If you can’t attend worship, the sermons will be posted on the church website www.swiftchurch.org/. There are written and video copies available when you are absent.

SAFETY AT SWIFT CHURCH

A safety and security team has been established for Swift Church. They are actively looking at ways as best as possible to provide a safe experience while people are on the Swift Church campus.

■ A stranger walks in on a few women working in the fellowship hall.
■ The church office staff is surprised by the appearance of a transient inside the building.
■ An 8:00 worshiper has a heart attack.
■ In a crisis, communication by cell phone is interrupted because of the metal building.
■ A teacher needs a parent but can’t leave the others in the class unattended.
■ Someone breaks the window and steals the TVs from the annex classrooms.

These scenarios have happened or could happen any given week. To best be prepared for these and other emergencies, we need to purchase:

• trauma kits • first-aid kits • AED for chapel • coded door locks • panic bars for sanctuary doors • fire extinguishers • walkie-talkies • security cameras (inside and outside) • other items not yet identified.

Here is a way you can help. You can provide designated financial support above and beyond your pledge to the church. The total for these items is somewhere around $4,000. They will be purchased as money is made available.

If you would like to be part of the safety and security team, please talk with Marvin King, Al Sprouse, Jim Runtz, Don Aspray, or Pate Cardwell.

Chancel choir will be singing a new anthem on Oct. 13, “I Know Your Heart of Grace,” which was purchased in memory of Rick Jensen. This is a change from the September newsletter. Due to some changes in Lisa’s work schedule in Pensacola this fall, the chancel choir rehearsals will remain on Sunday mornings at 9 until further notice. We will be singing some previous and current favorites. We would love to have some additional singers.

You won’t want to miss worship on Oct. 27! The handbell choir will be playing two new anthems: “Rhythmic Rejoicing” and “Be Thou My Vision.” “Rhythmic Rejoicing” implements some unusual percussion instruments as we praise God in an unconventional way! “Be Thou My Vision” is a beautiful arrangement of this beautiful hymn, and includes another lovely hymn tune, Thaxted. They were purchased in memory of Barney Miller and Rick Jensen respectively.

Our Christmas program is Dec. 15. As in the past two years, we ask for vocal and instrumental soloists, small and large ensembles, and readers to join in the spirit of the season. If you are interested, please notify Lisa. We hope to have as varied a program as we did last year.

PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE READERS SOUGHT
 Greg McNair | worship elder 

Would you like to help spread the Word of God to the people of God during our 10:00 worship services at Swift Church?

Is the Lord leading you to share your leadership and communication gifts in this way from time to time?

Maybe you have wanted to give of yourself in this way but have never been asked. We’d like to help make that happen and get different people involved. The elder of the month is responsible for reading or getting someone to read the prayer of illumination and the Scripture that leads into the day’s sermon. Sometimes the elders just don’t know who they should ask, and that’s why the worship committee would like to compile a list of those who are willing to serve. We will make that list available to each of our active ruling elders.

If you are concerned about how to pronounce unfamiliar names of people and places, don’t worry. The pastors or worship elder will be glad to help. In addition, there are many websites featuring free pronunciation guides.

The church office sends the prayer and Scripture to the reader in advance via email.

Please let Greg McNair know if you are willing for us to add you to a contact list — or if you have questions.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Oct. 3 • 11:30 a.m.
O’Charley’s — 3060 S. McKenzie St., Foley

Everyone is welcome and invited to join us for Christian fellowship and lunch.
Please contact Lee Mansell, 251-232-4775, if you know you are coming.

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Oct. 17 • 6:30 p.m.
The Crazy Cajun — 1220 S. Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out will meet Thursday, Oct. 17.

You will find our group traveling south to Gulf Shores, where we will sharpen our Louisiana accents at The Crazy Cajun. The restaurant advertises as being “not too pricey and not too spicy.” As we usually do, we will meet promptly at 6:30 p.m. for lively conversation and good food.

The Crazy Cajun is located at 1220 S. Gulf Shores Pkwy., immediately in front of the zoo location. There is ample parking. You could check them out at crazycajunrestaurant.net.

So, come one, come all. We just might attempt to sing some Cajun songs — who knows?

Please call or text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or send her an e-mail to marymcnair@centurylink.net by noon that day to confirm plans to come so adequate seating can be arranged.

Bring a friend! This is a great way to introduce folks to members of the church so that if they then decide to join us for church on Sunday morning, others will already know them by name. This dinner is not just for members. Need a ride? Let Mary know by Wednesday morning so it can be arranged.

Couples or singles are welcome. Join us and suggest new places for us to try.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Swift session met on Sept. 16. The time began with prayer. Afterward:

✓ We heard from the finance committee on the financial state of the church and plans for upcoming stewardship focus.

✓ Approved mission statement and policy statement from the safety and security team.

✓ Received reports from committees.

✓ Heard that home communion was served in early September by Pastor Jody Beth, deacons and elders.

