Shortly after I came to Mars Hill Church, I was baptized at a waterfront barbecue on the Montlake Cut, a beautiful sunny day filled with the smell of cooked meat and the sound of joy-filled Christians enjoying God’s provision in both weather and community. Several years later, I would help coordinate the Gasworks Park Barbecues with volleyball, teaching, and more cooked meat. I was even there the week we baptized people and the police boat pulled up wondering just what we were doing. Good times indeed, and some of my fondest memories of getting plugged in to Mars Hill Church.

Last year, our campus barbecue at Matthews Beach was interrupted by a freak lightning and rainstorm, forcing a planned sunny celebration to relocate to The Ram and other local establishments between Lake City and the U-District. One thing has remained constant throughout all the years, however… our love for Jesus and enjoying time feasting and fellowshipping for the glory of God. This year, we’ll be heading down the street from the campus once again because lightning storms never strike twice… RIGHT?

Join us the third Wednesday of the summer months, starting July 15, down at Matthews Beach for barbecue and fellowship, punctuated with prayer and Christ-like community. The grills will heat up at 6pm and we’ll officially be there until 9pm. Bring your own meat and something to share as able; we’ll make sure everybody gets fed. Volleyball and other games will be set up, and there is a monstrous play area for kids. For those who are new, it’s a great way to get to know us. For our regulars, it’s a great time to enjoy a different locale and some informal time to build deeper community during the few weeks of the year it doesn’t rain in Seattle. It’s fun for the whole family and we hope to see you there.