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August 2021
newsletter

SWIFT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

a church that practices fruitful living


Passionate worship 

 
SERVICES IN AUGUST

►In person and online 

■ Worship each Sunday at 10 a.m.
in the sanctuary;
live streaming on Facebook

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

A note from Pastor Keith …
Each month, the newsletter lists the worship theme(s) for the month. Lately, I have changed topics between going to print with the newsletter and Sunday mornings. That said, here is where we are headed for worship in August.

►Backpack blessing/Montreat Youth Sunday 

Each August, just before another school year begins, Swift Church prays in worship for our students, as well as teachers, administrators, aides, and all school employees. This year, we gather in person for this prayer and blessing. On Sunday, Aug. 8, we will promise to nurture, support, and pray for our many students and school staff. We have exciting gifts to offer each as reminders throughout the year of our commitment to care for them. Join with us at 10 a.m. for this special service that is part of our Montreat Youth Sunday.

 
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church Session met on July 19. The following was discussed and approved:

   ■ Baptism of Carson Laine Harrison for Aug. 1
   ■ A resolution that requires only two of three trustees to sign legal documents
   ■ Established a subcommittee to address chapel/fellowship hall exterior repairs (See following article.)
   ■ Written reports and previous meeting minutes

We had follow-up discussion on restarting 8 a.m. worship and agreed to begin on Sept. 12 unless current COVID-19 resurgent concerns dictate otherwise. (See following article.)

The meeting closed with prayer.

►Chapel/fellowship hall repairs 

A walk around the exterior of the historic chapel and fellowship hall reveals several places where there is wood rot and other exterior concerns. Elder Joe Walden is heading up getting the repair work done on that building. If you would like to help him determine all the areas that need attention, meet with contractors, and/or other improvement related items, please contact Joe at 251-989-6871. He will be more than glad for your skills and time. We have $25,000 already set aside for this work. However, with today’s costs, this may or may not be sufficient to cover all the repair needs. If you desire to donate to this project, please indicate by writing “chapel repairs” on your check.

►Returning to 8 a.m. worship 

It’s been more than 500 days since we worshiped together in the historic chapel at Swift Church at our 8 a.m. service. After thoughtful discussion and talking to many in the congregation, we are planning on restarting early service on Sept. 12.

We are planning to mark this exciting day with a barbecue lunch available between and after both services. We will be doing all the right things to keep everyone safe during our meal so we hope that you can join us.

One important point that we want to be sure everyone is aware of — this plan is based on the information we have currently and will be modified if Alabama or Baldwin County restrictions are issued due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to pray for the health of our community so that we can enjoy this time together.

►Pray for those returning to school 

Baldwin County Schools begin teacher workdays on Monday, Aug. 2, and students return to the classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Please remember school administration, teachers, staff and students in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.

Important dates to remember 

   ■ Deacons will meet after worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8.

   ■ Session will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

   ■ Presbytery of South Alabama’s next meeting will be Sept. 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile.

 
MUSIC NOTES

 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Jenni and I will play some new piano duets in August. On Aug. 1, we will play “O Lord, Bread of Life,” from Gabriel Faure”s Cantique de Jean Racine. We have also purchased a new collection of piano duets in memory of Rick Jensen. You’ll be hearing an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” on Aug. 15.

I will be spending time this month planning music for this fall. We are uncertain of what the music program will look like this fall. We may have a “new normal,” but rest assured that God’s name will still be praised, and He will still be present in our midst. I want to give a big shout-out to Jenni Cain, our pianist, for her many hours of work this past year. Late last summer, I was contemplating what music could be safely included in our worship services. I had a vision of piano duets, and I knew this was going to be a challenge for me, as I had not played piano much in the past 20-plus years. It has truly been a joy for me, and while I certainly am not a great pianist, it has been a very bright spot of my week to meet with Jenni, rehearse, and share a special bond with her that bringing sacred music to life creates. I consider her now a dear spiritual partner that I would never had known otherwise. Great gifts can even come out of pandemics.

Jenni, you have been a bright star for me.

Only in your email ... 

The emailed newsletters include directory updates. These were sent out on July 30.

