Well, it’s a transition time in the Spear household. Our son, Garrett, graduated from Anderson University and our daughter,

Mariah, graduated from Pendleton High School. Both are starting their own new adventures. The Lord has Kevin and I on a new adventure too! We’re excited to begin my new ministry role at McDowell Mountain Community Church as children’s pastor.The Lord has had me on a journey. It was 12 years ago this month the Lord called me into ministry. Little did I know that my plan wasn’t the Lord’s plan!! I was planning on returning to Anderson University to do their Transition Into Teaching Program. Nope. Not what God had in mind! He took me on a path that I was at a point of complete surrender. I was standing in Warner Auditorium during the North American Convention during the Wednesday night services when The Lord said, “I want you in ministry.”That next week, I made an appointment with Jim Rogers, the Senior Associate at the time. I told him what I experienced and told him I

was in his office out of obedience. The next couple of months were like a whirlwind. I had several meetings with the search committee and continued to pray and wait. I started my position as Children’s Pastor in November, 2003.On May 30, 2014, three days before I was to begin my sabbatical, I was on my front porch looking through emails. One of my emails was a Proverbs 31 devotional. Typically I don’t open these daily emails, but for some reason, I opened this particular devotional. It was about “facing your fears.” The scripture reference was Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? ‘Be Strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.’”The devotional ended with the question, “Is God presenting you with a new opportunity? Is He asking you to go back to school, start a new career or accept a new ministry position?”So, as I started my sabbatical, I was in constant prayer and seeking the Lord’s wisdom and direction. In July, I completed a 21-day Daniel Fast, specifically because I wanted clarity. At the end of the fast, as I

continued on page 4

New Adventuresby Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—July 1, 2015

July—September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MPC’s ongoing ministry 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, formerly the Information Center, for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.

Thank you Madison Park for being the people you are. You are an incredible church family and you made our Service Sunday a great day and God added His blessings. Think about it. This is summer-time. People on vacation. Families going to reunions or getting away for leisure time together. Many folks not able to go out and do work in hot muggy weather, yet more than 300 people represented our church family in our community. They served in the name and love of Jesus to our city declaring, “We Love Anderson.” Consider what was accomplished: •70 people showed up at Dove Harbor and

did a physical make-over inside and out!

•Close to 30 teens and adults cleaned out and packed a container for Haiti.

•30 or 40 gave two coats of paint to the the Christian Center dining hall, sorted clothing and tools and organized their resources.

•5 to 20 painted a hallway and sorted clothing at Operation Love.

•30+ picked up trash and stacked limbs and branches along the river walk from Scatterfield to Third Street – Truman Bridge.

•Scores of kids, junior high youth, parents and others replanted trees and cleaned a city worksite at 8th and Raible. Mayor Kevin Smith even came out to thank them for their work.

An Incredible Dayby Don Smith, Interim Senior Associate Pastor

continued on page 4

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Hope When it Matters MostSermon Series — Through July 5July 5: When Eternity is Just Around the Corner—Luke 16:19-31

Sometimes, as we near the end of life’s journey, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. In Luke 16, Jesus shares the story of a man who was ill-prepared to enter eternity. As we study this passage, we gain some valuable insights that help prepare us and comfort us when eternity is just around the corner.

Living ProofSermon Series — Through August 9July 12: Loved by God—Colossians 3

Have you ever noticed that something always distinguishes one person from another? Believersarelikethat.Wearedifferentforaveryspecificandimportantreason.BecauseGodloved us so much, He chose us. That’s right! Our relationship to God’s Son was not initiated by us but by God Himself. We are living proof that God desires to relate intimately to His creation and it all began out of Love.

Summer Wednesdays5:30-6:30pm - Lighthouse Café 6:00-8pm - Inter-generational Church Family ExperiencesJuly 1: Family Game Night at MPC Cornhole,fishing,basketball,andsundaebar!

July 8 at 6:00pm: Incredible Outreach Experience as we go visit and interact with our older generation. Madison Park teams will visit the residents at Primrose (1118 W Cross Street) and Bethany Point (1708 Bethany Road) in Anderson. Choose the location you would like to participate and meet an MPC leader in the lobby - waiting for your arrival. Questions? Contact: Rhonda Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant, Student and Children’s Ministries. July 15: Night at the Edge - 7pm-9pm Enjoy a night at The Edge, 519 Golf Club Road in Anderson. Free swimming, games on the covered patio. 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 at the Edge. Shot gun start is at 7pm. Enjoy the game and win some prizes! Bring your lawn chairs and table games. Lighthouse Café will not serve dinner at church. Sign up for golf at Grand Central or contact Jackie Corn (jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org), Administrative Assistant.

