Do you know that this month is National Hot Dog Month? Did you know that Americans eat more than 25 billion hot dogs each year? We eat

more than 175 million hot dogs during the 4th of July weekend! So…how many did you eat? Be careful, for it is said, “You become what you eat!”I wish I could adequately express what a privilege it is for Greta and me to be with you at this great church. I am so humbled to serve together with such a great staff. And you are wonderful people. And I really do believe that while this church has a great heritage, the best days of this church are just ahead!You know, the church of Jesus Christ will never, ever be destroyed? The church is the most important, most influential, most powerful “institution” on the face of this planet. Educational institutions are important – but they cannot do what God does through His church. Medicine is important, business is important – but nothing else can do what God does through His church. The church is the body of Christ. And God resides among

His people. So I ask the question, “What difference would our worship be if we truly believed Jesus were here?” What difference would it make in our attitudes? In our relationships with others? With our husbands or wives? With our children? Someone once said, “The way we treat others is exactly the same way we treat God.” You mean to say the way I treat my wife, my kids, the person at the check-out counter…is the same way I treat God? Yes, yes, and yes.Today God comes to you and me and says, “Will you trust Me? Will you place your hand in Mine?” And to Madison Park Church, He lovingly embraces us and says, “It’s okay. I am still here. I know your needs. Will you give me all the agenda’s of the church? I have a plan and a future for this congregation – one you will not believe if I told you!” God is so good. Friends, we can trust Him!Allow me to make a couple comments about the church:1. God is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). In the truest sense, the pastor is not the head of the church. Nor is the Elder Board, or any other committee. God is head of the

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MPC — a Great Place!by David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—July 15, 2015

July—September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MPC’s ongoing ministry in Russia.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.

Check out what’s happening in ministries around the world in the past few months, where Madison Park Church reaches beyond its borders to advance the Kingdom of Christ.Russian Church of God FlourishingWith tensions rising in the general area, the report comes that the Russian Church of God is doing very well. Their new church building in Chelyabinsk is now being fully utilized.Currently, the ministry center is home to one of the three Chelyabinsk Church of God congregations. There is also a school renting part of the large facilities, a social-service program called “Scarlet Sales,” and a cafe that is being used by students. The ministry continues to grow.

The Chelyabinsk church is connecting and giving to the ministries of the region on a larger scale. Plans are being made to send a team to the Bulgaria Church of God Youth Camp, and invited the Bulgarians to the summer youth camp in Russia. Chelyabinsk is a healthy church and is becoming a guiding light for the other churches of the Europe and Middle East region.India - As Persecution Rises, the Church GrowsIn the early church when persecution arose, the church flourished and spread. A pattern has arisen from church history - it is not uncommon to see churches grow under persecution. This same pattern is repeating itself in India today. With persecution of the church in India on the rise, so too, is the

Reaching the World

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Living ProofSermon Series — Through August 9July 12: Loved by God—Colossians 3

Have you ever noticed that something always distinguishes one person from another? Believers are like that. We are different for a very specific and important reason. Because God loved us so much, He chose us. That’s right! Our relationship to God’s Son was not initiated by us but by God Himself. We are living proof that God desires to relate intimately to His creation and it all began out of Love.

Summer Wednesdays5:30-6:30pm - Lighthouse Café 6:00-8pm - Inter-generational Church Family ExperiencesJuly 15: Night at the Edge - 7pm-9pm Enjoy a night at The Edge, 519 Golf Club Road in Anderson. Free swimming, games on the covered patio. Join a 4-person Golf Scramble—put together a team or join a team that night! A $15 fee covers the cart and nine holes of golf, payable at the Edge. Shot gun start is at 7pm. Enjoy the game and win some prizes! Bring your lawn chairs and table games. Lighthouse Café will not serve dinner at church. Sign up for golf at Grand Central or contact Jackie Corn (jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org), Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.

