No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Madison Park Church no longer feels a need for Sunday school. WAIT! Before you

push the panic button or run to the nearest church elder, please continue reading…Yes, there was a time when sitting children down and teaching them about God in a classroom-type setting was considered an effective form of Christian education, but that’s no longer the case—especially here at Madison Park.As children’s ministry changes and morphs, many church leaders are finding that the traditional way of doing Sunday school is no longer having a long-term, life-changing impact on children. That’s why

children’s ministries have started offering a wider variety of teaching methods, hands-on opportunities, and high levels of engagement for their kids.The words “Sunday school” no longer seem to describe today’s children’s ministry as the focus has turned more towards “Sunday Community.” Community based on Jesus’ example:• He was intentional about including

everyone• He crossed cultural barriers in order to

reach all people• He constantly taught His followers about

God and God’s Kingdom• He taught His followers how to pray as well as the importance of prayer

No Need for Sunday Schoolby Marta Johnson, Children’s Ministry Team

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—September 24, 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.

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This fall, MPC launches a new method of communicating: the MPC smartphone app.It’s just another example of how the church aims to keep in touch with the many people in our community.According to Pew Research Internet Project, 58% of American adults own a smartphone, while 42% own a tablet computer. And while many homes include a personal computer or laptop, 34% of smartphone users go online mostly using their phones. But how much do people use their phones? According to Techrunch.com, smartphone users are now spending 2 hours and 42 minutes per day on mobile devices, most of that using apps.

Convenient updates“Most smartphone users have their phones with them at all times, so the app provides the ability to access MPC content literally at their fingertips,” shares Kevin Majeski, MPC Communications Director. “Our app displays all current ministry announcements with a tap of a finger, rather than navigating a full website. In October, our complete church calendar will be added to the app, too.”

The death of face-to-face communication?With the growth of smartphone usage, many social psychologists and information technology experts bemoan the lack of personal interaction. But the MPC app is not designed to replace relationships. Rather, it’s purpose is to promote community.

MPC App Makes Debut

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Sermon SeriesLife Lessons sermon series centers around the life of Moses and how the life lessons throughout his life relate directly to our lives. Lessons like, when you blow it, second chances, multiply your leadership, give away what’s been given to you. At every turn, we see ourselves in the life of Moses.

The Heartland Big Band: The Count Meets The DukeSaturday, September 27 at 7:00pm in The Commons The music of two jazz legends come together as the swingin’ music of Count Basie and the styling’s of Duke Ellington join forces on this evening of great big band standards. Featuring international jazz vocalist Everett Green and vocalist Karen Sipes. Tickets on sale in The Commons at the Church Office and online at HeartlandBigBand.org.

Do Something! AndersonSeptember 28-October 3 Sunday, 2:30-6:30pm, Monday through Friday 4:00-7:30pmDo Something! Anderson work week is quickly approaching. Join a team and make a positive impact on our community. Volunteer for an hour or a whole shift.

Projects include:

Days and hours vary for each project. Visit DoSomethingAnderson.com for more information and to sign up for a shift.

ReTRo 2014: 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 The Commons and the Church Office. $10 adults (guest ticket available with each full-price ticket, advanced sales only) $6 students.

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. Purchase tickets online at trinitycommunications.org, by phone at (260) 484-1029, in The Commons, and at the Church Office.

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Grandview Golf Course: Remove brush and small trees on both sides of #11 green. Site Manager: Don Schoeger

Riverwalk: Cut out honeysuckle and treat with tordon, chip cut debris. Site Manager: Mickey Foley

Pulaski Park: Trimming trees and shrubs, mulching, weeding, picking up debris around pond edge. Site Managers: JJ Perry and Pete Bitar

Warren Miller/Fairview Park: Cut down trees, apply Tordon, clean & trim center field, mulch, repair picnic tables. Site Manager: Ted Magers

Citywide Ash Tree Removal: Cut down dead ash trees. Site Manager: Rick Sprague

Shadyside Memorial Park: Weed, trim, mulch landscape, put in drainage south end of park. Site Managers: Bev Sprague and Paige Truman

Grand Avenue: Trim trees, weed and trim brush, spray Tordon, pull trees and stumps for chipping. Site Manager: Tommy Goodson

