Rec Min Message December 2025

Every year we dig out our Christmas decorations and begin the tedious task of turning our home into a beautiful holiday wonderland. For me, decorating my Christmas tree is like reading my life journal. Each ornament represents some special event that happened each year. A house ornament - first Christmas in my new home, a silver baby rattle and rocking horse - my children’s first Christmas, a ballerina - Kennedy’s first year of ballet, a soccer ball - Tucker’s first year playing soccer, a framed photo of Sam - our family dog long gone now. After so many years, I had to add trees just to hold all of these important and special memories.

So why do I keep these special memories tucked away in the attic of all places? Maybe it’s because this is where they won’t be disturbed. They sit safely in boxes all year long, wrapped and protected, waiting for the season to remind me of all that my life has been through. I celebrate each one as I carefully place it on my tree(s). They represent the reminder of God’s faithfulness in different chapters of my life. All throughout Scripture, God calls His people to pause, look back, and remember His faithfulness in every season.

This year, as you decorate your tree, remember the moments God carried you, blessed you, strengthened you, and surprised you.

Blessings,

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message November 2025

Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday. In fact, it took place in different states for more than 200 years before it became official. The person who made it happen was a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale.

Sarah was a mother, a writer, and the author of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” She deeply believed that America needed one special day every year to thank God together as a nation so for 17 years, she wrote letters to governors, congressmen, and even presidents. Most of them ignored her but Sarah wrote one more letter to President Abraham Lincoln. It was 1863 and the Civil War was raging and families were divided. Thousands were dying every month. It seemed like the last thing anyone would do was celebrate.

In her letter to President Lincoln, Sarah reminded him that even in times of great sorrow, nations need to thank God for what blessings they still have - for harvest, for life, for hope. Lincoln agreed and he issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday in November 1863 a day of national thanksgiving to God. Even while the war continued, people across the country paused, prayed, and gave thanks. It was a moment of hope and unity in one of America’s darkest hours.

That’s how our Thanksgiving holiday was born not in times of peace, but in times of pain. Gratitude isn’t just for when things go well and reminds us in the darkest hour we still have blessings all around us.

Blessings,
Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message October 2025

A while back, a friend stopped by for a quick visit between errands. In her hurried, almost scattered conversation, she accidentally mentioned a surprise gift for me from another friend. Immediately, she exclaimed, “I didn’t mean to do that!”—and the surprise was ruined. This wasn’t unusual for her; in her rush, she often lets things slip. But it made me wonder: were her intentions careless, or was it simply a distracted mistake?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether certain behaviors are intentional or not. I’ve always taught my children to be intentional with everything. Intend not to do something—by choosing to be more careful about who, what, how, or when. Or intend to do something—with purpose. Either way, make it matter.Shifting from unintentional to intentional living begins with self-awareness: knowing your values, setting clear goals, and prioritizing what truly counts. It also requires mindfulness—staying present in the moment rather than getting lost in the rush of life. Building healthy habits, setting boundaries, and practicing wise time management all help move us toward living intentionally.

Finally, intentional living means reflection. Take time to evaluate your choices, learn from mistakes, and realign with your values. This journey isn’t about perfection, but about daily progress—trusting God to guide your steps as you live with purpose.

Blessings,
Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message September 2025

Vacations are supposed to be a break from the everyday grind — the constant work–home–work cycle. Have you ever gone on a vacation and not been completely stressed out during the packing, loading of the car, traveling, and reaching your destination? That concentrated amount of stress almost cancels out the relaxation of vacation! Then, you have to do it all over again to get home. Sometimes we need a vacation from the vacation.

Years ago, I decided to be intentional about going on vacation without added stressors of planning & preparing. I started packing a week ahead. I stopped trying to pack for everyone else. I left work at home. I also stopped filling every vacation day with a packed itinerary and made room for quiet times. It was in those quiet moments, that I found space to reflect what had changed in my life, what needed to change, and how I could intentionally pursue joy through simplicity rather than adding more.

Intentionally adjusting the rhythm of daily life to align more closely with God’s purpose requires slowing down, making room to hear Him, and reshaping routines to include times of stillness and spiritual growth — a transformation that brings lasting purpose. Eventually, we discover that we no longer need a vacation to find that peace — a retreat that becomes part of our daily life!

