Mars Hill Spokane won’t officially launch until early next year, but about 60 people from Spokane and North Idaho have already committed to becoming members of the Seattle-based megachurch.
Sravasti Abbey will host Buddhist scholar, philosopher, and author Guy Newland for teachings and talks June 22-29. His appearances include services at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane and a benefit for Youth Emergency Services in Newport, as well as teachings at the abbey.
“Let’s see what happens when churches and other people of faith work together with community leaders for the common good,” said Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich during a live radio segment to former pastor and Spokane Valley Council member Ian Robertson.
“Not one more” was the catchphrase of the community in Isla Vista, the California town near Santa Barbara where Elliot Rodger shot and killed six people last month. Christopher Michaels-Martinez, 20, was among the victims and it was his father, Richard Martinez, who has passionately enjoined citizens and politicians to enact gun reform.