What a special Sunday we just had. Monica and our volunteers shared their passion and challenged us to fill our bags and build relationships. We have already heard several stories about how our church is jumping in and doing our part.

So, what are you putting in your bag? Tell us…show us…join us!

This upcoming Sunday we will continue in our Things I Wish Jesus Never Said series and I have a unique message that I can’t wait to share with you. The inspiration came in a counseling session, and the impact is profound. It will make you think differently.

If you aren’t connected to a group yet, this weekend is the perfect opportunity—Life Group Connect, happening on the patio. Life is better in community with other good people.

If you missed last week’s message, you can listen here.

See you Sunday…

Caleb

P.S. Visit our StepInHB.com website

Stop by the Life Group Connect table on the patio after church on Sun, Apr 24 to get connected into community with others just like you! With over 40 Life Groups to choose from, we have a group that’s right for you! For more information, please contact Neil, njansen@marinerschurch.org, or search “Life Group” on our website.

LIFE GROUP CONNECT
Sun, Apr 24, after each church service

Did you know that you’re part of something unusual? Of course, you are probably strange and unusual in all kinds of wonderful ways, yourself, but I’m talking about something special and unusual that we’re all part of together.

Some people travel from event to event, conference to conference, gathering to gathering trying to get some sense of God’s presence or power. But as a church we see it every week.

Lives are changed every week. Leaders step up all the time. Prayers are answered with regularity.

And it’s happening right here…right now… in front of us.

ROOTED plays an important part in the life change and momentum we’re seeing. I have talked with a couple different pastors from other churches this week who are considering doing Rooted at their church. Did you know, there are now over 100 churches throughout the United States that Mariners has trained to use Rooted? It is a tool that God brought to us from Africa, and now it’s going well beyond HB, well beyond Mariners Church.

YOU HAVE TO DO ROOTED! Seriously, if you’ve been delaying, it’s time. Email Ericka immediately, or sign up here right now. We kick off Thursday evening (groups meet other days/times, too).

Lastly,

SUNDAY is going to be powerful. I can’t explain it. You’re just going to have to experience it for yourself—8:30, 10, 11:30a & 6p.

See you then,

caleb

P.S.: Visit our StepInHB.com website to learn more about our move to the Regency Movie Theater

P.P.S.: Listen to past messages here

Rooted is a catalyst for life-change, provoking questions and conversations designed to give you a glimpse into your story and God’s purpose for your life. Click here or search “rooted” on our website for info, to register or see a complete list of groups.

The Rooted Launch for all Groups
Thurs, Apr 14, 6:30-8:30p
(Rodgers Senior Center, 1706 Orange Ave)

Come be encouraged, empowered, equipped, and enabled as God’s women to serve, to lead and to become Spirit-fueled Women of Influence.

Whether you are currently serving with Women’s Ministries or if you want to discover how you can be an influence in your world and begin serving, plan on joining us! For more information, search “Women” on our website or register here. Contact Beth with questions, hbwomen@marinerschurch.org

Sat, Apr 16, 9a-12p (doors open at 8:30a)
$10/person ($15 at the door)
coffee, tea and continental breakfast will be served

Good news: We signed the Theater lease!

Now we’re praying for…
– CUP speed at the city
– Move out speed for the Regency
– Generosity toward the Step In campaign

More here: StepInHB.com

Our theater circumstances inspired the following thoughts about, “What to do when stuff is taking too long.” Hopefully you find this useful.

Blessings,

caleb

Sometime stuff takes too long. “Stuff” like new jobs, better circumstances, restored relationships, new theaters for your church… you get it. Generally speaking, we’re talking answers to prayers.

One interesting, mind-bending thing to consider is that God is outside of space and time. We’re bound by the clock, day, and limited focus of “now.” God is not. He lives in the every-now. For God, now is back then, right here, and up there. That being the case, his timing is not always our timing. And his perspective is much bigger than ours.

So, even though God, at times, seems late, he isn’t. His perspective is bigger and better than our own, and his story is so much more elaborate than you or I can imagine.

The question, then, is: What do we do when there’s nothing to do but wait? Or, how do we stay sane when stuff is taking too long?

The short answer is: Trust, and try and enjoy the journey. But here is a bit more about that…

When stuff seems to be taking too long it’s likely one or more of the following reasons:

You’re learning the virtue of patience. You are not God. Forced patience reminds you that not everything submits to your sense of urgency. Learning to be patient makes you a better human being. God can use “waiting” to make you more like himself. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…

You’re learning something more. There are subtle skills you need to develop. Pressure that leads to patience has a way of forcing learning you might not otherwise invest in.

There are invisible things that need to be dealt with. Fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. (That means pray.) Our fights are not against human adversaries, but the enemy of God who is still tampering with outcomes on earth. Spoiler: that enemy doesn’t win.

It’s time to listen. When you’re desperate you pray. When you’re still desperate after praying you tend to listen. When you’re still desperate after listening, you’re more likely to embrace the path to which God leads you.

Be patient. Learn the lessons. Pray the prayers. Listen for direction.

Breakthrough is coming.

—
A friend of Mariners took my recent sermon series, “Listen” (how to hear from God) and made it into an ebook. You can download it here.

Join us as we work alongside our Mexico partners and do painting and drywall on homes in the El Niño Church community. We’ll also play a friendly game of baseball with the kids in the neighborhood! Passport REQUIRED. For more info and to register, click here.

MEXICO ONE DAY FAITH ADVENTURE
Sat, Apr 23, 6a-9p

We want to be men of influence to our families, workplace, and community. With this in mind, join us as we gather together for our monthly breakfast. We’ll enjoy good food, great fellowship, and encouragement from God’s Word. Search “Breakfast” or click here to register.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: MEN OF INFLUENCE MONTHLY BREAKFAST
Sat, Apr 9, 8-10a
AOSA Coffee, 16821 Algonquin St Suite 107, HB
(behind Trader Joe’s)

EASTER was amazing. If you were out of town, you missed four special services. This was by far the most people our church has ever hosted on Saturday at the park and Sunday at the theater. Lives were impacted, decisions were made, and MANY of you played vital roles (inviting, serving, planning, praying…). Thank you!

As I told you last week, we’re sweetening the deal for this Sunday, inviting Ricos Tacos to serve breakfast burritos or tacos after all four services (8:30, 10, 11:30a & 6p). And this Sunday we’re kicking off our new series, “Things I Wish Jesus Never Said.” You don’t want to miss this provocative series.

Between now and Sunday, consider this verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

…And ask yourself this question, “What am I holding tightly to that might really be a lack of trust?”

See you Sunday!

caleb

P.S. Visit StepInHB.com to see our plans for the Regency Movie Theater and recent updates.
P.P.S. Listen to past messages here.

Hang out and play games with other junior high students of Mariners Church Huntington Beach at JHM First Friday! Search “First Friday” or click here. For more info, contact Graeme, gcowgill@marinerschurch.org

JHM FIRST FRIDAY
Fri, April 1, 6:30p-9p, church offices
(2124 Main Street, Suite 260)