en http://www.peopleofmarshill.com © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=142 We Begin the High Holy day on Wednesday at Sundown. As we approach the Day we hopefully have prepared ourselves by examining our own lives and purging ourselves of the things we find that are offensive. For the most part the main focus of the day is to fast and pray. The fast traditionally begins with a meal at sunset and concludes with a meal that ends the fast at the next sunset. Some people have found it useful to see the Yom Kippur experience as a brush with our own mortality - with death. This is why we abstain from the physical activities that keep us alive, such as eating and drinking. On this day we confront that which we spend most of our lives denying - that we will die and be no more. Yom Kippur awakens us to live our lives more fully because we come face to face with and thus must acknowledge our own mortality. Traditionally the book of Jonah is read and studied on Yom Kippur. Here's why: It is an example of a whole city with no connection or relationship to God who repent of their evil ways and are forgiven. What better example of successful repentance and its consequence could be found? It is a message Jonah does not comprehend until the very last line of the book, a message that God cares compassionately for all living things and prefers repentance to destruction. God's compassion is meant to be a model for us to copy. Also, the book of Jonah shows us that we can not flee the service of God. As you observe this high holy day here are some things to think about and strive for: Spend the entire day in an attitude of prayer. Think about your own death and how it will impact others. How do you want to be remembered when you die? Allow the way you answer that question to direct you in how you should live your life now. Think about the life of Jonah in comparison to your own life. What are the similarities...differences? If you get a chance, with friends or with your small group, try to begin and end your fast together with a simple meal enjoyed in community.NOTE: If you cannot completely fast for the entire day because of extenuating circumstance such as medical problems, you can always do a variation of a fast, such as a juice fast, or vegetables only, etc. Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:23:06 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65&article_id=83 Discussion Following Sunday, October 5:Use this week to pray and discuss the relevance of Yom Kippur to your faith in Jesus. See the Jewish Feasts section of our homepage. Mon, 6 Oct 2008 18:47:29 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=140 Join us this summer for Centrifuge 2009 at Ridgecrest, NC July 13-18. Limited spots available so reserve your spot today! We will be white water rafting on the way! Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:17:45 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=139 Join us November 1 as we canoe down the Okatoma River in Seminary, Mississippi. We will leave Mars Hill Cafe at 8:00 am and return around 4:00 pm. The cost is $25 per person. A $10 deposit is due by October 19. You can sign up at the connections table during the Sunday gatherings or on Wednesday nights during Bible Study. Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:08:42 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=73 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=73&article_id=138 Rosh HaShanahThe whole spirit and tradition behind Rosh Hashanah says that we can have a direct and active role in changing our fate for the steps of our journey. While our desire to change our lives is particularly strong during the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we can make important changes at anytime because that is the nature of our relationship with Christ. But during this time we evaluate whether that has been our focus or whether we have gotten of track. You can begin your Rosh Hashanah experience by meditating on this prayer: MEDITATION Oh Lord my God, help me to take a good look at my life with honesty and give me the courage to make changes that are obviously needed and that you would want me to make. Guide me on my journey as I strive to make good changes, in myself and in the world in which I live. One Teacher explains that you can change your fate in several ways: CHANGING THE WORLD Use your resources and talents to create more justice in the world Decide: What can you do this day... this week... this month... this year...to make an immediate difference? CRYING OUT You can cry out about all that is unfair in the world and in your life, but you can choose other equally or even more effective actions, such as letters, petitions, social action, prayers of words, and prayers of tears. Strategize: How can you increase the possibility that your most pressing outcry is heard? CHANGING YOUR IDENTITY You can alter some aspect of your identity, expanding beyond the way others define you in your relationships and in your work. Deny everything everyone else as trie to make you into and cling only to who you are in Christ. He is your only identity... find yourself in Him. Ask yourself: How could a small