Message

Mid Atlantic Community Church Life & Events

January / February 2015

Jump into a New Yearat MACC!

IndiaFor His Joy and Kingdom

Women’s Fall Dinner, first in the new building, was a huge success!

Bible verses were written on the stage before the floors were laid. Always an opportunity to serve!

Water night at KiCK is always a kid favorite!

Our first color run was epic! It will surely become a yearly event.

As we turn the pages to our 2015 calendars, my thoughts are drawn to a subject dear to my heart, goal setting. Will 2015 be just an-

other year or will you be focused on what really mat-ters? How about ringing in the new year with a clear cut plan for what you want to accomplish? Better yet, what God wants to accomplish through you.

King Solomon tells us in Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” I’ve heard it said we can’t predict the future, but we can create some of it! So how do you navi-gate leaving the negative that has been planted in you from the past? An extremely positive endeavor for the future is to set some challenging goals. Choose to change. Join us Sunday, December 28 for a message titled, 2015, Just Another Year? Remember, what we do here, matters there!

Will you consider joining me in a 2015 challenge?

• Read through the Bible this year. I want to find a friend to hold me accountable as I strive for transfor-mation versus information. Planting scripture in our

minds actually changes how we think and act.

• Say yes to opportunities to connect. People matter to God.

• Pray and pray more.

• Live life well, and get out of our own drama.

Thank you for another great year at MACC. It is a joy to serve as your pastor. Philemon 7 says it best, “Your love has given me great joy and comfort because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you.”

I love His church!

Lew

Starting January 4, we will continue our walk through the book of Acts in a series titled Turning Points at our 9:15 and 11 a.m. services.

On Sunday, January 11, there will be baptisms during both services. If you want to bebaptized, to publicly profess your faith in Jesus Christ, contact office@themacc.org.

2014... A Year of Fun and Firsts for our MACC Family!

This time last year our church home was under construction.

What a blessing the 10th anniversary picnic was at our new church home!

Our team from MACC shares of their journey to India where they served alongside missionaries and experienced God’s hand at work. In the midst of poverty and a heavy influence of false religions, hope is alive and spreading in the hearts of first generation believers in India. For His Joy and His Kingdom, the gospel is spreading, churches are being planted, and God’s love is shinning. Dig into their stories!

“I was able to witness God working through my 13-year-old daughter, not only in the lives she touched, but in my own life as well. Even amidst my own per-sonal struggles in my life right now, my daughter’s work in India and her new found passion for Christ has made me realize that God will change you when you are ready to be changed and submit to His will. You can then experience His true joy for your life. I have learned that when you are able to focus your sights on God, He will truly show you your path, just keep your eyes open and you will see the blessings.” - Steve Torzone

“Going to India was by far the best experience I’ve ever had in my life. It was so fun to meet new people and share my love for Jesus with them. When I came home from India, I was much more aware of the world we live in. I could rec-ognize the things I used to take for granted. But more importantly, I was able to build upon my relationship with God. I learned how to rely on Him. He will take care of my anxieties and worries.

God works in mysterious ways. In every life we came across, we could see God working. Whether it was the Hindu cab driver listening to a sermon by Bill, or the little children who became interested in learning about God through Bible skits, the people in India are so curious and willing to learn about our Savior. A teacher at a slum school we visited asked us to pray for her school. I think God was especially working in her.” - Sarah Torzone

“My greatest experience was being able to educate teachers. It was great to see teachers using some of the tools that I gave them! God also used this experience and my teammates to strengthen me to be the disciple He is calling me to be.

The children had a great impact on me too. These children in the slums were so happy to see us and to have fun with us. Experiencing those children will hope-fully help me to be more aware of being joyful here at home even in the storms of life.” - Shannon Donahue

“On our last day in India, I visited one of the slum schools, which was in a very bad part of Dehli. The school only consisted of two classrooms that were maybe 10 feet by 10 feet with children piled, almost on top of each other, in their seats. Our simple pres-ence seemed to bring them so much joy and encour-agement. The children in the first class started to sing for us. I couldn’t understand their words because they were singing in Hindi, but I could feel the Spirit in the room and tears came to my eye. Seeing, or rather feeling, how God was working in that school moved me to know end. At the end of our visit, the teacher asked us to pray for her class, which we did while choking back tears. That school, the kids, and those teachers, will be engraved on my heart forever. Those kids, who were destined for a life of poverty, now have hope through the gift of education and teachings of Christ’s love.

