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June 2022 newsletter |
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SWIFT
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
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The Practice of Passionate Worship
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June 5
Acts 2:1–21
John 14:8–17,25–27
June 12
Proverbs 8:1–4,22–31
John 16:12–15
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June 19
1 Kings 19:1–15a
Luke 8:26–39
June 26
Galatians 5:1,13–15
Luke 9:51–62
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Denise and I are absolutely thrilled that God has called me to Swift Presbyterian to be your interim minister! The warm welcome that has been extended has been such a blessing and we look forward to getting to know everyone as we journey with you through this threshold time.
In Celtic Christian spirituality, thresholds are a sacred place where the veil between heaven and earth is thin. They are a place of birthing; legend has it that Brigid, the Irish Saint of scholars, poets, and healers, was born on a threshold. When we find ourselves straddled over a threshold — with one foot firmly rooted in what has been and the other tentatively stepping into what will be — we can be certain that the Spirit is breathing new life into us. My calling is to walk with and guide our Swift family through a time of discernment and rebirth. As we celebrate who and what Swift Presbyterian has been, we are also invited to consider how God is calling us to walk into a brand-new future as a family of faith.
Denise and I have been married for almost nine years and between us have three grown boys. She lived in Mobile for nearly thirty years before we were married. I have lived in many places thanks to my twenty-one years on active duty as a USAF chaplain. Since my retirement from the Air Force in 2011 and our getting married, we have lived in DeFuniak Springs, Florida; Estes Park, Colorado; and Carrollton, Georgia. In that time, we have stood on many thresholds throughout the past nine years, and we are thrilled to be journeying with you, the good folks of Swift Presbyterian Church!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Michael
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The Swift session met on May 16 at 6 p.m.
■ Rev. Moore’s first day (June 5) preaching at Swift will be a single service followed by a fellowship event. We will also have Sunday school at the regular time.
■ Greg McNair was commended by several elders on the incredible handling of pulpit supply — it has been a great mix of styles, messages, and stories and all appreciate the work that went into that making that happen.
■ The session authorized Lynn Aspray (treasurer) to set up online banking at Regions that will allow bill payment and other transactions remotely as needed.
■ Safety team — Session reviewed and approved a request to replace some mats/rugs at the doors and widen the chapel ramp (this has since been completed).
■ Electrical upgrades for the fellowship hall were identified by the buildings and grounds committee and approved by the session. These included additional wall outlets and floor outlets for the kitchen. This was approved and was completed on May 31.
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WORSHIP ELDER’S REPORT — Greg McNair
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Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our interim pastor, the Rev. Michael Moore, who came on board June 1.
We are grateful to the people who have filled our pulpit during our time of transition after the retirement of the Rev. Keith Cardwell in January. Listed in alphabetical order, they are the Rev. Jerry Blacklaw, Dr. Walter Lawrence, Mr. Kendall Loper, the Rev. Bob Madsen, the Rev. Lois Phelps, the Rev. Bert Tuggle, and the Rev. Julian Walthall. We are also grateful to the Rev. Albert Thompson, stated clerk of the Presbytery of South Alabama, who passed the word that we had a need for pulpit supply preachers and helped with the initial scheduling.
On June 5, Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Moore will preach. Please wear something red to symbolize the flame of the Holy Spirit. There will be one worship service — in the sanctuary at 10 a.m., with the Lord’s Supper being served. Sunday school will be at 9 as usual. We will have a congregational lunch to welcome Rev. Moore and his wife, Denise, after worship. Our guest preachers have done a fine job and the congregation made them feel welcome and eager to return. We have invited them and their loved ones to join us for worship and lunch on June 5, but we realize some will have prior commitments elsewhere.
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Father’s Day is coming up June 19, and we are bringing back the Swift tradition of wearing Hawaiian shirts in honor of all dads and men who have had a positive influence on us.
