Just about 39 years ago I asked Greta for our first date. I wanted it to be special. I wanted her to be impressed, so I

invited her to go to Wednesday night Bible Study at the old North Anderson Church of God, on Broadway. I told the choir director I would not be in practice following the Bible Study because I was bringing a date to church. In those days the Anderson-area churches ran buses through the AU campus so together Greta and I rode the bus to church that eventful night. All was going as planned. That is, until the choir director told me there were no tenors that night for practice – and he said, “David, you simply have to stay.” What should I do? I felt guilty staying and guilty leaving! The end result was I took Greta out to the bus – and waved good-bye to her as the bus took her back to the dorm!

Our first date was to North Anderson Church of God (now Madison Park!). I will never forget that first date – and Greta won’t let me forget it either! The amazing thing is she gave me another chance, and 41 years later we are still celebrating, growing and rejoicing!All these years later, as I look back, I am grateful for this church, the place where our life as a couple began. Pastors Dick Woodsome and later, Gene Fauntleroy faithfully loved us, cared for us, and affirmed God’s call on us for full-time ministry. Our Sunday School teacher, H.L. Baker, joined others in investing in us, nurturing us and encouraging us as we launched out into life. We are forever grateful. Later, Madison Park was a supporting church as Greta and I followed the Lord’s leading to serve as missionaries first to Japan, then to Korea and, most recently, to New Zealand. Thank you

A Willing Churchby David Reames, Interim Pastoral Care Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—July 30, 2014

July—September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Madison Park Church’s ongoing missions work 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.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. For details, check out the Ministries Guide at MadisonParkChurch.org/ministries or pick up a copy at Grand Central.

2 Chronicles tells the story of King Solomon and the Israelites dedicating the temple of God. They had waited seven long years for it to be completed! It is an amazing story – look at this:

When Solomon had finished the building, he summoned the leaders of the tribes and the families of Israel. They brought the Ark, filled only with the 10 commandments – God’s covenant with Israel on Mt. Sinai – and assembled before the king. The entire community sacrificed sheep and oxen in such numbers no one could keep count! They placed the Ark inside the Most Holy Place. The priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day. And all the musicians dressed in their finest, played cymbals, harps, and lyres, along with 120 priests playing trumpets. They played in unison together, giving praise and thanks to the Lord. They raised their voices, and praised Him with these words: He is so good! His faithful love endures forever! At that

moment, a cloud filled the temple of the Lord and the priests couldn’t even continue their work because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it!

Then Solomon stood with his hands spread out before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community, and knelt down, lifted his hands toward heaven and prayed: “Oh Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.” He continued a long and eloquent prayer on behalf of his people: that in the course of life when they sinned, “if they turn from their sins and call your name,” “if they pray and confess your name,” “if they turn to you with their whole heart and soul and pray toward this temple,” then forgive your people and uphold their cause. When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. All the people of Israel saw it

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If My People...by the Pastoral Search Committee

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The Fullness of Time: A season of active waitingSix-week series concluding August 10A season of active waiting upon God in a spirit of humility; giving Him our full attention, our full submission, our full worship. For prayer prompts, prayer scripture, and suggestions for your week, visit madisonparkchurch.org/news.

Week Five, Aug 3-9: Seeking God’s vision for this churchHabakkuk 2:1-3—I will stand at my watch post; I will remain stationed on the city wall. God has a bright future planned for Madison Park Church and He can be trusted to unfold His plans. In order to hear the Lord clearly, we must be listening closely to all He has to tell us so that we will be ready when He says, “Now!”

Week Six, Aug 10-16: Celebrating our identity and missionActs 9:31— The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. We are the Church. Our mission at Madison Park is to proclaim God’s love, experience healing in worship, free one another to embrace true community and reach beyond ourselves to influence the world. A posture of prayerful humility is our natural stance, our acknowledgement that apart from God, we can do nothing.

Racial Reconcilation PicnicSunday, August 17, begins at NoonJackson Park in AndersonEveryone is invited! Come be a part of an Anderson tradition.

For 13 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.

RETRO Live Concert: And The Beat Goes OnSaturday, October 4 at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium Enjoy classic hits at a live concert performed by Madison Park talent. Come early and enjoy ice cream, vintage cars and fellowship. Tickets on Sale in September in The Commons or the Church Office. $10 adults (guest ticket available with each full-price ticket, advanced sales only) $6 students.

Have a vintage car you’d like to show off? We want cars and would love to have it on display for RETRO 2014. Contact John Walters at (765) 617-2986.

Mark Lowry and The MartinsFriday, October 10 at 7:30pm in the MPC Main AuditoriumCome and enjoy “Music & Madness” with comedian Mark Lowry and special guests The Martins and pianist Stan Whitmire. Sponsored by Trinity Communications Group.

Tickets: $20 advance purchase ($15 group rate of 10 or more), $25 at the door, $25 Artist Circle seating. Children age 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. Must sit on a lap and not occupy a seat. No ticket required.

Purchase tickets online at trinitycommunications.org or call (260) 484-1029.

