Anybody who has lived in Anderson for awhile knows that at the end of June every year a crowd of Church of God folks

show up from everywhere for “the Convention” (or “the campmeeting” or “that Church of God deal” or “those cheapskates who never tip at the restaurants,” depending on your relationship to the church, your age, and personal experience with convention-goers).Old timers still have vivid memories of hordes of campers setting up homes-away-from-home on the wooded lots adjacent to Anderson University for a week or more. Thousands of out-of-towners jamming “the tabernacle” (as the original auditoriums were called) is an image that lives in black and white photographs neatly placed in oversized scrapbooks and sometimes displayed on walls.

In recent years, though, the Convention has, by some measures, become a shadow of its former self: fewer participants, smaller venues, a handful of campers. The explanations are legion, the world has changed. Many families who once packed up the car for “the trip to Anderson” find their way to Disney World these days instead.Tuned Up and FreshThis isn’t to say, however, that the Convention has no life. In fact, as it has been adapting to new rhythms of life and reaching beyond proud traditions now fading, the Convention has taken on new life. It’s dressed up, ready to go for 2013. It’s a new day. Yes, there will still be some of those unforgettable moments of worship, the preached word, and sweet warm evenings with ice cream cones after the service. But, the template and focus have been tuned up fresh, breathing energy and opportunity for all who reach to enjoy.

MPJ1:27, a powerful men’s ministry at MPC, reaches out to widows, widowers, single mothers and others in distress, seeking to model the Biblical principles set forth in James 1:27. Thirteen teams of three or four men each provide handy-man services to those who need simple help around the house to do maintenance they are no longer capable of, and build a relationship of friendship and spiritual support.Nondas’ StoryAndrew Lyon shares his excitement and deep commitment to this ministry.I’ve been in this church a long time, and I’ve been through a lot. But this church has always been there for me.I sat down with Nondas Muncie yesterday afternoon in her home to catch up a little bit. She shared about great times growing up in Anderson, and some hard times too. Nondas and her family grieved the loss of her second husband a few years ago, and since then there

have been times where there was just too much for her to do on her own.“About a year ago I remember praying to God, saying, ‘I need help God. I can’t do all this on my own.’ And then one day these four guys came and helped. They’re an answer to my prayers.”The four guys are part of the Madison Park Men’s ministry group MPJ1:27, and one Saturday each month they go over to Nondas’ house to check in and help out a little bit. There are over fifty men involved in the ministry now, ministering to widows and single mothers in our community.Mickey Foley is one of the

men who goes to Nondas’ house each month. I asked him about some of the things they’ve done to help Nondas out.“Well, we’ve painted some walls, moved some heavy furniture around, and done some

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—May 8, 2013

Pastor’s Column: The World at Our Doorstepby Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

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Answering Prayers with a Toolbox

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April—June Proceeds benefit India.Make a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Madison Park Church’s ongoing missions work in India.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 ServicesSUNDAYSAll Sunday Worship Services will be held in the Main Auditorium.9:00am - 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. Visit the Information Center for a complete listing of all electives or visit MadisonParkChurch.org, Ministries page.

SATURDAYS6:00pm in Crossroads Auditorium A casual, contemporary service with teaching from God’s Word and an opportunity to connect with friends. Children’s programs and Nursery services are provided.

Annual Bazaar/Auction/Rummage SaleSaturday, May 11 from 7:00am-1:00pm at MPCThe annual sale features a great selection of perennial plants, books, collectibles, estate jewelry, children’s clothing, homemade baked goods, household items, tools, sports equipment, and much more. A live auction of furniture and other donated valuables will also be held. Proceeds benefit the MPC building program.

