From the Pastor's Pen 3/8/24

March 8, 2024

Dear Friends,

After a good week at Ferncliff Camp & Retreat Center outside of Little Rock, Arkansas participating in the 2nd year of CREDO, I am back and busy preparing for the rest of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. But don’t worry, I am making sure I take time to PAUSE from the busyness of the season, as I hope you are doing as well, whether as you partake in the Local Pilgrim daily devotional, or another practice of your choosing.

A BIG thanks to Jim Graham for filling the pulpit in my absence this past Sunday, and for all those who played a part in leading worship.

In addition to streaming our 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service on Facebook  (https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch) we would also like to livestream to our YouTube Channel. In order to do this, we need to have a certain number of subscribers. Would you take a moment to visit our channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ) and hit “Subscribe?”

There is much happening around here, and many ways for you to be involved in the life of the church.

Coming Events:

• Chair Yoga with Donna Holmes – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Based on the survey about the best time for weekly Bible Study, next week, Wednesday, March 13, at 1:00 p.m. we will resume meeting. At that time, we will talk about what we wish to study going forward.
• St. Patrick’s Dinner with MUMC – Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
  • Baked Potato Bar with Salad and Desert, Donations Appreciated
• Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Here’s how you can help:
  • Spread the word that toddlers through elementary school-age children are invited to participate (parents/guardians will need to stay with their children)
  • Volunteer to help with crowd control
  • Bring Non-chocolate, individually-wrapped candy to fill the eggs
• Palm Sunday Worship – March 24, 11:00 a.m.
• Maundy Thursday Service (with MUMC and OB Presbyterian) – Thursday, March 28, 6:00 p.m.
• Community Good Friday Service at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church – Friday March 29, 12 noon
• Community Easter Sunrise Service at Gulf State Park Pavilion – Sunday, March 31, 6:30 a.m.
• Easter Sunday Worship – Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m.
• Monthly Wednesday Evening Gathering & Potluck – April 17 – 5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall

On April 4, I will have my next (and hopefully last) surgery. If you can help with meals following the surgery, a sign-up is available here: https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/V5A7Q4H/care-for-chrisy.

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