Mariners Community Church

Q&A with the congregation regarding Pastor Paul's retirement announcement.

March 16th, 2025

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So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. -Jesus, John 13:34

It’s like I can love in “general” but it’s harder in the specifics. 

Ever see that Charlie Brown cartoon sketch of Linus standing in a field yelling, "I love mankind... it's people I can't stand!!

Ha! I know a few people that might have that perspective once in a while. So, how do we love each other as Jesus has commanded?  Well Pastor Paul has some thoughts on just that. Let's listen..

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Well, it’s with a whole bundle of mixed feelings that I’m writing this. I love you all and I love this church which God has created through you. And, of course, I love being your pastor.
During the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that it’s getting harder and harder for me to be the pastor you and this place needs and deserves. It’s not you--it’s ME. After the crazy medical stuff, I’m just not the same—my energy and effectiveness is way less that it was.
I joke about getting old, but the reality is--I am! And what’s worse is I see it, know it, and FEEL it!

I’ve prayed with and spoken to my closest friends, pastors, and counselors. They affirm that it is a good and healthy time that we as a church begin the process of transitioning to a different lead pastor to take us into the future here at Mariners. I made this announcement last Sunday and, if you want, you can view it on our website
This transition process will take time and I’m here with you through it all. Remember, this is also my church family so I’m planning on staying here even after I’ve stepped aside.
We do have a great team in place to begin the process of doing all that goes into finding the right person to shepherd this place. And your involvement will be needed as time goes on.
Next Sunday, March 16, in the worship center after our 10:45 service we will have an informal conversation to share more about this where we can answer your questions and talk about the process. I would love for you to stay for that. Yup, we’ll have childcare.
This is a GOOD thing! God knows exactly what He’s doing. And He is Good. And this will be a pretty cool time! And I (still and will always) love being your pastor!

Pastor Paul
   PS: In the meantime, PRAY for God’s work on the Coast. Pray for the person God is preparing for this ministry. Also pray for Lisa and me—after 37 years it’s a little emotional to step aside from this place and pastoring people we love. 

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MESSAGE Series THRIVE: Drawing Near to God 

This week Pastor Paul discusses the act of worship. Let's listen.

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Why do we care about the Bible? 

In this week's message, youth pastor Matt Kang discusses the bible, what it is and why it's more than a book of rules and regulations. Let's listen.

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Take a few moments to close your eyes and connect with God as Pastor Paul Richardson leads you closer to God through a guided prayer meditation.

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Life has a way of chopping us down sometimes.  We can feel beat up by this life and feel disappointed. Disappointment in ourselves and in others. It has an effect on us, on our perspective, on our outlook on life.  When we make mistakes, when we mess up, we feel guilty, ashamed of what we’ve done and so we hide.  This affects our ability to love others and to let ourselves be loved.  

The truth is we are damaged people; maybe your parent’s divorce messed you up, or Middle School messed you up, or your choices messed you up. 

And having been damaged, we unknowingly damage others by our behaviors, our reactions, like anger, envy, bitterness.  

But God.... 
Jesus comes to reverse all that, by pouring out HIS incredible love and grace and acceptance of YOU—not matter who you are or what you have done. He said: I’ll die on a cross for you.  

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” 
-Jesus, Revelation 3:20

In today's message, Pastor Paul Richardson discusses prayer.  Prayer is our direct connection to God. But prayer sometimes feels daunting. We don't know what to say, we may feel like we don't approach God with enough reverence, or maybe we think "I don't know any prayers." 

Today's message will help you understand what prayer is meant to be and will help you experience the comfortable and peace received after talking to God.  Let's listen.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
~James 4:8 

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“I have come that you might have life, and have it to the fullest.” 
-Jesus, John 10:10

Do you sometimes find yourself asking "where is God in the day-to-day hassles of life?"  So why are we faced with so many annoying obstacles?!   

In this week's message Pastor Paul Richardson discusses how we can put ourselves in the best position to grow and trust and rely and draw upon God's help to have strength and to help you to build up the emotional reserves that you need when situations come up, big and small. 

Let's listen

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God gives you and me AUTHORITY and RESPONSIBILITY. 

         If I am going to thrive in life, as I grow, I need to take more and more AUTHORITY over my life, and RESPONSIBILITY to make it happen. 

This sounds really bad, but it’s true:  Whenever I don’t take charge of what God has given me to do, I fall from the position that God has given me.

         And there are usually bad results.  Let's listen to Pastor Paul Richardson.

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God has made us very complex.

I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Psalm 139:1

Our Emotional Health is tied to our Spiritual Health which is tied to our Relational Health. 

We were made to be perfect AND we are just not equipped to be imperfect. 

When you become a follower of Jesus and say: “Yes” to Christ as Savior and you want to become a child of God—He gives you a part of Himself. He searches your heart and shows you what you need to change. 

He will lead and guide you in life.  

He is called: The Helper: to help you make changes. 

He applies the Bible to your life.

He will correct you.

He helps you pray. 

He encourages you. 

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