This is a crazy week for me as a pastor, husband and new father. My wife went back to work at her school district in Riverside as a psychologist, my son recently turned four months old and is discovering his toes, and my team and I are getting ready to take 489 students and leaders (and still counting) from all our campuses to summer camp next week. We are a church that values the next generation so we make sure to take the time, have the staff and leaders and allow God to lead the way in how we reach and disciple them. That whole process takes on new meaning for me now as a pastor because I’m a parent too. Think about this verse from Solomon on families in Psalm 127.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:4-5

How great is it to have children and students in our lives? How thankful are we for the opportunities to shape and influence them, helping them grow into who God is calling them to be? Solomon is saying when we take the responsibility of this to heart and see our children and students growing in their faith, it’s like many arrows in the hand of a mighty man.

If you’re a parent, it’s a treasure to be the person God chose to mold that young person you call son or daughter. You have so much time, influence and opportunity with them, not wasting a moment to help them mature and grow.

If you’re a leader, thank you. Weekends – life groups and camp – couldn’t be done without you. Thank you for taking on the significant task of influencing and loving others’ sons and daughters.

We are a blessed church in a blessed season of Jubilee. Our quiver is full of children and students who are living out their calling because great parents and leaders are helping them identify it. Our children and students are fearless and effective; they hit their mark on this world like an arrow with purpose.

Enjoy your week and hope to see you around our church this weekend.

Justin

We believe education is an important part of child development and that all children should have the supplies and the help they need to succeed. Join us as we collect back to school supplies for children living in low-income communities around Orange County. Pick up a supply list from the patio this weekend (or visit our website), shop with your kids, family or friends and bring the supplies back to Mariners at one of the drop-off bins!

August 1&2, 8&9, and 15&16

Care for women and their children in local shelters. Enjoy an evening BBQ complete with lawn games and fellowship. For more info about The Sheepfold women’s shelter and this event, contact Lauren, lstrauss@marinerschurch.org

Sheepfold BBQ
Fri, Aug 21, 5:30-8:30p, upper lawn

Join us August 13 & 20 for an interactive discussion about our modern dating culture. We will consider what God has to say about love, sex and dating. For more info, click here or contact Tim, tkeller@marinerschurch.org

Re:Date – A Practical Conversation about Modern Dating
Thursdays, Aug 13&20, 7-9p, Community Center

Abortion Recovery
Sep 15–Nov 17, 6:30-8:30p, Worship Center Prayer/Cry Room, $20
Bringing women together to find hope and healing in a safe environment by sharing each other’s regret, depression, or shame and being comforted by God’s grace. Registration required. Contact Contact Kristeen, kespinoza@marinerschurch.org

EQ Workshop
Sat, Sep 19, 9a-12p, Life Development Building room 208
EQ (emotional quotient) is how we measure emotional intelligence. Come hear experts in the areas of psychology, pastoral care and art therapy talk about how to improve EQ and better navigate life, marriage, parenting, etc., to improve every relationship. Contact Katie, care@marinerschurch.org