HISTORY: Mariners originated in the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, CA in 1927 under the leadership of the Reverend and Mrs. Louis H. Evans. The purpose of the effort was to bring couples into a closer relationship with their Christian faith and the church and provide meaningful social activities. The concept was to form an organized group (called a “Ship”) that could be called upon to provide a service and leadership to the church.

MEMBERS: Originally Mariners was designed to be a couples organization. In recent years, individuals, who through one circumstance or another, are “single” – are now encouraged to join and participate in Mariner’s activities by joining an appropriate ship.

SHIP ORGANIZATION: Continuing with the “nautical” theme – Ships officers are Skippers (President), First Mates (Vice President), Second Mates (Chaplains), Log Keepers (Secretary), Pursers (Treasurer), Cargo Masters (work parties), and Lookouts (new members).

MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES: Meeting times, activities and programs vary from ship to ship. Most ships meet on a monthly basis – some taking the summer months off. Each ship has a written set of rules defining its design and goals. Most ships have a Business meeting – the Log Keeper reads the minutes of the last meeting, and reports from the Purser, Cargo Masters and Lookouts are addressed. Devotional and prayer times are encouraged and are usually coordinated by the Chaplain. Activities are at the ships' best creative minds – this varies from ship to ship depending on the age and needs of its members. Refreshments too are at the discretion of the ships and the members responsible for the monthly meeting’s activities.

CARGO: Each ship decides how to assess dues and create programs that produce funds that can be used to support the ship’s activities as well as support suggested church wide needs.

FLEET COMMAND: The Fleet Board is comprised of representatives of each of the ships. Fleet Board meets on the first Tuesday of the month. The Board has it’s own officers: Admiral, Executive Officer, Log Keeper, Cargo Master and Lookouts. A staff Pastor is assigned to be a liaison between the Fleet and ships and the FPC Staff. The Fleet coordinates different church functions such as the Fleet (church-wide) dinner, Chili Cook Off and the Ice Cream Social. One of the primary functions of the Fleet is to reach out to prospective “mariners” and to sponsor and help “launch” new ships. Contact: Admirals Jim & Marilyn Willoughby  

FPC MARINER SHIPS AT A GLANCE

ARK: Age Group is 55+. Members are limited to 12 Couples and meet on the second Saturday of the month. Activities include games, guest speakers, travel logs and an occasional night out for dinner and or theater.
Contact: Roger & Grace Stansfield

CALYPSO: Age Group is 40’s to 50’s. Members meet once a month in the evening for activities such as mystery dinners, wine tasting, bowling, BBQ and swimming, Vanentine dinner hosted by the men, and church-wide events. New members welcome.
Contact: Elizabeth Payette

HORIZONS: Age Group is 62+. Members are active retirees from Sun City Lincoln Hills who meet monthly for social activities. Singles and Couples are welcome.
Contact: Jim & Shirley Knight

ICEBREAKERS: Age Group is 50’s and 60’s. Members meet on the fourth Saturday of the month – for good fun and Christian fellowship. Activities include theater parties and concerts – potluck dinners, car rally’s, BBQ’s and game nights and always includes food.
Contact: Bob and Diane McCarthy

LIGHTHOUSE: Age Group is late 50’s to 60's. Members meet on the second Saturday of the month. Different members plan programs each month with a combination of in-home fellowship and outings, such as bowling, miniature golf, football games and trips to local sites of interest. We are looking for new members, singles and couples.
Contact: Ray and Elsa Fish

LINCOLN PROPELLERS: Age group is 62+. Members are located in the Sun City Lincoln Hills area and include both singles and couples. Group meets on the second Saturday of the month in the evenings. Activities include dinners, musical programs, plays and other cultural events, as well as participation in Fleet Wide programs.
Contact: Jim and Donna Gilchrist

POLARIS: Age group is 40+. Members meet on the first Saturday of the month (except July and August) at 6:00 PM in the Family Life Center Dining Room. The meeting includes fellowship, dinner, devotions, a program and brief business meeting. We have two activity groups: A “Lunch Bunch” and a Theatre/Dinner group.
Contact: Jim and Marilyn Willoughby

SCHOONERS: Age group is 55+. Members reside in Sun City Lincoln Hills and meet the second Friday of the month in a member's home or go on an activity. Activities: Crocker Art Museum tour, Roseville's Magic Theater plays, bocce ball and picnic evening, wine tour, hike to Spencerville Falls, progressive BBQ dinner and Valentine potluck dinner. Schooners emphasize fellowship and supporting causes that members can contribute to financially and with time and talent.
Contact: Charlotte Raifaisen

SHIPMATES: Age group is 40's to 50’s. We are a younger ship of couples with children. Group meets monthly for a wide variety of activities designed for adults and sometimes children.
Contact: Bob & Joni King

SUN RIGGERS: Age group is 62+. Ship comprised of members in the Lincoln Hills area. Group meets the first Friday evening of the month in member’s homes or announced meeting places. Activities include dinners, musical programs, guest speakers and game nights.
Contact: Tom and Sherry Ross

SUN SHIP: Age group is 62+. Members must reside in Sun City, Roseville and includes both singles and couples. Group usually meets in either the Sun City Pines Club Room or in the FPC Family Life Center Dining room on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Programs are designed by members and include fellowship, devotions, a brief business meeting and a “dessert”. Activities include guest speakers, games, potluck dinners and off-site cultural events.
Contact: Fred and Peg Barrie and Dave & Dolly Fiddyment