Summer ServeChildren’s Ministries Volunteer Sign-upRecruits are needed to help rock babies, care for pre-schoolers, lead worship or a small group of elementary kids. Visit the Children’s Ministry display in The Commons to find out how you can get involved. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Miriam Project’s Change for ChangeMothers’ Day, May 12 through Father’s Day, June 16 Fill empty baby bottles with money to support the Miriam Project Adoption Services’ annual Change for Children fundraiser. Pick up an empty baby bottle in The Commons on Mother’s Day, fill it with money and return it by Father’s Day. Volunteers are needed to help prepare bottles before and after the event. Contact: Brooke Mathis at (765) 640-1580.

Festival of Tables— A Celebration of WomenSaturday, June 1 from 2:00-4:00pm in The CommonsEnjoy stunning decor and inspiring tablescapes, delicious tea and tasty treats catered by M&N Catering, and a fabulous fashion show. Guest speaker and author, Misty Novak, shares about her faith in Jesus and her own healing journey. Tickets: $15. Proceeds benefit Miriam Project Adoption Services. Sign up in The Commons or online at MadisonParkChurch.org.Host a Table! Sign-up to be a table hostess. Responsibilities includes decorating a table and inviting seven friends to join your table. Contact Shelly Short at mjshort1127@gmail.com.

Global Gathering 2013June 22–25 • Anderson University campusThe Global Gathering is an international meeting of the Church of God (Anderson, IN). The 2013 gathering will serve as the North American Convention offering a full slate of worship services and opportunities to connect.Five Things You’ll Love about the Global Gathering: 1. Fun and fellowship with the global church family 2. Dynamic international speakers 3. Worship in many languages, uniting many cultures 4. Opportunities to meet world needs like hunger and clean water 5. Testimonies of what God is doing around the worldVisit chog.org/global-gathering-2013 for more information.

Celebrating Jim and Maureen LyonOne service on Sunday, June 30 at 10:00am Main Auditorium.Don’t miss this historic service honoring Pastor Jim and Maureen Lyon and commemorating twenty-two years of ministry at Madison Park Church. Share a note of congratulation, appreciation, or encouragement for inclusion in a book of letters to be presented to the Lyons. Photos may be submitted for a retrospective video. Notes, letters and photos may be drop-off at the Information Center. Photos must include name of person submitting and return address on back of photo, if return is requested. Deadline is Sunday, June 2. Photos may be submitted online at MadisonParkChurch.org, see News and Events. To mail items, send to: Commemorative Book/Video, Madison Park Church, P.O. Box 2479, Anderson, IN 46018.

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News You Can UseBlood Drive: Saturday, May 11 from 8:00am-1:00pm in the Mobile Unit at Madison Park Church. Blood products are very high in demand. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Sonia Smythe at (765) 278-8364 or (765) 622-1917. 2013 Open Road Motorcycle Rides: All motorcyclists are invited to enjoy the 2013 rides. The next ride times and destinations are:• Saturday, May 11 at 10:30am to Jordan

Bush Memorial Ride in Markleville. Ride starts at North Christian Church in Markleville (rain date is May 18).

• Saturday, May 18 at 10:00am: CMA Blessing of the Bikes. Ride to the Back 40 in Decatur returning to MPC for the 6:00pm Saturday Night Service.

All dates subject to weather conditions. Unless changed, all rides begin from Madison Park Church on 67th Street in Anderson. Open road recommends (not requires) all riders wear helmets.Find the complete 2013 Open Road Schedule at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Tim Covert at (765) 606-8575 or Tyler Barker at (765) 606-5193.Women of Faith—Believe God Can Do Anything: August 23-24 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. You’re invited to be part of a very special celebration. Music that moves. Stories that strengthen, Teaching that transforms. Unstoppable inspiration, and a few surprises combine for an experience like no other. God loves you! And that means there is always a reason to celebrate.Cost is $99.00, due by May 17. Details at womenoffaith.com. Contacts: Evie Jacobson or Dana Porter. Honduras Mission Trip Interest Meeting: Wednesday, May 8 from 6:00-7:00pm in Room 179. A medical and construction team will travel to Honduras on October 19-26, 2013. Hear details and information and consider being a part of this mission work trip. Contact: Jennifer Eviston, Administrative Assistant to Senior Associate Pastor, Missions Desk.There’s More! Dig Deeper for Summer: Plan to attend any of the new or returning classes coming to Madison Park Church!•SUNDAYat9:00am

