A Message from Pastor Paul
February 17, 2012

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After a wonderful week with Church of God pastors from all over the country and a weekend at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, I am so excited to be home and am really looking forward to this weekend with you.

The title for this weekend's message is Friends and Lovers. Our primary scripture is John 15:9-17 in which Jesus talks about his followers as his friends. We are going to use this passage to help us understand that friendship is an indispensable foundation for a healthy marriage.

Whether you are currently married or single, I really believe the biblical principles we will share this weekend can make a positive impact on the quality of your personal relationships. I hope you will join us on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday at 8:30 or 11:00 a.m. for worship, this important study of God's Word, and for the opportunity to build relationships with God and with each other.

I hope it helps you today to know that the God who created you loves you and calls you his friend. What an incredible gift to be loved by God. You are special, you are important, and you are loved!

See you this weekend!

paul

Stewardship Update

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	General Fund	Building Fund	Faith Promise
Giving this Week:	$18,221	$3,517	$1,416
Giving to Date:	$156,702	$81,372	$6,294
Budget Goal:	$166,604	$11,373	$10,937

Spring Quarter Community Groups Brochure

Current Community Group Electives God Space - Spiritual Conversation Partners—We meet in the Meadow Park Café Wednesdays through Mar. 28—6-7:30pm Facilitators: Jon Kissner, Diane Thatcher and Mariann Strozier You’ve felt that tug—a friend, co-worker, family member or someone you have just met is talking—and you sense God nudging you to say something. But what do you say? What don’t you say? How can you bring God into the conversation without shutting it down? Join us for real conversation with real people about real life. Caring For Our Family and Neighbors Sundays—9:45am—Feb. 19, 26, Mar. 4—Room 156 Facilitated by Stephen Ministry leaders— Learn how to intentionally give Christian care while exploring feelings, listening skills, assertiveness, and boundaries. Register at the Connections table. Connections 102: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Sundays, Feb. 19, 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25—9:45a.m. Facilitators: Bob Horn and Paul Alheim We all have spiritual gifts given to us by God. Find out what yours are! Register at the Connections table or email Gene Cahall (gcahall@meadowpark.org).

Upcoming Community Group Electives: Divorce Recovery Support Group—Room 149G Starting Sunday, March 4—6-8pm Facilitated by Kathy Hazen A confidential group for those who are recently divorced to share experiences, learn how to cope and receive encouragement. Dare to Love Building social and spiritual bridges to our Muslim friends and neighbors. Sundays, Mar. 11 & 18—6-8pm Facilitated by Nabil Safi, a Lebanon native and missionary at Ohio Ministries of God Nabil Safi is a dedicated leader with the Church of God and has a passion for the Middle East and the Muslim people. Nabil is working on his Master of Divinity at Anderson University and is the Global Engagement Coordinator at Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio. Financial Peace University Sunday, Mar. 11—6pm—Preview session to learn more! Facilitated by Karen Cooper In 13 lessons, you’ll learn how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before and much more! The class will begin Sunday, Apr. 1 at 6pm. There is a $93 cost for the Financial Peace University Member Kit (which includes Dave Ramsey’s book, Financial Peace Revisited, workbook, 13 lessons on CD and other tools). Register by March 14 at the Connections table or email Gene Cahall (gcahall@meadowpark.org).

Onging Community Group Offerings

Sunday Evening Bible Study
Sundays—6pm—Room 149F

Mid-week Bible Study through email
Fifty-two weeks of the Old Testament. If you are interested in this approach to growing in your Bible knowledge, please email Joe Barnard (joe@computer-fun.com).

Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
1st and 3rd Weds of each month from 9:15-11am—Rooms 149AB
Join us as we focus on how women can mentor others. We are using Women of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others by Carol Kent. New members welcome! Contact Sue Ahern, Wendy Edwards, Sue Glander, Judi Rutledge or Kathy Gray if you have questions.

Love and Respect Young Couples' Group
Facilitators: Kyle and Lauren Younkman
Sundays—9:45am—Room 149D
This group for young couples, who are soon-to-be or recently married, is led by Kyle and Lauren Younkman. The group is studying the book, The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships. For more information, contact the Younkmans.

Love and Respect Couples' Group
Facilitators: John and Wendy Edwards, and
Ross and Beth Miller
Sundays—9:45 a.m.—Room 158B
This group is for couples married 2-10 years. For more information, contact John or Wendy Edwards or Ross or Beth Miller.

Men’s Group—This group meets every other Monday—7:30-9:30pm—Room 149A. Leaders are Brent Witt and Dick Thatcher. Topic: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.

Sunday Morning Community Groups

Ambassadors—Church of God Bridges curriculum
Journey in the Word—Psalms
Seekers—Gospel of Luke
Serendipity—The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
Shekinah—Church of God Bridges curriculum
Sojourners—Proverbs
Something More—Continuing the Gospel of Luke

For more information about Community Groups, contact Gene Cahall (gcahall@meadowpark.org or 451-8745, ext. 114) or Pastor Vickie Doyle (vdoyle@meadowpark.org, ext. 150).

