This is Andrew Pack, the Campus Administrator of Mars Hill Church’s Wedgwood Campus. Now picture what his face looked like as he fell through the ceiling, six days before our official launch…

Figuring out how best to hang some curtains to help with glare from the high, stained glass windows in the auditorium, Andrew wound his way up into the attic as the other staff on-site headed into the auditorium. With a loud thump, our attention was drawn to the hallway, as pieces of drywall and a dirty cloud of insulation rained down. A piece of the flooring had shifted, and in the dark it wasn’t hard to lose one’s footing. Running out and looking around, someone queried nervously: “Andrew?”

Fortunately, a few scratches and a bruised rib were our hard worker’s prognosis after the initial scare. Before the day was out, a volunteer in the church had even committed to getting the hole patched before our official launch on Sunday, November 11, with two services (10.30am and 5.00pm).

Undaunted, Andrew took some time to visit the chiropractor, but got back on the horse as there is much to do and the clock is ticking. Thursday November 8 will be the big “work party” final push, from 6pm – 9pm with dinner served for volunteers. All are invited.

Also on November 8, a few staff will be at the Wedgwood Community Council meeting to introduce themselves to the community. With enough volunteers on Thursday, the goal is also to canvas the neighborhood with some small handouts informing the area of our presence and letting them know they are welcome. Even without advertising, a few local residents have already popped in to see exactly what’s going on in this old, newly-renovated baptist church.

Katie Payne and her new band debuted Sunday and played a spectacular introductory set, with a sound and style that engenders audience participation; the room was filled to the cathedral ceilings with the voices of all gathered (they’ll be providing the music for our official launch Sunday). Pastor Jon Krombein plays with the band, alternating on keys and guitar. We prayed over Jon and his family (Katie and Blaise, pictured right) at Sunday services, commissioning him as a pastor at services which complimented a great sermon about humility in leadership. Jon is the Associate Director of Resurgence but also plans to teach classes and offer counsel at Wedgwood. Welcome aboard Jon.

All are welcome for our first “official” service this coming Sunday. We hope to see you there. We hope everyone who calls Wedgwood home can join us Thursday for our final preparations and prayer, for God to be glorified Sunday and for some new folks to see who we are, who we worship, and why.

And by God’s grace, Deacon Andrew Pack will be singing with us on Sunday, bruised ribs and all, instead of joining the chorus in heaven.