Jesus is moving in West Seattle. A year ago we were wrapping-up a short series on Jonah with a core of 60 people in the unfinished multi-purpose room on the verge of moving into Chief Sealth. Last Sunday we had 950 people in the main sanctuary worshipping Jesus, and two weeks ago we hosted over 2,000 people on Alki beach for the baptism of 200+ brothers and sisters in Christ. In case you are wondering, this doesn’t happen everywhere. We are a kite caught in God’s whirlwind.

Once again we are on the verge of stepping into another year and re-launching the West Seattle campus. By God’s grace we have a beautiful building, a strong leadership core, a committed body, and a vision to see the Gospel take root in Seattle, starting here at home. Beginning on Sunday, October 7th, we are moving to two services (9:00 and 11:15AM) in order to open up more seats for others to hear about Jesus and are transitioning from live to video preaching. Additionally, we’re re-launching the West Seattle blog (http://voxpopnetwork.org/westseattle), multiplying community groups, retooling the bookstore, rethinking how to engage and serve the city, establishing tentative plans to remodel the other half of the building, and developing relevant classes and training events for the year ahead. To top it off, you have a new Campus Pastor who is just getting settled in. Needless to say, there is a lot happening.

In light of all this, it’s about time we throw a party. Therefore, this Wednesday, September 26th, 7:00-8:30, we are hosting the first annual West Seattle Fall Kick-Off and Re-Launch Party. Everyone that feels called to follow Jesus and participate in his mission as a part of the covenant community we know as Mars Hill West Seattle is invited. We will celebrate what Jesus has done, is doing and is planning on carrying out through us into the coming year. Staff and leaders will be on hand to answer questions and communicate the vision of the campus. There will also be opportunities to sign-up to serve. Ultimately, it will be a time of worship, prayer, vision-casting, Q&A, good food, and fellowship that will serve as a rallying point as we quickly approach our October 7th fall launch.

Some important dates to keep in mind as we jump into the fall:
o Wednesday, September 26th, 7:00-9:00PM: Fall Kick-Off & Re-Launch Party
o Sunday, October 7th: Two services, 9:00AM & 11:15AM
o Wednesday, October 10th, 7:00-8:30PM: Gospel Class, Capstone, Kid’s Kore begin

Luke abruptly concludes the book of Acts, which describes the beginning of the Christian church, with, “[Paul] lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Theologians and commentators have long debated why Luke chose to end on such an abrupt note. Most think he did so because he wanted to convey that the book of Acts may come to an end, but the larger story of Jesus building his church hasn’t. I believe they are right. The story continues today. We, and our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, are writing the next chapter. Jesus is calling all of us to take part in his unfolding story here in Seattle and I hope you will become a part of it. I look forward to seeing you on the 26th.

Because the Tomb is Empty,
Pastor Adam Sinnett
Mars Hill Church | West Seattle Campus