First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores

First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores https://Fpcgs.org Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:59:07 +0000 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:59:07 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com From the Pastor's Pen 10/24/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/10/24/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-24-25 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:43:45 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/10/24/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-24-25

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/10/24/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-24-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 8/20/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/08/20/from-the-pastor-s-pen-8-20-25 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:31:29 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/08/20/from-the-pastor-s-pen-8-20-25

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]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/08/20/from-the-pastor-s-pen-8-20-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 7/17/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/07/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-17-25 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:12:12 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/07/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-17-25

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]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/07/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-17-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 5/1/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/05/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-5-1-25 Thu, 01 May 2025 09:42:38 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/05/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-5-1-25

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/05/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-5-1-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 2/6/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-25 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:49:55 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-25

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 1/7/25 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/01/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-7-25 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:46:52 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/01/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-7-25

1/07/2025

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!!! I hope that your holiday season has been filled with love and that you are moving into 2025 with anticipation of what is to come this year.

Last January, we were invited to participate in receiving “star words.” These words were an invitation to see the ways in which God breaks into our own world. On Sunday, we once again had this opportunity and I suggested that that we see how this word might impact how we share the light of Christ with the world in the new year.

If you were unable to join us in person for worship this week, and would like me to pull a star word for you that you can either pick up at the church, or I can drop in the mail, just reach out and let me know. I would be happy to do that.

If you are unable to join us in person, Sunday worship is livestreamed and saved on Facebook and YouTube:

Don’t forget these upcoming events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Each week we will be studying the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the upcoming Sunday. These texts can be found at https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu if you would like to read them ahead of time.
Snowbird Welcome Dinner – Wednesday, January 15, at 6:00 p.m. all are invited to a spaghetti dinner in the Fellowship Hall to welcome our snowbirds back to their winter homes. This event is a joint event with Magnolia United Methodist Church. If you wish, donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the food.
Mid-Week Potluck – Beginning TUESDAY, January 21, for the months of January and February, we will be having TUESDAY evening potlucks at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and bring a dish to share.
Annual Congregational Meeting for the purpose of presenting the 2025 budget and voting on the terms of call for the Pastor will be held on Sunday, January 19, immediately following worship.
Celebrating Pam Winstead’s 37 years of Service to First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores – Sunday, January 19, we will celebrate Pam and all the ways in which she has served this church over the years. A reception will be held following worship. All are invited to attend.
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, February 2, following worship at Big Beach Brewing

If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
When you come to worship, don’t forget to bring your COMPOST! See the attached information for information about what can be composted.
We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Sign-up in the Narthex.
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2025/01/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-7-25#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 11/7/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/11/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-11-7-24 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:13:58 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/11/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-11-7-24

11/07/2024

Dear Friends,

Heading into this week, I know many of us were feeling election fatigue, and we were ready for it to be over – one way or the other. Following the election there have been a wide variety of emotions felt by everyone – regardless of how they cast their vote. Some people are hopeful for the future. Others have significant concerns about the future.

But what I want to say to each and every one of us today is this: no matter who was elected to be our next President, our call in the world has not changed. Our call is to love God and love neighbor. Our call is to care for the least of these. Our call is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, free the prisoner, and bring justice to the oppressed. And our call is BOTH to DO the work of the gospel AND to do it all in LOVE.

So, however you are feeling today, I encourage you to be purposeful in your actions, show love to all those with whom you come in contact – even if they have a very different take on the election results. Let’s be known as those who love big, and who love all, just the way that we have been shown the love of God through Christ.

If you are unable to join us in person, Sunday worship is livestreamed and saved on Facebook and YouTube:

Don’t forget these upcoming events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday Night Potluck – Our first Wednesday Night Potluck for the fall will be held on Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. Come and bring a dish to share.
Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing those who will serve on Session and Nominating in the new year will be held on Sunday, November 17, immediately following worship.
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, December 1 following worship at Big Beach Brewing
Archduke Trio – Tuesday, December 3, we, along with MUMC, will be hosting a holiday concert by the Archduke Trio at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at gsfpc.org/events. Please spread the word and invite all your community friends to what will be a phenomenal concert by this local trio of pianist, cellist, and violinist. If you would like some flyers to distribute, please let me know.
Longest Night – The Longest Night Service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m. will be our Annual Christmas Eve Service.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19, not only will this be the time for our Annual Congregational Meeting, it will also be our opportunity to celebrate Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service to FPC. More details to come!
Conversations are already happening about further events and ministries coming this fall and winter, so keep your eyes open!

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
When you come to worship, don’t forget to bring your COMPOST! See the attached information for information about what can be composted.
We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Sign-up in the Narthex.
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/11/07/from-the-pastor-s-pen-11-7-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 10/1/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/10/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-1-24 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:36:51 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/10/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-1-24

10/01/2024

Dear Friends,

What a wonderful day we had on Sunday celebrating one year of shared space and ministry with Magnolia United Methodist Church! I cannot fully express the joy that it brought me to be able to worship, sow seeds, and eat together! Thanks to all of you for your welcoming of our siblings in Christ, and for participating in Sunday’s celebration. The video of the service and pictures from the morning are posted on our Facebook page.

Don’t forget these upcoming events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
On Saturday, October 5, at 10:00 a.m., FPCGS and MUMC will once again host a blessing of the pets. Invite your friends to bring their animal friends for a blessing and a treat!
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Nominations – beginning Sunday, October 6, FPC Members will have opportunity to nominate potential members of Session and the Nominating Committee for the upcoming year. Nomination forms will be available on Sunday. If you would prefer to have a Nomination form emailed to you, please let me know.
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, October 6, following worship at Big Beach Brewing
Membership Class – A membership class is being planned for October. If you would like to come hear about what it means to be a member in the PC (USA), let me know!
On Saturday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., the first Partners in Grace Cancer Support Group for Patients and Caregivers will be held in the Fellowship Hall, with a continental breakfast provided. This is a joint venture with MUMC and a much-needed resource in our area. If you know someone who would benefit, please pass the word along to them. Also, if you would like to be involved in helping with this ministry, please reach out to me.
Elections for Session and Nominating Committee will take place at a Congregational Meeting following worship on Sunday, November 17.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19, not only will this be the time for our Annual Congregational Meeting, it will also be our opportunity to celebrate Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service to FPC. More details to come!
Conversations are already happening about further events and ministries coming this fall and winter, so keep your eyes open!

