We’re about to begin a whole new year!

I’m so grateful for miracles, lives changed, and even the challenges of 2015. How about you?

Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” He might be going a tad-bit far there, but his point is valid. We want to be people of REFLECTION. Reflect on your year. Express gratitude and celebrate. Then turn to a new year and listen…pray…prepare. God has more for you.

Hopefully, you can carve out 30 minutes this week and reflect on 2015. What did God do? What happened unexpectedly? What didn’t happen that you thought would? What do you hope for in 2016? What are your prayers? What prayers are you afraid to pray? What is your path? What in your path needs to be removed?

Those are just a few questions to get you started. You’ll probably think of better ones.

I’m grateful for you, for our church, and God’s generous blessings in the past year. And I’ve got some clear, intentional plans for 2016. See you on the other side…

caleb

P.S.: Please give year-end gifts by 12/31 here.
P.P.S: Listen to recent messages here.

Merry Christmas!

I just saw someone purchase a meal for a near-stranger at a restaurant. ‘Tis the season.

This is a special and unique time of year. It’s not just special for other people whose lives are working out better. And it’s not just special for you and your nuclear family. Christmas is about GOOD NEWS for all people. And there’s good news in the air.

Bring someone with you to a Christmas Eve service.

23rd: 4 & 6p
24th: 2, 4 & 6p

I just invited the server at the place I was eating. She said, “I do yoga. I’m just more spiritual. But the rest of my family goes to church.” “Perfect,” I told her. “I’m more spiritual too.” (Everyone is spiritual—whether they know it or not.) And it turns out that her parents live in Newport and go to Mariners Irvine. I’m praying that Nicole and her boyfriend will join us for a Christmas Eve service.

Who are you praying for?

I’m also praying for YOU. I believe that God has something for YOU this week. Be looking. Be listening. And be there.

23rd: 4 & 6p
24th: 2, 4 & 6p

caleb

P.S.: Please give year-end gifts by 12/31 here.
P.P.S: Listen to recent messages here.

The Light of the World arrives in the darkness bringing hope, joy, peace and love. Join us this Christmas to experience the beauty and wonder offered by the presence of Jesus.

Christmas Eve Services at Mariners Huntington Beach
Wed, Dec 23 @ 4 & 6p
Thu, Dec 24 @ 2, 4 & 6p

Every day until Christmas we’ll post a devotional about Advent. They are reminders to tune our hearts toward God, the One who gave us the best gift ever: Jesus Christ. They’ll help us pause and remember why we celebrate.

Read our daily Advent devotionals exclusively on Instagram.

In light of the extra services, events, and stresses of the Christmas season, we’re seeking to protect and honor the families of our staff and volunteers by canceling Sunday services on 12/27. We look forward to seeing you back at Mariners Huntington Beach on Sun, Jan 3. Happy New Year!

Donate your vehicle (car, motorcycle, boat, jet ski or RV) to Mariners Church Car Ministry and bless someone in need. For more info, contact us at carministry@marinerschurch.org, njansen@marinerschurch.org or visit the website. For year end donations—to the general budget or Step In campaign!

This Christmas, as a church, we are committing to caring for people experiencing poverty or crisis through our time and resources: giving Christmas gifts locally, caring for Syrian refugees globally, and serving in our community.

COMFORT & JOY
For Syrian Refugee Children
Provide much needed hygiene basics and small toys for children affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Pick up a list and shop with your kids, family or friends. Return items to the collection bins during weekend services through Dec 20.

SIGN UP TO SERVE
Oak View Christmas Festival & Holiday Store
Sat, Dec 19, 9a-5p (volunteer shifts vary), Oak View Family Resource Center
In our continued partnership with the Oak View Community, we will be hosting a Christmas store and party for families in need. Come serve with us as a store volunteer or in the many other stations of gift wrapping, snacks, games & crafts. Contact Monica, mbannister@marinerschurch.org

Syrian Refugee “Comfort & Joy Box” Packing Event
Sun, Dec 20, 12:45p, HB Library Parking Lot (after 11:30a service)
Family friendly! Join us to pack boxes with the donated supplies to bless Syrian refugee children. Lunch will be provided!

GIVE
To give to Outreach Ministries, text “celebratehb” to 949-267-3131 and a link will be sent to your phone or you can GIVE ONLINE HERE.

Christmas is about what HAPPENED; not what’s happening.

Amid all the darkness in our world and chaos in our lives, it’s important to remember that light still shines in the darkness, and darkness doesn’t win.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… (John 1:4-5)

Don’t miss this Sunday. I believe God wants to re-frame our view of this Christmas season.

Remember the serve opportunities and the Christmas Tree Lighting(s). Make this a special year—not just for your own family, for someone else, too.

Merry Christmas, and see you soon…

caleb

P.S.: As you’re considering your year-end gifts and offerings, you can give regularly or one-time through this link.

P.S.: You can listen to recent messages here.