From the Pastor's Pen 11/7/24

11/07/2024

Dear Friends,

Heading into this week, I know many of us were feeling election fatigue, and we were ready for it to be over – one way or the other. Following the election there have been a wide variety of emotions felt by everyone – regardless of how they cast their vote. Some people are hopeful for the future. Others have significant concerns about the future.

But what I want to say to each and every one of us today is this: no matter who was elected to be our next President, our call in the world has not changed. Our call is to love God and love neighbor. Our call is to care for the least of these. Our call is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, free the prisoner, and bring justice to the oppressed. And our call is BOTH to DO the work of the gospel AND to do it all in LOVE.

So, however you are feeling today, I encourage you to be purposeful in your actions, show love to all those with whom you come in contact – even if they have a very different take on the election results. Let’s be known as those who love big, and who love all, just the way that we have been shown the love of God through Christ.

If you are unable to join us in person, Sunday worship is livestreamed and saved on Facebook and YouTube:

• https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresFirstPresbyterianChurch
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEBQcAb3quFG16z_vy-4lQ

Don’t forget these upcoming events:

• Bible Study – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday Night Potluck – Our first Wednesday Night Potluck for the fall will be held on Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. Come and bring a dish to share.
• Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing those who will serve on Session and Nominating in the new year will be held on Sunday, November 17, immediately following worship.
• Bring a Friend to Church – Every Sunday we want to invite people to join us, but especially on the first Sunday of the month
• Presbyterian Pints – Sunday, December 1 following worship at Big Beach Brewing
• Archduke Trio – Tuesday, December 3, we, along with MUMC, will be hosting a holiday concert by the Archduke Trio at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at gsfpc.org/events. Please spread the word and invite all your community friends to what will be a phenomenal concert by this local trio of pianist, cellist, and violinist. If you would like some flyers to distribute, please let me know.
• Longest Night – The Longest Night Service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m. will be our Annual Christmas Eve Service.
• Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 19, not only will this be the time for our Annual Congregational Meeting, it will also be our opportunity to celebrate Pam Winstead’s 37 years of service to FPC. More details to come!
• Conversations are already happening about further events and ministries coming this fall and winter, so keep your eyes open!

 
If you are coming to the church during the week, please enter using the doors on 21st Ave, rather than the Business Center doors. This will help maintain a business-like atmosphere for those businesses. The business owners 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.
• When you come to worship, don’t forget to bring your COMPOST! See the attached information for information about what can be composted.
• We have a few little ones joining us for worship, and while they are always welcome to be in the service with us, sometimes it is helpful to the parents to have a little help. That being said, would you be willing to hang out with kiddos in the nursery on an occasional Sunday? Sign-up in the Narthex.
• 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