If you are unable to join us in person, Sunday worship is livestreamed and saved on Facebook and YouTube:

Address Change: Please note, especially if you have checks sent through your bank, that the church no longer has a post office box. Our mailing address is now the same as our physical address: 309 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
When you come to worship, don’t forget to bring your COMPOST! See the attached information for information about what can be composted.
We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Sign-up in the Narthex.
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

You will find this week’s Prayer Requests at the bottom of the letter. Use this list to guide you in your prayer time and lift these requests to God. If you have a request (or a praise report) to include, or if a concern you have previously listed should be removed, please let me know.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me via email, text or phone with any needs or just to chat!

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Rev. Chrisy Ennen
gsfpcpastor@outlook.com, (618) 980-9899
"Let all that you do be done in love.”
I Corinthians 16:14

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/10/01/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-1-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 9/5/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/09/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-9-5-24 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:02:13 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/09/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-9-5-24

9/05/2024

Dear Friends,

It’s September! I know that the Pastor’s Pen hasn’t been in your email inboxes for a few weeks, but that’s kind of how life goes sometimes. It has been a season of new things in our house, from the addition of our new puppy, Nova, to moving Ty out to his first apartment, junior year of college, and first year at Auburn University. Then, just this past weekend, our dog Felix joined Ty in Auburn. Not to mention sending some of our furniture with Ty and having to replace furniture that we have had since before we had children.

But home isn’t the only place where things are happening. The church is also about the work of God in many ways.

In August, Lil Elms Christian Care officially opened their doors and it is my great joy to see and hear these little ones in our building every weekday.
The Session is calling a brief congregational meeting for Sunday, September 22, immediately following worship for the purpose of voting to sell an unused parcel of our property. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Plans are underway for our first joint worship service with Magnolia United Methodist Church (MUMC) on Sunday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m., where we will celebrate one year of sharing space and ministry. The service will be followed by a luncheon where meat and drinks will be provided, (Mike is smoking pork butts for pulled pork!) and attenders are asked to bring a side (hot or cold) or a dessert to share. A sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex, or you and send me an email and let me know what you plan to bring. Also, if you could be on the kitchen team to help during the luncheon, please reach out to me.
On Saturday, October 5, at 10:00 a.m., FPCGS and MUMC will once again host a blessing of the pets. Invite your friends to bring their animal friends for a blessing and a treat!
On Saturday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., the first Partners in Grace Cancer Support Group for Patients and Caregivers will be held in the Fellowship Hall, with a continental breakfast provided. This is a joint venture with MUMC and a much-needed resource in our area. If you know someone who would benefit, please pass the word along to them. Also, if you would like to be involved in helping with this ministry, please reach out to me.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19, not only will this be the time for our Annual Congregational Meeting, it will also be our opportunity to celebrate Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service to FPC. More details to come!
Conversations are already happening about further events and ministries coming this fall and winter, so keep your eyes open!

If you are unable to join us in person, Sunday worship is livestreamed and saved on Facebook and YouTube:

Coming Events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, October 6, following worship at Big Beach Brewing

Address Change: Please note, especially if you have checks sent through your bank, that the church no longer has a post office box. Our mailing address is now the same as our physical address: 309 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

You may have noticed some new signage around the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. We have done this in an effort to both make the Business Center visible for the businesses located there, and to help direct people to the proper entries for the Business Center and the church. If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
When you come to worship, don’t forget to bring your COMPOST! See the attached information for information about what can be composted.
We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Sign-up in the Narthex.
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/09/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-9-5-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 7/3/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/07/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-3-24 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:58:07 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/07/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-3-24

7/3/2024

Dear Friends,

God at Work. We have been talking a lot about how God is at work in us and in our world over the last five weeks as we journey through the books of First and Second Samuel.

We learned that God Calls us like God called young Samuel. We learned that God Responds to us, even if it isn’t exactly what God had in mind. We learned that God Sees us from the inside, unlike how we see one another. We learned that God Leads, and considered how God led David to stand up to and slay the giant Goliath. And most recently, we learned that God saves.

Sometimes the way God saves us doesn’t look exactly like we think it should. In Sunday’s sermon, I gave these examples:

“I am sure that David didn’t want to lose his king and his friend in order to take the throne that God had given him. And yet, through that difficult time came the monarchy through which the savior of the world would come.

Israel looked for a king from the line of David to be the Messiah, one born into a royal household. But God sent one born to a young family far from home and in a lowly stable.

They looked for a king who would bring salvation from a place of power. But Jesus came bringing salvation through serving.

They looked for a king who would bring salvation from Roman rule. But Jesus came to bring salvation from the human-made oppressive laws found in their own temple and synagogues.

The looked for a king who would ride in on a war horse. But Jesus rode in on a donkey.

They looked for a king who would rule in the way of the world. But Jesus came instead to give up his own life.”

I don’t know about you, but when I look back over my life, I have seen some pretty significant ways in which God has been at work to save me – in ways that I didn’t recognize as they were happening. What are your stories of God about the work of saving you? Share those with someone this week.

