the outcome of some things we are really committed to.

When it comes to the church, the concept is the same. Our decision to invest in ministry today will have a positive effect on thousands of people from Anderson to Afghanistan for years to come. The question is not, “Do we have the power to shape the future.” The question is, “Do we have the will?”

MPC Invests in Ministry and Missions

Faith Promise

January 24 - February 14

continued on page 4

— 2 —

January Teaching Series Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am 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

Conversations with Pastor Paul Wednesdays in January 6:30pm The Commons

Interact with Pastor Paul to explore MPC’s Biblical mission and how to best pursue it.

VISIOn Sunday - annual Business Meeting Sunday, February 7 at the conclusion of the 9:00am and 11:00am Worship Services

This will be a vote only meeting. Leading up to the Annual Business Meeting everyone will have opportunity to study the 2015 Annual Impact Report and Financial Information and interact with the Board of Elders.

• Sunday, January 24: The 2015 Impact Report and Financial Information will be available at Grand Central. Pick up your copy prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

• Sundays, January 24 and 31: David Whitmoyer, Board of Elders Chair, and Clark Simpson, MPC Business Manager will be available in The Commons following each Worship service to answer any questions.

• Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30pm in The Commons: Open Forum Elders and Senior Leadership will be present to answer questions prior to the vote in the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, February 7 following each Worship Service.

Service of Remembrance Sunday, January 17 at 3:00pm 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 Laura Callen along with your name, the per-son’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.

Financial Peace university Nine-week Class: February 3 - March 30 Wednesdays, 6:30pm–8:00pm in 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 online at DaveRamsey.com. Instructor: Aaron Gardner. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

NewsYouCanUse Pastoral Care for the MPC FamilyIf you or your loved one is facing an upcoming surgery, or is hospitalized, please make the Pastors aware by contacting Pastoral Care at the Church Office. The MPC Pastors want to support you in your time of need with visits and prayers. Due to confidentiality it is requested that either you or your immediate family contact the office. Contact: Church Office at (765) 642-2000.

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)•Sundays,

6:00-7:30pm in room 175 - Bible Study

• Wednesdays at MPC: Join other singles at a table to enjoy a delicious Lighthouse Café Dinner and fellowship.

Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, February 3 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 MinistriesChildren’s Baptism Class Sundays, January 10- February 7 from 11:00am - 12:15pm in Room 180 Students, 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 CenterGet Fit: Elementary age classes in January will feature kid-sized lessons that mirror Pastor Paul’s Get Fit series. Weekly lessons will feature the same topic and scripture passages parents will hear in the Main Auditorium, enabling kids and parents to share and discuss the topics on how to Get Fit. This is a big WIN for kids and their parents. This, along with other exciting changes lead to an incredible journey.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, Children’s Ministries Director.

Student MinistriesIMPaCT—Junior High Ministries: January Theme: Get Fit 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: January Theme: Clean•Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads

Auditorium. •Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room

180

OpportunitiestoServePark Place Church of God Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to help prepare and distribute food. The pantry is open to the public Monday - Friday 12:30 - 2:00 pm and also on Thursday evening from 6:30 -7:30 pm. For more information please call 765-374-4663 or email Kscott@ppchog.org

Medical Volunteers at MPC Facilities

Medical Volunteers are needed to provide emergency medical assistance during regular worship services at MPC. If during, a regular worship service you are attending, a medical emergency arises, you would be called upon to assist in assessing the person and getting the attention they may require. Sign up at Grand Central if you would be available. Contact: David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor. 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 “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.

Employment Opportunities at MPC:

Kids Learning Station - Full-time Cook/Kitchen Staff. Interested persons contact Melanie Denniston, Director at (765) 622-6379.

Two Part-time Custodial Staff Positions at the Madison Park Worship site are open. Please send resumes to Madison Park Church, P.O. Box 2479, Anderson, IN 46018 or attach in an email to info@madisonparkchurch.org.

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.

— 3

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. January 13: Italian Spaghetti Kids Option: Pasta & Marinara

January 20: Parmesan Chicken Kids Option: Chicken Fingers & Fries

January 27: Beef and noodles Kids Option: Beef and noodles

aLL-CHuRCH MOVIE nIGHT

Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30pmCrossroads auditorium

WAR ROOMExplore the transformational role prayer plays

in people’s lives.War Room follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a

middle-class couple who seemingly have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But

appearances can be deceiving. In reality, the Jordan’s marriage has become a war zone and their daughter

is collateral damage. With the help of Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead

of against them. Through a newly energized faith, Elizabeth and

Tony’s real enemy doesn’t have a prayer.

— 4 —

— 3—

— 4 —

MPC Invests in Ministry and Mission Continued from page 1

ContactUsMaILInG 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

OutreachandMissionsOperation Thank you Teacher Appreciation Event Monday, January 11 from 6:00-8:00pm The Commons All Anderson Community School elementary teachers and staff will be honored with a meal, light entertainment, and gifts for their classrooms. The event is being hosted by seven area churches: South Meridian Church of God, Park Place Church of God, Bethany Christian, Journey Church of Christ, Mounds Baptist Church, Parkview Nazarene, and Madison Park Church of God. Special Thanks to our sponsors: Madison County Visitors Bureau, Sister Fitness, Mugs Coffee and Tea, Walls Furniture.

CommunityandMinistryPartnerNews

during the next month MPC will focus on “missions.” The mission of God in human history can be traced back, through Jesus Christ, to the covenant God made with abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus came in fulfillment of that covenant and God’s purpose has not changed.

When we faithfully follow God, just as abraham did, God blesses us. all who have experienced the blessings of God understand the limitless ways God blesses those who trust and serve Him.

But, in addition to blessing the people of faith, God promises to use us to extend the knowledge and blessings of God to every different people group (tongue, tribe, family) on the face of the earth.

This is the mission of God. This is what God is doing in human history. God blesses the people of faith who reach out to make him known in their families, communities, and to people in other cultures around the globe. If we have received the blessings of God, he expects us to be a part of his global agenda to pass those blessings on to others.

Sunday, January 24 Spotlight on Local Missions

Sunday, January 31 Spotlight on International Missions

• Haiti

• India

• Russia

• Honduras

Sunday, February 6 Spotlight on MPC Missionaries

Sunday, February 14 Freedom Sunday/Faith Promise

If, as Jesus commanded, we are to enlist and equip practicing disciples from all people groups around the world, it will require us to focus our time, talents, and efforts on the mission...and give our money thoughtfully, prayerfully, and courageously. Halfhearted, meager efforts always produce halfhearted, meager results.

What are you doing to make Christ known at home and around the globe? If you want to be a “whole covenant” Christian, join in the celebration of missions and learn how you can be a part of the outreach of MPC.

dare to step out in faith. dare to trust God to work in and through you to accomplish his purposes for the outreach efforts of Madison Park Church of God.

a good place to begin? Pray for the outreach efforts of MPC. Visit a mission field with one of our Touch the World trips. Learn more about outreach and missions at MPC. Make a Faith Promise. . .as Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21)

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 for more Information and to purchase tickets go to: http://oetkendesign.com/premier/sandipatty/042416-01b.html

Faith Promise

Holy Grounds

Week-in and week-out, the proceeds and tips from your

purchases at the Holy Grounds support missions around the

community and across the globe. Come to church early or linger

between services and enjoy fellowship at the round tables and gourmet coffee, specialty drinks, assorted pastries, and

more.

Continued from page 3