Happy New Year!
January at Swift Presbyterian Church will begin with a tradition that we started in 2017 — first worship, first communion and first meal of the New Year. On Jan. 1, we will worship together in the historic chapel at 9 a.m. in a service that includes the Lord’s Supper, served by intinction. After the service, we will move into the fellowship hall for breakfast.
Jan. 5 is Epiphany Sunday. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper again at both services. Pastor Jody Beth and Jane Capsis will lead worship at Live Oak at 1 p.m.
Jan. 12 is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, commemorating the day when the Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Elders and deacons will be installed and ordained that day at both services, and Swift Café will feature a lunch prepared by youth as a fundraiser for a trip to the Montreat Youth Conference in June in the North Carolina mountains.
■ Looking back: December was a busy month in the life of our church as we moved through Advent and awaited the birth of Jesus. A highlight was “A Swift Christmas,” our Christmas program on Dec. 15 that featured worship and plenty of music — led by our various choirs and soloists. The sanctuary was pretty packed with people. This reminded us again that we have plenty of musical talent at Swift Church.
Christmas Eve was a special time, as always, with many people attending our service. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper. We lighted candles as we sang “Silent Night,” celebrating the birth of our Savior.
■ Please let me know if you or your child would like to volunteer as a worship helper — on a regular schedule or on an occasional basis. This includes people to serve as acolytes, greeters/ushers, nursery attendants and leaders for “time with the children.” And there are always opportunities to help with a few small tasks. We have an immediate need for someone to keep the pew racks stocked with the various cards, envelopes, sharpened pencils, etc.
