A couple of years ago April and I bought each other kayaks as wedding anniversary gifts. Our first

adventure was to head out on the water at Aqua Gardens, next to Shadyside Park. I have spent a lot of time in that area over the years; I’ve run, walked, conducted counseling sessions, went on dates with April all in that space around Aqua Gardens, however I had never experienced it from the view of sitting in a kayak. Because I had spent so much time in that area I thought I knew it very well but that day I experienced it totally differently. This experience let me start thinking about all the different seats that I have sat in and the privileges and responsibilities that have come with each one.

The responsibility of some seats are much more obvious than others. As a contrast take the difference between the captains seat of a Boeing 747 versus the beach chair on Anna Maria Island. The Captain’s seat holds responsibility of hundreds of lives and the beach chair holds you up out of the sand. But wait before you discount the beach chair too quickly. For the average, non-pilot, the beach chair holds great responsibility. In fact, this might be one of the most

important seats that we sit in all year long. It is in that seat where we are able to stop and push the re-set button on our hearts, minds and our physical body so that we are renewed and restored. The beach chair can provide us a place to prepare us for the next set of battles in front of us.

In the past six months, as your Missions Pastor, I have been in more church buildings in Anderson than I have the first 35 years of living here. I intentionally pause a moment to drink in the rich history of God’s presence in that church

overtime. I thank him for his work in that church and I ask for

understanding of how we, MPC, can partner with them. Sometimes a seat comes with a few privileges and this one does. I am finding God-fearing,

righteous saints all over Anderson. It is exciting to see

God’s children leaving the comfort of their “home” churches to join forces for good, to advance God’s kingdom here in Anderson.

Over the years of sitting in the seat as a therapist I have been asked about how difficult it must be to hear all the hurts

Take your Seatby Doug Linville, Missions Pastor

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threadsbyweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - July 11, 2016

July-August-September Proceeds benefit RussiaMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries 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.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 for a complete listing of all electives or visit the Ministries page at MadisonParkChurch.org.

Have you been out to the lake this summer? Yes, the lake behind the MPC Worship Site. You may not even know it is there – but it is a beautiful added attraction to the grounds.

Last year a group of men in the church took the lake and surrounding land as a project. It had never been groomed since the facility was built and had become quite overgrown and unusable. The idea behind their enthusiasm was to build a prayer walk all the way around the lake.

At first it was a couple of guys on Saturday (just to get out of the house) with gloves, clippers and a rake. Then came a few more men with weed eaters and it was no longer just Saturdays but several days a week. Then a PLAN began to

take shape! The PLAN began to take on a life of its own and it was no longer just

about the lake, it wasn’t even about these men doing the work. It was now about GOD’S purpose for the land and each of these men. When more equipment was needed, it became available including

backhoes, bobcats, extractors and bull dozers.

The Lake is More...

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Summer Teaching SeriesPastor Paul Strozier Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am

BEST. SUMMER. EVER! If you want to experience the best summer of your life, don’t just work on your tan, work on your relationships. Join us at Madison Park as we spend the summer developing spiritual disciplines to help us connect and grow in relationships with God, with each other, and with the people God misses most. After all…tans fade, but love never fails! “…and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

July 3: The Breath of the Spiritual Life

July 10: Community-Life in the Family of God

July 17: Generosity-Evidence of the Heart of God

July 24: Using God’s Gifts for God’s Purpose

Baptism Service Sunday, July 17 Baptism in each Worship Service and in the lake following the 9:00am service.Everyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized please contact the Congregational Care Office.

Night at the EdgeAugust 3 • 6:00pm-9:00pm Enjoy a night at The Edge, 519 Golf Club Road in Anderson. • Free swimming, games on the covered patio. Bring your lawn chairs and table games. • Lighthouse Café will not serve dinner at church. Enjoy eating at The Edge on your own. • Join a 4-person Golf Scramble—put together a team or join a team that night! A $15 fee covers the cart and nine holes of golf, payable prior to tee time, at the Edge. Shot gun start is at 6:30pm. Enjoy the game and win some prizes! Sign up for golf at Grand Central or contact Jackie Corn (jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org), Administrative Assistant.

