Welcome to the Love & Lights experience!
In the autumn of 2022, First Presbyterian Church, Milton decided to host a dinner in the street.
Chef Chris wanted to feed people.
Jeanne wanted to immerse us in art.
The rest of us wanted to sit beneath the oaks of Elmira and drink in the new autumn light.
The whole congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Milton wanted to show love for our community by washing every dish, crafting every beautiful decoration by hand, by mixing, kneading, stirring every morsel of food.
There were about twenty of us then.
That's what we did, that year, and last year again and every year since.
Love & Lights has turned out to be a labor of love for the community God gifted us to serve--a special evening where neighbors gather to be awed by beauty and by provision. It has been a time set apart from all the world's stress and drama--to revisit the old traditions of being with each other in fellowship for its own sake, fellowship which fosters community, friendship, celebration, and joy.
Nowadays there's more like sixty of us; a congregation whose love surpasses its numbers by far. Love & Lights 2025, featured below, was meant to, through art and food and community and nature, bring expression to one theme--"Pure Love". It was an invitation for each and every one of us to ask—"What would pure love look like in the world?" It’s still our invitation--for us and for you--to participate in ministries of pure love by and through and with this little church which has been gifted,
by a God of Pure Love,
a wonderfully oversized heart.
In the autumn of 2022, First Presbyterian Church, Milton decided to host a dinner in the street.
Chef Chris wanted to feed people.
Jeanne wanted to immerse us in art.
The rest of us wanted to sit beneath the oaks of Elmira and drink in the new autumn light.
The whole congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Milton wanted to show love for our community by washing every dish, crafting every beautiful decoration by hand, by mixing, kneading, stirring every morsel of food.
There were about twenty of us then.
That's what we did, that year, and last year again and every year since.
Love & Lights has turned out to be a labor of love for the community God gifted us to serve--a special evening where neighbors gather to be awed by beauty and by provision. It has been a time set apart from all the world's stress and drama--to revisit the old traditions of being with each other in fellowship for its own sake, fellowship which fosters community, friendship, celebration, and joy.
Nowadays there's more like sixty of us; a congregation whose love surpasses its numbers by far. Love & Lights 2025, featured below, was meant to, through art and food and community and nature, bring expression to one theme--"Pure Love". It was an invitation for each and every one of us to ask—"What would pure love look like in the world?" It’s still our invitation--for us and for you--to participate in ministries of pure love by and through and with this little church which has been gifted,
by a God of Pure Love,
a wonderfully oversized heart.
Learn more about how you can support life-saving and life-changing ministries for our local community. For detailed information on Sponsorship Levels, please scroll down.
Whatever you spend for Love & Lights, whether it's donations for tickets, auction items, or 50/50 raffles, your donations go to support the ministries of the church. These ministries include vigorous outreach for those suffering with substance abuse, those who find themselves unsheltered, and victims of human trafficking. We have a strong commitment to serving the marginalized, poor, and oppressed as Jesus commanded us to do and to connecting ministry partners under one roof so that all our work can be amplified.
Our ministry with Girl Scouts is meant to reconnect kids and parents and all people to a larger, caring community. Our community garden is offered as both meditation and nourishment for anyone who would like to put their hands in the dirt or needs a fresh vegetable for dinner.
The recommended ticket donation is from $50 to $100, but our work does depend on larger donors. So, if you feel led and are able, fill in your own amount accordingly. We thank you for supporting Jesus' work of healing and connection in our downtown MIlton neighborhood and beyond. Can't wait to see you there!
Sponsorship Opportunities
To become a sponsor, click the same donate button above for ticket donations. Specify the amount you are giving using the "custom" label in the dropdown menu. In the comments, let us know whether you are sponsoring as a business and how to be in touch about logos and other communications you may want for us to use.
Level 1 – Missional Sponsor – $10,000
- Up to 10 tickets, dependent on availability
- Official thank you at Love & Lights event with introduction and bio
- Inclusion in all Facebook posts from the time of donation through post-event coverage
- Highlighted in Facebook posts at least one time per month for one year with collaborating organizations tagged
- Paid Facebook ad thanking sponsor
- Exclusive Interview on website advertised on social media regarding your interest in mission at First Presbyterian Church
- Registration Table signage at event
- 3-minute speaking opportunity at Love & Lights
- Press release highlighting your missional work in the community
- Thank you on public radio ad
- Regular “report card” on all missions through FPC Milton
Level 2 – Ministry Sponsor – $5,000
- Up to 8 tickets, dependent on availability
- Official thank you at Love & Lights event
- Inclusion in all Facebook posts from the time of donation through post-event coverage
- Highlighted in Facebook posts every other month for one year
- Exclusive interview about your organization’s connection to one of First Presbyterian Church’s ministries
- Registration Table signage at event
- 3-minute speaking opportunity at Love & Lights
- Press release highlighting your support of the ministry of your choice
- Regular “report card” on the ministry you support
Level 3 - Event Sponsor—$2,500
- Up to 6 tickets, dependent on availability
- Official thank you at Love & Lights event
- Inclusion in half of all Facebook posts from the time of donation through post-event coverage
- Highlighted in Facebook posts every month for three months
- Registration Table signage at event
Level 4 – Table Sponsor – $1,000
- Up to 4 tickets, dependent on availability
- Official thank you at Love & Lights event
- Inclusion in every third =Facebook posts from the time of donation through post-event coverage
- Registration Table signage at event
- Thank you signage at table of your choice
Frequently Asked Questions
What missions will my money go to support?
- Offentsive, focused on seeking out and reducing harm among those suffering with substance abuse disorder, who are especially vulnerable to being unsheltered and to human trafficking.
- Hot Dog ministry, delivering simple meals to the streets where people need them.
- Food Raising Friends, focused on feeding families through the Escambia and Santa Rosa County school system.
- Immigrant Support, helping immigrant families affected by family separation, loss of work opportunity, and isolation.
- Pflag, saving lives of our LGBTQ+ friends and young people through support groups and raising awareness
- Girl Scouts, focused on developing a sense of civic responsibility, connection, and engagement in girls.
- More to come. What would you like to see added?
Ministries We're Still Dreaming About/Praying About. Want to help start one?
- "Check on Me Program" in partnership with Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department Victim's Advocates for seniors in Santa Rosa County
- Community Art Installation in partnership with First Responders
- Veterans Programs in partnership with United Way
- Mental Health for All
- Support for those Caring and Grieving
- Fresh Food Give Aways
- What ways do you dream of helping?
When and Where
Love & Lights will be held in front of the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Milton, 5203 Elmira Street
November 8th, Auction begins at 5:30 p.m.
Do I have to attend the event?
You do not have to attend Love & Lights in order to sponsor it, but welcome our higher level donors to speak at the event if they choose.
Who is attending?
Most of the congregation of FPC Milton, some local civic leaders and downtown residents
When is commitment of sponsorship due?
To be included in registration table signage and pre-event facebook posts, donation deadline is October 15th.
When is payment due?
To be included in registration table signage and pre-event facebook posts, donation deadline is October 15th.