It’s that time of year again!

It’s March Madness! It’s time for the Indiana High School basketball tournament where every high school basketball player dreams of winning a state championship. It’s time for the NCAA March Madness Basketball tournaments. It’s an exciting time of year!This year March also brings with it one of the most exciting times of the year for the church around the world - Easter! For our student ministry at Madison Park, Easter also means…Easter Eggs! It’s that one week every year that the Crossroads Auditorium gets transformed into a Willy Wonka like chocolate factory! Hundreds of Easter Eggs are produced. It’s a fun process watching it all come together and the most exciting part is knowing that each Easter Egg represents a life changing moment in a student’s life! The work is worth it.March also means that Spring is coming and most everyone gets excited about that. When the calendar flips from February to March we can all sense that the days are getting a bit brighter and a bit longer. More sunshine is always a good thing.Our world needs more light in it and as I look around and ponder that thought I am also

aware of how many people are in need of help, hope, love and faith. Truly, people need Jesus. People need the love of God in their lives.

There are so many difficult issues facing our culture and society today. People are struggling in many ways. The problems are big. We see the news and hear the stories about people who are stuck in human trafficking, abuse, drugs and addictions. Families are struggling. People struggle with fear, insecurity and a lack of peace in their hearts and minds. Anxiety and mild mental illness are on the rise and many people do not know where to turn to find hope. This is not the kind of March Madness that we like to talk about, but all these things are happening in March and every month of the year. It’s maddening, but there IS HOPE!

People need hope.People need Jesus.People need people who will help.People need people who will show them the love of Jesus.People need peace.People need friends.People need prayer.

March Madness by Eric Reeder, Senior High Ministries Pastor

January-March Proceeds benefit HaitiMake a purchase at Holy Grounds and a portion of the proceeds will benefit ministries in Haiti. 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.

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Celebrate Recovery (CR) was launched on September 1, 2013 at MPC and is a ministry born out of the heart of the Saddleback Church. To summarize Pastor Rick Warren, “CR addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. CR is a “large umbrella” program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with. CR utilizes the Biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally. Celebrate Recovery is built on the New Testament principle that we don’t get well by ourselves. We need each other. Fellowship and accountability are two important components of spiritual

growth. CR sees hopeless marriages restored and people set free from all kinds of sinful habits, hang-ups, and hurts as they allow Jesus to be Lord in every area of their lives.”

Randy Pierce is the Ministry Leader of Celebrate Recovery at MPC. He has been involved with CR since before its launch and Threads asked him some personal questions:

Threads: CR began open meetings in 2013, had you been involved before that date?

Jesus is the "source"! CR is the "resource"!

biweekly weavings of the family at Madison Park Church of God - March 7, 2016

threads

Lenten Teaching Series Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00am “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 Love comes at a cost - we cannot love others without self-sacrifice. But the return far exceeds the investment. To experience the benefits of eternity, we must lose ourselves in love. March 13 - Surrendered March 20 - Paid

March 20 - 27Considered the most sacred of weeks in the Church calendar, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and recounts the experiences of Jesus as he progressed toward the cross. Palm Sunday - March 20: worship at 9:00 and 11:00am with Baptism and Pastor Paul’s last sermon in the Series: Love Hurts - PaidMaundy Thursday Fellowship - March 24 at 7:00pm in The CommonsGood Friday Service - Friday, March 25 at 7:00pm at Scatterfield Ministry Center. Hosted by Celebration Recovery and Alanna Story.

Easter Celebrations Sunday, March 27 9:00am - Led by the Voices of Praise Choir and Madison Park Orchestra11:00am - Featuring worship leaders and original artists Alanna StoryInspiring message by Pastor Paul Strozier in both services.

