Since the first of the year, we’ve been talking a lot about “Mission and Vision” at Madison Park. These terms have been the focus of a series of discussions I’ve had with the staff, the Elders, and many of you who participated in our “Conversations” each Wednesday evening in January. In this article, I want to briefly address what we mean by “Mission and Vision” and, more importantly, what they mean to us.

Mission is a catalyst that propels us into the world as followers of Jesus Christ. We can trace God’s mission in the world from the very beginning to the ultimate conclusion of scripture. From Creation to Revelation, God’s mission is to reconcile us in relationship to Himself. He formed us for this purpose and, after the fall of humanity due to our rejection of relationship with God, He reconciled us to this purpose through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Having experienced God’s mission of relational reconciliation for ourselves, we become participants in His mission. 2 Corinthians 5:18 tells us that “God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him.” Scripture makes it plain that God’s desire is for every human He has ever created to live forever in relationship with Him. But to do so, they must hear the Good News of His love for

them and receive it for themselves. We, as His followers and as His Church, are “Christ’s ambassadors” who go into the world to carry out God’s mission by proclaiming the message of reconciliation expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Be reconciled to God!”

Most followers of Jesus have some awareness of our Biblical mission. Often, however, we are simply not sure how to carry it out. This is where our understanding of vision comes in and helps to align our focus. Vision, at its simplest, is a clear and compelling picture of a future in which we are fulfilling God’s Mission. Whereas mission propels us into the world, vision compels us in a particular direction. Vision helps us to know where we are going and what it will look like when we get there. When we are firm in our understanding of God’s Mission, and focused on what it can look like when we accomplish it, we experience a level of alignment which maximizes the impact of our ministry.

This is the goal for the current season of discovery we are experiencing at Madison Park Church. We love Jesus and we want to make a difference in the lives of people. What we need now is a clear and compelling picture of what that might look like. We need a fresh vision for our future.

I believe God’s Vision for Madison Park Church is defined by His Mission. Since God’s goal is Relational Reconciliation, it follows that the fulfillment of that goal is relationship. Jesus

A Relational Church by Paul Strozier, Senior Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—February 8, 2016

January-March Proceeds benefit HaitiMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in Haiti. 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.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, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.++

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by Andrea Carlile, Resource Development Director, Dove Harbor

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. “ Leo F. Buscaglia

There are many problems that cause people to struggle beyond their ability to cope and need an opportunity to turn their life around. Many women struggle to overcome difficult and complex problems that affect their lives and the lives of their children. They are seeking the opportunity to turn their lives around when given the support and help they need to tackle their problems.

At Dove Harbor, we have the awesome privilege of serving families that come to us, seeking help and support in the midst of broken life circumstances. Sometimes, merely showing kindness,

Love ForDove

Wednesday classes begin January 6 and Sunday

Faith Promise - Freedom SundayFebruary 14 in the 9:00 and 11:00am Worship Services

Come celebrate God’s faithfulness as we commit to become more like Christ and actively engage in God’s mission of redemption and reconciliation locally and around the globe.

All-Church Movie Night

Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00pm Crossroads AuditoriumWAR ROOMExplore the transformational role prayer plays in people’s lives. War Room follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a middle-class couple who seemingly have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, the Jordan’s marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. With the help of Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. Through a newly energized faith, Elizabeth and Tony’s real enemy doesn’t have a prayer. Activities for children ages birth - 5th grade will begin at 5:30pm in the Children’s Center.

Prepare-Enrich Premarital ClassFriday, February 19 from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, February 20 from 9:00am-12:30pm at Broadway Ministry Center, 1400 Broadway in Anderson

Give your marriage a strong start. Led by Linville Counseling Services therapists, April Linville and Brian Daugherty, the two day class includes computerized assessment of your relationship, class materials and a light snack. Cost $147. To enroll call Robin at (765) 642-1853.

Divorce Care / Divorce Care 4 Kids Open HouseThursday, February 25 from 6:30-8:00pm in Room 193

Come meet the leaders, ask questions, look at materials and learn if this group is for you! Divorce Care is a weekly seminar and support group for people separated or divorced. This is a place to be around people who understand and to gain valuable ways to heal. Meet DC4K safekeepers, participate in a craft, ask questions, and learn how DC4K may be a group for you! Divorce Care for Kids is a 13-week class for ages 5-12. Children of divorce or parents separated often feel alone, helpless, scared, sad and confused. DC4K provides a safe and neutral place to help children recognize and learn to share their feelings and heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids will be held on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm beginning on March 4 in Room 193. Register online. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Childrens Ministries Director.