I saw true discipleship in India. Everything we wit-nessed with the church planters in India reminded me of Matthew 28:19-20, ‘Go, therefore, and make dis-ciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.’ These church planters have such a passion for sharing the gospel. Some of them are even living out being a disciple before they even really understand what that means. I saw the church growing through faith, hope, love, and the devotion of so many to share the Gospel. - Najla Haddad

“In India, God sent us on one adventure after another. We also experienced His blessings each day. A favorite mem-ory would be walking out of a slum school and being greeted (more appropriately, accosted) by a crazy looking cow with wild horns, whose eyes were fixed on me. (Cows are considered sacred in religions in India.) Now mind you, we were just singing praise songs to kids: The B-I-B-L-E and Jesus Loves Me. Seriously, it felt like the cow wanted us to stop and worship him, or maybe he was moo-ved by the spirit. (Sorry, couldn’t help it!) So I heard in my head, ‘don’t bother him and he won’t bother you.’ Sarah was behind me and the Holy Spirit prompted the thoughts to become words. I looked to Sarah and said, ‘You don’t see that in Crofton.’” - Debbie Sanchez

Woman at church planter conference the team attended in India.

Steve and Sarah Torzone spending time with school children.

“I will never forget the day that Steve and I went to a school to share the Gospel and teach basic soccer skills to kids. The morning I am preparing, Bill received a call that there was going to be 1,200 children. I am freaking out a little because I did not feel prepared, nor that confident with what I had written. With no surprise, Bill said, ‘Praise God,” and we jumped in a van and headed to the school.

When we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. God’s Word was on display everywhere, and I immediately felt His peace wash over me. Now, there was not 1,200 kids, but 750 kids, the most people I have ever spoken to. One by one, the auditorium filled with children dressed in uniform. They were very attentive and well behaved. We began with a few songs, then I was up. I walked to the microphone and looked out into a sea of children. It was an amazing moment that I will never forget. After I spoke, Steve and I got to demonstrate basic soccer skills to 750 kids! It’s important to keep in mind that I have not played soccer in seven years and Steve never played growing up, but does coach his 7-year-old son’s team. I looked at him and said, ‘let’s show them how to trap and pass and go from there.’ We did our best, and I believe God honored our willingness to be used.” - David Godwin

Sarah, Debbie, Najla, Georgia, and Shannon

School children in India

Pastor Bill and DavidChurch plant conference attenders

Slum village in India

Ever since the beginning of creation, God has been on a mission to draw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. Perspectives on the World Chris-tian Movement is a 15-week discipleship course de-signed to help reveal God’s redemptive plan for all of mankind and where you fit into His plan. From Gen-esis to the prophets, Jesus Christ to the early church, and Constantine to today, you will see how God has been moving, how the global Church has responded, and where the greatest needs in world evangelization remain today. This isn’t a class about missions, but a course on how every believer can be intimately woven into the story of God using His people to be a blessing to others.

The Course : This 15-week course is divided into four units (Bib-lical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic) that inves-tigates how God has, is, and will continue to work to make His great name known among the nations. Each unit provides a new lens in which students will continually see the common theme of God’s heart for His people. The most unique aspect of the course

is the diversity and quality of the instructors. A new instructor each week keeps the course fresh and excit-ing as you can expect at any given week to hear from Biblical scholars, missionaries, pastors, professors, and mobilizers, all who bring a wealth of experience and passion to each lesson!

When and Where : The course will be every Monday from 7 to 9:45 p.m. starting January 5 until May 4, 2015, at MACC.

