Mariann and I drove out of Anderson Monday afternoon, August 3, with the knowledge that God has blessed us with a new family. Our love for the Madison Park

congregation and the surrounding community grew greater with each new face we were so blessed to meet over our weekend visit. In all honesty, the hundreds and hundreds of new names and faces are a bit of a blur. You will probably need to remind us several times. But what shines through the haze of my mind are the smiles, the prayers, the whispered words of love and encouragement, even the watery eyes as we all realized that somehow God miraculously brought us together in a next step of His master plan for our lives and His mission.Your love for our Abba, Father, was evident

in your embrace of us. We recognize that the presence of Christ is strong in you and we are anxious to join together to discern how He wants to spread that presence throughout our community. God has blessed you in so many wonderful ways. I can’t wait to discover how He intends to continue to bless others through you.As I return to Columbus today to begin the final preparations for our transition, I think of your faces, your hearts and your passion for our Lord. I think of the faces here in our current family of faith and the extraordinary love which calls them forward into God’s future. I think of God’s people all over the world who live and serve and sacrifice to share the message of reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. And, as I think of you and consider the power of Christ in you, the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:7 come to mind; “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is

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Hello, Family!by Paul Strozier, Senior Pastor Elect

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—August 12, 2015

July—September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MPC’s ongoing ministry 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.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.

Have you strolled down memory lane on the Madison Park Commemorative Walkway? The Walkway connects the concrete entrance by the front entry doors to the existing patio. Marti Euneman, MPC’s Events Coordinator, spearheaded the Commemorative Walkway in 2009 when 155 engraved brick pavers were placed “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” someone special in their lives. Marti shares about this project which has been close to her heart, “As I retire from my position at the end of this month I want to thank everyone who has purchased a brick paver , and again invite people to create their own

personalized memory in a brick paver; a favorite scripture, a special quote, name of a Sunday school class or small group.”

The Pavers are a great way to honor a special person on their birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or family memorial.

Proceeds from the Pavers will continue to be used to enhance the

north end of the building and lake area.

Place your order for a Commemorative Paver by

September 28, so the new pavers can be placed in the

Walkway before winter. Various size pavers are

available: 4x8 - $100; 8x8 - $200.

MPC Pavers and Cookbooks

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Appreciation and Farewell Reception for Pastor Rolland and Ellen DanielsSunday, August 16 from 12:30-2:30pm in The CommonsJoin in a time of saying thank you to Rolland and Ellen Daniels for their loving ministry to Madison Park 1837b

Church. Share words of appreciation, encouragement, cards and gifts, if desired. A light lunch will be served. Valet service will be available during the reception. Contact: Jennifer Eviston, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant to Executive Staff.

Welcome MPC Senior Pastor Rev. Paul Strozier!Madison Park Church, in a congregational vote on Sunday, August 2, 2015, has affirmed the calling of Rev. Paul Strozier and wife, Mariann, as Senior Pastor. Pastor Paul has accepted the call and will begin on Sunday, September 13. Be in prayer for them as they make the transition and we welcome them to MPC.

Paul holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and is ordained by the Church of God. He has served churches in ministry positions since 1994. For more information about Paul’s family, experience, education and beliefs, and to watch some of his sermons, visit MadisonParkChurch.org/news.

Summer Wednesdays5:30-6:30pm - Lighthouse Café 6:00-8pm - Inter-generational Church Family ExperiencesAugust 12: Frozen Family Night - Inter-generational night to the theme of Frozen featuring sno-cones, photo booth, and a variety of fun activities.

August 19: Family worship together in The Commons.

August 26: Picnic and Praise - 6:00pm at Jackson Park. Celebrating the city of Anderson Sesquicentennial. Lighthouse Café will not be serving on this night.

Racial Reconciliation PicnicSunday, August 16 at Noon at Jackson Park in Anderson For 14 years, pastors and churches in Madison County have come together in a Reconciliation Picnic at Jackson Park. Jesus prayed that all His followers would be one, united in heart and mind. How can we be one if we don’t know each other? And how can we know each other if we never get together? Every summer a few thousand people, representing 20-30 congregations (and many from no congregation), black/white/hispanic, have done just that: get together to eat, enjoy music from our various traditions, and take another step in fulfilling Christ’s prayer. Contact: Jennifer Eviston, Missions Desk.

Miriam Project 5K Run/Walk & 10K RunSaturday, September 12 at 8:30am at the Broadway Ministry CenterThe annual fundraiser for the Miriam Project, begins at the Broadway Ministry Center, 1400 Broadway. Pre-register at MiriamProject.org by September 4 for $25 and receive a Sport-Tek T-shirt; student registration without shirt is $15. Race day registration is $30 and will begin at 7:45am (T-shirts not guaranteed for race day registrants). Contact: Tina DeLisle at (765) 640-1580.

