NEWS AND EVENTS – April 1, 2009

Experience the Story – Holy Week and Easter Activities

• Palm Sunday Services – April 5 at 9:00am and 10:45am in the Main Auditorium
  Sing hosannas and experience the ancient liturgy of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphal entry through the Gate Beautiful into Jerusalem.

• Maundy Thursday Service - 6:30pm in The Commons
  Attenders will have an opportunity to sample symbolic portions of the Passover meal that was shared by Jesus and his disciples the night before his crucifixion. The ordinance of feet washing, instituted by Christ as an example of servanthood, will be presented and offered to those who wish to participate.

• Good Friday Service – “Come and Go,” 6:30 – 9:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium
  This come-and-go, self-guided event begins with a revealing look at Christ’s lineage as well as a multi-media recollection of his early life and ministry.  Participants are invited to journey at their own pace through this experiential tour, walking through the extraordinary moments that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, including a dramatic retelling of Christ’ encounter with Pilate, his pleading in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his painful,  sacrificial death on a cross.

• Easter Sunday Services: 9:00am and 10:45am in the Main Auditorium.
  Two identical services will feature music from the “Voices of Praise” Choir and a glorious 55-piece orchestra. Classic Easter music, including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” will be featured, as well as contemporary praise and worship music from The Madison Park Praise Band. Pastor Jim Lyon will bring an inspiring message of hope from the scriptures.
  • The nursery and Children’s Center will be open for kids birth through age four; children 5 years and older are invited to worship with their families inthe Main Auditorium.
  • Impact and Convergence will be suspended to allow families to worship together.

• Invite Friends and Family to MPC Holy Week/Easter Events: A specially designed handout (promoting MPC Holy Week services, Easter services, and the Eggstravaganza) is available at the Information Center. Grab several to share with your friends, family, neighbors, auto mechanic, barber, hairdresser, grocery bagger, and others.
  • E-vites and Facebook Events are available. More.

Easter Eggstravaganza
April 11 at 10:00am at Madison Park
Children in Fifth Grade and under are invited to a fun-packed Easter Eggstravaganza. Activities include an Easter egg hunt, face painting, clowns, crafts, and inflatables! Bring your camera and take photos of your child with the Easter Bunny; a special “picture-perfect” backdrop will be provided to make the moment memorable. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors.

Join The Journey - Exciting Destinations Await!
Wednesday, April 15 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 provides information on who we are, and what we believe, 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. Sign-up now!

Ministry Happenings

To learn more about regularly scheduled activities for Adults, Singles, Students, and Children ask for the Ministries Guide at the Information Center or visit the  Ministries web page.

Adult Ministries
For more information contact, Sarah Trick, Director of Adult Discipleship and Education.

• Boundaries in Marriage: New Grow U Class, 6:30pm, Wednesday April 15 – June 3, in Room 179. The powerful Biblical and relational principles presented in this DVD series will give couples the tools needed to make a good marriage better and save one that’s headed for disaster. Olive Asbury, Instructor.
• Reasons to Believe Class: Begins Sunday, April 19 at 10:45am in Room 179. This micro-study of the basics of Christianity works its way through the essentials of the faith; from God’s character to the significance of Communion. J.J. and Scott Wilson, Instructors.
• Home Improvement: New Grow U Class, begins Sunday April 26 at 10:45am in Room 180. How do such topics as spring cleaning, garage sale, or landscaping relate to your marriage, family and spiritual life? All married and engaged couples are invited to laugh and learn in this four-week spring home improvement series. Contact: Paul and Lori Browning (765) 754-8697.

Senior Adults

• J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): Thursday, April 16 at Noon in The Commons. J.O.Y. will meet for a noon luncheon and “Fun with Don” Lyon. All seniors are invited to attend this entertaining afternoon. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.
• J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Amish Acres Day Trip – April 28: Feast and Fun at Amish Acres in Nappanee, Indiana.  Contact: Karen Zierer at (765) 643-5637.

Singles Ministry
For more information contact, Sarah Trick, Director of Adult Discipleship and Education.

• Singles Hang-out Night: Saturday, April 18 at 7:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium. Bring a snack to share and enjoy a time of fellowship.

Athletics

• Softball Season is Nearing: MPC will again be fielding at least one squad for a fast-pitch league. If enough interest garners a second team, another coach will be needed, too. Season starts the week of May 18 with the hope of a few practices and “meet and greets” prior to that date. Contact: Adam Farmer at (317) 442-5731 or ajfarmer@anderson.edu
• Women’s Volleyball: Begins Thursday, April 16 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Cross Street gym.  Women of all ages, 14 and older, and all skill levels are invited to play volleyball. For more information, contact Melanie Denniston at (765) 622-6379.
  

