A highlight of MPC’s Holiday Season featured a variety of reason to give opportunities for the many ministries that serve our community. MPC-goers brought items that were given to the following ministries:Angel Tree: 26 children enjoyed a Christmas gift, purchased by a loving stranger. The child received the gift as if it were from their incarcerated parents along with a personal note.Operation Love: over 175 cans of corn, 140 boxes of stuffing, 170 packages of gravy, 170 packages of mashed potatoes and a HUGE box of socks!The Christian Center: 137 boxes of assorted cereal, 94 jars of peanut butter, 131 canned

food items, 30 pounds of coffee plus a variety of dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, granola bars, instant oats, instant potatoes and dryer sheets.Secret Families of Madison County: Received $5,158 in donations from MPC-goers during the Reason to Give campaign.Park Place Community Center: 1,263 food items were collected so that many needy community families will benefit in the months ahead.Dove Harbor: two full grocery bags of food.Madison Park Troops Support Team: Received monetary and personal items that brought the ministry back to life and gained some new people with a desire to serve in this ministry.

Thank You for Your Generosity!

There is something really invigorating about the start of a new year! This is the time we look back and evaluate our lives

and time spent as the old year closes and anticipate new opportunities that may be ahead. It feels like a new slate. No matter what happened this past year, this next one is going to be better. But, will it? Can it?The Apostle Paul writes, Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk – not as unwise people but as wise –making the most of the time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:15-16, CSB). His words capture our attention as if he is talking straight to us for we are living in uncertain times, evil times, persecuted times. A dark cynicism has fallen over our country because of economic hardships, corruption in power, disregard for moral integrity and honesty, and a societal view that there are no moral absolutes. Truth is whatever one wants it to be according to whoever has the greatest influence or loudest voice. Life is as Paul wrote to the Romans, They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator (1:25). Whether or not the times of the Apostle were worse than ours may be debated, but Paul’s challenge to the church then is spot-on for us

now.Make the most of the time, he says. Time here does not mean chronological time; months, days, hours, or minutes although in other Biblical passages linear time is valued and we are encouraged to use it wisely. What Paul is saying in this passage to the church is, “in these days or during this period in which we live.” He is addressing reality as we should and challenging the church to be different in a culture of decay. Don’t be like the rest of the world, but live a higher standard by which society will measure itself in the future.Let’s go a bit deeper on these two verses in Ephesians. Some translations use the term, redeeming the time, while a very literal translation could read, buying back the time. What is Paul really urging us to do?When I was a boy growing up in a city of more than a quarter million people, soda pop was sold in glass bottles. (Yes, I know, I’m ancient. I grew up in the Lawrence Welk, Mickey Mouse Club, original Superman, and Andy Griffith era!) Sodas were sold in three different sizes of bottles. They littered our neighborhood from those who would consume the soft drink and carelessly throw

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—December 31, 2014

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.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. For details, check out the Ministries Guide at MadisonParkChurch.org/ministries or pick up a copy at Grand Central.

Buy Back Your Timeby Don Smith, Interim Senior Associate Pastor

SUNDAY AT 9:00AMFresh Start — Room 176 New to Madison Park or just starting on your faith journey? Be sure to include this 10-week class in your church experience. Fresh Start is a “back to the basics” class dealing with the foundational beliefs of our faith. If you’re new to faith, have questions, or just need a Spiritual “tune up” this class is for you. Instructors: Cal Bloom and George Nalywaiko.

SUNDAY AT 10:45AMChristian Growth Bible Study—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. Instructors: Jerry Sipe, (765) 623-7072.

Divorce Care —Room 181 Class begins January 19 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. Instructors: Emily Kovacik. Contact: Emily. Kovacik, Emily.Kovacik@stvincent.org.

Divorce Care For Kids (DC4K)—Room 180 A 13-week class for children ages 5-12 of 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. Register online at DivorceCare.org or sign up in The Commons. Instructors: Diann Seelback, (765) 278-5029.

HopeKeepers—Hospitality Room First Sunday of each month For individuals coping with chronic illness and pain. Does your condition keep you from enjoying life? Then this time together may be just for you. Family members are also encouraged to attend. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from Holy Grounds and join this journey of Hope. Instructor: Linda Teeple, (765) 378-7838.

Law and Order on Purpose—Green Room II Everyone is welcome to join this wonderfully unique class and discuss new subjects each week. Instructor: Sam Hanna. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

Real Life—Rooms 176-178 Up-beat and informal, this class takes an honest look at every day issues through the fiber of scripture. Open to all ages. Instructor: Jim Fox, jmfx@juno.com.

