Valentine Origins

The True Origin of Valentine’s Day—And What It Means for Us

Every February 14th, the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with flowers, chocolates, and heart-shaped everything. Many believe the holiday originated from a tale of a kind-hearted priest, St. Valentine. Others think it’s purely commercial, designed by companies to sell greeting cards and candy. But what’s the real story?

The Truth Behind Valentine’s Day

Historically, Valentine’s Day has roots in both Christian and Roman traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes multiple saints named Valentine, but the most well-known was a third-century Roman priest. According to legend, he defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree against soldiers marrying, believing that love and commitment honored God more than the laws of man. For this, he was imprisoned and ultimately executed on February 14, around AD 269.

Over time, this act of faithfulness and sacrifice was woven into the holiday we now associate with romantic love. But at its core, the holiday was never about grand romantic gestures—it was about a commitment to love, even when it came at a cost.

The Greatest Love Story

While Valentine’s Day celebrates human love, it pales in comparison to the greatest love story ever told—the love of Jesus for us. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for us (John 15:13). His love isn’t based on fleeting emotions or romance, but on sacrifice, grace, and an unbreakable covenant.

In a world where love is often measured by gifts and feelings, Jesus calls us to a different kind of love—one that serves, forgives, and endures. Whether we’re single, dating, or married, the truest expression of love we can experience and share is the love of Christ.

A Valentine’s Challenge

This week, let’s go beyond candy and cards. Choose one intentional act of Christ-like love:

- Encourage someone who’s struggling—a text, call, or handwritten note can make all the difference in the world.

- Serve in love—buy a coffee for a coworker, help a neighbor, or volunteer with the NextGen team at church. (See what I did there?)

- Forgive—Search your feelings; is there someone you need to let go of bitterness toward? Love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

Let this Valentine’s Day be more than a holiday. Let it be a reflection of the One who first loved us and calls us to love in return.

Finding Unity in Faith, No Matter the Election Outcome

For my blog this week I chose to write it early. For me, today is Election Day, and while I’m writing this with the final results still up in the air, I’m aware that by the time you read it, the votes will be counted. Some of us may be celebrating, while others might be feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. Whichever camp you’re in, here’s a reminder: our work to make this country better doesn’t end with who wins; it starts with us and, even more importantly, our faith.

A healthy faith in Jesus grounds us, bringing hope and peace even when life feels uncertain. If you’re finding it hard to stay calm with all the division we’ve seen, take a step back. Spend time in prayer, or crack open your Bible—try reading passages that focus on peace, strength, and love, like Philippians 4:6-7 or John 16:33. God’s Word can help us find stability, reminding us that Jesus is constant, even when our world feels shaky.

It’s okay to feel disappointment if your candidate didn’t win. But let’s remember that Jesus calls us to trust in Him above all. Use this moment as a chance to lean into your faith. Reach out to others who might be feeling the same way. Talk it through, pray together, and remind each other of God’s bigger plan. Connecting with a church group or close friends can be a powerful way to move through that sense of loss with encouragement and perspective.

Finally, no matter what, let’s strive for unity. Division is a natural part of politics, but as followers of Christ, we’re called to be peacemakers. Let’s work toward a place where we support each other in faith, knowing that our ultimate leader is Christ. We can agree to disagree respectfully, we can care for one another with compassion, and, through it all, we can let our actions reflect the love of Jesus.

Whether today feels like a win or a loss for you, let's remember the goal of unity in the faith. We have the chance to stand together as a church, as a community, and as a country. Try also spending time with the youth. They, after all, are the future of this country. Let’s show them that us “old people” can be a shining example of unity! God Bless America!

Autumn or Fall

As summer's warmth (hopefully) starts to fade, there's something special for me about the anticipation of autumn—the air almost turning crisp, pulling hoodies from the closet, and the tempered excitement that colder weather is on its way. For others, this season feels like a fresh start. As school routines settle in and we gather together more and more frequently, REVIVE is thriving on our strong sense of community.

We make the most of the season with events that bring everyone together. Picture a cool Sunday evening around a glowing bonfire, surrounded by laughter and conversation as the flames crackle and dance. These gatherings aren't just about staying warm—they're a chance to connect on a deeper level. There's something about the combination of a cozy fire, roasted marshmallows, and sharing stories that makes these nights unforgettable. We actually have a bonfire coming up in a couple months on December 1st. (Let me know if you have any scrap wood or old wooden furniture you’d like to donate to the cause, lol)

Autumn also means football, and our youth boys are ready to embrace that excitement. Whether it's tossing the ball around before service or hosting a game of touch football on the lawn, there's always room for some friendly competition. It's a great way to burn off some energy and build bonds within our group, while enjoying the crisp fall air.