Radical hospitality 
►Fellowship groups 

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Aug. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Café Acadiana — 16137 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill

Café Acadiana is known for its Cajun flair, but the menu includes many options for those who prefer a milder meal. Here is a link to their dinner menu.

The last three months we have gathered with 15–20 people, men and women sitting separately, for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. If you have never come, please consider joining us in August. It is a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well.

Café Acadiana is a small, family-run restaurant — away from the busy tourist areas in the heat of the summer. We MUST know by Monday, Aug. 16, who is planning to come for tables to be reserved. Any requests that come after that will be only within the boundaries of any extra chairs already available based on table configuration and/or by being able to confirm with the restaurant that it will work.

It will also be helpful to know in advance who is coming so we can arrange carpools for those who would rather travel with others, especially to those who do not want to drive that far after dark.

Text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net to make a reservation. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate those who would like to be part of a carpool.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
Fish River Grill 2
— 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley

“Two or More” is an opportunity to share a time of food and fellowship with Swift Church family and friends. All are welcome. It is the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m., beginning in August. On Aug. 5, the group will meet at Fish River Grill 2 in Foley. Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect — 251-213-6625.


August 2021
newsletter

SWIFT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

a church that practices fruitful living


Passionate worship 

 
SERVICES IN AUGUST

►In person and online 

■ Worship each Sunday at 10 a.m.
in the sanctuary;
live streaming on Facebook

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

A note from Pastor Keith …
Each month, the newsletter lists the worship theme(s) for the month. Lately, I have changed topics between going to print with the newsletter and Sunday mornings. That said, here is where we are headed for worship in August.

►Backpack blessing/Montreat Youth Sunday 

Each August, just before another school year begins, Swift Church prays in worship for our students, as well as teachers, administrators, aides, and all school employees. This year, we gather in person for this prayer and blessing. On Sunday, Aug. 8, we will promise to nurture, support, and pray for our many students and school staff. We have exciting gifts to offer each as reminders throughout the year of our commitment to care for them. Join with us at 10 a.m. for this special service that is part of our Montreat Youth Sunday.

 
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church Session met on July 19. The following was discussed and approved:

   ■ Baptism of Carson Laine Harrison for Aug. 1
   ■ A resolution that requires only two of three trustees to sign legal documents
   ■ Established a subcommittee to address chapel/fellowship hall exterior repairs (See following article.)
   ■ Written reports and previous meeting minutes

We had follow-up discussion on restarting 8 a.m. worship and agreed to begin on Sept. 12 unless current COVID-19 resurgent concerns dictate otherwise. (See following article.)

The meeting closed with prayer.

►Chapel/fellowship hall repairs 

A walk around the exterior of the historic chapel and fellowship hall reveals several places where there is wood rot and other exterior concerns. Elder Joe Walden is heading up getting the repair work done on that building. If you would like to help him determine all the areas that need attention, meet with contractors, and/or other improvement related items, please contact Joe at 251-989-6871. He will be more than glad for your skills and time. We have $25,000 already set aside for this work. However, with today’s costs, this may or may not be sufficient to cover all the repair needs. If you desire to donate to this project, please indicate by writing “chapel repairs” on your check.

►Returning to 8 a.m. worship 

It’s been more than 500 days since we worshiped together in the historic chapel at Swift Church at our 8 a.m. service. After thoughtful discussion and talking to many in the congregation, we are planning on restarting early service on Sept. 12.

We are planning to mark this exciting day with a barbecue lunch available between and after both services. We will be doing all the right things to keep everyone safe during our meal so we hope that you can join us.

One important point that we want to be sure everyone is aware of — this plan is based on the information we have currently and will be modified if Alabama or Baldwin County restrictions are issued due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to pray for the health of our community so that we can enjoy this time together.

►Pray for those returning to school 

Baldwin County Schools begin teacher workdays on Monday, Aug. 2, and students return to the classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Please remember school administration, teachers, staff and students in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.

Important dates to remember 

   ■ Deacons will meet after worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8.

   ■ Session will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

   ■ Presbytery of South Alabama’s next meeting will be Sept. 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile.

 
MUSIC NOTES

 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Jenni and I will play some new piano duets in August. On Aug. 1, we will play “O Lord, Bread of Life,” from Gabriel Faure”s Cantique de Jean Racine. We have also purchased a new collection of piano duets in memory of Rick Jensen. You’ll be hearing an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” on Aug. 15.