Lenten Teaching Series Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 Love comes at a cost - we cannot love others without self-sacrifice. But the return far exceeds the investment. To experience the benefits of eternity, we must lose ourselves in love. February 21 - Hurt February 28 - Broken March 6 - Given March 13 - Surrendered March 20 - Paid

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News You Can Use

Scott Lutterman and the Heartland Big BandSaturday, February 13 at 7:00pm in The CommonsSWING! Went the Strings of My HeartJoin the Heartland Big Band for a swingin’ Valentines romance featuring the standards that made Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Michael Buble’, and other singers famous for their croon and swoon. Songs include Call me Irresponsible, The Best is Yet to Come, Our Love is Here to Stay, Almost Like Being in Love, Ain’t That a Kick in The Head, and many more! Guest singers Sarah Scharbrough, Layke Jones, Steve Williamson, Steven Moore, and Karen Sipes join the HBB for a fun night of music you’ll “L-O-V-E”! Tickets are $15. All table seating General Admission. Coffee/Soft Drinks and desserts will be available to purchase.. Doors open at 6:15. Tickets can be purchased at Grand Central, Madison Park Church Office, or online at Heartland Big Band.org.

Camp Challenge FundraiserSunday, February 14, 8:30am-12:30pm in the Children’s CenterElementary students, planning to attend summer church camp, will be selling a variety of colored long stemmed carnations. Suggested donation is $1 per flower. The goal is to sell 400 flowers to help supplement the cost of attending church camp. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Children Ministries Director. Battle Plan for Prayer Bible StudyWednesdays, March 2 - April 13 at 6:30pm in Room 179Develop a deeper walk with God as you seek the Lord for your battles first. Based on the book The Battle Plan for Prayer, the study equips believers to create their own prayer strategy and be specific and strategic

in prayer. It features teaching by Alex and Stephen Kendrick on the topics of: what prayer is and is not, why God wants us to pray, specific areas of prayer, specific strategies for prayer, and more. The study book, The Battle Plan for Prayer is encouraged but not required and can be purchased in the classroom for $10.00. Pastor Shelly Short, along with an assembled team, will be leading this six week prayer bible study. Inter-generational FellowshipSunday, March 6, Between the Morning Worship Services in Crossroads AuditoriumSenior Adults are invited to join Junior High students for Donuts and Coffee and enjoy their acts of service and reaching across the generations.

Pastoral Care for the MPC FamilyIf you or your loved one is facing an upcoming surgery, or is hospitalized, please make the Pastors aware by contacting Pastoral Care at the Church Office. The MPC Pastors want to support you in your time of need with visits and prayers. Due to confidentiality it is requested that either you

or your immediate family contact the office. Contact: Church Office at (765) 642-2000.

MPC Small Groups: Various locations and meeting

times. With more than 40 small groups from which to choose, Madison Park has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a group that is just for men or women, volunteer-minded or Bible-study based, there is a small group that will deepen your

faith and enrich your spiritual journey. You

are invited to facilitate or join a Small Group. Contact:

Jackie Corn, at the Church Office.

S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth)•Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm in room 175 - Bible

Study• Wednesdays at MPC: Join other singles

at a table to enjoy a delicious Lighthouse Café Dinner and fellowship.

• Bible Study Kick-Off: Tentative - Sunday, February 14 in Crossroads Auditorium - 5:00pm. Enjoy fellowship, finger food, a scanvenger hunt and introduction of the

bible study, Life lessons, I Corinthians by Max Lucado.

Contact: Wanda Anderson and Karl Graddy. Blood Pressure Clinic: Wednesday, March 2 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 or Lynn Simpson, lynnsimpson75@gmail.com.

Children’s MinistriesParent and Child Dedication Sunday, February 28 in the 9:00 and 11:00am Worship Services

The parent and child dedication is a public commitment before God, church, and family. The dedication ceremony provides the parents(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 Ministry Director by February 22.Children’s ProgramsSundays at 9:00am and 11:00amClasses and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s CenterWednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm in the Children’s Center. It’s time to Explore, Discover, Investigate and Learn! QUEST invites preschool and elementary age children to explore a Bible person, place or story through games, multi-media, drama and music.Quest IIIA Family Experience will cap the Jonah experience on February 10 at 6:30pm in the Main Auditorium.For more information or to volunteer, contact: Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Director.Wednesday, April 20 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 Connection Ministries.

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 college Students with ID-$5. Family Plan: $25 for up to 7 people, $5 per each additional person. Feb 10 Roast Pork Loin & Chocolate Fountain Kids Option: PizzaFeb 17 Lasagna Kids Option: Cheese RavioliFeb 24 Breakfast: Egg Casserole, cheesy potatoes, biscuits & gravy Kids Option: Waffles & sausage

MPC Annual Business Meeting Results

At the Madison Park Church Annual Business Meeting held on

Sunday, February 7, Jamie Wilkinson, Sarah Trick and David

Whitmoyer were ratified as Resident Elders. The 2016 Budget was approved. The By Laws Amendment was

approved.

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A Relational Church Continued from page 1

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came into the world and opened Himself to relationship with us so that through Him we might be reconciled in relationship to God. This is the model for our ministry. We must go into the world and build relationships with people. It is through our open and loving relationships with them that they begin to experience the love of God. As they experience His love, they have the opportunity to trust Him as Savior and Lord and enter into relationship with Him.

