A Church that Loves Students!

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Over 2,100 adults and kids got a “sneak peek” tour of the Student Center this spring, and listened to the Student Ministries staff share their ministry values for the space and their enthusiasm to extend Christ’s love to students. Whether it be in the “jam” room or the “hang out” lounge, the worship room or the skate plaza, we want students to feel comfortable on our campus. Kenton is challenging us to be the church that loves students, not just tolerates them. Having more teenagers on campus who don’t yet know Jesus is our goal. It might get a little messy and inconvenient, but by loving these students just as they are, we have the chance to be different than the world around them - and make a difference in their lives for eternity! See photos of the tour in our Photo Gallery

Student Center Tours!

Now you can experience the Student Center construction progress first-hand!

Saturday & Sunday following each service
- May 17&18
- May 24&25
- May 31& June 1

Over these three weekends, we’re offering guided tours through the construction zone where you’ll be able to see and feel the vision in a way that is only possible by stepping into the building site.

You’ll see the incredible double-decker basketball court where tennis shoes will soon be squeaking and students will be shouting, laughing and high-fiving. You’ll also see the skate park where junior high and high school students will be doing kick-flips, ollies and other cool skateboarding moves. And the snack bar and lounge –where meaningful conversations will take place and students will hear about Jesus. It’s where kids can enter into a life-changing relationship with Him.

We excited and don’t want you to miss this opportunity to catch the vision. So, grab your construction boots (okay, any close-toed shoes will do) and join us after weekend services. We’ll meet outside on the patio near the baptism pool. See you there!

Jeff's Generation Update

click here to watch the video

Park It!

The parking structure is open for business! Yes, we know, something big and gray and square isn’t that glamorous. But as the first of three milestones in the Generations campaign, what it represents is huge. Not only are there 680 lovely new spaces for you to park your car, there are lovely new spaces for new people to park their cars! We are thankful to be able to provide more parking; so more people can come to our church and experience God’s love. Thank you for your sacrificial giving to make this happen. God is using you to help reach our community.

As we move forward in our campus expansion, space around here continues to change. The parking lot in front of the Bookstore and adjacent to the Life Development Building will be closed for demolition and grading in preparation for construction of the Chapel. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make our campus a welcoming environment for you and those in our community.

Still moving and shaking

Though it’s summer, things are still moving and shaking in Student Ministries. As construction continues on the parking structure and will start soon on the Student Center, the Junior High and High School Ministries are flourishing. Here’s a quick look:
  • 250 high school students ventured down to Mexico with Casa de Baja to build 13 homes for deserving families. As walls went up and roofs went on, lives were changed. Not just the lives of people who finally had livable housing, but the lives of students as well. Listen to Student Ministries Pastor Jeff Maguire’s story.
  • Junior High Pastor Phil Shinners recently got an email from a mother of a junior high student. In response to an announcement for a new Bible study, she wrote, “We came back to Mariners because you have a passion for kids and this is the exact type of growth we are looking for for our kids.” This God-given passion is what drives our Student Ministries team to keep reaching out to students in our area with the hope and love of Jesus.
Stay tuned as construction progress ramps up...

We’re off and running!

It’s been exciting to see how God is working in the hearts of our church family over the past couple of months. Our Generations campaign has been met with an overwhelming response as people seek God’s plan for their involvement in our campus expansion. To date, you have pledged $21.5 million!

And the work has begun…As we speak (well, write), the Tent is being taken down and the Community Center is being transformed to a cool (albeit temporary) meeting/hang place for students. This is all in preparation for the construction that will begin where the Tent is located.

When you get a chance, check out the Community Center. But you’ll have to wait your turn on the skate ramp.

It’s in the air

Can you feel it? That growing sense of panic that there’s no way you can get everything done before Christmas? Yes, it’s a common affliction this time of year. That’s why Pastor Kenton’s pre-Thanksgiving message was much-needed dose of “Slow down there, mister.”

Kenton reminded us that if we’re not careful, our God-given hopes and dreams become expectations – of the
Veruca Salt variety. And that’s when we lose the sense of thankfulness and contentment that is so important, especially in this mall-crazed, buy-now-pay-later season. Saying “thank you” to God for what he has given us (our health, family, home, etc.) reminds us that God is the giver of all good things.

This weekend was also pivotal in our Generations campaign. Kenton asked us to commit to a 36-month adventure together, through prayer or giving to Generations, and indicate our commitment on a card turned in at the end of the service. Stay tuned for updates on this important new phase in the life of our church…

Introducing the Chapel

During this weekend's services, Pastor Kenton introduced us to the Chapel and its importance on our church campus. Perfect for weddings, memorial services, and more formal worship, the Chapel will fill the need for a more intimate and ceremonial space. The adjacent lake will somewhat separate the serene Chapel from the rest of the campus, and in Kenton’s words, serve as a “protective moat” from the activity and crowds around the rest of the campus.

Port Mariners Poster and Essay Festival

Break out the Crayolas! The children of Port Mariners were invited to write and draw about ways they want to serve God when they get older. Take some time to appreciate their works of art as you enter the Worship Center.

High-flying Riders4Christ

The high-flying Riders4Christ recently dropped in for a visit. They defied gravity, amazed the crowd and helped “launch” our Generations campaign. (Get it? Launch?) Click here to check out pics. P.S. Don’t try this at home.

A Life of Significance

To set the stage for the launch of our "Generations" campaign, we welcomed guest speaker Pastor Doug Fields from Saddleback Church. Doug has pastored students in Orange County for 25 years, including a few who became pastors here at Mariners. Our own Jeff Maguire, Timmy(!) Timmons and Chris Lagerlof are living proof of Doug’s investment in students and his confidence that lives can be changed for Christ at a young age. After a few funny stories and an incriminating video of young Jeff and Tim (with lots of hair), Doug shared his thoughts on living a life of significance and legacy. He reminded us that “we don’t need a lot of equipment – we are the equipment” and God will use us in the lives of others if we make ourselves available to Him.

the first Night of Vision

click here to see photos from the first Night of Vision