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

 
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