Join together as men to study God’s Word, encourage each other as we live out our faith. Questions, email Cole, cbeshore@marinerschurch.org.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30p, Fireside Room
Thursday, 6:30-7:45a, Fireside Room

We can never thank our moms enough and we want to honor them for their love, gentleness, and strength. Join us this Mother’s Day as we show our gratitude by giving back to moms.

Sun, May 14, 9a & 11a
Worship Center

The Preschool Open House and Art Gallery is open to the public! There will be live music, bounce houses, and art gallery. Fun for the whole family! Click here for details.

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Thur, May 18, 7-8:30p
Front Lawn and Foyer

I just happen to work with a staff that loves Star Wars, so I was greeted today with that ridiculous line (think Yoda), “May the 4th be with you.”  It seems to be trending.  I, however, will not open with that, I will just open with the line, “I hope you are having a great week.”  As you know, every week I work on a message, and this week has been “extra great” for me because I especially appreciate what this Sunday’s message is all about. Every message is important to me, but this week especially hits home because it’s something I’ve struggled with my entire life as a Christian. This Sunday we will wrestle with this idea of why we go to Church.  When it comes to Sunday morning, what is our role? What should the morning be about?  I think it is a message that may be somewhat convicting, but I believe it will be more of a message that will feel refreshing and eye-opening. It certainly was for me.

Speaking of Sunday’s, Mother’s Day is in two weeks (yes, if you are a guy, panic right here).  As always, we take time on Mother’s day to celebrate all women, and the role they play in our lives.  It is always a fun Sunday to bring someone who has played a significant role in your life.

So, a lot going on.  We look forward to seeing you this weekend, continued blessings.  God is good.

Take care,

Jeff

I am excited about our new series, “What are we doing here?” Often times, we ask ourselves that question about life, but I don’t know if we ever ask ourselves that question in church. Or if we do, it may have a negative connotation, like “why am I here, I don’t belong.” But that is not what this series is about. It is about why we are at church. And more specifically, why are we at our church. We are going to talk through what our church is about, and what your part is in the health and life of your church. Because, what if there is a part of the church that you are missing out on, and it is keeping you from the life that God wants you to have? It is going to be a great series, not just for you, but for the life of our church.

Community Nights are kicking back up this coming Tuesday night. This will be a great five weeks that takes us right up to summer. It is a great chance to jump in and grow in relationship with God and with other people. If you are looking to get more connected, or if you are looking to just have a mid-week tune-up with your walk with God, Community Nights are a great opportunity. It is one of my favorite things we do.

Blessings to you this week. I love doing life and ministry with you.

Jeff

Whether you have been here for months or are new, if you are looking to get plugged in here at Mariners Ocean Hills, we would love to have you join us for lunch! You will hear from the staff a little bit about who we are and what we are all about! More info here or RSVP to Jaclyn, jrisser@marinerschurch.org

NEW TO MARINERS LUNCH
Sun, Apr 30, 12:30-1:15p, Room 116

Come serve our neighbors alongside your church community! We will be revitalizing San Juan Elementary’s garden, outdoor classroom and doing a campus wide clean-up. Sign up here or on the patio after services. Email Jason with questions, jgraham@marinerschurch.org.

OUTREACH: SAN JUAN ELEMENTARY SERVE DAY
Sat, Apr 29, 9a-1p

For those of you who I have not yet met, my name is Kecia Jones and I am the new Children’s Pastor at Mariners Ocean Hills. I previously worked on the Irvine campus and have been here for two months. I have LOVED getting to know the kids, leaders, and families at this church. I also absolutely love my role to empower you all, as a church community, to come alongside parents in their child’s spiritual journey. As a mom of three adult kids, I can tell you that nothing is more important! I can already tell that God is at work at Mariners Ocean Hills and I am so excited for the future of this Children’s Ministry! I am so honored that God has led me here to be trusted to lead such an important, growing ministry.

What a great Easter we had in Mariners Kids Ocean Hills! More than 40 volunteers served with 180 kids in Children’s Ministry on Easter morning. Because we had so many of you jump in and volunteer, families felt welcomed and kids were connected. Easter services reflected what children’s ministry should look like every weekend, so a HUGE thank you to all who served! But my hope would be that we don’t do ministry to this level of excellence only on holidays. The children of this church deserve an awesome, consistent experience, each and every week.

Each week, Mariners Kids volunteers pour into the lives of the children on our campus. We have cutting-edge curriculum, fun games and toys but we are nothing without our volunteers! In Children’s Ministry, there’s a position for every personality. No experience is necessary (we’ll train you) and you’ll never serve alone. Maybe you even know someone who would love to serve with you from your Rooted group, Bible study, Life Group or even your family. All you need is a love for God and a heart for kids.

I would love to have you join me for a short and sweet Mariners Kids Meet and Greet on Sunday, May 7^th at 10:25 am or 12:25 pm, upstairs in Room 222. You’ll hear about creative ways to get connected with Children’s Ministry and about our upcoming Vacation Bible School. I’ll bring the snacks and you bring the questions!

Here are just some of the ways to serve alongside us:

Junior Leader (students in grades 4 & 5, serving with toddlers through Kindergarten)

Student Leader (students in grades 6-12, serving in all areas)

Greeter (greet families and help them check in on the computer)

Storyteller (receive the script on Wednesday and tell the story twice on Sunday on a rotating basis)

Small Group leader (connect with kids in a small group, reinforcing the Large Group lesson with games, activities, and conversations)

Tech (assist by running the tech board in Grades 1-5)

Worship (helping kids connect with God through worship music)

My family and I are so excited to be on the Ocean Hills campus. We already love our new church family! Thank you for making us feel so welcome and I look forward to seeing you on May 7^th.

Grateful for you,

Kecia Jones

We’ll make dozens of fleece blankets (no sewing involved, just cutting and tying!) and provide them to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through a local ministry partner.

We’ll share conversations through the morning over coffee and beignets (fancy donuts!). And we’ll hear a message about what it means to be wrapped in God’s incredible love. We hope you’ll mark your calendar now and join us for this morning of serving, sipping, munching…and being loved! More info and register. For questions, email Jaclyn at jrisser@marinerschurch.org

BLANKETS & BEIGNETS
Sat, Apr 22, 10a-12p

We’ve been praying and preparing for Easter for quite a while now. Our desire for Easter week is that we honor God, focus on all that Jesus has done for us, and at the same time experience it as a time that blesses you. Our Good Friday service is at 5:30p; it is a time to reflect and respond to Jesus’ death on the Cross. It is a powerful, contemplative service designed to remind us of the pain and love associated with Jesus’ crucifixion. Part of understanding the beauty of Easter is to first reflect on the beauty of the cross.

Our Easter Sunday services are at our normal service times, 9 and 11a. This will truly be a morning of celebration. We’re celebrating the reality that Jesus has risen from the dead, God’s ability to bring difficult things, challenging things, dead things…back to life. Our Easter service is a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member to church. Also, don’t forget the Egg Scramble that will immediately follow each service. Church should always be a place of reverence and worship, but it should also be fun, especially for the kids. Plan to hang around after the service and enjoy the beauty of the Gospel on display in our church, with photo booths, games for the kids and plenty of lemonade!

It’s always great doing life and ministry with you. I look forward to celebrating this week as we focus on the foundation of our faith. He has risen indeed!

Blessings,

Jeff