NEWS AND EVENTS - October 29, 2008

Highlights

Trunk-N-Treat

Friday, October 31, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Madison Park Church.

Come join us at Madison Park as decorated cars and trucks transform the parking lot into an exciting festival with lots of sweet treats, games, and a live musical concert! Rushed for time? Save yourself some stress and get your dinner at Trunk-N-Treat! Walking tacos, hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, and hot and cold drinks will be sold to benefit Dove Harbor Woman’s Shelter. E-vite a friend.

Wildlife Photography Seminar

Saturday, November 1, 8:30am-10:30am, in Rooms 177-175.
Madison Park Outdoors offers a wildlife photography seminar taught by wildlife photographer Myron Baumer. A photo shoot on the MPC lake and property will follow the teaching session. For more information contact Pastor Mike Schwartz at (765) 642-2000.

Retro - The Vinyl Years

Saturday, November 1 at 7:00pm in the Main Auditorium

Hosted by comedian Jay Harvey. Featuring the best of The Beatles; Chicago; Earth, Wind and Fire; and Motown. Performed by the Souled Out Band and Madison Park Vocalists. Tickets: Adults, $7; Students, $5, on sale now. Get a free Guest ticket for each ticket purchased at regular price. Share your Guest ticket with someone who is not a MPC-goer. Outlets: The Commons at Madison Park and at the Church Office, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. E-vite a friend.

A Christmas Carol

December 12,13,14 at 7:00pm in the 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.

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.

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: Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Coming. At 10:45am on Sundays, November 16, - December 21, in Room 179. This six-week class 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 for more information.

Intercessory Prayer Time: Wednesday, 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.

College Class: Sunday, 9:00am in Room 178. Instructed by JJ Perry. College Students meet to study God’s Word.

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.

Miriam Project Adoption Meeting: The Miriam Project will host a meeting on November 16, 10:45 am, at Madison Park for people interested in foster care, adoption, or providing short-term respite care for foster families needing a break. Contact: The Miriam Project at (765) 640-1580.

Chicago Shopping Trip: Saturday, November 15, 6:00am returning at 11:00pm. Enjoy a day of fellowship and shopping on Chicago’s Magnificient Mile at Watertower Place. Meet at the MPC parking lot at 6:00am and enjoy a light bag continental breakfast on the bus. The cost is $35.00 per person plus money for lunch and dinner on the way home. Tickets are available at the table in The Commons October 12 through November 2. Contact: Brenda Craig at (765) 623-1282.

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.  Jack Tomlinson, one of our own, will give a concert. All seniors are invited to this celebration of thanks! NOTE: There will no J.O.Y. meeting 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.

Singles Game Night: November 15 at 7:00pm in Crossroads. 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.

Singles Costume Party: Friday, October 31, 9:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Sponsor a Trunk-N-Treat or come enjoy the festivities then stay for the party. Don’t forget to wear a costume and win a prize at the party. 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.

• Speaker Jarod Jones
• Worship Leader: Aaron Niequist
• Special Guest: Brock Gill, Illusionist

Impact Jr. High Ministry:

• Sunday at 9:00am in Crossroads Auditorium. Impact new series:  “Jump - Going deeper in our faith.”
• Wednesdays in small groups from 6:30-7:45pm in Room 176.

Ignite Sr. High Ministry:

• Wednesday, 6:30-7:45pm in Crossroads Auditorium.
• Sunday School:  Sunday 9:00am in room 180 - Bible study for Senior High School students.
• Sr High Fall Ball: Wednesday, October 29, 6:30pm-7:45pm at Crossroads Auditorium.  Wear costumes, bring your friends and enjoy a fun exciting party.

Merge (Student Ministries Service Project): Saturday, November 8, 9:00am-Noon, working with the Christian Rescue Center. Contact: Pastor Gretchen Olson.

Children’s Ministry:

Family Times Virtue Packs are 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.

Opportunities to Serve

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

Adult Ministries:

Ushers Meeting: Wednesday, October 29 from 6:00-6:30pm in the Hospitality Room. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer at the Church Office.

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 is available at the Information Center.

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.

SEND A LOCAL CHILD TO THE SANTA BREAKFAST AT MPC: Saturday, December 6, 8:30am-11:30am in The Commons. Hosted by Highland High School choral students. Activities include a pancake and sausage breakfast, a holiday craft, face-painting, picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, story-time, caroling and singing led by choir students, and a special book while supplies last. HHS Choral members are seeking sponsorship for under-privileged  children. Register to attend or sponsor a child and parent for $15.00, or a family (up to five  people) for $25.00. For more information contact Rhonda Cantrell at (765) 425-7638, or  Laudron5@aol.com.

MADISON PARK COOK BOOK: A great holiday, wedding, birthday or other special event gift, containing favority, 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

To submit a threads announcement regarding a birth or death, please contact Debbie McCafferty in Pastoral Care.

Congratulations To:

• Aaron and Amber-Leigh Wise, who welcomed a son, Anthony David, on October 15. Proud grandparents are Paul and Donna Parton; proud aunt and uncle are John Anthony and Ivy Gray.

In Sympathy With:

• Rich DeHaven and family at the loss of his mother, Ruth, on October 10.
• Jerry Breeck and family at the loss of his father, Robert, on October 15.
• Ron Wilson and family at the loss of his mother, Patty, on October 14.

Rejoicing In Baptism With:

• Emily Shuey, who was baptized on October 19.

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.

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).

• October 29 - Beef & Noodles / Kids Option: Pizza
• November 5 - Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts /  Kid’s Option: Chicken Fingers and Fries
• November 12 - Loaded Baked Potato Soup / Kid’s Option: Grilled Cheese and Chips