Happening Around the Park…

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Ash Wednesday Service
February 22—7pm—Sanctuary
Please join us as we begin our Lenten journey.

Schedule note: 8:30am Worship Rehearsal has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 21 at 7pm in the Sanctuary. 11am Worship Rehearsal has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 21 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary.

 

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Seeking Leaders The 2012 Nominating Committee is in the process of seeking people to fill important leadership positions at Meadow Park. At the November 2012 Annual Meeting, registered voters will be asked to ratify or vote on persons for the following positions: Lay Leader Elect: The Lay Leader Elect serves a one-year term beginning November 2012. The Lay Leader Elect serves with the intent to serve subsequently as Lay Leader for a two-year term. Church Council: Council members serve a three-year term beginning November 2012. Four candidates are needed for the ballot to replace outgoing council members. Nominating Committee: Nominating committee members serve a two-year term beginning November 2012. Eight candidates are needed for the ballot from which four positions will be elected to replace outgoing committee members. In order to obtain a large pool from which to select candidates, the 2012 Nominating Committee is asking all congregants to give prayerful thought to identifying potential candidates for these positions. If you are interested in serving or know a person you feel would serve well in any of these positions, please contact any Nominating Committee member. Thank you. In His Service, The 2012 Nominating Committee Wendy Edwards, Darlene Leshnock, John Fisher, Denny Pergram, Mary Ann Fisher, George Rigrish, Kathy Hazen, Pastor Paul Strozier, Jeff Hutchison

Northwest Choral Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 26—7pm—
Bethel United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Rd.
A great evening of choral music with combined church choirs from Bethel United Methodist, Bethel Presbyterian, Hilliard United Methodist, Meadow Park Church of God and Northwest United Methodist. Special guest director is Lora Moore, Choral Director at Hilliard Bradley High School. A love offering will be received. Invite your family and friends to this “don’t-miss” event!

Meadow Park Community Garden
Thursday, Feb. 9—7pm—Room 158AB
We're starting a community garden behind Meadow Park! If you'd like to work on a project that connects us with our Bethel Road neighbors—whether you’re an active gardener, no longer garden but want to share your gardening wisdom or you’re new to gardening and would like to learn more—please join us at this organizational meeting. If you're not able to attend but would like information, please contact Judy Westman (jwestman@wideopenwest.com).

Emeritan Events Breakfast at Sunny Street Café—, Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26—8:30am—Sawmill Road Breakfast at Chef-O-Nette—Feb. 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28—8:30am—Tremont Center Walk the Church—Weekdays—9am For information about Emeritan events, contact John Ellas (771-9639). For grant information, contact Helen Gibson (451-4226).

 

Meadow Park Scholarships: Brandon Johnson Scholar Award Established in 1995 in memory of Brandon Johnson, this fund will grant a $3,000 scholarship for the 2012/2013 school year for an undergraduate or graduate student.   Meadow Park Education Fund Applications are being accepted from Meadow Park students enrolling as undergraduates for the 2012 fall term. You do not need to know which college you’ll be attending to apply. Please note on your application if your school participates in a matching award program. Applications must be submitted yearly to be considered for this program. Pick up scholarship applications in the church lobby mailbox, church office select either link above. Submit completed applications by Feb. 26 to the church office, Attention: Kathy Gray, Education Fund Secretary.

Church Office Business

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Parking Lot Safety Reminder
Remember to hide valuables when you are parked in the church and other public parking lots. This will help deter would-be thieves.

Children's Ministry

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Children's Church
Feb. 19—11am—Children's Chapel
Children in grades K-2 are welcome to join us and explore their own relationship with God.

Junior Youth
Feb. 19—11am—Muscle Room
Bringing together third through fifth grade and their friends so they can build stronger relationships through games and social activities. We meet the third Sunday of each month during the 11am service.

TEN HUT!
Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays 9:45am through March 3/4—Great Hall
Attention, Recruits ages 3-year-olds thru grade 5! We want YOU to join recruits Boston and Beans as they seek to join one of the most elite military units of all time. Each week Sergeant Niece teaches them lessons from the life of Joshua on courage, helping others, following God, remembering the great things God has done, prayer, and God's promises for our life. Fall in rank and join the training as we learn to keep step with the life of Joshua. Ten Hut! Saturdays at 6pm and Sundaysat 9:45am Any questions please contact Tara Gittins at jtgittins@gmail.com

Sunday Evening Experience— Sundays through April 22— 6-7:30pm—Great Hall Drama Rehearsal—canceled for the remainder of February—will resume Sunday, Mar. 4—5-6pm Join us as we prepare for our spring musical. This year we will be presenting Dottie Rambo’s Down By the Creek Bank. There will be singing, dancing and wonderful stories of faith. All children between ages 4 and grade 5 are welcome! For more information contact Dee Turner (dturner@meadowpark.org).

