wfn.org | What a difference a decade makes!

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Note #5969 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

25-June-2000
GA00024

	What a difference a decade makes!  

	 by Midge Mack

LONG BEACH, June 25 – Twelve years ago the Rev. Charles Sims came to pastor
a small church in the quiet town of Gulf Shores, Ala.  Then came the
tourists and the retirees.

	As Gulf Shores began to grow and change from fishing shanties to beach
resorts, the town's permanent population grew as well. More professionals
and business people came to serve those who came to  retire. Quite a few of
each  were or became Presbyterians.

	First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores is currently building its third
unit, a million-dollar Christian education wing. While the sanctuary was
enlarged to seat 320 in 1992,  two services are still needed during the
winter.  Ten years ago, the 68 members struggled to maintain a yearly
$40,000 budget, but today's  300+  members easily give $250,000.

	Sims saw to it that mission grew along with the rest, and in 1992 organized
a Christian Service Ministry through the Paradise Island Ministerial
Association. "Even in paradise, there are always needy folks," he says. The
town's several churches now pool resources and volunteers to provide
emotional and substance abuse counseling,  transportation to doctors and
dentists,  school uniforms for needy kids,  medical, rent and utility
subsidies if needed, and a food pantry. The Christian Service Center is
currently under construction.

	Sims keeps up with just as much presbytery work as when his congregation
was small. Currently he moderates South Alabama Presbytery and serves on its
committees on Ministry, Christian Education and Evangelism/Church
Development. Next year he plans to retire.

	"But I'm going for interim ministry," he reports.  "I've already done phase
one of the training and I have to do an interim before I can start phase
two. It's time to get at it."

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