Page 35 - Mariners Church Jubilee Book

1996 brought big changes to Mariners. The verse chosen that year brought peace and hope in confusing times. It was no coincidence South Coast Community Church chose the same passage
as their church verse.
Amazingly, the two churches merged back into one faith community meeting on two campuses. Two congregations and two staffs came together to teach God’s Word and serve their communities. Like a blended family, both churches had to learn to be one, to compromise and set aside differences
in the name of fulfilling God’s purposes. It was one of the most challenging seasons of ministry in both churches’ histories, but one that would prove to be a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.
Also in 1996, we opened Lighthouse Community Center on Minnie Street in Santa Ana. Partnering with the community, volunteers from Mariners built relationships
with neighborhood kids through tutoring and after-school programs. Parents were offered resources in parenting and language classes and as time went on,
a strong bond with the community was formed that endures today. Since then, we have opened three additional community centers in Santa Ana,
Huntington Beach and Orange.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Church Verse
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