We have a benevolent God. The dictionary defines

benevolence as “The disposition to do good; kindly.” God created the world to be filled with benevolent cycles; perpetual and reciprocated good deeds and feelings. He intended for benevolence to be a way of life. Sin tainted this, but it’s still possible for God’s children to be surrounded with benevolence.In His Word, God lets us in on how to enjoy a world of benevolence. We can make it happen! God is the source, so He begins the cycle:He (God) who gives seed to the sower and

bread to eat, will give you the seed of generosity to sow (our part) and will make it grow into a harvest of good deeds done (result).

The more you are enriched, the more scope there will be for generous giving, and your

gifts administered through us, will mean that many will thank God.

For your giving does not end in meeting the wants of your fellow-Christians. It also results in an over-flowing tide of thanksgiving to God. Moreover, your very giving proves the reality of your faith, and that means that people thank God that you practice the gospel of Christ that you profess to believe in, as well as for the

actual gifts your fellowship makes to them and to others. Yet further, people will pray for you and feel drawn to you because you have

The Seeds of Generosityby Steve Williamson, Worship Arts Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—September 10, 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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Miriam Project: A Decade of HopeDameon and Shontay were married in 2003 and couldn’t wait to be parents. They were so convinced that it was God’s plan for them that they decided on a name for their future daughter: Miriam. Yet the next ten years brought devastating disappointment. After multiple fertility treatments and miscarriages, they were losing hope. But Dameon and Shontay trusted in God’s plan. Though hesitant to consider adoption, after much prayer decided to try. When they heard about the Miriam Project – the very name they had chosen for their future daughter, they felt God’s direction. They completed the necessary paperwork. Home studies were done. But time continued to pass and even adoption began to look like a futile dream. Disappointed and discouraged, they hung on to hope—daring to buy a crib and pray for a baby who would eventually sleep there.Just eight days after that purchase, they received a call from the Miriam project that

a baby girl had been placed for adoption. Now, Dameon and Shontay have experienced God’s wonderful faithfulness and baby Miriam has been blessed with forever parents who will love and care for her all their days.

Miriam Project Prayer SupportPray for the Annual 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run Fundraiser on Saturday, September 13. Now in it’s 12th year, the annual Miriam Project 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run is the Miriam Project’s biggest fundraiser, providing funds that make it possible to help children in need find forever families as well as provide needed services to expectant parents and adoptive families.

India Gospel League: Unprecedented Health CareAccess to affordable health care in rural India is a dream most villagers never come to realize. Those struggling with cancer, polio, cleft palettes and more have no

MPC Missions Make Great Impact

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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.

RefresHer Bible Study for WomenTuesdays, from 9:00-11:30am in Crossroads AuditoriumYou were made to THRIVE! Reset. Deepen. Pray. Grow. Together. RefresHer Bible Study for Women is setting down deeper roots this season in prayer and vital relationship with God. Come learn to thrive in Him! Invite a friend and come join in! Study guide, $7, available day of study. Free childcare and home school elementary class. Sign up at MadisonParkChurch.org. Instructor: Lisa Bitar.

Miriam Project Walk/RunSaturday, September 13 at 8:30am at the Broadway Ministry CenterThe 12th annual 5K run/walk & 10K run fundraiser for the Miriam Project, begins at the Broadway Ministry Center at 1400 Broadway and follows the Shadyside Park trails. Race day registration begins at 7:45am. More at MiriamProject.org.

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.

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. No ticket required. Purchase tickets online at trinitycommunications.org, by phone, call (260) 484-1029, in The Commons, and at the Church Office.

Dove Harbor—Sweetest Night of the Year Dinner and AuctionThursday, September 18 at 6:00pm at The Edge (519 Golf Club Road in Anderson)

Begin with a scrumptious dinner and end with a fun and interactive fundraiser, auctioning off many fabulous desserts. Where else can you enjoy tasty treats while supporting a great cause. Tickets are $20 person available at Dove Harbor. Contact: Deanna Zimmer at (765) 642-1853.

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efresHer

News You Can UseBoundaries 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: Sunday 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: September 10-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.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth): Thursday, September 18 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Enjoy great food and fellowship. “Reptiles!”will be presented by Jessica Rosier, Naturalist at Mounds State Park. Bring a dish of food to share.Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323.Scott Lutterman and the Heartland Big Band—The Count Meets The Duke: Saturday, September 27 at 7:00pm in The Commons (Doors open at 6:15pm). 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. Songs include: “April in Paris,” “Satin Doll,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” and many more. Tickets on sale in The Commons, at the Church Office or online at HeartlandBigBand.org.Child 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. Sign-up for the class by September 14, calling the Church Office. 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.

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 MinistriesSAFARI PARK: Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Children’s Center for elementary age children. An exciting adventure to the jungles of Africa. Experience what it’s like to head out on safari and learn about Mungu’s wild love for kids. Don’t miss this adventure. Kwaheri. Contact: Shaiya Badgley.Divorce Care for Kids: Sunday 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:

• Indiana State Youth Convention: November 7-9 in Indianapolis

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: • Sundays at 10:45am in Crossroads

AuditoriumIGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Bible Studies: Sundays at 9:00am in

room 180; Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at Williamson’s home.

• Parent Information Meeting: Wednesday, September 17 at 8:15pm 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 first 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.

