From the Pastor's Pen 3/15/24

3/15/2024

Dear Friends,

I don’t know about you, but as we get closer to Easter (and another surgery for me), I am having to be even more intentional to build Pause into my days. It is easy for me to get caught up in all the things looming on the to-do list and forget to stop for a few moments. But I can also can when I haven’t made the effort to pause as anxiety rises and my focus gets scattered.

Sunday, we considered our theme of Pause in relationship to the table mentioned in Psalm 23. This table, the author of the Psalm says, is prepared by God for the author in the presence of his enemies. The rest of the Psalm is one of comfort, provision and protection, so we might be tempted to see this table as an exclusive space, out of the reach of our enemies. Yet, as I studied and pondered throughout the week, what became clear to me was that those that we see as enemies, God sees as beloved. As such, the table is prepared just as much for them as it is for us. This insight is one that should open our eyes to see all people as children of God who are welcome at God’s table. If we all did this all the time, how different might our world be?

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?”

If you haven’t already heard, I am turning 50 on March 24. After the last year, this birthday and another year of life give us reason to celebrate. We are having a party on Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. at the Flora-Bama. I love listening to live music and there will be plenty to choose from that afternoon. All are invited to join us for the celebration.

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.
• Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
• 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
• 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