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News You Can UseAdult Baptism Class: Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30pm in the Green Room or Sunday, September 7 at 10:45am in Room 177. Persons who would like to be baptized are invited to meet for information and instruction. Those planning to share in the baptismal service on Sunday, September 14, please attend the class. Contact the Church Office to sign-up or stop by the table in The Commons on Sundays, August 24 and 31.Small Group for Older Adults: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each Month, 10:00-11:30am in the Hospitality Room. Older Adults are invited to enjoy scriptures and fellowship. Contact: Liz Macklin at (765) 649-9894.Bicycling Ministry: Tuesdays at 6:00pm, weather permitting, at the MPC parking lot. Bicyclists of all ages are invited to meet each Tuesday through October and ride from 6:00pm until dark. All skill levels and paces are welcome; no bicyclist will be left behind. Contact: Bruce Jones at (765) 278-9243.Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, August 6 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 MinistriesChildren’s Ministries Summer Break: Wednesdays, July 30 and August 6 Children’s Ministries—including the nursery—will be on Summer Break. Look for exciting Fall programming in the next issue of Threads or online at MadisonParkChurch.org.Planned Purity Seminar: Saturday, November 1, 9:00am–3:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium: Planned Purity shows how purity is formed in a life, beginning with the heart and including sexual purity at the appropriate stage. A simple concept called The Five Doors of the Heart can be applied when parenting young children, and also applies to adults pursuing purity themselves. A book resource will be available also. You won’t want to miss this event! Details, including registration costs, to come.

Student MinistriesStudent Ministries Summer Break: Wednesdays, July 30 and August 6 Student Ministries—IMPACT Small Groups and IGNITE services in Crossroads—will be on Summer Break. Look for exciting Fall programming in the next issue of Threads or online at MadisonParkChurch.org.IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Summer Focus—Like Water: Growing in

God. Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads Auditorium.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: • Bible Studies: Sundays at 9:00am in

Room 180; Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at Williamson’s Home.

Opportunities to ServeBe The One…to change our lives! The kids are Madison Park Church have big dreams. They want to be pilots, teachers, and pastors. They could even be your doctor...or President! Don’t you want them to know God before they do? YOU can be the ONE! You can shape

who they become and build God’s Kingdom. They are WORTH the INVESTMENT! Volunteers needed in Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary. Contact: Ali Robinson, Early Childhood Coordinator.Meds for Haiti: A variety of medicine is needed for a medical mission trip to Haiti in August with Dr. Mark Fulton’s team. The five day clinic will need the following: multivitamins, acetaminaphin, ibuprofen. antacids, saline eyedrops, antifungal cream, cortisone cream, antibiotic cream, vaginal antifungal cream. NO Aspirin. Please give only the nine items on the list, no other meds are needed at this time. Drop off items at Grand Central in The Commons. Contact: Jacki Hudson at (765) 425-7129.Connections Teams: Looking for ways to connect at Madison Park? Serving on one of the Connections Teams might be just the ticket! Check ‘em out:• Greeter Teams• Parking Valet Team• Lighthouse Café Servers and Attendants• Information Center Team• Holy Ground Coffee Bar Team• Hospitality Host/Hostess• Athletics Teams

Contact: Pastor Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Office.Special Events Volunteer: Greeters, ushers, and product table volunteers are needed to serve at special events held at Madison Park. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator at the Church Office.

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

In Sympathy With:Rhonda and David Neidert, on the loss of her mother, Dorothy Rider, on July 2.Bill and Mary Buckner, on the loss of their daughter, Kimberly Dotson, on July 6.Brandon and Katie Reynolds and Frank and Kathy Pianki, on the loss of their daughter and granddaughter, Harper Faith Reynolds, on July 20.Jennie and JJ Perry, on the loss of her grandfather, Clarence Scham, on July 21.Nell and Gene Campbell, on the loss of her mother, Ouida Jaunice Howington, on July 21.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Camp Hope: August 8-10 at Camp Kikthawenund in Anderson. A three-day, two-night grief camp for children and teens, ages 5-17, who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Hope offers young people the special support they need as they grieve and the opportunity to share their feelings within the safety of peer groups led by trained, caring adults and group leaders. Sponsored by St. Vincent’s Hospice. Caring Adult volunteers are needed. Contact: Mark Coffman at (765) 646-8179.

Linville Counseling: Linville Services Professional Counseling provides a kind, non-judgmental and honest atmosphere to develop personal emotional relational and mental potential. For more information, visit linvilleservices.com or call (765) 642-1853 to schedule an appointment.

Employment Opportunity at Anderson University: • Office of Vice President for Finance and

Treasurer and Vice President for Student Affairs: Administrative Assistant to provide support to both Vice Presidents and manage general office operations. Full-Time (100% FTE) hourly position with full university benefit package.

• Office of Alumni Relations: Administrative Assistant to the Alumni Director, Associate Director and Alumni Council President. Assist in preparing a variety of special events and manage general office operations. Full-time, 12-month (100% FTE) hourly position with full university benefit package.

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.

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 students with ID-$5. Maximum of $25 up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person.