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News You Can Use

Baptism Service Sunday, March 20 9:00am and 11:00am Main Auditorium Everyone thinking about baptism or planning to be baptized on Sunday, March 20 is encouraged to attend a class on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:15pm in Green Room 2, or Sunday, March 13 at 10:30am in Room 180. Sign up at Grand Central in The Commons, on the MPC website or App or contact the Pastoral Care Office.Battle Plan for Prayer Bible StudyWednesdays, March 2 - April 13 at 6:30pm in Room 179 Based on the book The Battle Plan for Prayer, the study equips believers to create their own prayer strategy and be specific in prayer. Pastor Shelly Short, along with an assembled team, will be leading this six week prayer and Bible study.Men’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study and Prayer: Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:00pm in Room 182This Tuesday evening Men’s Bible Study will concentrate on basic Bible doctrines and principles. Class will begin with 15 minutes of prayer time focusing on an established men’s prayer list as a guideline. A time of Bible study for approximately 45 minutes will follow. After Bible study, we will have approximately 30 minutes for questions and fellowship. Those attending are encouraged to bring their Bible, a pen and a notepad. Those attending are welcome to bring their own coffee mug or bottle of water, etc. as refreshments will not be provided. Facilitator: Jeff Maidlow. Contact: Jackie Corn at the Church Office.

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Thursday, March 17 at 12 Noon at Scatterfield Ministry Center. Enjoy wonderful fellowship, delicious food and special guest speakers, Pastor Paul and Mariann Strozier. Bring food to share at the pitch-in meal. Contact: Jackie Corn, at the Church Office.S.A.L.T. (Single Adults Living Truth)•Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm in Room 175 - Bible

Study, Life lessons, I Corinthians by Max Lucado.

• Wednesdays at MPC: Join other singles at a table to enjoy a delicious Lighthouse Café Dinner and fellowship.

Contact: Wanda Anderson, anderson.wanda@yahoo.com or Karl Grady, graddykarl@att.net.

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Programs

Sundays at 9:00am and 11:00am

Classes and Child Care for all ages in the Children’s Center

Wednesdays from 6:30-

7:45pm in the Children’s

Center. It’s time to

Explore, Discover, Investigate and Learn!

QUEST invites preschool and elementary age children to explore a

Bible person, place or story through games, multi-media, drama and music.Quest IV is exploring the person of Jesus.For more information or to volunteer, contact Christi Maidlow, Children’s Ministries Pastor.

Student Ministries

Easter Egg Fundraiser: Students making eggs - March 10-11-12-13

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.March Teaching Focus: Live Like JesusIGNITE—Senior High Ministries:

•Wednesdays from 6-8pm in Crossroads Auditorium. •Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am in Room 180March• Teaching Focus: March Madness

Family News To submit a threads announcement regarding a birth or death, please contact the Pastoral Care office at (765) 642-2000.Birth Congratulations: - Stephen and Ally West on the birth of daughter, Ivey Ray on January 22.- Adam and Cayla Truman on the birth of son, Beckett on January 25.- AJ and Christa on the birth of son, Hudson James Oakley Taylor, on February 22.

In Sympathy with:Opal Gift on the passing of her -husband, Bob Gift, February 13. The Hastings family on the passing of Aaron “Rusty” Hastings, on February 23.

Community and Ministry Partner NewsAnderson Area Christian Men’s Lenten Breakfast Series: Saturdays from 8:00-9:30am at various locations Men, of all ages, are invited to attend the breakfast series celebrating God’s grace through fellowship, music, and inspirational Christian speakers. A free-will offering will be taken. • March 12: Pendleton First United Methodist, 225 W. State Street in Pendleton: Elly Wood, with Pat Storm, Pam Stafford, Daniell Castor and Pastor Gary Elsten

• March 19: New Horizons United Methodist, 611 E. 53rd Street in Anderson: Open to whole family. Pastor Gina Kirkland and Guest with New Horizons Praise Team

Madison County Sheriff’s Chaplaincy Annual Banquet - Friday, March 11 at 6:15pm in The Commons - Registration at 5:30pm. Guest Speaker: Rev. Shawn Springer, Chaplain with Shepherd’s Heart Ministries, Inc. Proceeds will benefit the chaplaincyprogram. The cost is $25 per person. Contact: BarbCollier (765) 734-1611.

Wednesday, April 20 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 Connection Ministries.

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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. March 9 - Baked Potato Soup // Kids Option: Grilled CheeseMarch 16 - Ham/Cabbage & Corn Bread // Kids Option: Mini Corn Dogs, Mac & CheeseMarch 23 - No Activities at Church Tonight - See Maundy Thursday

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Student Ministries Selling Easter Eggs Sundays in The Commons

Beginning Sunday, March 13MPC students will be selling Chocolate Covered Easter Eggs in seven flavors. Each egg is hand-dipped in milk chocolate

and packaged in a beautiful, pastel Easter box, complete with green Easter grass. The handmade 3/4 pound eggs cost

$6.50. All proceeds benefit Student Ministries trips.