If you missed worship, you can always watch on Facebook and YouTube:

Please take note of these happenings in the church:

We will be celebrating Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service as Minister of Music in January when our snowbird family is here and can join in on the celebration.
We are so excited to have Kayla Dowling stepping into additional responsibilities as Music Coordinator and Pianist.
Beginning August 1, Lil Elms Christian Care will be up and running in our nursery and parlor. It will be great to have little ones sharing our space!
As the Session continues to talk about how we use our space – both indoors and out – we have decided to begin COMPOSTING! We hope that this will lead us into some future gardening endeavors. At this point, we will accept fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, as well as egg shells that have been microwaved 20 seconds to kill salmonella. We are making compost suitable for either food or flower gardens. If you have questions, please reach out to Jean Adcock at (251) 504-4105 or jeanadcock@aol.com, and check out the attached information.
Love on the Little Ones: We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Contact Jean Adcock to get on the Nursery Attendant schedule: (251) 504-4105.

Coming Events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, July 7, following worship at Big Beach Brewing

Address Change: Please note, especially if you have checks sent through your bank, that the church no longer has a post office box. Our mailing address is now the same as our physical address: 309 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

You may have noticed some new signage around the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. We have done this in an effort to both make the Business Center visible for the businesses located there, and to help direct people to the proper entries for the Business Center and the church. If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me via email, text or phone with any needs or just to chat!

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Rev. Chrisy Ennen
gsfpcpastor@outlook.com, (618) 980-9899
"Let all that you do be done in love.”
I Corinthians 16:14

On Sunday, June 30, Jean Adcock shared the following information with the congregation about our new COMPOSTING initiative:

For too long we have abused the soil here on our planet. We expect both food crops and ornamental lawns and gardens to grow abundantly, exploiting our soil and threatening it with biological death. Soil that loses its organic content eventually turns into barren dust. Did you know that a carrot or tomato grown today in Gulf Shores is not as nutritious as one grown 100 or even 50 years ago because some nutrients have been stripped from the soil?

Composting is a way of using overlooked and underappreciated things – kitchen scraps, weeds, shredded paper, and cardboard, fallen leaves – to repay our seriously overdue debt to the earth. Compost is transformation of waste into valuable resource. And it builds healthy soil. Compost introduces beneficial microbes into the soil, slowly delivering a living source of nutrition. It also improves the structure of the soil, improving its water and nutrient holding capacity. It can turn a patch of predominantly clay or sand into healthy soil over time.

Why not just chuck your food scraps into the trash bag? Surely they will break down? In the smelly, oxygen-free landfill, decomposition happens very slowly and releases enormous amounts of dangerous methane gas. Methane is about 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in our atmosphere. United States food waste produces the equivalent of 32.6 million cars’ greenhouse gas emissions. And landfills are designed to contain their compacted trash in clay filled, plastic lined pits. Your food scraps will never provide needed nourishment to the earth.

What do I want from you? Used coffee grounds, filter and all, orange and carrot peels, moldy produce, leftover rice or pasta, strawberry and tomato tops, banana skins, weeds (before they have gone to seed), wilted bouquets, stale bread, dried leaves, shredded newspaper, even the hair you pull out of your brush can all go into our bin. For our first batch, we are working on slow, cold composting, to produce compost that can be utilized to grow anything, including food crops. Therefore, we do not want to introduce any pathogens that will not be killed in the process. So please, no pet waste. And we are trying to be good neighbors and not attract certain critters, so please, no bones or meat. But we want your eggshells, just microwave them for 20 seconds to kill any salmonella.

You can start a countertop container or a bag in your freezer which has the added benefit of starting the cellular breakdown. When you come to church, head to the fenced alcove on the north side of the building where you will find a bin fitted with an old PVC pipe turned into a compost lung, ready to deliver oxygen to our rotting waste. Our resident chemist, Billy Adcock, has done his homework and knows the optimal nitrogen (most food waste) to carbon (dry leaves or shredded newspaper) ration to keep us from creating a slimy, smelly mess. And time will do the rest (with Billy’s help of course). Once this barrel is full, we will start a second one so the first one can cure. Hopefully we will have some compost ready for next spring’s gardens.

As Presbyterians we declare that we care about the earth. We have sign in Fellowship Hall proclaiming this fact and recycling bins in the hallway to reduce our landfill impact. I am very pleased that we now have another way to recycle some of the waste we all generate. I need to give a shoutout to Sara Bogdanovich, founder of Fairhope Compost Project, who I read about in the Baldwin Times. She generously shared her immense knowledge of all types of composting with Chrisy, Billy, and me, encouraging us with her “You can do this” attitude. Her goal is to find locations and volunteers to start community composting locations, teaching schools, businesses, and churches how to divert garbage from the Magnolia Landfill, becoming more accountable for the waste we produce. I hope I have shared a bit of her knowledge and fervor and we can make compost together.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/07/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-7-3-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 6/27/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/27/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-27-24 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:09:16 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/27/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-27-24

6/27/2024

Dear Friends,

God at Work. We have been talking a lot about how God is at work in us and in our world over the last four weeks as we journey through the books of First and Second Samuel.

We learned that God Calls us like God called young Samuel. We learned that God Responds to us, even if it isn’t exactly what God had in mind. We learned that God Sees us from the inside, unlike how we see one another. This past Sunday, we learned that God Leads, and considered how God led David to stand up to and slay the giant Goliath.

For me, these are all truths that I know, yet somehow, hearing them again helps to open my eyes to watch for the ways in which God is always at work. Sometimes we see it in what is happening in the church, like someone coming to us to see if we might have space where they could open a day care – one of the two needs of our community that arose when we were talking about how we could use our space (the one we went with was affordable office space a.k.a. Hand-in-Hand Business Center). Other times it is a conversation with one person about an idea, that then comes up again in another conversation with someone else and points out a particular thing that God is doing in our midst.

Whatever it is, it is important for us to see God at work in and around us in order for us to partner with God in that work – whatever it may be. Where are you seeing God at work this week?