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We seek people who are interested in serving on the worship committee or in volunteering for any of these areas of service for the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship: greeting/ushering and handing out bulletins, passing the offering plates, bringing in and taking out the light of Christ, reading Scripture, or leading “time with the children.”
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We have resumed serving the Lord’s Supper by intinction, and we are passing the offering plates again at both services.
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We will miss Judy Walker, a member of our committee and an office assistant, who has retired and will be moving to Houston, Texas.
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We have exchanged emails and texts but have not had an official meeting in a while. Assistant Pastor Jody Beth, Music Director Lisa Cardwell, and Kathy Menk serve on the committee with me. Our interim pastor will be joining us, of course.
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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
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Intercessory prayer group — 9 a.m.
every Wednesday in the chapel
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Preschool board
12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8,
in annex, room 2
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Finance committee
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 15,
in annex, room 2
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Session
6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 20,
in annex, room 2
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Deacons meeting
10 to 11 a.m.
Monday, June 27,
in the fellowship hall
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South Baldwin Community Outreach
Thursday, June 9
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Foley United Methodist Church
Diabetes screenings, blood pressure checks, legal services, senior resources, pharmacy services, COVID vaccinations and boosters with free raffles and refreshments. The event is free and open to all.
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Sweet Home Soirée
Thursday, June 23,
5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Country Club of Mobile
The PHFC Junior Board will host the Sweet Home Soirée, an event to benefit the Presbyterian Home for Children and to honor an individual whose life has been dedicated to serving others in our community and through the Presbytery of South Alabama. Join us for an evening of fun as we honor the Rev. Samford Turner and celebrate the ministry of the Presbyterian Home for Children. Tickets are $125 and the attire is business casual.
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GriefShare
Every Wednesday, June 8 through Aug. 31
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Liberty Church
“GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.” A new group will be meeting at Liberty Church
(the old theater) and facilitated by David Zandt.
I have been attending a GriefShare group led by David. We all have busy schedules, and I have found it very helpful to set aside intentional time to acknowledge the loss of my father. Each session we pray, watch a video and some choose to share their personal experiences. Talking in the group is not required. Many have found comfort just listening to the video and other people. I'm available if you would like to talk to someone about the loss of a loved one in your life, whether you think GriefShare may be helpful for you or not. — Pastor Jody Beth
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MUSIC NOTES — Lisa Cardwell
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Dear friends,
I have appreciated so much the well wishes and support so many of you have given me since I started my new job in March. It has been a good move for me, returning to work with former colleagues in a favorite setting. What I have found, however, in addition to a great opportunity of learning and being challenged in new ways, is that it is requiring a great deal of mental and physical stamina. After all, life in 2022 is much different from life in 1993!
As a result, I’ve had to take some time to re-look at my life and career. A lot has happened in my life since January. It came to a climax this past Sunday when I was sitting in the 8:00 service (and why I was not at the 10:00 service) and became overwhelmed with fatigue and mental stress. That’s when I knew that it was time to make some changes.
I have had to make the decision to reduce my responsibilities at Swift. I will not be attending and leading the music at the 8:00 service.
Here’s what I will continue to be doing at Swift Church:
■ Helping the pastors to choose music and to help plan services
■ Choosing music and rehearsing with handbell choir
■ If there is any opportunity to get people together for a chime choir, I will do my best to find a rehearsal time that is good for all of us.
We can envision new dreams for Swift Church. I love you all, and appreciate the gifts that God gives each of you. To God be the glory!
Lisa
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The Practice
of Radical
Hospitality
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Two or More Luncheon
11:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 2,
at Captain’s Choice Restaurant, The Gulf Bowl
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BUTTERFLY GIRLS AND GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, June 16, at 6 p.m.
Safari Club Restaurant
20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores
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.