adjustment in the way you see yourself in Christ allow you to recognize God’s dreams and aspirations for your life? CHANGING WHAT YOU DO You can break some old, familiar patterns of behavior, such as the way you relate to family, friends, or colleagues. Decide: If you were to commit yourself to establishing a new pattern of behavior at home, at work, or in the community, how could you increase the possibility that it becomes habit? BLESSING (read this blessing aloud as you meditate upon the change or changes you will make) May we all be remembered and recorded in the Book of life, blessing, sustenance, and peace. TEACHING: What does it mean to live out your prayers with your life? If your prayers are full of praise for the sun, moon, and stars, you would pay attention to the nighttime sky. You'd work to preserve the atmosphere, you'd study astronomy, celebrate the New Moon, and wear sunscreen. If you are thankful for health, you would do your part to preserve or improve it. You would exercise, eat right, seek care givers with the greatest wisdom. You would celebrate all the parts of your body that work well each day. If your request is for peace, you would do your part to establish it in all the worlds you inhabit. If your prayer is for forgiveness, you would resolve the lawn mower incident with your neighbor, you'd write a letter and forgive that relative or old friend. You would sleep until you have done all you can to clear the air. What are your prayers truly for? How are you living to see them answered? CASTING AWAY OUR SINS You shall cast out our sins I into the depths of the sea On this Day of Judgment, I take account of my life and relationships during the last year. Of some things I am proud, of others disappointed or ashamed. I resolve to strengthen and sustain the many good things I have performed through the power of the Spirit in my life such as, love in relationships, honesty in business, engagement in the repair of the world-and I resolve to cast off those actions or words that I regret because they were done in the flesh. Help me to keep preserving what is good that comes from You and to keep casting off what is bad that is birthed from my corrupt flesh. May this be a year of goodness and blessing. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah: On Monday or Tuesday evening at or just before Sundown, take a piece of Matzah and begin writing down your sins on it. Remember that Matzah has no leaven and leaven represents sin. The Matzah represents Jesus who had no sin but became sin for us. You can crush the Matzah into tiny pieces symbolic of the body of Christ which was broken for your sins. Go to a body of water. It is important to go to a body of water that is moving such as a river, or creek, or the ocean, and not a pond or lake that is self contained. Before casting out your "sins" speak this prayer out loud or in unison if you are with a group: May You cast out all the sins of your chosen people of your church into a place where they will not be remembered, nor counted, nor ever again be minded. Speak this Blessing: Blessed are You who enables me to distinguish between good and bad. You shall cast out our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) NOW, throw your crumbs into the water and let them be carried away from you to the very depths of the sea to be remembered NO MORE! This next section of your Rosh Hashanah Experience can be done at home if you have a shofar or trumpet. The sound of the shofar is primal. Part music, part siren, part animal cry, the blasts of the shofar focus our attention like nothing else. Adults crane their necks to see better; children are lifted onto shoulders to watch as the shofar is blown. Whole, broken, and whole again, the sounds shake us, awaken us, and stir us. Ultimately, they direct our attention to return to our hearts, our community, and most importantly our God and Savior. May each sound of the shofar awaken me to the sacred presence in all things. As you hear the shofar being blown, focus on the different sound combinations. One blast: What does the first sound call you to remember? Three broken blasts: What felt broken in the past year? Nine short broken notes: What does this alarm mean for your community? The longest blast: What will you devote your breath and strength to in the coming year? Allow all the sounds of the shofar to stir you, linking you to the past and the future, to individuals and community, to the place where you are now and to your commitments to the future. (Before the shofar is blown speak this blessing out loud and read the scriptures) Blessed are You, Lord our God, who makes us holy and leads us into good deeds and gives us the wholeness of hearing the sound of the shofar. Then you shall sound the horn loud; in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month-the day of atonement-you shall have the horn sounded throughout your land. (Leviticus 25:9) Shall the shofar be blown in the city and the people not tremble? (Amos 3:6) Blessed are the people who understand the shofar sounds; they walk in God's light. Blow the Shofar and begin your 10 Days of Awe as we approach Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Continue your soul searching as the Day approaches. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:20:53 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=39 There are three optional worship times- Sundays at 9am, 11am and 6pm. Since the content is the same, choose the time that works best for you. We meet on Sundays at Mars Hill Café. The café is located at 5025 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile, AL 36609. Nursery and Children's church is also available. Please see the Children's link under "Connections" for more information. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:11:21 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50&article_id=54 9:00 Worship Gatherings • Infants and Crawlers (meet in room to the left at the rear of café’) Parent supervised • Walkers to Age 2 (meet in room to the right at the rear of café’) (3 year olds with DOB before Sept.1st will go to next group) Room Leaders: Amy Fisher and Llyssa Baker Supervised Childcare and Playtime • Ages 3,4,5 (meet in room to right upon entering café’) (w/ DOB before Sept. 1) (6 year olds with DOB before Sept. 1st go to next group) Room Leaders: Stephanie Barns and Helpers Curriculum: “BOZ-God’s World and Me” • Age 6 to 11 w/DOB before Sept. 1st (meet in new room to the left when entering café’) (12 YR. 6th graders will advance to Youth Group) Room Leaders: Chip and Deborah Parrott/Billy Daniels Curriculum: “God’s Top 10” (“Seeing God’s Love and Protection in the 10 Commandments”) 11:00 Worship Gatherings • Infants/ Crawlers (meet in room to left at the rear of café’) Parent Supervised • Walkers to Age 2 (meet in room to the right at rear of café’) (3 year olds with DOB before Sept.1 will go to next group) Room Leaders: Beth Ann Mills and Alyssa Hudson Supervised Childcare and Playtime • Age 3,4,5 (meet in room to the right upon entering café’) (with DOB before Sept. 1 ) Room Leaders: Samantha Parrott and Meredith Parrott/Deborah Parrott Curriculum: “BOZ- God’s People and Me” • Age 6-11 (meet in room to the left upon entering café’) Room Leaders: Deborah Parrott and Helpers Curriculum: “God’s Top 10” (“Seeing God’s Love and Protection in the 10 Commandments”) Subs and other Helpers: Sam Blackman, Kara Blackmon, Deborah Cox, Billy Daniels, Rhonda Daniels, Elizabeth Ellington, Patsy Hester, Amber Johnson, Jill Langley, Jordan Lee, Gabby and Mary Mather, Linda Parrott, Meredith Parrott, Lisa Young and Mrs. Drexell Sullivan. *Supervised Childcare provided for Seminars. No Childcare is provided for 6:00 gathering. *A background check is required for all volunteers. Please contact: Deborah Parrott @ (463-1931) if you have any questions/concerns/ or are interested in getting involved in this area of the Mars Hill Community. *Children in the process of Potty Training need to wear “pull ups” or other protective under garments. * Please do not bring your child if they are experiencing symptoms that could be contagious. *The above information is subject to change when needed... and LOVE WINS. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:03:40 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=33 The People of Mars Hill began as an experimental effort to reach a generation that has left the organized church in masses. In 2003, Jack Hester (our lead pastor) was the youth minister of Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. He was burdened for the people in the community who felt like church wasn't relevant to them anymore. During this time, Jack was a part of a men's prayer group. Each week they discussed the things that were on their hearts. Jack constantly expressed to this group that his greatest concern in student ministry was that so many teenagers came through the ministry, but once they graduated, they also seemed to graduate from their faith. They would go to college and gradually fade into the distance. It was through this prayer group that the idea of the People of Mars Hill was conceived. As the vision began to take shape, Jack shared what was happening with the senior pastor he was serving under and asked for his blessing to pursue this dream. Blessing was given and Jack and his wife, Brandi, began to seek God's direction as they planted a new church. A local businessman in the area had just opened a cafe. Jack and Brandi planned to work there as they planted this new church. Both parties quickly realized what God was doing, and knew that this would be the birthplace of the new church. The goal of this ministry was to reach the unchurched, and they knew they would not follow traditional church planting techniques. The leadership decided that the way to grow the church would be through relationships. The group had there first core group meeting in February of 2004, and 60 people attended. The church has no sign and they have done absolutely no advertising, yet in just a few years, they experienced remarkable growth in those attending. The most exciting thing about the People of Mars Hill is the quality of friendship, the feeling of community, and the overwhelming sense of God's blessing and presence. The only explanation is that God is at work and we look forward to all He is going to do in the lives of people in