Worship Arts Class—Room 167/Crossroads A life-enriching Bible study open to all ages. Instructor: Don Vosburg, don@vosburgs.org.

WEDNESDAY AT 6:30PMBible Time—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—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. Instructor: Ellen Daniels. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

Learning to Pray Like Jesus—Room 179 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: Shelly Short, mjshort1127@gmail.com.

Men of Madison Park—Room 180 Bible study for men of all ages. Instructor: Chris Brooks, Neal Kirby, John Wendt.Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

Shape Small Group —Room 177 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) Rooms 175 Join us we study God’s Word! Instructors: Laura Collier, Nelda Ely, April Linville, and Barb Collier, Contact: Barb Collier, CollierB32@aol.com.

MID-WEEK GROUPSFinancial Peace University (FPU)—Room 181 Nine-week Class: January 8–March 5, 2015, Thursdays, 6:30pm–8:00pm 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. Instructors: Neal Kirby and Sam Hanna. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Crossroads Auditorium March - November Third Thursday Monthly at Noon Senior adults enjoy a pitch-in-lunch, fellowship and special speakers. Leaders: Lloyd and Vonda Bowen. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

MPJ1:27 — Rooms 175/177 Second Saturday of every month, 7-8am MPJ1:27 (Madison Park James 1:27) is an outreach ministry for men with a simple model of ministry to widows, widowers, single mothers and others in distress in our church and our communit y. Application is required. Contact: Clark Simpson, clark.simpson@gmail.com, (765) 402-2753.

RefresHer—Crossroads Auditorium Tuesdays beginning February 3, 9-11:30am Feel like you’re too busy to have the relationship with God you want? We are exploring how to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life. Join us for a great time of friendship and faith building as we study the Bible together. Childcare available at 9:00am. Contact: Lisa Bitar,lisabitar@hotmail.com.

SALT (Single Adults Living Truth) Rooms 175/177 Sundays beginning January 18, 6pm All singles are invited to attend! Study book: “Why I Believe” by Chip Ingram. Enjoy Bible study, fellowship and social activities throughout the year. Contact: Wanda Anderson, (765) 620-4607, anderson.wanda@yahoo.com.

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

Wednesday classes begin January 7 and Sunday classes begin January 11, unless otherwise noted. Questions? Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

News You Can UseSunday Service Time Change: Beginning Sunday, January 4, the second worship service will begin at 11:00am. The second hour of worship features a praise band with distinctively modern edge and teaching from God’s edge. Classes and groups meeting at 10:45am will continue to meet at 10:45am.Prepare-Enrich Premarital Counseling Class: Friday, February 6 from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, February 7 from 9:00am-12:30pm at Broadway Ministry Center, 1400 Broadway in Anderson. Give your marriage a strong start. Led by by Linville Counseling Services, the two day class includes computerized assessment of your relationship, class materials and a light snack. Cost $147. To enroll call Robin at (765) 1853.Service of Remembrance: Sunday, January 25 at 3:00pm in The Commons Celebrate the life of loved ones and friends who died during 2014. Please submit a photo of your loved one for the video portion of the service. Contact: David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor.Women’s Volleyball: Thursdays from 7:00pm-9:00pm in Cross Street Gym All women, age 14 and up, are invited to enjoy physical exercise and fellowship on the volleyball court. Contact: Melanie Denniston at mdenniston@madisonparkchurch.org. Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, January 7 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 or Lynn Simpson.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): The J.O.Y group will not meet in January and February. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 19 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

Children’s MinistriesDivorce Care for Kids Open House: Sunday, January 4 from 10:30-11:30 in Room 180. Come discover the opportunities that DC4K offers for children of parents who are separated or divorced. Leaders will share information about curriculum, environment and answer questions about the class. Contact: Diann Seelbach at (765) 278-5029

Divorce Care for Kids: Sundays, beginning January 11 at 10:30am in Room 180. A 13-week class for kids ages 5-12 of divorced parents. See details at left.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS:•AreaWideYouthMinistryWorship:

Wednesday, January 7 from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • 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.• Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads

Auditorium. • Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45pm in

Room 176-178. IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • 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

• Bible Studies:• Sundays at 9:00am in room 180• Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at

Williamson’s Home

Opportunities to ServePark 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 gives food items to those who might otherwise have little to eat. It 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.Stephen Ministry Training: 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. If you are drawn to help people in their time of need, please consider attending the Training Sessions to begin in January. Contact: Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.

