There are some changes to worship from what was posted in the May newsletter. Pastor Keith is not going to the Montreat Youth Conference. Ginny Kleinschmidt and Devery Thomas are going as chaperones of six youth. Since Rachael Knoll has already agreed to preach on June 4, and since it is a great opportunity for Swift community to meet our new regional presbyter, she will preach on the 4th even though Pastor Keith will be at church.
Day of Pentecost — Wear red. The Rev. Dr. Rachael Knoll preaches. She is the new regional presbyter for South Alabama and Mississippi presbyteries. ♦ Sermon: “Power of the Spirit” ♦ Scripture: Exodus 20:1–17 We celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Keith will be in church.
Trinity Sunday Titus 3:4–7 Fifth in a short series on short books of the New Testament
Phil Melton preaches. Matthew 9:35-10:8 This is Father’s Day so that means Hawaiian shirt day. Pastor Keith and Lisa will be gone.
3 John Sixth in a short series on short books of the New Testament
Pastor Keith will be away June 18–24
He and Lisa will travel to Montreat, North Carolina, for the annual Worship and Music Conference.
1 Peter 2
We celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
All will be invited to the table, regardless of baptismal status or age.
VBS Celebration Sunday
MUSIC NOTES Lisa Cardwell, music director
The chancel choir has moved to the summer rehearsal schedule: Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. In addition to this, if anyone would like to provide solo, small ensemble, or instrumental solo music during these summer months, we would welcome it.
I will be at the Montreat Worship and Music Conference June 18–23. There will be opportunities to listen to and purchase new choral and handbell anthems. There will also be sessions led by prominent worship leaders, hymn writers, and directors in our denomination. It’s been a number of years since I’ve attended this conference, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to attend.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT Greg McNair and Kim Whitchard, elders
It feels like summer already, even though it’s officially a few weeks away. That means the activity schedule at Swift Presbyterian Church is slowing down until after Labor Day. Sunday school and children’s church are taking a break until Sept. 10.
Some members of our congregation will be vacationing and taking day trips. Take-Out Church was a hit last summer, so we’re bringing it back. Starting June 4, the boxes will be available in the sanctuary to parents of young children. It is designed to help these traveling families stay connected to God and worship Him — and provide some challenges and fun as well. What surprises are hiding inside? We’re not spilling the beans. You’ll have to open it and explore.
The first Sunday of June is the Day of Pentecost, and everyone is urged to wear red , symbolic of the Holy Spirit descending on the first followers of Jesus with the fire of ministry and mission a few weeks after his resurrection and bringing them together as a church. So, in essence, we celebrate the birth of the church on this day. We will observe the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Our new regional presbyter, the Rev. Dr. Karen Knoll, will preach June 4. Pastor Keith will be in church on that day, too. This is an opportunity to hear Rev. Knoll and get a chance to meet her. Before starting work March 15 at the Presbytery of South Alabama office in Daphne, she and her husband, Eric, and their son, Jack, made their home in McDonough, Georgia, near Atlanta. Most recently, she was associate pastor of McDonough Presbyterian Church for 11 years. Part of her time is also devoted to serving the Presbytery of Mississippi, one of three presbyteries in that neighboring state.
June 11 is Trinity Sunday, and Pastor Keith will preach. The first Sunday after Pentecost honors the Holy Trinity — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
June 18 is Father’s Day, and men are encouraged to continue the tradition of wearing Hawaiian shirts as we salute the special men in all of our lives.
Philip Melton, one of our Swift mission elders, will preach on the 18th. Phil grew up in our church and has many relatives in the church family. He is an online student with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He preaches often for churches in our presbytery when pastors are away or the pulpit is vacant. He is working to become a commissioned lay pastor in the Presbyterian Church as his wife, Pastor Jody Beth, has done.
On June 25, after the 10:00 service, the youth will host a fish fry. Please come and show your support for our youth. Join your friends in the fellowship hall or take a box home. Proceeds will go to help the youth attend conferences and camps.
Please join us in praying for safe travels for all members of our Swift Church who will be out of town on vacation in the weeks and months before summer’s end. And let’s all pray for each other.
A change starting in July: When we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday, an invitation will be extended to all — an open invitation to the table. All who come to the table will be offered the bread and cup, regardless of their age or understanding. Our denomination has voted to accept a proposed policy change, and it has been enacted by the General Assembly and will be included in the directory for worship of the Book of Order.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
“TWO OR MORE” LUNCH
The “Two or More” lunch group will meet at the Captain’s Choice Restaurant in the Gulf Bowl on Thursday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m. The restaurant is at 2881 S. Juniper St., the road that runs behind the Tanger Outlet Center in Foley. Please RSVP if you know in advance you will be joining us — but if you don’t, we always have room for more at the table. Contact Lee Mansell, 232-4775.
BUTTERFLY GIRLS • GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. El Paso Mexican Grill
next to Hobby Lobby on Highway 59 South, Foley
(3191 S. McKenzie St.)