I will be spending time this month planning music for this fall. We are uncertain of what the music program will look like this fall. We may have a “new normal,” but rest assured that God’s name will still be praised, and He will still be present in our midst. I want to give a big shout-out to Jenni Cain, our pianist, for her many hours of work this past year. Late last summer, I was contemplating what music could be safely included in our worship services. I had a vision of piano duets, and I knew this was going to be a challenge for me, as I had not played piano much in the past 20-plus years. It has truly been a joy for me, and while I certainly am not a great pianist, it has been a very bright spot of my week to meet with Jenni, rehearse, and share a special bond with her that bringing sacred music to life creates. I consider her now a dear spiritual partner that I would never had known otherwise. Great gifts can even come out of pandemics.

Jenni, you have been a bright star for me.

Only in your email ... 

The emailed newsletters include directory updates. These were sent out on July 30.

Radical hospitality 
►Fellowship groups 

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Aug. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Café Acadiana — 16137 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill

Café Acadiana is known for its Cajun flair, but the menu includes many options for those who prefer a milder meal. Here is a link to their dinner menu.

The last three months we have gathered with 15–20 people, men and women sitting separately, for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. If you have never come, please consider joining us in August. It is a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well.

Café Acadiana is a small, family-run restaurant — away from the busy tourist areas in the heat of the summer. We MUST know by Monday, Aug. 16, who is planning to come for tables to be reserved. Any requests that come after that will be only within the boundaries of any extra chairs already available based on table configuration and/or by being able to confirm with the restaurant that it will work.

It will also be helpful to know in advance who is coming so we can arrange carpools for those who would rather travel with others, especially to those who do not want to drive that far after dark.

Text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net to make a reservation. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate those who would like to be part of a carpool.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
Fish River Grill 2
— 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley

“Two or More” is an opportunity to share a time of food and fellowship with Swift Church family and friends. All are welcome. It is the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m., beginning in August. On Aug. 5, the group will meet at Fish River Grill 2 in Foley. Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect — 251-213-6625.


August 2021
newsletter

SWIFT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

a church that practices fruitful living


Passionate worship 

 
SERVICES IN AUGUST

►In person and online 

■ Worship each Sunday at 10 a.m.
in the sanctuary;
live streaming on Facebook

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

A note from Pastor Keith …
Each month, the newsletter lists the worship theme(s) for the month. Lately, I have changed topics between going to print with the newsletter and Sunday mornings. That said, here is where we are headed for worship in August.

►Backpack blessing/Montreat Youth Sunday 

Each August, just before another school year begins, Swift Church prays in worship for our students, as well as teachers, administrators, aides, and all school employees. This year, we gather in person for this prayer and blessing. On Sunday, Aug. 8, we will promise to nurture, support, and pray for our many students and school staff. We have exciting gifts to offer each as reminders throughout the year of our commitment to care for them. Join with us at 10 a.m. for this special service that is part of our Montreat Youth Sunday.

 
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church Session met on July 19. The following was discussed and approved:

   ■ Baptism of Carson Laine Harrison for Aug. 1
   ■ A resolution that requires only two of three trustees to sign legal documents
   ■ Established a subcommittee to address chapel/fellowship hall exterior repairs (See following article.)
   ■ Written reports and previous meeting minutes

We had follow-up discussion on restarting 8 a.m. worship and agreed to begin on Sept. 12 unless current COVID-19 resurgent concerns dictate otherwise. (See following article.)

The meeting closed with prayer.

►Chapel/fellowship hall repairs 

A walk around the exterior of the historic chapel and fellowship hall reveals several places where there is wood rot and other exterior concerns. Elder Joe Walden is heading up getting the repair work done on that building. If you would like to help him determine all the areas that need attention, meet with contractors, and/or other improvement related items, please contact Joe at 251-989-6871. He will be more than glad for your skills and time. We have $25,000 already set aside for this work. However, with today’s costs, this may or may not be sufficient to cover all the repair needs. If you desire to donate to this project, please indicate by writing “chapel repairs” on your check.