the future. Tue, 2 Sep 2008 10:34:42 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=136 The People of Mars Hill seeks to foster holistic spiritual formation in the lives of teenagers by providing authentic community and scriptural guidance in an honest, diverse and multi-generational environment. Mars Hill students meet weekly at 6:30pm at the Mars Hill Cafe for the purpose of building relationships, having open dialogue and discussion, and growing deeper in our understanding of God\'s Word. Each week you will enjoy music, snacks, and a discussion based on our current study of the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The atmosphere is very relaxed and a lot of fun. We hope you will come, be yourself, and make some new friends. We want this to be a place where everyone feels welcome and students find authentic community. In addition to our weekly gatherings, Mars Hill students can get involved by participating in Mission Trips, camping adventures, community service, parties, day trips to water parks and many other exciting activities that promote spiritual growth and deepening relationships. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Josh Taylor. josh@peopleofmarshill.com Check us out on Myspace! www.myspace.com/vintagestudentministry. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:25:57 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=127 Chris Estis- Administration/College/Small Group Communities chris@peopleofmarshill.com Jack Hester- Lead Pastor/Teaching jack@peopleofmarshill.com Joe Langley- Outreach/Cafe' joe@peopleofmarshill.com Rusty Roberts- Finance rusty@peopleofmarshill.com Josh Taylor- Music/Students josh@peopleofmarshill.com Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:28:27 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=130 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:38:46 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 We're glad you found us. Life wasn't meant to be lived alone. The People of Mars Hill is a diverse group of individuals who are seeking to live life together in the way of Jesus. Embracing our mission to be a voice of justice for a broken and hurting world, we are a community that is committed to learning what it really means to love our neighbors. Join us weekly for one of our 3 worship gatherings- 9am, 11am, or 6pm. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:38:29 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=72 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=72&article_id=97 You are invited to participate in the various Jewish Feasts throughout the year. Here you will find helpful information as well as devotional readings to make these feasts more meaningful to your spiritual journey. Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:34:28 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=44 Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:11:54 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=76 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=76&article_id=122 The People of Mars Hill gather weekly for worship at the Mars Hill Cafe located at 5025 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile, AL. Cafe hours are Monday-Friday, 11am until 3pm. Visit the cafe's website... MarsHillCafe.com Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:45:10 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=31 In the first century, Athens was the cultural and religious center of the Eastern world. It was also home to the most renowned philosophers in history, including Socrates, Plato, Epicurious, Aristotle, and Zeno (the founder of Stoicism). Nestled in the heart of the city was a marketplace where ancient Athenians gathered to shop, discuss matters of politics and religion, and conduct business. Close by was the Areopagus, which is translated "Mars Hill". Mars Hill was a place of open forum for philosophical and religious debate. It was here in Acts 17 that the apostle Paul used the Greek's own cultural icons (their statues and poems) to engage the Athenians in conversation about Christ. The People of Mars Hill embrace the same mission. It is our mission to take conversations about Jesus into the marketplaces of where we work, live, play and interact. We acknowledge that we live in a changing world, a world much like first century Athens. We live in an age where truth is relative and Christianity is only one choice among many alternatives. Following the timeless example of the early Church, The People of Mars Hill are committed to carrying the positive news about Jesus to everyone we encounter. We welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. We believe that authentic community is one of the deepest human needs. The church should, therefore, be a place of dialogue where people are drawn in and find meaningful relationships. We are more committed to growing people than growing programs. People matter to God and should also matter to us. As we help others grow, we find ourselves becoming who God created us to be. Tue, 8 May 2007 12:17:33 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50&article_id=52 VALUES •Children matter to Jesus and therefore should matter to us. •Children, like adults, benefit from authentic community. •Childrens' lives are powerfully and positively impacted by the consistent teaching of God\'s story (His Word). •Children should be encouraged to value beauty, art and creativity and understand them as coming from their Creator. •A child's worship should be full, vibrant, real and pleasing to God. •A child's spiritual formation should come primarily through his or her parents and secondarily through the Church. OBJECTIVES 1. Equip, encourage and empower parents to provide meaningful and effective spiritual direction for their children. 