Route 66: A study and discussion on the current teaching series, I and II Peter. All ages are welcome. 9:00am in Room176/178

•WEDNESDAYat6:30pm Greatness in Obedience- A character study in glorifying God through faith: A four week study beginning May 8 in The Commons. Facilitator: Jon Schwartz. Divorce Care: Begins Wednesday, May 29

in Room 179. A weekly support for people separated or divorced. This is a place to be around people who understand and to gain valuable ways to heal. Register online at DivorceCare.org, or sign up in The Commons. Facilitators: Don Wilson and Kimberly Ritchhart. God’s Mission: Wednesday, June 5 and June 12, in The Commons. Walk through the Bible to focus on the mission of God in human history. Bring your Bible. Facilitator: Don Taylor.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Lunch and Movie: Thursday, May 16 at Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Jeremy Adams, Marketing Director of Edgewater Woods will host an afternoon of fun. Door prizes will be given following the movie Courage. All seniors are invited! Bring a dish of food to share and enjoy the fellowship. Contact: Esther Crnkovich at (765) 649-3323. Gordon Food ServicetoBenefitMPC: Shop at Gordon Food Service (GFS), show your Loyalty card, and Madison Park will receive a rebate of up to ten percent of your total purchase. Pick up a Loyalty card at the Resource Center in The Commons or at the service desk at the GFS store. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator.Culver’stoBenefitDoveHarbor:Tuesday, May 14 from 11:00am-10:00pm at Culver’s in Anderson. Support Dove Harbor and enjoy delicious food and treats at Culver’s. Ten percent of all proceeds benefit Dove Harbor, MPC’s ministry to women in crisis. No coupon needed! Drive-through and dining room. Contact: Deanna Zimmer at (765) 642-1853.

Children’s MinistriesFifth Grade Celebration: Friday, May 17 from 6:00-9:00pm at “That Fun Place” in Greenfield, Indiana. Movin’ on up celebration for all fifth graders who will be moving up to the MPC Junior High Student Ministries. Enjoy pizza, attraction passes and tokens for backlight golf, laser tag, three-story indoor playground, bumper cars and more. Meet at MPC at 5:45pm. R.S.V.P. by May 12 to Amber Rodecap, Elementary Coordinator or Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Baptismal Class for Children: Sundays at 10:45am in Room 180. What’s a Bath Tub Doing in My Church—Helping Kids Prepare for Baptism. All students, grades 2-5 who have made a personal decision to follow Christ are invited to participate in this four-week class. All parents are asked to attend the final session, May 26. Class size is limited to ten. Leaders: Todd and Cindy Faulkner. Contact: Paula Spear, Children’s Ministries Pastor.Summer Youth Camps: Indiana State Church

of God Youth Camps hosts hundreds of children and teens from grades

3-12 each summer.• Camp Challenge,

located near Bedford, Indiana:

June 17-21, Senior High Camp; June 24-28, Junior High Camp; June 30-July 2, Young Explorers; July 3-6, Family Camp (NEW!); July 8-12, 5th & 6th Grade Camp; July 15-19, 4th,

5th & 6th Grade Camp;

July 22-26, 3rd & 4th Grade Camp.

To register or for more information, visit:

GoCampChallenge.com or call (812) 834-5159.

• Yellow Creek Lake Camp June 7-8, Tadpole Camp: K-1st Grade; June 10-4, Sr. High Camp: 9th-12th Grade; June 17-21, Jr. High Camp: 6th-8th Grade; July 8-12, Siblings Camp: 2nd-6th Grade; July 15-19, Kids Zone Camp: 2nd-5th Grade; August 9-12, Family Camp. To register or for more information email info@yclministries.org or call (574) 491-3075.

