At Christmas, I purchased a Surface (Microsoft’s new tablet with optional keyboard, loaded with Windows 8).

I bought one as part of my family’s resettlement into our new home, after losing our last home in a fire a year ago; our insurance settlement allows us to replace our old computers.I bought a Surface after reviewing the different options. Should we buy into a more conventional Windows 7 set-up (laptops,

desktops, and so on), should we move out of the Microsoft universe

and buy into the Mac and Apple world (very cool stuff, no doubt about it), or should we take a chance with the new Windows 8 platform (investing in products designed for a whole new operating system)?Windows 8 is Microsoft’s bid to succeed in the new world order. Bill Gates’ original genius was to imagine a world in which everybody had a computer at home (a preposterous concept widely panned even in the early 1990s). With that in mind, he and his team invented Windows, an operating system that made computing accessible to everyone. The launch of Windows 95 was a marketing phenomenon and, as much as any commercial event of our lifetime, a

Grief is a life-changing experience. As Christians, we celebrate and give thanks for the promise of eternal

life but grief is sometimes overwhelming. MPC provides a variety of ministries of support, prayer, resources and encouragement to

families at the time of loss and sadness and also seek to journey alongside the family in

the weeks and months to follow.Nancy Bradford, who has been attending MPC for over thirteen years, has served on the MPC Bereavement Ministry Team for over six years and finds an open door to minister to people in

their time of need. “It is such a blessing to be able to reach out to families and individuals who need tender love, care

and prayers while there are grieving their loss. The dinners we serve offers a relaxed place for them to gather, eat and share

following the funeral. Families are very appreciative.”

Offering Hospitality and CaringThe Team serves in a variety of ways: hosts

dinners at the church following a funeral, meets at the church office the first Monday of each month to

pray for the families and send out cards and bereavement packets. Many responsibilities can

be done from home: call people for food donations, cook side dishes and bring to the church (meat and vegetables are

provided by the church), assemble packets or make telephone calls in the weeks following a loss. “We are like a small group, with the ministry of helping families

know they are loved. For many family members it is the first time they

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—January 16, 2013

Pastor’s Column: Beyond the Surfaceby Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

January-March Beneficiary: HaitiMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MPC’s ongoing ministry in Haiti.Come early or linger after the worship service to enjoy conversation and refreshments. Visit MadisonParkChurch.org to view the full menu.

Sundays, 8:30am-11:30amMasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted.

Worship ServicesSUNDAYSAll Sunday Worship Services will be held in the Main Auditorium.9:00am - 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. Visit the Information Center for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.

SATURDAYS6:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium A casual, contemporary service with teaching from God’s Word and an opportunity to connect with friends. Children’s programs and Nursery services are provided.

Bereavement team brings great comfort

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Bereavement team... Continued from page 1

The Present FutureWeekend Sermon SeriesDrawn from Reggie McNeal’s book by the same name, The Present Future identifies six important realities that the church must address in moving forward with new eyes, new purpose, and new ideas:January 19/20: A New Reformation: Releasing God’s People Sermon Text: Luke 10:1-3, 5, 16, 17-20January 26/27: A Return to Spiritual Formation Sermon Text: Matthew 4:18-22February 2/3: A Shift from Planning to Preparation Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-16February 9/10: The Rise of Apostolic Leadership Sermon Text: Matthew 24:1-2, 31-40

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration EventsJoin neighbors, friends, and community leaders at two distinct events, commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Both events are free. Everyone is welcome!• AREA CHURCHES EVENT

Sunday, January 20 at 4:00pm (note revised service time) Sherman Street Church of God 1925 Sherman Street in Anderson Featuring a citywide MLK Celebration Choir Sponsored by the Concerned Pastors Association

• CITYWIDE EVENT Monday, January 21 at Noon Paramount Theater 1124 Meridian Street in Anderson Featuring the Youth and Children’s MLK Choir Sponsored by the City of Anderson

The MLK Celebration Choir will rehearse on Saturday, January 19 at 3:00pm at Church Upon the Rock, 303 E. 29th Street (note revised location). Contact: Kevin Majeski at kevin@gochoir.org.

MPC Annual Business MeetingSunday, February 10 at 6:00pm in the Main AuditoriumEveryone is welcome; all those who have declared that they are believers and that Madison Park Church is their church home may vote.

News You Can Use2013 Giving Envelopes: New giving envelopes are available in The Commons for pick-up throughout the month of January. Contact: Calvin Pleninger at the Church Office. To request giving envelopes, contact Calvin Pleninger at the Church Office.Prepare-Enrich Premarital Counseling Class: Saturday, February 9 and 23 from 1:00-4:30pm at Linville Services at Broadway Ministry Center, 1400 Broadway in Anderson. The class will help engaged and newly married couples prepare a firm foundation for marriage. Contact: April Linville at (765) 642-1853.