✓ Received the report of the nominating committee (see report below) and approved congregational meeting on Sept. 29 at 9:50 to approve church officers and trustees.

✓ Talked about fellowship opportunities; how we can combine mission efforts with fellowship involving Boys Ranch.

The meeting closed with prayer.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The nominating committee met and went over the names submitted for consideration of church leadership.

Here are the results of our work:

■ ELDERS:
       Class of 2022 — Don Aspray, finance; Greg McNair, worship (returning); and Tracy Akins, youth

■ DEACONS:
       Class of 2020 — Ella Thomas, fellowship
       Class of 2021 — Mary McNair, congregational care (returning)
       Class of 2022 — Betty Sizemore, Elinor Gartman and Jane King, all congregational care

■ TRUSTEES:
       Class of 2021 — Eunice Ray
       Class of 2022 — Marlene Hastings

Food pantry
Our Swift food pantry served 37 families that included 87 individuals on Sept. 11. We had a new client at our food pantry. In an effort to expand our local mission service, the Alabama Sheriffs Boys Ranch in Baldwin County is supplementing its groceries from our food pantry. We are pleased to be able to offer our help to them. On Sept. 25, our food pantry served 38 families with a total of 73 individuals within those families. We appreciate the hard work and devotion from all of the volunteers at our food pantry. Plus the bounty of donations that make the food pantry possible is a gift from God, delivered by the loving people of Swift.

It is now time for our food pantry to make preparations for Thanksgiving. The following items need to be donated on or preferably before Nov. 24. To help make someone’s Thanksgiving, consider sharing canned ham, small frozen turkey, frozen chicken, box of dressing, cream of mushroom soup, cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned green beans, instant mashed potatoes, gravy mix, canned vegetables, cake mix, frosting, brownie mix, and/or cookie mix.

Elberta Elementary School
It has become a special mission to serve the school with needs for the children that are less privileged in our community. Swift Presbyterian Church has restocked EES’s need for more snacks during September. Other churches assist the school with complete uniforms for the students that have that need. Swift, with the help of school staff, has discovered a need that has been overlooked in the past. Occasionally, students will arrive at school wearing inappropriate clothes. It could be something that is torn, ill fitting, or not uniform-approved. Swift has donated dozens of clothing articles for girls and boys during September to fulfill that immediate need for these children. Don’t forget that our “two cents a meal” donations support this mission.

Alabama Sheriffs Boys Ranch
We have extended an invitation, which has been accepted, to the Alabama Sheriffs Boys Ranch to join our Swift family for worship on Nov. 17. Mark Melton, fellowship elder, has offered to host lunch after the 10 a.m. service with the attendees from the boys ranch as our guests of honor. Everyone’s attendance is always encouraged.

Our support to the boys ranch can be extended in other ways also. They are looking for a Christian, mission-minded couple to join their staff as relief house-parents with some light maintenance duties. This is a full-time, live-in position with benefits. If you know of anyone that could be interested, have them call (251)989-6392.

Thank you, Swift Presbyterian Church family
The Swift Presbyterian Church family has a giving heart and the mission committee is honored to serve God on your behalf. Thank you, each and every one.

Please contact Pastor Jody Beth or Elder Mark Melton to help with the reception. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the chapel and sanctuary.

“On behalf of the Presbytery of South Alabama’s Guatemala Partnership Committee, I would like to invite our congregations to ‘save the date’ for our next presbytery trip to Guatemala — June 16–24, 2020,” said the Rev. Chris Peters. “Many details will be worked out over the coming weeks and months. If you are interested in receiving details or have any questions, please contact me” at tpcpeters@gmail.com.

 CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES
 Brett Cardwell | elder/children • Tara  Morrow | elder/youth 

Sunday school every week at 9 in the annex
Grades K–4 in room 3; grades 5–12 in room 4 

SWAG (Saved With Amazing Grace)
GɸG (Glori-Fy-ing God)
Refuel for youth

SWAG is for children in kindergarten through fourth grade.

GɸG and Refuel are for youth in fifth through 12th grades.

■ Refuel will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mark and Tresa Melton’s home, 20376 Miflin Road (County Road 20).

■ SWAG and GɸG will meet on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church for a light meal, Bible lesson, games and fellowship. All school-age children are invited and encouraged to attend; you may bring a friend or friends.

Please contact Brett Cardwell or Tara Morrow if you are interested in providing food, doing cleanup, or helping to teach a lesson.

FALL FESTIVAL
Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The youth will be in charge of the fall festival as a fundraiser. We will have soups, trunk-or-treat, costume contest, games, and a hayride. Please let Tara Morrow or the church office know if you would like to bring a crockpot of soup and/or participate in trunk-or-treat.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
 Cheryl Jensen | leader 

The class meets from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in room 2 in the annex. We are studying the New Testament in chronological order, led by Cheryl Jensen.

