Mars Hill in a bunny suit

What is cuter than getting a baby a bear larger than he is? How about a polar bear...wearing a bunny suit? I guess I don't understand the world sometimes.

We went to Mars Hill Bible Church this weekend with the Buckenmeyers (across the street). First, we went to Ikea, which was kind of neat to look at, but we did not get anything. Joel was incredibly happy there. After this, we stayed (midway) at the Wengers. It was good excuse to see them again. It was a fun (though short) visit.

The next morning, we went to Mars Hill. It is the church that we (and our neighbors, the Buckenmeyers...though they did this completely independently of us) have been "distant members" of through listening to the teachings every week for the past 2 or so years. It is a non-traditional, super-helpful, very challenging church that cuts through the junk and focuses on new and effective ways to fulfill the purposes of the church and teach people. It was good to see the people, the feel, the physical setup, and to hear the music. Speaking of which, the music was sweet. We went on "funk Sunday" though they have also had country, rock, and various other styles represented on other weeks.

The layout: They used the space VERY creatively....MH is an old mall. Think something like a small Southwyck. Anyway, the main area is a large square room. Everyone faces center, where there is a boxing ring-looking "stage." All the activity goes on in 360 degrees. All musicians face center. Everyone is talked to equally. There is no stage front or back. It worked really well. I took this before the service started.

Anyway, it was really neat to finally put a social and physical context on all of those teachings we have been listening to. The message was good, the people were nice, and it was nice to see that churches can absolutely work without anything "standardly churchy" about them. There was no bulletin, offering, stuff to sit mindlessly through, or time-wasters. Agenda: Music, 3 minutes of community announcements, teaching, leave/hang around to talk. Though we won't go back for a while) it is a hefty drive, it was great to see.

I am thinking of going to Haiti with the next medical crew from Grace/the NW Ohio area. It is a decent chunk of money, and I also want the dissertation done by then. Argh. So much to think about....