As we enter into December, we all know that we are moving into a season of chaos with so many parities and people to see. We have school performances and Christmas recitals. And, we all have family and friends that we want to connect with in this busy season. We don’t mean to, or want to, but it’s easy to miss Christmas. It’s easy to miss Jesus…and miss what this season is all about. That’s why I love our church, because we are going to help you experience Christmas. We are in our second week of Christmas Is, making our way through Advent. This weekend, we are focusing on Hope. We all need it and we’ll be taking a closer look at where to find it.

Also, this Sunday is our annual Tree Lighting. Festivities begin at 4:30p. We’re going to have a great night of singing and games and SNOW FOR THE KIDS as well as that great moment when the tree lights (we hope). Rumor has it we will even be visited by three wise (ok, more like somewhat smart) men. Also, because our desire is that the Tree Lighting be free for not only you, but friends you may bring, we are asking for your help. Any donations of items or money towards the snow can be brought into the office this week, or dropped off on Sunday morning. The sooner the better, so we know what we need to purchase. A list of needs can be found below for the Tree Lighting.

And then after Tree Lighting, our Christmas celebration continues. On December 21, Crystal Lewis will be leading worship for us on Sunday morning. Please join us and bring a friend. Crystal will be singing many Christmas favorites – like only she can sing! It will be a fun morning to be at church. And of course, we have our Christmas Eve services which will be Wednesday, December 24 at 3:30 and 5:30p. It will be a wonderful way to usher in Christmas Day. So, as you can see, we have a lot going on. It will be fun, as well as heartfelt. Our desire is that it will be a season of blessing for you and honoring to Christ. I can’t wait. It’s so much fun doing ministry with all of you.

Blessings,
Jeff

Join us as we kick off the Christmas season with sledding in the snow, treats, caroling, and of course, our tree lighting! Visit the website for more info.

Sunday, December 7, 4:30p
free, Ocean Hills Campus

If you’d like to donate to Tree Lighting, here are some ways you can help or contact Jaclyn.
Box of graham crackers (need 10 boxes)
Tubs of icing (need 30)
Candy (ex: gum drops, red hots, candy canes, peppermint rounds, M&M’s, marshmallows, Life Savers, Skittles)
Pint-sized empty milk cartons (need 80)
Hot chocolate packets (need 100)
Hot cider packets (need 100)
Christmas sugar cookies (need 200) *can find at local Ralphs
Give $$ towards snow (costs $600)

Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, what would it look like to spend time in God’s Word? We want to help you create space this week to spend time thanking God for all He has blessed us with, and reflect back on this year and the ways you have seen God show up in our lives. Download our Thanksgiving devotion here.

Christmas is a wonderful time to invite friends to gather for a beautiful, festive brunch where the gospel message will be one of JOY! To RSVP or for more information, email Sylvia Barnett.

Sunday, December 13, 10:30a, Worship Center

Let the craziness begin. As we enter into the holiday season, you are still in the midst of the lull, but that will soon change. The holiday rush is only a week away and we can tend to push things aside as we try to do everything. I want to encourage you not to push God aside. This holiday season we have some incredible things planned that will help you focus on Jesus and celebrate His birth in a fun and engaging way. All of this kicks off this Sunday as we focus our hearts towards God with a spirit of thanksgiving. We will be finishing up our Obsessed series with a message that will hit home with all of us.

We continue to hear great stories about the You Matter Bags. Once again, thank you for your incredible generosity. I am amazed at how many Christmas tags were taken, as well as the continued dropping off of Thanksgiving food bags. You are making a difference in the lives of so many people. We want to be a church that makes a difference in the community by helping out those in need, as well as having a heart that invites people into all that God is doing here at Mariners Ocean Hills. Our annual Tree Lighting is a great event to invite people to. It’s fun, casual, and will get people into the holiday spirit. You won’t want to miss this fun time together – and be sure to invite a friend.

God is at work in our church. I love doing life and ministry with you.

Blessings,
Jeff

How often do we live our lives wanting, grasping, looking for more? Join us for a new weekend series about everyday obsessions like time, money and self, and how we can refocus on what matters most.

During the weekend service
Sundays: 10a
directions and info

Over the next few weeks, Ortega Hwy Exit has some closures that we wanted to make you aware of. Here are suggested routes to help you successfully navigate the construction and get to church on time!

Southbound on the 5 freeway: Exit Junipero Serra Rd or Camino Capistrano

Northbound on the 5 freeway: Exit Camino Capistrano

Heading from East of the 5 freeway: Avoid crossing the 5 at Ortega