Of course, no autumn gathering is complete without a hearty meal to warm the soul. At FamJam during the fall and winter, we love to serve up delicious, autumn-inspired meals that bring everyone together. From steaming bowls of chili to hearty casseroles, and from hot apple cider to pumpkin-spiced treats, our menu is filled with seasonal comfort foods. These meals not only fuel our youth for the evening’s activities but also create a welcoming atmosphere where they can relax, share stories, and feel right at home. There’s something about enjoying a warm, homemade dish on a cool autumn evening that makes these nights even more special.

As we move into this new season, we want to extend an invitation to you as well as your youth. Our FamJam gathering happens pretty much every Sunday night from 5-7, and we'd love for you to be a part of it. Whether you’re passionate about mentoring young people, helping serve and/or cook dinner, organizing fun activities, or simply being a warm friendly face, your involvement could make a huge difference in the lives of our future generation.

Autumn brings a sense of renewal and reflection—and what better way to invest in this season than by helping serve these awesome kids? We’d sure love to have you be part of our Sunday night FamJam gatherings. The door is always open!

Back to School: Embracing the 24/25 School Year

As the summer sun begins to set and the “excitement” (based on who’s reading) of a new school year rises, a time of both anticipation and reflection for families in our community comes into focus. Whether you're in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, or somewhere in between, this time of year marks a significant chapter for our middle and high school students. It also signals a time for parents to be relieved from the “I’m bored” and “Do we have anything to eat?” questions and comments.

Middle School and High School today is more than just a rite of passage. It’s a pivotal period where our young people develop skills and character that will shape their futures. The opportunities they encounter in our local schools are designed to equip them for the complexities of the modern world. With the integration of technology in the classroom, students are not only learning traditional subjects but also becoming proficient in digital literacy, a skill essential for future success.

In Santa Rosa County, we are blessed with schools that prioritize not just education, but also the overall well-being of our students. From supportive teachers to engaging programs, our schools are committed to fostering environments where students can thrive both academically and personally.

However, the significance of youth extends beyond the classroom. Our middle and high school students represent the future of our society. They are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and stewards. It’s essential that we, as a community, nurture and guide them; instilling values that will serve them and others well.

As we send our students back to school, let’s remember the importance of supporting them not just in their academic endeavors, but in their growth as individuals. Let’s encourage them to explore their passions, stand up for what they believe in, and contribute positively to our community…and maybe put their phones down a little more often! Most of all, encourage them to adopt a daily prayer habit. Encourage them to be able to put on the “Armor of God” from Ephesians 6:11-18 each and every day. School is tough enough without “armor”.

This school year, let’s be intentional about the role we play in the lives of our youth. Whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up, every effort makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our students not only succeed in school but also develop into the confident, compassionate leaders that our world desperately needs.

Here’s to a new school year filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities!

Summer Camp

Hey NUMC family,

I'm beyond excited to share that next week, our Revive Youth Group is heading out to the best summer camp ever! We're getting our bags packed, our sleeping bags rolled up, and our hearts ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Now, I know some of you might be wondering, "Why all the fuss about summer camp?" Well, let me tell you, summer camp isn't just about campfires and s'mores (though, let's be honest, those are pretty great too). There are so many benefits to heading out to camp that go way beyond the surface.

Building Lifelong Friendships

One of the biggest perks of camp is the opportunity to make new friends. And I'm not just talking about the kind you exchange socials with. These are the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. According to the American Camp Association (ACA), 96% of campers say that camp helped them make new friends. That's a whole lot of future friendships!

Growing Closer to God

Camp is also an intentional time for our youth to grow closer to God. Being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, gives us the chance to connect with God in a deeper and more meaningful way. There's something truly special about worshipping under the stars and feeling the presence of God in the great outdoors.

Learning Life Skills

Summer camp isn't just about fun and games (though there's plenty of that too). It's also a place where our youth can learn important life skills. From teamwork to leadership, these are skills that will benefit them long after camp is over. The ACA also reports that 74% of campers say they did things they were afraid to do at first but felt really proud of afterward. Its a major confidence boost.

Unplugging and Recharging

In our digital age, it's more important than ever to take a break from screens and enjoy the world around us. Camp provides a perfect opportunity to unplug and recharge. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on entertainment media. Camp gives them a much-needed break from all that screen time and a chance to reconnect with nature and each other.

As we get ready for this incredible adventure, let's keep our campers in our prayers. Pray for their safety, for their hearts to be open to God's word, and for them to have the time of their lives.

Parents, thank you for entrusting us with your wonderful kids. We're committed to providing a safe, fun, and spiritually enriching experience for them.

And to our amazing youth – get ready for a week filled with laughter, learning, and lots of God's love. I can't wait to see all the incredible things God has in store for us at camp!

See you soon, and don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

Blessings,

Director of Youths, Chris Gersic