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

In Sympathy With:David and Beth French, on the loss of his father, Charles French on December 5.

Dave King, on the loss of his wife, Carolyn King, on December 6.

Dave and Kay DeLong, on the loss of his nephew, Richard VanCleave, on December 7.

The family of Ollie Watkins, who passed away on December 10 .

Ronald and Rhonda Cantrell, on the loss of his father, Noah Clinton Cantrell, on December 12.

Larry and Joyce Balser, Ronnie and Sylvia Reed, and Morris and Connie Reed, on the loss of their mother, Vera Mae Reed, on December 12.

Donna Banta, Nancy and Mickey Mallernee, and Charity Banta, on the loss of their husband and father, Dennis Banta, on December 17.

Charlotte Hight on the loss of her husband, Billy Hight, on December 18.

Community and Ministry Partner News

The Christian Center has an immediate opening for a Men’s Program Director. This is a full-time position and is an essential part of the ministry. Submit an electronic copy of resume along with a cover letter to info@thechristiancenter.org by December 31.

Employment Opportunities

Dove Harbor Resource Development Director: Direct fund development and public relations activities to meet the financial, volunteer and material donation needs of Dove Harbor. A 32-hour per week position. Dove Harbor is a Christian transitional shelter for women and women with children. Prior fundraising and management experience preferred. Submit resume to: Doug Linville, 1400 Broadway Street, Anderson, IN 46012-2535 or email to dlinville@broadwayministrycenter.org.

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. December 31: Christmas Break

No Activities at ChurchJanuary 7: Ham & Bean Soup, cornbread &

slaw / Kids’ Option: Mini Corn dogs with mac & cheese

January 14: Chicken & Noodles / Kids’ Option: Chicken & Noodles

January 21: Italian Roast Beef Sandwich Kids’ Option: Pizza & Chips

January 28: Baked Potato Soup Kids’ Option: Grilled Cheese

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 Connection Ministries.

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New Year’s Day Holiday Schedule Changes: All Wednesday activities are suspended on December 31. The Church Office and Worship Site will close at 2:00pm and remain closed on January 1. If you have an emergency during these times, please call (765) 642-2000 and a pastor will respond.

A Look Back

TRAKS—Children’s Ministry Volunteer Picnic

Clockwise from top left: Baptism in the lake, Children sharing in Sunday Worship, Student Ministries worship team, A Christmas Carol with Annie as Second Spirit, DO Something 2014, Dove Harbor / Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser.

Children sharing in Sunday Worship

DO Something! Anderson

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away the bottle. However, those bottles had value. You could redeem them; 6-oz for 1 penny, 10-oz for two pennies, and 12-oz for 3 pennies. That would probably translate into 50-75-100 cents in today’s buying power. My brother and I discovered that we could turn those bottles into the local grocer because they were “redeemable” and even said so on the bottle. So we would ride our bicycles all around the neighborhood for a mile or two radius and collect all the cast-aways. We would turn them into the grocer who would “buy back” that which others had thrown away. We did not become millionaires, but it did give us spending money for something of value we had in mind. When our friends caught on to this

enterprising venture, we had the cleanest neighborhood in town!Do you see the picture here in Ephesians? Paul is challenging the church of his time to live by different standards. These higher standards were based on eternal absolute truths stamped with His image upon our hearts, defined for us by the Law of Moses, fulfilled and demonstrated through the life of Christ. It is a life which Jesus likened as leaven to bread. It permeates (spreads) throughout its environment. Like salt is in preservation and seasoning, Jesus tells us that we are to be the salt of the earth. Paul’s words are demanding the same of us. Make a difference in the time of cynicism and evil. Be the positive voice and standard of decency in today’s world. There is value in the people and events around us. Christ came to redeem us. He bought us back through His death and

resurrection. As His followers when things look their bleakest, God’s word challenges us to be at our best. He empowers us by His Spirit to be the community of the redeemed in the world He loves. We buy back that which has been thrown away.Madison Park people, will you make that your primary resolution for 2015? Let’s not settle for mediocrity but make the most of these times! Is there a community in Indiana in any greater need than ours to be redeemed? Is there not a need for us to seek that which has been cast away and help redeem it for the full value God has placed upon it? Let’s be a people that is committed, even excited, about the opportunities all around us to redeem people and situations for the glory of God. Let’s buy back our future!Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Buy Back Your Time Continued from page 1