Here today, gone tomorrow. That’s how much of life feels. Time flies by; people come and go; what’s new today

suddenly looks dated and old tomorrow. Today’s buzz is the next day’s yawn. All too often, we just survive, unable to focus on big picture stuff because the immediate pressures and challenges claim everything we have, emotionally and otherwise. Whew. Where’s this world headed, anyway? Where am I headed?Nowhere, mostly. As long as I live in the moment, for the moment, imagining that my life is just passing by. But, wait: what if my life really does matter? What if my life’s impact is not limited to the here and now, but can reach into the future? What if I was created by God to do something today that will bless someone else tomorrow?

Outlive Your LifeThat’s the teaching series at Madison Park throughout April, inspired by the book of the same name, written by Max Lucado. It’s also the study theme most of Madison Park’s small groups will be pursuing this month (and there’s still time for you to dive in, too, joining a group, if you like).We each have been given a life to live. It is unique to us; it has been breathed into us; nobody else has one just like it. When you allow yourself to become an instrument of God’s grace and redeeming will, you can outlive your life. Your life’s influence will continue even after you’ve moved on (and I mean moved on out of this world).How so? Well, if you haven’t memorized Ephesians 2:10 by now (we’ve been clothed by this verse for several years at Madison Park), get to it: “For you are God’s Masterpiece, created new in Christ Jesus, for the purpose of

People from all walks of life, with different stories and different struggles in life come together sharing two great passions, the redeeming mercy and forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ and motorcycles.From May through October, MPC’s Open Road riders head out on the highways and byways on all makes and models of motorcycles to feel the wind in their faces and enjoy some encouraging and refreshing fellowship as they ride some of the most scenic roads in Indiana.Tim Covert has been a rider with MPC’s Open Road for several years and now helps coordinate the plans and schedule. He shares, “This year we are looking to try some different things, taking the group in the direction of an outreach ministry. We all have friends and acquaintances who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus and do not go to church. Our goal is to start building relationships with new riders, get to know them and earn the right to speak Christ into their lives.”A scheduled ride on Saturday May 18 is specifically designed to invite non-churched riders to check out MPC. Before the 10:00am ride the Christian Motorcyclists Association will be in the MPC parking lot to have a “blessing of the bikes.” Each bike and its

riders will be prayed over for protection throughout the year. The group will then ride to the Back 40 in Decatur, Indiana for lunch returning to MPC for the 6:00pm worship service.This year, for the first time, Open Road will sponsor a benefit ride on July 13 at 10:30am for Secret Families of Madison County who provide needed supplies to families at Christmas. Following the benefit ride, riders will return to MPC for dinner and the evening worship service.Open Road was formed out of a love for God and a passion for the sport of

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—April 10, 2013

Pastor’s Column: To Leave a Living Legacyby Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

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.

Out on the Open Roadcontinued on page 4

continued on page 4

Out Live Your Life— Sermon Series & Small Group ExperienceJump in now!Out Live Your Life is a month-long teaching series that parallels a churchwide small group study of the same name. Drawn from biblical principles outlined in the book authored by Max Lucado, Out Live Your Life emphasizes how believers should live with an eye to the future and the footprints they leave behind.In the Out Live Your Life small group experience, four video sessions present the real-life stories of people who are making their lives count. Each session shows not just why but how to live intentionally so that everything in your life adds up to something bigger than you.Out Live Your Life Classes

Scan the QR code to sign up for a small group. Sign-up also available online at MadisonParkChurch.org and at the Information Center.

Operation FoundationApril 22-27 • City of AndersonMPC will partner with Anderson University students in Operation Foundation for the sake of God’s redemptive/restorative work in the city of Anderson. Operation Foundation is a perfect opportunity for MPC individuals and small groups to participate in a service project in connection with the Out Live Your Life series. Sign up at the table in The Commons on the weekends of April 13-14 and April 20-21.

Annual Bazaar/Auction/Rummage SaleDonations accepted through April; Sale on Saturday, May 11 at MPCSave items stored in your closet or garage for this annual event. Donations can be dropped off Saturdays in April from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Scatterfield site (2604 N. Scatterfield Road). All donations (except adult clothing) are greatly appreciated. Appropriate tax forms available for tax deductible donations. Proceeds will benefit the MPC building program. The event will be held Saturday, May 11 from 7:00am-1:00pm at Madison Park Church. The annual sale features a great selection of perennial plants, books, collectibles, 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. Contact: Marti Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator.

