Last week, Mars Hill Federal Way was met with a challenge: the middle school that we have been meeting in informed us that they will be doing some renovations and all the classrooms that we use for Mars Hill Kids would be unavailable for the summer. We love our kids and want to disciple them well, so we knew that we had to do something quickly.
In his providence, God opened up an opportunity for us to meet in another school, Saghalie Middle School, right in Federal Way. Until recently, there had been another church meeting at this school but they just moved out. This opportunity wouldn’t have existed one month ago—God is good!
While we still are still working hard to find a long-term home for our church in Federal Way, we are excited about this move and believe that it is beneficial for a few reasons:
1. We Will Actually Be in Federal Way
For the last season, our church has met in a school that is technically in the city of Auburn. While I believe that God has called us to minister to people all over the south Puget Sound region, this new location gives us the opportunity to love and serve the people of Federal Way in a more direct way.
2. Better Visibility
Our previous meeting space was a bit off-the-beaten-path, but this new location is near several shopping centers and more visible to people in the area. We desire to tell as many people as we can about Jesus, and this new space will help us do that.
3. Bigger Kids Space
The new school has more classrooms and a better space for our kids. This means that not only can we continue to serve our kids, we can actually grow the ministry. God is so good that he turned this challenge regarding our kids space into an opportunity!
4. More Parking
Last Sunday, we had 919 people attend services at Mars Hill Federal Way, our highest non-Easter attendance ever! It is amazing to see how God is drawing people to himself at our church. With that in mind, having good parking is a simple yet important way that we can serve people and invite them to hear the gospel.
5. Better Worship Space
We have a small army of faithful volunteers who show up every week to set up chairs, lighting, and a sound system because they love Jesus and they love people. I love these people and I’m grateful for their service. I am also grateful that the new school has a stage, a screen, and several other accommodations that will reduce the overall workload of the weekly setup.
Again, this isn’t a permanent solution for our church body, but it is a good step in the right direction. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says that he is the one who builds his church. I am excited to be a part of what God is doing in Federal Way. I am also thankful that even when I don’t have control, comfort, or certainty, I can rely upon Jesus, who is faithful to build his church.
I know that Jesus loves his church.
Beginning this Sunday, July 8, Mars Hill Federal Way will meet in Saghalie (suh-hall-ee) Middle School, 33914 19th Avenue SW, Federal Way, WA 98023. Join us for services at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
We currently hold 36 services at 14 churches in four states. Find a Mars Hill church near you.
Aaron Gray is the Biblical Living deacon at Mars Hill Federal Way.
