day : 14/09/2007 5 results

One police officer informally guesstimated the crowd for tonight’s Mars Hill Alki baptism-fest at around 750.

Loud but peaceful so far as we could tell, perhaps at least partly thanks to all the guys in black T-shirts stenciled MARS HILL SECURITY. We’re adding video clips at the bottom of this post, but first a few more stills, starting with Mars Hill’s controversial leader Mark Driscoll, who declared this to be the biggest mass baptism in Seattle history (he said 200 people had signed up to get baptized, then welcomed anyone else who wanted to, to join in).

Other church leaders on hand included West Seattle campus pastor Adam Sinnett, caught by our photographer with towel in hand as he prepared to head for the water.

The event even featured a band, which proclaimed itself (and the crowd) there “to praise, and party.” Our photographer didn’t see any of the threatened protesters, unless you count the kid seen hooting out the window of a passing car and flashing devil-horn hand signs. 9:10 PM UPDATE: Three more photos, these taken and e-mailed to us by Elspeth Jones (thank you SO much!):

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9:56 PM UPDATE: Video of the actual in-water event, starting with the baptism of a child.

10:35 PM UPDATE: Adding this clip of Mark Driscoll talking about those about to be baptized, as they stood in front of the stage. Church leaders, by the way, say this is their 11th summer baptism event – the first one drew 3 to be baptized, 40 to watch.

11:57 PM UPDATE: Last addition, a clip showing what it was like in the throng during the event — some baptizees getting congratulated, and a Mars Hill guy trying to keep order as others waited to take part.

P.S. — Thanks again to the WSB Pledge Day contributors who made it possible for us to get the video camera; we pledge to keep working on better video quality (this was only our second video-recorded event since the camera was delivered a few days ago).

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Bulletin: Water Taxi extended another month

September 14, 2007 12:59 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Elliott Bay Water Taxi | WS breaking news

Just confirmed by King County Councilmember Dow Constantine‘s office: The Elliott Bay Water Taxi won’t end its season September 30th as scheduled, but will continue with weekday commute runs, plus runs on two Seahawks home-game Sundays (10/14 and 10/21), through Friday, November 2nd. The shuttle will be extended too. Here’s the weekday schedule for the extended season; scroll down below it to click ahead to the full text of the official announcement.

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OMG

September 14, 2007 11:48 am

| 41 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle religion

That’s really all we could say when we saw what was going on at Alki during a brief stop before our below-documented search for breakfast. Just west of The Statue, crews are setting up what appeared to be stage, scaffolding, bleachers, etc., for tonight’s Mars Hill mass baptism. Two photos are below (wide shot, then closer in); up on the street, several parking spaces are blocked off, likely for the promised shuttle buses. To steal a ’60s term, this is gonna be “a scene.”

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Did someone declare it Go Out To Breakfast In WS Day?

September 14, 2007 11:40 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle restaurants

We had to go to four places before we found someplace without a big line to get in. Great news for the WS restaurant business, at least. Our final choice was still busy but found a table for us — Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy. Hadn’t been there in a while, even though we live somewhat close by. Their new featured Prairie Menu has just kicked in, but we went with some old faves, including the Sour Cream Cloud Cakes (the blueberry “syrup” on the side is more like jam). One intriguing discovery for snoops like us: The freestanding rustic wooden tables where we sat, near the bar, have little drawers (pull shown in the photo at right); open one and you’ll find a collection of business cards and other little items previous patrons purposely left behind.

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WS Weekend Lineup: Summer’s last stand

September 14, 2007 9:26 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

Sadly, it’s true — this is the last full weekend of true summer. (The autumnal equinox happens early Sunday morning 9/23.) No shortage of things to do, however — such as, join EarthCorps and others to spruce up Me-Kwa-Mooks, cheer on the Northwest Hope and Healing half-marathoners and 5Kers, celebrate West Seattle authors … 31 events ahead.Read More

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