What Hasn't Changed?
Okay I’ll say it.  I’m weary of hearing the words, “change,” or “transition,” or any variation thereof.  I’d rather hear about what hasn’t changed, and that’s the dedication of MPC to changing lives in our surrounding community.  We engage in many ministries of service, which none of you may be aware of, so I’ll share some ways in which we have recently served. 
 
In September, many members of MPC volunteered by donating materials, delivering donations, and helping to staff the "Help Hope Live" yard sale.  Proceeds went to help support physical therapy treatments for Ethan Kairer, a young man who became paralyzed from the waist down after a freak accident in 2014.  With our support, he and his girlfriend, Stef, were able to raise more than $3,000.  Not only that, but at the end of the sale there was an abundance of children’s clothing available.  Two women took all of these items and donated them to support the Cradles to Crayons charity in Media. And, it doesn’t end there – a family struggling due to a medical situation benefited, as well as a family who has been selling furniture out of their garage to support themselves.  And, the best part is probably that Ethan is slowly regaining his ability to walk!  Thank you to Deacon Julie Havel who championed this project and to Walt Koenig who did much of the heavy lifting.
 
In other news, did you know that Rich Graham and his family do a mini-mission trip with the children of Mt. Olivet Baptist church every summer?  Often, Rich does a lot of woodworking with the kids.  According to Rich, “this year they were learning about Christian soldiers' armor.  I prefabbed a bunch of shields so the kids could connect a little stronger with the shield of faith.  The last step of the process was for them to glue the cross on their shield.  They were asked to count to 60 which would allow it to stick.  So, when the challenge comes, hold on to your faith for 60 seconds. God can do some great things in that time."  This year, Christian Belville and his sons Rusty and Greg attended, as well as Hope Graham and two of her cousins from Kentucky.  Enjoy the pics below.

             
             
 
And, I could go on and tell you about the Italian families that MPC congregation members hosted through our connection with the International Opera Theatre, or about the recent Orphan 5K that Lexie Archer organizes year after year with Compassion Corp, but why when you could get involved?  On Sunday, October 18, there will be a Deacons' Fair between the 9:15 and 11:00 services in Dale Hall, with lots of opportunities to find out how you can serve.  You could sign up to serve at the Media Food Bank or to volunteer at Cityteam.  If cooking is your thing, you could sign up to help provide meals for families or to spend your time putting together care packages for our college students.  If you’re the more adventurous type, why not drive the church bus one Sunday morning a month (or every other month)?  Our Deacon co-moderators for this year are Pam Orr and Dale Belville.  Contact them if you’d like to find a way to serve.  Remember, you don’t have to be a Deacon to share Christ’s Love ~ just willing.   
 
Wonderful things are happening!  Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle.    
 
In His Service,

 

CHILDREN SINGING THIS SUNDAY!

SUNDAYS AT MPC

To Run and Not Grow Tired

The 12 lessons of this Bible study will help you see how God cares about every problem as you grow in endurance, patience, and perseverance.



October 11:
THE TEN SPIES - The Corrosive Power of Negatism
October 18:
PETER - Failing Someone You Love
October 25:
PAUL - Dealing with Your Past

Click here for the entire SYLLABUS.

UPCOMING EVENTS