Now that we are almost a month into 2015, I think it is totally fair to consider 2014 as so last

year! Every December, we watch news outlets, read articles, and celebrate the year past as we are still in the doorway of the current year but ready for the new one to come.It feels like it’s not until January that we can truly reflect upon the last year. And so, I enjoy January and the different ways in which we take an account for what happened during the last calendar year. Some of us enjoy conversations about the current political state, others talk about the latest celebrity news, and most us take a lot of time to reflect upon what the last year was like for our closest friends and family!A New WorldNo matter what

your interests lead you to talk about and read about, there is a little thing that has become apart of most of our social engagements, the Internet!As created by God to be social beings, we have as a society welcomed the age of the

internet and social media with open arms. Never has it been so easy to

connect to our loved ones, learn about breaking news, and basically know about any current happening with the speed of one click.

But as I followed my annual tradition

of reflecting upon 2014, a friend of mine told me

about an article he had read

with the basic message that 2014 was the year

to complain on the internet. The

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Netiquette: Internet CoolJJ Perry, Junior High Youth Pastor

February at Madison Park Church may just change your life for good! It will not be an ordinary month. It will lead us to the very heart of God, enabling us to see the world He loves. He will call us to action! We will learn how to respond to opportunities to invest our lives in something bigger than ourselves. Don’t miss a Sunday as we discover together how to change lives for good.One of the ways we can all help change lives is through our annual Faith Promise emphasis. This year’s focus will be given each Sunday during this extraordinary month under the theme, Investing in the Church, Community, and World.MPC has committed to investing in twenty-three mission projects for 2015, thirteen of

which depend on Faith Promise giving over and above the regular tithes and offerings. These ministries can be found as close as our home town and as far away as India or Chelyabinsk, Russia. These ministries are reaching the homeless in our community and the sick in Haiti, Honduras, and India. They are planting churches in Indiana and training church planters and leaders in Europe. Through these ministries, MPC is Investing in the Church, Community, and World.Because more than half of our mission investments depend on Faith Promise giving, the Missions Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended a new Faith Promise budget of $62,500 this year. To raise

Investing in something big

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—January 28, 2015

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 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.

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MPC Survey: Let your voice be heard! Deadline: February 1Madison Park Church has begun a new chapter in our pastoral search process that invites the input of the entire church body. Let your voice be heard! An online survey, designed to guide next steps in the pastoral search, will be available until February 1. Everyone who considers Madison Park their church home and is age 16 or older is encouraged to participate. All input is strictly confidential. Don’t Use Email? You’ll have an opportunity to complete a paper version of the survey in The Commons.Thank you in advance for letting your voice be heard.

Faith Promise Missions MonthInvesting in The Church, The Community, The WorldFebruary Sermon Series February 1: Guest Speaker: Randy Bargerstock Randy is president of Heart to Honduras, an outreach designed to connect and empower Honduran pastors and create a sustainable model for community development in the name of Jesus.February 8: Passion—Ephesians 4:7-13 The critical issue for every believer is finding the intersection of their passion and their spiritual gifts. When a person does, great things lie in store for the Kingdom. If not, a person may go through the motions, but they will not be moved beyond the common.February 15: Power—Ephesians 4:1-6 Unity is that which bonds and clasps the body of Christ together. However, unity does not stand alone; coming together in unity is a result of other things coming together first.February 22: Purpose—Ephesians 4:14-16 Our purpose is to transition from spiritual immaturity and move toward maturity in Christ. We are not called to fall prey to arrested development, but to a life long journey of seeking, following and growing in Jesus. We are called to shape and influence our world for Jesus, our Lord. Talk about purpose!Mission Displays in The Commons: During February various missions and organizations that MPC supports through Faith Promise will have displays in The Commons. Be sure to stop by the displays, meet representatives and learn the exciting ministries you help support at home and around the world.

Prepare-Enrich Premarital ClassFriday and Saturday, February 6-7 at Broadway Ministry CenterFriday, 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) 642-1853.

Heartland Big Band ConcertScott Lutterman and the Heartland Big Band—“Jukebox Saturday Night”Saturday, February 14 at 7:00pm in The CommonsThe Heartland Big Band will perform the Pop Hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s highlighting many of your favorite songs from the Rock’n’Roll era, Motown, R&B and the pop hits that defined a generation. Using the swinging 17-piece big band sound as a backdrop, listen to special guests perform such pop hits as Little Brown Eyed Girl, My Girl, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and many more. Tickets available at the church offices, between services at Madison Park, or online at HeartlandBigBand.org.

Annual Business MeetingSunday, February 15 at 6:00pm, Main AuditoriumEveryone is welcome. All those who declare to be followers of Jesus Christ, who are age 16 and older and who call Madison Park Church their church home may vote.