Registration forms available in the Children’s Center and at the Information Center. Contact: Rhonda Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant, Student and Children’s Ministries.

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

Congratulations to:Jon and Annie Nichols on the birth of their son, Harrison Marlowe Nichols on April 9. He joins big brother, Oliver.

Celebrating Students in TransitionAll Weekend Services, June 1-2

All Children Kindergarten through grade 5 will join their family in the worship services for a celebration

of students and transitions. Graduating seniors will be honored in this Rite of Passage Celebration. Programs

are available for children birth through Tiger Pre-K class.Senior High graduates’ photos and graduation

information will be published in the May 22 issue of Threads newsletter. Please submit photos along

with graduates name, parents name(s), school, plans following graduation and open house

information to Eric Reeder, Senior High Ministries Pastor.

Deadline is May 13.

Lighthouse Café

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and mini-salad bar in The Commons: Wednesdays from 5:00pm until 6:30pm. Cost: Adults-$6, Children and college Students with ID-$4. Maximum of $22 per family. May 8: Beef and Noodles

Kids’ Option: Beef and NoodlesMay 15: Oriental Chicken Salad/Kids’

Option: Chicken Legs, Mac & CheeseMay 22: “Memorial Day Celebration:

Hamburgers, Brats, Homemade Potato Salad/Kids’ Option: Hot Dogs & Chips

Wednesday, July 17 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 Front Door Ministries.

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This year’s Convention is especially promising. Dubbed the Global Gathering, an extraordinary effort has been made to land guests from around the world (Madison Park is funding the cost of official delegates from India and Russia, for instance). Representatives from 70 of the 86 nations in which the Church of God is today active will be on hand. The preaching and teaching moments will feature some of the brightest and best from not just the United States and Canada, but from around the world. India. Paraguay. Australia. Ghana. Zambia. Brazil. Russia. Jamaica. Outstanding voices from each of these great nations will be on the platform, sharing from their hearts, from the Word, from the well of the Holy Spirit.A Global Expo celebrating and showcasing the ministry of the Church of God worldwide will run on campus from June 22-25. A Global Kid’s Place will be open (for children aged 5-12) from June 23-25, adjacent to the campus. A Global Forum, inviting our international guests to the table to talk about the challenges and opportunities of walking with Jesus in today’s world will fill June 21-22.It’s kind of like a World’s Fair. In Anderson. For Heaven’s sake.And, you’re invited. Unlike past Conventions, though, you’ll need to register for this one to gain admission. You can go online to register: www.chog.org/globalgathering If you’re not online, give my Assistant, Becky Arthur, a call in the Madison Park Church Office and she can help get you your Global Gathering pass.Major services will be held in the Kardatzke Wellness Center on the Anderson University campus. The Global Gathering World Parade and Worship Service launching the whole event takes place on

Saturday, June 22, at 2:00pm. A massive picnic will follow. Enjoy.On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (June 23-24-25), Global Gathering Worship Services will be held daily at 10:00am, 1:30pm, and 7:30pm. There’s lots more to see and do, too. Again, check it all out online at www.chog.org/globalgathering.Weekend at Madison ParkOur weekend worship schedule at Madison Park will be unaffected that weekend, however; I’ll be preaching on Saturday night, June 22, at 6:00pm, and again at 9:00am and 10:45am on Sunday, June 23, in the Main Auditorium at Madison Park. Bridgetown, a phenomenal men’s band from Warner Pacific College in Portland (from which the band draws its name: Portland is called Bridgetown, as it straddles the Willamette and Columbia Rivers) will be our guests, sharing in the 9:00am hour and leading in the 10:45am service. These guys are good. I mean really good. They’re just one more reason to circle the Global Gathering days on your calendar—and include Madison Park on your weekend.Yes, in my new job it will be my job to provide leadership and fresh ideas for the Church of God Convention, beginning with 2014. There are lots of possibilities. But, that’s tomorrow’s opportunity. Today, you can be excited about the Global Gathering. Rarely (if ever) has so much of the world come to Anderson’s doorstep. It will be a terrific chance for you to see the world. From Heaven’s view. Without having to even get on a plane. See you there (and this weekend at Madison Park, too!).Philippians 2:10

Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

odds and ends inside the house. But every time we come over we always end up also sitting and talking with Nondas too.”All throughout Scripture, there is a charge in both the Old and New Testaments to take care of widows and orphans. This ministry takes that charge very literally, and is connecting people while helping meet physical needs. Mickey shared about getting to know some of the guys in his group better:“It’s been good for all the guys too – we always end in prayer and have gotten to know each other a little better. We have that bond and look forward to spending time with Nondas, and also with each other.”We need more men involved in this ministry, and would love to be able to help more people in the church. It doesn’t take any special skills. Like so many things in life, the most important piece is just showing up once each month. Get connected with some guys at Madison Park and help us serve people in our community. You can join with a group of 4-5 friends, or you can come on your own and we’ll plug you in to a group.Nondas isn’t the only person praying for help. You can be answer to someone’s prayers.Join an MPJ1:27 team! Men of all ages are invited to join. Simply come on the second Saturday of any month at 7:00am in Room 176/178 at Madison Park. Contact: Clark Simpson at (317) 402-2753.

Answering Prayers with a Toolbox Continued from page 1

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The World at Our Doorstep Continued from page 1

Ministry Partner NewsJourney to the Holy Land: January 3-15, 2014. Join with Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH) and host Jim Lyon for thirteen breathtaking days of Biblical understanding as you sail across the Sea of Galilee, stand on the banks of the Jordan, wander the ancient streets of Capernaum, and marvel at the ancient walled city of Jerusalem. Plan now. Pray now. Save now. Register online at MadisonParkChurch.org. Contact: Christians Broadcasting Hope at (765) 648-2161.Celebration of Life: Friday, May 10 at 7:00pm at the JW Marriott, 10 South West Street in Indianapolis. Life Centers welcomes nationally renowned speaker, author, and radio broadcaster Dr. Tony Evans as keynote speaker for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Life Banquet! Enjoy dinner and uplifting music by vocalists Kim and Brian Tabor while benefiting mothers in unplanned pregnancies and their unborn children. Eight Life Centers in Central Indiana provide compassionate care to thousands of women

facing unplanned pregnancies. Tickets are $50 for individuals and $35 for pastors and active Life Centers volunteers. Call (317) 280-2635 or visit lifecenters.com.Community Shred Day: Saturday, May 11 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Hopewell Center, 53rd and Main Streets in Anderson. Use the industrial grade paper shredder to destroy confidential and business documents for free (up to 50 pounds). Contact the Hopewell Center at (765) 642-0201.Pastor’s Wives Retreat: May 17-19 at Camp Camby (Southwest Indianapolis). Sponsored by Indiana Ministries. Registration is $150, and includes lodging, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Saturday. Complimentary haircuts, make-up lesson and get acquainted games on Friday. Saturday, worship time and shopping in Nashville, Indiana with birthday party in the evening for everyone along with a movie. Sunday morning is worship and sharing time. Program will conclude by Noon on Sunday. Enjoy fun, fellowship and friendships! The

rooms at Camp Camby are hotel style with 2 double beds, a sitting area and a private bathroom. Contact: Cindy Talley at Indiana Ministries, ctalley@indianaministries.org or (317) 773-6477.Volunteers Needed for Global Gathering: June 21 - 25 on the Anderson University Campus. Many people from around the world will be attending the Global Gathering and the task of making them feel welcome, comfortable and safe is vital. Volunteers will be crucial. Multiple volunteers are need for a minimum of four-hour slots from 8:00am-10:00pm daily. Various needs include: Under the Umbrella: volunteers in varions outside locations visible to guests to answer questions, offer directions, etc., registrars, plenary point persons and airport hosts. Contact: Becky Fauntleroy at (765) 620-3120.