Student Ministries
For more information, contact Gretchen Olson, Junior High Ministries Pastor.

Impact Jr. High Ministry

• Rhett Morehouse Band will lead worship at IMPACT on Sunday, April 19. Check them out at www.myspace.com/rhettmorehouseband.

Ignite Sr. High Ministry

• BigStuff Camp: (for graduating eighth graders through graduating Seniors) June 11 – June 17 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The cost is $425 plus money for six meals. A limited number of spots are available. Sign up at any youth program or contact Rhonda Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant, Student  Ministries at (765) 642-2000.
  MERGE – Student Ministries service project: Saturday, April 11, 9:00am – Noon at MPC. Students will help with the children’s Easter Egg-stravaganza.

Children’s Ministry
For more information, contact Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

• Summer Youth Camps: It’s time to start thinking of summer camp! Camp Challenge is a Church of God camp in Bedford, Indiana that hosts hundreds of children and teens each summer. Tuition remains the same as last year ($140 for the week long camp, $70 for the Young Explorers) with special discounts for first time campers, graduating seniors who have attended camp every year since grade three, or a child coming with a parent who volunteers to be a counselor. Dates for the 2009 camping season are:
  • Senior High June 15 – 19
  • 7th & 8th Grade (1) June 22 – 26
  • Young Explorers (Grade 1,2,3 Grads) July 2 – 4
  • 3rd & 4th Grade (1) July 6 – 10
  • 5th & 6th Grade (1) July 13 – 17
  • 7th & 8th Grade (2) July 20 – 24
  • 3rd & 4th Grade (2) July 27 – 31
  • 5th & 6th Grade (2) August 3 – 7

  Registration forms are available in the Children’s Center, Crossroads Auditorium and at the Information Center in The Commons. Contact: Rhonda Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant, Student and Children’s Ministries.

Opportunities to Serve

To find a place to volunteer, contact Marti Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator.

• Donations Needed for Easter Eggstravaganza: Plastic eggs and bulk wrapped candies are needed to help make the Easter Eggstravaganza at MPC on April 11 a success! Donations may be dropped-off in the Children’s Center through Sunday, April 5.
• Project Anderson – Operation Foundation: Tuesday, April 21, meet at 2:45pm in MPC parking lot. MPC-goers will unite with Anderson University students to clean up a specific area of downtown Anderson in the hope of bringing physical restoration to the city. Sign up in The Commons on Sunday, April 19 or at projectanderson.org. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Outreach and Missions.
• Items Needed to Help the Homeless in NYC: The Friday Night Lights Small Group is collecting items for hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless in New York City. Items needed include: sample/travel size soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and combs. Drop-off donations at the Information Center. Contact Rob Spaulding at (765) 642-2000.
• Simple Ways to Make An Impact: Eyeglasses and Health Care items are needed for mission and outreach projects (Haiti and Operation Love). Please drop items at the Information Center.

Family News

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

Congratulations to

• Merle and Fran Strege, who welcomed a granddaughter, Ava June Strege on February 19. Proud parents are Pete and Kristen.
• Steve and Betty Knapp, who welcomed a grandson, Wyatt Marshall Harter on February 26. Proud parents are Andrea and Adam.
• Chester and Susan Long, who welcomed a granddaughter, Kendall Elaine Long on March 6. Proud parents are Mark and Carrie.
• Paul and Charlene Meier, who welcomed a grandson, David Thomas Meier on March 6. Proud parents are David and Lisa.

In Sympathy with

• Chester and Susan Long at the loss of their infant grandson, Elliott Michael Long on March 6.
• Myrtle David-Yoder and family at the loss of her mother, Mary Bunch on March 16.
• Linda Kemper and family at the loss of her brother, Terry Ewing on March 22.

Celebrating the Dedication of

• Abigail Grace Browning, daughter of Paul and Lori, dedicated on March 15.
• Anthony David Wise, son of Aaron and Amber, dedicated on March 22.

