From the Pastor's Pen 10/4/23

10/4/2023

Dear Friends,

Well, hello there! It’s been awhile! While I have been undergoing cancer treatment, specifically chemotherapy, I was unable to regularly communicate with all of you through the weekly Pastor’s Pen, and I missed it!

While chemotherapy treatment is completed, I still have a road ahead of me. October 25 will be my next surgery, and following that it will be determined whether or not radiation will be necessary. I am extremely grateful for the ways in which you have supported me during this time – both personally and professionally. I am also thankful for the myriad ways you have stepped up to keep things running smoothly at the church over the last few months. I continue to post updates here, as well as opportunities for help: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

I heard so many kind words from Magnolia UMC folks on Sunday – their gratitude for the use of our space, the welcome they have received, and their hopes for our future partnerships. I am thrilled that we have this opportunity to work ecumenically with this congregation and I look forward to see how our partnership will affect our community for the better.

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.

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.

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