Mars Hill Church, one of our members, Andrew H. McConnell, was killed this past week while serving in Afghanistan. Andrew and his wife Sarah (a former member of West Seattle) were married this past December and Sarah is five months pregnant. We ask that, as a community, Mars Hill Church honor Andrew by rallying around his wife and unborn child. We can do that through prayer, service, and generosity.

The only details we have at the moment are from Sarah’s brother below. You can share communication and coordinate service or generosity through The City, or on a Facebook page set up by a friend of Andrew’s.

As soon as we have more information we’ll post it here.

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Sarah Marie McConnell – Andrew McConnell Info Update

Dear Family and Friends,

Most of you have already been notified, but for some of you, this will be news.

On Monday, the 14th of September 2009, Sarah awoke to the door bell ringing and a visit from the “men in green” (as she refers to them). Sarah was informed that Andrew had been killed by an IED while serving our country in Afghanistan. Today, Tuesday, we found out one other member of his squad was also killed and 6 other members were wounded.

Currently, Sarah is flying with our father to the east coast. There they will meet up with Andrew’s father, and together, they will receive Andrew’s casket from the military plane.

At this time, information for funeral times and memorials is unknown. As soon as we know more we will keep you all informed.

All of your kind words and prayers are a blessing to Sarah, her little one on the way, and our family. Many of you have offered to make food or allow family to stay in your homes when they come for the funeral. I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous outpouring of support!

We know all of you are here to offer assistance however possible. At this time, it is unclear of where exactly we could use your help, but we will definitely let you know as soon as we can.

If you would like to send flowers or cards please direct them to

Ski’s Painting
Attn: Sarah McConnell
7235 S 227th PL STE 103
Kent WA 98032

You might consider waiting until more information is known about the time and place of the funeral and we will direct all of the flowers there.

If you wish to express your sympathy in ways other than flowers, you may do so by making a contribution to the “Sarah & Baby McConnell, In Memory of Andrew McConnell” memorial fund at any Key Bank branch. The memorial fund will be in place by the end of this week. We will use any funds collected to help celebrate Andrew’s life, as well as assist his family while they make the long journey from Germany and Virginia to his final resting place.

Thank you again for all of your support. Words cannot express the gratitude we have felt from everyone. It was amazing to be a part of Andrew’s life, even if it was only for a short time. I knew the man; he loved my sister, and we loved him.