Enrollment and Tuition : Key Reading Level - $285*Reading: 1-3 hours/weekHomework: nonePersonal Reflections: five short written responsesProject: noneExams: none

Certificate Level - $285*Reading: 2-4 hours/weekHomework: 1-2 hours/weekPersonal Reflections: five short written responses

Project: one integrative project due at the end of the courseExams: none

Credit Level - $530*You can receive three semester credit hours given through Trinity International University or Excelsior College. (Check with your university or institution for qualification.)Reading: 2-5 hours/weekHomework: 1-2 hours/weekPersonal Reflections: five short written responsesProject: one integrative project due at the end of the courseExams: one midterm exam and one final exam

If you are a follower of Christ, then this course is for you. Join in and be transformed through this Perspec-tives course. Grow deeper in your understanding of God’s love and purpose for His people. If you are still on the fence, just come visit us during our first two lessons for free! Full and partial scholarships may still be available. Register at perspectives.org. If you have questions, contact bill.craig@themacc.org.

Where do you fit into His Story?

Tell us something random about yourself that people might not know. I spent a year, using my degree in human development and psychology, working for a private company as a professional matchmaker. I have made matches that turned into marriages for quite a few couples.

Give us an idea of what a typical work week looks like for you. One of the things I love about my job at MACC is that I could be doing many different things on any given day. My job’s main focus is scheduling and maintaining the space and calendar for the church building, followed by helping out with anything admin related.

Name three of your favorite things. For fun, I love company! I am my happiest when my home is full of family or friends. I love to travel in our RV, and love the memories we’ve made as a family traveling in it over the years. But, by far, probably my favorite thing to do is play, “Oh Heck,” a card game I learned during college that my extended family and I have now been playing for almost 30 years.

Tell us about your family. I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 25 years, and he makes my heart skip every time I lay eyes on him. Our daughter, Alora, is a junior studying international relations and history at The George Washington University, in DC. My son, Gavin, is a junior at South River High School who loves to play lacrosse. Lastly, we have a nephew, Brian, who lives with us. He is currently serving in the US military, in Africa.

Favorite Scripture: My favorite verse has to be John 8:36 that says, “Who the Son sets free is free indeed!” This verse speaks to my heart because I used to struggle with shame from my past. My relationship with Jesus has set me free from that shame. Now, all I can do is smile when I think about or sing about Him!

How do you serve at MACC and what do you enjoy the most about serving? Darlene - I currently serve in the MOPS ministry as a mentor mom coordinator. I have five words to describe what I enjoy most about this ministry : positive attitudes, enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication. These are the words that describe why this ministry works.ML - I currently serve as a trustee as well as the financial administrator at MACC. The thing I enjoy most about serving at MACC is getting to work with other believers to help our church be that open door for all believers to come to know Christ.

Tell us something random about each of you that people might not know. Darlene - I have an adventurous spirit! One day I would like to get on a zip-line.ML - I was in the Marine Corps.

Share with us about your career and family. Darlene - I worked 17 years in a corporate office. I am now retired and loving it.ML - I worked for Safeway for 25 years, retired from that job, and I am now employed as an operations manager for a computer company in Olney. I am originally from Texas, where my family (two brothers and one sister) still live. I moved to Maryland in 1987. We have three daughters (Christina, Belinda, and Laura Marie) and six grandchildren (Daryl, Frank, TJ, Emma, Christian, and Liliana.)

What are three of your favorite things?Darlene - Old movies, old music, and desserts are three of my favorite things.ML - John Deere tractors, hand guns, and trucks are some of my favorite things.

What is your favorite scripture and why? Darlene - Galatians 5:22 “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will pro-duce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” When you work together with a team and your spirit is right, you will be amazed at what God will do with your ministry. My job is to teach the younger women, but they reciprocate and teach me as well!ML - Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” I like this scripture because it is a simple reminder of what I should be doing each day no matter what the circumstances may be, trust GOD and acknowledge GOD.

Our Family - Get to know our staff and church family each issue!

Kathleen Hasson Admin Assistant, working at MACC since April 2014

Darlene and ML Webb Serving at MACC since the beginning of the church

Tell us about your family.My wife, Barbara, my family and I are new members of MACC. Barbara and I have been married for 23 years, but together for 32, meeting as high school sweethearts. We have four children, Joy, 20, Hope, 19, Christian, 17, and Faith, 13. We live in Bowie and are very excited about bringing our talents and energy to MACC. I am excited to be helping with men’s ministry, and Barbara has been volunteering in MOPS.

Tell us about your career.I am a sales manager with a large information technology solutions company, World Wide Technology. I lead a team that works with the Department of Defense.

