I’m very excited about Pacific City—the new retail development at PCH and 1st Street in downtown HB. The same guys who built Bella Terra are finishing this new project in the coming months. One of the developers is a family friend and he’s given me the inside scoop on the project. It’s going to be a tremendous asset to our city!

This month I’ve had lunch with both the GM of the new Pacific City hotel and the Membership Director of its new Equinox workout facility. Both are great guys, and both told me that they have heard good things about our church and will be bringing their families this fall.

I tell you that to share two things:

1. Everyone is on a spiritual journey. Sometimes all they need is a glimpse into yours… and an invitation.
2. As awesome as Pacific City will be for Huntington Beach, our church is even better. Our church is a bright light of hope in a community searching for something real… something relatable… something true.

You know someone who needs hope and encouragement right now. Would you text them? Call them? Email them? Meet them for coffee? And, if it makes sense, invite them to our church this Sunday.

This Sunday will be an important message for many people. I’m calling it, “Why nothing makes you happy.” The light will go on for many. For others, the light will become brighter and warmer. (If you’re the type that likes to get a head start, the messages over the next couple months will be primarily based off of Romans 5-8.)

This fall will be a defining season for our church. Sundays are becoming markers and events that you don’t want to miss. Special things happen every week. One day, you’ll look back on this time in the life of our church and you’ll say, “I was there. I was part of that.”

Expecting great things,

caleb

For recent messages, click here.

To give to Mariners HB, click here.

Are we all taking cold showers? I can barely remember what warm water feels like. You know I was born in Phoenix, right? (Where it’s 110 degrees) But I’m coastalized now and Team Anderson is melting over here! And we may have picked the wrong week to potty train Jack :/

The temp looks like it’s dropping from here, but don’t worry, we welcome shorts and t-shirts on Sundays. Come as you are. Just show up…because you won’t want to miss the next few weeks. We’ve got some special things planned for you and the whole family.

There are four service times to choose from: 8:30 | 10 | 11:30a | 6p — but since our church invites our friends, neighbors, and co-workers, try to avoid 10a. Also, try to move toward the center when taking a seat and show up a little earlier to ALL the services. We’re always making room for one more.

Rooted is a must if you haven’t experienced it yet. You can sign up here.

If you’ve done Rooted but need Life Group connections email Neil or Ericka.

If you missed last week’s Labor Day-inspired message on Why We Work, listen here.

If you haven’t paused and prayed yet today, take this moment. Perhaps start here:
…Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.  Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)

Amen.

See you Sunday.

caleb

Give to Mariners HB here.

Volunteer at Pacific Court
After-school programs launching in the fall! Volunteer with kids at the Community Center in Huntington Beach. A variety of opportunities are available: Homework Help, Character Club with games, music, and much more. For more info, contact Monica, mbannister@marinerschurch.org

Get involved with the community here at Mariners HB by serving with our Tech team. If you have an interest in audio engineering, we are looking for an intern this fall. Also consider serving in the production of the services or song words. For more info or to sign up, contact Jeanette, jandrews@marinerschurch.org

The ongoing infestation of sharks on our shores not withstanding, these are exciting times, people!

– College football starts TODAY
– Kids ages 4 to 17 are faking smiles for first-day-of-school photos
– The temperature has dropped below melt-your-face-off
– It’s Labor Day Weekend!

In honor of Labor Day, I’m doing a message called “Why We Work.” If you’re in town, you’ll want to hear this message—it will shift your thinking about how you spend 1/3 of your life. Plus, it’s ALWAYS good to be together and be encouraged.

Our official “Fall Kick-off” is the following Sunday, and in that service we will pray for all our teachers and coaches. So please invite the teachers/coaches in your life to church on 9/13. (Thank you for shifting away from the 10a service as much as possible—we want to create some space for new people.)

See you soon!

caleb

*If you missed Jairus and Monica joining me for the message last week, listen here. It was awesome!

*Give to Mariners HB here.

I’m seeing so many pictures of kids going back to school and I’m thinking:

a) at least there aren’t more pictures of dogs

b) you all have cute kids

c) time flies, as they say

When you have younger kids people also say that days are long but years are short.

Days feel a little longer in the summer. It’s light out until 8p. People break away from the office to catch a twilight surf. And this summer, it’s 90 degrees with 80% humidity and feels like the face of the sun in my no-AC-house.

However, time still flies.

These days are the “good old days,” friends. Don’t miss them. Don’t rush through in a blur. Stop, notice, pay attention.

You won’t want to miss two things this weekend:

1. Beach Party, Saturday (Aug 29), 4-7p (details below).

2. Sunday services (8:30, 10, 11:30a & 6p). This service will feel different than most. It will be an important day before the chaos of fall hits in full. Be there. (Preferably at 11:30a or 6p, if you have flexibility.)

See you soon,

caleb

Catch up on past messages here.

Give to Mariners HB here.

SUMMER BEACH FUN
Saturday, Aug 29, 4-7p, on the beach at PCH and 6th Street, free
Wrap up the summer with BBQ, fun, beach volleyball and more. This is a great opportunity to connect in community with your neighbors, friends, and life group. Bring a dish to share, we will provide the hot dogs and hamburgers. Look for the Mariners HB flags! For more info, contact Neil, njansen@marinerschurch.org

For more summer fun, visit our website.

Join us for fun, food and games at a post-camp party. Bring your favorite group game to play and a friend with you too! For questions, click here or contact Tessa, marinershbjhm.assist@gmail.com

JHM Game Night
Fri, Aug 28, 7-9p, Church Offices (2124 Main St, Ste 260), free

Happy Thursday!

I was so encouraged by many of you last Sunday who took brave and courageous steps toward dealing with your disappointment and devastation. Disappointment is part of life, but it doesn’t have to lead to despair. We can take the honest path toward hope. May God continue to be with you and give you strength on this journey.

This Sunday I’m talking about seizing your divine moment. I believe there is purpose behind where you live, who you know, and what you’re doing. The key is to believe that yourself, and to make the most of the opportunities in front of you. Read Esther (Old Testament story) these next couple days if you want a head-start.

Begin getting mentally prepared to re-engage in community. Our church is NOT just what happens on Sundays, but what’s happening every day, all week long. We encourage EVERYONE to be connected to others in meaningful ways.

Step one is ROOTED. If you haven’t yet experienced it, sign up here.

Step two is LIFE GROUPS. If you have become disconnected from your group, reconnect or start again. Email Neil for more info, njansen@marinerschurch.org

As a “bonus” for you LADIES, Women’s Ministry Fall Launch is Wednesday of next week. Discover what’s new and coming up in Women’s Ministry. Details below…

See you Sunday! 8:30a | 10a | 11:30a | 6p

Caleb

PS: You can set up STEP IN contributions here.

PPS: You can listen to past messages here.

Enjoy a night out as we give our kids the opportunity to bless the local youth as we sort the school supplies from our summer drive. Pizza and snacks will be provided. For more info, click here.

Fri, Aug 21, 6-8p, Church Offices (2124 Main St, Ste 260), free