It’s been several years ago now, but I remember it like it was this morning. Travels on behalf of the Church of

God took me to a country where being a follower of Christ comes at great risk and cost. My assignment was to speak from the Word, bringing a word of encouragement to about 50 people, all of whom persecuted for their trust in Jesus. Under the cover of darkness I was led into an area populated by persons radically opposed to Christianity. I was humbled…what could I say in a situation like this? And

honestly…I was more than a bit frightened.As I was led into the area where worship had already begun, I was immediately overcome by a smell that left me instantly nauseous.

People in the surrounding area intentionally routed raw sewage into this area – the only area these people could find to worship. And the smell was overwhelming. We quietly sang a

few songs, so as not to disturb the neighbors. One song was

“sung” by everyone simply mouthing the

words together. And the presence of God

was unmistakable!I spoke through an interpreter, sharing briefly from Isaiah 43.

morning. Travels on behalf of the Church of

God took me to a country where being a follower of Christ comes at great risk and cost. My assignment was to speak from the Word, bringing a word of encouragement to about 50 people, all of whom persecuted for their trust in Jesus. Under the cover of darkness I was led into an area populated by persons radically opposed to Christianity. I was humbled…what could I say in a

by a smell that left me instantly nauseous. People in the surrounding area

intentionally routed raw sewage into this area – the only area these people could find to worship. And the smell was overwhelming. We quietly sang a

few songs, so as not to disturb the neighbors. One song was

“sung” by everyone simply mouthing the

words together. And the presence of God

was unmistakable!I spoke through an interpreter, sharing briefly from Isaiah 43.

The Persecuted Churchby David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—October 22, 2014

October–December Beneficiary: Dove Harbor

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Madison Park Church’s ongoing missions work in Russia.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. For details, check out the Ministries Guide at MadisonParkChurch.org/ministries or pick up a copy at Grand Central.

Each week at MPC, fourteen names are listed in the Prayer Bulletin for prayer. These fourteen persons are MPC family members serving us and our country in the military, deployed around the world. As the holiday season approaches the MPC Support the Troops Team is going into full gear to help make the holidays brighter through a touch from home.Formed in 2009, the Troop Support ministry seeks to connect with active military personnel creating a friendship that lasts through their deployment and coming home. In many situations the soldier is living a life of danger and uncertainty. Separated from family and friends their hours of aloneness can be overwhelming. At home, the families are learning to cope and fill the void left by the soldiers.Linda Eaton, a member of the Troop Support ministry from its beginning shares, “It began as a response many of us felt as we learned that our returning soldiers from the Middle East Gulf Wars were not doing well upon their return to the states.

Returning from such a traumatic situation left many unable to cope, work, or relate well to their families and friends.” The group decided to connect with active military personnel, create a friendship and let them know how much their service is appreciated and that prayers were supporting them. Letters and cards are written. Gift boxes of treats and personal items are sent to each soldier on a regular basis. A pair of socks means warm toes on a cold night. A magazine to browse takes the place of television. The boxes help makes a difference and bring dignity.Recently a written letter was received from serviceman, MPC-goer Gabe Hall, one of the fourteen on the weekly prayer list. Stationed in Korea he expressed how he trusts the Lord each day and asked specific prayer for safety for his battalion.“Reaching out to our service men and women certainly coincides with Pastor Rolland’s teaching on being a missional church.” continues Linda. “These service men and women face many unknowns

Supporting our Troops

continued on page 4

continued on page 4continued on page 4

Sermon SeriesLife Lessons sermon series centers around the life of Moses and how the life lessons throughout his life relate directly to our lives. Lessons like, when you blow it, second chances, multiply your leadership, give away what’s been given to you. At every turn, we see ourselves in the life of Moses.

Download the Madison Park AppIntroducing the Madison Park Church of God App!Download the free app in the App Store and Google Play. Search for Madison Park Church of God

• StaycurrentonministryNEWS.

• GetdetailsonSpecialEVENTS,liketheDoveHarborDessertAuctionandsharethe event with your friends on Social Media.

