Create intentional space for God with this 40-day Lent Journey as we prepare our hearts for Easter. More info and download the PDF.
40-DAY LENT JOURNEY
now through Easter
A Note From Jeff Pries
I hope you are enjoying our series, Art of Relationships. Last week, we talked about comparing, and we were challenged to not give in to the desire to compare, wishing things were different. Comparing impacts our relationships because it leads to envy and resentment. This week I failed. My son didn’t get a hit in his last baseball game and all I could focus on was the fact that all the other kids did. At least I didn’t go home and ask him “what’s wrong with you?” Instead I encouraged him.
I, like you, am a work in progress and I have to say that what we’re looking at this week has had more impact on my relationships than any other topic. I know this sounds exaggerated, but it’s not. This is a life changing relational component and you don’t want to miss it. And if you need another reason to join us, it’s supposed to be hot and we will have the A/C on full blast.
God is doing great things at Mariners Ocean Hills. I love doing life together.
Blessings,
Jeff
A Note From Kyle Zimmerman
Yesterday, we began our journey to Good Friday and Easter with Ash Wednesday, a time where we come together and focus our hearts on the sacrifice of Jesus. Thousands from our church have chosen to give up something in this 40-day season of Lent. Sugar… coffee… television… whatever it is you choose, I want to invite you into this Lent Journey with us as it tunes our hearts to the voice of God. From my own experience and for those on our staff, we’ve seen God take the space that is created when we turn loose of something, and aim our hearts at who He is, filling us with more of His voice, his guiding and presence. It’s not too late to jump in and participate in this spiritual adventure with us!
Have you been following the wisdom of James this week? Are you being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry with those around you? I’ve heard from so many of you how the practical wisdom and tools from James have been transforming your conversations and relationships this week. That’s what God’s Word and the Holy Spirit does – ignites our hearts and gives us the wisdom and power to become everything He has called us to be.
This weekend, we continue in our Art of Relationships series and I’m so excited as we gather to focus on love! There are so many questions surrounding love…What is love? What’s the purpose? Who created it? How do we fall in love? How do we stay in love? We’re going to look at God’s Word and find truth that will calibrate, aim and transform our thinking, actions and lives. When we grab ahold of God’s truth and integrate it into our lives, it gives us a beautiful picture of His great gift of love, transforming us and our relationships. This, on a Valentine’s Day weekend where culture is considering what love is and who it’s for, is a perfect time to invite friends and family to come and hear the truth about love! This will be a great weekend.
Looking forward to seeing and being with you all!
Peace,
Kyle
A Note From Caleb Anderson
Someone surprised the group I was with recently and bought our entire meal—seven people. We were sitting there with our cards out anticipating the painful process of split-and-tip when the server said, “Oh, it’s been taken care of.” Awesome!
And that one act of kindness inspired a member of our group to buy a subsequent meal for another table of people later in the week. Feel the love, spread the love!
How can you spread a little love between today and Sunday?
It gets real these next two Sundays. Make sure you join us this week for a hope-filled message about…
LOVE | DATING | MARRIAGE
Normal service times:
8:30 | 10 | 11:30 | 6*
…As we continue in our Art of Relationships series. Jump over to Facebook and watch an intro video I just shot, then share it with your friends as an invitation to church.
Remember, everyone around you is going through something—something that you’re probably unaware of. Create “buffers of grace” and love people even when they don’t deserve it. We’re becoming better people and making this world a better place as we invite God to love others through us.
*Bonus tasty treat on the patio following the 6pm service.
See you Sunday.
caleb
P.S.: Listen to recent messages here.
P.P.S: Give online to Mariners HB here.
A Note From Jeff Maguire
“When they started their night, they appeared one way. When they returned, they were different, better. Clearly, something magical had happened” he said.
I hoped he wasn’t exaggerating.
He reassured me. Whatever happened on that night with those couples — the ones he observed — was detectable on them. When they dropped off their kids for child care prior to the last Mariners MV Date Night, all the observable pressures that weighed upon them were no different than our own: bills to be paid, schedules to keep, people to impress, carpools to sort out, lunches to be packed, friendships, in-laws, old issues, new issues, insecurities to try to bury, and jealousies to silence. But, something must’ve happened, because upon their return to pick up their kids, they appeared to be different. The old pressures surely weren’t lifted. They didn’t win a bag of money as a door prize to help deal with their debt. There was no counseling “a-ha” that helped them to reconcile a deep wound from either of their pasts. But, they were different nonetheless.
Mariners Date Night is no marriage overhaul. It’s brief and lighthearted. It’s time spent elevating the importance of that one most important of all human relationships — the relationship we have with our spouse. We don’t make anyone confess anything into a microphone. We don’t spend two hours in a Bible study. We don’t do counseling. Amanda and I will talk briefly about one or two things to tune up your marriage. Then, we send you out. Mariners MV will watch your kids (until 9:30pm).
On Friday, February 12th we’ll host a Date Night. A number of people, looking for a different take on Valentine’s Day have told us that this Date Night has become their Valentine’s dinner. Doors will open at 6:30pm. There will be plenty of great hors d’oeuvres. Amanda and I will share a few thoughts before sending you out on your date. Don’t miss it. Let us know you’re coming and whether or not you’ll need child care by registering here. Perhaps after a short date night you’ll come back a bit different, too. Maybe it’ll even be “magical.” Who knows?
See you soon,
Jeff
Date Night
Join us for some serious fun, as we add helpful tools to your marriage toolbox; then head to your favorite date spot. More info and register or search “date night” on our website. Contact Kasaundra with questions, kdomen@marinerschurch.org
DATE NIGHT
Fri, Feb 12, 6:30-9:30p
Oak View Valentine’s Movie Night
Enjoy a free movie with your family and families from the Oak View Community! Help with Valentine’s crafts, popcorn and other movie treats, along with lots of fun to be had by all! Please bring a blanket to sit on. More info here or search “Valentine” on our website. Contact Monica with questions, mbannister@marinerschurch.org
OAK VIEW FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Fri, Feb 12, 6-8p, Oak View Family Resource Center Gym
(17261 Oak Lane, HB)
Step In
We are Stepping In! Together we are believing that God will do what only He can do, while we pray and give boldly for the future of Mariners HB and our new church home! It’s going to be amazing to watch this journey unfold so don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of it! Visit the Step In table on the patio this Sunday for more details and how you can Step In today. To give online, click here.
Fearless 5K
Join us for our first 5K! All participants will receive a race shirt and finisher’s medal. Enjoy post race festivities and meet new friends! Race is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Proceeds benefit children in our foster care ministry. More info and register. Walk up registration is available for $50.
Sat, Feb 20, 7a, Mariners Church, Irvine
$40/adult and $20/kid
Lunar New Year Festival
Join us as we celebrate Lunar New Year together! Enjoy fellowship, cultural activities and food! More info here or search “lunar” on our website. Email with questions, mariners.asia@gmail.com
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Sat, Feb 20, 6:30-8:30p, Community Center