I’m sitting here in bed contemplating the past few days. My brother and family have been here 4 days. I picked them up on Thur. We explored our house and Fred Meyer. We watched Xmen I. The days have been rainy.
Friday, we tried to get through Xmen II before the kids started chanting, “Park, park!” We walked down to Webster Park for swinging. There was a school field trip class occupying the park, but they left eventually. Amy agreed to watch Sara while me and the boys went to Xmen III. Wayne was even able to finish Xmen II before the movie, though we had to sit in the front row at Bay Majestic. The movie was good, a nice vehicle for the continuing saga. It wasn’t the best movie, but I found it entertaining. We went out the back way and found the door blocked by a homeless man sleeping. Justin slipped out the door before we knew what happened. Wayne and I made it out, but David tracked back through theater. We ended the evening with a nice dinner at Chinook’s. Wayne and I enjoyed the 1st Copper River Salmon of the season. We stopped by the Scoop for desert.
Saturday was our Memorial Day. We invited J&C, their friends (with 5yo son), and the vanishing Ocaseks- who couldn’t come 
for a afternoon BBQ. A quick trip to Costco turned into the whole family’s morning outing after a Danish Kringle from Larsens for breakfast. We stocked up on even more food (no one is starving this weekend). We got Copper River Salmon that will feed 7 people for 1/3rd the price of the Wooten salmon dinner at Chinook’s. We took a quick trip to our local library w/ DP and the kids. The BBQ was a success. We fed 8 adults, 4 kids, 2 beagles, and a cat (animals actually didn’t get fed). The kids were rambunctious and fun. J&C stayed into the evening to play Ticket to Ride.
Today was our most active day. We decided to catch the Mars Hill Church service. I’ve listened to Mark Driscoll many times on my Ipod. MHC has become J&C’s church home. It is also a dynamic influence on the Seattle Christian community. People seem to have strong feeling about the church, often times based on rumors. I really enjoy Mark’s down to earth preaching style, nod in agreement with most of the theological points, love his emphasis on Jesus, and often learn profound concepts I haven’t known before.
So today, we met the church around the man. From J&C, I know how much volunteer work goes into the church. Everything is very organized from the traffic guard to the militaristic appearance of Children’s ministry security. Lots of buff men with official badges, serious looks, and CIA looking earpieces. As we approached the neat, black warehouse like building, Justin said, “This isn’t a church!” The folks in the toddler section seemed very uncomfortable taking a diaper bag. It took awhile to “process” the kids. The play areas looked open and airy. Sara seemed accepting of the situation. There didn’t seem much beyond a huge auditorium w/ a stage, welcoming area, children’s area, and restrooms. Maybe there are more rooms I couldn’t see.
The worship area was big, focused around a stage with dim lighting and neat looking communion tables at staggered areas. We pushed to the front and got seats. The worship was done by a rocking band. The music was great. Unfortunately, I felt like I was at a concert more than a worship session. The loud music made it very difficult to sing along. Most people seemed to just stand and listen.
People seemed to engage more when Mark came out to preach. The sermon was up to snuff. Just some wonderful concepts about sin and freedom in Christ. I thought it was insightful, balanced, and convicting. It did bug me that Mark only looked straight ahead. I think that’s because they broadcast with only one camera. The bright stage lighting also hurt my eyes eventually. David and Wayne didn’t like the fact communion came with little to no explanation or instruction on it’s significance or who should partake.
I think when I walk into a church for the first time, I have a tendency to compare it to my own church. Going to Mars Hill was a unique experience. Wayne and I rarely go to churches besides Bethany. It did make me realize how dear to my heart Bethany has become. It did also remind me how challenging and dynamic the preaching at MHC is. I need to make more space on my Ipod.
The day continued after a nap with a trip to the zoo. While the grizzlies slept, the hippos were particularly engaging. David pointed out different animal excrement like monkey and salmon.
We were chilled and tired by the end and warmed up a Blue C Sushi. It was a hit with the family. We then walked to the troll under the bridge and sampled Peet’s Coffee.
Enough adventures for now.
Note the new flicker photos.