Baptism ServiceSunday, September 13 during the 9am and 11am worship servicesAnyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized on Sunday, September 13 are encouraged to attend the class, Wednesday, September 2 or Sunday, September 6 at 10:45am in Room 181. Sign up in The Commons (August 23 and 30), at MadisonParkChurch.org or contact the Pastoral Care Office.

RETRO: Live — “Listen to the Music”September 26 at 7:00pmSave the date - and watch Threads and MadisonParkChurch.org for more details!

News You Can UseImportant MPC Mobile APP Update: The MPC App provider has recently updated its application process. It may be necessary for you to update your MPC App. Check the events page; if outdated announcements appear (like Festival of Tables), please update your version of the MPC App. Available in the App Store and Google Play—search for Madison Park Church of God.

Divorce Care Open House: Saturday, August 22 from 12:00-1:00pm in Room 190 or Thursday, August 27 from 6:30-8:00pm in Room 190. Come meet the leaders, ask questions, look at materials and learn if this group is for you! Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group for people separated or divorced. This is a place to be around people who understand and to gain valuable ways to heal. Divorce Care class will be held on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm from September 20 - December 10 in Room 190. Register at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Darlene Pease at darpease@aol.com.Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, September 2 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.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Summer Picnic: Thursday, August 20 at Noon- Luncheon in Crossroads Auditorium Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation at jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org.

Children’s MinistriesDivorce Care for Kids Open House: Saturday, August 22 from 12:00-1:00pm in Room 193 or Thursday, August 27 from 6:30-8:00pm in Room 193. Stop in and check us out! Meet leaders, participate in a craft, ask questions and learn how DC4K may be a group for you! Divorce Care 4 Kids is a 13-week class for kids ages 5-12. 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. DC4K classes will be on Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm beginning September 10 - December 10 in Room 193. Register at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765)-278-5029.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS• Combined Jr. & Sr High Event:

Wednesday, August 19, 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—We Believe: Held

at 11am on Sundays in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and from 6-8pm on Wednesdays in Rooms 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—We Believe Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads

Auditorium.• Bible Studies: Sunday at 9am in

Room 180

Opportunities to Serve

Grand Central Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers

are needed to work one worship service

per month at Grand Central, answering questions, distributing printed information and listening enhancement devices. Workers are

needed for both the 9:00am and

11:00am services. Contact: Trish Thomas

at (765) 649-0850.Dove Harbor: Dove

Harbor is looking for volunteers to join the Donation

Team. Team members volunteer regularly between 2:30-4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Visit doveharbor.org to download a volunteer ministry application. Contact Jennie Griffis, Resource Development Coordinator at jgriffis@doveharbor.org.Operation Love Ministries: Volunteers are needed for the food, clothing and household goods pantries. Help unload, sort, stock,

organize or distribute donations to families in need. Volunteers are need any Monday through Thursday from 9:00-11:30am or 1:00-3:30pm (as your schedule allows). Sign up for a tour and orientation to get to know the ministry. Contact: Andrea Baker at (765) 644-2121.Christian Center: The Christian Center kitchen serves 85,000 men, women and children a year and is need of canned fruits and vegetables, mayo, butter, spices as well as coffee, toilet paper and paper towels. Donations are deeply appreciated and enable the center to faithfully carry out this vital ministry. The Christian Center is located at 625 Main Street in Anderson. Contact: (765) 649-4264.Park Place Food Pantry: MPC is joining forces with Park Place Church of God’s Food Pantry, located in the community building behind the church on College Drive. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am-7:30pm. Volunteers are needed and appreciated to help in this ministry. Contact: Joe Womack at (765) 620-9342.

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

Congratulations:Amanda and Jeremihua Davis, on the birth of their son, Noah Daniel, born on July 20.

In sympathy with:Anthony and Stacy Emery, on the loss of his father, Cecil Emery, on July 17.

Fred and Barbara Carter, on the loss of his brother, Jerry Mac Carter, on July 17.

Ryan, Aaron, and Alison Sutton, on the loss of their grandmother and great grandmother, Janet Rosemary Sutton, on July 20.

Scott and Ayda Nichols, on the loss of his grandmother, Opal Mae Goldsmith, on July 22.

The family of Pauline Peek, who passed away on July 24.

The family of Betty Fair, who passed away on July 30.

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.August 12: Chicken & Noodles

Kids’ Option: Chicken & NoodlesAugust 19: Sesame Pork, Rice & Egg Rolls

Kids: Chicken Fingers & Fries

Wednesday, August 12 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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Upcoming Mission Trips:

An opportunity to witness firsthand what God is doing in areas

where Madison Park Church is invested with her finances and her friends on the field.