2. Provide Children opportunities to worship, build community, and receive age appropriate teaching in a corporate, multi-generational setting. Tue, 8 May 2007 10:40:20 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50&article_id=53 The People of Mars Hill believe that children are a vital part of the family of believers and that EACH child has a deep spiritual capacity. Through creative teaching, in an atmosphere of fun, we have the privilege of planting the eternal seeds of the Word of God into the tender, fertile hearts of children. Tue, 8 May 2007 10:39:47 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=49 The scriptures give us 3 reasons to be baptized: (1) Jesus said to. It is simply a matter of obedience (Matthew 28:19). (2) To follow Christ's example. Jesus was baptized himself as an example for us to follow. If Jesus in his perfection would be baptized, then how much more should we (Matthew 3:16)? (3) To be a picture or testimony to others of what Jesus has done in your life. When a person is baptized, it allows others to celebrate what Christ has done for you and identify you as one who lives in the way of Jesus. When you are taken beneath the water, it symbolizes the burial of your old life of sin without Christ. When you come out of the water, it symbolizes your new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Click here to inquire about baptism. Tue, 8 May 2007 10:33:01 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=36 The People of Mars Hill is a multi-denominational community of Christ followers from many backgrounds. While Mars Hill is an autonomous church, we have received much from the Evangelical tradition, which finds its roots in the Protestant Reformation. Evangelicism adheres to the affirmations of the Reformation regarding the Old and New Testament as the living Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct. The People of Mars Hill is not related to or affiliated with any of the other Mars Hill churches, including Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI and Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. Although Rob Bell Jr., Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, was very instrumental in the decision making process that birthed this church, there is no on-going relationship between the two pastor's or the two churches. Thu, 3 May 2007 12:19:42 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=38 Every Sunday, the People of Mars Hill meet in the Mars Hill Café on Cottage Hill Road. The setting is very relaxed, but deeply spiritual. Early on, there is plenty of time to enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee and some conversation. We call our worship services "gatherings" since service is something we are called to do everyday. They are designed to be experiential and participatory. We embrace a blend of new as well as ancient Church traditions to worship God and bring people of all backgrounds closer to Him. Everyone is invited to come just as they are. There is no dress code and you can choose to participate or just observe. We want you to feel the warmth of God's presence and experience the joy of authentic Christian community. Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:41:10 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=13 But today it is a particular kind of community. Leonard Sweet I am an eBay addict. I may need help. My most recent purchase is one of the first books published by my Ph.D. adviser. It has been missing from my library for 20 years. I got this copy for 50 cents. The postage cost more than the book. But for $2.50 I reclaimed my pedigree. At eBay, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The online auction house is one of the wonders of the last decade. From 1995 to 1998, eBay did no outside advertising; yet it boasted 3.8 million registered users and grew from 289,000 items in 1996 to 2.2 million today. With a $23-billion market, eBay is now worth more than Kmart, Toys R Us, Nordstrom, and Saks combined. eBay is so effective because its owners understand postmodern culture. It also alerts us to what the church must do to get the attention and attendance of postmodern people. Just do it! eBay makes shopping an experience. Journalist Stewart Alsop, analyzing the phenomenon, calls it "nail-biting, thrilling fun." eBay works in our experience-oriented economy. What keeps shoppers returning to a store? Not just the products. As one patron said, leaving a new Greenwich Village eatery called Peanut Butter and Company, "This is very much an experience; it 's not just a sandwich." Postmoderns