Why is men’s ministry important to you?Our culture has become very confused about what a Godly man is. Personally, I’ve seen around me the consequences with marriages that fall apart, and men who don’t rise to the role that God wants them to live, either as a single or a mar-ried man and father. Now is the time to equip our men to step up to all that God has for them. I’m excited to help with this equipping.

What are you looking forward to about serving in this position?MACC has been blessed with tremendous leadership in its pastors and other leaders. I’m looking forward to partnering and using my talents to assist in build-ing men, reaching out into our families and communities, spreading the good news of the Gospel, all while bringing others to know Him through the men’s ministry.

Craig Corbin New Leader of Men’s Ministry at MACC

Top 5 Albums of the YearEach issue, Brendan, MACC’s Technical Director, shares with us new music that he has been

listening to. This issue, Brendan shares his favorite albums from 2014. If you are looking for new music, these are some great bands to check out. You may even recognize some of the songs from our Sunday worship!

1) John Mark McMillan, Borderlands2) Kings Kaleidoscope, Becoming Who We Are3) NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers In The Wasteland

4) Rend Collective, The Art of Celebration5) Loud Harp, Asaph

What Bible translation should I use? This is one of the most asked questions I have received in my 23 years of serving as a pastor. I’m going to attempt to address this question, which will lead us to discover something very beautiful.

You have probably heard or said “your eyes are beautiful.” Our eyes are beautiful. Our eyes reveal what is beautiful. We can see what is beautiful with them. Without my eyes, I could not see beauty. Scripture is our eyes. Without Scripture, we could not see God.

Second Corinthians 4:4 says, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

The Bible has been the source of hope, direc-tion, and consolation from the ancient apostles to modern day seed throwers of the faith. The Bible claims to be not only history of revela-tion, but the very revelation of God. It is living revelation.

God chose to communicate this revelation to us with words. John 1:1-4 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the begin-ning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

The word that also became flesh, spoken of here, is Christ Jesus. God’s Word no matter the translation is precious. I’d rather someone read any translation than none at all. The beauty of the living Word of God is it has the ability to speak power and life into us in spite of a poor translation or even poor preaching. That is why it is so brilliant.

Now, I’m an ardent proponent of learning to read His brilliant Word, His bright Light that is to be a lamp for our feet, before we learn to study it. Reading and studying are two differ-ent components, and I’ll share what they are in a future article.

Let’s go back to our original question. I want to address. What English Bible is an excellent translation to learn, read, and study? We can agree that if you are going to read the Bible, it is better to have an excellent translation over an-other.

I grew up with the King James Version (KJV), which was produced in the Elizabethan era. I memorized Scripture from it in Sunday School, which was quite a bit after the Elizabethan era. When I went to seminary, the New Interna-tional Version (NIV) and The Revised Standard Version (TRSV) were what I used to do my de-votions, preach from, and study from for the next 18 years. Although the NIV has been used to bring millions and millions to Jesus Christ, it has unnecessary rewording and interpretation.

It was on my third church plant when I began to use the English Standard Version (ESV). One primary reason for switching is its transla-tion. For instance, some Bibles are a dynamic equivalence translation, which basically means a paraphrase. This means the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the original were translated a phrase at a time. Examples of some paraphrased Bibles are the Amplified, NIV, and The Message. The Message is great for devotionals, but not so much for study. One of the fundamental dis-advantages of dynamic equivalence translations is that it blurs the line between translation and commentary.

There is another type of translation and that is the “word for word translation.” The KJV, New King James Version (NKJV,) New American Standard (NAS,) and ESV are word for word translations. The intent is to maintain as much of the structure of the original text, allowing the reader to discern the distinct styles of the differ-ent biblical authors, while also retaining maxi-mum clarity.

One of the strengths of the ESV is that it is a lit-eral translation. For example, the Revised Stan-dard Version (RSV) created some controversy with its “young woman” rendition of Isaiah

7:14, whereas the ESV has it written as “vir-gin.” Isaiah and Matthew 1:22-23 are in har-mony again with a literal translation. Another strength of the ESV translation is the clarity and accuracy, which can be lacking in some other versions. For example, “expanse” replaces the ill-rendered “firmament” in Genesis 1. The term “cattle” (a specific term) appears as “live-stock” (more generic) in the ESV of Genesis 1. The unnecessary words and paraphrases pro-vide the translations to be more fallible. Literal translations limit that. Literal translations also preserve ambiguities that provide for new in-sights to be found.

