Denise and I appreciated your prayers the week we traveled to see my father in Minnesota. We left last Saturday for a week of continuing education at Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina. The Art of Transitional Ministry is my second week of training as an intentional interim pastor. I took the first week in 2021 and learned the basics of the specific skills for this type of ministry. The first week prepared and qualified me to become an interim/transitional minister. This week I have been diving deeper into my leadership style and the skills needed to walk with congregations through times of change. It is my hope that this training will be beneficial to my time here at Swift Presbyterian Church.
During the past two months I have spent a great amount of time observing and listening. I believe I am getting an understanding of what needs to be done to prepare Swift Presbyterian for your next chapter of ministry. My job is not simply as a place holder filling in the duties of the senior pastor but rather to walk with you as you rediscover who God is calling you to be as a faith community. This is different from discovering what steps you need to take to revitalize the congregation although some of that may unfold during the process. I appreciate your patience and you to trust the process. I promise the Holy Spirit is already at work.
This is a special church with many gifts. I look forward to seeing what God has planned!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Michael
CHURCH SESSION
Session did not meet in August.
Next meeting Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in annex room 2
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Intercessory prayer group 9 a.m.
Every Wednesday in the chapel
Please prayerfully consider coming to pray with us!
Finance committee
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
in annex room 2
Preschool board
12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
in annex room 2
Session
6:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19
in annex room 2
__________________
Deacons meeting
10 to 11 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 26
in the fellowship hall
Presbytery of South Alabama Meeting
9 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Orange Beach Presbyterian Church
MUSIC NOTES
Questions have been asked about the absence of the chancel choir. There are many factors involved in why we are not singing. We have several members whose vocal and/or physical health do not permit them to sing any longer. We have several choir members who are spending lots of time serving the church in other ways, and they feel that their current ministries are requiring their gifts. We certainly cherish the years that we have spent serving God in music. I also celebrate what each member is continuing to do in the name of Jesus to lift up our church and lead others in the thoughtful and loving avenues that they are doing. We do have many talents represented in our congregation!
Moving forward, we are seeking God's vision in the music department. I have met with Pastor Michael and Pastor Jody Beth as to what the rest of 2022 worship and music might hold. We will be celebrating the Saints of the Church who have left this earth this year. (That service will be Oct. 30). The handbells will be ringing bells for each beloved soul.
We have scheduled a Christmas music celebration on Dec. 11. The handbells will be presenting several Advent/Christmas anthems. I would like to invite anyone who might be interested in playing in the chime choir for Christmas to let me know (whether you've played in the past or would like to play for the first time). You don't have to read music for this group. And certainly, if anyone who would like to do a vocal solo for Christmas (or any other time), we would love to invite you to join us!
To close, I would like to thank Jenni Cain for her beautiful music every week. She so lovingly serves the Lord in learning music and by leading us in song. She even lets me play duets with her. This has been a special time for me (and requires significant work), as it had been decades since I have played piano duets. Jenni has certainly been given extra gifts for Swift to worship by listening to her play and be enjoying her paintings.
In His Service,
Lisa
The practice
of radical
hospitality
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Two or More
will meet for lunch
Thursday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m.
Captain's Choice Grill
in Gulf Bowl, Foley.
Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth by text at
251-213-6625 or email at jodybeth7@yahoo.com
(Not meeting in September)
Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out
Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m.
Groovy Goat
106 S. OWA Blvd.
Foley
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.
PLANNING NOW FOR CHURCH
CHRISTMAS BANQUET
... That's right, Christmas!
Mary McNair is starting to work on arranging for the church's Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 15, which will be in lieu of Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out. When doing it last year at Wolf Bay Lodge, we had to collect $32 per adult ahead of time for a set buffet menu. (This includes all taxes and tip.) She had hoped they'd allow us to return to ordering individually from a menu, but they won't. The price went up, so it will now be $34 per adult if staying with Wolf Bay Lodge. We had 60 people last year, but 50 is now the max for one banquet space. We know there were others who might have come if it had been less expensive. DO YOU HAVE OTHER SUGGESTIONS?
We either need to find someplace else to go that can be more affordable and possibly offer more flexibility, or the space at Wolf Bay Lodge needs to be reserved, with plans to do so by mid-September at the latest. Therefore, if you have any suggestions of a restaurant that has space for large groups and might offer better prices and/or ordering flexibility, please contact Mary ASAP at 251-295-5267 (call or text) or marymcnair@centurylink.net with your suggestions so there's time to confirm cost and seating options. (It would also help to start letting her know if you plan to come so she has a preliminary head count.)
The practice
of risk-taking
mission and service
Prayer shawl ministry
will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 8:45 a.m.
in the fellowship hall. Please join us!
Food pantry
The food pantry served 214families and587individuals
in August 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 to 11 a.m., please contact Kathy Menk at 251-518-7966.
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 dund allows us to provide those in need with financial support.
The practice
of intentional faith
development
Adult Sunday school class led by Bill and Catherine
meets in the annex, room 2, every Sunday at 9 a.m.
Snacks with Susan and Daryl
meetsin the fellowship hall every Sunday at 9 a.m.
We have encountered some bumps in our schedule, but we shall persevere.
In thinking about our next topic, we have landed on a study of Simon Peter by Adam Hamilton. This study includes a book for $4-$5. If you would like one, please let us know by Sept. 4. Below is a link for a preview:
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.
Pastor Michael attended
interim pastor training Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.
We pray for safe travels,and productive training.
PRESCHOOL NEWS
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS
Zane Brewer - U.S. Marine Corps, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Dennis Trey Brown - U.S. Army, Fairbanks, Alaska
Jeffrey Cain - U.S. Coast Guard, Miami, Florida
David Esparza - U.S. Marine Corps, Jacksonville, North Carolina
