From the Pastor's Pen 6/14/23

6/14/2023

Dear Friends,

Sunday’s reflections centered around the idea that faith is a path you make while walking. In particular, we looked at the Genesis story of Abraham’s call, alongside Matthew’s account of Matthew’s call, a synagogue ruler’s request that Jesus raise his daughter from the dead, and a bleeding woman’s touching of Jesus’s garment. Each one of these people exercised their faith in God in various ways, and each one was given grace as they did so.

Are we in the habit of building our faith by living it out in the everyday-ness of life? I would suggest that there are times that we aren’t as focused on walking and making that faith-path, and then there are other times in which that path gets well-worn.

I think that we are in one of those times where we need to be exercising our faith for so many reasons, big and small. Here are a couple of those reasons.

Yesterday, I received the test results for which we have been waiting. The bottom line is this: because of the high risk that this cancer poses, I will need to do both chemotherapy and radiation. Next week, we will meet with the oncologist for the details of what that looks like. This is not the news we were hoping for, but it is the news we got, so we will face it head-on and do what is needed, having faith that God is walking right alongside us in the journey.

Secondly, as I am sure you are all aware because of the traffic, it is summer, and with summer comes some challenges, particularly in the area of finances. With the normal ebb of summer giving, alongside some transitions in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center, as a church we are really feeling the financial crunch. The Session is working on ways to bridge the gap, including making some adjustments so that we can open up a couple more office spaces, but those adjustments aren’t something that can bring in extra funds overnight. If you can give an extra gift, increase your giving even for a short time, or have other ideas for how we can close the gap between income and expenses – whether short-term or long-term – it would be greatly appreciated. You may or may not realize that what we do here makes a difference in our community and in the lives of many people – even if you don’t see it every day. We have an important part to play in our corner of the world, and as we exercise our faith by being obedient to God’s leading, we allow God to use us more and more to impact the world around us for God’s glory.

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.

We are in the midst of some transitions in the Hand-in-Hand Business Center, a natural progression of what happens in spaces like this, but the minute word gets out we have an opening, people are here asking about it. Just this week I am working on finalizing two more agreements with a third in the works. I am happy to say that God is using this space to be a blessing to our community through the small businesses that reside here.

Please note 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!
• For safety reasons, at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday, all the doors of the building will be locked EXCEPT the north door that leads into the narthex. If you find yourself running behind, just remember to park up front by that door and enter there.
• 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