Overwhelmed…that’s how I felt as I watched many of you respond and come forward in our experiences last weekend, acknowledging you were letting go of comfort and safety, and stepping into a life wholeheartedly trusting Jesus. Overwhelmed…by conversations with you on the patio where I witnessed authenticity, transparency and new beginnings. Overwhelmed…because of the humility and dependence put on display through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, using you to change the world through relationship.

I believe that this week God has been whispering to each of you about who He is – a loving, present, powerful Father, and who you are – His loving child, created and uniquely designed by Him. And, as He whispers I know the world is screaming at you, feeding you deceitful lies and calling you names – failure, worthless, unlovable. The only way we can make it through this gauntlet of deception is together – trusting and centering our lives around God’s Word and our relationship with Him.

I can’t wait for this weekend as we continue in What If? and consider what God truly wants from us, or more importantly, for us. Invite your friends and family to join you – I promise it will be a gift to you and them…

Peace,

kyle

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a 4-day summer camp for kids entering kindergarten through 5th grade in fall 2014. The campus will be transformed as kids come and experience SHIPWRECK ISLAND. It’ll be an exciting week of games, drama, crafts, fun surprises and live music by Jana Alayra. Join us at our ADVENTUROUS summer camp as we discover the ultimate treasure. For more info or to register click here.

June 30 – July 3

Registration closes Sunday, June 1st at midnight 

We’re rebuilding our parking team and would love your help! We need 10 people/month to make Mariners an even safer place for families and cars! Contact Ken if you would like to help out.

Come and enjoy a formal dinner with other graduating 8th grade students. Dress to impress as we celebrate your graduation from junior high into high school! Questions? Contact Kristen.

Saturday, June 14, 7p- 12a, Sunday June 15
Student Center Room 1, free

In this follow-up to Jewish History and Culture (part one), we look at the cultural setting for the New Testament as the apostles took the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” Learn about the culture in which the Bible writers lived and wrote. Explore the Bible in its cultural setting and see God’s amazing message through fresh eyes. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Embry. 

Tuesdays, May 27 – June 24, 7 – 8:30p
Life Development Bld, r205, $5

Also, join the conversation at whatthenwhynow.org

Last night was open house at my kids’ elementary school. I loved seeing their classes, their artwork, their writing and their stories. I loved meeting their friends and their families. I loved seeing the diversity in our community… And I was reminded of the opportunity we have as Christ followers to bring hope and love into the world around us. This Memorial Day weekend gives us a great opportunity to intentionally get to know and love our neighbors. Be on the lookout for a new friend or family God may want you to engage with His love and kindness. This weekend at church we’re continuing our What If series, looking at a life of freedom and joy that a relationship with Jesus brings. I can’t wait to see you all and meet your friends and family this weekend.

Peace

kyle

I hope you are reading this in a cool, air-conditioned space…wow, it’s hot! I love that the heat hasn’t dampened the spirit of what God is doing here in and through Mariners Church – I’ve been hearing stories all week how families (and, more importantly, women in our community) were blessed and encouraged by our Mother’s Day weekend experience. We were able to welcome and celebrate with the most people we’ve ever had on a weekend…amazing! I believe it’s evidence of your journey with Jesus – that people are seeing the way you love and live differently, and the world wants to experience the same joy and peace in their relationships.

My prayer for you today is that you would continue to walk fearlessly into all God has for you, trusting Him to give you the Spirit, power, and the words when necessary to put on display the power of the gospel in your life. Isn’t that what the current weekend series “What If?” is all about? It’s a great reminder that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and within us. We can wholeheartedly trust and depend on His spirit and His strength to lead us, guide us, protect and provide for us. This is the message our friends, neighbors, OC needs (and wants) to hear. Be on the lookout this week for the people God places in your path and invite them to join us on this great adventure of faith.

Peace…

kyle

Men of Mariners, invite your sons, daughters, grandchildren and friends, this is going to be a day to remember! Join us in the Dana Harbor as we take a chartered boat and enjoy a day of fishing with other men and families. For more info and to register click here. Questions? Contact Men of Mariners’ Event Coordinator, Dan Smith or Men’s Director, Paul Aubin.

Sunday, May 18, 12 – 5p
Dana Wharf, $35pp