• Honduras: October 10-17 led by John Collier

• Haiti: October 24 thru 31 led by John Walters. Trip cost is $600 plus airfare. Limited to 15

persons. • Travel with CBH: Journey to the Holy Land

- Israel and Jordan. January 4-16, 2016. Sign up at cbhviewpoint.org.

Contact: Jennifer Eviston, Administrative Assistant to Interim Senior & Senior

Associate Pastors and Missions.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Branson Motor Coach Trip: October 22-25. Join with other friends from the South Meridian Church of God on a fall trip to Branson. Includes a deluxe motor coach, 3 nights lodging at the Ozark Regal Hotel, dinner at Lamberts, 5 shows, shopping and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Cost: $540 per person (double occupancy). A deposit of $200 is due by August 19. Final payment due September 20. No refunds after September 20. Contact: Sondra Green at (765) 642-5023 or (765) 378-7896.

from God and not from us.”Treasure in jars of clay… Doesn’t it amaze you that God chooses to transport His treasure of salvation to the world through us? It is an extraordinary thing to be used by God! I am astounded to think that God would intentionally choose to use us as delivery vehicles for His Good News. We seem so weak, so fragile – like pottery which must be carefully handled to keep it from falling to the floor and shattering.Perhaps, as I shared with you last weekend, our fragility is the very reason God uses us as His carriers. If we were truly self-sufficient, as we so often desire to be, we wouldn’t need Him. If we were strong enough to handle everything on our own, we might never cry out for help from our merciful God. Our weakness becomes the catalyst for His strength precisely because it forces us to recognize our need for Him.But I believe there is another reason God

has selected our imperfect pottery to house His hope for humanity. The vessels must be broken to release the power within. God’s desire is not to simply fill us with Himself for our own sake, but to pour Himself out through us. We must be broken so that the love of Christ may be spilled into the world.As we prepare for our future together, let’s enter into a season of prayer and preparation. I think a good focus of our contemplation might be; “Where is the brokenness? Where is my heart fractured enough to let the love of God pour out of me and into the world?” Let’s take time over the next few weeks to reflect on the tender spots in our spirits. Are you touched deeply within when you see a hungry or hurting child, a hopeless father, a bitter teen, a homeless family? Does the plight of someone caught in the destructive cycle of addiction bring you to your knees or does the arrogant posturing of an agnostic prompt pain rather than rebuttal? Do you grieve for the girl caught in sexual slavery or the foster child with no home of their own? Are you so

desperately anxious for people to know the saving love of Jesus that it causes you to weep for them?May God break our hearts for the people who break His. May we be filled with the love and compassion of the one of whom scripture promised, “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.” (Is. 42:3) May we be broken so God may be poured out.Please know that Mariann and I are praying for you and that we feel your prayers for us. You have moved us deeply and we know that God is up to something special. Thank you for the privilege of sharing your journey. You are already in our hearts and we will soon be together in His service.And always remember…You are loved!

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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Hello, Family! Continued from page 1

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

MPC Pavers and Cookbooks Continued from page 1Another popular event Marti spearheaded was Taste of Madison Park. Marti exclaims, “We all know the best cooks are at Madison Park and we have a cookbook with 842 recipes that have been shared by those good cooks!” Compiled by the MPC Volunteer Team, the cookbooks have been a very popular gift for wedding showers, Christmas, Thinking of You and birthdays. Of 2,700 books that were printed, only 100 are left. The cookbooks are $10 each.Commemorative Walkway Paver information and the MPC Cookbook are available at Grand Central in The Commons. For more information, contact Marti Euneman, Events

Madison Park Church will join in the Sesquicentennial Celebration for the City of Anderson on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 at Jackson Park. It will be an evening of picnic and praise, presented by various churches and organizations from the city, including MPC.

It has been 150 years since Anderson became a city and prior to that many settlements had been on the site, beginning about 1798 when Chief Anderson settled on the banks of the White River. Anderson has evolved from a Native American village becoming a center for commerce with the auto industry and now stands on the brink of rebirth toward the future.

The Sesquicentennial Committee extents this invitation, “For generations, Anderson has been called home. As we approach the 150th anniversary of our city’s founding, we are proud to be recognized for the resilience and growth we have accomplished as a community. There is an amazing spirit that abounds in Anderson. That spirit took root in 1865 and grows stronger each year. We hope that you will become a part of Anderson’s history and join us in celebrating 150 years of success, resilience, culture and history.Much has transpired in the 150 years since Anderson became a city. And now it’s time to look back on local history - and celebrate!”

For more information and week-long celebration schedule go to facebook.com/anderson150.