Our Church

One of the listings I have on this web page is for Rob Bell's teaching at Mars Hill church in Michigan. I can't remember how I first heard about him; it could have been because I read Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith or by watching one of his Nooma video series, but eventually I found my way via the internet to the church that he pastors and their sermons on podcast . I usually wait a few weeks, and download several at a time so that I can put them on a CD for my drive to work. Rob Bell has a quirky sense of humor that resonates with my quirky sense of humor and I grin from the inside out - and he also has an infectious passion for mission and a desire to tell stories from the Bible with fresh eyes and creative analogies. I find that he ignites a spark to action in my own suburban life and I have shared his CDs with friends and family. But, I rarely find the same connection when he is out of town and other staff or visitors fill in. It's not my church. I benefit from listening to Rob Bell, but a church is more than one person, it's the people in relationship with each other and with God. I happen to have the complete package: pastors I like, admire, and who inspire me to further my faith development, joined with a congregation who all serve as shepherds, mentors and fellow journeyers on a united quest for study, worship and response to grace. Someday I wold like to travel around Michigan to see the coastland and the vineyards, and stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan to worship at Mars Hill (will Rob Bell be there???), but I would remain a visitor until I came home to our church.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We are thankful that we have a church home; a place where we receive support, encouragement and love. As part of a family we are also entrusted to do our share to maintain its foundation, develop better relationships, and invest in its future. Without your presence and guidance we would be a broken family, a church in disorder. When we walk humbly alongside your mercy and grace we are a united family, a church in concord. We pray that our church is a sanctuary from the world, and a refuge for the world. We seek your will, your mission for our church, and your intention that we share our congregation's blessings with others who need a home and want to join in the chorus as we journey through faith. We are all visitors until we find our home in your enveloping arms. "I'm home!" Amen.

Staring at the fire for hours and hours,
While I listen to you play your love songs
"Our House" Crosby, Stills and Nash