New This Week - November 17, 2008

Flu Shots at MPC: Flu shots will be available at Madison Park Church on Wednesdays, November 19 and December 3 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Cost is $20 cash or check. Insurance is not accepted. Everyone should consider getting an injection. A flu shot will increase your body’s immunity to the flu by 20-95%. Contact: Lynn Simpson, MPC Health Ministry Coordinator at (765) 623-0088.

Grow U Fall Semester Ends: The Wednesday night Grow U Fall Semester will be completed on November 19. The Grow U Winter and Spring Semester will begin on Wednesday, January 14. Watch for details on special Wednesday evening services in December.

Decorate for Christmas: Saturday, November 29 at 9:00am in The Commons. Everyone is invited to participate in decorating MPC for the Christmas Holiday. Contact: Brenda Nighbert at (765) 208-5910.

Dove Harbor Toles Flowers Cards: Toles Flowers is selling “Floral Cards” benefiting Dove Harbor. The card, costing just $35, is good for a free small floral arrangement each month for one year - a great gift idea! Dove Harbor will receive $20 from each card sold. Cards are available at the Information Center, at Dove Harbor and at Toles Flowers 9627 Nichol Avenue in Anderson. Hurry…the quantity is limited! Contact: Johnna Barnard at (765) 642-1853.

Dove Harbor Benefit at Texas Roadhouse: Friday, December 12 from 11:00am until 2:00pm. Come enjoy watching the MPC staff and special guests host and serve you! Bring family, friends and office staff groups. All tips during this time will benefit Dove Harbor. Contact: Johnna Barnard at (765) 642-1853.

NEWS AND EVENTS - November 12, 2008

Highlights

Dreams Work

Sundays, November 16 and 23 at 9:00am and 10:45am
Main Auditorium
Celebrate one year of Dreams Working at Madison Park! Pastor Lyon challenges listeners to dream big and consider how you can change the world for Heaven’s Sake.

North Kids Christmas Program

Sunday, December 7 at 6:00pm
Main Auditorium
A celebration of songs, laughter and fun! Children from North Kids, MPC’s childcare ministry for children ages 1-6th grade, present a delightful Christmas program. Come see the children sing, share, and delight everyone. Everyone is welcome!

A Christmas Carol

December 12,13,14 at 7:00pm
Main Auditorium
Celebrate this season at Madison Park Church’s musical production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This classic holiday tale will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. Admission is free. An offering will be received to benefit Dove Harbor, a transitional housing facility for women.

Christmas Eve at Madison Park

Tuesday, December 24 at 11:00pm
Main Auditorium
This unforgettable service, featuring a children’s nativity re-enactment, a glorious reading of the Christmas Story, and Holy Communion is loved by kids and grown-ups alike.  As the clock strikes midnight, it magnificently welcomes Christmas Day to the tune of Silent Night as thousands of candles bathe the room with light.

Join the Journey:

Exciting destinations await!

Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00pm in the Hospitality Room
Join the Journey 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. This class is offered on the third Wednesday of each month. The next class is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00pm in the Hospitality Room. Find details or sign-up in the Hospitality Room or click here.

Ministry Happenings

Adult Ministries:

Pastor Appreciation: National Pastor Appreciation Month is a special time set aside each year to honor pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication and multiple blessings they provide. We encourage you to take a moment to encourage MPC’s Pastoral and Ministry Staff and let them know how much they are appreciated.

Foster Care and Adoption: Sunday, November 16 at 10:45am in Room 176. The Miriam Project will host a meeting for persons interested in learning about foster care, respite care for foster parents and adoption. Contact: Brooke Mathis at (765) 640-1580.

Grow U at Madison Park Church: Sunday Electives are offered at 9:00am and 10:45am. Wednesday electives are offered from 6:30-7:45pm. Visit the Information Center for a complete listing of all electives, or visit www.MadisonParkChurch.org, look for the link on the Ministries page.

Advent Grow U Elective: Sundays, November 16 – December 21at 10:45am in room 179.  Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s coming introduces and covers the historic time of preparation for the coming of Christ.  As we celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas), the disciplines and anticipation which are part of this season put our hearts in readiness for His second coming. This class is open to anyone and each session includes a special moment of ideas for sharing advent with others, especially children. Contact: Jennifer Wilson (765) 649-8095 or jjwilson@anderson.edu.

Intercessory Prayer Time: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Room 181. Spend time in prayer, praise, thanksgiving, confession and petition with a specific focus each week. Facilitated by Diane Vosburg and Chris Zile.

Widows Care and Share: Every Saturday, 9:00am at the Flashback Restaurant, 26 W 9th Street. Also on the 4th Wednesday, 11:00am at Ryan’s Steakhouse. Widows meet to support each other as they face the challenges of life without their husbands. Invite a friend or family member, who would benefit from this support, to attend the next get together. An information table will be in The Commons on Sunday November 16. For more information call Pastoral Care at (765) 642-2000.

J.O.Y. Luncheon: Thursday, November 20 at noon in The Commons. J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) will meet for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Bring a dish to accompany the turkey. JA concert will be presented by Jack Tomlinson. All seniors are invited to this celebration of thanks! NOTE:  J.O.Y. will not meet in December. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.

