Over 6,000 tags taken from trees representing gifts to change a family’s Christmas story…Over 50 tons of food given to feed the hungry in OC…Over 900 people graduating from Rooted, knowing who God is and their identity in Him more fully…Over 25 people standing to say “I Believe Jesus is Lord”…Over 100 people baptized to acknowledge their faith, trust, and new life in Jesus. We have a lot to celebrate! All of this has taken place in the past week here at Mariners Church Irvine, and I believe it’s because we’re taking our relationship with Jesus seriously, fully living out His command to Love God and love others. When we follow Him, God supernaturally energizes our love and sacrifice to transform the world and restore brokenness. I can’t wait to hear and see the stories of transformation.

My prayer is that you’re continuing to live out the mantra of thankfulness and contentment – “I want what I have, I don’t want any more.” While difficult to do anywhere, but particularly in OC, our lifestyle of thankfulness and contentment makes a profound statement about our priorities – loving and caring for those around us. Let’s walk in “enough” and continue to look for opportunities this season to be generous.

Some of you are traveling to be with family and friends this Thanksgiving – be safe and have fun! For those staying here in OC, I can’t wait to be with you guys this weekend. One of my wise, sage mentors from our church partner in Sri Lanka, Pastor Adrian, will be with us and we’ll have a couple other surprises as well. Bring some friends as we gather to remember and celebrate who God is together this weekend…

Peace…

kyle

“I Believe Jesus is Lord!” Were you there last weekend as many stood in each of our weekend experiences to declare their faith and trust in Jesus? Maybe it was one of your friends of family members you’ve been walking with or praying for? Either way, I love seeing the transforming power of Jesus on display in our church…knowing the decision to follow Him is a defining moment that will change the trajectory of a life, a family, a neighborhood, and our church.

This coming week is our LAST SANE MOMENT OF THE YEAR! You’re going to want to join us this weekend as Kenton gives his traditional Thanksgiving message, unpacking the leading spiritual indicator of our lives. And mark your calendar now to join us next week as we gather for our Thanksgiving Service, Wednesday night, November 27, at 6:30p. This will be a great time to share our stories of God’s faithfulness and celebrate all of who God is and how He is at work in our lives, church, and community.

This is such a beautiful season to remember and celebrate God together, and love our community in profound ways. Let’s continue to take advantage of this opportunity to become all God has called us to be and invite our friends and family to experience the beauty of Jesus and His church.

Peace…

Kyle

How are you “Celebrating Different”? It was so fun to see you guys swarm the patio this weekend taking full advantage of the opportunity to love, serve, and give differently this season. I’ve heard many stories this week of how our church is intentionally loving our neighbors this season: hosting cookie-decorating parties, dropping off anonymous gifts and encouraging notes, kids helping others in school with tutoring and sports. I can’t wait to see and hear how God spiritually energizes these meaningful gestures and conversations into invitations to be transformed by His power. This season gives us so many opportunities to be in the world; for the world. Let’s continue to be fearless in loving and serving our neighbors.

This weekend we continue in our Outsiders Guide to Jesus series and I’m anticipating a great celebration as we are going provide the opportunity to say yes to Jesus! It’s the opportunity to say “I Believe” that He is who He says He is, and I’m trusting my life to Him. For some of you, perhaps you’ve been wrestling with that question and you’re ready to make that declaration. For others, you know someone who has been wrestling with his/her relationship with God, and following Jesus is the next step in that journey. Either way, be praying for this weekend and love your family, friends, and neighbors by inviting them to join us.

Peace…

Kyle