A new year dawns. A new day breaks. Pages wait upon which no one has written. The world lays ahead of us, like a

field of freshly fallen snow, across which no living thing has walked—a pure, undisturbed white carpet, dazzling in the winter sunshine underneath a soft blue sky.These are poetic images that give us hope. And, of course, they ring true. Wherever we have been in the last year, the new year can be blessed. Whatever errors we may have made in days gone by, we can reach for better in 2013. We still live in a land of amazing opportunity, the economic

doldrums notwithstanding. We still live in a nation of hope and potential. We have been raised in a culture of believing in the new day. Always. Never surrender this birthright of promise.But, in some parts of the world, where Christian civilization has not historically grounded the culture, where the name of Jesus has not been too often heard, looking forward to a new year isn’t much different than looking backward at the last. In a world defined by impersonal gods, or worse, angry gods, or even worse, no god at all, every day can be faced with dread. Without a loving God by your side, it can be a scary and hopeless world, indeed.

Whether you are new to the faith or have been a Christ follower for years, going deeper through a small group Bible study and discussion groups helps apply Christlike character to daily living and real-life circumstances.Small groups are designed to take you deeper in faith development and move you forward on your spiritual journey. Many outreach ministries are a result of a small group’s going deeper and seeking ways to minister to others. “We enjoyed fellowship so much in our small group we decided we wanted to offer an opportunity for the whole church to participate,” shares Margo Royer. “Our small group decided to provide a dinner once a month and invite the whole church to eat and fellowship. Nell Campbell and I gathered some of our recipes and multiplied the ingredients to feed a crowd. Some of the small group members served the food, some cleaned-up and others washed dishes. We enjoyed doing it together!”

Margo and her husband Joe began attending MPC (North Anderson) around 1971 – before they were married. Nell and Gene Campbell moved from Mississippi in 1980 and through their neighbor, Nelda Ely, began attending North Anderson at Highland High School and joined the Royer Small Group. Margo and Nell and other members of their original 1997 small group including Keith and Mary Trent are still cooking and serving today, fifteen years later. Along with a team of volunteers, they now prepare, serve and clean-up weekly at a fellowship dinner for the whole church every Wednesday night. Better known as Lighthouse Café, this ministry is a direct outgrowth of small group involvement. They all concur, “We love what we do!”MPC provides an assortment of classes and small groups that meet at various times throughout the week. They can be life changing! For a complete listing of classes and small group opportunities, see page 2 or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—January 2, 2013

Pastor’s Column: A World of Promiseby 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.

Small Group Serves Large Crowds

SUNDAY AT 9:00AMDiscipleship Essentials —Room 178 Discipleship within a relational framework. Follow Jesus’ pattern of disciple-making. Deepen your faith and knowledge of essential biblical teaching. Leaders: Pastor Rolland and Ellen Daniels.Divorce Care—Room 176 A 13-Week class, DivorceCare is a seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. A place to be around people who understand what you are feeling and hear valuable information about ways to heal from the hurt of divorce.Co-Facilitators: Emily Kovacik and Don Wilson. Register in The Commons or online. Contact: Emily Kovacik.Single Parenting Class—Room 177 Support and insights on being a single parent. Co-Leaders: Kelli McCord. and Kimberly Ritchhart.RefresHer—Room 175 beginning February 10. For all women: Explore ways to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life. RefresHer is also offered on Tuesdays at 9:00am in Room 176 beginning February 5. Leader: Lisa Bitar. IMPACT—Junior High Students Gathering: —Crossroads AuditoriumIGNITE—Senior High Students Class: 9:00am in Room 180.

SUNDAY AT 10:45AMChristian Growth Bible Study—Room 175-177 In-depth Bible study with practical applications for life. Leaders: Darrel Sandall and Jerry Sipe.Discipleship Essentials—Rehearsal Room Discipleship within a relational framework. Follow Jesus’ pattern of disciple-making. Deepen your faith and knowledge of essential biblical teaching. Leader: Don Vosburg.Divorce Care For Kids—Room 180 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. The program includes a separate Divorce Care at 9:00am in Room 176. Register in The Commons or online. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765) 278-5029.

HopeKeepers—Hospitality Room HopeKeepers, a support group for individuals dealing with chronic illness and pain. Meets for encouragement, support, study and prayer on the first Sunday of each month the Hospitality Room. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join the journey of Hope. Contact: Linda Teeple at (765) 378-7838.Law and Order on Purpose—Room 179 Exciting new study. Leader: Sam Hanna.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. Leader: Jim Fox.