16th Annual Churches & Community Reconciliation Picnic Sunday, August 21 from 12:00-6:00pm at Jackson Park (22nd Street & Raible Avenue ) Enjoy Food, Christian Fellowship and Continuous Entertainment. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the day. Free to all. For 15 years, pastors and churches in Madison County have come together in a Reconciliation Picnic at Jackson Park. Jesus prayed that all His followers would be one, united in heart and mind. How can we be one if we don’t know each other? And how can we know each other if we never get together? Every summer a few thousand people, representing 20-30 congregations (and many from no congregation), black/white/hispanic, have done just that: get together to eat, enjoy music from our various traditions, and take another step in fulfilling Christ’s prayer. • Volunteer from 12:00-6:00pm • Shifts are two hours each • Contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor at (765) 642-2000.

iServe Opportunities: • Load Semi for Haiti: Saturday, July 16 from 9:00am-1:00pm at Scatterfield Ministry Site

•Brigade-Killbuck: August 3-4-5, 8:30-10:00am at Killbuck Elementary

Contact: Doug Linville, Missions Pastor or Ali Robinson, Missions Coordinator.

H.O.P.E. Ministry Luncheon

Sunday, July 17 following the 11:00 service in TRAKs Room 191. Holy Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (H.O.P.E.) is an inclusive ministry title for our individual support groups: Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, and Single & Parenting. Our HOPE Leadership Team will meet for lunch, fellowship and planning. If you have an interest in serving on one of our H.O.P.E. support groups, please come and engage in conversation, listen to the Leadership Team, and ask questions. For further information, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Best. Summer. Ever! BrochureThis brochure offers tons of opportunities to engage in practical ways with our congregation and community. Each one is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of real people. Pick up a copy at Grand Central.Cycling Group 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) 602-3424.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, July 21 at Noon at the Scatterfield Ministry Center. All adults age 55 and older are invited to enjoy wonderful fellowship and delicious food. Guest speaker, Sam Hanna served 38 years with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Upon retirement his legacy of service was entered into the Congressional Record. He has a servant’s heart continuing to impact our community and has authored a book “Point Blank” about his life and experiences. Bring food to share on the buffet table. Beverages are provided. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, at the Church Office.Blood Pressure Clinic Wednesday, August 10 from 5:30-6:30pm in The Commons. MPC Parish Nurses conduct a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends.

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Programs Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center

Children’s Ministry Assistant Training: Sunday, July 24 at 9:00am in Room 191 Kids completing grades 3 through 9 are invited to serve as Children’s Ministry Assistants (CMA) in preschool classes. Special training will equip CMA’s. Contact: Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor. CAMP MADISON: Wednedays 6:30-7:45pm June 15 - August 31 in the Children’s Center. Camp Madison is an exciting, fun and learning adventure for kids through grade 5. At Camp Madison they will learn and experience the Fruits of The Spirit. Camp Shirts will be available. Summer break will be July 20,27 and August 1.

5th Grade Visit Sunday - July 24 at 11:00am Kids who have completed the 5th grade and will be entering the 6th grade will visit the Jr. High Ministry service.

• Movie Mondays: Hamilton Town Center - $1 Show - Meet at 9:30am in the Lobby

July 18 - Penguins of Madagascar

July 25 - The Sandlot• Water Park Day:

Tuesday, July 26, 11:00am-3:00pm at Sahm’s Water Park off of 91st Street in Indianapolis. Families are invited to come connect and have fun together. Bring your own lunch or

concessions stand available. Admission

Charge.• Time Flies: Sunday,

July 31 at 10:00am - Room 175-177: Kids entering sixth

grade, and their families, are invited to this special celebration.

• Move-Up Sunday: August 7 All children entering Kindergarten through grade 5 will move up to the next age level class.• Kindergarten Picnic: Sunday, August 14 at Noon in Crossroads Auditoriuim Kids graduating from Kindergarten are invited to this farewell celebration and enjoy lunch, games, and fun. Sorry, parents....only kids are invited to attend! R.S.V.P. to either Becky Rosenberg at (765) 642-8560 or Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor. • Volunteer Celebration: Sunday, August 14 Volunteers matter! Mark you calendar for this special event!

MOPS (Moms of Pre-Schoolers) Play dates - 10:00am-Noon July 15 - Middletown Splash Pad - Water!July 29 - Pulaski Park - BallFor more information or to volunteer, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Camp Challenge Indiana State Church of God Camp for children and teens.Camp Dates:• July 17-22 5th & 6th Grade $220 $250 $280• July 24-28 Adventure Camp $270 $300 $330 More Information and Register at gocampchallenge.com

Student Ministries IMPACT—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.• End of Summer Hangout Wednesday-July 27 from 9:30am - 2:00pm Drop off and Pick up at Scatterfield Ministry Site. Come have one more summer hangout before school starts! Tubing at Canoe Country and lunch at McDonalds. This is an INVITE-DAY. $8 for MPC Students. Free for Friends! Everyone bring money for McDonalds.IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium. • ONE/IYC Mexico Mission Trip Fiesta!Wednesday, July 6 from 6:00-8:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium• A Day at MoundsWednesday, July 13 2:00-5:00pm - Start off at Mounds State Park pool5:00-8:00pm - Cookout/Worship/Skisms and More at ShelterCost: All day - $4, 5:00-8:00pm - $2

Missions and Outreach Upcoming Mission Trips:An opportunity to witness firsthand whatGod is doing in areas where Madison ParkChurch is invested with her finances and herfriends on the field.• Heart to Honduras in October 2016• Haiti in 2017For more information contact: Doug Linville,

Missions Pastor.