If you missed worship, you can always watch on Facebook and YouTube:

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ

Please take note of these happenings in the church:

We will be celebrating Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service as Minister of Music in January when our snowbird family is here and can join in on the celebration.
We are so excited to have Kayla Dowling stepping into additional responsibilities as Music Coordinator and Pianist.
Beginning in July, Lil Elms Christian Care will be up and running in our nursery and parlor. It will be great to have little ones sharing our space!
As the Session continues to talk about how we use our space – both indoors and out – we have decided to begin COMPOSTING! We hope that this will lead us into some future gardening endeavors. At this point, we will accept fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, as well as egg shells that have been microwaved 20 seconds to kill salmonella. We are making compost suitable for either food or flower gardens. If you have questions, please reach out to Jean Adcock at (251) 504-4105 or jeanadcock@aol.com.
Love on the Little Ones: We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Contact Jean Adcock to get on the Nursery Attendant schedule: (251) 504-4105.

Coming Events:

Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, July 7, following worship at Big Beach Brewing

Address Change: Please note, especially if you have checks sent through your bank, that the church no longer has a post office box. Our mailing address is now the same as our physical address: 309 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

You may have noticed some new signage around the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. We have done this in an effort to both make the Business Center visible for the businesses located there, and to help direct people to the proper entries for the Business Center and the church. If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/27/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-27-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 6/5/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-5-24 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:17:07 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-5-24

6/5/2024

Dear Friends,

I do believe it is finished. This week I got the “all-clear” from my doctor following my most recent surgery, meaning I can now lift, swim, and get back to doing whatever it is I might want to do. It has been a long 18 months, and I will continue to have various screenings to stay on top of things, but it feels GOOD to have all that behind me. I couldn’t have done it without the love, support, and gifts that you all have given to me and my family. I have said it to so many people over the last 18 months – I serve the BEST congregation and am so blessed to be here with you.

By now you have heard from Pam Winstead about her decision to step down as Music Director after 37 years. While this saddens all of us, this was the decision that she needed to make for her well-being. But never fear! She will still be around occasionally, and soon we will have opportunity to CELEBRATE her long-time service to this congregation. As soon as we have details of when that will happen, we will let everyone know.

For the next few weeks in worship, we will be looking at 1 & 2 Samuel to see the various ways in which God is at Work in the world. This past Sunday, we used the story of Samuel’s call to help us see that in order to partner with God’s work, we must be listening for the call, and that sometimes the call comes directly to our hearts from God, and sometimes we need people like Eli to help us see and understand that God is indeed calling us to be about God’s work in the world around us.

If you missed it, you can always watch on Facebook and YouTube:
•https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch
•https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ

Coming Events:
•Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
•Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
•Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, July 7, following worship at Big Beach Brewing

Love on the Little Ones: We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Contact Jean Adcock to get on the Nursery Attendant schedule: (251) 504-4105.

Address Change: Please note, especially if you have checks sent through your bank, that the church no longer has a post office box. Our mailing address is now the same as our physical address: 309 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

You may have noticed some new signage around the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. We have done this in an effort to both make the Business Center visible for the businesses located there, and to help direct people to the proper entries for the Business Center and the church. If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners thank you for your cooperation!

Don’t forget:
•Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
•If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
•Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me via email, text or phone with any needs or just to chat!

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Rev. Chrisy Ennen
gsfpcpastor@outlook.com, (618) 980-9899
"Let all that you do be done in love.”
I Corinthians 16:14

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/06/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-6-5-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 4/3/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/04/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-4-3-24 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:38:04 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/04/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-4-3-24

Dear Friends,

And just like that another month is gone! March is over and April is upon us. The move to April also moves us past Lent and into Eastertide – the season between Easter and Pentecost. We had a wonderful day of celebration on Easter Sunday, where we celebrated the Lord’s Supper and heard from Mary Magdalene (or me pretending to be Mary) about her experiences of the last week of Jesus’s life. It was a great way to see the story from a different perspective that we hadn’t considered before.

Easter also marked the end of our Lenten series on Pause, but I hope that it is just the beginning of your relationship with taking purposeful times to pause in order to connect with God in new and life-giving ways.

Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube:

There is much happening around here, and many ways for you to be involved in the life of the church.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
NO Study 4/3 or 4/10
Will resume 4/17
Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, April 7, following worship at Big Beach Brewing
Monthly Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – April 17 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
MUMC Monthly Wednesday Evening Gathering – April 24 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall – Pizza and Trivia

Tomorrow, April 4, I will have my next (and hopefully last) surgery. If you can help with meals following the surgery, a sign-up is available here: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
We have two new ways to receive donations – PayPal and Venmo! See the graphic below for details!
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/04/03/from-the-pastor-s-pen-4-3-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 3/15/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/15/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-15-24 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:52:00 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/15/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-15-24

3/15/2024

Dear Friends,

I don’t know about you, but as we get closer to Easter (and another surgery for me), I am having to be even more intentional to build Pause into my days. It is easy for me to get caught up in all the things looming on the to-do list and forget to stop for a few moments. But I can also can when I haven’t made the effort to pause as anxiety rises and my focus gets scattered.

Sunday, we considered our theme of Pause in relationship to the table mentioned in Psalm 23. This table, the author of the Psalm says, is prepared by God for the author in the presence of his enemies. The rest of the Psalm is one of comfort, provision and protection, so we might be tempted to see this table as an exclusive space, out of the reach of our enemies. Yet, as I studied and pondered throughout the week, what became clear to me was that those that we see as enemies, God sees as beloved. As such, the table is prepared just as much for them as it is for us. This insight is one that should open our eyes to see all people as children of God who are welcome at God’s table. If we all did this all the time, how different might our world be?

In addition to streaming our 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch) we would also like to livestream to our YouTube Channel. In order to do this, we need to have a certain number of subscribers. Would you take a moment to visit our channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ) and hit “Subscribe?”

If you haven’t already heard, I am turning 50 on March 24. After the last year, this birthday and another year of life give us reason to celebrate. We are having a party on Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. at the Flora-Bama. I love listening to live music and there will be plenty to choose from that afternoon. All are invited to join us for the celebration.