Hospitality Team: Provide water, chips, cookies, brownies, apples and drop-off at Madison Park Site. Manager: Marti Euneman

special thanks to Do Something! community sponsor:

News You Can UseChild Dedication Class: Sunday, September 28 at 9:00am in Room 178. Parents are invited to attend this Child Dedication Preparation Class to learn more about the what it means to dedicate your child. The next dedication service is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, October 1 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.Boundaries with Kids: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 190. Class runs through October 22. From temper tantrums and attitude problems to drugs and sex, learning limits and becoming responsible is a major part of growing up. For everyone in a parenting or teaching role. Workbooks available for $10. Contact: Cherilyn Horning at hchorning@doveharbor.org.Church in the Middle: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 175. The Christian Growth Class is studying Pastor Rolland Daniels’ new book Church in the Middle. Explore the importance of stepping outside the building to reach the world for Christ. The class is open to everyone. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.Learning to Pray Like Jesus: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 179. Introduction: now through October 15; Advanced: October 22-November 12. 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.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.

Children’s MinistriesDivorce Care for Kids: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 180. A 13-week class for kids ages 6-12. Children of divorced parents often feel alone, helpless, scared, sad, and confused. Divorce Care for Kids provides a safe and neutral place to help kids recognize and learn to share their feelings and heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. The program includes a separate adult Divorce Care at 9:00am in Room 179. Register in The Commons or online at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Diane Seelbach at (765)-278-5029.

Student MinistriesALL YoUTH eVeNTS:• See You At The Pole: Wednesday,

September 24.• Madison County Youth Bonfi re Bash:

Wednesday, September 24, 6:00pm-8:30pm at MPC.

• Fall Fundraiser: Earn money for trips and events. Selling Krispy Kreme Donuts now through October 5; distribution days October 11-12.

• Do Something! Anderson Blitz Week Junior High Project Night: October 1

Senior High Project Night: October 2• Fall Bowl: Sunday, October 26 from 6:00-

8:00pm at Coopers Sport Bowl. $5 per person. Bring a friend!

• Indiana State Youth Convention: November 7-9 in Indianapolis. Deposit of $60 due by October 19.

• Christmas Caroling: December 10IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Fall Teaching Focus: Huge Hearts:

Matthew 5:43-48, Following the teaching of Jesus, students will be challenged to Love All and have Huge Hearts for the Kingdom.• Sundays at 10:45am

in Crossroads Auditorium.

• Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176-178.

• Christmas Party: December 17. Multi-generational party in The Commons

IGNITe—Senior High Ministries: • Fall Teaching Focus: THRIVe:

Ephesians 3:14-21. Wednesday nights from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium

• STW oFFeRING: for video Projectors/Church of God India project, each week at Ignite!

• Bible Studies:• Sundays at 9:00am in room 180• Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at

Williamson’s Home • Casting Crowns/Mandisa/Sidewalk

Prophets Concert: Saturday, October 11• Ignite Men Chili bowl: Sunday, October

19 from 4:00-7:00pm at the MPC Cross Street Gym/Field. This event is for Ignite men/friends/dads.

• God’s Girl: Sunday, October 19 from 6:00-8:00pm. This event is for Ignite girls and friends.

• Ignite Christmas Party: Wednesday, December 17 from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

Opportunities to ServeSupport The Troops: Sunday, October 5 in The Commons. Ministers to those serving in the armed forces and their families. Register troops, families and volunteer. Items are needed to send to the troops: Snacks, note expiration date. Toiletries. R&R items:

appropriate books/magazines, disposable cameras, games,

zip-lock bags, small plastic containers for storage,

greeting cards they can send, pens, puzzle books, etc. Socks, dryer sheets, tissues, sunscreen, colorful pillow cases. Personal or convenient sized items are easier to ship. Bring items to Grand Central any Sunday or to the Troop

Support Table on the fi rst Sunday of each

month. A complete list of suggested items are available

at Grand Central. Contact: Linda Eaton at (765) 552-0447 or Jean

Covalt at (765) 643-2278.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 Offi ce.Connections Volunteer opportunities: Looking to get better connected 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 TeamsContact: Pastor Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Offi ce for more information.

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.

