1/10/2024
Dear Friends,
On Sunday, we talked about the wise men who followed the star to find the newborn King that had been promised. These men had to make a couple of big changes. One of these changes was to follow a celestial phenomenon to find someone they believed existed, but had no way of knowing for sure. The other was to return home by a different route in order to keep the child safe from the jealous and murderous King Herod. But, as I said on Sunday, I also believe their hearts were changed, and in a sense, re-routed, because of their encounter with the Christ-child.
As humans, change is something we long for in theory, but don’t like a whole lot in reality. At the beginning of a new year people make all kinds of promises to themselves and to others about making changes, but most of those resolutions fall flat before we even get through January.
As part of our worship on Sunday, all were invited to come forward and receive the gift of a “star word,” a word that everyone is encouraged to watch for the ways in which God might be leading and guiding them around that word for 2024. I have hung my word on my bathroom mirror where I will see it every day, as a reminder to watch for how God is at work. I look forward to hearing your stories of how your star word shows up in your life this year.
If you weren’t in worship on Sunday and would like me to randomly pull a word for you, please let me know.
Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.
This week, Wednesday evening fellowship begins. Our Fellowship Hall is booked by MUMC so we are meeting at the home of Billy and Jean Adcock, at 5:30 pm. No potluck this week because Jean is preparing shrimp and sausage gumbo, as well as tomato basil soup for those with seafood or gluten allergies. Call Jean at 251 504-4105 with any questions.
During the month of January, I will be undergoing radiation treatments each afternoon in Fairhope. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. I continue to be appreciative of your prayers and support and will 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,
On Sunday, we talked about the wise men who followed the star to find the newborn King that had been promised. These men had to make a couple of big changes. One of these changes was to follow a celestial phenomenon to find someone they believed existed, but had no way of knowing for sure. The other was to return home by a different route in order to keep the child safe from the jealous and murderous King Herod. But, as I said on Sunday, I also believe their hearts were changed, and in a sense, re-routed, because of their encounter with the Christ-child.
As humans, change is something we long for in theory, but don’t like a whole lot in reality. At the beginning of a new year people make all kinds of promises to themselves and to others about making changes, but most of those resolutions fall flat before we even get through January.
As part of our worship on Sunday, all were invited to come forward and receive the gift of a “star word,” a word that everyone is encouraged to watch for the ways in which God might be leading and guiding them around that word for 2024. I have hung my word on my bathroom mirror where I will see it every day, as a reminder to watch for how God is at work. I look forward to hearing your stories of how your star word shows up in your life this year.
If you weren’t in worship on Sunday and would like me to randomly pull a word for you, please let me know.
Sunday worship service airs each week at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and remains on our page for those who wish to watch at a later time. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch.
This week, Wednesday evening fellowship begins. Our Fellowship Hall is booked by MUMC so we are meeting at the home of Billy and Jean Adcock, at 5:30 pm. No potluck this week because Jean is preparing shrimp and sausage gumbo, as well as tomato basil soup for those with seafood or gluten allergies. Call Jean at 251 504-4105 with any questions.
During the month of January, I will be undergoing radiation treatments each afternoon in Fairhope. I appreciate all of you who have volunteered to drive me, and I will be in touch if and when I need your assistance. I continue to be appreciative of your prayers and support and will post updates here, as well as opportunities for support: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.
Coming Events:
- Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – 5:30 p.m. – this week at Adcock’s home (see above announcement)
- Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 21, immediately following worship
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 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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