“Dad, I’m always on empty, and I don’t like to be on empty.” This quote from Doug Fields during the service last weekend (referring to his son who never has enough gas in his car) really stuck with me. Whether physically, emotionally or spiritually empty, the truth is we can all relate to feeling this way at one time or another and the need to be filled up. As Doug launched us into our new series based upon his book, REFUEL, he also invited us to read it together as a church. I’m so excited that we are creating space for the remainder of summer to spiritually refuel and connect with Jesus who refuels us!

I love the long days of summer, the smell of barbecues, beach days and vacations. And while summertime is winding down, we are cheerfully anticipating fall! Fall is a great season, full of pumpkin lattes, back to school, the return of Kenton, Mariners Church Fall Kick-off, and of course Rooted! As the Rooted Pastor, I have the joy of watching hundreds of people find community while experiencing freedom and healing through Jesus’ transformational power. It’s undeniable that God is radically using Rooted to change lives within our church, throughout our country and now across the world. Just last spring, we saw 400 people experience Rooted, 78 people get baptized and 26 people say “I Believe!” for the first time. How cool is that?!

We are anticipating many more to experience Rooted for the first time this fall. For those of you who are new to our church or those who have called Mariners “home” for some time and have not gone through this 10-week journey, I invite you to experience Rooted. Rooted changes lives. It draws you into community, giving you a clearer picture of His great love and connecting you with your purpose. Rooted is for everyone, so join us and invite your friends and neighbors. And if you are a Rooted grad who feels called into leadership, we ask that you prayerfully consider taking the courageous step to facilitate a Rooted group during our fall session. Groups kick off the second week of September. Facilitating a group gives you a front row seat to how God is moving in our church!

I hope you have a great rest of your summer and I’ll see you on the patio this weekend!

Tim Lukei