With all of this talk in The Present Future series about the demise of traditional church culture in the world around us,

the emphasis on missional church life (as contrasted with attractional church life), and refocusing ministry focus on the “out there,“ not the “in here,” some good questions have been flying around The Commons after weekend worship: Like, what about Madison Park’s new building then?After all, have we wed ourselves to this gargantuan new church building that flies in the face of the new day? What were we thinking?Here’s what we were thinking, as we planned for the new facilities at Madison Park, several

years before Reggie McNeal wrote The Present Future and the phrase missional church became the buzz. Listen to what Reggie himself wrote approvingly in his book: “Build for the community. Some churches do not build buildings for themselves. They build buildings for community needs, open them to the community, and use them for church functions.”From its beginning, Madison Park has been conceived as an instrument in God’s hand meeting community needs. The design imperatives now brought to life throughout the building were not conventionally imagined. Our building is a conference and community center which can also house church meetings. It is not an ecclesiastical structure that is limited to church use or

might be incidentally adapted to

“Honestly, it was hard being there—in the clinic and orphanage. I felt like I was in a world of no hope and no opportunity.” MPC-goer, Allison Suer (pictured at rght) was on her first trip to Haiti with MPC-goers Dr. Mark Fulton of the Mission Haiti Medical team and John Walters of Christians Broadcasting Hope. They were there for a double purpose with a single focus, to bring a message of hope to the people of Haiti.“I sat in the Mission Haiti Medical outpatient clinic in Saintard, Haiti, and watched and listened to the cries of children and fathers, mothers and newborn babies, in and out of surgery coming to the clinic in helplessness, seeking hope and healing,” continues Allison. The clinic houses a medical clinic, dentistry clinic, eye clinic, two operating rooms, pharmacy, lab and prosthetics unit.The CBH team was there to offer another means of bringing hope to the people of Haiti. Teaming up with the

local pastors and Mission Haiti Medical, CBH is building a recording studio in one of the rooms at the clinic, to empower the pastors in their ministry to reach more people with the most cost-effective, widely available medium of radio. CBH will train the local pastors to write, edit and produce their own program in Creole, designed for Haitians, by Haitians. As patients come to the clinic the pastors will use the room to pray, counsel and minister to the patients with a holistic healthcare approach— physically and spiritually.In a country where people live in hopelessness, the Haitian pastors and Church of God Missionary Phyllis Newby and are striving to help the people see a hope of a better future. The hope for opportunities to meet ambitions and desires. Hope for a life free from poverty and hardships. The hope given at the clinic and heard through the radio outreach of CBH. Real, living, eternal hope and life through Jesus.Allison concludes, “We sat in a Haitian church service, the pastor

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biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—January 30, 2013

Pastor’s Column: Building for The Futureby 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 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 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.

Bringing Healing and Hope to Haiti

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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:February 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

Download sermon notes from January 19-20 at MadisonParkChurch.org, News and Events page.

Alanna Story EP Release and ConcertSaturday, February 2 at 7:30pm in The Commons

Enjoy live music from Alanna Story’s newly released EP entitled, Just Offshore. Alanna Story—frequent guest worship leaders at MPC—bring a unique sound and lyrical command of music ranging from orchestrated power-ballads to upbeat anthems.

MPC Annual Business MeetingSunday, February 10 at 6:00pm in the 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. Nominations for the two open seats on MPC’s 12-member Board of Elders may be submitted through Sunday, February 3. More information and nominating forms are available at the Information Center.

Leadership TrackBegins Wednesday, February 27 from 6:30-8:00pm in Room 182The Leadership Track is offered for the development of spiritually-grounded and effective leaders–lay and professional–for the ministry at Madison Park Church and the world it influences. The one-year, start-to-finish Track includes a 12-week class followed by a 12-week practicum. Acceptance into the track requires a written application and personal interview. Space is limited. Applications received through February 10. Download the application or pick one up at the Information Center.

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.Books Available: The Information Center in The Commons offers a variety of books for purchase. There are books of inspiration, encouragement and learning. Selections include:• The Present Future by Reggie McNeal. This

book is the basis for Pastor Lyon’s sermon series.

• Not a Fan by Kyle IdlemanPrepare-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. All Seniors are invited. Bring a dish of food to share and enjoy the fellowship. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

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. 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

Feb 27: Italian Spaghetti Kids’ Option: Pasta and Marinara

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

Concert at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium; doors open at 6:00pm. Ticket information is available at MadisonParkChurch.org.

July 20 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Concert at 6:00pm in the Main Auditorium. Ticket information is available at MadisonParkChurch.org.

November 9 Tim Hawkins Comedy Program at 7:30pm in the Main Auditorium; doors open at 7:00pm. Ticket information is available at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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.

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’s Ministries: Classes are designed to meet the interests and needs of men.• Wednesday at 6:30pm in Room 180.

Facilitated by Mickey Foley and Courtney Dock.

• Friday at 6:30am in Room 180. Facilitated by Clark Simpson and Doug Seelbach.

