Growth, Change, and Christmas
Elisabeth Darnell said, “healthy things grow, and growing things change!”
We are on the waterslide of both growth and change!
We celebrated 5 years in the park last month and officially changed the program name from Kingdom Zone to CHURCH IN THE PARK.
When the teenagers began calling the program, “CHURCH IN THE PARK” we knew God was speaking. When an 8th grade friend told me she comes to Church in the Park to hear the gospel message, I was paying attention. She said she went to a big church once but did not like it. She did not know the songs or the people & was just not comfortable there. She added, “I am comfortable at CHURCH IN THE PARK” then clarified, “I know everyone here loves me.”
We are often serving more than 70 people on Wednesdays now. More families are coming too. One young lady changed her work schedule so she could join her partner and young child who have come faithfully for 2 years. Now they all attend together. Two young mothers were excited to find a place to learn about Jesus with their children. One of these ladies recommitted her life and the other heard the gospel for the first time.
MORE GROWTH
By the leading of the Lord, we ordained our first minister! We are very excited to see what the Lord will do through Pastor Rebecca Chandler as she leads the youth of Shine Ministries.
MORE CHANGE
We have a BRILLIANT NEW DREAM to reach our neighbors this Christmas. Instead of gifts for moms, we want to have a Family Christmas Party that teaches the Biblical meaning of Christmas.
THE CHRISTMAS VISION
Imagine fire pits lighting up the chilly night. The smell of burnt marshmallows and melted chocolate is in the air. Incredibly cute children dressed up as angels walk towards the stage, and soon the hysterical sheep and donkeys find their way as well. The youth begin to narrate the story: Born To Die. The young children play-act the parts around the manger as make-shift sound effects bring peals of laughter. The little children peer with wonder into the manager to see the dark-skinned baby Jesus. As the youth preach the gospel, an awe falls on the crowd. They close by leading the community in worship. Everyone sings. Everyone adores Jesus the Newborn King.
We believe the Christmas message is important and it’s an import opportunity to share Jesus with our community. If you would like to help us reach unchurched families this Christmas, the details are below. Either way, I appreciate you!
FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY SPECIFICS
Date: December 12.
1. Target attendance 100-150 people.
2. Moms who attend receive a small gift bag.
3. ACTIVITIES: Smores on real fire pits. Christmas crafts that tell the story. A Christmas play.
We also recognize the Wright Cuny Rec Center Staff with a gift every Christmas. Their service to the community and to us is priceless. Theme: Helping Hands. A gift bag with items related to hand care.
BE ON OUR CHRISTMAS DREAM TEAM
PRAY because nothing happens without prayer. THANK YOU SHINE PRAYER TEAM!
Make a donation by cash, check or card online.
Shop for some of the items we need. An amazon wish list and an actual list is attached. Amazon tells us what is purchased, but if you are a real time shopper please text me what you have purchased so we don’t over order on one thing and not have enough of the other.
Shopping Deadline Friday 12/05. Everything must be at the mission base by 12/05/2025.
Volunteer Costume Creators
Volunteer Work Team to build a stage and possibly benches.
Volunteer Ministers at the Family Christmas Party. We need 20 extra people who can minister salvation to all ages.
Volunteers to make Christmas bags and/or Smore Bags.
Volunteers to make cards of encouragement. To create an encouragement card, pray over the card and write the encouragement or verse that you feel led to write. No one encourages our moms, and this is very special to them.
HOW TO GIVE
Snail Mail: Make checks payable to Shine USA. Mail to 710 39th Street, Galveston, TX 77550.
AMAZON CHRISTMAS WISH LINK
Much Love,
Pamela Rose
Executive Director & Lead Minister
Shine USA, Inc.
512-216-0854