Several years ago, I had a little red convertible and I enjoyed the experience of driving with the sky

completely open to me. I have long had a love affair with the sky and its constant changes, beauty and sometimes raw power!

One night while driving home with the top down, a song by James Taylor came on the radio titled “Up on the Roof.” You probably know it. It talks about the therapeutic value of star gazing when the world is getting you down. “At night the stars put on a show for

A Drive in the Countryby Steve Williamson, Worship Arts Pastor

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threadsbyweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - May 30, 2016

April - June Proceeds benefit India

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in India. 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 ServicesSUNDAY

9:00am - 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 for a complete listing of all electives or visit the Ministries page at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Congratulations to Our Grads!Madison Park Church extends hearty congratulations to all our graduates. Below are several

MPC-goers who will be "turning the tassel" this summer.

Alex Buck, graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Alex is the daughter of Derrick and Stephanie Buck. She plans to attend the University of New Mexico to study Exercise Science/Kinesiology and to run NCAA Division 1 Cross County and Track. Open House: Saturday, May 22 from 2:00-5:00pm at Falls Park Conservation Building.

Aubrey Fox, graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Aubrey is the daughter of Rob and Angie Fox. She plans to attend IUPUI to major

in Nursing and minor in Spanish. Open House: Saturday, June 4 from 2:00-5:00pm at Madison Park Hospitality Room.

Emily Cathryn Owens graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Emily is the daughter of Beth Owens. She plans to pursue a degree in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice.

Emma McCardwell, graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Emma is the daughter of Terry and Kimmi McCardwell. She plans to

attend Indiana University. Open House: Sunday, June 5 from 5:00-8:00pm at 6025 Red Fox Road in Pendleton.

Daniel John Burko II, graduating from Liberty Christian High School. Daniel is the son of Eric and Marsha Reeder. He plans to attend Mid-America Christian University. Open House: Saturday, June 4 from 1:00-4:00pm at Madison Park Crossroads Auditorium.

Wesley Robert Busby, graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Wesley is the son of Rick and Darla Busby. He plans to attend Anderson

University to study Environmental Science. Open House: Saturday, June 4 from 1:00-5:00pm at 6127 South 50 West in Pendleton.

Greer Ginley, graduating from Lapel High School. Greer is the daughter of Pat and Janet Ginley. She plans to attend Purdue University. Open House: Friday, June 3 from 5:00-9:00pm at 5696 W 400 S in Pendleton.

Jonathan Chaney, graduating from Mt Vernon High School. Jonathan is the son of Randy and Meg Chaney. He plans to attend Anderson University.

Open House: Saturday, May 28 from 2:00-4:00pm at Madison Park Church Room 175-177.

Michaela McCurdy, graduating from Liberty Christian High School. Michaela is the daughter of Ben and Sandy McCurdy. She plans to attend Anderson University to study Biology, Spanish and Intercultural Studies, and run cross country, track and field. Open House: Saturday, June 4 from 6:00-10:00pm at 1311 North Raible Avenue in Anderson.

Noah Gaar graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. Noah is the son of Stephen and Pam Gaar. He plans to attend Trine University to

study Physical Therapy. Open House: Sunday, June 5 from 5:00-8:00pm at Masonic Lodge, 642 West State Street in Pendleton

RJ Robison, graduating from Pendleton Heights High School. RJ is the son of John and Chris Robison. He plans to attend Ivy Tech in Anderson for the ASAP

program. Open House: Saturday, June 4 from 4:00-8:00pm at 1043 Pendle Hill Avenue in Pendleton.

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Summer Teaching SeriesPastor Paul Strozier Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am

BEST. SUMMER. EVER! If you want to experience the best summer of your life, don’t just work on your tan, work on your relationships. Join us at Madison Park as we spend the summer developing spiritual disciplines to help us connect and grow in relationships with God, with each other, and with the people God misses most. After all…tans fade, but love never fails! “…and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

June 5: Best. Summer. Ever! - Loving, learning, living in relationships with God, with each other, with the people He misses most

June 12 : Worship – A Way of Life - WORSHIP is a way of life which celebrates the truth that God is God and I am not.

June 19: Devotion – Daily Dedication to Knowing Christ - DEVOTION is a daily, and lifelong, dedication to the goal of knowing Christ.

Missions Corner:Sunday, June 5 in The Commons Visit the Missions Corner to register for the Blood Drive and check out the Madison County Summer Mission Opportunities. Pastor Doug Linville and Ali Robinson will be there to greet you and share about Missions at Madison Park!

iServe Opportunities - #iserveandersonBlood Drive Wednesday • Blood Drive • Wednesday, June 29 • 2:00-8:00pm Crossroads Auditorium Sign up at the Missions Corner in The Commons on June 5. Participants who sign up are eligible for Cedar Point tickets!

