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:
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:
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
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
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:
- 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.
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
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Merry Christmas hope to see you last Sunday of December.