Blood DriveSaturday, May 11 from 8:00am-1:00pm in the Mobile Unit at Madison Park ChurchBlood products are very high in demand. Sign up online or at the table in The Commons on Wednesdays, April 24 and May 1 and Sunday May 5. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Sonia Smythe at (765) 278-8364 or (765) 622-1917.

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.

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Wednesday at 6:30pm Rooms 175/177, Facilitators: Cal Bloom and Barb CollierRoom 182, Facilitator: Marty Samples

Sunday at 10:45amRooms 175/177, Facilitators: Jerry Sipe and Darrel Sandall

Sunday from 6:00-7:30pmRooms 175/177, SALT (Singles), Facilitator: Don Wilson

News You Can UseMax Lucado at MPC: Max Lucado’s best selling book Outlive Your Life: You Were Made To Make a Difference is now available for purchase at the Information Center. Pastor Lyon will refer to concepts in the book in his April sermon series by the same title.2013 Open Road Motorcycle Rides: All motorcyclists are invited to enjoy the 2013 rides. The next ride times and destinations are:• Saturday, May 4 - Run

For The Son (CMA Fundraiser).

• 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.

Senior Adults MinistriesSenior Adult and Student Ministries Brunch: Saturday, April 20 from 10:00am-Noon in Crossroads Auditorium. Student Ministries invites all senior adults to enjoy a memorable inter-generational time of food and fun. R.S.V.P. by April 14 to Rhonda Hollingsworth, Administrative Assistant, Student and Children’s Ministries at the Church Office.

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Ministry Assistants Training: Sunday, April 21 at 10:45am in Room 180. 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: Ali Robinson, Early Childhood Coordinator.

Fifth 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.

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

In sympathy with:Donna and Paul Parton at the death of her father, Richard Birkhead on March 8.Darren and Susan Grile and family at the death of his mother, Margaret Grile on March 15.Chris and Jennifer Eviston at the death of his father, Edward Eviston on March 18.

Ministry Partner NewsMiriam Project Logo Contest: Logo

designs for the Miriam Project Adoption Services annual

5kwalk/run and 10k run fundraiser are being accepted

through April 22. The winning logo will be used to promote this year’s fundraiser. The contest winner will receive $150. For more information visit miriamproject.org/logocontest.

Annual Spring Fling: Wednesday, April 17 from

12:00-2:00pm at the Harter House 600 Main Street in

Anderson. Enjoy a box lunch, style show, raffle tickets and door

prizes. Tickets: $15, available at the Harter House. Sponsored by the Isabel Society and United Faith Housing. Contact: Harter House (765) 642-7600. C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters: Saturday, June 1 at 4:00pm and 8:00pm at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue in Indianapolis. This theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ brilliant novel about spiritual warfare will change the way you think about how demons and angels influence your life. Discount group tickets available. Contact: Andrew at (866) 476-8707. More information at ScrewtapeOnStage.com.

Employment Opportunitiy: United Home Health Care: A home health care agency serving Anderson and much of central Indiana is seeking Home Health Aids and Certified Nursing Assistants. Competitive pay, supportive work environment and career growth. Apply online at unitedhhc.com. Contact Ron May, Manager at (317) 842-7840.Pastor’s Wives Retreat: May 17-19 at Camp Camby (Southwest Indianapolis). Sponsored by Indiana Ministries. Registration is $135 through April 19 ($150 after April 19), 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.

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. April 10: Hot Italian Roast Beef Sandwich

Kids’ Option: PizzaApril 17: Sesame Pork Loin

Kids’ Option: Hog Dogs and ChipsApril 24: Parmesan Chicken / Kids’ Option:

Chicken Fingers and Fries

Wednesday, April 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.

Leave a LegacyVolunteer!

Looking to make a difference that will “outlive your life?”

Madison Park Church can help! The breadth and depth of ministries

at MPC offer hundreds of opportunities to change the world

for Heaven’s sake. Ready to explore the possibilties? Contact Marti

Euneman, Volunteer Coordinator at (765) 642-2000.