Secret Keeper Girl— The Crazy Hair Tour Returns!Saturday, July 18 at 5:30pm in the Main AuditoriumThiseventfortweengirlsandthemother-figureintheirlivesisanenergeticexplosionoflight, music and fun featuring a fashion show that highlights modesty, an interactive “game show” and an engaging time of God’s word penetrating the girl’s hearts as they learn what He says true beauty and purity really are. Gold Circle Seats (front center section) $25 each / $23 each in groups of 10 or more. Premium Reserved Seats $15 each / $13 each in groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the www.SecretKeeperGirl.com or call Moody Radio Indiana at (888) 877-9467. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministry Pastor.

MPC Night at Victory FieldFriday, July 24 at 7:15pm at Victory Field in IndianapolisEnjoyanightofbaseballandfireworksandseeMPCinthelightsontheVictoryFieldScoreboard. Lawn Tickets: $7 each available at Grand Central on Sundays, July 5, July 12 and July 19. Provide your own transportation. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation.

Women of Faith Loved: The Farewell TourJuly 31 - August 1 at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort WayneCelebrating 20 years of laughter and life-changing messages. In 2015 the Farewell Tour brings long-time friends and exciting new additions together for an event focused on the message shared from the beginning: you are seen, you are known, you are free, you are loved. Register at womenoffaith.com or call 1-888-49.faith.

News You Can UseImportant MPC Mobile APP Update: The MPC App provider has recently updated its application process. It may be necessary for you to update your MPC App. Check the events page; if outdated announcements appear (like Festival of Tables), please update your version of the MPC App. Available in the App Store and Google Play—search for Madison Park Church of God.

Dove Harbor—Great Give: Once again SisterFitness is challenging their classes to take$5andcreativelymultiplyittobenefitthe women and children of Dove Harbor. You can participate in the Great Give as well. Donations can be made online at doveharbor.org/great-give. Check out the Dove Harbor website for updated stories, pictures, and little miracles! Every donation helps greatly. Blood Pressure Clinic - Wednesday, July 1 from 5:30-6:30pm in The Commons. MPC Parish Nurses will be conducting a free blood pressure screening for MPC-goers and community friends. Contact: Sonia Smythe at sonia.smythe@ecommunity.com.

S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth): All singles are invited to attend the summer fellowship and social activities:• Wednesday, July 1: All-church Family

Game Night at MPC (see page 2)• Wednesday, July 8: from 5:00-8:00pm at

MPC enjoy delicious Beef and Noodles and All-church inter-generational fellowship.

• Saturday, July 11: Concert at Conner Prairie - Meet at MPC parking lot at 5:30pm. Everyone is responsible for buying their own ticket.

• Wednesday, July 15: All-church Night at the Edge (see page 2)

• Saturday, July 18: Singles game night from 6:00-10:00pm at Karl Graddy’s home. Cost is $5 for the meat(hamburger, brats, hot dogs). Everyone is to bring something to share. Last Names starts: (just suggestions)

-A thru F - drinks, vegetable or other trays -G thru L - chips, snacks -M thru R - salad, side dish, etc

-S thru Z - Dessert R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, July 15, so we know how much meat to buy.

• July 24: MPC Night at Victory Field (see page 2)

Contact: Wanda Anderson at anderson.wanda@yahoo.com

MOPS Mother/Daughter Tea Party: July 9 from 6-8 pm at 510 S 300 E in Anderson. Dress up your little princesses and come enjoy a tea party! All ages are welcome for dinner, a craft and activities indoors and out.RSVP by July 2 with how many girls you are bringing! Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters, etc. are ALL welcome! A donation of $5 per adult is suggested to support the MOPS group at Madison Park. Contact: Annie Nichols annie.nichols538@gmail.com and follow on facebook.com/madparkmops.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Summer Picnic: Thursday, July 16 at Noon at the

home of Sherry and Terry Minton (510 S 300 E in Anderson). The

MPC youth will enjoy the picnic with us and share about their summer trips. Bring side dishes and desserts only. The Mintons provide the hot dogs and drinks. Contact: Jackie Corn, Administrative Assistant, Spiritual Formation at jcorn@madisonparkchurch.

org.

