Psalm 133

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.A psalm of David.

1 How wonderful and pleasant it iswhen brothers live together in harmony!

2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oilthat was poured over Aaron’s head,

that ran down his beardand onto the border of his robe.

3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon

that falls on the mountains of Zion.And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,

even life everlasting.

As you’re reading this, we have just completed the 2016 Midwest Regional Convention of the Church of God, which we had the privilege of hosting at Madison Park. These gatherings are wonderful seasons of enrichment and renewal for God’s Church, as well as for all of us who comprise it. They are like family reunions where spiritual brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins come to reconnect, refocus, and be

reminded how very precious these relationships are to each of us.

I believe these gatherings, and especially the sense of spiritual community which accompany them, bring special joy to Jesus. Scripture affirms this conviction. Psalm 133 is a “Song of Ascent.” It would have been sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they climbed Mount Zion toward the temple in Jerusalem for worship. They would have been en route to a “spiritual family reunion” of their own as God’s people from all over the Promised Land gathered to celebrate the Lord.

Psalm 133 teaches us that the co-mingling of God’s people is precious to Him. Where other translations refer to “unity,” I personally like the fact that the New Living Translation speaks of “harmony.” The idea is the same in both terms, but “harmony” seems to me to do a better job of clarifying the nature of what is bringing God pleasure.

While “unity” intimates singularity, “harmony” reminds us of the great beauty that arises from diversity expressed with singular purpose. In other words, what is so precious to our Lord is not simply our oneness, as though we are

Harmonyby Paul Strozier, Senior Pastor

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threadsbyweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God - June 27, 2016

July-August-September Proceeds benefit Russia

Make 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 ServicesSundAy

9:00am - 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.

We’re making a run for the border and we want to invite you to partner in prayer with us…

June 27-July 5 our Senior High Student ministry will be taking 53 students and adult leaders to the International Youth Convention (IYC) 2016 in San Antonio Texas! We are all really excited about this trip and are anticipating God to work in and through our lives in big ways.

Our summer focus is ONE and we are claiming this scripture for our trip:

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with ONE mind and ONE voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

It’s going to be an exciting journey. Please join

us in praying for: Safety in travels (on our flights and while driving),

health, clarity of mind, heart and spirit and for life-change. Our

ultimate prayer is that every moment on this trip will give glory to God.

We begin our trip Monday morning June 27at MPC going to Indianapolis

International airport then flying to San Antonio. In

Texas we will drive four- fifteen passenger vans on down to the

border city of Del Rio, TX. There we will do a Vacation Bible School with Frontier Christian

IyC 2016 / del Rio VBS Trip

by Eric Reeder, Senior High Youth Pastor

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

Missions Corner:iServe Opportunities - #iserveanderson

Blood drive Wednesday • Blood Drive • Wednesday, June 29 • 2:00-8:00pm Crossroads Auditorium Sign up in The Commons or online at American Red Cross/Madison Park site. Participants who sign up are eligible for Cedar Point tickets!

Anderson Independence Parade - July 3 - 7:30pm • Donate candy in The Commons • Help pass out candy at the parade, clean-up after parade • Wear your “You Are Loved! t-shirts • Must be registered to walk in the parade. Register to participate in The Commons or contact Doug Linville, Missions Pastor.

night at the EdgeAugust 3 • 6:00pm-8:00pm 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 6:00pm. Enjoy the game and win some prizes! Bring your lawn chairs and table games. Lighthouse Café will not serve dinner at church. Enjoy having dinner at The Edge on your own. Sign up for golf at Grand Central or contact Jackie Corn (jcorn@madisonparkchurch.org), Administrative Assistant.

uP-COMInG EVEnTS: Monday, July 4: Holiday Office and Church Site Schedule All MPC Facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4. If you have an emergency during these times, please call (765) 642-2000 and the pastor on call will be notified.

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 Reconciliation Picnic: Sunday, August 21 from 12:00-6:00pm at Jackson Park in Anderson

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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.

MPC Softball Teams Support MPC’s three softball teams and enjoy the great outdoors. All games are played at 38th Street Pulaski Park. The teams love a good cheering section! Tues.July 5 7:00-East Side vs. MPC-A8:30-MPC-B vs. West CrossThurs. July 7: 7:3.-MPC-A vs. MPC-CTues. July 12:7:30-County Churches vs. MPC-CThurs. July:7:30-MPC-B vs. MPC-A9:00-MPC-C vs. First Baptist This concludes the regular softball season.Contact: Shelly Stottlemyer, Connections Pastor.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, July 6 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 activities.