Sept. 24: Pulled Pork Barbeque / Kids’ Option: Grilled Cheese and Chips

oct. 1: Shredded Beef Enchiladas/ Kids’ Option: Mini Corn Dogs, Mac & Cheese

News You Can Use

Opportunities to Serve

Wednesday, November 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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A Christmas Carol Auditions

Saturday, September 27, from 9:00am to Noon in the

MPC Rehearsal Room. A variety of speaking, singing, and dancing

parts are available. Come prepared to sing, accompanist available, read from

the script and perform a few basic dance steps, if auditioning for parts requiring dance. Performance dates

are December 11-14 at 7:00pm at Madison Park Church. Contact: Jill O’Malia at

(765) 641-4349.

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported this event!Race results and photos can be found online at MiriamProject.org.

“The app is designed to facilitate community,” Kevin explains. “The information in the app promotes opportunities to connect face-to-face. While the news is shared through a device, it’s all about getting people connected in the end through small groups, volunteer opportunities, and other events.”Being intentional about optimizing messages for the masses is nothing new, Kevin continues. “Remember in Mark, when Jesus was speaking to a large crowd? He positioned himself in a boat on the water facing the shore. The natural acoustics allowed his message to be heard by the huge gathering on the hillside. Smartphone technology is, in a way, the lake hillside of our times. We’re positioning our message in an environment that fosters clear and easy access.”Kevin agrees with the experts about the potential for smartphone abuse. “The phone or tablet is not to replace your church experience,” he emphasizes. “Getting info or watching a sermon is not the same as connecting with people.” Yet using the app can actually serve to increase the level of community at MPC. Sharing with friendsOne of the most exciting features of the app is how it can be used as a tool for outreach. The app includes the ability to share upcoming events, past sermons, or connecting opportunities on social media platforms.With just a touch of the finger you can allow a curious friend to view or hear a sermon, invite a neighbor to the RETRO, or prod a family member to attend the blood pressure clinic.Download the free MPC App at the App Store or Google Play Use the app to keep track of:News—see a listing of ministry announcementsevents—get details about the upcoming all-church events, with links to websites and ticket purchase venues. Media—watch a videocast or listen to a podcast of a sermon, archived for up to six monthsServices—access sermon notes, music playlists and moreMore—find contact information for MPC staff, submit a prayer request, give to the MPC ministry, and access links to our partner ministries like Linville Services and CBH Viewpoint.

• He focused on the Gospel ministry• He was God focused—teaching of an

active Father, Creator, and Redeemer• He developed personal relationships

with His followers but also worked with them as a group

• He developed individuals by forming them as a team

Under the leadership of Paula Spear, TRAKS Children’s Ministry has become a fully engaging, hands-on, highly relational, community-focused ministry partnering with parents to bring kids of all ages to Christ.Building intentional relationships with children and their families has had a positive impact on the ministry. So much so that we are seeing record numbers of kids attending weekend services. More kids means the need for more volunteers. If we are going to continue building strong spiritual foundations for our kids, we need help and that’s where you come in. Yes, YOU!We need your help. We can’t do it alone. We are looking for the following types of new volunteers to join our team (both services):• Early childhood (infants to 4/5 year

olds)– Co-leaders (to help lead small groups

of 8-10 children)– Assistants (assist small group leaders

by sitting with children as the small group leader leads group)

– Subs (fill in for our regular volunteers)

• Elementary (K-5th)– Small group leaders (at all age-levels)

• First Impressions– Welcome Team– Security Team

• Large Group– Creative Teachers (to play characters

who assist during LG teaching)– Actors (to play roles in drama

sketches)– Worship leader (to lead large group

worship)– Subs (fill in for regular leaders)

• Prep Team– Shoppers (shop supplies, crafts,

teaching materials)– Prep (setting up and getting rooms

prepared for large group)Jesus thought children were important and He had a desire to reach out to them in order to teach them about His Father, God. It is our hope that you feel the same way. Our children are the future of the church, join our ministry team and help us reach them and teach them about God.Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them. Matthew 19:1.Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog

and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

No Need for Sunday SchoolContinued from page 1

MPC App Makes DebutContinued from page 1

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Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

The Community Shows Adoption Supportat the annual Miriam Project Walk/Run