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Photo from my last vacation at Lay Lake in Sylacauga AL-MKG

Rec Min Messsage August 2025

Whether you work in a faith-based organization or a secular setting, your character is revealed through your daily actions. Individuals who profess their faith but whose behaviors fail to align with their beliefs causes a lack of respect for others, poor leadership, or negative attitudes. This often led to low morale and a diminished sense of purpose among staff. This raises an important question: Do your actions and the way you treat others reflect the love of Christ?

Living out the Christian faith in the workplace involves more than simply identifying as a believer—it requires intentionally reflecting Christ’s character in every aspect of your professional life. Even if evangelism isn't part of your official role in your job, your conduct should consistently show the values of your faith: ethical decision-making, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Christian professionals are called to influence others positively by embodying humility, kindness, honesty, and respect in every interaction. Through work ethic, attitudes, and treatment of colleagues, they should visibly reflect the love and nature of Christ. Sharing one’s faith through genuine conversations can offer encouragement and hope to others. In this way, Christians act as ambassadors for Christ—not only through words but through a life that speaks volumes.

Blessings,
Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message July 2025

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, The Dog Days of Summer. Well, they are coming!

The "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest, most humid period of the year, typically from early July to early September. It is not a new phrase. Ancient Romans associated the intense summer heat with the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star." Sirius, aka Canis Major (Large Dog) is the brightest star in the sky. Since Sirius rose and set with the sun, the Romans believed this contributed to the extreme heat, so they named this time period the Dog Days of Summer.

In Genesis, we read that "God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). The star, Sirius (the "Dog Star"), is part of God's creation. Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

So, God created the Dog Days of Summer. Some of us down south are thinking maybe he could have skipped that season. However, we know He makes no mistakes, and we know there is a reason for everything.

Heat transforms many things into more beautiful creations and that includes us.

In the physical world, heat is often used to relieve pain, soothe muscles, and restore health (like a warm compress on astrained muscle or hot bath after a long grueling day). Spiritually, we can think of the "heat" of God's refining process as a necessary part of the healing journey.

Enjoy the blessings of the heat and make the best of life this summer. You will appreciate the fall and winter months and on the coldest days you will remember to thank God for the upcoming Dog Days of Summer.

Blessings,
Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message June 2025

My staff and I had an interesting discussion recently about topics related to nutrition, health, and behavior. We touched on numerous diseases, disorders, emerging diagnoses, and other unknown conditions that have appeared over the past few decades. But the question remains: were these issues absent 50 years ago, or are we just more aware of them now? It’s overwhelming trying to pinpoint the root causes of many of today’s health challenges, and opinions vary widely—from experts to those with little knowledge of the subject. One thing is clear, though: nutrition, health, and behavior are all interconnected.

When it comes to health, simplicity is often the best approach. Simple foods are better for our bodies, simple portions properly nourish us, and simple exercises keep us physically active in a safe way. We see positive results both physically and mentally when we follow these simple choices. There will be days when it seems like it’s not working. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day so be forgiving with yourself as you take time and effort to become a healthier person each day. This process never stops - you can never be too healthy!

This principle also extends to our spiritual life. The Bible has a multitude of scripture regarding taking care of our bodies. Scripture often emphasizes the connection between spiritual and physical health. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” We are instructed to be healthy in all ways and the best way to do that is to keep it simple and be consistent. Just like with seeing changes in our bodies with healthier eating…take time to be in the word and allow each day to grow your faith - like with our healthy eating, the process doesn’t stop and you can never grow too much in your faith!

Blessings,

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message May 2025

Dear Recreation Ministry Participants,

We want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for choosing our facility as a part of your fitness and faith journey. Whether you're attending fitness classes, walking on the indoor track, playing basketball, pickleball, working out in the fitness room, or have children participating in C-Sports, we are truly blessed to have you with us.

In the early 2000s, our church had a vision: to create a Recreation Ministry that would reach people through faith based uplifting activities that strengthen the body and promote overall personal growth. By God’s grace, that vision has blossomed into a ministry now serving over 5,000 people. We are so grateful for the past 21 years of ministry and the many lives it has touched.