Unlike many modern paraphrases, which pur-sue the dynamic equivalence approach, the ESV “seeks as far as possible to capture the pre-cise wording of the original text and personal style of each Bible writer.” The ESV translation team involved more than 100 scholars, the names and credentials of whom can be found by Googling ESV. The ESV is recommended by notable scholars such as Robert Mounce, J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, Leon Morris, Harold Hoehner, John Piper, and Jack Cottrell.

There is no version upon which everyone of us will agree in every particular nuance. We can suggest improvements in a translation with-out dismissing or condemning it because of a weakness or wrong translation. Now the ESV is not without some weakness, generally speak-ing, it appears to be an accurate, literal transla-tion, rendered in beautiful English. It is such beauty that we should set our eyes on.

The ESV is my preference for study and preach-ing. What do you think? Let me know your thoughts? I hope you’ve read some of the books I’ve reviewed, but more importantly, get to reading your Bible. If you would like to learn how to read and study your Bible, come by the my office or email me, bill.craig@themacc.org, and I’ll send you my notes on reading the Bible before studying it.

The Book Nook - Pastor Bill Craig, missions, sports, and outreach pastor, shares his thoughts on the different versions of the Bible. Each issue we hope to provide resources to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God and His Word.

What Bible should I read?

stay connected with revoREVO Student Ministry offers a variety of ways to stay connected for parents and students. Parents can receive weekly emails about the ministry, youth group topics, upcoming events, helpful parenting articles, and more. Contact lydia@themacc.org to sign up for the email list. Students and parents, like xREVOx on Facebook and follow xrevoxstudents on Instagram. Feel free to contact lydia@themacc.org or joe@themacc.org with any questions.

REVO student ministry

revo nights

Middle school REVO Nights are Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. High school REVO Nights are Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m.

REVO Nights are MACC’s youth group nights that provide an opportunity for kids to hang out with other kids their own age and youth leaders, while building life-long friendships and growing deeper in their relationship with Christ. Each night includes hang-out time and a program built around the series and topic for that evening. There is a message each evening given by the youth pastor, Joe Heinrichs, or a youth leader. There is also worship at high school REVO Nights.

For more information or to get your child connected, contact Lydia MacBride, student ministry assistant, lydia@themacc.org, or Joe, student/associate pastor, joe@themacc.org.

student life groupsOur student ministry team offers life groups for mid-dle school and high school boys and girls. Life groups provide students with the opportunity to dig deeper into God’s Word with their youth leaders, growing friendships with others their own age, and growing spiritually with Jesus. Life groups for middle school boys and girls are on Fridays, from 6 to 7 p.m. Life groups for high school boys and girls are on Sundays, from 6 to 7 p.m. Groups will begin for the new year January 9 and 11.

revo seriesIn the new year, REVO Student Ministry will be tackling tough issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, peer pressure, and bullying at REVO Nights with our next series, The Struggle. Each week we will discuss a different issue teens struggle with daily and what God’s Word says about combating life’s storms and negativity. We want to encourage our students to commit to walking with Jesus, as not only their friend, but their Savior!

The series will be broken into five weeks :• Depression and anxiety, Why can’t I be happy? • Stress and good decisions, Why can’t I chill out? • Peer pressure, Why can’t I just be me?• Bullying, Why won’t you leave me alone?• Why am I here? What’s the point?

In February, we will do our annual love and dating series and talk about God’s plan for each according to His Word.

REVO Student Ministry is excited to invite middle and high school students on our annual ski and snowboard retreat, xSNOx, January 25-27, to Wisp Resort in McHenry, MD. Each year students enjoy two days of skiing and snowboarding, an evening of tubing, and exciting REVO-style fun! Each morning, students start their day with a devotional and worship music led by Pastor Joe and the youth leaders. In the evenings the fun con-tinues with a REVO Night-style program that includes crazy games, a video made by the youth leaders, a message, worship, and more. This year’s theme is Out of the Darkness, and there may just be a yeti involved!