Girls and guys will be seated in separate sections of the restaurant.
Invite a friend or two, or come solo. Come for a night off from cooking.
Leave with memories of good food and fellowship.
Please RSVP to Mary McNair, 251-295-5267, or by email no later than Wednesday, June 14,
so we can reserve tables.
INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT
MONTREAT YOUTH CONFERENCE
Six members of the Swift Presbyterian Church youth group will attend the Montreat Youth Conference June 4–10 at the Montreat Conference Center in the North Carolina mountains near Asheville.
They will leave early Saturday morning. Participating in the national Presbyterian inspirational youth conference, which starts Sunday, will be Logan Harris, Sarah Kleinschmidt, Matthew Taylor, Maycie Ulrich, William Vanbrimmer and Shane Zook. The adults who will accompany them are Devery Thomas and Ginny Kleinschmidt
The conference theme is “A Missing Peace.”
The youths will be responsible for a Sunday worship service sometime after they return to Foley.
The group is grateful to the congregation for supporting their fundraising efforts.
BIBLE STUDY OFFERINGS:
DANIEL ENDING, JEREMIAH BEGINNING
The Thursday morning Daniel Bible study group has finished. Congratulations and thank you to all the faithful people who participated.
The next study for the morning group will be based on the book of Jeremiah. They will begin meeting again on June 15 with an introduction to Jeremiah from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church, followed by the group going out for lunch — both Daniel study people and those who will be coming to the Jeremiah study. The place will be announced. This would be a great time for people to join in as we start the new study. After the first week, we will meet every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (11:15 on “Two or More” lunch days).
The Sunday night Daniel study group will continue to meet to study Daniel for a couple of weeks, and then they also plan to study Jeremiah beginning Sunday, June 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Pastor Jody Beth pre-ordered several of the study books. Check with her if you would like a copy. jodybeth7@yahoo.com
Both groups will continue meeting through the summer. Weekly participation is not required. Come as often as you can, and don’t pass up the study just because you can’t be there every week.
For more information or to sign up, contact Lee Mansell, adult Christian education elder, 251.232.4775.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: HERO CENTRAL “Discover Your Strength in God!”
Mark your calendar: July 16–20 (Sunday through Thursday)
Hero Central uses epic music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, heroic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories to help kids (and leaders) discover their strength in God. From the moment VBS begins, Hero Central is designed to introduce your child to a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Each activity is developed, tested, and refined to be an engaging, age-appropriate experience to bring the word of God alive to every participant and volunteer. Hero Central is based on the Bible and the gospel of the living Christ.
Please prayerfully consider how you can use your talents and join the VBS staff.
We need storytellers for each night, two volunteers for crafts and two volunteers for recreation.
Thank you, Tracy Akins, for heading up the meals.
Contact Teresa Thomas, 609-2209, or the church office, 943-8367, for more information.
Maybe you think “Summer is a busy time. Give me one good reason to enroll my children in vacation Bible school at Swift Church.” Well, I don’t have one good reason; I have five great reasons:
• Session 1
Bible story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–12)
Hero code: God’s Heroes Have Heart!
Hero verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! (Psalm 34:14b)
• Session 2
Bible story: Abigail Saves the Day (1 Samuel 25)
Hero code: God’s Heroes Have Courage!
Hero verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! (Psalm 34:14b)
• Session 3
Bible story: Jesus Goes to the Temple (Luke 2:41–52)
Hero code: God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!
Hero verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! (Psalm 34:14b)
• Session 4
Bible story: Beatitudes (Matthew 4:23–5:12)
Hero code: God’s Heroes Have Hope!
Hero verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! (Psalm 34:14b)
• Session 5
Bible story: Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41)
Hero code: God’s Heroes Have Power!
Hero verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! (Psalm 34:14b)
DINNER IS SERVED!
We are needing a few church members who are interested in providing dinner for our youth during VBS. We will need dinners for Sunday through Thursday. If you can help, please contact Tracy Akins. My email is tracyakins@live.com and my phone number is 979-7798. Thanks for your help.
MISSION AND SERVICE
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
✓ The Swift Church session met on May 15. The time began with looking at changes to the Book of Order regarding the Lord’s Supper. With implementation of constitutional changes in July, the Lord’s Supper will be open to all people, regardless of baptismal status.
✓ We received the April financial report.
✓ Approved written reports.
✓ A presentation was given on the state of the preschool. There will be a summer session this year for the first time in a couple of years. Finances are stable.
✓ There is significant turnover in staff for summer/fall. New hires have begun during a transitional period. Additional educational tools/games have been purchased using some of the Norman Ard memorial money.
✓ Buildings and grounds reports that to widen the driveway and coat the existing parking lot, we are looking in the $18,000-to-$20,000 range. The finance committee has been tasked with making plans for a capital funds campaign.
✓ The meeting closed with prayer.
✓ On May 21, the session met after the 10:00 worship service to receive Sally deSarro into membership. She comes to us on transfer from Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. Sally is Ellafair Cotter’s daughter.
PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN Jim Runtz and Chuck Carneal
We wish to provide, to the members of our congregation, a quick update on the status of the Presbyterian Home for Children from our recent board of trustees meeting May 2.
It was noted by President Mark Howard that for the first time in recent memory, the home will finish its fiscal year in the black (actually operating at a residual profit). We have not had to access funds from our endowment in order to balance the books. This is due in large part to the individual and church donation uptick that has occurred over the last year since we have reduced our dependency on the state Department of Human Resources funding.
We are well on our way to securing accreditation through EAGLE (Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence), the only faith-based accrediting body in the world. We have been deep into due-diligence to gain this accreditation over the last year, and anticipate completion of this process by this coming July. Note: this accreditation process will enhance the reputation of the home, improve its processes and open new grant qualification.
The home is looking to expand its services into the other presbyteries in the state (North and South) and the areas of the state where no services are available.
✓ In July, we will be adding two families to supportive housing in Athens through Copeland Presbyterian Church in July.
✓ A day shelter for homeless families is in development in partnership with the Sheffield Housing Authority and First Presbyterian Church, Sheffield.
✓ Finally, we will be adding 28 visually impaired adults to our supportive housing on campus in conjunction with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
Some metrics regarding our current census:
✓ On campus: Moderate residential (through state DHR), eight girls
✓ Secure Dwellings: 11 women and 19 children
✓ Transitional Living (18–24 ages) 11 young women
✓ Supportive Housing: one woman, seven children (Talladega); two adults, one child (Anniston)
✓ Family Bridges (off-site counseling of troubled families): 19 adults, 21 children
In conclusion: Besides representing you on the board of trustees, the church (Swift) has increased its financial giving to the home in recent years. Our pastor continues to participate in the annual charity bike-a-thon. This last meeting, we brought 200–300 pounds of clothing, bedding and appliances to the home for use and/or resale in their thrift shops. The home thanks you all for your generosity.
Attention, parents: Another school year has come to a close, and if your children have received awards or earned spots on an honor roll, I’d love to help spread the word to our church family on our website, www.swiftchurch.org. “Swift Church people” is the designated page for such items. We might be able to use a photo, too, if you would like to submit one. We also would love to include information about college and university honors among members of our church family. You can send them using the news submission form on the website or by email to <gregmcnair@centurylink.net>.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Charlie Hastings, elder
Swift Presbyterian Church Work Day
We are asking for your help around Swift Church for a few small projects.
f you have a few hours and are willing to help, please show up Saturday, June 3, from 9 to 11 a.m.
— and bring a friend.
Drinks and snacks will be provided. Thank you all in advance.
——————
If anyone is interested or knows anyone who may be interested in helping
around the church in the future, please contact Charlie Hastings at 251-752-5078.
MISSION REPORT Cathy Rogers and Philip Melton, elders
The Swift Presbyterian Food Pantry served 35 families on the first distribution of the month. This is some kind of record! The pantry needs to be restocked for the summer months. Thanks to all who donate food and volunteer to greet families on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Those interested in volunteering at the food pantry may contact Phil Melton.
June 4 is Pentecost Sunday and is another special Presbyterian offering. A gift to the Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people and also address the needs of at-risk children. Forty percent of the Pentecost Offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency including young adult volunteers, ministries for youth, at-risk children, and Pentecost offering financials. Last year $500 was collected from our congregation. Our goal this year is $600. We will track gifts offered on a board with a flame for every $20 gift.
The Swift English as a Second Language class is taking a recess until September due to the busy tourism industry in which many people are involved. The congregation will be notified when the classes will begin again.
WE APPRECIATE OUR JUNE VOLUNTEERS • Please pick up your summer schedule in the back of the church. •
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
GREETER/USHER TEAMS
June 4 — Jane King, Judy Walker, Greg McNair
June 11 — Bridgit and Jessica Gosa, Greg McNair, Lee Mansell
June 18 — Norm and Debbie Schmidt, Danny and Paula Brewer
June 25 — Susie Alexander, Sue Ann Lay, Lynda Walden, Stevie Walker
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
June 4 — Bobby and Karely Kleinschmidt
June 11 — Pate and Brett Cardwell
June 18 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
June 25 — Kenny and Lezlie Thomason
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
June 4 — Cathy Rogers
June 11 — Jane King
June 18 — Teresa Thomas
June 25 — Judy Walker
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Will resume in September
FELLOWSHIP DEACONS
June 4 — Tosha Thomas
June 11 — Tresa Melton
June 18 — Brett Cardwell
June 25 — Tosha Thomas
You may have noticed this box in your bulletin. Using your “smart phone” and this box you can connect to the church’s online giving page. You can set up for automatic donations of your tithes or one-time gifts to a number of funds benefiting ministries of Swift Church. Use this by either entering your credit/debit card information or your checking account information. Of course, this is a secure website. You can also do the same thing by clicking the donation link on the church’s website, www.swiftchurch.org.
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