Our class continues studying Paul’s journey to churches in Asia and Rome. “All stand guilty before the Lord” are Paul’s words as we venture into Romans, the book of God’s grace. We have room for you and the welcome mat is out.

YOUNGER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
 Andrew King | leader, adult Christian education elder 

A younger adult Sunday school class meets in the chapel at 9 a.m. and is led by Andrew King. The class is studying Paul’s letters to the churches. All are welcome to come and be a part of this new class.

SNACKS WITH SUSAN AND DARYL
 Susan and Daryl Pichoff | leaders 

The class meets in the fellowship hall on Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and is led by Susan and Daryl Pichoff.

If you have been thinking about joining an adult class, come and check us out! We gather to have a bite to eat and discuss a video series that usually lasts six weeks, then move on to a new topic. We value all opinions as we discuss the material and appreciate hearing from all who join us.

We are looking at one of the most interesting of people in the Bible — Paul, the apostle. Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. 

■ Called to follow Christ
■ Called to go
■ Called to suffer
■ Called to love
■ Called to give
■ Called to be faithful

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

A 12-week Bible study has begun but you are welcome to join at any time. This study is based on the Gospel of Matthew, using the Bible and a study book as materials. Pastor Jody Beth and Elder Philip Melton will facilitate. The study book is Six Themes in Matthew Everyone Should Know. The cost of the study book is $12 and scholarships are available.

The class meets in room 2 in the annex on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. through Dec. 12 but taking Thanksgiving off.

Come for study and fellowship. Contact Pastor Jody Beth for more information and to sign up, jodybeth7@yahoo.com, 213-6625.

BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP 
FOR ADULTS AT A GLANCE

We are blessed to have so many people who would like to be part of Bible study and fellowship at Swift Church. Here is a listing of the groups that are meeting. All of them are open to people visiting and/or joining the group, whether you are a member of Swift Church or not. For more information, contact the leaders or the church office.

Weekly:

• Thursdays, 10 to 11:30, Bible study, room 2 in the annex, through Dec. 12 with Thanksgiving off. This study is based on the Gospel of Matthew, using the Bible and a study book as materials. Pastor Jody Beth and Elder Philip Melton will facilitate. The study book is Six Themes in Matthew Everyone Should Know. The cost will be about $12 and scholarships are available.

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., younger adult Sunday school class, in the historic chapel; led by Andrew King. This class is studying Paul’s letters to the churches.

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., adult Sunday school class, room 2 in the annex, continuing a chronolgical study of the New Testament. Led by Cheryl Jensen

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., Snacks with Susan and Daryl, fellowship hall, led by Susan and Daryl Pichoff; topic varies. The class usually watches a DVD and discusses informative topics.

• Thursdays (first Thursday of month), 11:30 a.m., “Two or More” fellowship lunch at O’Charley’s in Foley on South McKenzie Street. Contact is Lee Mansell.

• Thursdays (third Thursday of month), 6:30 p.m., Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out fellowship dinner at area restaurants, different place each month.

WE APPRECIATE OUR OCTOBER VOLUNTEERS

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“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

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GREETER/USHER TEAMS
Oct. 6 — Willard Penfold and Eunice Ray
Oct. 13 — Lynn and Mike Barnwell
Oct. 20 — Kim Whitchard and Judy Walker
Oct. 27 — Lee Mansell and Jane King

ACOLYTES
Oct. 6 — Cadi Cardwell and McCoy Cooper
Oct. 13 — Sully Curry
Oct. 20 — ZoeyLynn and Zadie Grace Barnwell
Oct. 27 — Lainey Thomas

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS (if needed)
Oct. 6 — Tracy Akins and Lisa Turner
Oct. 13 — Ginny Kleinschmidt and Tara Morrow
Oct. 20 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
Oct. 27 — Pate and Brett Cardwell

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Oct. 6 — Cathy Rogers
Oct. 13 — Judy Walker
Oct. 20 — Pate Cardwell
Oct. 27 — Debbie Schmidt

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Oct. 6 — none; communion
Oct. 13 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
Oct. 20 — Teresa and Ella Thomas
Oct. 27 — Lezli and Kenny Thomason

ELDER OF THE WEEK
Oct. 6 — Mike Barnwell
Oct. 13 — Brett Cardwell
Oct. 20 — Mike Barnwell
Oct. 27 — Mike Barnwell

PROJECTIONIST
Bridgit Gosa

SANCTUARY FLOWER SCHEDULING
Please contact Susie Alexander to reserve your date.

Flowers can be offered for a special occasion, birthday, anniversary, in memory of someone special, or just because you want to. They don’t have to be an expensive bouquet or arrangement, but something out of your own garden can be just as beautiful. We keep a calendar in the office so that you can check to see if your date is available.

To reserve your date(s), you can contact Susie Alexander at 251-943-4145 or sign up on one of the charts in the narthex or the back of the chapel.

ABOUT ONLINE GIVING . . .

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 a donation link on the church’s website.