You can sign up and receive the trip info packet with consent forms at REVO Nights or by emailing lydia@themacc.org. Cost of the retreat per student depends on the activity they choose. If the student needs to rent skis or snowboard, the cost it is $300. If the student owns equipment, the cost is $250. Students going just to hang out (not ski or snowboard), the cost is $200. (Anne Arundel County students have off school January 26-27.)

Sports CampsWe are looking for coaches and volunteers now! The first training for coaches will be in March.

Contact Pastor Bill to sign up, bill.craig@themacc.org

June 22-25 Flag Football, Cheer

and Kid Gym

July 20-23 Lacrosse and Golf

July 27-30Soccer and

Field Hockey

Summer SportsAugust 3-6

Tennis and Basketball

August 10-13 Baseball and

Volleyball

August 21Back to School

Color Run

The new year will bring exciting changes to MACC’s men’s ministry. If you haven’t gotten involved, now is the time. The new year will build on the already existing positive events and ministry opportunities that currently exist. Existing opportunities include new commandment ministry, which meets monthly on a Saturday morning providing services for widows and others in need. To get involved, contact david@themacc.org. There is also a men’s Bible study that meets on Wednesday nights. Contact dave.dent@themacc.org to get connected.

The new year also brings a new ministry leader, Craig Corbin. Craig and his wife, Barbara, and their four children joined us as new members in 2014. In the new year, we will hold at least four events specifically focused for men to fellowship, have fun, and receive valuable coaching and teaching tailored to their roles as men. The first event will be the launch for the new men’s ministry on January 22 at MACC. This event will be for men of all ages, single and married. More events will be announced soon. Plans are in the works for a men’s retreat, a men’s choir, and more. If you are interested in joining our leadership team, please contact Craig, craig.corbin@yahoo.com.

Pastor Dave Dent

MEN’S Ministry

WOMEN’S MinistrySince the grand opening of the new building this year, women’s ministry has had a wonderful time at our events with old and new friends. The women of MACC have helped serve in so many capacities and have blessed others abundantly. The fall and Christ-mas women’s dinners far exceeded our expectations in every way. The dinners had record breaking atten-dance.

Thursday Bible StudiesDid you miss out on the fall Thursday Bible studies? Let’s see what some of the women had to say about what they got out of our study of 1 Samuel so far:

Diane Vreeland said, “I am so blessed to spend time every week watching the children grow, not only in size, but in their understanding of God’s Word. Who could ask for anything better than that!”

Linda Sayan commented on 1 Samuel 2:26, “Samuel grew up in the Lord, and as a mother, I need to ‘pas-tor’ my children. As a mother of three beautiful chil-dren, I need to make sure that I am bringing my chil-dren ‘up in the Lord.’ Each week during Bible study, a feeling of renewal would come over me. I would leave my small group discussion feeling stronger in my commitment to my children.”

Sheila Hall Robinson said, “My favorite thing about Thursdays is connecting with old friends and making new ones. It’s a true gift to go through life and study God’s Word with sisters of all ages and in all stages of life.”

Christy Hunt Arbogast commented, “What I en-joyed most about my ‘Thursday table’ is sharing with each other, learning from one another, and receiving solid Christian advice every week. My spiritual walk has been strengthened by these studies. I never want to miss because I get so much out of it, not to men-tion weekly hot coffee with fancy creamers and homemade breakfast.”

Our study of 1 Samuel, thus far, has been so enrich-ing. We have had some of the most amazing speak-ers, who are ladies from our very own congregation. What talent we have! It’s never too late to join us, whether you come to our morning or evening studies. Our studies start back up on January 8. If you’re not on the Bible study email list, please send an email to maccwm.study@gmail.com.

Girl’s Night Out EventsIt’s the start of a new year, and with our next big din-ner not until May, what are you going to do? Lucky for you we will be having a Girl’s Night Out event in February and March. More information will be com-ing soon.

Did you know that the MACC women’s ministry has a Facebook page? Like MACC Women’s Ministry on Facebook for event updates.

Thank you for being a part of this ministry. It is an honor to know each one of you. We hope that this new year brings you joy in your journey of living a Christ-centered life.