There is much happening around here, and many ways for you to be involved in the life of the church.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Dinner with MUMC – Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
Baked Potato Bar with Salad and Desert, Donations Appreciated
Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Here’s how you can help:
Spread the word that toddlers through elementary school-age children are invited to participate (parents/guardians will need to stay with their children)
Volunteer to help with crowd control
Palm Sunday Worship – March 24, 11:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday Service (with MUMC and OB Presbyterian) – Thursday, March 28, 6:00 p.m.
Community Good Friday Service at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church – Friday March 29, 12 noon
Community Easter Sunrise Service at Gulf State Park Pavilion – Sunday, March 31, 6:30 a.m.
Easter Sunday Worship – Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m.
Monthly Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – April 17 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall

On April 4, I will have my next (and hopefully last) surgery. If you can help with meals following the surgery, a sign-up is available here: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/15/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-15-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 3/8/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/08/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-8-24 Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:30:20 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/08/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-8-24

March 8, 2024

Dear Friends,

After a good week at Ferncliff Camp & Retreat Center outside of Little Rock, Arkansas participating in the 2nd year of CREDO, I am back and busy preparing for the rest of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. But don’t worry, I am making sure I take time to PAUSE from the busyness of the season, as I hope you are doing as well, whether as you partake in the Local Pilgrim daily devotional, or another practice of your choosing.

A BIG thanks to Jim Graham for filling the pulpit in my absence this past Sunday, and for all those who played a part in leading worship.

In addition to streaming our 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch) we would also like to livestream to our YouTube Channel. In order to do this, we need to have a certain number of subscribers. Would you take a moment to visit our channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ) and hit “Subscribe?”

There is much happening around here, and many ways for you to be involved in the life of the church.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Based on the survey about the best time for weekly Bible Study, next week, Wednesday, March 13, at 1:00 p.m. we will resume meeting. At that time, we will talk about what we wish to study going forward.
St. Patrick’s Dinner with MUMC – Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
- Baked Potato Bar with Salad and Desert, Donations Appreciated
Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Here’s how you can help:
- Spread the word that toddlers through elementary school-age children are invited to participate (parents/guardians will need to stay with their children)
- Volunteer to help with crowd control
- Bring Non-chocolate, individually-wrapped candy to fill the eggs
Palm Sunday Worship – March 24, 11:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday Service (with MUMC and OB Presbyterian) – Thursday, March 28, 6:00 p.m.
Community Good Friday Service at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church – Friday March 29, 12 noon
Community Easter Sunrise Service at Gulf State Park Pavilion – Sunday, March 31, 6:30 a.m.
Easter Sunday Worship – Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m.
Monthly Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – April 17 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/03/08/from-the-pastor-s-pen-3-8-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 2/6/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-24 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:52:19 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-24

2/6/2024

Dear Friends,

Good Tuesday morning to all of you! It is a beautiful sunshine-y day here on the Gulf Coast, so I hope you are able to enjoy at least a few minutes of time outside basking in the beauty of God’s creation.

On Sunday, we were blessed to have Rev. Bob Madsen, Regional Presbyter for the Presbytery of South Alabama, share God’s word with us, serve the Lord’s Supper, and then join us (along with his lovely wife) at Presbyterian Pints. He reminded us of the good news of God’s love for us as found in Isaiah 40.

Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.

There is much happening around here, and many ways for you to be involved in the life of the church.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
Ash Wednesday Service (with MUMC), Wednesday, February 14 – 6:00 p.m. – Sanctuary (This will be in place of the normal Wednesday evening gathering)
Lent – During Lent, we will have the opportunity to participate in a devotional journey together. This Sunday, devotion booklets will be available for you to pick up and take home for use in your daily devotions. In addition, on Sundays in Lent, our theme will be Pause and we will focus in on the Psalms. If you would like an electronic copy of the devotional booklet, please let me know.
Red Cross Blood Drive – Tuesday February 20, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. – register at redcrossblood.org
We are in need of hosts/hostesses for the blood drives held in our facility. If you could serve in this way, please let me know.
Pancake Dinner (with MUMC), Wednesday, February 21 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall (This will be in place of the normal Wednesday evening gathering)
Now that I am finished with treatment, I want to get Bible Study up and running again. Here’s where you come in. Can you go https://forms.gle/XuSACRqJdQ8Pa1797 and fill out a quick survey about what time of day/week works best for you?
Choir Concert (with MUMC, and Orange Beach Presbyterian) – Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 p.m. – Sanctuary

I am done with radiation!!! I am so grateful for your prayers and support. Now I have a couple of months until my next surgery, which will be in early April. I will continue to post updates here as test results come in and surgery time nears: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/02/06/from-the-pastor-s-pen-2-6-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 1/23/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/23/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-23-24 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 10:33:44 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/23/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-23-24

1/23/2024

Dear Friends,

As I sit here in my office this morning, I can hear voices coming from the Sewflakes that are meeting in the Fellowship Hall, and the MUMC Bible Study group getting ready to meet in the Parlor. It fills my heart with joy to hear activity within the walls of the church on a Tuesday morning.

On Sunday, we focused in on the idea of repentance as a change of mind, and looked at this in relationship to Jesus calling his first disciples, and the way in which they made a huge change of mind to follow at that moment. But we also considered that while they were quick to follow at Jesus’s call, they didn’t follow perfectly. They had moments of questioning Jesus’s identity, wondering at his authority, and even abandoning him at his lowest point. All this led us to the reminder that we are all called to follow, and even when we trip up or fall short, God still calls us. And that means that we have the opportunity to answer that call to follow each and every moment of each and every day, and trust that God’s grace and mercy will abound.

Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.

After worship, our Annual Congregational Meeting was held. If you were unable to attend and would like to receive a copy of the Agenda, which includes an Annual Report and a copy of the 2024 Budget, let me know and I can email or mail one to you.