July 30: Lighthouse Café will be closed for Summer Break.

August 6: Lighthouse Café will be closed for Summer Break.

August 13: Italian Spaghetti Kids’ Option: Pasta and Marinara

Wednesday, September 17 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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for your belief in us and for allowing us to be a part of the expansion of the Kingdom and outreach program of Madison Park.No doubt Madison Park is a great church, with wonderful people in attendance week after week. It is a daunting task to attempt to follow in the footsteps of Pastor Mike Schwartz. It is also humbling and an honor to now serve as your Interim Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care for the next six months.Do you ever wonder what it is that makes a church a church? Is it the size of the building? Perhaps the choir and the singing? Maybe it is the preaching? How about the size of the children’s program or youth activities? No, I am convinced that what makes a church a church is when people leave and are able to say with Jacob of old, “Surely God was in this place!” Now THAT’S the church! We cannot have church without His presence. There is no church without Him. There is no fruit, no ministry…nothing without His presence. Perhaps this is one reason we are being called upon to pray and fast every Wednesday morning and noon. Following the meal, an opportunity for a short time of guided prayer is offered in the sanctuary. I hope you are joining your church family in this critical ministry of prayer. Someone once said, “Prayer is not preparation for the battle…prayer IS the battle!” Together, let’s be faithful in prayer and fasting.While I am eternally grateful for this church’s heritage, I am convinced the best days of Madison Park Church of God are yet in the future! The reason this church exists is primarily for those people – who don’t even know about Christ – both here

at home and abroad!A large church was going to have a special meeting. They invited a well-known speaker, the church sent out mailings of invitation and finally the day of the event came. Thousands of people were present, the choir had sung, the prayers had been voiced and finally the speaker was introduced. People were anxious to hear what he had to say. They were ready. To their amazement, the speaker strode not to the pulpit but to the piano. He began to play a catchy tune and was singing something, over and over again. The people strained to hear what he was singing. Finally they understood…he was singing the words, “I will…I will…I will…” Again and again he sang. The congregation, getting caught up in the moment, began to sing with him until all were singing loudly, “I will…I will…I will.” Suddenly the guest speaker stopped singing and went to the pulpit. All was silent. He raised his hands and prayed, “Lord, You have heard our answer. Now will You ask us the question?”As we pray…as we fast and intentionally, earnestly seek Him, what is He asking of us? God is still here, after all. He hasn’t gone anywhere. And people in this church continue to invest in the lives of young

people, and minister to persons of all ages, just like the church of years gone by.When Dr. Livingston, the renowned physician missionary, returned to his native Glasgow, Scotland, the university there bestowed an honorary doctorate of laws upon him. In front of thousands of people, he received the honor, then stood to address the crowd in response. By this time in his life, he had suffered countless bouts of malaria. His left arm hung useless, rendered that way by the bite of a lion. He was gaunt and not well. He said, “I am honored today. And I am grateful. But I am preparing to return to my beloved Africa. Shall I tell you what I am taking with me? That which I take with me is the same thing I took with me years ago. It is this: “Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Oh what a promise. That’s what makes a church a church. This is a great church. You are wonderful people. It is a privilege to serve our wonderful Lord…by your side! Thanks for the opportunity!Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog

and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

and fell down and worshiped and prayed, saying, “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!” They continued sacrificing and praying, dedicating and fulfilling their roles, singing and worshiping for 8 more days. Then Solomon sent them home “joyful and happy because the Lord had been so good.” They were restored in right relationship with God and celebrated this magnificent moment in their history as God’s holy people.

Flash forward to 2014 at Madison Park Church – what does this have to do with our Season of Waiting? Plenty! WE have been summoned, WE have been asked to assemble, WE are seeking, waiting,

praying, sacrificing, and worshiping as one together. WE are waiting for the Lord to do something great among us, at this special moment in our history as God’s holy people. And truly, it goes far beyond seeking another pastor, and has everything to do with seeking his presence and his will for US.

Do you remember this well-known verse? “If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” This was God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer. Sometime later, the Lord came to Solomon alone at night and let him know he had personally heard and agreed with Solomon’s ‘if-then’ prayer, previously made before the assembly of Israel.

One of the Season of Active Waiting focus’ is on ‘washing’ or repentance and forgiveness. What is the Lord asking you to turn from, to pray about, to offer him? Can we call ourselves the ones that are ‘eager to do his will’? Have you answered the call to assemble, to seek, to sacrifice and worship together with the MPC family? The Lord may bless us with a new pastor based on a core of praying people, but he longs to bless and restore the entire assembly. Oh Madison Park, purify yourselves even if you aren’t ‘on duty’ today. Let’s not miss this God given invitation for the Lord to bless and lead the whole of His people at this divinely appointed time. Let’s walk into the next chapter rejoicing and saying together: He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!

A Willing Church Continued from page 1

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If My People... Continued from page 1

A Look Ahead:September 14 Baptism Services

9:00am and 10:45am

October 19-22 Retreat to the Cove/CBH Viewpoint Asheville, North Carolina. Featured guest, Buddy Greene. Registration details at CBHviewpoint.org.