Come and Go Prayer: Mondays 5:00-8:00pm. The Main Auditorium is open for Come and Go Prayer each Monday evening for individuals or groups to pray for our church, our nation, and family and friends. Everyone is invited.

Singles Hang Out Night: Saturday, November 15 at 7:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. All singles are invited to participate in a Game Night on the third  Saturday of every month. Bring your favorite games and snacks to share. For more information contact: Sarah Trick, Director of Adult Discipleship and Education, at the Church Office.

Single Among Friends Small Group meets on the first and third Sundays of every month, 6:00-8:00pm at Madison Park Church in room 180. “A Life Well Lived,” an in depth study of Ecclesiastes. For more information contact Nancy Bitner at (765) 649-0928.

Student Ministries:

Get Real” - State Youth Convention: November 21, 22, 23 in Indianapolis.
Meet at 5:00pm at Madison Park on Friday, November 21. The group will eat pizza together before going downtown. Check your mail for packing lists! Youth may be picked-up on is Sunday, November 23 at 1:30pm at Madison Park.

Going-Away-Party for Joe Webb, Senior High and College Ministries Pastor: Wednesday, November 12, 6:30-7:45pm in Crossroads Auditorium. All former and present student ministries families are invited to join in celebrating Joe and Kristi Webb. (Ignite and Impact regular programing will combine for the event). Contact: Pastor Gretchen Olson.

Impact Jr. High Ministry:

• Sundays at 9:00am in Crossroads Auditorium. New Series: November 9,16,23: “Get Smart” - What it looks like to live out Romans 12:1.
• Wednesdays in small groups from 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176.

Ignite Sr. High Ministry:

• Wednesdays at 6:30-7:45pm in Crossroads Auditorium.
• Sunday School:  Sundays at 9:00am in room 180 - Bible study for Senior High School students.

Merge (Student Ministries Service Project): Saturday, December 13, 9:00am-Noon, Visiting nursing homes to visit with residents, play games, sing carols and make crafts - spreading joy to those who need extra Christmas cheer. Contact: Pastor Gretchen Olson.

Children’s Ministry:

Family Times Virtue Packs: Designed to give you a simple way to help your kids grow in faith and character. This wonderful resource provides you with the biblical tools to reinforce what your children are learning on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. November’s theme is “Gratitude.” Virtue packs are available in the Children’s Center for $9.00. For more information, contact Pastor Paula Spear at (765) 642-2000.

GRATITUDE: During the month of November, our children will be learning about Gratitude – letting others know you see how they’ve helped you. As we realize the many things God has done for us, we want to do something for others in His name. Over the next 3 weeks, the children are asked to bring in items that will help stock our local food pantry, Operation Love. Please allow your child to bring in the following items to share each week (bags will be sent home each week):

• November 9 – canned fruits and vegetable
• November 16 – boxes of pasta and rice products
• November 23 – canned tuna, chili, Spam, pasta, etc.

Items will be collected in the Children’s Center. You need not have a child in our program to help participate. All are welcome! Contact; Lisa Ritchhart at the Church Office.

Birthday Party for Jesus: Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30pm in the Children’s Center. All children are invited to celebrate the birthday of Jesus with games, crafts and a special treat! Contact Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor for more information: (765)642-2000.

Opportunities to Serve

To find a place to volunteer contact Marti Freeman at the Church Office or mfreeman@madisonparkchurch.org.

Adult Ministries:

Stephen Ministry: Madison Park Stephen Ministry is YOUR ministry. You play an important part in our Stephen Ministry. Here’s what you can do: PRAY for God to bring hope and help to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry. Accept Care during your time of need. God does not want us to bear our burdens alone. Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative who is hurting about Stephen Ministry. Prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister if you are a good listener and compassionate. The next 50 hours of training begins on January 13. For more information contact Pastoral Care.

Holiday Giving Opportunities

ANGEL TREE CHRISTMAS: Angel Tree helps connect parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts. Over 300 children in Madison County have parents in prison. Madison Park Church would like to provide gifts to at least 51 children (28 families). This is a wonderful opportunity for families, individuals and small groups to minister to those in prison and their families. Stop by the sign-up table in The Commons on November 16 and 23 or contact Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850 or Myrna Knupp at (765) 683-9496 for further information.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Everyone is invited to join in the joy of giving shoeboxes filled with gifts to children living in difficult circumstances all around the globe! Brochures are available at the Information Center. Shoebox collection will take place November 2-16. Extra empty shoeboxes can be donated in the Children’ Center. Last year, MPC goers touched the lives of 508 children through the power of a simple gift…what will we do in 2008? For more information, contact Sandy McCurdy at (765) 683-1435 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

GIFTS FOR INDIA: The India Gospel League, MPC’s longtime partner in India, offers a gift catalog filled with giving opportunities ranging from $5 to $75,000.  Available options include gifts for: evangelism and church planting, discipleship, children’s ministries, adult education and training, medical ministries, rural development and skills training, animals, and Adopt-a-village. All gifts are fully tax-deductible. Visit www.iglworld.org.

