AUGUST 2022

WORSHIP IN AUGUST

Aug. 7        

Back-to-School Sunday

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 and Luke 12:32-40 NRSV

Sermon: Pastor Michael Moore

Communion by intinction at both services

Aug. 14      

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 and Luke 12:49-5 NRSV

Sermon: Pastor Michael Moore

Congregational meeting at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary

Aug. 21      

Scriptures: Psalm 103:1-8 and Luke 13:10-17, NIV           

Sermon: Pastor Jody Beth Melton

Aug. 28      

Scripture: Luke 14:1,7-14 NIV

Sermon: Pastor Jody Beth Melton

A WORD FROM PASTOR MICHAEL

Dear siblings in Christ,

I have had several people ask me about the recent General Assembly and their actions. This is a good opportunity for me to share how our connectional church works. The General Assembly, which met in July, conducted a lot of business and approved lots of overtures. Some of these overtures have created a stir which has reached our congregation here at Swift Presbyterian Church.

I have been asked if South Alabama Presbytery had representation at the assembly? Yes, South Alabama Presbytery was represented by two commissioners (a ruling elder commissioner and a teaching elder commissioner) who were elected by the presbytery. Swift Presbyterian Church's session elected and sent commissioners to the presbytery meeting where this decision was made. The congregation elected the ruling elders who make up the session.

When ruling elders are elected to session or when commissioners are elected to serve at presbytery, synod, or General Assembly meetings they are elected, after careful prayer and consideration under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As our Book of Order clearly states, God alone is Lord of the conscience, therefore commissioners' votes are based on their own prayerful discernment rather than the majority opinion of those they represent.

Regarding statements from the General Assembly, when the General Assembly approves overtures, they are speaking as that particular General Assembly to particular issues, at particular times. They are speaking to the church and not for the church. The same holds true for the stated clerk of the General Assembly (who is elected by the General Assembly). The stated clerk speaks to the church and not for the church. Unfortunately, media reports (including Presbyterian publications) can make it appear that they are speaking for the church. We are governed by a representative body which is elected by the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels of the church.

If there is to be an amendment to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), that overture (which was submitted by one presbytery and supported by other presbyteries) from the General Assembly is sent to the presbyteries for a vote. If it is a change to the Book of Confessions (part 1 of the constitution), two-thirds of the presbyteries must affirm the change, otherwise the change is not made. In the case of changes to the Book of Order (part 2 of the constitution), a simple majority of the presbyteries must affirm the change. In the case of the change to the definition of marriage in 2015, even though a majority of presbyteries voted to accept the change, no one was forced to agree with the new definition. A church was in no way "ordered" by the Book of Order to allow same-gender marriages. Likewise, pastors cannot be ordered by the Book of Order to do so.

Hopefully this article has been helpful as we seek to understand the Presbyterian form of government and how the General Assembly operates. This fall, Denise and I plan to offer a short course, Presbyterian 101, which I hope will be a great time of learning and fellowship! If you have any questions about this or if you have any other questions or concerns, please reach out to me.  

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Michael

Swift Church Session met on July 18 and discussed the following items. Please let any session member know if you need further information.

• We finalized the hiring of a new custodian who begins in mid-July.
• Approved renovations needed the preschool restrooms, funded by the preschool. This will occur as the class schedule allows.
• Rev. Moore is working on the process of assembling the nominating committee, which will begin with a congregational meeting on Aug. 14 at 9:45 a.m. The committee will include four church members at-large, from a variety of areas like Sunday school classes and other groups, who will join two elders and one deacon. 

Session will not meet in August but will resume in September.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Intercessory prayer group
9 a.m. 

every Wednesday in the chapel

Country Place Senior Living worship service

Swift Church will be leading an offsite worship service at Country Place Senior Living in Foley on Aug. 7. We plan to offer the service on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. in the great room.

Leadership includes a rotation of Pastor Jody Beth and Philip Melton, Jane (and Derek) Capsis, and Kendall (and Vickie) Loper.