• FindinstantaccesstoMEDIAandwatchmessagesdirectlyfromtheapp.

• YoucanalsoGIVEfinanciallytoMadisonParkusingtheApp.Justcreateasecureprofileandyoucangiveone-timeorreoccurringgifts.

• Andthere’sMORE,youcanSubmitaPrayerRequest,seethemenuforLighthouseCaféandfindLinkstoourministrypartners.

Planned Purity SeminarSaturday, November 1 from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the Main AuditoriumPlanned Purity is Jennie Bishop’s model explaining how purity is formed in a life, beginning with the heart and including sexual purity at the appropriate stage. A simple concept called The Five Doors of the Heart can be applied when parenting young children, and also applies to adults pursuing purity themselves.

PlannedPurityistaughtthroughfive-sessionSaturdayseminars,speakingengagementsand through our resources.The book, Planned Purity for Parents, moves through the entire diagram, providing a Saturday seminar in book form as well as a resource section with scripts, object lessons, family contracts, and more. Register at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Pastor Paula Spear (765) 642-2000.

Heartland Big Band Swingin’ Christmas CabaretSaturday, December 6 at 7:00pm in The CommonsThe Heartland Big Band brings in the yuletide season with swinging renditions of the holiday classics that will keep toes tappin’ thru the New Year!

Enjoy new music and special guest artist and jazz violinist, Cathy Morris. Enjoy classics favorites such as “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas Waltz,” “Let It Snow” and the ever popular Nutcracker Suite, as only the HBB can perform it. Join HBB and their guests for a great evening of Christmas music in a cabaret setting!

TicketsavailableattheChurchOffices,inTheCommons,andatHeartlandBigBand.org

A Christmas CarolIndiana’s longest running, live musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale.

Dinner Theatre: Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pmEnjoy a festive catered dinner followed by a spectacular performance of A Christmas Carol. Reservationsrequired.Tickets:$22.00.Outlets:GrandCentralandtheChurchOffice.

Performances: Friday–Sunday, December 12–14 at 7:00pmSaturday Matinee: December 13 at 3:00pmAdmission is free. Open seating. Doors to the Main Auditorium open 30 minutes prior. An offeringwillbereceivedtobenefitDoveHarborwomen’sshelter.

Gold Circle Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Enjoy premium reserved seating for $10. Tickets on sale: October 20. Tickets outlets: Grand Central,ChurchOffice,andonlineatiTickets.com.Seatingislimited.

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News You Can UsePrepare-Enrich Premarital Counseling Class: Two-day class: Friday, October 24 6:00-9:30pm and Saturday, October 25, 9:00am-12:30pm. Linville Services at Broadway Ministry Center. Engaged? Newly Married? Give your marriage a strong start. Cost: $141 per couple. Includes computerized assessment of your relationship, class fee and materials. Instructors: Doug and April Linville and Brian Daugherty. To enroll, contact Robin Gerhart at (765) 642-1853.Adult Baptism Class: Two Options: Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30pm in Room 177 and Sunday, November 9 at 10:45am. Anyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized on Sunday, November 16 is encouraged to attend one of the class options. Sign-up options: Online, call the Church Offi ce, or stop by the table in The Commons on Sundays, October 26 or November 2.S.A.L.T.: Sundays at 6:00pm in Room 175. S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth) returns from summer break with its Sunday gathering. The current study, Single and Satisfied,byTonyEvanskicks-offthe2014Fall /Winter semester. All singles are invited. Enjoy bible study, fellowship and social activities. Facilitator: Don Wilson. Contact: Wanda Anderson at (765) 620-4607.Church in the Middle: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 175. The Christian Growth Class is using Pastor Rolland Daniels’ new book Church in the Middle as a guide to explore the importance of making connections outsite of the church walls to reach the world for Christ. The class is open to everyone. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.Learning to Pray Like Jesus: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 179. October 22-November 12. Explore 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. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.Bicycling Ministry: Tuesdays at 6:00pm, weather permitting, at the MPC parking lot. Bicyclists of all ages are invited to meet each Tuesday through October and ride from 6:00pm until dark. All skill levels and paces are welcome; no bicyclist will be left behind. Contact: Bruce Jones at (765) 278-9243.