GIFTS FOR HAITI: Mission Haiti’s giving catalog contains 40 gifts of hope for a hurting world. Opportunities ranging from $4 to $75,000 providing milk, hot food, vocational training, livestock, and building mission hospitals and church buildings. All gifts are fully tax-deductible. For a complete catalog listing visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

SUPPORT THE TROOPS: The Madison Park Troop Support Team is registering troops and families to receive letters, cards, and packages. Donated items or funds may be dropped at the table in The Commons on the first Sunday of each month. To volunteer or for more information contact: Susie Davis at (765) 649-5848 or jsdavis60@comsast.net.

3rd ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MPC: Saturday, December 6, 8:30am-11:30am in The Commons. Hosted by Highland High School choral students and MPC Board of Outreach and Missions. The event will include a  pancake and sausage breakfast, making a holiday craft, face-painting, story-time, entertainment, and having a picture taken with special guest, Santa, to take home in a holiday frame. Choir Students will be caroling and leading Christmas sing-a-longs. The choral groups are partnering with MPC Board of Outreach and Missions to promote the sponsorship of under-privileged children, and are working with local agencies and organizations to identify eligible recipients. Business and individual contributions and sponsorships are needed to make this possible.  $25.00 family discount pkgs are offered for up to 5 people, and a parent/child inclusive pkg is $15.00. Additional child pkgs for the same picture, breakfast, or extra pictures may be purchased for $5.00.  Registration for attending or sponsoring the event will be available before and after Sunday services on November 16 and 30 in the Commons, or you may contact Rhonda Cantrell @ (765) 425-7638 or Laudron5@aol.com.

MADISON PARK COOK BOOK: A great holiday, wedding, birthday or other special event gift, containing favorite, easy-to-prepare recipes, is available at the table in The Commons. Books are also available at Moneyhun’s Fine Gifts, and Seasons of the Heart. All proceeds benefit MPC ministries.

Family News

In Sympathy With

• Norma Armogum and family at the loss of her mother, Mable Massie on October 26.
• Suetta Johnson and family at the loss of her brother, Dick Bussell on October 27.
• Deena and Kris Smith and families at the loss of their mother, Doris Smith on October 31.
• Bill and Beulah McCully and family at the loss of their daughter-in-law, Jill McCully on November 1.
• Angie Rhodes and family at the loss of her grandmother, Delores Thompson on November 1.
• Jim Talkington, Barb Wright and families at the loss of their mother, Marie Boyer on November 3.
  

News You Can Use

MPC Facilities Closed for Thanksgiving: The Madison Park Church Office and facilities will close on Wednesday, November 26 at 12:30pm. The Madison Park Worship site on Providence Drive will reopen on Saturday, November 29 at 8:00am. The Church Offices will reopen on Monday, December 1 at 8:30am. If you have an emergency during this time, please call (765) 642-2000 and the pastor on call will be notified.

Wednesday Services Suspended: All regular services will be suspended on Wednesday, November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Poinsettia Memorials and Honoraria: Offer a tribute to friends or loved ones this season by purchasing poinsettias in their honor or memory. These beautiful plants are available for a gift of $20 each.  Order poinsettias at the Church Office or Information center by December 7. Contact: Mary Smith at the Church Office.

TRUNK –N- TREAT: Many thanks and blessings to all of you who provided trunks and candy for the annual Trunk–n-Treat this year.  What a blessing to see the crowds and hear from so many parents that Trunk–n-Treat gave them a safe, fun place to take their children.  All the families were so appreciative that the church was meeting a great need in the lives of their families.  Thanks again for being the outreached hands of Jesus! The Children’s Ministries Team.

Swing into Christmas Concert: MPC-goers invite you to kick off the holiday season at the “Swing into Christmas” concert with Scott Lutterman and The Heartland Big Band on Saturday, November 29 at 7pm in the Paramount Theatre; part of the Festival of Trees. Join Carl Erskine, Jill O’Malia, Sherri Contos, Steve Williamson, Doug Irving, Mel Denniston, Jim Rogers, Tim Rogers and “Santa.” Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students; available at the Paramount and at all Madison County Key Bank locations. Contact: Paramount Theatre Centre at (765) 642-1234 or (800) 523-4658 or visit www.AndersonParamount.org.

Lighthouse Café: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and mini-salad bar in The Commons. Wednesdays from 5:00pm until 6:30pm, just before our evening programs. Cost: Adults-$5, Children and college Students (with ID)-$3 (maximum of $20 per family).

• November 12 - Loaded Baked Potato Soup / Kid’s Option: Grilled Cheese and Chips
• November 12 - Loaded Baked Potato Soup / Kid’s Option: Grilled Cheese and Chips
• November 19 - Thanksgiving Celebration: Roast Pork Loin and all the trimmings                                    Kids Option: Macaroni & Cheese
• November 26 - Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Employment Opportunities

Area Wide Religious Education Teacher: Teach elementary students about God, one day a week during school hours.  For more information contact: Debbie Engle at (765) 643-8352.