From the Pastor's Pen 6/30/23

6/30/23

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday we spent some time talking about hospitality, and the ways in which we are called to care for and welcome one another. You see, hospitality isn’t just about welcoming people into our homes and into our churches. True hospitality not only sees the Creator in the created ones, but also goes above and beyond, travelling to the well to bring back the cold, living water to quench their thirst. Refreshing hospitality involves giving of ourselves in ways that not only welcomes the outsider, but stands up for them when others seek to hurt them. God’s hospitality welcomes ALL – no questions asked, no strings attached, and no ifs, ands, or buts. And this is the kind of hospitality that we are to practice as we go and spread the good news of God’s love and welcome for all.

Speaking of welcome, this Sunday we have some GREAT things happening in and after worship. First, we get to WELCOME two new members to the church. Then we get to WELCOME Ollie Andrews into the family of God through baptism. Following that, we get to WELCOME one another to the table where we will share in communion. And finally, all are WELCOME to join us at Presbyterian Pints following worship as we celebrate these milestones in the life of the church together. I hope you all will join us for this day of celebration.

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.

Health Update: This week I had CT and bone scans (that were clear – thanks be to God!), and had a port inserted to prepare for chemotherapy treatments that will begin on July 5. As I begin this 12-week process, it will be very important for me to use extreme caution when it comes to exposing myself to germs/viruses. For that reason, once I begin treatment, I will not be hugging, shaking hands, or gathering in public spaces. I appreciate your support in making these precautions a priority for my health. In addition, we have once again opened up opportunities to provide meals three times a week over the next 12 weeks. If that is something that you would like to help with, head over to  https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy and check it out. As other needs arise, those will be posted here as well. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It means so much!

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. 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