Thank you to all who were involved in the “Sounds of Hope” Christmas program on Dec. 18, whether you were a part of the program, or brought food for the wonderful reception afterward. We appreciated all those who were in attendance.
Now the chancel choir begins work on our music for Baptism of the Lord Sunday (Jan. 8), Ordination Sunday (Jan. 15), and beyond. Preparation for upcoming worship services never ends for the music department. Rehearsals reconvene on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 5:45 p.m.
The handbell choir will begin rehearsals again on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 5:30 p.m. This choir will be preparing for worship participation on Jan. 29.
And, plans will be made for our Joyful Tones’ next appearance.
It’s so exciting to know that so many people are dedicated to bring music to our worship services. We are excited to see what God does in our midst.
WORSHIP REPORT
Kim Whitchard, worship elder
The year 2016 has proved to be a great one. However, while some of us have had excitement with new births, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, others have experienced pain and grief of the loss of loved ones — and illness and trauma.
The only constant in our lives as Christians is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are ending 2016 celebrating His birth and the hope that His birth brings to us once again as we await the new year — and His Second Coming.
The year was so fulfilling for me as your worship elder. Again, I am very excited to introduce you to Greg McNair as your second worship elder. Having two worship elders indicates how important the experience of worship is. Greg and I will dedicate ourselves to making sure that your worship experience is passionate and we will strive to deepen your connection to the Lord and your fellow members.
We have enjoyed so many creative activities to hopefully provide that passion. We began with Easter, and Pentecost Sunday where the choir enjoyed processing with the red banners. We had the joy of the T-shirt drive and I truly enjoy wearing my “I Love My Church” T-shirt. (I think we should dedicate one Sunday a quarter to wearing our T-shirts.) We moved into summer with the “take-out church” so that families could enjoy church while on vacation. We had fun with Father’s Day and the tradition of Hawaiian shirts. I wonder what fun tradition we can create for Mother’s Day. We have also experienced the blessings of Advent with our blessing cups.
I hope these innovative activities have deepened your connection not only with God but also your family.
We have experienced so many blessings this year, and I want to thank each of you for your help with your time, talents and treasures in the renovation of the fellowship hall, and I look forward to many gatherings in there and becoming closer as a church family.
The New Year’s Day service will start off the year with continued creativity as we will be having the service in the fellowship hall and having a non-traditional worship service. I’m looking forward to breaking bread around the table, perhaps as Jesus broke bread with his disciples.
I look forward to the blessings that 2017 will bring to our Swift Church family. May everyone be blessed in this new year.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
Two or More Lunch
Thursday, Jan. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at the Captain’s Choice Grill at the Gulf Bowl.
Please contact Lee Mansell at 251-232-4775 to make a reservation or just show up.
Butterfly Girls and Guys’ Night Out
Mark your calendar for Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
It’s time to make a New Year’s resolution. No, not one of those boring ones like eat more broccoli or take the stairs, but one that is really fun. Make a resolution to join us at Butterfly Girls or Guys’ Night Out this year. This month the ladies will be at Mamma Mia Pizzeria at the corner of Highway 98 and Pine Street in Foley. The gents will be at Fish River Grill No. 2 at 608 S. McKenzie in Foley.
Come for conversation and a night out with friends new and old.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Pastor Jody Beth Melton: 251-213-6625.