UNITY IN DIVERSITY

In many respects, Mariners is a global church. We have seen the dramatic impact of Rooted on our church over the last several years. Not only has it created a shift in the landscape and culture of Mariners, it has also impacted 100+ churches here in the U.S. and numerous churches in other countries. Rooted is a direct result of engaging with the global church, specifically Mavuno Church in Kenya. Our relationship with Mavuno and our other global partners has created a new foundation in our church for a more holistic picture of ministry. We have moved from being an independent church to becoming a beautiful picture of interdependence with other Kingdom-builders throughout the world. “I am because we are, and because we are, therefore I am.” In essence, we are interdependent and inter-connected by the gospel.

There is nothing more beautiful than unity in diversity. Yet, as we look around, we can see this is the very thing that is lacking in our world today. We are overwhelmed by perilous and tumultuous times. Our country is plagued by polarizing views and rhetoric, the UK and Europe struggle with many challenging issues, and the Middle East continues to be in shambles since the Arab Spring began five years ago. Africa has been challenged for decades and Latin America and some parts of Asia have their own struggles. It’s in the midst of this turmoil that the global church of Jesus Christ is called to rise up and be a much needed light in dark times. When we, (the church), put into action the mandate we have to model unity in diversity, something incredible happens. Healing. In today’s world we are not shocked by dissension, polarization, enmity, hatred, jealousy, and bigotry, among other ills. But when healing takes place in the harshest of conditions, the world pays attention.

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Join the team of volunteers who will be hosting a Back to School party for the students in the Mexico Child Sponsorship Ministry. This is a great trip for those who sponsor children to go meet their child, and also for life groups, Rooted groups, families with children over age 5, or anyone with a heart for kids in Mexico! Search “Child Sponsorship” on our website or click here.

MEXICO CHILD SPONSORSHIP ONE DAY FAITH ADVENTURE
Sat, Aug 13, 6:30a-8:30p

Volunteers are matched 1:1 as positive role models to provide encouragement and hope to teens in foster care. We especially need men who can volunteer and make a difference in the lives of teens. More info and sign up or email, foster@marinerschurch.org

FOSTER CAMP VOLUNTEERS
Fri, Jul 29-Sun, Jul 31
Alpine Conference Center (San Bernardino Mtns)
Must be 20+ to volunteer 

If you surf, we would love to have you come and teach our JHM students how to surf this summer at Sand and Surf. Please contact Justin if you’re interested in volunteering, jherman@marinerschurch.org

SURF INSTRUCTORS NEEDED FOR SAND AND SURF
Thursdays, July 28 and Aug 4
8:08-10:10a, 36st Street, Newport Beach
(meet at Lifeguard Tower 36)

There are so many reasons why I love our church and I even like to think of it as an extension of my own family. As I entered into this week, I found myself struggling. If I’m completely honest, I would admit that part of me wants to stay numb, because I’m not sure I want to feel the pain of the violence and loss surrounding us. Yet, as I sit with those I love on staff in their pain, I too must acknowledge my pain and not make the mistake of pushing it away. What a great reminder it is for me that we are not only hurt in community, we are also healed in community.

Left to my own devices, I think I would not have chosen to share or discuss the tragedies of last week. But, I am blessed to be part of a community at Mariners that makes it safe to not only talk about our pain, but to also pray and support one another through difficult times. I hope you were able to be with us last weekend when we experienced true community as we heard from Gerardo and Christian as they shared, prayed and worshiped with us during the service. I have included the prayers (here) we prayed together; May they encourage and sustain you as you move through the days ahead. I am so grateful for our church family and for the hope we have in Jesus!

What will this week bring? I don’t know…but I take comfort in knowing there is One who does and He is with us! I hope you will join us this weekend as we launch into our second week of Summer Saturday Nights. Please plan on joining us on the lawn (right after the 5p service), where you’ll find fun activities, food trucks, music and of course, great community!

If you need someone to talk with or to pray for you, we are here… because we are a church that believes in community. Think about someone in your life or community who might need to come with you to church this weekend!

Blessings of God’s healing love,

Shelly Juskiewicz
Community Life &
Leadership Development Pastor

Volunteer as a camp counselor and help provide a memorable summer camp experience for kids (grades 2nd-6th in the fall) from our Lighthouse Community Centers! For more info search “LCC” or click here to register.

VOLUNTEER AT LCC KIDS CAMP
Fri, Aug 5 – Sun, Aug 7
Volunteers must be 18 yrs or older

VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Sun, Jul 24, 12:30 – 2p
Life Development Bld, r206

Incoming 6th-8th-graders of Mariners JHM and their friends are invited to the BEST WEEK OF THEIR SUMMER at camp where they can have fun, hear God’s Word and discover who He has made them to be in a completely new and different way. Search “Camp” or click here to register.

JHM SUMMER CAMP
Mon-Fri, Aug 8-12
Registration closes July 24 at midnight

What a celebratory weekend it was! I hope you enjoyed the long 4th of July weekend and were able to celebrate with family and friends! In our weekend services, we were able to celebrate and remember all God did through VBS.

It was so great to have Tim Timmons back with us, leading us in worship and giving us a glimpse of what our VBS kids got to experience all week long. It is hard to summarize all that happened at SuperPowered VBS….but picture this: 2000 kids, 1100 volunteers, courageous superheroes, wild games, fun crafts, God’s word, giant water slides, joy filled worship with Tim, boat races on the lake, glow sticks, dance parties, collectable superhero trading cards, and kids walking away from the week knowing that with God all things are possible! (Can you imagine the fun?! In case you want to see it for yourself, check out our highlight video on our Facebook page here.)

In just 5 days, we also saw our VBS kids raise over $26,000 to support a village in Egypt. I am so proud of their generous hearts and how they courageously stepped into our church partnership with Healing Grace ministries. God moved powerfully throughout VBS week, and we saw 378 kids say “I Believe” and 54 kids choose to be baptized. Seeing kids make significant next steps of faith gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate! God is good!

Don’t forget that Summer Saturday Night kicks off this Saturday, July 9th with our Art Fair. There will be local art displays, face painting, music, food trucks, and more! Join us after the 5pm service. Parents, if you haven’t tried Saturday nights, summer is the perfect time to check it out! Summer Saturday Nights are so much fun to bring the family to!

See you this weekend as we continue in our James series!

Jen

We are partnering with Forest Home for kids to enjoy a week of faith and fun. Kids from across Orange County will come together and enjoy a week of community, fun, and laughter. Volunteer opportunities include hosting Forest Home staff for the week or helping as a Day Camp Volunteer! Junior high, high school, college students and adult volunteers needed.