Why Outreach Serve Series?

Mariners Outreach has a tremendous opportunity twice a year to show our church how serving others effects lifechange for both our volunteers and the communities we serve. We believe that serving the poor and needy in Southern California and throughout the world is not optional as Christians. We believe Jesus calls us to follow Him and He gave two simple commandments that summarize what it means to be a follower: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Who is our neighbor then? Jesus challenges us by using the parable of a Samaritan to define our neighbor. A Samaritan to the Jewish people was racially, socioeconomically, and relationally inferior. They were outcasts who were despised, avoided and ignored. In our daily struggle to follow Him, our different backgrounds, values, and goals cloud our ability to see everyone as our neighbor. We may know that our neighbors include those who are different from us racially and socioeconomically, but to truly love them means acting to meet their needs.

We have an amazing opportunity this fall to take the whole church on a journey to understand what it means to love our neighbors. We are excited to announce Mariners Church will have a four week Serve Series: Be the Church-Change the World. October 24/25 through November 14/15. Never before have we had an extended opportunity to engage our congregation in living what is called a “missional lifestyle”. As we learn together what it means to live this servant lifestyle we hope many will experience serving for the first time. Our prayer is also for those currently serving to see what it might mean to take a next step in an exciting new way. During the four week series we will have several opportunities to grow in our understanding of the struggles many people in Orange County face. We hope to learn together and even challenge the way we view life…and ultimately understand how to live God’s call of a missional lifestyle.

Watch | Listen

Weekend 1
Where is the Love | Senior Pastor Kenton Beshore
watch | listen
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Weekend 2
Heroic Acts of Kindless | Senior Pastor Kenton Beshore
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Weekend 3
Cross Wired | Senior Pastor Kenton Beshore
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Weekend 4
Unleash the Power | Senior Pastor Kenton Beshore
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Serve Series Recap

Over the past three weeks, we’ve seen God at work in our church family, challenging our perspectives and the way we live out our faith in Him. Our church has stepped up to the challenge. We are celebrating amazing acts of courageous faith and sacrifice.

• We reached our goal of 30 tons of food equaling over $95,000. Because of your generosity and compassion, we blessed single moms here in Irvine, families at our Lighthouse Community Centers, the homeless in shelters in Laguna Beach and San Clemente, foster kids in group homes in Orange County, food pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank, Families Forward and Orange County Rescue Mission. The impact is huge and will continue to be felt for months to come.

• Almost 4,000 people experienced The Real OC exhibit and learned about the catastrophic issues facing many in our community. Our church responded with compassion as thousands of food boxes were filled and returned.

• Nearly 400 people attended Local Nights and discovered a deeper understanding of poverty, inner city challenges and what life is like for many foster kids. As a result, people have been moved to serve. Over 6,000 hours of service have been invested in the last three weeks alone.

• We partnered with a new ministry called Safe Families. Parents experiencing a temporary crisis can arrange for their children to stay with a volunteer family while they address the issues that led to their situation. Over 50 people responded, which moves us closer to the goal of 50 Safe Families.

• $317,000 was generously given above and beyond our normal church offering. This money will fund all of our work with those in need.

We are so grateful for the hearts of our people and the impact our church is having. As we begin the holiday season, we have much to be thankful for and much to celebrate. Celebrate Different.

Thank you for being part of the journey with us.

Mariners Outreach