THE GOOD NEWS BEGINS
March 10/11 and runs for 8 weeks
Saturdays at 6pm or Sundays at 9:45am—Great Hall

Kindergarten thru 5th grade:
The only morning news show worth watching is Good News! So join us on set and behind the scenes as we learn about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and how it applies to us today. Along the way we’ll need your help to keep bumbling anchors Tim Hunter and Trudy Grapevine from ruining the most important morning news show on the air! So call your cameramen, and check all the microphones, because we’re back from commercial in 5…4…3…

Preschoolers: Ages 3, 4 and 5:
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a news show just for kids? A news show that wasn’t the same old boring news that adults watch? A show where we could all learn about Jesus, the story of Easter, and all the exciting things going on in our neighborhood? Well, we have some good news: Good News Jr. is about to go on the air! So turn on the TV, and stay tuned, because it’s time for some late-breaking, action-packed, puppet-staffed, Good News!
Any questions please contact Tara Gittins at jtgittins@gmail.com

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For more information about Children's Ministry, contact:
Dee Turner, Dir. of Children's Ministry (dturner@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 119)
Melissa Gerold, Admin. Assistant (mgerold@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 152)
Sandy Bailey, Co-director, MPCC (sbailey@meadowpark.org or 451-8814)
Meg Scaggs, Co-director, MPCC (mscaggs@meadowpark.org or 451-8814

Student Ministries— www.myyouthsite.com

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SMY (Sunday Morning Youth)—Sundays—9:45 a.m.—Gym
D-Teams—Sundays—6pm—Youth Lounge

Upcoming Student Ministries Events
Youth Co-Ed Basketball	Practices are Sundays at 5pm in the gym. Our next game is Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 8:15pm vs. Hilliard United Methodist Church in the Meadow Park gym.
New Life Breakfast	Sunday, Feb. 26—We will leave Meadow Park at 6:15am and return at 9:45am.
Youth-led Worship	March 3 & 4—Our students will use their gifts, skills and passions to take on key roles and lead the congregation in worship. Our text and focus will be Luke 15 - The Value of One (connecting with Tomorrow’s Family). Join us for planning sessions in the Youth Lounge on Sunday, Feb. 19 & 26 at 9:45am
Spring Lock-In	April 13-14
Graduation Banquet	May 20
Summer Trips
Destination Unknown: The Mission Trip		June 23-30 Registration and $100 deposit due by Sunday, Feb. 19.
International Youth Convention		July 3-9 Registration, signed waiver and deposit date have passed; next payment ($200) is due Mar. 4.
Kentucky Heartland Outreach		July 15-21 Registration, notarized forms and $75 deposit due now.

For more information about Student Ministries, contact:
Pastor Steve Almquist (salmquist@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 159)
Renee Sleeper, Administrative Assistant (rsleeper@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 115

Outreach

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New Life Needs
Our partnering ministry, New Life, serves the homeless several days a week through breakfast, healthcare, toiletries and clothing. Currently, they are in desperate need of men’s pants (jeans, business-casual twill slacks, etc.) and deodorant. Please place your donations in the BOGO bins in the lobby.

New Life Reminder
Sunday, Feb. 26—6:15am
Meadow Park youth will serve breakfast at New Life and you’re invited, too! Meet at the church parking lot at 6:15am.

Faith Mission Dinner
Thursday, Mar. 1—5:15-8pm
Six volunteers, age 14 and up, are needed to help serve dinner to homeless men and women at Faith Mission. Sign up at the Connections table.

Open Shelter Lunches
Wednesday, March 14—7pm
Meadow Park will pack 175 lunches for the Open Shelter. You can help by donating items or signing up to pack lunches. Information is at the Connections table.

New Habitat ReStore
Habitat for Humanity’s new ReStore at 240 N. Wilson Rd is open. When you shop, donate or volunteer, you help turn reusable construction materials into the dream of affordable homeownership. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sundays, Noon-5pm. Visit http://www.habitatcolumbus.org/restore/ for more information.

English Conversation Partners
Tuesdays—6:30pm—149F
English Conversation Partners is a program for adults in our community looking to improve their spoken English. Men and women volunteers are needed to help one or more Tuesdays per month. Sign up at the Connections table or contact Kristina Neff (451-8745, ext. 118). You can find more information or register for the opportunities above at the Connections table.

Faith Promise Prayer Emphasis Eagle’s Nest Ralph and Karen Watts and Family Ralph and Karen are caring for children with special needs through church events, Special Olympics, field trips and hospital visits. Continue to keep them in your prayers as Butch (one of the children) continues to have medical concerns, and as Karen also cares for her parents. Contact Meadow Park member Doris LeCompte to discover ways to serve the Watts family

For more information about Outreach, contact: Kristina Neff, Director of Outreach (kneff@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 118). For more information about Outreach, contact: Kristina Neff, Director of Outreach (kneff@meadowpark.org or 451-8745 ext. 118).