Anderson Independence Parade - July 3 • Donate candy in The Commons • Help pass out candy at the parade, clean-up after parade • Wear your “You Are Loved! t-shirts • Must be registered to walk in the parade. Register to participate on June 5 at the Missions Corner in The Commons.

Racial Reconciliation Picnic - Sunday, August 21For 15 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. • Volunteer from 12:00-6:00pm • Shifts are two hours each • Contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor at (765) 642-2000.

Church of God Regional Convention and CHOG TableJune 21-23 h Hosted at Madison Park Church For complete schedule and to register go to jesusisthesubject.org/church-of-god-convention-2016.

Baptism in the LakeSunday, June 26Everyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized on Sunday, June 26 is encouraged to attend a class on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30pm in Green Room 2, or Sunday, June 19 at 10:45am in Room 179. Sign up on the Sunday Connect Card, on the MPC website or App or contact the Congregational Care Office.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, June 16 at Noon at the home of Terry and Sherry Minton, 510 S 300 E in Anderson. All adults age 55 and older are invited to enjoy wonderful fellowship and delicious food in the beautiful outdoor setting. Bring a side dish, meat will be provided. Invitefamily and friends!. Contact: Jackie Corn, at the Church Office.

Blood Pressure ClinicWednesday, June 1 from 5:30-6:30pm in The CommonsMPC Parish Nurses conduct a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends.

Parent and Child Dedication Class: Sunday, June 5 at 11:00am in Room 180: The parent and child dedication is a public commitment before God, church, and family. The dedication ceremony provides the parent(s) an opportunity to express their desire to lead and spiritually nurture their child in cooperation with the Holy Spirit and the support of the church, in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, so the child will develop a desire to love God and others. Parents wishing to dedicate their child please contact, Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Parent and Child Dedication: Sunday, June 19 in the 9:00 and 11:00am Worship Services

Sponsor an Elementary Camper at Camp Challenge, Church of God Youth Camp in Southern Indiana: TRAKs is seeking to provide MPC children the opportunity to experience the everlasting encounter of church camp. Kids wanting to attend camp this summer are currently raising funds and building camaraderie in preparation for this life changing week. The desire is for any child wanting to attend camp to be provided the opportunity. Please consider sponsoring a camper or making a donation to the “Elementary Camp Fund.” Your gift is tax deductible. You will be included in the experience via photos, social media, personal and written contacts. The cost is $220 per camper per week. Give in regular worship offerings, online or by texting. Please indicate for “Elementary Camp”. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Children’s Ministries

Children’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am Classes and Child Care for all ages in the

Children’s Center

CAMP MADISON: Wednedays 6:30-7:45pm

June 15 - August 31 in the Children’s Center.

Camp Madison is an exciting, fun and learning adventure for kids through grade 5. At Camp Madison theywill learn and experience the Fruit of The Spirit. Camp shirts will be

available. Summer break will be July

20,27 and August 1.For more information or

to volunteer, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries

Pastor.Camp Challenge Indiana State Church of God Camp for children and teens.Camp Dates: Early-bird registration (1/1/16 – 3/31/15) Regular registration (4/1/16 – 2 weeks from camp start date) Late registration (within 2 weeks of camp start date) June 9-11 Young Explorers $110 $125 $155 June 12-17 Senior High $220 $250 $280

June 19-24 7th & 8th Grade $220 $250 $280 June 26-July 1 4th, 5th & 6th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 10-15 3rd & 4th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 17-22 5th & 6th Grade $220 $250 $280 July 24-28 Adventure Camp $270 $300 $330 More Information and Register at gocampchallenge.com

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENT: Project 765 Thursday, June 16 from 8:00am-9:00pmA one day service project for our community. We will team up with other area youth ministries to work on projects with local non-profits, schools and the city. Bring: work clothes, closed toe shoes, water bottle, swimsuit and towel, sunscreen. Cost: $10, covers lunch, dinner and pool party. Drop off and pick up at Eastside Church of God. Sign up by June 8. Contact: Eric Reeder, Senior High Pastor or JJ Perry, Junior High Pastor at (765-642-2000).IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: Sundays at 11:00am in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in Rooms 176-178.IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium. •Bible Study: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

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Indiana Ministries

Benefit Concert An Evening with

Brian and Kim TaborFriday, June 3 at 7:00pm

Benefit for Indiana Ministries of the Church of God Financial Freedom

Fund. Admission is free. Contact: Cindy Talley at

(317) 733-6477.

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• June 1: Northern Italian Spaghetti // Kids Option: Pasta and Marinara

• June 8: Oriental Chicken Salad // Kids Option: Mac & Cheese

• June 15: Beef and Noodles // Kids Option: Beef and Noodles

• June 22: Church of God Convention at MPC - No dinner at Church

News You Can Use

Wednesday, July 13 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 Connections Ministry.