►Returning to 8 a.m. worship 

It’s been more than 500 days since we worshiped together in the historic chapel at Swift Church at our 8 a.m. service. After thoughtful discussion and talking to many in the congregation, we are planning on restarting early service on Sept. 12.

We are planning to mark this exciting day with a barbecue lunch available between and after both services. We will be doing all the right things to keep everyone safe during our meal so we hope that you can join us.

One important point that we want to be sure everyone is aware of — this plan is based on the information we have currently and will be modified if Alabama or Baldwin County restrictions are issued due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to pray for the health of our community so that we can enjoy this time together.

►Pray for those returning to school 

Baldwin County Schools begin teacher workdays on Monday, Aug. 2, and students return to the classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Please remember school administration, teachers, staff and students in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.

Important dates to remember 

   ■ Deacons will meet after worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8.

   ■ Session will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

   ■ Presbytery of South Alabama’s next meeting will be Sept. 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile.

 
MUSIC NOTES

 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Jenni and I will play some new piano duets in August. On Aug. 1, we will play “O Lord, Bread of Life,” from Gabriel Faure”s Cantique de Jean Racine. We have also purchased a new collection of piano duets in memory of Rick Jensen. You’ll be hearing an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” on Aug. 15.

I will be spending time this month planning music for this fall. We are uncertain of what the music program will look like this fall. We may have a “new normal,” but rest assured that God’s name will still be praised, and He will still be present in our midst. I want to give a big shout-out to Jenni Cain, our pianist, for her many hours of work this past year. Late last summer, I was contemplating what music could be safely included in our worship services. I had a vision of piano duets, and I knew this was going to be a challenge for me, as I had not played piano much in the past 20-plus years. It has truly been a joy for me, and while I certainly am not a great pianist, it has been a very bright spot of my week to meet with Jenni, rehearse, and share a special bond with her that bringing sacred music to life creates. I consider her now a dear spiritual partner that I would never had known otherwise. Great gifts can even come out of pandemics.

Jenni, you have been a bright star for me.

Only in your email ... 

The emailed newsletters include directory updates. These were sent out on July 30.

Radical hospitality 
►Fellowship groups 

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Aug. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Café Acadiana — 16137 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill

Café Acadiana is known for its Cajun flair, but the menu includes many options for those who prefer a milder meal. Here is a link to their dinner menu.

The last three months we have gathered with 15–20 people, men and women sitting separately, for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. If you have never come, please consider joining us in August. It is a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well.

Café Acadiana is a small, family-run restaurant — away from the busy tourist areas in the heat of the summer. We MUST know by Monday, Aug. 16, who is planning to come for tables to be reserved. Any requests that come after that will be only within the boundaries of any extra chairs already available based on table configuration and/or by being able to confirm with the restaurant that it will work.

It will also be helpful to know in advance who is coming so we can arrange carpools for those who would rather travel with others, especially to those who do not want to drive that far after dark.

Text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net to make a reservation. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate those who would like to be part of a carpool.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
Fish River Grill 2
— 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley

“Two or More” is an opportunity to share a time of food and fellowship with Swift Church family and friends. All are welcome. It is the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m., beginning in August. On Aug. 5, the group will meet at Fish River Grill 2 in Foley. Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect — 251-213-6625.


August 2021
newsletter

SWIFT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

a church that practices fruitful living


Passionate worship 

 
SERVICES IN AUGUST

►In person and online 

■ Worship each Sunday at 10 a.m.
in the sanctuary;
live streaming on Facebook

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

A note from Pastor Keith …
Each month, the newsletter lists the worship theme(s) for the month. Lately, I have changed topics between going to print with the newsletter and Sunday mornings. That said, here is where we are headed for worship in August.

►Backpack blessing/Montreat Youth Sunday 

Each August, just before another school year begins, Swift Church prays in worship for our students, as well as teachers, administrators, aides, and all school employees. This year, we gather in person for this prayer and blessing. On Sunday, Aug. 8, we will promise to nurture, support, and pray for our many students and school staff. We have exciting gifts to offer each as reminders throughout the year of our commitment to care for them. Join with us at 10 a.m. for this special service that is part of our Montreat Youth Sunday.

