A Note From Jeff Pries

MessageFrom-OH

It’s so fun hearing the comments regarding our Follow Me series. People are really enjoying this look at what it means to follow Jesus.  This weekend we are going to look at one of the great stories in the Bible, and in the midst of this story, we are going to look at one of the biggest reasons we follow Jesus and one of the more painful reasons we choose not to. My prayer is that God will open up our eyes (and our hearts) to the realization of why Jesus is so worthy to follow.

On a different topic, we are just a short time away from Easter.  It is fun planning the service and talking about all the components of a great Easter celebration. We want to have a Sunday that you are excited to be a part of, and at the same time, be inspired to invite your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. It’s going to be a great Sunday together.

Also, please remember that we desire for Easter to be special for people, especially new people. And for these new people, Easter may be the only Sunday they attend church. That said, we need your help; we need volunteers. Please think about attending one service and serving at the other, if possible. Or, sign up for some of the volunteer options that you can do before church. Either way, there are a lot of opportunities to serve. If you can, please sign up this Sunday. Visit the patio after services for more info.

As always, it’s great doing life and ministry with you. I pray that you are having a great week. Also, if you were here last Sunday, have you checked the picture on your phone to remind yourself to be loving?  I’ve had to remind myself to be patient a few times this week, so please know, I am right with you in this quest to follow Jesus daily.

Blessings,
Jeff

A Note From Monica Bannister

HB-monica

I am so encouraged by YOUR incredible generosity this past weekend! We launched Be Fearless—inviting you to be generous with time and resources—and your response has already been amazing! THANK YOU!! I am so excited to continue to Be Fearless and unleash generosity throughout our city as we serve together collectively and alongside our neighbors. Make sure you check out the serve opportunities taking place throughout the next month, it’s not too late to sign up! Click here for all BE FEARLESS info.

As we commit to loving and serving the people around us…the poor, marginalized, and in our own spheres of influence…we are also on this journey of asking, “What’s in my basket?” “What is MY story of serving?” Remember, God wants to use US to be a part of his miracles, and we ALL have something to give.

I would love to hear YOUR stories of how you are serving in our community. Click here to share your story today!

This Sunday we will highlight a few more of our community partners, both local and global—you won’t want to miss it!

Thank you again for your fearless generosity! I am grateful and humbled to be part of a church that is committed to loving our community and drawing people to Jesus with our love.

monica

P.S.: Listen to recent messages here.

P.P.S.: Give to Mariners HB or our Step In Building campaign here.

A Note From Caleb Anderson

MessageFrom-HB

March Madness!

Arguably the best tournament in sports started today. The men’s collegiate basketball storied Final Four tournament is one of the more anticipated and most viewed sporting contests in our country. People you know skipped work today just to watch 32 teams (and another 32 tomorrow) kick-off this bracket-busting spectacle in sports. It’s a good time.

But even as the best college basketball teams are sprinting toward the finish line over the next couple weeks, allow me to help you pause and remember something important: Life is not a sprint.

That’s one reason why we talk about “Lent” this time of year. Lent is the 40 days leading to Easter (we’re 30 days out today). We mark these 40 days to help us slow down a bit and reflect on our lives and our lives with God.

I was just talking to a friend of mine who said he has been sprinting at a frantic pace and desperately needs to slow down—somehow—but there is no end in sight. I told him what I tell you now… You don’t see an end in sight because there’s no end in sight! You might think, “when this, then this…” but let’s be honest. After this there will be more of that. There will be more busyness, more chaos, more need, more rush… It won’t end in this culture. So…

We need to take control of our rhythms of rest and reflection in the midst of THIS SEASON. Now. Not later. Now.

Build in margin this week.

Start a habit of reflection today.

Get on the floor and play with your children tonight.

Later isn’t good enough. Schedule it now.

Lent is about less… so we can experience more of God.

Lent is the 40 days before EASTER because EASTER is the event that changes everything. EASTER represents the grace of God you can’t earn… you can’t work for… you can’t achieve. It’s a gift from God. His generous sacrifice for your eternal benefit.

If you haven’t watched my short video about Lent, do so here.

Then, watch some basketball today. Play some basketball today. Play… pause… reflect.

Life is short, but it’s not a frantic, out-of-control sprint. God has done the heavy lifting. Walk with God.

Oh, and make sure you join me Sunday—8:30, 10, 11:30a & 6p—it will be a special day.

caleb

P.S.: Listen to recent messages here.

P.P.S.: Give to Mariners HB or our Step In Building campaign here.

A Note From Jeff Pries

MessageFrom-OH

If you are hungry, it’s a great weekend to come to church as we will have a pancake breakfast after first service, and a barbecue after second service. There will be fun and games for the kids and a banjo led blues band playing some of our favorite music (ok, I can’t promise that). I look forward to seeing you as we continue in our series Follow Me, a look at what it means to follow Jesus.

This Sunday we will be looking at life in the area of relationships. We will see the key to connecting with others and making relationships work. So come hungry to eat and ready to worship. And as always, it’s a great weekend to invite a friend.

Blessings,
Jeff

Community Nights

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This is a great first step into life groups at Mariners Ocean Hills.
Community Nights will begin at 6pm with food served in the foyer and on the patio, we will then have time for your life group to engage with each other from 7-8 pm around tables in the main worship center. contact Cole, cbeshore@marinerschurch.org

COMMUNITY NIGHTS
Tuesdays through Mar 21, 6-8p
$25/person for the series ($5 per night, includes dinner)
Childcare: $25/child or $50/family of 2 or more for the series ($5 per night and includes dinner)

Women’s Retreat

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Join us for an oasis in your busy year that will allow for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual rest and renewal. The weekend will include moving messages from our speakers, engaging worship, fireside coffee and treats, as much activity or leisure time as you need to make this your perfect retreat. More info and register.

WOMEN’S SPRING RETREAT
May 5-7, Forest Home Mountain Retreat