Contact UsMAILING ADDRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018

MADISON PARK WORSHIP SITE 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013

CHURCH 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

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Missions and Outreach Miriam Project Change for ChildrenGet a baby bottle in The Commons, fill it with coins, paper money, or check. Return it to The Commons by June 19 to support the Miriam Project Adoption Services’ Annual Change for Children Fundraiser. Contact Meg Scaggs at (765) 642-1853.Upcoming Mission Trips:

An opportunity to witness firsthand whatGod is doing in areas where Madison ParkChurch is invested with her finances and herfriends on the field.• Heart to Honduras in October 2016• Haiti May 5-13, 2017For more information contact: Doug Linville,

Missions Pastor.

Family NewsIn Sympathy with: • Deanna Yancey for the passing of her sister, Saundra Ball on May 14. • The family of Wanda Yattaw who passed away on May 17. • The family of Helen Porter who passed away on May 20.

Opportunity To ServeStephen Ministry Training June through September MPC’s Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. Fifty hours of training helps equip persons for the Stephen Ministry. If you are drawn to help people in their time of need, contact Nancy McCafferty at (765) 644-1472.

Dove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training SessionTuesday, June 7 at 7:00pm at the Broadway Ministry Center - 1400 Broadway Street in Anderson Information and training for volunteers at Dove Harbor and Miriam Project Adoption Services. Anyone interested in volunteering in these ministries is invited to attend and learn more information. The class is scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month. Contact: Meg Scaggs at (765) 642-1853.

Community and Ministry Partner News Employment Opportunities:

Madison Park Church:Part-time employment with the Custodial Team at the MPC Worship Site.Part-time positions, ranging from 10- 25 hours a week with shifts of 4 to 6 hours in length. Contact: Rob Akridge, Facilities and Property Director.

Dove Harbor: iPart-time Case Manager position. 29 hours per week. Contact Cherilyn Horning, Program Director at (765) 642-1853. Complete job description at doveharbor.org/news.iIncome Support CoachThis position is 20 hours per week. Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field.Contact Cherilyn Horning, Program Director at (765) 642-1853. Complete job description at doveharbor.org/news.

free…” As I was listening, I gazed up and noticed that the stars were really out that night! Like God was showing off or something. Of course, the stars are always there, but we don’t always see.Psalm 19 came to my mind. “The heavens are telling the glory of God; the firmament shows His handiwork. Day after day, they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge (or genius).” I thought to myself, “The heavens certainly are ‘speaking,’ but what if no one is getting up on the roof to see – to hear their speech?”I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart that there is a whole lot more “conversation” going on than I am catching. It was an invitation to listen up.Wouldn’t you know, the very next song on the radio was a pop oldie called “Dance with Me,” by Orleans. I’ve always loved its melody and harmonies, as well as its invitation to join in the dance. But, being a good Nazarene boy who never danced in any way, shape or form, I never thought God might speak to me through a secular song like that. But, God reminded me that I am the bride of Christ. He has set His heart on me and I should more fully join Him in the “dance.” There are steps I’ve yet to learn by following His lead.The children of God who are called to represent Him in the world must first bask the presence of His warm embrace. Learning to live in the embrace has been a lifelong challenge for me. It requires some intentionality on my part, or, like the stars, it

might go unnoticed and important conversations missed.Lately, the Lord has been reminding me to attend to Him, my first love. That word “attend” has several dimensions that are helpful:To show up – to be presentTo wait upon – as a waiter or servantTo visit or minister – as a child can minister to a parent’s heartTo give heed to – to attend to an instructorTo apply oneself – to attend to one’s studies

The degree to which the believer attends to the relationship, to the conversation, to the sacred embrace, is the degree to which he/she will grow in the beauty and likeness of the Lord. It will also be the degree to which he/she will be fruitful and productive in the Kingdom.In 2 Peter 1:3-11, Paul says:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and

knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.It is the enemy’s goal to rob, to kill and to destroy (John. 10:10). But, at the very least, He will do all he can to keep the believer unfruitful and unproductive in the Kingdom. It’s damage control. There is nothing more damaging to Satan’s dominion than the radiant bride of Christ walking around on the earth with, as Twila Paris put it, “His light in her eyes.”I really appreciate Pastor Paul’s emphasis on becoming more fully a relational church, teaching us that it begins with a deepening sense of how dearly and unconditionally we are loved by God. I need to sink way down deep in that and let it get all over me. The old-timers used to call it “living in the overflow.” In the same way, the Lord invites us to keep our ears and eyes open and attentive to the many ways He is speaking to us. As we do, we will grow in the beauty of His likeness and “many will see it and put their hope in the Lord.” (Psalm. 40:3)

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A Drive in the Country continued from page 1