Secret Keeper Girl— The Crazy Hair Tour Returns!Saturday, July 18 at 5:30pm in the Main AuditoriumThis event for tween girls and the mother-figure in their lives is an energetic explosion of light, music and fun featuring a fashion show that highlights modesty, an interactive “game show” and an engaging time of God’s word penetrating the girl’s hearts as they learn what He says true beauty and purity really are. Gold Circle Seats (front center section) $25 each / $23 each in groups of 10 or more. Premium Reserved Seats $15 each / $13 each in groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the www.SecretKeeperGirl.com or call Moody Radio Indiana at (888) 877-9467. Contact: Ali Robinson, Early Childhood Coordinator.

MPC Night at Victory FieldFriday, July 24 at 7:15pm at Victory Field in IndianapolisEnjoy a night of baseball and fireworks and see MPC in the lights on the Victory Field Scoreboard. Lawn Tickets: $7 each available at Grand Central on Sunday, July 19. Provide your own transportation. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.

Women of Faith Loved: The Farewell TourJuly 31 - August 1 at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort WayneCelebrating 20 years of laughter and life-changing messages. In 2015 the Farewell Tour brings long-time friends and exciting new additions together for an event focused on the message shared from the beginning: you are seen, you are known, you are free, you are loved. Register at womenoffaith.com or call 1-888-49.faith.

Racial Reconciliation PicnicSunday, August 16 at Noon Jackson Park in Anderson For 14 years, pastors and churches in Madison County have come together in a Reconciliation Picnic at Jackson Park. Jesus prayed that all His followers would be one, united in heart and mind. How can we be one if we don’t know each other? And how can we know each other if we never get together? Every summer a few thousand people, representing 20-30 congregations (and many from no congregation), black/white/hispanic, have done just that: get together to eat, enjoy music from our various traditions, and take another step in fulfilling Christ’s prayer. Contact: Don Smith, Interim Senior Associate Pastor.

News You Can UseDove Harbor—Great Give: Once again SisterFitness is challenging their classes to take $5 and creatively multiply it to benefit the women and children of Dove Harbor. You can participate in the Great Give as well. Donations can be made online at doveharbor.org/great-give. Check out the Dove Harbor website for updated stories, pictures, and little miracles! Every donation helps greatly. Miriam Project 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run Saturday, September 12 at 8:30am at Broadway Ministry Center (1400 Broadway). Pre-Register by September 4: FEE $25 includes Sport-Tek T-shirt; Student Fee $15 - No shirt. Race Day Registration will begin at 7:45am: FEE: $30 (Late Registration will not guarantee T-shirt) Register at MiriamProject.org. Contact: Tina DeLisle at (765) 640-1580.S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth): All singles are invited to attend the summer fellowship and social activities:• Wednesday, July 15: All-church Night at

the Edge (see page 2)• Saturday, July 18: Singles game night

from 6:00-10:00pm at Karl Graddy’s home. Cost is $5 for the meat(hamburger, brats, hot dogs). Everyone is to bring something to share. Last Names starts: (just suggestions)

-A thru F - drinks, vegetable or other trays -G thru L - chips, snacks -M thru R - salad, side dish, etc -S thru Z - Dessert

R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, July 15, so we know how much meat to buy.

• July 24: MPC Night at Victory Field (see page 2)

Contact: Wanda Anderson at anderson.wanda@yahoo.com

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Summer Picnic: Thursday, July 16 at Noon at the home of Sherry and Terry Minton (510 S 300 E in Anderson). The MPC youth will enjoy the picnic with us and share about

their summer trips. Bring side dishes and desserts only. The Mintons provide the hot dogs and drinks. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation at jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org.MPC Softball Schedule: Support MPC’s two softball teams and enjoy the great outdoors. All games are played at 38th Street Pulaski Park. • Saturday, July 18 at 7:00pm - “B Teams

Tourney Championship Game • Tuesday, July 21 at 6:45 and 8:15pm - “A

Teams” Teams Tourney • Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm - “A

Teams” Tourney Championship Game

Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, August 5 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@ecommunity.

com.

Children’s MinistriesCamp Challenge: Church of God

State camp for children and teens. Registrations:

• Registration: $265.• Special registrations: $299, $325, $365

Dates:•Adventure Camp – July 19–23

Summer Wednesdays: You and your family are invited to join family friendly-intergenerational events. Regular Wednesday night children’s ministry program will join with the Junior High and adult groups. See page 2 for details.UPCOMING SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS:• Frozen Fridays: 7pm at various locations.