are not willing to live at even an arm's length from experience. They want life to explode all around them. And the more extreme the better. Tom Beaudoin, a Gen-X Christian with a theology degree from Harvard and a body piercing, says that piercing and tattooing "reflect the centrality of personal and intimate experience in Xers ' lives." Tattooing is branding in a brand culture, the marking of a spiritual experience. The pursuit of dreams, emotions, and extreme experience is not unique to this era. Every expression of romanticism in history has tilted toward the experiential. But never before has experience become the currency of a global economic system. American Demographics (April 1999) esteemed the quest for experiential faith one of the nation's most important cultural trends. Yet the numbers turning to the church for guidance in this soul quest are becoming fewer and fewer. A spiritual awakening is taking place largely outside the Christian church because churches, in the words of journalist Chip Brown, "were more interested in repressing ecstatic experience than in nurturing it. Rapture (the emotion), not to say healing, was certainly not on the agenda of the church I was packed off to each Sunday morning." Living in EPIC Times To connect with postmoderns, the church will become more: Experiential Participatory Image-driven Communal To be sure, experiences can become idolatrous as well as addictive. Postmoderns collect experiences like moderns collect stuff. The church must offer Christ-initiated--or what Donald Whitney calls "Scripture-induced"--experiences. Count me in A fellow eBay-er calls the auction site a "participant sport." I felt such an adrenaline rush during my weeklong bidding war over an 1827 pewter communion token. eBay has made me into a global trader. It 's exhilarating. At eBay the power belongs to the people, not to the producers. In electronic commerce, the buyer sets the price. It 's the medieval bazaar come to life in cyberspace. Some call this haggling the "age of participation." Others call it the "horizontal society." Postmodern people take cues not from those above them but from others around them. There are no more bosses, only clients. The Web typifies the trend. Online, we 're all experts: we 're all priests, we 're all doctors or lawyers or architects, we 're all authorities in whatever we 're chatting about at the moment. And we 're already seeing its impact in church. The rituals of marriage and remembrance are becoming more EPIC. More than clinking glasses, weddings also feature pull-the-kiss-from-the-hat performances, the surrender of the keys, and couples presenting to each other symbols of the things they bring to their union. Do-it-yourself funerals are at a record high. More people are burying their dead without embalming, mortuaries, or cemeteries. More participatory rites are being created alongside official rituals, including ad hoc shrines, white caskets that mourners can sign, and eulogies in which almost everyone present has got to say something. The problem is no longer onerous taxation without representation. The problem now is worship without participation. In the church, representation simply isn 't enough anymore. Get the picture? Visit as many of the more than 2 million eBay sites as you want. You 'll find each one has an image of what is for sale. Each image comes to life with story and sometimes music. Each site tries to draw you into a relationship with that image and story. eBay is not alone in using images to establish relationships. NCR 's ATM machines are "transforming transactions into relationships" according to their ads. Agency.com is dedicated to what it calls "interactive relationship management." Its slogan: "It 's not the medium, it 's the relationship." The lesson for the church is simple: images generate emotions and people will respond to their feelings. Postmodern culture is image-driven. The modern world was word-based. Not until the fourteenth century did truth become embedded in principles and positions. Its theologians tried to create an intellectual faith, placing reason and order at the heart of religion. Mystery and metaphor were seen as too fuzzy, too mystical, too illogical. The church now enters a world where metaphor is at the heart of spirituality. Propositions are lost on postmodern ears; but metaphor they will hear, images they will see and understand. These come as close as human beings will get to a universal language. Indeed, it seems clearer than ever that metaphysics is nothing but metaphor. Someday I will hold up my Bible before a congregation, shake it, and yell at the top of my lungs, "This is not a book about propositions and programs and principles. This is a book about relationships." The church, not Hollywood, ought to be the world's greatest image factory. The greatest image in the world, the image that draws people into real, life-giving relationship, is the image of God in Jesus the Christ. I want my community One of the favorite words used in the context of the Web is "community." eBay is in the business of building communities, they say; theirs is less an information source than a social medium. The paradox is this: the pursuit