Okay, so what happens next? If Jim Lyon has submitted his resignation as Senior Pastor (effective June 30), what does the

church do next? Who will be our new Senior Pastor? Is there a process? Who makes the call? How does this change affect the rest of what goes on around here?Whew. Those are just a few of the questions posed by my decision to accept appointment as the new General Director of Church of God Ministries. To help everyone understand the lay of the land, here are a few answers:First: Madison Park’s Board of Elders has the ball in its court. The Elders annually appoint a Selection Committee (comprised of five members of the church not on the Board of Elders, one Elder, and the Senior Pastor). In most years, the Selection Committee’s single job is to solicit, screen, and nominate Elders to

serve the church; every year there are some open seats on our twelve-member Board of Elders that need to be filled. Our Bylaws, however, also assign to the Selection Committee responsibility for searching for a new Senior Pastor if that office becomes vacant.Additionally, the Bylaws allow the Elders to expand the Selection Committee, for the purpose of searching for a new Senior Pastor. This larger Selection Committee then develops a process for identifying, screening, interviewing, and, ultimately, choosing a candidate to become the next Senior Pastor.The candidate chosen by the Selection Committee next must be approved by the full Board of Elders. And if he or she is approved by the Elders, the candidate is presented to the whole congregation for a vote. If the congregation votes to extend an invitation, then the candidate must decide whether or not to accept.

It’s been a long winter, but spring has finally arrived. To celebrate, MPC is headed south... to Brown County! Indiana’s most popular state park located just one hour south of Indianapolis, Brown County State Park hosts millions of visitors each year. Mountain biking, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and sightseeing are among the favorite activities at the park.Longtime MPC-goer Tim Stottlemyer is ready to hit the mountain bike trails. “I’m an avid outdoor athletics fan, and recently I’ve become ‘addicted’ to mountain biking,” he explains. “In 2011, the International Mountain Biking Association inducted Brown County State Park as one of their ‘Epic’ rated Model Trails—a very prestigious ranking. The park is

considered one of the top places in the country to mountain bike.” For some time, Tim and his biking buddy Bruce Jones (who leads the MPC road bicycling group on Tuesday evenings) have been interested in creating a trip to Brown County. “I’ve been trying for a couple years to get bikers to go,” he remembers. “But then my wife Shelly and I thought maybe we should just make this a bigger thing. Let’s just make it a whole-church event and invite families to come and enjoy the park.”

biweekly weavings of the community at Madison Park Church of God—April 24, 2013

Pastor’s Column: Next Stepsby Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

continued on page 4

It’s a Walk through the Park (and a Bike Ride, Too)

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Upper Shelter

continued on page 4

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.

Operation FoundationNow through Saturday, April 27Monday-Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 9am-5pmMPC is partnering with Anderson University students in Operation Foundation, a week long community service project to help bring physical restoration to Anderson. The projects range from yard work to painting to bathroom remodeling. Anyone willing and able to help is welcome. Meet at Operation Love, 620 E 21st Street in Anderson. Contact: Garrett Spear at gdspear@anderson.edu.

Brown County Biking/Hiking EventSaturday, May 4 at Brown County State ParkEnjoy a spring day of bicycling, hiking or just hanging out in beautiful Brown County State Park (located at 1405 S.R. 46 West in Nashville, Ind.). MPC has the upper shelter of the park reserved as base camp to come-and-go as you desire. A picnic lunch will be served from 11:00am-2:00pm at the shelter. Cost: $5 for lunch and shelter fee plus $5 per vehicle park entry fee. Carpool from the MPC parking lot at 7:00am. Sign up in The Commons through Wednesday, May 1. Contact: Tim Stottlemyer at (765) 620-7616.

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 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, 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. 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.

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, Misty Novak, shares about her faith in Jesus and her own healing journey. A retired educator, Misty shares about perseverance in her book, See You in a Minute: A Mother’s Journey Through the First Year of Grief. Invite the women in your life who inspire you. Come make new friends at this event to remember! Tickets: $15. Proceeds benefit Miriam Project Adoption Services. Sign up in The Commons May 11-19 or online at MadisonParkChurch.org.Table hostesses are needed. A detailed list of responsibilities will be provided including decorating a table and inviting seven friends to purchase a ticket and enjoy 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.

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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.Handbell Festival Concert: Saturday, April 27 at 4:30pm in the Main Auditorium. Enjoy the ringing of over 80 ringers from seven local handbell choirs in a mass handbell concert. Guest conductor from the Circle City Handbell Choir will conduct a variety of musical selections. The concert is free. An offering will be received. Contact: Tom Evans, MPC Handbell Choir Director, at (765) 339-2176 or Steve Williamson, Worship Arts Pastor.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.Prepare-Enrich Premarital Counseling Class: Saturday, May 4 and 18 from 1:00-4:30pm at Linville Services at Broadway Ministry Center, 1400 Broadway in Anderson. The class will help engaged and newly married couples prepare a firm foundation for marriage. Contact: Robin Gerhart at (765) 642-1853.Gordon Food Service to Benefit MPC: 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’s to Benefit Dove Harbor: 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.Journey 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.

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 Recruitment—Out

Live Your Life! Weekend of April 27-28

in The Commons. Summer recruitments 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.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 June10-4, 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:Dennis and Brittany Nyamsirmera on the birth of their daughter, Alexis Karbuto Sophia Nyamsimera on March 8.Dave and Nancy Garrett on the birth of their grandson, Clay Joseph Ferkinhoff on April 1.JJ and Jennie Perry on the birth of their daughter, Cora Jean on April 9.