News You Can UseCelebrate Recovery: Fridays from 7:00-9:30pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Eight principles based on the teaching of Jesus help bring real life changes and provide healing from hurts accumulated over a lifetime and freedom from destructive behaviors. Join Celebrate Recovery to recover the real life Jesus promises. Child care available. Contact: Randy Pierce at (765) 639-1656 or Durinda Abbott at (765) 617-0744.Learning to Pray Like Jesus: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 179, beginning February 18. 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.Householder Small Group Invitation: Second and fourth Monday of each month from 10:00am-Noon in the Hospitality Room. A special invitation to people of all ages is extended by the Householder Small Group to grow through study, sharing and fellowship. Contact: Liz Macklin at (765) 649-9894.Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, February 4 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@community.com.W.o.W.—Women of the Word: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm through March 25 in Room 175. The spring semester will focus on the book of Ephesians. Full of wisdom for living it has been called the Proverbs of the New Testament. All ladies are invited to the rich experience of sharing with other women, learning to apply God’s Word to daily living. Bring your Bible, other class materials are provided. Instructors: Barb Collier, Nelda Ely, Laura Collier and April Linville.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): The J.O.Y group will not meet during the months of December, January and February. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 19 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.Summer Camps: Indiana State Church of God Camps host hundreds of children and teens from grades 3-12 each summer.Camp Challenge Early Bird Registration:January 1 through March 31, $199; Regular Registration: April 1 until two weeks from camp start date, $225; Late Registration: within two weeks of camp start date, $265.Camp Dates:• June 11-13 Young Explorers

(discounted cost: $99; $110; $150)

• June 14-19 Senior High• June 21-26 Junior High• June 28-July 3 3rd - 4th Grade• July 5-10 4th, 5th - 6th Grade• July 12-17 5th - 6th Grade• July 19-23 Adventure Camp

(special cost: $299; $325; $365)

Children’s MinistriesSUPER START - Preteen Event!: Friday and Saturday, March 6-7 at Trader’s Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. Preteens grades 4 and 5 will experience the nation’s biggest Christian Preteen Event! Registration is $80 with a $50 non-refundable deposit due by Sunday, February 15. The price includes all programming and materials, lodging, Friday night pizza, breakfast and lunch plus Sky Zone. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Children’s Baptism Class: Begins Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30pm in room 186 of the children’s Center. “What’s a Bath Tub Doing in My Church - Helping Kids Prepare for Baptism.” Children in grades 3-5 who have made a personal decision to follow Christ are invited to participate in this 4-week class. All parents are asked to join the final session on Wednesday, February 25. Sign-up is required. Class size is limited to ten. Leaders: Kevin and Paula Spear. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Passport To Adventure: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in the Children’s Center for elementary age children. An exciting travel adventure through many places that Jesus visited while He was on earth. Learn the stories of the many people He helped. Get ready and earn stamps on your passports.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS• Game Night at the AU Wellness Center:

Wednesday, March 18• Easter Egg Fundraiser: Take orders

February 22-March 22. Make eggs March 26-28. Earn money for trips and events.

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—Obsessing:

Relationships: Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads Auditorium; Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176-178.

• Parent Sunday: Sunday, February 1 from 10:30-11:00am. Hear about upcoming Spring and Summer Events.

• Invite Night: Weekend of February 20• Senior Adult Donuts and Coffee: Sunday

March 8 after first service. Join us for this time with MPC’s Senior Adults!

• BELIEVE: Youth Conference: April 10-12. Cost $60.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—THRIVE (Ephesians

3:14-21). Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

• STW Offering for video projectors/Church of God India project, each week at Ignite!

• Bible Studies: Sunday at 9:00am in room 180; Tuesday from 6:00-7:30pm at Williamson’s Home

• Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors Game: February 22

• MACU Night at Ignite: Wednesday, March 11

• Spring Retreat at Camp Challenge: April 18-19.

Opportunities to ServeChildren’s Ministry Volunteer Opportunity: Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. Volunteers are needed for the infant, preschool and elementary classes. No preparation is required, simply come and assist the children and demonstrate Christ’s love. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.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 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.

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

Congratulations to:Catherine and Seth Daniels, on the birth of their daughter, Raelyn Mae Daniels, born on January 9, Proud grandparents are Lynn and Chuck Staley and Ellen and Rolland Daniels.

In sympathy with:Paul and Mary Jo Neese on the loss of his brother, Philip Neese on January 1.The family of Ed Ferree who passed away on January 2.Jay Scharnowske on the loss of his sister, Cheryl Wilson on January 3.Rich and Cindy Netherton and Josh Netherton on the loss of their father and grandfather, Charlie Glenn Netherton on January 7.