Outdoor and AthleticsHoly Yoga: Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30pm in Rooms 175/177. A Christ-centered yoga experience that teaches us to take time to love, nurture, accept, heal and grow in His Word and in His Spirit. All levels from beginners to advanced yoga practitioners are welcome. Cost $7, free childcare. Contact: Jamie Wilkerson at jamiew@holyyoga.net.

Young Adults/College and Career MinistriesCollege and Career Small Group: Second and fourth Sunday of every month from 2:00-4:00pm at 875 Westgate in Anderson. Based on Acts 2:42. Enjoy teaching, fellowship and prayer. Facilitator: Moose Sprunger. Contact: Eric Reeder, Senior High Pastor.

Senior Adults MinistriesJ.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): The J.O.Y. group is not meeting in January and February. The next meeting is Thursday, March 21 with special guests, the South Meridian Quartet. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

Singles MinistriesSALT Small Group: Sunday from 6:00-7:30pm in Room 175/177. All singles are invited to participate in the study, fellowship and social activities throughout the year. Leader and facilitator, Don Wilson. Contact: Wanda Anderson at (765) 650-4607.

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. Jan. 16: Chicken and Noodles

Kids’ Option: Chicken and NoodlesJan. 23: Northern Italian Spaghetti

Kids’ Option: Pasta and MarinaraJan. 30: Parmesan Crusted Chicken/Kids’

Option: Chicken Fingers and FriesFeb 6: Hot Italian Roast Beef Sandwich

Kids’ Option: Pizza & ChipsFeb 13: Valentines Celebration:

Roast Pork and Chocolate Fountain Kids’ Option: Hot Dog

Feb 20: Beef and Noodles Kids’ Option: Beef and Noodles

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A Look Ahead:March 15 One Voice Tour featuring 4Him and Avalon

Concert at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium; doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets available at christianartistsgroup.com/with-one-voice-tour.

July 20 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Concert at 6:00pm in the Main Auditorium. Tickets available at erniehaase.com/tourdates.

November 9 Tim Hawkins Comedy Program at 7:30pm in the Main Auditorium; doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets available at timhawkins.net/home.

Women’s MinistriesW.O.W. (Women of the Word): Wednesdays at 6:30pm, Rooms 175/177. Let God’s word transform you as you join with women to study the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. A relaxed, interactive time for women of all ages. Instructors: Jennifer Wilson and Barb Collier.RefresHer: Tuesdays from 9:00-11:30am in Crossroads Auditorium beginning February 5. Sundays from 9:00-10:45am in Room 175 beginning February 10. Childcare available. Find RefresHer on Facebook. Contact: Lisa Bitar at lisabitar@hotmail.com.Women’s Book Club: 6:30-7:45pm on the Second Wednesday of the month in The Commons and the Fourth Wednesday in the Hospitality Room. The current reading/discussion book is Unveiled. All women are welcome. Contact: Kimberly Majeski or Cyndee Bentley at cbentley@madisonparkchurch.org.Text Updates for Women’s Ministries: To receive text updates of key announcements for Women’s Ministries, text mpcWomen to 313131. Contact the Church Office.

Men’s MinistriesMen of Madison Park: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 180. Small group Bible study for men of all ages. Facilitators: Mickey Foley and Courtney Dock. MPJ1:27: Second Saturday of every month from 7:00-8:00am in Rooms 175/177. 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 community. Application is required. Contact: Clark Simpson at (317) 402-2753 or clarksimpson@gmail.com.

Student MinistriesFor more information, contact JJ Perry, Junior High Ministries Pastor or Eric Reeder, Senior High Ministries Pastor.IMPACT—Junior High Students• Jr. High Gathering: Sundays from 9:00-

10:15am in Crossroads Auditorium. January Series: Following; February Series: Missions

• Small Groups: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176

• Save The Dates! Believe Conference: April 12-13, 2013 Summer Missions Trip: June 17-21, 2013

IGNITE—Senior High Students• Wednesday Night IGNITE: Wednesdays

from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Fun, worship and friendship. January/February: live like that - Acts 2:42-47 and Matthew 28:18-20; March: 360 Revolution

• Go Deeper Bible Study: Sunday at 9:00am in Room 180.

• Girl Talk and Man Meeting: Sunday, January 20 from 7:00-9:00pm.

• Movie Night: Saturday, January 26 from 8:00-10:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Free Movie—To Save A Life.

