One week ago today, I returned from Kenya with a team from our church. Since then God has continually reminded me what a privilege it is to be a part of His Church right here in Orange County. I love that we were able to share some snapshots of our trip last weekend, doing our best to capture the essence of how generous God is with limited words. He transforms us as individuals when we trust our lives to Him and He leverages our gifts together in community to bring about change in the hearts of people around us and around the world.
Throughout the last week, I have loved seeing kids gather on our campus for fun activities, including a water day! I was so encouraged as we gathered in community together last night for a time of worship with Martin Smith to aim our hearts at the joy and freedom found in a journey with Jesus. I saw so many find healing and rest in worshiping Jesus together. I’m looking forward to being with you all at the Angel game tomorrow night, enjoying life and laughing with one another – connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I love seeing our church put the Gospel on display relationally each weekend, particularly on Saturday nights, as we hang out with one another, listen to music, share a meal, and engage in conversations that encourage and shape our lives. Keep taking the time to create space to connect with God and one another as we move through the summer, and continue to invite your friends and family to join you on the journey…the Church is beautiful!
BBQ on The Lawn with Magician/Illusionist, Jim Munroe! The MAZE is an entertaining performance that utilizes illusion, humor, and other psychological chicanery to get audiences to question what they believe to be true. Spearheaded by Orange County native, Jim Munroe, the MAZE has performed all over the world sharing the gospel message in a most powerful way. THIS IS A MUST-SEE! Don’t miss it! To register, click here.
Join us as we head to El Niño, Mexico for our Summer Sports Clinic! We’ll play soccer with the kids in the community and work with them on drills/skills. Anyone can help! Register online. Questions? Email Jonathan.
Thursday, July 25, 6:30a – Friday, July 26, 8p Mexico, $100
This Sunday we’re having some mid-summer fun. Join us for another inspiring hour of celebration in the Library Theater. Then walk outside and enjoy burgers and desserts from two locally-owned food trucks. We’re all about loving and supporting people in our community, so bring a little cash with you this Sunday.
Remember, no matter what you encounter today, God is Good and can be trusted.
If you or someone you know needs encouragement, here are recent messages.
Now, some random summer facts for your viewing pleasure:
The modern Summer Olympics were revived in 1896.
Mosquitoes, summer’s pest, have been around for more than 30 million years.
Watermelon is summer’s most popular vegetable. It is part of the cucumber, pumpkin, and squash family. The average American eats 15 pounds of watermelon a year and these juicy favorites are 92 percent water.
July is National Ice Cream Month. More Americans buy ice cream in July than any other month.
Summers spent throwing a Frisbee back and forth owe their game to a pie maker named Mr. Frisbee.
The first bathing suit for women was created in the 1800s. It was long sleeved with woolen bloomers.
Lastly, our registration is technically closed for next week’s Sports Clinic. But we’ll still let your kids and their friends come if you email Jordan Lynch really soon!
It’s true what they say: “God doesn’t bring you half-way around the world to bring you back the same.”
In the past eight days, in Africa, we’ve laughed harder, prayed longer, shared more vulnerably, and gone deeper than we ever could’ve imagined. To see God at work through new friends and new relationships has been nothing less than remarkable. We’ve been able to see how God is beginning to move in massive reconciliation projects in Congo. We’ve seen a professional clown who turned his attention toward impoverished victims of cancer. We’ve heard from the head of Google-Africa and saw a vision for a rapidly industrialized Africa. To tell the stories and to show the pictures still couldn’t capture all of what we were able to experience God do here in Nairobi, Kenya.
I’m leaving for the airport as I write this – grateful for the experience here in Africa, and looking forward to a lengthy sleep on the plane where visions of IN-N-OUT hamburgers occupy my dreams.
“God doesn’t bring you half-way around the world to have you come home the same way.” If you’ve been anywhere on a faith adventure with Mariners Church, chances are you’re familiar with that quote…and it’s always true. We’re on our way home from Kenya after laughing, crying, praying and seeing God stir powerfully in ways that will move our lives and our church forward. We can’t wait to share the stories with you all. Don’t miss this weekend as Kenton returns and offers a glimpse into some of what God did on the faith adventure and what He is doing in our church.
Summer provides a great opportunity to change our life rhythms and invest in one another differently. I love that so many of you are choosing the Saturday night service to celebrate and remember Jesus together, and then staying to connect over a meal and music. If sports is a more comfortable way for you to connect and meet people, we’ve got that too. Join us for the Angels game on Friday night, July 19. It’s going to be a great time with lots of fun people.
I invite you to take advantage of this season, (through these and other upcoming opportunities), to develop the relationships that God designed for each of us.
Life Groups are crashing the party at the Angels game. Come early (5:30p) for a good ol’ fashioned tailgate party under the “Big A.” Bring your dinner or plan a potluck with your Life Group. Buy tickets on the patio this weekend or at the church offices during the week at the Irvine campus.. Click here for more info.
Join us for a night of worship with special guest, Martin Smith of Delirious?, writer of “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” Purchase tickets in the Irvine campus Global Bookstore or online.
Wednesday, July 17th, 7:30 – 10p Worship Center, Irvine Campus, $10 – $30pp
Join us to learn about the vision for the community centers, in addition to volunteer opportunities at our Santa Ana and Orange locations. Dinner Provided. Questions? Contact Jane, 949.769.8410
Thursday, July 25, 5:30 – 7:30p Life Development Bld, r200A (Irvine Campus)
