For those of you who I have not yet met, my name is Kecia Jones and I am the new Children’s Pastor at Mariners Ocean Hills. I previously worked on the Irvine campus and have been here for two months. I have LOVED getting to know the kids, leaders, and families at this church. I also absolutely love my role to empower you all, as a church community, to come alongside parents in their child’s spiritual journey. As a mom of three adult kids, I can tell you that nothing is more important! I can already tell that God is at work at Mariners Ocean Hills and I am so excited for the future of this Children’s Ministry! I am so honored that God has led me here to be trusted to lead such an important, growing ministry.

What a great Easter we had in Mariners Kids Ocean Hills! More than 40 volunteers served with 180 kids in Children’s Ministry on Easter morning. Because we had so many of you jump in and volunteer, families felt welcomed and kids were connected. Easter services reflected what children’s ministry should look like every weekend, so a HUGE thank you to all who served! But my hope would be that we don’t do ministry to this level of excellence only on holidays. The children of this church deserve an awesome, consistent experience, each and every week.

Each week, Mariners Kids volunteers pour into the lives of the children on our campus. We have cutting-edge curriculum, fun games and toys but we are nothing without our volunteers! In Children’s Ministry, there’s a position for every personality. No experience is necessary (we’ll train you) and you’ll never serve alone. Maybe you even know someone who would love to serve with you from your Rooted group, Bible study, Life Group or even your family. All you need is a love for God and a heart for kids.

I would love to have you join me for a short and sweet Mariners Kids Meet and Greet on Sunday, May 7^th at 10:25 am or 12:25 pm, upstairs in Room 222. You’ll hear about creative ways to get connected with Children’s Ministry and about our upcoming Vacation Bible School. I’ll bring the snacks and you bring the questions!

Here are just some of the ways to serve alongside us:

Junior Leader (students in grades 4 & 5, serving with toddlers through Kindergarten)

Student Leader (students in grades 6-12, serving in all areas)

Greeter (greet families and help them check in on the computer)

Storyteller (receive the script on Wednesday and tell the story twice on Sunday on a rotating basis)

Small Group leader (connect with kids in a small group, reinforcing the Large Group lesson with games, activities, and conversations)

Tech (assist by running the tech board in Grades 1-5)

Worship (helping kids connect with God through worship music)

My family and I are so excited to be on the Ocean Hills campus. We already love our new church family! Thank you for making us feel so welcome and I look forward to seeing you on May 7^th.

Grateful for you,

Kecia Jones

We’ll make dozens of fleece blankets (no sewing involved, just cutting and tying!) and provide them to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through a local ministry partner.

We’ll share conversations through the morning over coffee and beignets (fancy donuts!). And we’ll hear a message about what it means to be wrapped in God’s incredible love. We hope you’ll mark your calendar now and join us for this morning of serving, sipping, munching…and being loved! More info and register. For questions, email Jaclyn at jrisser@marinerschurch.org

BLANKETS & BEIGNETS
Sat, Apr 22, 10a-12p

We’ve been praying and preparing for Easter for quite a while now. Our desire for Easter week is that we honor God, focus on all that Jesus has done for us, and at the same time experience it as a time that blesses you. Our Good Friday service is at 5:30p; it is a time to reflect and respond to Jesus’ death on the Cross. It is a powerful, contemplative service designed to remind us of the pain and love associated with Jesus’ crucifixion. Part of understanding the beauty of Easter is to first reflect on the beauty of the cross.

Our Easter Sunday services are at our normal service times, 9 and 11a. This will truly be a morning of celebration. We’re celebrating the reality that Jesus has risen from the dead, God’s ability to bring difficult things, challenging things, dead things…back to life. Our Easter service is a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member to church. Also, don’t forget the Egg Scramble that will immediately follow each service. Church should always be a place of reverence and worship, but it should also be fun, especially for the kids. Plan to hang around after the service and enjoy the beauty of the Gospel on display in our church, with photo booths, games for the kids and plenty of lemonade!

It’s always great doing life and ministry with you. I look forward to celebrating this week as we focus on the foundation of our faith. He has risen indeed!

Blessings,

Jeff

Join us for a time of reflection and expression as we consider His sacrifice for us on the cross. More info here.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Fri, Apr 14, 5:30p

Easter is a celebration of life. Death conquered. Hope realized and victory offered to all. Jesus is alive – and that changes everything.

Come celebrate the hope of new life this Easter.

EASTER AT MARINERS
Sun, Apr 16, 9 & 11a
(Egg Hunt following services)

More info here.