We will follow current COVID protocols, including temperature checks and wearing masks when within 6 feet of residents. As each date approaches, we will check with the staff to see if we can invite others to join us as guests and worship participants.

Please support this ministry with your prayers! Although Brenda (Jody Beth's mom) who lives there is able to join us most Sundays for worship, many of the residents are not able to get out to church services. So we feel called to meet them where they are!

We are excited to announce that our job vacancies have been filled!

Emily Fields-Hawkins began work in July as the church custodian. 

She will be working at the church on Wednesdays.

Stephanie Craft will begin on Aug. 9.as the co-administrative assistant. Stephanie will be working alternating weeks with Sena Cooper.

We would like to especially thank Kathy Menk for volunteering her assistance with the administrative duties over the past several months and to our church members

for remembering us in your prayers

during this time of transition.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

‘Two or More' 

will meet for lunch

Thursday, Aug. 4, at 11:30 a.m.

Captain's Choice Grill

in the Gulf Bowl, Foley

Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth by text at

251-213-6625 or email at jodybeth7@yahoo.com

Butterfly Girls & Guys Night Out

Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.

Big Daddy's Grill

16542 Ferry Road, Fairhope

We gather together once a month for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. Men and women sit separately. If you've never come, please consider joining us — it's a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well. Please RSVP to Mary McNair by text at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate any who would like a ride.

Prayer shawl ministry

will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 8:45 a.m.

in the fellowship hall.  Please join us!

Food pantry

The food pantry served 189 families and 434 individuals

in July and is open every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer one or two Wednesday mornings each month to distribute food from 9:45-11 a.m., please contact Kathy Menk at 251-518-7966.

UKirk ministry

The presbytery's mission and evangelism committee is tasked with oversight of our UKirk ministry. UKirk has struggled over the last several years, and the committee sees a need for fresh ideas as to the direction of our ministry with college students.

We would like to invite anyone who is interested to join us for a brainstorming session on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at noon at the presbytery office

at 1211 Main St. in Daphne. 

If you are interested in helping the committee brainstorm, please plan to attend. The Holy Spirit works in community!  Please RSVP to Julee in the presbytery office (presbyteryofsa@aol.com) by Monday, Aug. 22. Lunch will be provided.

Swift financial assistance

If you are in financial need from lack of work, medical bills, or other reasons, please contact Pastor Michael or Pastor Jody Beth for assistance. Your generosity to the pastors' discretionary fund allows us to provide those in need with financial support. 

Adult Sunday school class led by Bill and Catherine

 is continuing a study in the book of Genesis. 

Join us in the annex, room 2, every Sunday at 9 a.m.

A special "thank you" to Cheryl Jensen for her years of faithful

leadership of the adult Sunday school class.

Snacks with Susan and Daryl will resume meeting on Sunday, Aug. 7, with a four-week study by Matt Rawle titled "The Faith of a Mockingbird". Sticking with our Alabama roots, we will look at four characters in "To Kill a Mockingbird," written by our neighbor to the north Harper Lee.

We will explore how God is present in pop culture and how these keys to the story show God's love and redemptive spirit. Join us in the fellowship hall at 9 a.m. for good conversation and some different thoughts on a familiar novel/movie.

Pastor Michael will be on vacation 

Aug. 15-21 and will be attending 

interim pastor training Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.

We pray for safe travels, relaxation

and productive training!

PRESCHOOL NEWS

We are happy to announce that Dorsey Corley is our new preschool director. Dorsey has been with the preschool for over three years and most recently served as the assistant director. We wish Jessica Hammontree well as she continues her studies in nursing school.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS

CHURCH STAFF

Sena Cooper

administrative assistant

swiftpc@gulftel.com

Kathy Menk

volunteer administrative assistant

swiftpc@gulftel.com

Dorsey Corley

preschool director

Lisa Cardwell

director of music

Jenni Cain

pianist

Church office 251-943-8367

Church website www.SwiftChurch.org