Children’s MinistriesAround the Table: Wednesdays, 6:30pm- 8:00pm, Children’s Wing. During the month of November, TRAKS Children’s Ministry will celebrate and give thanks together in a very special way as we “gather around the table” in community. Helping our kids understand the importance of showing gratitude—not

only to God but to others—will be the key focus on Wednesday nights in November. In addition, the kids will learn how they can live out Hebrews 13:16 by doing well and sharing what they have with others because it is pleasing to God. Divorce Care for Kids: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 180. A 13-week class for kids ages 6-12. Children of divorced parents often feel alone, helpless, scared, sad, and confused. 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 a separation or divorce. The program includes a separate adult Divorce Care at 9:00am in Room 179. Register in The Commons or online at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765)-278-5029.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS:•Fall Bowl: Sunday,

October 26 from 6:00-8:00pm at Coopers Sport Bowl. $5 per person. Bring a friend!

•Indiana State Youth Convention: November 7-9 in Indianapolis. Deposit of $60 due by October 19.

•Christmas Caroling: December 10

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries:

•Fall Teaching Focus: Huge Hearts: Matthew 5:43-48, Following the teaching of Jesus, students will be challenged to Love All and have Huge Hearts for the Kingdom.• Sundaysat10:45aminCrossroads

Auditorium. •Wednesdays,6:30-7:45pminRoom176-

178. •Christmas Party: December 17. Multi-

generational party in The CommonsIGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Fall Teaching Focus: THRIVE: Ephesians

3:14-21. Wednesday nights from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium

• STW OFFERING: for video Projectors/Church of God India project, each week at Ignite!

•Bible Studies:• Sundaysat9:00aminroom180•Tuesdaysfrom6:00-7:30pmat

Williamson’s Home

• Ignite Christmas Party: Wednesday, December 17 from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

Opportunities to ServeSupport The Troops— Preparing for

Christmas: Sunday, November 2 in The Commons. Ministers to

those serving in the armed forces and their families.

Register troops, families and volunteer. Items are needed to send to the troops: Snacks, note expiration date. Toiletries. R&R items: appropriate books/magazines, disposable cameras, games, zip-lock bags, small plastic containers for

storage, greeting cards they can send, pens, puzzle books,

etc. Socks, dryer sheets, tissues, sunscreen, colorful pillow cases.

Personal or convenient sized items are easier to ship. bring items to Grand

Central any Sunday or to the Troop Support TableonthefirstSundayofeachmonth.Acomplete list of suggested items are available at Grand Central. Contact: Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447 or Jean Covalt at (765) 643-2278.Special Events Volunteer: Greeters, ushers, and product table volunteers are needed to serve at special events held at Madison Park. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator at the Church Offi ce.Connections Volunteer Opportunities: Looking to get better connected at Madison Park? Serving on one of the Connections Teams might be just the ticket! Check ‘em out:•GreeterTeams•ParkingValetTeam•LighthouseCaféServersandAttendants•InformationCenterTeam•HolyGroundCoffeeBarTeam•HospitalityHost/Hostess•AthleticsTeamsContact: Pastor Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Offi ce for more information.

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

Congratulations to:Kevin and Kimberly Majeski who welcomed Maximus Logan, born on Saturday, October 11.

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 students with ID-$5. Maximum of $25 up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person.

Oct. 22: Italian Roast Been Sandwiches/ Kids’ Option: Pizza and Chips

Oct. 29: Chili and Baked Potato Bar/ Kids’ Option: Hot Dogs

News You Can Use

Opportunities to Serve

Family News Wednesday, November 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 Connection Ministries.

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IWU Chorale Concert

Sunday, October 26 at 9:00am in the Main Auditorium

The Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale returns to MPC under the

direction of Dr. Todd Guy. The Chorale strivestopresentthefinestlevelof

performance and ministry in chorale music. Indiana Wesleyan University is an

evangelical Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students

in character, scholarship and leadership.