Children’s MinistriesCamp Challenge: Church of God

State camp for children and teens. Registrations:•Up to two weeks from camp date: $225.•Late Registration: $265.•Special registrations: $299, $325, $365

Dates:• 4th-5th–6thGrade–July5-10• 5th–6thGrade–July12–17•AdventureCamp–July19–23

Summer Wednesdays: You and your family are invited to join family friendly-intergenerational events. Regular Wednesday night children’s ministry program will join with the Junior High and adult groups. See page 2 for details.UPCOMING SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS:• Frozen Fridays: 7pm at various locations.

Come connect and chill out with family and friends! July 10: Snow Castle on Broadway; July 31: Diggidy’s

.

• 5th Grade Visits to IMPACT: July 19 at 11am in Crossroads Auditorium

•Water Park Day: Monday, July 20 from 11am - 3pm at Sahm’s Water Park (off 91st Street in Indianapolis). Bring your own lunch or concessions stand available. Admission: $4 - ages 3-17, $5 -Adults, Free- 2 and under

•Indians’ Game Family Night: Friday, July 24 at Victory Field in Indianapolis

•Time Flies: 5th Grade Graduation - July 26 at 10:00am. Contact Shaiya Badgley at sbadgley@madisonparkchurch.org.

•Kindergarden Graduation Party: July 26 from 1:00-3:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium - All kindergarten kids who will be promoting to 1st grade in the fall of 2015 are invited to an afternoon of fun! Lunch will be provided. Please dress your kids in play clothes. This party is for kindergarten graduates only, sorry! Parents and siblings are not included! R.S.V.P. to Becky Rosenberg at (765) 642-8560.

• Move-Up Sunday: August 9 Contact Christi Maidlow, Interim Children’s Ministries Director at cmaidlow@madisonparkchurch.org.

Student MinistriesALL YOUTH EVENTS•Frozen Fridays: Come connect and chill

out with family and friends! July 10: Snow Castle on Broadway; July 31: Diggidy’s

•July 15: Night at the Edge (see page 2)•Combined Jr. & Sr High Events:

Wednesdays, August 12 and 19, 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium

IMPACT—Junior High Ministries: •Teaching Focus—We Believe: Held

at 11am on Sundays in Crossroads Auditorium (doors open at 10:15am), and from 6-8pm on Wednesdays in Rooms 176-178.

IGNITE—Senior High Ministries: •Teaching Focus—we belioeve (John 1:12).

Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium.

•Bible Studies: Sunday at 9am in Room 180

Opportunities to ServeGrand Central Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to work one worship service per month at Grand Central, answering questions, distributing printed information and listening enhancement devices. Workers are needed for both the

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. July 1: BBQ Chicken & Pasta Salad

(no kids’ option)July 8: Beef & Noodles (no kids’ option)July 15: Closed for Night at the Edge

(see page 2)

Wednesday, August 12 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. continued on page 4

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Farewell Celebration for

Pastor Paula Spear and Family

Sunday, July 5 in The Commons. Celebrate Paula Spear, Children’s

Ministries Pastor, her husband Kevin and family who will be

moving to minister in Arizona. Share words of appreciation, cards

and prayers for her continuing ministry. Refreshments will

be served. Contact: Ali Robinson, Early Childhood

Coordinator.

9:00am and 11:00am services. Contact: Trish Thomas at (765) 649-0850.

Miriam Project—Change for Children: It’s nottoolatetobringmoneyfilledbabybottlesto Grand Central in The Commons to support the Miriam Project Adoption Services’ Annual Change for Children Fundraiser. Contact: Tina DeLisle at (937) 902-6294.Dove Harbor: Dove Harbor is looking for volunteers to join the Donation Team. Team members volunteer regularly between 2:30-4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Visit doveharbor.org to download a volunteer ministry application. Contact Jennie Griffis, Resource Development Coordinator at jgriffis@doveharbor.org.Christian Center: The Christian Center kitchen serves 85,000 men, women and children a year and is need of canned fruits and vegetables, mayo, butter, spices as well as coffee, toilet paper and paper towels. Donations are deeply appreciated and enable the center to faithfully carry out this vital ministry. The Christian Center is located at 625 Main Street in Anderson. Contact: (765) 649-4264.

Park Place Food Pantry: MPC is joining forces with Park Place Church of God’s Food Pantry, located in the community building behind the church on College Drive. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am-7:30pm. Volunteers are needed and appreciated to help in this ministry. Contact: Joe Womack at (765) 620-9342.