Good to Know

• “Friend” MPC on Facebook: Already on Facebook? Join MPC groups to stay connected. Visit MadisonParkChurch.org, News and Events page to find links to the Madison Park Church group, as well as groups for Children’s Ministries, Convergence, and Singles.
• Students Selling Easter Eggs: Chocolate Covered Easter Eggs are available on Sunday and Wednesday in The Commons (while supplies last). The handmade, 3/4 pound eggs come in a variety of flavors and cost $6.00. Each egg is hand dipped in milk chocolate and packaged in a beautiful, pastel Easter box complete with green Easter grass. All proceeds benefit the Student Ministries Summer trips and the Fall State Youth Convention. Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer or Paula Spear at the Church Office.
• Anderson Area Christian Men’s Lenten Breakfast Series: April 4, 8:00-9:30am. Madison Park Church will host the April 4 event with speaker Pastor Lyon and music by the Crossroads Quartet. Everyone (men, ladies, youth and children) are invited to this celebration of God’s Grace through fellowship, music, and inspirational Christian speakers. More details and series schedule.
• Ladies’ Spring Tea: Tuesday, April 7, 9:45-11:30am in Crossroads Auditorium. All ladies are invited to the RefresHer Spring Tea. A lively program will be followed by violin and piano music for the buffet luncheon. Bring your own teacup and prepare for a special time together. Contact: Tami Suelean at (765) 643-9233 or Becky Rosenberg at (765) 642-8560.
• Health and Wellness: Wednesday, April 15, 6:30pm in Room 181. Interested in knowing more about counting calories, ways to lose 10 pounds in 30 days or basic aerobic exercises to help your heart become healthier? Come to this interest meeting! Contact: Venessa Cowan, at excel4fitness@yahoo.com.
• Volunteer Appreciation: Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm in The Commons. Volunteers from all MPC ministries are invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Event. Enjoy dessert, fellowship and Christian comedian, David Dean. R.S.V.P. by Noon, April 13. Sign up or contact Marti Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator.
• “Open Road” Motorcyclists Ride: Saturday, April 18 at 11:00am to Dave’s Flatlanders in Hagerstown. BUG Ride: Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00pm, leaving at 7:00pm from MPC parking lot, to Maggie Moo’s in Noblesville. Click here for a complete listing of 2009 “Open Road” rides.
• Mother’s Day Gift: Place your orders for a gift-wrapped Madison Park cookbook. Cookbooks cost $15 each and the gift-wrapping is complimentary. Gifts may be picked up on Sunday May 3 and 10 or from the Church Office. To place orders contact Marti Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Church Office.
• Baptism In The Lake: Sunday, May 10, immediately following the 10:45am worship service. The first 2009 baptism in the lake will be on Mother’s Day, May 10. If you would like to follow the Lord in Christian baptism and participate in this outdoor service contact Debbie McCafferty, Administrative Assistant, Pastoral Care.
• Annual Bazaar/Auction/Rummage Sale: Saturday, May 16, 7:00am–3:00 pm. Donations will be received each Saturday in April through May 2, at the Scatterfield site, 2604 N. Scatterfield Road, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Categories for donations include: Business donations, furniture, small machinery (in working condition), jewelry, plants, bake sale, children’s clothing, toys, office items, holiday items, home decor, and much more. Charlie Breeze, auctioneer, will begin the auction at 10:00am. All donations are tax deductible, forms will be provided. To volunteer to help the day of the auction or for more information, contact Marti Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator.
• Walk-a-thon Walkers and Sponsors Needed: A Madison Park Walk-Team is being formed to participate and sponsor Dove Harbor in the annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk-a-thon on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00pm at the Millcreek Civic Center in Chesterfield. Donations benefit the homeless in Madison and Delaware County. One-hundred percent of the donations raised on behalf of Dove Harbor will go directly to the Harbor. Walkers, volunteers, and team sponsors are needed. Register for the Madison Park Walk-Team at homewardboundindiana.com. Contact Team Leader, Marcia Porter at (765) 622-1379. More.
• Writers Conference: Thursday, April 2,, 8:00am in the Reardon Auditorium Lobby. Author, Sena Jeter Nashlund  will lead Vision Revision in chapel and serve as the keynote speaker for the Anderson University English Department’s first Writer’s Conference. The event is free with registration at 8:00am or online at anderson.edu/AUwriters/registration.html
• Kindergarten Round-Up for Anderson Community Schools: April 22, 9:00am – 7:00pm at the ACS Administration Building (the Wigwam). Register for Kindergarten (any child who will be 5 years old on or before August 1, 2009) and Prekindergarten (any child who will be 4 years of age on or before August 1, 2009) and bring the child, birth certificate, shot record, and two proof of residency. For more information contact Nancy Farley, Director of Title I and Transportation at (765) 641-2148.

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-$6, Children and college Students (with ID)-$4 (maximum of $22 per family).

• April  1 - Chicken and Noodles // Kids Option: Chicken and Noodles
• April  8 – Closed due to Holy Week Services
• April 15 - Northern Italian Spaghetti // Kids Option: Spaghetti
• April 22 – Barbecue Chicken // Kids Option: Mini Corn Dogs and Mac & Cheese
• April 29 – Roast Pork Loin // Kids Option: Grilled Cheese