Hello!

How have you been spending your summer? I hope you’re making the most of this season, enjoying time with friends and family, rest and fun. I’m seeing God’s goodness in new ways this summer as my two boys, Deacon and Theo [ages 3 and 18 months] are starting swim lessons, looking for bugs at the park and spending many hours digging holes in beach sand.

What are some of your favorite summer memories so far?

This last weekend, we were reminded of the Victory we are offered through the work of Christ – that negotiating with God for our own victory always leaves us wanting. I loved celebrating communion together – creating space to reflect and hear God’s voice of salvation, encouragement and hope.

As I looked around the Worship Center last weekend, I became very aware of how many great volunteers it takes to pull off a weekend with excellence… the ushers, greeters, parking and shuttle, tech and production, the volunteers of Children’s and Student Ministries are continually making me grateful for the people who make Mariners such an incredible church.

This Saturday and Sunday, be sure to join us as Steve Carter, Teaching Pastor from Willow Creek Church in Barrington Il, teaches a message called Riskology – a study on three heroes from the Gospels. Steve is an tremendous communicator and good friend. Before moving to Chicago, Steve was a Pastor at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa and I know he’s happy to be in Orange County again. Also, after the service Saturday night, we have a fun surprise that you won’t want to miss!

See you this weekend!

Joe Hays
Experience Director

PS. Don’t forget, Kenton’s 30th anniversary as Senior Pastor is coming up! Please affirm him and Laurie, or share how you’ve seen God use Kenton by visiting the link here as we celebrate God’s story through Kenton’s journey. Don’t forget… it’s a surprise.

EPIC. It’s a word that conjures up images of larger-than-life stories and legendary adventures. The Bible tells stories of epic heroes and villains battling for victory while revealing their own honest story…and perhaps our own. Come with us this summer for an adventure of biblical proportions.

Irvine Campus service times and directions.

This past week…

• our Congo team returned from launching a powerful movement of restoration and reconciliation…
• we hosted over 200 foster kids for a picnic…
• our largest group of high school students ever returned from camp…
• we sent a team to Sri Lanka to help lead conferences for pastors and teens from around the world…
• a team traveled to Mexico to distribute hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to sponsored children…
• and let’s not forget that each week, we have dedicated volunteers mentoring and building relationships with at-risk youth and families through our Community Centers around Orange County!

In all of these things, it’s amazing to know that God is at work, revealing Himself, building relationships and inviting us to get closer to Him and to one another. This is so encouraging to me to see how the Kingdom is advancing even when it often feels like the world is tearing apart. I want to invite you to continue standing with one another and the Church around the world through prayer and giving generously of ourselves as we partner in the story God is writing.

This weekend, I’m so excited to be back teaching in the EPIC series. We’ll be looking at one of the lesser known heroes of the Bible and the profound lessons for our lives today. Invite your friends and family to join us as we’ll also be taking communion, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus together. It’s going to be a great weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you.

Peace,

Kyle

PS. Don’t forget, Kenton’s 30th anniversary as Senior Pastor is coming up! Fill out the card in your bulletin this weekend with a word of affirmation in how you’ve seen God use Kenton or go online here as we celebrate God’s story through Kenton’s journey. Shhhhh, it’s a surprise.

Join us this summer for family-friendly concerts on the lawn! Concerts begin at 6:15p, directly after the 5p Saturday service.

Coming up…

August 16
Pawnshop Kings

For more info, go to our website.

Learn how you can be a part of these new ministries at Mariners.

MINNIE STREET MUSIC
Minnie Street Music meets every Friday from 3:30-5p. We are currently in need of teachers (guitar players) who can commit to meeting weekly for one year. This is a beginning class so you don’t need to be an expert guitar player. We ask for your patience and a willingness to love these kids. Guitar and string donations are welcome.

ART MINISTRY
We believe art is a tool that can be used to build up kids in their faith as well as their self-confidence. The Art Ministry meets on the fourth Saturday of each month and is currently in need of art supplies and people interested in providing art lessons!

THIRTYFIVE2
We know there are many people around the world who do not have access to Bibles. It’s our mission to provide Bibles for these parts of the world, starting with Haiti!

Hang out with the Men of Mariners and our community as we fellowship and enjoy breakfast together. A special program with five phenomenal speakers begins at 10a. Pre-register online.

Saturday, August 23
Begins at 9a, $10pp
Mariners Church Community Center

Speakers include:
Victor Marx
Denver Berry
JP Jones
Albert Tate
Frank Sontag

Are you stepping into the impossible…out of the boat and into the presence and power of Jesus? I love getting to see what God is doing in your lives and in our church each week. I love the conversations with you on the patio about the courageous steps of faith you are making in your lives and in your relationships. I believe that God is unleashing a powerful movement of kindness, forgiveness and generosity in our community and He is doing it through you. It’s an honor to be part of the story God is writing here.

This week, hundreds of our high school students are away at camp. I’ve already heard that God is working profoundly as over 30 kids have accepted Christ and chosen to walk with Him. Let’s continue to be in prayer for them…for fun, joy, safety and for new relationships, and most importantly, that they would experience the power of Jesus together in community.

Finally, this weekend come and be a part of our EPIC series. Our good friend Mike Erre, Senior Pastor at EvFree Fullerton, will be here teaching. Saturday night, we’ll have all kinds of fun outside with food trucks and live music by Sam Outlaw. It’s a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to come and see, hear and experience relationships.

I look forward to seeing you guys this weekend. Have a great week.

Peace,
Kyle