Link to view the menu: https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/dine-at-the-zoo/
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The Practice
of Risk-Taking
Mission & Service
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
The making of the prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies thought and prayers for the receiver. Knitters and crocheters weave prayers for God’s love and healing into the shawls and create a vessel for God's mysterious presence in the lives of the recipients. This ministry is a gift of love made by loving hearts and hands that proclaim God’s love for God’s people. The shawls are passed on to those in need with no cost to the gifter nor recipient. No one can buy a shawl but anyone can gift it — “monetary donations are gratefully accepted in any amount you feel comfortable in giving.” These donations will allow this ministry to purchase yarn and continue gifts of God’s unconditional love!
The next prayer shawl meeting will be
Wednesday, July 6, at 8:45 a.m. in the fellowship hall.
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Food Pantry
The food pantry served 146 families and 308 individuals
in May and is open every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.
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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.
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The Practice
of Intentional Faith
Development
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Adult Sunday School Class Led by Cheryl
Cheryl’s class meets in the annex, room 2, every Sunday at 9 a.m.
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Snacks with Susan and Daryl
Join Susan and Daryl in the fellowship hall every Sunday at 9 a.m.
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Youth Sunday School
Youth meet in the annex, youth room, every Sunday at 9 a.m.
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The Practice
of Extravagant
Generosity
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Extravagant generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures. Thank you for your generous pledges and ongoing offerings. Your support and commitment to our church is greatly appreciated.
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This rendering of the Walk to Emmaus
in the church annex entry was donated by
Sue Ann Lay in loving memory of
two faithful members of Swift.
Patsy Gill, artist (1931–2018)
Andy Lay, owner (1942–2011)
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Find several in the emailed newsletter, sent out on June 2. |
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Church Custodian
We will have a job opening for church custodian in the near future. The job will have a flexible work schedule and preference will be given to contract (1099) employment. Background check will be completed. Send letter of interest, with skills and experience, to Jan Taylor at jtaylor4967@gmail.com.
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Pictured above are musician and artist Jenni Cain with her mother, Cheryl Jensen, with Jenni’s watercolor artwork she created for a Mother’s Day tribute of piano, song and art. Jenni also prepared bookmarks for all ladies of the church. Thank you for sharing your talent with Swift.
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Here we go! Summer is finally here! We are very excited to have your children are here with us.
We have an awesome summer curriculum planned and lots of fun activities for the students to enjoy.
“Mom...I’m bored!” Who hasn’t heard that statement spoken from the mouths of our angelic children every summer? We all have. SO, what do you do with that? Do you rush to find something for your child to do? Do you pack everyone up and go do “something fun”? There is nothing wrong with those two options; however, allowing your children to be bored is totally fine. In fact, it is a great time for them to learn how to entertain themselves, to become more creative and adventurous in their thinking. It gives them the opportunity to learn how to motivate themselves to do something that interests them, excites them and something they choose to do.
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Water day schedule
(weather permitting)
Monday: pre-K
Tuesday: early preschool
Thursday: twos
Friday: toddlers
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**REMINDERS**
- Please wear closed-toed shoes
- Please send your children to school with their bathing suits under their clothes on their scheduled water day. Your child will also need their own towel labeled with their name.
- If you would like your child to have sunscreen or bug spray, please send a bottle labeled with their name.
- Send your child in comfortable clothing that they can play, get messy and have fun in!
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PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS
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Zane Brewer — U.S. Marine Corps, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Dennis Trey Brown — U.S. Army, Fairbanks, Alaska
Jeffrey Cain — Coast Guard, Miami, Florida
David Esparza — U.S. Marine Corps, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Cody Havel — U.S. Navy, Jacksonville, Florida
Rich Kleen — Quantico, Virginia
Jeremy Rechkemmer — U.S. Army
Jeremy Timm — Major, National Guard, Arkansas
Tarah Young — U.S. Army, South Korea
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Sena Cooper
administrative assistant
swiftpc@gulftel.com
Kathy Menk
volunteer administrative assistant
swiftpc@gulftel.com
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Jessica Hammontree
preschool director
Lisa Cardwell
director of music
Jenni Cain
pianist
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church website www.SwiftChurch.org
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