We are reconciled to relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and given the mission of reconciliation. We will fulfill that mission by building authentic relationships with other people. Your role in God’s mission isn’t dependent on what you know, it’s dependent on Who you know. If you have a relationship with Jesus, then you are capable of sharing that relationship with other people so that they may experience relationship with Him as well. Following Jesus isn’t about religion. It’s about relationship!

As we continue to explore the implications of this for our congregation and community, I invite you to refocus your life on your relationship with Christ. Bible knowledge is wonderful. Using your resources to support

ministry is fantastic. Being active in church and in the community is awesome. But, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8, nothing compares to the “surpassing greatness” of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord! That “knowing” is the essence of relationship. We must know Him in order to make Him known!

Then, as we experience new life in relationship with Jesus, let’s intentionally live our lives in relationships with other people. Whoever you encounter and wherever you go, love other people the way Jesus loves you. It’s both that easy and that hard. As you experience all that Jesus does for you in your relationship with Him, be aware that He is asking you to do the same for others.

Be reconciled to God. Be His ambassadors to the world carrying the message of reconciliation by building relationships. Love others like Jesus loves you! This summarizes our vision to become A Relational Church: A Church the Community Can Live With. *For more on this subject, please visit madisonparkchurch.org.

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

MPC Commercial Property Update

• Scatterfield Center - the former worship site on Scatterfield Road sitting on 20+ acres; • Madison Square - church offices off of Cross Street sitting on 3.8 acres • 135 acres of land for development at current Madison Park worship site - one 20 acre lot zoned for Assisted Living and an additional 115 acres for development. Madison Park Church is maintaining 70+ acres for its development.Keller Williams Commercial Realty has been retained to represent the above mentioned commercial properties. New signs will soon be appearing on these properties as we aggressively market them.If you have any questions, please call Clark Simpson, MPC Business Manager at 765-642-2000 or Sharon Thompson, KW Commercial, at 317-564-7160

Love For Dove Continued from page 1

or offering a word of encouragement can truly be a catalyst to propel a life in a different direction.

I have witnessed the power of love first hand with our women as their lives are transformed through the act of the love of Christ. We, as a staff, can offer this to our residents because of the involvement of our church and community; prayers, dona-tions, financial gifts, and volunteers truly make this happen day in and day out.

Because we know that the power of words can truly change lives, inspire, and offer hope, we are extending an opportunity for the wonderful community of Madison Park to also have this chance to touch a life in a more personal way.

Throughout February, with any financial donation, you will be given the opportu-nity to send a message of hope, a scripture, or a favorite quote of inspiration that will be written on a paper Dove and then hung in Dove Harbor! Together a larger message will be sent to our residents that an entire church community cares for them!

Will you join us in “Love for Dove” and send a personal message of hope? Whether you give a $1 or a $1000, the power of your words etched on a Dove will touch lives! Please visit www.doveharbor.org for more information on how you can donate and get your message sent!

Dove Harbor is a ministry of Madison Park Church to women and women with children. It provides transitional housing and educational programs in a supportive, Christ-centered environment that promotes growth toward spiritual and emotional wholeness.

Student MinistriesIMPACT—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.• Invite Dodgeball & Pizza

11:00am-2:00pm at Cross Street Gym Cost is $2 for MPC students. FREE for friends!

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

•Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room 180

February: • Teaching Focus: Back2Back Friendship is important! “A real friend

sticks closer than a brother.” It’s good to know that someone has your back. God does! Friends do too!

• IYC/Mexico Mission Trip Meeting for parents and students- Wednesday, February 10 after Ignite. Trip updates, schedule, payment plan, fundraiser info.

Family News To submit a threads announcement regarding a birth or death, please contact the Pastoral Care office at (765) 642-2000.

Birth Congratulations To:• Stephen and Ally West on the birth of daughter, Ivey Ray on January 22.• Adam and Cayla Truman on the birth of son, Beckett on January 25.In Sympathy with:• Dana Huff on the passing of her husband, Joe Huff on January 13.

• The Gates Family on the passing of Fred Gates on January 14.• Krista and Don Julian and family on the passing of her mother, Glenda Oakley on January 19.

Opportunities to ServeGrand Central Volunteer OpportunityVolunteers are need to work one worship service per month at Grand Central. Assist people by answering questions, pass out printed information and distribute listening enhancement devices. Workers are needed for both the 9:00am and 11:00am services. Contact: Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850.

Employment OpportunityMPC Day Care Programs: Kids Learning Station - & North Kids - Full-time classroom teachers and aids. Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma. Experience in group settings is preferred. Contact Melanie Denniston, Director at (765) 622-6379.

Community and Ministry PartnersSandi Patty Concert Forever Grateful - The Farewell Tour Sunday, April 24 - 7:00pm Madison Park Main Auditorium Tickets available at the Church Office. Premier Seating Tickets must be purchased online. For more Information and to purchase tickets go to: http://oetkendesign.com/premier/sandipatty/042416-01b.html

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