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. January 28: Ham & Bean Soup with

Cornbread & Slaw / Kids’ Option: Mini Corn Dogs with Mac & Cheese

February 4: Parmesan Chicken / Kids’ Option: Chicken Fingers & Fries

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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those funds, we are offering “shares of investments” in missions.500 Shares at $125/EachWe need 500 people who will trust God to provide one share for mission’s investment this year. However, a Faith Promise is actually seeking God to speak to you and lay upon your heart the amount of money you can trust Him to provide through you. You will learn in February how that works! From experience, we know that God will lay upon one or several people to invest in missions by giving ten shares. Others may feel led to give eight, or six, or four, or less. Who could not give at least one-half share? Yet, in God’s economy He can take that and multiply the investment as He did the five loaves and two fish in order to feed 5,000 plus.Be praying for God to lead you in your investment in people’s lives through Faith Promise. Expect your life to be changed for good!

Investing in something big Continued from page 1

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message of the article did not surprise me but as I reflected upon my internet usage, it seemed that arguments, conflicts, and incendiary conversations were always just a click away. Even though my Facebook feed, Twitter universe, and Google journeys were mostly filled with good people; even safe to say reasonable and intelligent people, I could still relate and agree to 2014’s year to complain thesis.Now, obviously the internet and social media are no longer in the “it maybe just a fad” category. Even so, we have only begun to establish norms and rules to our connected lives. I mean literally, there are new laws and even a new language that are being created every year to help regulate and describe our new cyber world.Like any great advancement, the internet has both a shadow side to all the great things it brings to the table as well as a bright side that demonstrates our need to catch up to the ways in which it changes our world.NetiquetteFor these reasons, as one of your pastors I wanted to start our 2015 with a friendly reminder/guide to Netiquette. Remember just two paragraphs ago I mentioned a new language; Netiquette is a colloquial way to describe “internet etiquette.” This

new year I challenge all of us to remember that our online presence and manners are just as important as our physical presence, to our faith and example of Christ in our lives.Here is a quick list to being a positive internet user this 20151. Be nice• If you wouldn’t say it to a person face-

to-face don’t say it on the internet.• Don’t join the problem of thinking that

unaccountable and hurtful words are okay on the internet.

• Be accountable to yourself and your words.

2. Be careful of sarcasm• Jokes and sarcasm are okay if you are

sure that people will understand your humor.

• Make it obvious because body language, facial expression, and tone do not translate to internet posts.

3. Don’t use all caps to yell at people• If you need to yell, doing it vocally is

best anyway.4. Remember there is a difference between facts and opinions• Stay humble about your own thoughts.• Let this help you digest others thoughts

you disagree with.5. Stray from humble-bragging and exalting your family

• Humble-bragging is sharing how awesome you or your life is while putting a self-effacing gloss over it.

• Example of humble-brag post: “I am exhausted from my two week vacation to Hawaii. I need a vacation.”

• It’s okay to post about your kids and grandchildren (it really is!) but remember to temper their greatness. Everybody has the most beautiful, genius, world-changing family members.

6. Remember the internet is a very open place• Things you say can be often times seen

by many.• Things you say can last a long time.• Think before you post/click.

7. Be careful with mass emailing, inviting, and messaging• Just a friendly reminder that people do

block spam-like or non-personal mass mailings and people.

• Also don’t forget that the messages being conveyed in your mass mailing reflect back upon you and how people might think you think.

Good luck this year on the internet! Represent yourself well and respect others with the love of Christ.

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Netiquette: Internet Cool Continued from page 1

Mark and Kasey Gary, on the loss of his father, Thomas Edward Gary, on January 9.Art and Christa Sterkin Jr., Brenna and Kiera Sterken, on the loss of their father and grandfather, Art Sterken Sr., on January 9.Diann and Doug Seelbach, on the loss of her step-mother, Martha Benson, on January 11.Julie Ward, Danielle and Carissa Ward, on the loss of their father and grandfather, Marvin E. Smith, on January 12.Rob and Marta Johnson, on the loss of his mother, Peggy A. Johnson, on January 16.

Community and Ministry Partner News

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 .

• Miriam Project - Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator: This position exists to increase public awareness of the Miriam Project through the coordination of our marketing and public relations events, materials and social media presence. A twelve hour per week position. Miriam Project is a private, Christian Adoption Service. Prior marketing and public relations experience preferred. Submit resume via email to Doug Linville, 1400 Broadway Street, Anderson, IN 46012-2535

• Anderson University Help Desk Analyst: Information Technology Services. Provide help desk support for faculty, staff and students. Full-time position with university benefits. Network Administrator: Information Technology Services. Provide high level technical skills and expertise in network administration. Full-time position with university benefits.

Submit an application to the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Decker Hall Room 10, Anderson University, 1100 East 5th Street, Anderson, IN 46012, kayoung@anderson.edu. Persons with an application on file may call (765) 641-4132 to express an interest in this position.

Family News Continued from page 3