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

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Calendar Notes:May 12 Mother’s DayJune 1-2 Honoring High School Grads

We celebrate the achievements of MPC graduating students. All Weekend Services

June 16 Father’s DayJuly 3 Freedom Fest

Enjoy Independance Day with family, friends and MPC-goers. Madison Park Church • Main Campus

July 20 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Concert at 6:00pm in the Main Auditorium. Tickets available at erniehaase.com/tourdates.

November 9 Tim Hawkins Comedy Program at 7:30pm in the Main Auditorium; doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets available at timhawkins.net/home.

good works, that He planned long ago, that you should walk in them now.”Leaving a Living LegacyWhen we step up and reach for the good works God has planned for us, we become part of His solution to this broken and messed up world. Don’t focus so much on the material estate you will leave behind when you die, but focus instead on the world-changing impact of what you do now. Today’s good works are the legacy that best outlives us and continues to influence for the good, long after we’re gone.When it comes to legacies and inheritances, most of us think like the world. Let’s start thinking like Jesus.Wilbur Skaggs became my pastor when I was five years old and remained so almost until I graduated from high school. Before returning home to Seattle to shepherd the Woodland Park Church in the 1950’s, Wilbur had been on the mission field in Egypt. If Indiana Jones had been a Church of God pastor, well, he might have been Wilbur Skaggs—not so much swashbuckling, as thriving on adventure, uncovering truth, rescuing the lost and wayward.I appreciated Wilbur, always, and respected him, as my pastor, growing up. But, I didn’t fully comprehend his life until I was myself a man, with global adventures of my own about which to preach. While visiting Egypt once, forty years after Wilbur had walked and worked there, it came to me. I was being given a tour of a church’s children’s center in the Cairo neighborhood of Shoubra; the local Egyptian pastor was escorting me, explaining this and that. He stepped back and waved his arm, “All of

this was established when Wilbur Skaggs was here; he had the vision to secure the property and launch the dream; he helped us to see it, too.” The words impressed me greatly, “...when Wilbur Skaggs was here.”You see, everywhere Wilbur was, there is a legacy of ministry and sacred ground. Suddenly, it all dawned on me. The church where I pastored in Seattle, he had once pastored—and the vision and sacred ground he acquired in his lifetime made it possible for the church to attempt the impossible during my tenure. For many years, Wilbur was a key player (as Chairman of the Board) at Warner Pacific College (a Church of God school I attended in Portland). Across the campus, there are buildings and ministries that developed “when Wilbur was here.” In the Cascade Mountains, the Church of God has a 160+ acre ranch that was developed (originally as a home for troubled teenaged boys) “when Wilbur was here.” And so it goes; the stories are legion.Wilbur did not leave a large estate that has fueled great things after he died. No, he left a living legacy that churned out good during his lifetime and still does these many years later. His imprint has literally outlived his life (he died a few years ago). Man, I’d like to live like that.We will not all tackle what Wilbur tackled. Remember, no two of our lives are just the same. But, all of us have the capacity to leave a living legacy. Starting now. Starting today. Come with us. As we walk through the Acts of the Apostles and see how they outlived their lives. We can, too. This month of April. At Madison Park.

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comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

motorcycling. Tim asks the support of all MPC goers in this outreach ministry, “First, pray with us that we would be mindful of every opportunity that God gives us to witness and spread the gospel. Second, be inviting to the biker community. Just because we wear leather and might ride a loud bike doesn’t make us mean, bad or evil. Some of the greatest Christians I know ride motorcycles. As they come into worship at MPC, please make them feel invited and accepted just as they are – leather and all. And please pray for us as we partner together, riders and non-riders to grow God’s kingdom.”For the 2013 Open Road schedule go to madisonparkchurch.org, News & Events Page.

Out on the Open Road Continued from page 1

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To Leave a Living Legacy Continued from page 1

Reach Out Madison Park Church isn’t

content with being “just us.” We continually strive to reach out to our community—and around the world—serving our fellow neighbors.

Welcome In Sure, we’re a big church, but there’s

plenty of room for more! We’re committed to welcoming new folks each week and to helping everyone feel right at home.

Go Deep We love hanging out with the

Madison Park family, but we’re not just about socializing. We encourage everyone to get involved in a small group discussion or a Bible study class to help them grow in their faith.

Look Up We believe God is living, active and

working for our good. So as we pray, we watch expectantly for His intervention in ways that far exceed anything we could imagine.