Wednesday evening fellowship continues this week in the Fellowship Hall, at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Conversation will also be “potluck,” so bring a conversation topic or two to place in a bowl and we will pull one or two out each week to guide our discussion.

Last week, you should have received an email containing your 2023 Giving Statement. If you did not receive it, or if you would prefer a paper copy, please let me know and I will get it to you. In addition, if you see anything that needs to be corrected on your statement, please reach out and we will get it corrected and a new one issued.

The countdown is on! Today marks radiation treatment 24 of 30. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. Updates are posted here: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall (see above announcement)

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/23/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-23-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 1/16/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/16/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-16-24 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:11:12 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/16/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-16-24

1/16/2024

Dear Friends,

Brrrr! It’s a chilly Tuesday on the Gulf Coast and I’m glad I have warm clothes, a warm house, and a warm office today! Brindley is glad she has a warm hoodie (oh, the cuteness). I hope that you are finding ways to stay warm.

This past Sunday, we focused in on things that may be lawful, but may not be beneficial. I told about a couple of the strangest “As Seen On TV” gadgets and we had a giggle as we considered the idea that just because it CAN be made, doesn’t mean it SHOULD be made, which also translates to just because we CAN do something, doesn’t mean we SHOULD do it. I gave the examples of Jim Crowe laws, apartheid, and even the holocaust as things that were lawful, but were absolutely not beneficial to anyone, much less the preyed upon and oppressed peoples that were the focus of these unjust laws.

As the body of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to make choices and take actions not just because we can, but through the lens of our faith that sees all people, and all the world, as beloved creations of God. We do this by standing up for the oppressed, speaking out against injustice, caring for our environment, and being thoughtful of how our actions – whether individual or as part of a larger community – impact the world around us.

Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.

Next Sunday, immediately following worship, we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting. During this meeting the budget will be presented, we will elect one more elder due to an opening on the Session, and approve the pastoral compensation package for the year. Please plan to attend.

Wednesday evening fellowship continues this week in the Fellowship Hall, at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Conversation will also be “potluck,” so bring a conversation topic or two to place in a bowl and we will pull one or two out each week to guide our discussion.

Today, you should have received an email containing your 2023 Giving Statement. If you did not receive it, or if you would prefer a paper copy, please let me know and I will get it to you. In addition, if you see anything that needs to be corrected on your statement, please reach out and we will get it corrected and a new one issued.

I am over half-way done with my daily radiation treatments in Fairhope! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. Updates are posted here: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall (see above announcement)
Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 21, immediately following worship

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/16/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-16-24#comments 1 From the Pastor's Pen 1/10/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-10-24 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:54:24 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-10-24

1/10/2024

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we talked about the wise men who followed the star to find the newborn King that had been promised. These men had to make a couple of big changes. One of these changes was to follow a celestial phenomenon to find someone they believed existed, but had no way of knowing for sure. The other was to return home by a different route in order to keep the child safe from the jealous and murderous King Herod. But, as I said on Sunday, I also believe their hearts were changed, and in a sense, re-routed, because of their encounter with the Christ-child.

As humans, change is something we long for in theory, but don’t like a whole lot in reality. At the beginning of a new year people make all kinds of promises to themselves and to others about making changes, but most of those resolutions fall flat before we even get through January.

As part of our worship on Sunday, all were invited to come forward and receive the gift of a “star word,” a word that everyone is encouraged to watch for the ways in which God might be leading and guiding them around that word for 2024. I have hung my word on my bathroom mirror where I will see it every day, as a reminder to watch for how God is at work. I look forward to hearing your stories of how your star word shows up in your life this year.

If you weren’t in worship on Sunday and would like me to randomly pull a word for you, please let me know.

Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.

This week, Wednesday evening fellowship begins. Our Fellowship Hall is booked by MUMC so we are meeting at the home of Billy and Jean Adcock, at 5:30 pm. No potluck this week because Jean is preparing shrimp and sausage gumbo, as well as tomato basil soup for those with seafood or gluten allergies. Call Jean at 251 504-4105 with any questions.

During the month of January, I will be undergoing radiation treatments each afternoon in Fairhope. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. I continue to be appreciative of your prayers and support and will post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – 5:30 p.m. – this week at Adcock’s home (see above announcement)
Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 21, immediately following worship

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-10-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 1/4/24 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/04/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-4-24 Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:42:51 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/04/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-4-24

1/4/2024

Dear Friends,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Looking back over 2023, I hope that you can see all the blessings that were sprinkled throughout your year and as we move into 2024, I pray that each one of you will seek the Lord and find the ways in which God is at work in your lives.

Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.

One of the ways we might consider working alongside God in our world is to volunteer to be part of Prism United, a group working to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ needs in Southwest Alabama. In 2024, this group will officially be offering opportunities in Gulf Shores for the LGBTQ+ youth in South Baldwin County. Programs such as this rely on the support of people like us and if you would like to be a part of this expansion into our area, please reach out to me, or to Corey Harvard at coreyharvard@prismunited.org.

During the month of January, I will be undergoing radiation treatments each afternoon in Fairhope. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. I continue to be appreciative of your prayers and support and will post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:
• Presbyterian Pints – This Sunday, January 7, following worship at Big Beach Brewing
• Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – Wednesdays (Starting January 10) at 5:30 p.m.
• Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 21, immediately following worship

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:
• Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
• The church can receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
• If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
• Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

You will find this week’s Prayer Requests at the bottom of the letter. Use this list to guide you in your prayer time and lift these requests to God. If you have a request (or a praise report) to include, or if a concern you have previously listed should be removed, please let me know.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me via email, text or phone with any needs or just to chat!

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Rev. Chrisy Ennen
gsfpcpastor@outlook.com, (618) 980-9899
"Let all that you do be done in love.”
I Corinthians 16:14

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2024/01/04/from-the-pastor-s-pen-1-4-24#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 12/19/23 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/19/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-19-23 Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:09:16 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/19/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-19-23

12/19/2023

Dear Friends,

Christmas is almost here! Be sure to check out all the events this week and join us for any and all of them!