Christina Padgett, Women’s Ministry Co-leader

MOPSMACC MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets the first and third Friday of every month September through May. We provide an authentic community, mothering support, personal growth, and spiritual hope to help mothers be the best mom possible. Each meeting includes fellowship, potluck breakfast, speak-er, and a craft, all while the little ones are cared for in our wonderful MOPPETS program.

Our MOPS group is a place where moms can find ac-ceptance and a smiling face that knows exactly what she is going through in this season of life. MOPS has a vision that a better mom makes a better world. We serve every mom no matter her circumstance or her background. And it doesn’t stop there. We go out into the community with various service projects. It’s never too late to join! Contact Amber at maccmops@gmail.com for more information.

Amber Kyler, MOPS Ministry Leader

CHILDREN’S Ministry

Jingle Jam - Thank You! A huge thank you to every volunteer who helped with Jingle Jam! What an amazing night for our church family and friends! At the end of the night, we had all worked together to create an event with....

410 audience membersMore than 75 volunteers

More than 1,000 desserts served10 Christmas trees donated

158 presents wrappedMore than 100 photo booth memories made

More than 100,000 laughs31 Angel Tree children receiving Christmas gifts

One true meaning of Christmas celebrated!

Volunteer RallyOn Saturday, January 31, we want to kick off the year right by hosting a Children’s Ministry Volunteer Rally. If you serve with kids on Sunday mornings, at MOPS, at Thursday morning Bible studies, or at any other time, this event is for you! If you’ve been won-dering what it takes to get involved with all of the excitement, you won’t want to miss this!

The rally will give you the chance to hear about what’s coming up in 2015, and will offer breakout groups for all of the different areas of the ministry. During breakouts, you will enjoy different speakers and a

time for questions and answers. We will even offer a MACC Kids 101 breakout to give you the chance to hear about how you can get involved with no com-mitment required. More information and registration is coming soon. Please email children@themacc.org if you have questions.

Volunteer Appreciation LunchVolunteers are kind of a big deal around here! If you serve with kids on Sunday mornings, this lunch is for you! Please join us on Sunday, December 28 after the 11 a.m. service, in the downstairs Club Worship room. We are excited to celebrate all that God is do-ing through you in the lives of our kids and families!

Community Easter Egg HuntMACC’s Community Easter Egg Hunt will be Satur-day, April 4, 2015!

Kids in Christ KampKiCK, Kids in Christ Kamp will be July 13-17, 2015. Mark your calendars now. Preschool KiCK will be in the morning and elementary KiCK will in the eve-ning at MACC.

Sundays at the ClubhouseJanuary’s life app is ‘commitment’ at the Clubhouse, elementary Sunday school. We all know that it takes time and practice to master a sport or an instrument, but do you know that the same is true with faith? Be-ing spiritually disciplined doesn’t come easy. It takes a plan. It takes commitment! To break it down for kids, we’re going to focus on four faith skills - hear, pray, talk, and live.

Sundays at the TreehouseIn January at the Treehouse, preschool Sunday school, we will learn about people in the Bible who needed Jesus in a big way! What we want our preschoolers to know is that we all need Jesus, and He is there with us each and every day to love us and to help us. What an amazing Savior He is!

Lisa Leitch Children’s Ministry Co-Director

SPORTS Ministry - The Right Sport

There is no right sport or better sport, although some may argue that statement. There is something that makes sports right for our mission here at MACC. Rodger Oswald, who founded the sports evangelism ministry, Church Sports International, once esti-mated that “98% of Americans watch, read about, or participate in sports at least once a month. Aside from maybe food and music, there is no bigger cultural in-fluence in our society today.” Yet even as American involvement in sports reaches new heights, church at-tendance plummets. ChristianNewsWire.com report-ed that “8 million people are leaving the church each year – 150,000 a week.” These numbers are sobering, but when we consider them in light with the statis-tics about our sports consumption, they represent an amazing opportunity – an opportunity for the church to use a game or a ball to connect with our communi-ties, to build trusted relationships, earning the right to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our players, parents, and coaches. The former is what makes sports so right.

