12/19/2023
Dear Friends,
Christmas is almost here! Be sure to check out all the events this week and join us for any and all of them!
This Advent, our theme for Worship is Coming Soon. We have gone from anticipation to scene set-up and this week we talked about an all-important part of movies – light. Our passage from John talked about the forerunner of Jesus – John (the Baptist) – and how he was NOT the light, but that he pointed to the light that was coming into the world. And in doing this, there were some who thought he was the Messiah. He, however, was quick to tell them that he was simply the one preparing the way.
As we move through this world, there is so much darkness that surrounds us, yet we, like John, have an inherent light that we emit as we reflect the light of Christ. We are to be those who prepare the way for Christ as we share this light with the world. When people look at us, they should be seeing Christ shine through in all that we say and do. As we notice the Christmas lights that abound this time of year, may they be a reminder of the light that, because of Christ, shines through us.
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.
Today (Tuesday) I begin radiation. I continue to be appreciative of your 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,
Christmas is almost here! Be sure to check out all the events this week and join us for any and all of them!
This Advent, our theme for Worship is Coming Soon. We have gone from anticipation to scene set-up and this week we talked about an all-important part of movies – light. Our passage from John talked about the forerunner of Jesus – John (the Baptist) – and how he was NOT the light, but that he pointed to the light that was coming into the world. And in doing this, there were some who thought he was the Messiah. He, however, was quick to tell them that he was simply the one preparing the way.
As we move through this world, there is so much darkness that surrounds us, yet we, like John, have an inherent light that we emit as we reflect the light of Christ. We are to be those who prepare the way for Christ as we share this light with the world. When people look at us, they should be seeing Christ shine through in all that we say and do. As we notice the Christmas lights that abound this time of year, may they be a reminder of the light that, because of Christ, shines through us.
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.
Today (Tuesday) I begin radiation. I continue to be appreciative of your 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. – NOT MEETING THIS WEEK DUE TO THE CONCERT
- 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:
- 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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