Come connect and chill out with family and friends! July 31: Diggidy’s

• 5th Grade Visits to IMPACT: July 19 at 11am in Crossroads Auditorium

• Water Park Day: Monday, July 20 from 11am - 3pm at Sahm’s Water Park (off 91st Street in Indianapolis). Bring your own lunch or concessions stand available. Admission: $4 - ages 3-17, $5 -Adults, Free- 2 and under

• Indians’ Game Family Night: Friday, July 24 at Victory Field in Indianapolis

•Time Flies: 5th Grade Graduation - July 26 at 10:00am. Contact Shaiya Badgley at sbadgley@madisonparkchurch.org.

•Kindergarden Graduation Party: July 26 from 1:00-3:00pm in Crossroads

Auditorium - All kindergarten kids who will be promoting to 1st grade in the fall of 2015 are invited to an afternoon of fun! Lunch will be provided. Please dress your kids in play clothes. This party is for kindergarten graduates only, sorry! Parents and siblings are not included! R.S.V.P. to Becky Rosenberg at (765) 642-8560.

• Move-Up Sunday: August 9 Contact Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Ministries Director at cmaidlow@madisonparkchurch.org.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS• Frozen Fridays: Come connect and chill

out with family and friends! July 31: Diggidy’s

• July 15: Night at the Edge (see page 2)• Combined Jr. & Sr High Events:

Wednesdays, August 12 and 19, 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—We Believe: Held

at 11am on Sundays in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and from 6-8pm on Wednesdays in Rooms 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Teaching Focus—We Believe

Crossroads Auditorium.• Bible Studies: Sunday at 9am in

Room 180

Opportunities to ServeUpcoming Mission Trips: An opportunity to witness firsthand what God is doing in areas where Madison Park Church is invested with her finances and her friends on the field. • Honduras: October 10-17 led by

John Collier • Haiti: October 24 thru 31 led by John

Walters. Trip cost is $600 plus airfare. Limited to 15 persons.

• Travel with CBH: Journey to the Holy Land - Israel and Jordan. January 4-16, 2016. Sign up at cbhviewpoint.org.

Contact: Jennifer Eviston, Administrative Assistant to Interim Senior & Senior Associate Pastors and Missions.Grand Central Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to work one worship service per month at Grand Central, answering questions, distributing printed information and listening enhancement

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.July 15: Closed for Night at the Edge

(see page 2)July 22: Italian Spaghetti

Kids: Cheese Ravioli & MarinaraJuly 29: No Dinner

Wednesday, August 12 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. continued on page 4

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Important Board of Elders and Search Committee Report

Sunday, July 19 at 9:00 and 11:00am Worship

The Board of Elders and Pastoral Search Committee, in a unanimous decision, have selected a Candidate for Senior Pastor of

Madison Park Church. The name and personal profile of the candidate will

be presented Sunday. Be present in either the 9:00am or 11:00am

worship service to hear the special announcement and

information.

devices. Workers are needed for both the 9:00am and 11:00am services. Contact: Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850.Dove Harbor: Dove Harbor is looking for volunteers to join the Donation Team. Team members volunteer regularly between 2:30-4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. visit doveharbor.org to download a volunteer ministry application. Contact Jennie Griffis, Resource Development Coordinator at jgriffis@doveharbor.org.Christian Center: The Christian Center kitchen serves 85,000 men, women and children a year and is need of canned fruits and vegetables, mayo, butter, spices as well as coffee, toilet paper and paper towels. Donations are deeply appreciated and enable the center to faithfully carry out this vital ministry. The Christian Center is located at 625 Main Street in Anderson. Contact: (765) 649-4264.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 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:Mark and Laurelee Bentley - Welcomed daughter, JoLee Grace on June 27.Liz and John Hasenmyer – Welcomed son, John Jack Finley Charles, born on July 6.Kendra Ann and Jason Parks - Welcomed son, Elijah Marcus, born on July 7.