I felt so humbled, so honored to be in the presence of these men, women, children who were committed to following Christ even through persecution.As I was ready to leave, a man smiled at me from across the room. His hair hung loosely – it looked like he had not combed his hair for several days. His smile revealed numerous missing teeth. His face betrayed a beard that had not been shaved for several weeks. As he walked toward me I was once again overcome by the smell and, being brutally honest (shamefully), I prayed silently, “Lord, do I have to kiss this man?” You see, in some parts of the world, kissing on either cheek is a greeting, and the thought of kissing this man was…well…the furthest thing from my mind.He drew closer, and as he did it seemed as though God spoke to me and said, “David, what does a saint look like? You are about to meet one!” We not only greeted each other with a kiss, we embraced—and I learned this man was the pastor of this small little band of Christians! Through an interpreter I learned the reason he had no teeth was because they had been knocked out. His abusers not only knocked his teeth out, they broke his arm as they tortured him, forcing him to watch as his wife and daughter were abused. If only he would deny Christ, the torture would stop, he was told. “But,” he said, “I just could not turn my back on the Lord.” My guide was now pulling on my sleeve, telling me I must go, but I asked this pastor, “How can I pray for you?” His response was unforgettable. He simply said, “Will you pray for us? Will you pray that when our

time comes, we will be faithful?” So the persecution continues… . For my safety as well as for the safety of those in attendance, I was able to be with these Christians for about 20 minutes. Then I was led away.In recent months we have been troubled and disturbed as we have read about Christians who are being persecuted for following Jesus. Men, women, children and families brutally killed simply because they choose to follow Jesus and refuse to recant their faith. We see it on TV. It’s in the newspapers everywhere. The torture. The cruel brutality. It’s being called the worst killing of Christians in history.According to worldnetdaily, 176,000 Christians were martyred for their faith last year. That equates to 482 people who die for their faith every day. This means across the world, one person dies every 3 minutes! In the time it takes……to eat an apple…to brush your teeth…to sing a songyet another person has given their life because they choose to follow Jesus!God help us! November 2 is the international day of prayer for the persecuted church, when we will pray together, but will you pray today—pray now—for those who live in places where it is dangerous to live for Him?The Word tells us “…the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” James 5:16. On our knees, let’s humbly pray…together.

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

The Persecuted ChurchContinued from page 1

Family NewsContinued from page 3

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humbly pray…together.Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

when they return from their service position and we want them to know they are appreciated and welcome at MPC.”An Opportunity for Holiday Giving A Troop Support table is in The Commons on the first Sunday of each month. Names of military personnel, donations of personal items, appropriate books and magazines, goodies, socks and monetary donations can be brought to the table or to Grand Central any Sunday. For a complete list of needed items or more information contact, Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447.

Supporting our TroopsContinued from page 1

Ministries GuideMPC’s Ministries Guide helps newcomers and MPC-goers alike find a place to jump in. The guide presents opportunities for adults, students and children to join small groups, attend a class, or learn about ongoing volunteer and ministry opportunities.Download the guide at MadisonParkChurch.org or pick-up a copy at Grand Central.

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Ministries GuideMPC’s Ministries Guide helps newcomers and MPC-goers alike find a place to jump in. The guide presents opportunities for adults, students and children to join small groups, attend a class, or learn about ongoing volunteer and ministry opportunities.Download the guide at MadisonParkChurch.org or pick-up a copy at Grand Central.

In Sympathy With:The family of Adina Flynt, who passed away on Wednesday, October 1.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Fall into Christmas: Saturday, October 25 from 10:00am-8:00pm at Mounds Mall of Anderson. Visit and shop at various vendor booths, silent auction, nativity set displays. BenefitforSecretFamiliesofMadisonCounty. Contact: Danielle Brossart at (765) 606-5466.

Community and Ministry Partner NewsCommunity and Ministry Partner NewsCommunity and