• Snow Tubing Trip: Saturday, February 16, Sponsored by Girl Talk and Man Meeting. Cost: $45.

Children’s MinistriesFor more information, contact Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Mythbusters: Elementary Age Teaching Series, Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. Myth: any invented story, idea, or concept. The sad thing is, when enough people believe that a myth is true, then others begin to take it for a fact. A lot of myths float around about God. Too many people believe them and miss out on what God has for them. We will take some widely believed myths and BUST ‘EM! Contact: Amber Rodecap, Elementary Coordinator.Divorce Care for Kids: A 13-week class at 10:45am in Room 180 (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. The program includes a separate adult Divorce Care at 9:00am in Room 176. Register in The Commons or online. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765) 278-5029.Super Start Preteen Event: February 1-2 at

Reardon Auditorium in Anderson. All preteens grades 4 and 5 are invited to

this high energy weekend event in which preteens can learn and grow

in their relationships with friends, leaders and God. Cost: $55 with a $40 non-refundable deposit due by January 15. Contact: Amber Rodecap, Elementary Children’s Coordinator.Text Updates for TRAKs: To receive text updates for

Children’s Ministries, text mpcTRAKs to 313131 Watch for

ministry updates and details for a fabulous prize give-a-way for all who

sign up. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Opportunities to Serve

Stephen Ministry Training: If you are drawn to help people in their time of need, please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. The next 50-hour training sessions will begin in January. Applications are now being accepted. If you need a Stephen Minister or information about training, contact Cherie Ritz at (765) 778-7513 or Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.Prepare Communion: Volunteers are needed to prepare communion cups and bread for weekend worship services once a month. Responsibilities include cutting up two loaves of bread on Friday or Saturday and washing the communion plates and cups following second service on Sunday. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator.Bereavement Committee: Volunteers meet the first Monday of each month to address cards for individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Volunteers may also choose to provide food and/or serve a meal to the bereaved family following the funeral service. Contact: Shari Lawyer, Administrative Assistant, Pastoral Care.

Toles Flowers Cards Benefit Dove

HarborToles Flowers is selling “Floral Cards” to benefit Dove Harbor.

The card, costing $35, provides free small floral arrangement each month for one year - a great gift idea! Dove Harbor receives $20 from each card sold. Cards are available through

January at the Information Center, Dove Harbor and Toles Flowers in

Anderson.

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Reach Out Madison Park Church isn’t content with being

“just us.” We continually strive to reach out to our community—and around the world—serving our fellow neighbors.

Welcome In Sure, we’re a big church, but there’s plenty of

room for more! We’re committed to welcoming new folks each week and to helping everyone feel right at home.

Go Deep We love hanging out with the Madison Park

family, but we’re not just about socializing. We encourage everyone to get involved in a small group discussion or a Bible study class to help them grow in their faith.

Look Up We believe God is living, active and working for

our good. So as we pray, we watch expectantly for His intervention in ways that far exceed anything we could imagine.

A church-wide focus, there’s more challenges everyone to live out four practices:

Wednesday, February 20 at 6:00pm in the Hospitality RoomExplore 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 Front Door Ministries.

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

Congratulations to:Rousseau and Zaya Luzincourt on the birth of their daughter, Zanya on January 2. She joins big brother Roussee, age 2 at home.

In sympathy with:The family of Susan Kidd who passed away on December 21.Earl and Teresa Heath on the loss of his mother, Betty Heath on December 22.Michael and Lynn Murray on the loss of his father, Leslie Murray on December 23.Molly Judd on the loss of her father, Phillip Murray on December 26.The family of Mark Hope who passed away on December 21.Sherry Justice on the loss of her husband, Danny on December 29Charles and Linda Barnes on the loss of his Brother, Bill Barnes on December 31.

Employment Opportunities Employment Opportunity at NorthKids and Madison Park Learning Station: Madison Park Church child care ministry has full-time and part-time positions open at both NorthKids and Madison Park Learning Station. Contact: Melanie Denniston, Director, North Kids Child Care and School Age Care at (765) 622-6379.Receptionist/Administrative Assistant at Church Office: 32-hours per week position is open in the offices of Madison Park Church. Experience required in multi-line phone system, multi-task and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Applications will be received through February 25. Send resume to: Jennifer Eviston, Office Manager.