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• July 13: Taco Salad Kids: Walking Taco• July 20: No Church Dinner • July 27: No Church Dinner

News You Can Use

Widow’s Support Group

Sunday, July 24 at 10:15am in Room 180

Women interested in becoming a part of a Widow’s Support Group are invited to come to this interest meeting. Dealing with a wide variety of topics, this group’s focus will deal with issues common to widows, as well as

fellowship with others who have faced similar experiences. At this foundational meeting the felt need will be assessed and a time

for future meetings established.

Opportunity To ServeDove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training Session Tuesday, August 2 from 6:00-7:00pm at the Broadway Ministry Center - 1400 Broadway Street in Anderson. Information and training for volunteers at Dove Harbor and Miriam Project Adoption Services. Anyone interested in volunteering in these ministries is invited to attend and learn more information. The class is scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month. Contact: Meg Scaggs at (765) 642-1853..

Family News Birth Congratulations:Jared, Amy, and Sofie Shofner welcome baby boy, Finn Leo Shofner (7lbs.loz - 18 inches) on June 18.

Sympathy with:• Sarah Fitzjarrald on the passing of her husband, Patrick Fitzjarrald, on June 17.• Norma Bennett on the passing of husband, John Bennett on June 28.

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and problems of those sitting with me. Depending on how the question is framed, I have developed a couple of standard responses. One of my favorite responses is the truth that God has given me a front row seat to watch how He loves His people, He meets them where they are, His grace and mercy overflows onto them and He restores them into who He created them to be. Talk about a privilege! And yes, there is responsibility with the front row. As a general rule in everyday life, I really don’t want the front row. I prefer to hide in the middle or the back rows where I can doodle (which helps me stay in the room) and engage on my terms. Sitting on the front row requires a higher level of engagement and interaction. It’s easier to be in the middle, one of many.

In my daily devotions I was reading the story of Moses and the burning bush. This was the moment where God was calling Moses to go back to Egypt and to lead the children of Israel out of slavery. And Moses like most of us had a long list of questions and objections. God told Moses to tell the children of Israel that He has witnessed the brutality that they have been experiencing, He has heard their cries and it is time to respond. As I read that I was given an understanding that God positions Himself on the front row; for the children of Israel and for us. He is intentional about being engaged, about watching without distraction our hurts, burdens, joys, wins and losses. He is sitting on the edge of His seat with great interest, always ready to engage, always believing the best in us, always loving us, no matter what.

With this understanding that God has positioned himself to sit on your front row, what front row has he called you to sit on? I want to encourage you to find it if you have not already. It will not be easy, but the view is breathtaking! You will experience life beyond your ability to express it in words. MPC Missions is on a path to expand the capacity of Madison Park to serve. We are looking at big, audacious goals that can only be accomplished by God and you, seated on the front row. The show is starting, it’s time to take your seat.Blessing!

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

Take your Seat continued from page 1

There is a drainage ditch leading into the lake that made walking around the lake difficult so they built a bridge over it and

planted 1,200 pounds of grass

seed. This year they placed benches beside the lake for people to rest as they journey around the

lake.

Each of the summer months a

meaningful service of baptism is held for those who wish to experience baptism in the outdoor setting of the lake.

The MPC kids summer Camp Madison is setting up camp on the beautiful mown grass on Wednesday nights. People are coming to meditate and walk and be renewed in the beautiful outdoors and serene water.

The grounds around the church building are beautiful; thanks to the grounds volunteer teams. From the parking lot it is a beautiful walk in front of the building along the flower gardens.

Continue on past the front doors through the memorial walkway - take time to stop and smell the roses, then sit on the patio, complete with umbrella tables

and chairs - it is an inviting place to sit and fellowship.

Continue around the building and the beautiful lake will welcome

you with calm water and waving bulrushes.

Nature is a revitalizing addition to worship that can offer peace, reflection and renewal. You can find a corner of God’s blessings on the MPC grounds in serene and inviting surroundings.

The Lake is More... continued from page 1

Contact UsMAILING ADDRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018MADISON PARK WORSHIP SITE 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013CHURCH OFFICES 2200 Madison Square • Anderson, IN 46011 24-hour line: (765) 642-2000 • Fax: (765) 643-0976 Hours: M - F / 8:30am to 4:30pmwww.MadisonParkChurch.org