This Advent, our theme for Worship is Coming Soon. We have gone from anticipation to scene set-up and this week we talked about an all-important part of movies – light. Our passage from John talked about the forerunner of Jesus – John (the Baptist) – and how he was NOT the light, but that he pointed to the light that was coming into the world. And in doing this, there were some who thought he was the Messiah. He, however, was quick to tell them that he was simply the one preparing the way.

As we move through this world, there is so much darkness that surrounds us, yet we, like John, have an inherent light that we emit as we reflect the light of Christ. We are to be those who prepare the way for Christ as we share this light with the world. When people look at us, they should be seeing Christ shine through in all that we say and do. As we notice the Christmas lights that abound this time of year, may they be a reminder of the light that, because of Christ, shines through us.

A reminder for those unable to join us in-person, Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch. The service airs each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and will be available to watch after that as well.

One of the ways we might consider working alongside God in our world is to volunteer to be part of Prism United, a group working to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ needs in Southwest Alabama. In 2024, this group will officially be offering opportunities in Gulf Shores for the LGBTQ+ youth in South Baldwin County. Programs such as this rely on the support of people like us and if you would like to be a part of this expansion into our area, please reach out to me, or to Corey Harvard at coreyharvard@prismunited.org.

The Christmas Choral Concert is coming up in just over a week, and we need more volunteers to help in the kitchen during the post-concert reception. If you can help, please sign-up on the sheet located on the kitchen counter, or email Pam Winstead at pamwinstead@gmail.com.

Today (Tuesday) I begin radiation. I continue to be appreciative of your prayers and support. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Christmas Poinsettias: Thank you to all who donated towards the lovely poinsettias that are now adorning our sanctuary. You may pick up your plant after the Christmas Eve Service.
Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – NOT MEETING THIS WEEK DUE TO THE CONCERT
December 20, 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choirs Combined Concert, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary
December 21, 6:00 p.m. – Longest Night, Orange Beach Presbyterian Church
December 24, 5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary

Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can now receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/19/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-19-23#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 12/12/23 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/12/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-12-23 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:11:49 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/12/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-12-23

12/12/2023

Dear Friends,

It is that time of year when the pace of activities begins to pick up! There is some great stuff coming up in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to pay attention to that list below.

This Advent, our theme for Worship is Coming Soon. This Sunday we moved from the anticipation of a movie trailer to the scene set-up as presented at the beginning of Mark’s gospel. We learned a new word that was used in Old English – pavior – one who paves the roads, and suggested that everything that came before, and in particular, the work of John the Baptist was that kind of work. He understood his role was just that – the one who would pave the way for the Savior to come. He worked within his own limitations to make ready the hearts of those who would soon have the opportunity to receive the Messiah when he arrived.

So, what is it that we are doing to pave the way for the work of the Lord in the here and now? Are we making it easier for others to come and meet Jesus? Are we leveling the roads so that all can make their way to the Lord? Everything that we say and do has the potential to either help or hurt the purposes of God. Let us be those who are the paviors, preparing the way for the coming of Christ.

A reminder for those unable to join us in-person, Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch. The service airs each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and will be available to watch after that as well.

One of the ways we might consider working alongside God in our world is to volunteer to be part of Prism United, a group working to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ needs in Southwest Alabama. In 2024, this group will officially be offering opportunities in Gulf Shores for the LGBTQ+ youth in South Baldwin County. Programs such as this rely on the support of people like us and if you would like to be a part of this expansion into our area, please reach out to me, or to Corey Harvard at coreyharvard@prismunited.org.

The Christmas Choral Concert is coming up in just over a week, and we need more volunteers to help in the kitchen during the post-concert reception. If you can help, please sign-up on the sheet located on the kitchen counter, or email Pam Winstead at pamwinstead@gmail.com.

While I am still awaiting the official word about the start of radiation, I want to again thank you for your continued prayers and support. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Christmas Poinsettias: Thank you to all who donated towards the lovely poinsettias that are now adorning our sanctuary. You may pick up your plant after the Christmas Eve Service.
Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
December 20, 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choirs Combined Concert, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary
December 21, 6:00 p.m. – Longest Night, Orange Beach Presbyterian Church
December 24, 5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary

If you know of those who need a place to park during their visit to Gulf Shores and they would like to use our parking lot, here is the link to share: https://www.premiumparking.com/P2658. You can also pick up postcards at the church to pass on to those who might be interested. If you have contacts at a rental company or a particular condo, feel free to pass this information.
Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can now receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/12/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-12-23#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 12/5/23 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-5-23 Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:44:14 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-5-23

12/5/2023

Dear Friends,

It’s DECEMBER! Every year I am surprised by how quickly the year goes by, and this year that has been especially true with the extra activity surrounding my health.

This Advent, our theme for Worship is Coming Soon. On Sunday, I shared a quote from Lectionary Sermon Series that nicely sums up what I mean by anticipating the coming soon elements of Advent.

“What would it look like if we lived our life alert, not missing out on the beauty and miracles before us, not denying the ways that Jesus speaks to us and calls us? How can we be constantly on the lookout for places that desperately call us to make known God’s forgiveness, generosity, justice, abundance, and love? What if we entered into this Advent season already out in the fields like the shepherds, ready to receive the angel’s message that the time has come, or like the astronomers, constantly searching until they spot the star that will guide them to what they have been looking for?”
I hope we will all aspire to live in such a way throughout this season, watching for the ways in which we can partner with what God is doing in the world around us.

One of the ways we might consider working alongside God in our world is to volunteer to be part of Prism United, a group working to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ needs in Southwest Alabama. In 2024, this group will officially be offering opportunities in Gulf Shores for the LGBTQ+ youth in South Baldwin County. Programs such as this rely on the support of people like us and if you would like to be a part of this expansion into our area, please reach out to me, or to Corey Harvard at coreyharvard@prismunited.org.