• Movie Mondays: Hamilton Town Center - $1

Show - Meet at 9:30am in the Lobby

July 11 - Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road ChipJuly 18 - Penguins of MadagascarJuly 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 from 1:00-3:30pm in Crossroads Auditorium. 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 1- Shadyside Park-Scavenger huntJuly 15 - Middletown Splash Pad - Water!July - 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: Late registration (within 2 weeks of camp start date) June 26-July 1 4th, 5th & 6th Grade $280 July 10-15 3rd & 4th Grade $280 July 17-22 5th & 6th Grade $280 July 24-28 Adventure Camp $330 More Information and Register at gocampchallenge.com

Wednesday, July 13 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 Connections Ministry.

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Contact UsMAILInG AddRESS PO Box 2479 • Anderson, IN 46018

MaDiSon ParK WorShiP SiTe 6607 Providence Dr. • Anderson, IN 46013

CHuRCH 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

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• June 29: Hamburger, Brats, Corn on Cob // Kids Option:Hot dogs and Chips

• July 6: Parmesan Chicken & Pasta Salad // Kids: Chicken Fingers w/ Mac & Cheese

• July 13: Taco Salad // Kids: Walking Taco

News You Can Use

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.

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robotic clones derived from a singular strand of DNA. Rather, the beautiful noise that makes God happy is the symphony of richly diversified worshipers each expressing their part of the chord structure in ways that blend and complement one another because the notes have a singular focus. It is not unison, meaning everyone is singing the same note. But it is unified because everyone is singing the same song. That song is a glorious hymn of praise to our God!

How does the harmony of the unified Body of Christ touch our Lord? Psalm 133:2 likens it to “the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head.” Aaron was the brother of Moses, the high priest of the nation of Israel, who served as their spiritual leader during the Exodus from Egypt. When he was set apart for service, part of the ceremony called for him to be anointed. Special sacred oil was poured over his head as part of the consecration ritual. This signified the holiness of his ministry and the fact that he was set apart for God’s special purpose.

Aaron is a Biblical “type” of Jesus Christ. There are elements of his story which reflect, and help us understand, Christ. Christ, in fact, means “Anointed One.” So Psalm 133 is telling us that our harmonious fellowship within the Body of Christ is like sacred oil which consecrates the priesthood of our Lord Jesus. He is proven holy by our love for one another. Does this sound familiar? Jesus said, in John 13:35; “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Our harmony as followers of Jesus holds implications for us as well. Not only are we like anointing oil to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but we are also recipients of the blessing. When Psalm 133:3 likens our holy fellowship to the “dew from Mount Hermon,” it is referring to the heavy, life-giving waters which would flow from the mountain into the city of Jerusalem. Our harmonious love for one another within the Body of Christ flows into the surrounding community, refreshing and invigorating

God’s people – even those who have not yet embraced His love, the people God misses most.

I pray we never take our holy fellowship as followers of Jesus for granted. Our love for one another, even when we may hold differing perspectives, is precious to our Lord, life-giving to us, and refreshing for our community. Whether we are gathering as the Church of God, as Madison Park, or especially as the harmonious Community of Christ, which crosses boundaries of denomination and doctrine, what we have is truly sacred. As the conclusion of Psalm 133 reminds us, our harmony embodies God’s blessing and reflects His glorious promise of everlasting life.

You are loved!

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

Harmony continued from page 1

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.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 Mounds Wednesday, July 13, 2:00-5:00pm - Start off at Mounds State Park pool 5:00-8:00pm - Cookout/Worship/Skisms and More at Shelter. Cost: All day - $4, 5:00-8:00pm - $2

Missions and Outreach Racial Reconciliation Picnic Sunday, August 21 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.

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 May 5-13, 2017For more information contact: Doug Linville,

Missions Pastor.

Opportunity To Serve dove Harbor/Miriam Project Volunteer Training Session Tuesday, July 5 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 In Sympathy with:• Jayne Gannon – On the passing of her mother, Ruth Holbrook, on June 14.• The family of Ruth Brewster, who passed away on June 15.• Sarah Fitzjarrald on the passing of her husband, Patrick Fitzjarrald, on June 17.

Fellowship, a Church of God church- plant. We are really excited to come alongside this church! The theme of the VBS is “Deep Sea Discovery,” and focus on the story of Jonah. Our daily themes are, “God calls” and “God cares.” It’s going to be awesome watching our students have fun in ministry with the children at the VBS!

During our time in Del Rio, we will spend part of a day in Mexico, crossing the border for some real cool cultural experiences. We will shop at a market and eat at a Mexican restaurant.

After our three days in Del Rio, we’ll travel back to San Antonio TX and gear up for IYC 2016! We will make a stop at the Alamo and have fun at Schlitterbahn, one of the country’s best water parks. International Youth Convention (IYC) is July 2-5. This year’s theme is IYC = Life-Change and we are praying for just that…life changing moments.

This year marks the 50th Church of God International Youth Convention. We are excited to be a part.

Thank you for partnering in prayer with us on this journey. We value your prayers and support very much!

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