Contact: Mickey Foley at (765) 643-3291.MPJ1:27 (Madison Park James 1:27): Second Saturday of every month from 7:00-8:00am in Rooms 175/177. MPJ1:27 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. 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; Tuesday from 7:00-8:30pm at the Williamson’s (875 Westgate in Anderson)

• 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.Parents Night Out: Friday, March 1 from 6:00-9:00pm in the Children’s Wing. For children ages 3 through grade 5. Kids, come enjoy a western hoedown. Dress up in your western best and enjoy the party of the wild, wild west. High-energy. Line dancing and interactive games, crafts, lassoing, super food and devotions. Cost: $5 at the door. Round-up your friends and bring

them along! Contact: Amber Rodecap, Elementary Coordinator.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.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

Donate to the Annual Bazaar/Auction/Rummage: Donations can be dropped off Saturdays in April from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Scatterfield site. All donations (except adult clothing) are greatly appreciated. Appropriate tax forms available for tax deductible donations. Proceeds will benefit the MPC building program. The event will be held Saturday, May 11 from 7:00am-1:00pm at Madison Park Church. The annual sale features a great selection of perennial plants, books, collectibles, children’s clothing, homemade baked goods, household items, tools, sports equipment, and much more. A live auction of furniture and other donated

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Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference

Saturday, February 9 from 9:30am-2:30pm at The Church at

the Crossing, 9111 Haverstick Road in Indianapolis. Men age 13 and older will be inspired and equipped to be God’s man in today’s world by the seminars

and keynote speaker, Dan Webster. Registration is $15 before February 1 or $20 at the door (includes lunch). Register at indianaministries.org,

events page. Contact: Indiana Ministries at (317) 773-6477.

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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.

valuables will also be held. Contact: Marti Freeman-Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator.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.

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:Justin and Lori Coffman who welcomed Avin Justin on January 14. He joins big sister, Isabelle.

In sympathy with:Maureen and Jim Lyon and family on the loss of her brother, Dennis O’Connor on January 8 in San Diego, California.

Mike and Jan Schwartz and family on the loss of his aunt, Louis Draper on January 8 in Pekin, Illinois.Bob Reddin on the loss of his wife, Jeannette on January 12.

Employment Opportunities 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 may be submitted through February 25. Send resume to: Jennifer Eviston, Office Manager.Warner Press: Experienced trade sales consultant. Maintain and develop accounts. Proven sales hunter, strong presentation abilities, excellent verbal and writing skills. Send resume to WPorders@warnerpress.org.

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.Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Annual Banquet and Auction: Saturday, February 9 from 4:30-7:00pm in The Commons. The 14th annual fundraising event features a buffet meal, live and silent auctions, raffles, games

and more. Contact: Rich Creason at (765) 649-8482 or (765) 215-3478.

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

talked about when we get to heaven, there will be no more crying, no more pain, no more hardship. That takes on a whole new meaning in a place like Haiti. Yet, hope lives. I can’t wait to go back!”Through missionary support for Mission Haiti Medical and CBH, an international radio ministry, which broadcasts the voice of senior pastor Jim Lyon around the world, Madison Park Church reaches beyond its borders to advance the Kingdom of Christ.

Bringing Healing and Hope to HaitiContinued from page 1

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community use. From the kitchen to The Commons to Crossroads Auditorium to Main Street classrooms to the Main Auditorium to the access points and expansive parking to the restrooms to everything else you can imagine, Madison Park was tuned to meet needs not otherwise met in Madison County.Our performance and staging platform in the Main Auditorium is the largest and most accessible in the county. How does that meet a need? It allows all kinds of programming (from A Taste of Home to Mark Lowry to the C.H.I.P.S. nutritional health convention) to land in Anderson (instead of passing us by). Everyone in the county can access things now formerly limited to Indianapolis or Ft. Wayne.The Commons (and adjacent kitchen) has the largest capacity for sit-down dining in Madison County. So what? Now events like the annual Cotillion-Beautillion (celebrating the brightest and best in the African-American community) and the Sheriff’s Chaplaincy Banquet (one of the largest dinners in town each year) can grow and remain in Anderson, instead of relocating out of town or turning away participants.Both hospitals have extensively used our facilities for training programs and for fun events with which to honor their staff and staff families. For example, St. Vincent’s Anderson brought 2,000 of its employees

and their families together at Madison Park, for example, to celebrate their sacrifices for quality health care in our area. An annual statewide choral and music competition drawing over a thousand middle and high school students from public schools all over Indiana will once again fill the Main Auditorium and The Commons in just a few days. These kinds of events can now take place in Anderson, drawing people to our town, instead of sitting elsewhere, drawing people away from Anderson.Madison Park wasn’t just designed for the big stuff, though. All through the year, groups large and small fill in the smaller venues in our building. Real estate licensing and continuing education classes. Quilting competitions. Trade shows for outdoorsmen and women. Smaller concerts and training programs on the Crossroads stage. Health care. Recovery groups. Economic development meetings (Exit 226 businesses will meet at Madison Park this week). The list goes on and on.This glimpse of the Madison Park Church “community center” does not even include all of the stuff the church itself fields in the building for the community; this is just the tip of the iceberg describing how we provide space for others in our community.Yes, most groups help us cover the cost of opening the doors for events like these. But, most importantly, every group understands that this church is about making a difference for the good—that this tribe of

Jesus followers is not preoccupied with itself, but with others. The Christian witness and legitimate service Madison Park provides every week of the year in this way is astonishing.Thanks to our Events Coordinator, Kelli Bays for so superbly networking so much of what you’ve just read. Thanks to our Building and Facilities Manager, Alvin Renschler for working tirelessly with his team to keep the place up and running (and I mean running).Is Madison Park’s building a part of The Present Future? You betcha. It’s a forward thinking, prophetically developed, Christ-honoring, community-needs-meeting, wonder. Really. The sacrifice, the cost, and the investment made to build it and operate it have, do, and will continue to translate into transformational impacts in Madison County. For Heaven’s sake. For the kingdom’s sake. For the good.Thanks to all who have helped underwrite the whole—and still do. We have, in a relatively short time, become an indispensable part of our community’s infrastructure. And, we’re just talking about Madison Park off Columbus Avenue here. More could be said about our other ministry sites as well. But for now, just know: Madison Park is the future, present today.

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

a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Building for The Future Continued from page 1

Opportunities to Serve Continued from page 1