A reminder for those unable to join us in-person, Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch. The service airs each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and will be available to watch after that as well.

While I am still awaiting the official word about the start of radiation, I want to again thank you for your continued prayers and support. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Coming Events:

Christmas Poinsettias: Please reserve your poinsettia! Each poinsettia is given “In Memory” or “In Honor” of loved ones or special friends. The cost is $10.00 each. Please put the form and your check in the collection plate or in the church office, or email your order to pamwinstead@gmail.com and pay later. You may pick up your plant after the Christmas Eve Service.
Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. beginning December 6
December 20, 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choirs Combined Concert, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary
December 21, 6:00 p.m. – Longest Night, Orange Beach Presbyterian Church
December 24, 5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores Sanctuary

If you know of those who need a place to park during their visit to Gulf Shores and they would like to use our parking lot, here is the link to share: https://www.premiumparking.com/P2658. You can also pick up postcards at the church to pass on to those who might be interested. If you have contacts at a rental company or a particular condo, feel free to pass this information.
Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can now receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/12/05/from-the-pastor-s-pen-12-5-23#comments 1 From the Pastor's Pen 10/17/23 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-17-23 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:59:30 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-17-23

Dear Friends,

I hope your week is off to a good start. The cooler temps are a nice change of pace that my husband and the dogs are enjoying a lot.

On Sunday, we were reminded by Paul about how it is we are to live as followers of Christ. He encouraged his readers to be unified, rejoice always, be persistent in prayer, and to be intentional with our thoughts. He also reminded us that it is in living into our identities as followers of Christ, we will be gifted peace that passes all understanding.

A reminder for those unable to join us in-person, Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch. The service airs each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and will be available to watch after that as well.

Also attached to this email is a Nomination Form and Membership List. Please take a few moments to look over and fill out the form, and return it by Sunday, October 29, at which point the Nominating Committee will begin their work of preparing a slate of candidates for the congregational vote on November 26, immediately following worship.

A week from tomorrow is my next surgery (October 25), and after that it will be determined whether or not radiation will be needed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for help: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

NOW is the time to SHARE this information with anyone and everyone who is visiting the area. ALL proceeds from parking are now coming directly to the church, so the more people who park here, the more income we receive. So, if you know of those who need a place to park during their visit to Gulf Shores and they would like to use our parking lot, here is the link to share: https://www.premiumparking.com/P2658. You can also pick up postcards at the church to pass on to those who might be interested. If you have contacts at a rental company or a particular condo, feel free to pass this information along to them now that we are headed into busy season.
Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can now receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/17/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-17-23#comments 0 From the Pastor's Pen 10/10/23 Rev. Chrisy Ennen https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-10-23 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:59:07 +0000 https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-10-23

10/10/2023

Dear Friends,

First things first! I want to give an update with GOOD NEWS! Yesterday I got word that the specialized blood test that prior to chemo was highly positive is now NEGATIVE! This is a great indication that the chemotherapy was effective in doing its job. We are so grateful for this positive news, especially since that hasn’t been the norm throughout this journey. Surgery is still necessary, so that is coming up on October 25, and after that it will be determined whether or not radiation will be needed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for help: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

On Sunday, we talked about the importance of knowing our identity in Christ, and how that impacts our ability to set aside the labels and identities of the world in which we live. Paul said that he counted all of his Jewish pedigree as loss compared to his new identity in Christ, and that the direction of his pursuits changed radically when he embraced his new identity. I closed the sermon with these words:

Put off self. Put on Christ. Put off what the world says defines us. Put on Christ and who He says we are; because His definition of us is the only one that matters. Hear this today and believe it – you are a child of The Living God, joint-heir with Jesus Christ; you are loved by God, forgiven through Christ, and raised with Him to eternal life; you are made in the image of God; and your identity rests solely in God and no one else in this world can change that.

I repeat these words here, because I want each and every one of you to remember this every single day, so that you, like Paul, can press on toward what God has for you in Christ Jesus.

A reminder for those unable to join us in-person, Sunday morning worship is livestreamed on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch. The service airs each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and will be available to watch after that as well.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, all are invited to meet and hear from Reverend Joel Brown and his family with Living Water Ukraine. He will be in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, October 11, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., to provide information about the current crisis in Ukraine and all that God is doing for refugees in that area through Joel’s ministry. He would love to meet everyone!

Things continue to run smoothly with the Hand-in-Hand Business Center. Please remember that if you enter through the east doors to the building that the people in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center are there to work and do their jobs, so please be quiet and respectful of their time and space. If you need to enter the building and do not have a key, please come to the north entrance near the turquoise picnic tables and ring the bell for the office, rather than disturbing the business center tenants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Don’t forget:

NOW is the time to SHARE this information with anyone and everyone who is visiting the area. ALL proceeds from parking are now coming directly to the church, so the more people who park here, the more income we receive. So, if you know of those who need a place to park during their visit to Gulf Shores and they would like to use our parking lot, here is the link to share: https://www.premiumparking.com/P2658. You can also pick up postcards at the church to pass on to those who might be interested. If you have contacts at a rental company or a particular condo, feel free to pass this information along to them now that we are headed into busy season.
Keep collecting that loose change and bring it every week to add to the collection! All of the loose change will go toward the ongoing ministry of the church, as we continue to spread the life-changing good news of God’s love.
The church can now receive donations through Facebook, either by clicking on the “Donate” button on our Facebook Page, or through Fundraisers you can host on your own Facebook page.
If you have more ideas about how we can creatively fund the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, reach out and let me know!
Bring your Blessing Box donations (non-perishable items) to church on Sundays or drop them off at the box during the week.

]]> https://Fpcgs.org/blog/2023/10/10/from-the-pastor-s-pen-10-10-23#comments 0