Ministry Partner News“Forgiven and Set Free” Bible Study: A confidential 12-week Bible study is being formed to help those wounded by the pain of abortion. The study provides a biblically grounded path to hope, grace, and lasting healing. Contact: new-journey-ministries@hotmail.com for more information. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

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transformational one. Subsequently, my children cannot remember a world without internet access, Word files, and computer games (“where in the world is Carmen San Diego, anyway?”). Even today, almost two decades later, 90% of the world’s personal and business computing is powered by Microsoft. Microsoft product names like Windows, PowerPoint, Office, and Excel have become part of not just the English language, but every other primary language spoken in the world around us.But, a few years ago, the world changed again. Steve Jobs’ genius was imagining a world of smartphones, in which internet access, personal computing, entertainment, and more would be held in our palm. Already a player with his Apple laptops (“the Mac” was favored by graphic design artists and the creative types), he struck gold with the release of the iPod—and most importantly, the iPhone. Sure, there were Blackberries, too, but the iPhone revolutionized not just the industry, but also the way ordinary people lived. Desktops and laptops began a long, slow, fade. The iPad introduced the computer tablet not long thereafter: a hybrid somewhere between a laptop and smartphone.Google appeared, seizing the internet. To “google something” has become as ubiquitous as the word “kleenex” (another product name which moved into popular vernacular so powerfully that it is used to refer to any tissue we reach for when we have a cold). Google also jumped into the smartphone milieu, grabbing marketshare from Apple with its Android platform. Blackberry has quickly been pushed to the edges, its brand

overshadowed by the iPhone and Droid juggernauts.Which brings me back to my Surface tablet. The Microsofties saw the handwriting on the wall (or, perhaps better said, on their iPhones and iPads), realizing (albeit slowly) that they could not rely on the world defined by Windows 95, even though it still had some traction. If they did not adapt to the new wave, they would, ultimately become the Singer sewing machine of a new generation. (If you don’t understand the Singer brand’s cache in American history, the point is made; if you do remember Singer’s brand, then my point is also made.)Last October, Microsoft rolled out Windows 8. In so doing, it also introduced the Surface, a Windows phone, and more. What Windows 8 brings to the table for the first time is a universal software platform that seamlessly integrates all of your personal computing devices, including your laptop, desktop, tablet, and smartphone. With Windows 8, you can type on a keyboard or move on a touch screen. You can pull up a Word file on your smartphone that you saved on your laptop. You can access every file, every app, everything, from every device you own. So far, Windows 8 is the only game of its kind in town (and, oh yeah, speaking of games, Windows 8 allows you to easily integrate the wildly popular Microsoft X-box world with your other gizmos, too). It does it all.Microsoft has taken a huge risk with Windows 8. So have I. I decided to organize my new computers, phones, and personal technologies around the Windows 8 idea. Will Windows 8 take hold? Will Apple have to meet the challenge and develop a competing software scheme? How will consumers in this country and abroad respond? Time will tell.

But, what is clear is that Microsoft could not prevail in the long-haul without dramatically changing the way it approached the world. It is committed to not going the way of Singer. Or Gestetner. Or Pullman. Or any other brand that once reigned supreme. Ford is not still in business because it is turning out Model-T’s.And so it is with us. The future is already here. The future is present. The Present Future is our teaching series at Madison Park as a new year dawns. A North American culture once dominated by values imbued by an institutional church is gone. People still thirst for spiritual wholeness and understanding; they still wrestle with guilt, shame, and despair. But, the church-inspired culture as we have known it has all but passed away. If we do not take a chance, rediscover our original reason for being, and refocus the way we engage the world, we, too, will be left by the curb, as folks pursue other avenues and the Lord finds other people to deliver the Gospel. Luke 4:16-21 is at the core.It’s an exciting time, really. I am not afraid of the future, but eager to embrace it. There’s so much good to be done, so much life to live, so much adventure to own. Don’t miss this weekend’s installment of The Present Future at Madison Park.And my Surface? Well I’m writing, sending, and saving this column on my Surface at 32,000 feet, on a Delta flight en route from Indianapolis to San Diego, to officiate at my brother-in-law’s funeral. What a world. Be encouraged, Madison Park. The future is bright. Jesus never changes. He is the future.Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog

and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Beyond the Surface Continued from page 1

come into our church and it is a good welcome and time to introduce them to a caring community.” Nancy continues, “We always need new Team members. Once, we served four funeral dinners on the same day to about 325 people.” What could have been an impossible undertaking, turned out to be an amazing “God at work” moment for the Team members.Mike Schwartz, Pastoral Care Pastor, expresses his deep appreciation for the Team, “It is my great privilege to serve with these wonderful people. Whether providing a delicious food, serving a meal and cleaning up after the funeral, to sending encouraging cards and lifting prayers for the family for the year following a loss, they are offering a cup of water in Jesus’ name and being a conduit of God’s love and comfort.”If you would like to be a part this vital ministry, contact: Shari Lawyer, Administrative Assistant, Pastoral Care.

Bereavement team... Continued from page 1