In sympathy with:Darla and Roger Kinser on the passing of her mother, Crystal Pearl (VanMatre) Owens on June 25.Meryck Adams in the passing of her mother, Tina Rene Combs on June 25.Terri Edwards and Greg and Peggy Carmack’s mother, Leslie Grider’s grandmother, Jean Ellen Carmack, passed away on June 30.Donna Vaughn, Zara Zimmer, Zane Poore, Zoe Morris and Zayla Zimmer in the passing of husband and grandfather, Garnett Vaughn.Lou Ann and Dan Barnett on the passing of her mother, Juanita Hall on July 1.

Jayne Ann and Jim Wilson, Tom and Kim wilson, on the loss of their mother and grandmother, Margaret Mowrey on Thursday, July 2.Gary and Layla Barcus on the passing of his grandfather, William R Howe on July 3.Meghan Birkinbine on the passing of her grandmother, Pauletta Sue Birkinbine on July 5.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Women of Faith - Loved: The Farewell TourJuly 31-August 1 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne IndianaCelebrating 20 years of laughter and life-changing messages. In 2015 the Farewell Tour brings long-time friends and exciting new additions together for an event focused on the message shared from the beginning: you are seen, you are known, you are free, you are loved. Register at womenoffaith.com or call 1-888-49.faith

church. And He is bigger than you or me. He is bigger than the Church of God Reformation Movement! He is bigger than all our combined theology. He is the One who formed the earth and all that is in it. He knew you and me before we were born. He is Lord of the universe. He is Lord of all. And He is the head of the church.2. God loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Christ loves the church. That means you, who are reading this in your Living Room. And you, who just happened to pick up this issue of the Threads. And you, who are reading this on-line. It is because of that love that Jesus, the Son of God, comes to us and gives us dignity and instills within us a sense of worth and value. All that is good and of lasting value comes directly from His hand.I confess to you I don’t know why God does what He does. I don’t even know why God loves me, but He does. It is just who He is! One thing God does not do is lie. And in His Word He confirms His love for you. You can put it in the bank! It is true!3. God chooses people to do His Work. From the dawn of time, from Adam and Eve, God has worked through people. When He wanted to start a nation, He used Abraham and Sarah, both well up in age. When He needed a person to guide His people, He chose Moses, a man in his

80’s, on the backside of the Midian Desert, a fugitive from the law. And all the judges, all the prophets…God chose people of all ages to do the work of God. Even through the New Testament, God used John the Baptist, the disciples, Paul…and many others. And when God wanted to communicate with us in ways we could not ignore, He chose to send His only Son – as a person!Now, God could use angels if He so desired. He could call ten thousand angels to do His bidding – but He doesn’t. He chooses instead to call people, to use people. You and me.Summer, when everything is growing, is a great time to be reminded we need to grow deeper with God. Together let’s recommit to read from His Word, to be persons on prayer...and let us serve Him wholeheartedly…with a glad heart. And, you are needed at Madison Park! Ushers, greeters, valet servers, people to care for the islands in our parking lot, choir members…people who believe in others and care for others and serve others…in Jesus’ name are needed.Yes, this is a great place. And you are honestly the best! It is a privilege to serve by your side as we watch with expectancy what God does in us individually and in His Church, the Madison Park Church of God.

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

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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MPC — a Great Place! Continued from page 1 Reaching the World

Continued from page 1

spread of the gospel message. In the last seven months alone 3,852 churches have been planted by IGL pastors! Lives are being radically transformed by our Savior, even some of the radical Hindus persecuting the church have come face-to-face with the Living God through the witness of believers. Pray that many more would come to know the Lord as a result of the witness of mercy and love shown by Christians in India and that this persecution would continue to result in the spread of the gospel. Pray that the Christians undergoing persecution would be comforted by the Lord and would remain steadfast to His Word. Pray for the continued training and growth of all the new believers in these newly planted churches.Busy Season in HondurasHeart to Honduras is in an extremely busy season as over 20 Mission work teams will be arriving throughout the summer in Honduras, Costa and Nicaragua! There are multiple house projects, new roofs, new floors, kids programs and camps, medical, dental and vision clinics, digging water wells, evangelism and riding in the back of trucks to see all the beautiful, gorgeous scenery of Honduras! Pray for the teams, the people and the churches.

Opportunities to ServeContinued from page 3