WEDNESDAY AT 6:30PMTransformed by Grace—Main Auditorium A spiritual growth Bible study focusing on the completeness of Grace to call, save, heal and transform human nature into obedience. Strong, practical application of scripture. Leader: Dr. Benton Ruth.Discipleship Essentials—Room 182 Study Jesus’ own pattern of disciple-making through personal day-to-day involvement with people. Deepen knowledge of essential Christian teaching and faith strengthening. Leader: Marty Samples.Financial Peace University—Room 179 Powerful. Enlightening. Fun. Gain a biblical pattern for personal finances through a nine-week session of video lessons featuring Dave Ramsey and group discussion. Register online. Leader: Neal Kirby.Fresh Start—Room 181 A ten-step New Believer’s Discipleship journey that introduces the basis tenets of the faith in an interactive way. Instructors: Cal Bloom and George Nalywaiko.IMPACT—Junior High Students Small Groups—Room 176 IGNITE—Senior High Students Gathering Crossroads Auditorium Start Time: 6:00pm A time for fun, worship and friendship. Children’s TRAKs Discipleship: For all kids K—Grade 5. MythbustersElementary Age Teaching Series, Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm beginning January 9

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! (see page 3 - Children’s ministry) Leadership for this program is needed. Contact: Amber Rodecap, Elementary Coordinator or Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

WOMEN’S GROUPSW.O.W. (Women of the Word) Wednesdays at 6:30pm, Rooms 175/177 Many women have a spiritual goal to study God’s Word regularly so come join us at the W.o.W. table! And, share our notes with friends and invite them to participate. Look for us on Facebook. Instructors: Jennifer Wilson and Barb Collier. RefresHer Starts Tuesday, February 5, 9:15am -11:30am, Crossroads Auditorium Come enjoy a great time of friendship and faith building. Childcare available at 9:00am. Look for us on Facebook! Contact: Lisa Bitar.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.

MEN’S GROUPSMen of Madison Park Wednesday, 6:30pm, Room 180 Small group Bible study for men of all ages. Facilitators: Mickey Foley and Courtney Dock. MPJ1:27 Second Saturday of every month 7:00am—8:00am, 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.

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 9 and Sunday classes begin January 13, unless otherwise noted.

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News You Can UseGiving 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.

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 child care. 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 will not meet during the winter months of January and February. The next meeting will be Thursday, March 21. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

Singles MinistriesSALT Small Group: Sunday from 6:00-7:30pm in Room 175/177, beginning January 16. 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.

Women’s MinistriesText Updates for Women’s Ministries: To receive text updates of key announcements for Women’s Ministries, text mpcWomen to 313131. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Pastor of Front Door Ministries.

Student MinistriesFor more information, contact JJ Perry, Junior High Ministries Pastor or Eric Reeder, Senior High Ministries Pastor.All-Youth Events:• City Wide Dodgeball Party: Sunday,

January 2 from 6:00-8:00pm at Bethany Christian Church on Cross Street - across

from Highland Junior High School in Anderson

IMPACT—Junior High Students• 5th Annual New Year’s PJ Party: Sunday,

January 6 at 9:00am in Crossroads Auditorium

• 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, 2012

IGNITE—Senior High Students• Wednesday Night IGNITE:

Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Fun, worship and friendship. A time for 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 beginning January 9. 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.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 week end 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.

Outreach and MissionsLocal Mission Liaison: The Missions Team is seeking a person to serve as liaison to the United Faith Housing ministry in Anderson. Meetings are held monthly. Contact: Sam Johnson, Chair, Missions Team at (765) 425-1976.Dove Harbor Volunteers: Looking for a place to connect, to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of the women and children who call Dove Harbor home? The Harbor is seeking a donation processor volunteer as well as weekly volunteers.Contact: Jenn Barker, Resource Manager at (765) 642-1853.

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. 2: All Activities Cancelled.Jan. 9: Chili and Baked Potato Bar

Kids’ Option: NachosJan. 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 & Chips

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Annual Business Meeting

Sunday, February 10 at 6:00pm in the Main

Auditorium.Everyone is welcome; all those who

have declared that they are believers and that Madison

Park Church is their church home may

vote.

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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.

