Encouragement in a Basket; a Tradition of Giving

Encouragement in a Basket; a Tradition of Giving

Each Christmas Eve, when Debbie Gehret and her family would return home from her mother-in-law’s house, they would find a basket filled with pine boughs, tangerines and nuts. “It was a sweet gesture from a neighbor that served as a seed of inspiration,” she said. ...
Compelled by God ​to Make a Difference

Compelled by God ​to Make a Difference

When Jared Larsen first got involved in youth ministry, he felt neither called nor equipped. He felt compelled by God. So, he reluctantly took on a small-group leader role in the grade school and middle school program at his Minnesota church. ​ A year later, when the...
A Love that Never Lets Go

A Love that Never Lets Go

As a kid, Ole Hurst loved to go to church with his Dad. His neighbors also went to church. Ole enjoyed the fellowship. Life was good. God’s love stood strong in Ole through the support of Mama Sue, Ole’s aunt who lived with his family.  She was like a mother to him. ...
A Heart to Welcome and Connect People

A Heart to Welcome and Connect People

Who greeted you the first time you attended Mariners?  It might have been Judy Baker. Through her work as a greeter, Welcome Center host, Office Angel, Connections Team Member and more, Judy enjoys dedicating time and effort to making sure first-time guests, and even...
Enhancing Worship Through Creativity

Enhancing Worship Through Creativity

Lynn Wilson stepped out in faith five years ago when Shana Pond invited her to lead the worship enhancement team. The team is responsible for creating worship environments that reflect the theme of a message series and/or season. Lynn had never considered herself...