of individualism has led us to this place of hunger for community, not of blood or nation but communities of choice. More than buying and selling, the electronic emporium is about posting messages on bulletin boards, discovering new friends, and launching relationships at the eBay Cafe. One user said, "eBay is bringing people together to do a lot more than trading goods. We are trading our hearts." Don't laugh. eBay may just be the closest experience of small-town America available to postmoderns. Where else can they find people with similar interests (whale oil lamps, in my case)? Where else can they be drawn into community around a single purpose? Where else can they tell the stories most central to who they are and find people eager to hear them? Where else can they participate so fully and have their lives changed by the experience? Nowhere else. Except, perhaps, the church. And isn't that what the gospel is all about? Leonard Sweet is professor of postmodern Christianity at Drew University Theological School Madison, New Jersey Mon, 2 Apr 2007 10:42:22 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=41 The POMH Community Office is located at the Mars Hill Cafe. 5025 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL 36609 251.643.1595 info@peopleofmarshill.com Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9am until 3pm. Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:21:16 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=34 God is bigger, better and closer than we can imagine / The Bible is God's perfect and unfailing word / Jesus is the one true God who is showing himself to us / Through His Holy Spirit, God lives in and through us now / Nothing in creation "just happened". God made it all / Grace is the only way to have a relationship with God / Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God / God has allowed evil to provide us with a choice, God can bring good even out of evil events and God promises victory over evil to those who choose Him / Heaven and hell are real places. Death is a beginning, not the end / The church is to serve people like Jesus served people / Jesus is coming again. *for a complete statement, including verses from Scripture, contact our community office. Fri, 9 Mar 2007 08:02:57 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=51 Acts 1 speaks of carrying the message of Jesus to "the ends of the earth." FOI is a great way to connect locally with people from afar. Jim and Mary Mather, the directors of FOI, coordinate and host weekly meals in homes with international students who are studying in the Mobile area. The Mathers also coordinate Bible study groups and other special interest meetings. FOI is a great opportunity to befriend others from various cultures and share the love of Christ in a tangible way. If you are interested in helping the Mathers in any way, please contact them at (251) 344.5659. www.foi-usa.org Email the Mathers. Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:45:38 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=79 You can now give to People of Mars Hill online through PayPal. Click on the link below to start the process. All funds will be designated to the General Fund, unless otherwise noted in the "Message to Seller" box shown after logging into PayPal . Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:06:07 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42&article_id=47 Everyone is invited to attend our community groups, worship gatherings, and other activities. Core membership, however, is offered for those who understand and commit to the mission of the church. In order to become a core member, you must first attend an orientation meeting that further explains the responsibilities of membership. These meetings are offered on a quarterly basis and take place on Sundays at 4:00pm. If you are interested in becoming a core member of POMH, contact the community office or register online by clicking "forms" on the homepage. Click here to inquire about membership. Tue, 27 Jun 2006 23:08:44 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=46 Listed here are some of our most frequently asked questions. Sat, 8 Apr 2006 00:25:41 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=43 Need to get in contact with the POMH community office or POMH pastors or staff? Sat, 8 Apr 2006 00:24:39 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=7 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=7&article_id=56 Here you can discover various environments which will allow you to connect with others on this journey of faith. Sat, 8 Apr 2006 00:23:16 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=78 Discover here how we came to be and who we hope to become. Sat, 8 Apr 2006 00:21:45 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=45 The word "postmodern" represents a change in worldview moving from the modern era (1500-2000) to the present, and a rejection of many of its values and beliefs. Modernism, a thought pattern that came out of the Enlightenment (approx.1500 AD), assumed that human reason alone can explain everything - science, religion, and even God! As early as the late 1800's, architects, artists, and