In sympathy with:Steve and Sharon Fleck on the loss of her mother, Virginia Yattaw on March 31.Jim and Vicki Williams on the loss of his sister, Sue Fox on March 31.Al and Gloria Kriebel on the loss of their son, Eric Kriebel on April 5.Dr. Stephen and Patty Frank on the loss of his mother, Michelle Frazier on the loss of her grandmother, Mary Frank on April 6.Mike Utley, Vicky Hildebrand and Sylvia Reed on the loss of their aunt, Betty Utley on April 7.

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 24: Parmesan Chicken / Kids’ Option:

Chicken Fingers and FriesMay 1: Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Taco

Salad / Kids’ Option: Walking TacoMay 8: Beef and Noodles / Kids’ Option:

Beef and Noodles

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.

Congratulations, Graduates!

Madison Park Church extends hearty congratulations to all our

graduates. Senior High graduates will be recognized at services on the

weekend of June 1-2. Senior High graduates’ photos and graduation

information will be published in the May 22 issue of Threads. By May 13 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.

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continued on page 4

Second: Our Selection Committee at the present time is comprised of: Don Allbaugh, Bert Blocher, Robin Gerhardt, Kimmi McCardwell (Elder), Joe Royer, Jr., and Keith Trent. This team has not yet met in its Search Committee role—and will not until the Elders make a decision about how many other members of the Committee should be appointed. The Elders will consider this at their Spring Retreat during the first week in May.Third: The Elders elected new officers in March for the year beginning April 1. Our Elder Chair is now David Sebastian; the Vice-Chair is Clark Simpson. Other Resident Elders serving at this time are: Peggy DeVerter, Natalie Farmer, Mickey Foley, Debbie Fox, Kimmi McCardwell, Doug Seelbach, and Dave Whitmoyer. Non Resident Elders are Bob Marvel (Bellingham, WA) and Rod Stafford (Fairfax, VA). Thanks to Natalie for serving as Chair during the last two years—she’s honoring now a promise to her family to limit her time as Chair to two years; we’re so thankful she remains a dedicated Elder.Other officers elected by the Elders for the new year (but who are not themselves Elders) are Secretary Cindy Eggert and Treasurer Kevin Boen. Thanks to Debbie Fox for serving as our last Secretary (before election as an Elder) and to Todd Parker who has spent several years as our Treasurer (but whose accounting and tax law office now requires more of his time). Both have been great gifts to the ministry of church leadership; both will continue to lead in our church family, if in different ways.Fourth: The Elders have already asked our Senior Associate, Rolland Daniels, to help cover the bases when I step away at the end of June. Rolland, as all of us know, has been

a God-send in the last two years and is more than able to keep all of the wheels in motion, while the church considers who might be the next Senior Pastor for the long haul. Rolland and I will work together to do everything necessary to guarantee the most seamless transition possible.Fifth: The process of searching for a new Senior Pastor can take some time, especially in the wake of the last guy’s (that’s me) very long tenure (22 years). It will take time for the church to take a deep breath, understand what are the qualities and qualifications best suited for its next chapter, and match that profile to just the right candidate. How long is “some time?” Hard to predict. But, the Lord will watch over the whole and, I am certain, manage the calendar. Not to worry. Along the way, I’m also certain that the Selection Committee will be in touch with the congregation, inviting your ideas, comment, and prayerful covering.Sixth: Change can be daunting. Churches sometimes step backward during days of transition. But, I am persuaded that Madison Park will set the pace for embracing, celebrating, and harnessing change for the good—and will not step back, but ahead, even during an interim season between Senior Pastors. This church has defied the norms and modeled healthy church life for decades; I know it will continue to do so. And that’s an opportunity for everyone, to grow, not stand still or fall away. Jesus is Lord; Madison Park is His; He is walking two steps ahead. Great days are in store. I really believe that. Thanks for praying. Thanks for believing in the promise of great new days, too. Philippians 1:6

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

comment at MadisonParkChurch.org.

And a bigger thing it has become! Now open to any MPC-goer of any age, the event also has an outreach purpose. “We’re hoping that people will invite their friends and neighbors to come enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with us.” While the event has grown in breadth, it’s still very relaxed and unstructured. “It’s a pretty informal affair,” Tim describes. There is no scheduled agenda and visitors can arrive and leave at their convenience. The group has reserved the Upper Shelter by the Covered Bridge entrance (off of IND 46), and will host a come-and-go picnic lunch.Bruce Jones plans to lead a road biking trip from the park to the nearby town of Nashville, while Tim plans to lead a few different mountain bike trailrides. And Tim is excited to share his passion. “I’ll be bringing a spare bike for any beginners who would like to try it out,” he offers.Those who wish to travel from Anderson together can meet at the church; the group will depart at 8:00am sharp. Transporting bikes and other recreation equipment to the park will be the responsibility of each visitor. Sign-ups will be available in The Commons for those who wish to order a $5 lunch (see page 2). The lunch fee is not refundable, but the lunch can be transferred to another visitor if a cancellation is needed.

It’s a Walk through the Park... Continued from page 1

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Next Steps Continued from page 1

In sympathy with:Rob and Angie Fox on the loss of her grandmother, Dorris Jarvis on April 8.Nancy Carpenter on the loss of her mother and Misti Carpenter on the loss of her grandmother, Juanita Moser on April 8.Dr. Gary and Jennifer Hoffman on the loss of his father, William Hoffman on April 13.

Ministry Partner NewsCelebration 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.Employment Opportunity: 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 $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.

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

Family News Continued from page 1