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A few weeks ago, as you know, I was in India. It’s a complex and fascinating weave, the subcontinent. Indian civilization is ancient, rich, and wonderful, on so many levels. The country, of course, also faces towering challenges. Poverty in India makes even the most destitute in the United States seem wealthy. Diseases long-ago forgotten here are endemic there. And, over one third of the world’s unreached people groups (languages and cultures that remain untouched by the Gospel, unaware of even the name Jesus) call India home.Believers in India understand that the new year can be filled with wonder, too. But, many live in areas where the neighbors don’t get it. More worrisome: many live in areas where their neighbors are hostile to even the mention of Jesus’ name. Here are three stories, fresh from the field of the India Gospel League (with whom we partner):Pastor V. in one of the northern states was recently kidnapped and murdered by Maoist rebels. The rebels demanded that his family pay a ransom; they didn’t have the money; the pastor was killed, brutally. Pray for Pastor V.’s family, as they struggle to face the new year. Their faith is deep and strong; the cost of their faith is high. Their hope is certain, but their hearts ache. Pastoring in

the United States has its challenges; kidnapping and murder are not among them.These are the words of a new village Christian named Pat K.: “I had been sick for many years when a pastor came to pray over me and my sickness. While the pastor was sharing the Gospel with me, God had mercy on my life and healed me. After this miracle, I asked the pastor to pray with me so that I could accept Jesus into my heart as my Savior. When the people of my village heard this they were outraged and would not allow my family to take water from the well. They continued to harass us daily as we continued to grow in our faith. We began to pray for the village, asking God to remove the rage from their hearts. God has heard our cries and the people have stopped harassing us, but there is still bitterness in their hearts. Please pray for our village that God will save them the same way that He has saved us through His great love.” Never take your freedom to follow Jesus for granted; never take access to fresh drinking water for granted.Pastor J.C. in northeast India writes: “Christ found me in my teenage years when I really felt His love and power working in my life. I accepted Him into my life as Savior. Later, my wife and I were called to reach the lost in northeast India. We began our ministry in tribal homes. Sometime after we began our work, a group of militant

Hindus kidnapped me and beat me until I was unconscious and threw me into the river. Two days later, I was brought home by God’s angels and rescued from the violence of the group. After this, we moved to another area where I was able to train hundreds of pastors to go out and spread the Gospel, among the people.” Pastor J.C. is one of the India Gospel League’s finest: brave, unwavering, loving deeply. He’s looking forward to the new year, even though the last was a rough one, because He knows Jesus is two steps ahead.Whatever the new year brings, be encouraged. Whatever challenges are thrown before us, look up and know God is watching and working. Everyone of the testimonies above is from someone who has seen Hell at work—but who also knows Heaven’s power is greater still. All will be well. Walk with Him. Trust Him. Change the world for Him. You can do it with us, at Madison Park, at home and abroad. Happy New Year, friends. And thank God you live in a world of promise.

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

A World of Promise Continued from page 1

Global X Adventures: Global X Adventures provide an opportunity to witness firsthand what God is doing across the globe. These trips primarily focus on areas where Madison Park Church is invested with her finances and her friends on the field. Trips are designed for those 18 years of age and older (except for family-friendly trips).• Cote d’lvoire - with Christians

Broadcasting Hope, Spring 2013Contact: Jennifer Eviston, (765) 642-2000.

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

In sympathy with:Linda McFarland on the loss of her sister, Sande Johnson on December 1.Clint and Shelly Short on the loss of her mother, Betty Schepper on December 17.The family of Georgia Green who passed away on December 18.

Community & Ministry Partner News

Martin Luther King Celebration Choir: All singers are welcome to participate in the annual MLK Celebration Choir. Rehearsals are: • Saturday, January 12 at 3:00pm

Church Upon the Rock Baptist Church 303 East 29th Street in Anderson

• Saturday, January 19 at 3:00pm Sherman Street Church of God 1925 Sherman Street in Anderson

The choir will share at two MLK events:• Area Churches Event

Sunday, January 20 at 6:00pm Sherman Street Church of God 1925 Sherman Street in Anderson

• City-Wide Event Monday, January 21 at Noon Paramount Theater 1124 Meridian Street in Anderson

Contact Kevin Majeski at kevin@gochoir.org or Cissy King at carol.c.king.54@facebook.com.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.Employment Opportunity at Anderson University Office of Publications: Office Manager. Full-time (100%FTE) hourly

position with full University benefits. Contact: Kathy Young at (765) 641-4134.Concerts in 2013: Mark your calendar for these and more upcoming events:• One Voice Tour featuring 4Him and

Avalon: Friday, March 15 at 7:00pm at Madison Park Church, Main Auditorium.Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets available at christianartistsgroup.com/with-one-voice-tour

• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Saturday, July 20 at 6:00pm at Madison Park Church, Main Auditorium. Tickets on sale at eniehaase.com/tourdates.

• Tim Hawkins Comedy: Saturday, November 9 at 7:30pm in the Madison Park Church, Main Auditorium. Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets available at timhawkins.net/home.

Contact UsMAILING ADDRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018MADISON PARK WORSHIP SITE 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013CHURCH 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

Opportunities to ServeContinued from page 3