philosophers alike began challenging the bold claims of Modernism. This rejection of absolutes and individual rationalism, which began in the early part of last century, oozes from our culture today. The fingerprints of postmodernism can be seen in today's music, art, television and literature. In order to reach those who live in today's postmodern world, the church must alter her approach while holding to a timeless message of unchanging truth. A postmodern church, therefore, is a body of believers hoping to embrace and befriend those who have grown up in a world that rejects absolute truth, is cynical of churches and organized religion, and views Christianity as one of many ways to reach spiritual enlightenment. For a more in-depth look at postmodernism see "The Emerging Church" by Dan Kimball and "A Primer on Postmodernism" by Stanley Grenz. Fri, 24 Feb 2006 23:25:09 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=30 One of the greatest things we can do is spend intentional, quality time developing relationships with others on this journey through life. One way we do this is through community groups. These groups meet weekly in homes throughout the Mobile area and consist of prayer, conversation, meal-sharing and discussion. To view a detailed listing of groups currently being offered, click "find a group" . Click here to inquire about community groups. Tue, 11 Oct 2005 21:13:25 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=29 A big part of being the church is spending quality time together. In Acts 2, we see a picture of how the first century church shared life together. The earliest followers of Christ met together regularly and devoted their time to helping one another, and when the need arose they even sold possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together, met in homes to eat, and prayed for each other. The early church shared more than a class or a program- they shared authentic and meaningful community. Tue, 11 Oct 2005 20:04:37 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=37 Holistic Understanding that all areas of life are connected, including faith, time, family, work, body, money, etc, we view our role in ministry as one to the total person. Missional We believe that God intends Christianity to be a way of life which sends us into the world to serve God and our neighbors, so that God's will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. The Church is never to be withdrawn or an isolated user of the gospel of Jesus; rather, we receive it so that we may be equipped and sent into the world to love our neighbors and serve "the least of these." In this sense, The People of Mars Hill do not have a mission; we are mission. Jesus As Christians (followers of Christ) we see ourselves as a growing people who are learning to live life with God in the way of Jesus. We represent a generous orthodoxy, rooted in the Scriptures and consistent with the ancient teachings of the Church. Community Desiring to share life together, we hope to become a living, breathing, local expression of the global, historical body of Christ. Mon, 10 Oct 2005 15:52:49 MST http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.peopleofmarshill.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=48 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God's Word is inspired. Second Timothy 3:16 speaks of the inspiration of Scripture. "Inspired” is the translation of a Greek word that literally means "God-breathed.” Every word of Scripture is from the mouth of God! Theologians speak of inspiration as the mysterious process by which God worked through the authors of Scripture to produce inerrant and divinely authoritative writings. Inspiration is a mystery because Scripture doesn't explain specifically how it occurred. The only glimpse we have is from 2 Peter: "Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (1:20-21). "Interpretation” speaks of origin. Scripture didn't originate on the human level but with the Holy Spirit, who "moved” upon the authors to write it (v. 21). "Moved” is the translation of a nautical term that describes the effects of wind upon a ship as it blows against its sails and moves it through the water. Similarly, the Spirit moved on the Biblical writers to produce the Word of God in the language of men. The human authors of Scripture knew they were writing God's Word, and they did so with confidence and authority. Often they cited or alluded to one another as authoritative agents of divine revelation (e.g., 2 Peter 3:15-16). On a personal level, inspiration guarantees that what Scripture says, God says. It's His counsel to you; so you can study and obey it with full assurance that it is true and will never lead you astray. For further study, consider this: Often the New Testament affirms the inspiration of the Old Testament by attributing Old Testament quotations to God Himself. For example, compare these Old Testament passages with their New Testament counterparts: Genesis 2:24 with Matthew 19:4-5; Psalm 2:1-2 with Acts 4:25-26; Isaiah 55:3 with Acts 13:34; Psalm 16:10 with Acts 13:35; Psalm 95:7-11 with Hebrews 3:7-11. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:53:27 MST