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

In Sympathy With:Lori and Sam Hanna on the loss of her mother, Theresa Cunningham on Friday August 15.Anne Perkins, Trudy Perkins and Gena Starks on the loss of their husband, step-son and step-brother, Eric Neil Perkins on Friday, August 15.Derek and Susie Brown on the loss of his father, Robert Brown on Tuesday, August 19.Marvin Baker and Judy Matas, on the loss of their brother and uncle, Rev. Bob Baker, on Wednesday, August 20.Chris and Tricia Brooks on the loss of his mother, Barbara Brooks on Friday, August 22.Linda Parker, on the loss of her mother, Catherine Garrity, on Monday, August 25.

Community and Ministry Partner News

Linville Counseling: Linville Services Professional Counseling provides a kind, non-judgmental and honest atmosphere to develop personal emotional relational and mental potential. For more information, visit linvilleservices.com or call (765) 642-1853 to schedule an appointment.

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. 10: Lasagna / Kids’ Option: Cheese Ravioli with Marinara

Sept. 17: Oriental Chicken Salad / Kids’ Option: Chicken Fingers and Fries

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

Wednesday, September 17 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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Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference

Saturday, September 20 from 8:30am-4:55pm at Madison Park

Church. Men age 13 and up will be inspired and equipped to be God’s man

in today’s world. Keynote Speakers: Jeff Kemp and Arnie Cole. Registration

Fee: $53 by September 20. $59 at the door; Student (age 13-22 and full-time student) $29. Register online at IronSharpensIron.net. Contact:

Indiana Ministries at (317) 773-6477.

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access to the surgery that could easily save their lives.That is, until MPC chose to invest in a new medical facility. Now, a young woman will be treated for cervical cancer. Minor surgeries will be performed that will be life-saving to the patients. India Gospel League focuses primarily on cancer surgery, as well as some other general surgeries. Though small in scope, IGL’s surgery ministry is an integral part of its medical ministry. The surgeries performed through IGL and the care and love given to the patients have saved countless lives from not only pain and suffering in this life but also in the next.Through their compassionate care, IGL’s staff become the hands and feet of Christ. Faith Promise gifts enable them to treat those who have nowhere else to turn.

Support IGL in prayerPray that South Asia’s young population would find hope in Christ. Millions of children go to bed each night in India hungry, orphaned or, even worse – victims of child trafficking. Pray for many Christians to rise up to help support and love these children.Pray also that Christian workers would be safe from harm. While India is the world’s largest democracy, there are areas of the nation whose state or local governments are unfriendly to Christians – and many believers face persecution or harassment as a result. Even now an IGL pastor serving in Bihar is being threatened by Hindu activists who are planning to murder him. Pray for peace and tolerance, so that the light of the gospel can shine brightly.

A Look Ahead:September 14 Baptism Services

9:00am and 10:45am

Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 DO Something Anderson Blitz Week Mark your calendars to join neighbors and friends in city-wide service projects.

October 19-22 Retreat to the Cove/CBH Viewpoint Asheville, North Carolina. Featured guest, Buddy Greene.Registration details at CBHviewpoint.org.

November 1 Planned Purity Seminar 9am-3pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

November 16 Baptism Services 9:00am and 10:45am

obviously received a generous measure of the grace of God.Thank God, then, for His indescribable generosity to you! II Cor. 9:10-15.Because God intended for giving to be such a complete cycle, it can be graphed accordingly:

1. God gives seed of generosity.2. We plant seeds of generosity.3. God makes it grow (or motivates) a

harvest of good deeds done.4. We are enriched spiritually,

emotionally, materially, by others and God.

5. More scope (or means) for even more generous giving.

6. Many will thank God for your genuine Christianity.

7. Others wants and needs are met.8. People are drawn to you. They pray

for you. They send benevolence your way.

9. Thank God, for He started the whole cycle!!!

Many folks don’t realize that they hold the seed which needs to be planted before a harvest of benevolence can be experienced. They say, “As soon as I get this raise or that break, I’m going to be generous.” Or “When He’s generous to me, then I’ll be giving to Him.” That’s like saying, “As soon as I get a crop of corn I’m going to plant one.” Or “Stove, you give me some heat first, and I’ll put some wood in you.”The Bible clearly expresses the folly of this thinking. Be not deceived, God is not mocked.

For whatsoever a man plants, THAT shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7) You see, it’s in the PLANTING that a harvest is caused:You plant corn and you’ll reap corn.You plant wheat and you’ll reap wheat.You plant hostility and you’ll reap hostility.You plant generosity and you’ll reap generosity. You can’t stop the law of “seed and harvest” from working. So why not cause it to work in a BENEVOLENT WAY: good for others, good for you, pleasing to God.Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure you deal out to others, it shall be dealt out to you in return. Luke 6:38FOOTNOTE:This divine principle of God has received criticism from narrow-minded Christians who maintain that “giving living” is motivated by selfish receiving. I beg to differ. Jesus said, Freely you have received–Freely give. Matt. 10:8. Our giving is a result of having already received “a large measure of the grace of God.” So we make “giving” our lifestyle out of a heart of gratitude to God. I HAVE RECEIVED. I CAN GIVE.I AM FORGIVEN. I CAN FORGIVE.I AM LOVED. I CAN LOVE.Thank God, then, for His indescribable generosity to you! II Cor. 9:15

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comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Stripped Love Fundraiser: Stripped Love, a ministry to women in the sex trade, is holding a fundraiser on Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00pm at the Anderson Country Club, 602 Northshore Blvd in Anderson. Special musical guest is Sarah Scharbrough. For more information and to R.S.V.P., visit www.StrippedLove.org. Contact: Kimberly Majeski at kimberly@strippedlove.org.

The Seeds of Generosity Continued from page 1

MPC Missions Make Great Impact Continued from page 1

Community and Ministry Partner News

Continued from page 3

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