Our local baker, barista and sandwich-maker The Grateful Bread opens at 7am sharp… just in time for the MHC | Wedgwood Campus staff to storm the place for coffee, muffins, quiche (yes, we are real men) and a laptop-friendly table to plan the month’s ministry and related shenanigans. Coffee refills are fifty cents, and it was a three-cup minimum meeting.

There is a lot going on at the campus, dubbed “The Wedge” by some, which has prompted hot debate over the hip factor of said moniker. Some have even gone so far as to call members of the campus congregation “Wedgies” without concern (others point out that newcomers might mistake this as a campus standard of pulling on the underwear waistband of the person seated in the row in front of you). We promise, for any joining us for the latest worship series starting January 6, there will be no undergarment pulling ritual. We don’t think underwear is sacred like some do, but we do believe they should generally be adjusted by the wearer, and preferably in a private setting.

But where was I? Ah, yes – January and the Wedg… er, the Wedgwood Campus, or the Mars Hill Church location in NE Seattle, or that campus right on the Wedgwood and Lake City line, not too far from Magnuson Park and a short bus ride from the University District. Call it what you will, there are a few things kicking off for 2008 that we hope people join us for.

Obviously, the new worship series begins this Sunday, entitled “Why Religion Saves and 9 other Misconceptions”. This Sunday at all campuses, Pastor Mark will address the online voter’s question “There’s no doubt the Bible says children are a blessing, but the Bible doesn’t seem to address the specific topic of birth control. Is this a black and white topic, or does it fall under liberties?” To find out what Mars Hill Church teaches on this issue once and for all, show up at 10.30 or 5.00.

Men’s Morning Prayer began again with the new year on Thursday mornings at dawn’s crack. Real men may or may not eat quiche, but real men definitely pray together.

Cinemagogue (Film and Theology) begins for 2008 with “Children of Men” – join us for film and teaching on Friday January 11, 7pm.

Men can join ALL campuses for teaching and training with Pastor Mark (plus yours truly and other pastors) for the Men’s Training Day January 19. Like that obese gift-delivering sleigh rider, this only comes once a year (only this one is REAL).

Proxy (high school ministries) begin at Wedgwood this month with an inaugural event January 26 – email Deacon Eric Stark for details.

Hampered by a clunky heating system more temperamental than the boiler in Stephen King’s “The Shining”, (she creeps!) we experienced some heating issues the last few weekends but called on the staff to monitor the situation Friday and Saturday this week so we start our new series with warmth OTHER than the hot cups of coffee and tea. Thank God for service contracts, faithful staff, Grateful java, and a bright new year for Mars Hill Church and the surrounding community.