Family News To submit a threads announcement regarding a birth or death, please contact the Pastoral Care office at (765) 642-2000.Ann and Ray Poole on the loss of her step-father, Jakie “Jake” Hosier on Wednesday, June 10. Rick and Cindy Netherton on the loss of his mother, Sandra K. Netherton on Monday June 15.Dennis and Brittany Mebeta on the loss of his brother, John Mabeta on Tuesday, June 16.Judy Wells Renbarger on the loss of her companion, Aaron Oubuchone.

Employment Opportunities

Dove Harbor: Dove Harbor is accepting applications for the part-time (20 hours per week) position of Case Manager. This position exists to provide case management services to the Dove Harbor program and families. Required hours include: some evenings to facilitate/manage Groups (Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm).Otherhoursareflexibletomeetthe needs of the Dove Harbor families and program. Dove Harbor is a ministry for women and women with children. Submit resume to: Betty Roane, , 1400 Broadway Anderson, IN 46012 or email it to broane@doveharbor.org.

Community and Ministry Partner News

The Kramers in Concert: Friday, July 10 at 6:30pm at the Ovid Community Church. The Kramers will share their testimony through gospel music. They have released numerous CD’s and performed on the River Life Gospel Music Cruises. Scott produces and co-hosts the Good News Music Radio Program and Concert Series with Gaither Homecoming artist, Woody Wright. A love offering will be taken. Contact: Phyllis Keesling at pkswkwings@me.com.

prayed, I felt the Lord release me from Madison Park. He gave me a peace that was amazing.A couple of days later, I jumped on Churchstaffing.com. and saw several children’s pastor positions through out the country. One that jumped out at me was McDowell Mountain Community Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. As I looked at the job description and then to their website, I realized this was where Joe Webb was serving as worship pastor. I sent Joe and email asking for some details about the position. Joe called me and told me that the position was on hold because their lead pastor had just resigned. “Sure… no problem,” I said.As I came back from my sabbatical and jumped back into ministry in September, I continued to pray. The Lord was VERY loud and clear with his message at this point. He said “WAIT.” So, I waited.In late February, Joe called me. He was following up with people who had expressed interest in the Children’s Pastor position and asked if I “would be open to a conversation.”MMCC had hired a new Lead Pastor in December, and now the church was ready to hire a children’s pastor. I said “YES to the conversation.”After a lengthy conversation with Joe that Friday night, he asked if I would Skype with the lead pastor the first of the week.

That went really well. By the end of the week, he asked if we would consider coming for a visit. Kevin and I flew out at the end of March. We had a great time connecting with the pastoral team. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it felt like “home.” All weekend, I continued to pray, “Lord, if this isn’t meant to be, show us any red flags—close the door.” But He didn’t. By the end of the weekend, we knew this was going to be our new home.Madison Park has been our church home for 17 years. As we step out on this new adventure, while we are excited, we are also sad to leave many dear friends and ministry partners. Our family has grown so much in our spiritual walk here. I have no doubt that the experience I gained here, has equipped me for this next ministry position. Just as the Lord prepared Joshua for his leadership, he has prepared me.Serving as children’s pastor has given me so much joy! Visiting newborn babies in the hospital, watching preschoolers discover how much Jesus loves them, having the opportunity to baptize children, and working with an incredible team of staff and volunteers are some of the awesome memories I have.Thank you for your love and encouragement these past 12 years. Madison Park will always hold a special place in my heart.Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog

and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

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New Adventures Continued from page 1 An Incredible Day

Continued from page 1

•Dozens of kids, parents and other adults painted a concession stand at Fairview Park and combed the whole park picking up all the trash.

•A dozen folks helped landscape a special green-space area next to the old train station at Main and 11th.

•Lighthouse Café organized 300 box lunches for workers. What was left over went to the Hopewell Center and Christian Center.

Greg Spencer with the Anderson Parks Department helped us organize the city work. He thanked us, “You folks are awesome. I couldn’t believe so many people showed up!” Madison Park, you folks are awesome! Let’s keep praying for our city and loving it in the name of Jesus, and with His love, take back what Satan has stolen. May we work with others in this city to make it a great place to live, work, and raise families. Pray for our city leaders and workers. Encourage them. Reach out to your neighbors and show them you care. That is our calling. Christ told us to be the salt of the earth and leaven to society.

Opportunities to ServeContinued from page 1