Michael and Michelle Halbig caught that vision for sports a long time ago. They could see what made sports right for mission. They came to us and said that Upward Basketball is an incredible ministry and tool for the gospel, we want to help make it happen. We prayed, planned, and the rest is history. Right now our Upward Basketball ministry has nearly 70 partici-pants from MACC and our community. It is beauti-ful to see what is right and redeeming as it unfolds on the field and the court.

Over 40% of the participants in our Upward Sports pro-grams are unchurched. It is encouraging and a blessing to see so many new relationships being built through our sports opportunities. Our sports programs are de-signed to disciple the students, coaches, and players. There are numerous relevant, unique, and effective ways to incorporate ministry into the sports experience. For instance, our Upward Basketball builds its teaching strategy on developing total athletes through the their plan, 360 Progression. It is a sports experience modeled off of Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stat-ure, and in favor with God and man.”

No matter how it is structured or organized, a strong sports ministry will have an evangelism component. Sports offers a substantial platform to build trusted rela-tionships with players and parents, and earn the greatest “right of all: the right to share the good news of Jesus Christ.” We at MACC hope that you and your family will be part of our sports programs, whether it is your child participating in a camp or you, volunteering as a coach or referee, or participating in one of our adult pickup sports. We are looking for individuals to serve on our golf tournament planning team. All money raised goes to our sports camps to assist those who can’t afford high quality sports programs. In 2014, we gave away 98 scholarships to students so they could partici-pate in summer sports programs. If you are interested in serving the right way with our sports ministry for the right reason, please contact bill.craig@themacc.org. You too can help us build trusted relationships with our community to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bill Craig

Prayers are asked for a team from MACC traveling to Iquitos, located in Northeast Peru in the Amazon Jungle, in the beginning of February. The team will be serving missionary families as they attend a confer-ence for encouragement, training, and refreshment.

Please be praying for our team :Micheline (Mickey) Bartin

Joy CorbinDawn Cowperthwaite

Pastor Bill CraigSheila Hall

Melissa JonesSophie RamsayMatthew Smith

MACC got involved with the conference through Andy and Carol Patton, missionaries in Peru, MACC has been supporting for almost 10 years. The Pattons have five kids, Emily, Allison, Kylie, Kate, Linda, and Charlie. The Pattons are part of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE.)

Part of the MACC’s 10% tithe to missions has al-lowed the Pattons to continue their ministry and expand the Gospel to Peruvians. MACC-supported missionaries serving around the world are part of our

family. Just as we serve our local church families and community, we have the privilege and responsibility to do so wherever the church is working to expand God’s Kingdom. Our missionaries serving overseas are ‘on the front lines’ and need our support.

The Pattons are part of the Peru Field Team with sev-eral other missionary families that meet twice a year at this conference. The team in Peru includes semi-nary professors, church planters, elementary and high school teachers, crisis pregnancy center workers, and those who work with the deaf. The conference allows these missionaries to not only catch up and discuss mission goals and updates, but family life as mis-sionaries. It is a time to build relationships and pro-vide spiritual nourishment for missionaries and their children. Pastor Bill will be attending the conference, providing daily devotions and encouraging messages for the adults.

The team from MACC will be working with the chil-dren: seven teens, five elementary-age kids, and five toddlers and babies. While the parents are in meet-ings, the team will provide a VBS-like environment for the kids including worship, teachings, and other activities. For some of these children, this is the only time the kids get to spend with non-Peruvians.

We asked Sophie Ramsay, a member of the team go-ing to Peru, what she is looking forward to the most about this trip? For me, it will be the first time that I will be serving U.S. missionaries on the mission field, and my first time to Peru. I am particularly excited to meet and interact with the Peruvian people that our missionaries serve, and to minister to the American children being raised in such a different culture.

How is God preparing you for this trip? God has gifted me with a passion for global missions. Taking the Perspectives course last spring has deepened my love for all nations and reminded me how important it is for all people to know Jesus and experience his love, hope, and promise of eternal life.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Upcoming Missions TripsPeru - February 2-12, 2015

Family mission trip or service project - July TBDHaiti (tentative) - August 1-13, 2015

Uganda - Dates TBD India (Tentative) - November 9-23, 2015

Contact bill.craig@themacc.org for more info.

MISSIONS - Prayers for Peru Team

Michael and Michelle Halbig