Mars Hill

"Christian" was not the language used initially by the early church to refer to one another. Instead, these first followers believed that a new reality was inaugurated in Jesus that enabled them [and us] to call one another brother and sister.  Romans 8:12-17 Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Backward [Roots]: W...

In this transparent conversation, Delwin and Troy give a glimpse of the process that led to the decision for Delwin to transition off the Mars Hill staff. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

In Jesus' life and death, seven key aspects of being in the world were demonstrated. These same attributes are put on display through those who have been raised with Christ.  Colossians 3:1-4 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of...

Mark 16:1-8

This significant episode in the life of Jesus demonstrates what it looks like to cooperate with the inbreaking of the kingdom of God. The woman does a beautiful thing and also embodies a beautiful way of being in the world as a faithful disciple.   Mark 14:1-26 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my...

Jesus cleanses the Temple from corrupt merchants and yet teaches them a new way to live. Jesus also calls himself the new and true Temple, inviting us to examine where our trust and true hope lie.  Mark 11:1-11, 15-17; 13:1-31 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical ne...

In the final healing miracle in the book of Mark, we encounter a man named Bartimaeus. Many hold him up as a picture of a faithful disciple. This teaching invites us to imaginatively find ourselves in the story and listen for the compassionate voice of Jesus.  Mark 10:46-52 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being draw...

The Gospel of Mark takes a turn at the Transfiguration, and the hinge of the turning is the three teachings of Jesus about his impending death. It appears Jesus is looking to help the disciples prepare for and understand their own deaths, however, the death of self.  Mark 10:32-45 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the...

The transfiguration of Jesus is a profound event of glory and yet a mystery. Let's get curious about all the beautiful and challenging implications of this text! Mark 9:2-10 Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forwar...

As the gospel of Mark progresses, the high expectations of the kingdom of God become more explicit. The story of this young man is the climax of these demands: everything must be submitted to the kingdom. And yet, as always, there remains good news alongside the challenge.  Mark 10:17-31 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throu...

Jesus feeds 5,000 people, then 4,000 in a different region, expanding the scope of God's love for all people. The disciples struggle to get their minds around this. Jesus walks on water and calms the disciples while they are yet in the storm. Mark 8:1-13 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Forwar...

Suzanne passionately walks through the three miracles performed by Jesus in Mark 5, highlighting the importance and specificity of each. These actions of Jesus put on display the unique power of God's kingdom that has come near.  Mark 5:1-20 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering? I...

Jesus gives powerful glimpses of the Kingdom in parables [stories]. God is immensely generous, a provider, and a giver of welcoming light! Jesus shows himself in power over the storms, wind, and waves.  Mark 4 Questions to consider... Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus? Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encou...

Troy and Kate Neckers [Elder chair] introduce and invite the community into a more intentional conversation about giving to our church. Troy then offers a few practices to help the community engage with our resources in healthier, more faithful ways.  Mark 3:7-19; 6:6b-13 Questions to consider... Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed duri...

After the first words of Jesus, announcing the nearness of the kingdom of God, Mark sets out to demonstrate what this kingdom looks like. Among the many manifestations, this teaching highlights how new people and new containers are evidence of the kingdom of God. Mark 2:13-3:6 Questions to consider... Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed duri...

Jesus' healing of the man with the shriveled hand on the Sabbath in Mark 3 has deep roots in the Old Testament. Jesus is reclaiming Sabbath as a grace-filled rhythm of joy, delight, and connection. We are all invited to participate!  Mark 2:23-3:6 Questions to consider— Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me? Outward [Service]: Who or where might Go...

Mark 1:15

Colossians 1:1-14

In the final glimpse of A Prophet's Vision, Troy highlights the out-of-place-ness of Isaiah's vision. We are encouraged to be someone who receives and shares the word out of place, even as we tiptoe toward the vision's full actualization. Isaiah 35:1-10 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus? Inward: [Wholeness...

Troy explains some of the history behind the Advent candle of Joy as a way of encountering the prophet's vision in chapter 11.  Isaiah 11:1-10 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Je...

To kick off Advent [after a snow-day Sunday the previous week], Troy invites us into the season by concentrating on the hopefulness of the prophet's vision.  Isaiah 2:1-5 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering? Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about mo...

Matthew 21:1-5 / 2 Peter 1:5-9

The 'fruits of the Spirit,' goodness and faithfulness work together over time! God creates what is good, that which reflects God's character - faithfulness puts that on display over the long haul. Mark 10: 17-18, Lamentations 3: 22-23  Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Forward [Journey]: W...

Many people, like Meredith, have a complicated relationship with happy and joy. She invites us to consider the Source of all joy and how essential a component joy is to being a follower of Jesus and image bearer of God.  John 2:1-5 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practic...

The fruit of the Spirit, Kindness, is tender and strong. A call to selflessly love while also being loved by God and allowing the profound kindness of the Lord to lead us into life.  Micah 6:8 Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following...