Rec Min Message April 2026

As we approach Easter, I immediately think back to week 3 of my Bible study, 52 Weeks Through the Bible. In Leviticus, I read about the sacrificial system that emphasized the holiness of God and the high cost of Israel’s sin. The spiritual events that took place on the Day of Atonement were basically a spiritual “cleaning house,” if you will. It was about forgiveness, a reset, a renewal and it foreshadowed the sacrifice made by Jesus. It is a lengthy and very detailed process God placed on the Israelites so they would not forget what He had done for them.

During this part of the study, I found myself full of emotion—mostly frustration. I just want to jump in the Bible and shake these folks up and ask them, “WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO GOD, to yourselves and future generations?!” I don’t have the level of love and patience God has. I know I’m supposed to, and I guess it is a constant work in progress for me (and it requires a large part of my prayer life). I do see progress, so there’s hope ;).

The rituals and requirements were quite shocking compared to today. To be able to translate those directly to what we do in our daily lives is something we cannot truly do. But we can find ways that reflect those sacrifices and help us celebrate all that God has done in our lives by asking for forgiveness, resetting our minds to avoid sin, renewing our faith, and directing ourselves to follow the ways of Jesus, God’s best gift to us. I am thankful for a loving God.

This Easter season, all I can ask is to remember all He has done throughout the history of His creation so that we can have an eternal relationship with Him—to recognize that He loves me through all that I do, and to keep that truth present in my daily choices.

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message March 2026

From the Rec Min - March 2026

For Christmas, I bought my daughter, son, husband, and myself a year-long Bible study called 52 Weeks Through the Bible. It includes seven daily readings each week, background information for every book, and thought-provoking questions at the end of each week.

I typed the weekly questions into a shared document and added space for each person’s answers so we could all contribute. The original plan was to have a Sunday evening family FaceTime Bible study but with everyone living in different states our schedules don’t always line up. That shared document has been a huge benefit.

The best part has been reading my (adult!) children’s answers. Absolutely priceless. It has even sparked some great text message threads in between. Not only are my husband and kids doing this with me, but after mentioning it to my sister-in-law, she joined in. Then I talked with my mom and she joined, too.

Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve ever done an in-depth Bible study with my own family. It has had a completely different impact than any study I’ve done before (and I’ve done quite a few). Every reading is like I’m hearing these stories for the very first time. How good is that?

If you’ve never done a Bible study with your family, whether they’re under your roof or spread across states, I highly recommend it! It has been heartwarming and a gift.

Blessings,
Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry

Rec Min Message February 2026

Well, let’s hope you did not have a New Year’s resolution to give up sweets because February is the month of love and chocolates 😉.

Valentine’s Day has been different each stage of life. In elementary school, it was all about passing out Valentine’s cards and having a class party with snacks. In high school, we had the Sadie Hawkins Valentine’s dance, where girls asked the guys to the dance. We also had that classic carnation fundraisers where you sent yellow to a friend, pink to someone you liked, red for love, and purple for anonymous love.

Somewhere along the way into adulthood, Valentine’s Day centered mostly on couples who were dating or married. The simple joy of exchanging notes, small gifts, or kind words with friends didn’t happen like it did growing up. While I agree that spending a day focusing on the love between two people is very special, I miss the days of expressing admiration for friends that mean so much.

Scripture reminds us that love was never meant to be limited. Jesus Himself said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to return to that broader, deeper kind of love. One that celebrates friendship, compassion, and community, and reflects Christ’s love in simple, meaningful ways.

Go to the dollar store today and grab a box of those cute cards and hand them out to friends this Valentine’s Day!

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry
Christ United Church

Rec Min Message January 2026

Whoa - 2026?! A new year is here and New Year’s always brings new resolutions. Some of us make financial goals. Maybe you’ve set a goal to spend more time with a specific person or with yourself? Many of us make health and fitness goals. Sometimes the goals we set are too unrealistic. Losing 30lbs in a few months is unhealthy and impossible, we get disappointed, and then we give up on it when it doesn’t happen quickly. Maybe try a different approach but in gradual ways.

Here’s an example of setting a goal to be healthier in a gradual way:

• Week 1: Add two servings of fruit per day. Subtract two processed snacks.

• Week 2: Add two servings of fresh vegetables per day. Subtract fried, dipped, or heavily covered foods (oils, dressings, creamy cheeses).

• Week 3: Add baked, roasted, or grilled proteins to three meals. Subtract fried or gravy-covered options.

• Week 4: Reduce foods high in unnatural sugars and sodium. Add a healthier sweet, such as homemade granola bites.

Making several attainable resolutions so that, together, they will lead to meaningful and lasting change. Gradual progress is more likely to stick, while sudden extremes often lead to frustration and disappointment.

Just like our faith, growth happens gradually. As we continually deepen our faith, it strengthens us more to boldly share the love of Christ that will not waiver. Keep your spirit, body, and mind healthy to make changes you can sustain for the long haul.

Blessings,

Marcia Gibney,

Director of Recreation Ministry

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