Contact: Eric Reeder, Senior High Pastor.

Clocks Spring

Forward

Sunday, March 13 at 2:00am Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour

Saturday night, March 12.

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Jesus is the “source”! CR is the “resource”! continued from page 1

Randy: Our leadership had spent one year prior training and planning. We worked through the 12 steps by going through a men’s and women’s Step Study.

Threads: Approximately how many people has CR touched since it’s beginning at MPC?

Randy: Since we launched, we have had 250 plus different people come through the doors of CR, with around 40 involved in Step Studies. In the last year we averaged 27 weekly, with last month averaging 33 individuals.

Threads: How did you become involved with CR?

Randy: God had revealed to me in the first year (2002) of my trusting Jesus as my Savior and Lord, that His plan (Repairer of Broken Walls) for me (through my brokenness and addic-

tions) was to be a vessel He could work through to minister to others that also struggle. This eventually led me to CR at MPC.

Threads: What gives you fulfillment in working with CR?

Randy: The most fulfilling thing for me being part of this ministry is seeing lives “really” change. There’s a thing that we say...”It works if you work it - and your worth it”. I get to witness people change as they work through the Steps and Principles, especially in a Step Study. They are not the same person that walked through the door their first time. Also, every time someone shares that they now have __months, or __years of sobriety over a certain struggle (always with a huge smile). That’s called “FREEDOM”!

Threads: What are some comments or testimonies that you have heard over the months from people who attend or have been blessed by the ministry of CR?

Randy: There is a recurring com-ment that I hear over and over, and that is how they have grown in their relationship with Jesus Christ through CR. Also those who have been involved in secular recovery programs say Jesus is what was missing in their recovery before. Jesus is the difference.

Threads: CR meets every Friday night from 7:00-10:00pm at the Scatterfield Ministry Center. What is offered and who can come?

Randy: Celebrate Recovery is a ministry for the whole family. CR is for adults, ages 18 and over. There is CR for teens (ages 13-19) called “The Landing”, which is available here locally. We have also just started “Celebration Place” for ages 5-13. Child care is provided every Friday night and this is part of our child care for CR. Here the kids are going through the same lessons as the adults, but on their level in an interac-tive way. For example, when we are going through the “Forgiveness” lesson, so are the kids!

If all your pursuits to find life and to cover up your pain have only led to more pain and emptiness, maybe it’s time to consider a different path. Join us as we “recover” the real life Jesus always promised.

Jesus is the “source”!

CR is the “resource”!

Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday from 7:00-10:00pm at the Scatterfield Ministry Center. Join us as we “recover” the real life Jesus always promised. Childcare available. Contact: Randy Pierce at (765) 639-1656.

People need support.People need the Church.

I believe that we are in an exciting time in which we can all help reduce the madness in this world by demonstrating the love of God one person at a time. We can all help. We can all do our part, one relationship at a time.

How do we start?Hebrews 12:1-3“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will

not grow weary and lose heart.”The key to reducing the madness in this world and in an individual’s life is to “fix our eyes on Jesus.”If we try to find peace, hope and help in any other source apart from God we will not find what we are looking for. Jesus is THE answer to the madness we see in our culture. People need the Lord.Anyone who has had a life-changing moment in which we have decided to surrender our heart and life to God, confess and ask God to forgive us of our sins, turning from our old self by becoming a “new creation in Christ,” choosing to follow Jesus, knows the unbelievable love and grace of God.It truly is “In Christ Alone” that our hope is found.I encourage you to google, youtube or Spotify the song “In Christ Alone” and listen to it. The words will encourage you and even prepare you for the Easter season that is upon us. Here are a few of the words in that song:

“In Christ alone, my hope is foundHe is my light, my strength, my songthis cornerstone, this solid groundfirm through the fiercest drought and stormwhat heights of love, what depths of peace,when fears are stilled, when strivings ceasemy comforter, my all in all, here in the depths of Christ I stand!”

This world needs encouragement and hope through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of peace, clarity and healing. In a world full of madness, He is the Prince of Peace. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Share your thoughts on this article; visit the blog and leave a comment at MadisonParkChurch.

March Madness Continued from page 1