Thanks to the generosity of our church member family and faithful participants like you, we've been able to offer many of our resources—including the fitness room, walking track, and several exercise classes—at little or no cost. As we move through our 21st year, we find ourselves needing to update, repair, or replace some of our equipment in the facility. Since we operate on a zero-based budget, your support can make all the difference in helping us meet these needs.

If you are not a church member, or not already contributing, would you prayerfully consider committing to a regular donation to help sustain and grow this ministry? Contributions can be made online at https://christunitedcsports.com/donations, mail (attn: Recreation Ministry - Christ United Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile AL 36609), and we accept cash, check, debit and or credit cards in person at the rec desk. We also have a donation box near the sign-in desk if you wish to donate anonymously. In addition, we’d be glad to help you set up monthly automatic giving if that’s easier.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in contributing to this ministry and for being part of our Recreation Ministry family. We’re so glad to see you each week and look forward to all the ways we’ll continue growing together, providing you with a facility and programming that fits your needs.

Blessings,
Marcia K. Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message April 2025

From the files of Steve Ellisor...

Otis Hughley was the Head Coach at LeFlore High School. He also teamed with Mobile’s own basketball legend, Antonio Lang, to run a week long basketball camp for our C-Sports Basketball players and others from around the community. Coach Hughley’s teams were regularly ranked close to the top both in the state and nationally. His players were always high on the list of college and professional scouts.

Coach Hughley was the featured speaker at one of our Basketball Celebrations in the gym. This year, the chairs had to be arranged at an angle so that half of one of the basketball courts was clear. What a spectacle it was when the C-Sports cheerleaders came out and did a routine to get the crowd pumped up. Then, from out of the smoke and flashing lights of the tunnel came players from the LeFlore basketball team! They passed faster than we could see, performed tricks, slam dunked, and showed coordination with the ball in ways most of us only see on the TV. The assembled hundreds of people cheered and squealed.

Then, Coach Hughley took to the stage and faced the group. He acknowledged the appreciation shown to his players. He told the C-Sports youngsters that it is only after years of dedication, practice, and discipline that such skills are developed. Then, he asked the boys and girls facing him, “Are these guys your heroes?” There were some nods and giggles. He continued, “Do you have heroes that you see playing on TV?” there were more nods and a few more affirmative responses.

Coach Hughley paused for just a moment. He looked beyond the rows of uniformed C-Sports players to the back of the room. He said, “Parents! Please stand up.” The hundreds of parents assembled there in support of their children stood. There,” said Coach Hughley, “are your heroes!” “Turn around and see your heroes!”

The children turned around to face the adults who were responsible for all of the love, support, and encouragement that had made it possible for them to be there. They looked into the eyes of the ones who sacrifice for them, who nourish and care for them.

“Let’s give it up for your true heroes” said Coach Hughley, and the gym erupted in a roar of cheers and applause. Maybe many…maybe a few… of the children present that day will carry with them the realization of what a real hero is to a child.

Rec Min Message Mar 2025

Every workday, I have a 45-minute drive to the office. With plenty of time in between destinations, I usually kick off my day with either an informative podcast or a playlist of songs that match my mood. There are days when I prefer to drive in complete silence. Today, I began with an informative podcast, but I found it hard to focus, so I switched to my "liked" songs playlist on Spotify. The first song that came on was "Counting My Blessings" by Seph Schlueter. These lyrics speak to me in so many ways:

“God, I'm still counting my blessings

All that You've done in my life

The more that I look in the details

The more of Your goodness I find

Father on this side of Heaven

I know that I'll run out of time

But I will keep counting my blessings

Knowing I can't count that high”

One thing I’ve consistently emphasize to myself and my children, who are now adults, is to always find the blessings—even during tough times or when things are hard to understand. This past weekend, when both of my children were home (one of whom lives out of state), I couldn’t help but think about how fortunate I am to have my family all together in one place. At the same time, I reminded myself to keep this in mind when I start complaining about the cleaning and cooking that comes with having everyone home.

It’s easier to reflect on difficult moments and recognize the blessings that came from them, but it’s much harder to do that in the midst of the struggle. Yet, that’s when it matters the most. This is when our faith really kicks in, bringing us to our knees in gratitude. We thank God for all He does for us, for what He brings into our lives, what He helps us through, and for the plans He has for us during those times.

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry
Christ United Church