 
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church Session met on July 19. The following was discussed and approved:

   ■ Baptism of Carson Laine Harrison for Aug. 1
   ■ A resolution that requires only two of three trustees to sign legal documents
   ■ Established a subcommittee to address chapel/fellowship hall exterior repairs (See following article.)
   ■ Written reports and previous meeting minutes

We had follow-up discussion on restarting 8 a.m. worship and agreed to begin on Sept. 12 unless current COVID-19 resurgent concerns dictate otherwise. (See following article.)

The meeting closed with prayer.

►Chapel/fellowship hall repairs 

A walk around the exterior of the historic chapel and fellowship hall reveals several places where there is wood rot and other exterior concerns. Elder Joe Walden is heading up getting the repair work done on that building. If you would like to help him determine all the areas that need attention, meet with contractors, and/or other improvement related items, please contact Joe at 251-989-6871. He will be more than glad for your skills and time. We have $25,000 already set aside for this work. However, with today’s costs, this may or may not be sufficient to cover all the repair needs. If you desire to donate to this project, please indicate by writing “chapel repairs” on your check.

►Returning to 8 a.m. worship 

It’s been more than 500 days since we worshiped together in the historic chapel at Swift Church at our 8 a.m. service. After thoughtful discussion and talking to many in the congregation, we are planning on restarting early service on Sept. 12.

We are planning to mark this exciting day with a barbecue lunch available between and after both services. We will be doing all the right things to keep everyone safe during our meal so we hope that you can join us.

One important point that we want to be sure everyone is aware of — this plan is based on the information we have currently and will be modified if Alabama or Baldwin County restrictions are issued due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to pray for the health of our community so that we can enjoy this time together.

►Pray for those returning to school 

Baldwin County Schools begin teacher workdays on Monday, Aug. 2, and students return to the classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Please remember school administration, teachers, staff and students in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.

Important dates to remember 

   ■ Deacons will meet after worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8.

   ■ Session will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

   ■ Presbytery of South Alabama’s next meeting will be Sept. 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile.

 
MUSIC NOTES

 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Jenni and I will play some new piano duets in August. On Aug. 1, we will play “O Lord, Bread of Life,” from Gabriel Faure”s Cantique de Jean Racine. We have also purchased a new collection of piano duets in memory of Rick Jensen. You’ll be hearing an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” on Aug. 15.

I will be spending time this month planning music for this fall. We are uncertain of what the music program will look like this fall. We may have a “new normal,” but rest assured that God’s name will still be praised, and He will still be present in our midst. I want to give a big shout-out to Jenni Cain, our pianist, for her many hours of work this past year. Late last summer, I was contemplating what music could be safely included in our worship services. I had a vision of piano duets, and I knew this was going to be a challenge for me, as I had not played piano much in the past 20-plus years. It has truly been a joy for me, and while I certainly am not a great pianist, it has been a very bright spot of my week to meet with Jenni, rehearse, and share a special bond with her that bringing sacred music to life creates. I consider her now a dear spiritual partner that I would never had known otherwise. Great gifts can even come out of pandemics.

Jenni, you have been a bright star for me.

Only in your email ... 

The emailed newsletters include directory updates. These were sent out on July 30.

Radical hospitality 
►Fellowship groups 

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Aug. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Café Acadiana — 16137 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill

Café Acadiana is known for its Cajun flair, but the menu includes many options for those who prefer a milder meal. Here is a link to their dinner menu.

The last three months we have gathered with 15–20 people, men and women sitting separately, for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. If you have never come, please consider joining us in August. It is a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well.

Café Acadiana is a small, family-run restaurant — away from the busy tourist areas in the heat of the summer. We MUST know by Monday, Aug. 16, who is planning to come for tables to be reserved. Any requests that come after that will be only within the boundaries of any extra chairs already available based on table configuration and/or by being able to confirm with the restaurant that it will work.

It will also be helpful to know in advance who is coming so we can arrange carpools for those who would rather travel with others, especially to those who do not want to drive that far after dark.

Text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net to make a reservation. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate those who would like to be part of a carpool.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
Fish River Grill 2
— 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley

“Two or More” is an opportunity to share a time of food and fellowship with Swift Church family and friends. All are welcome. It is the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m., beginning in August. On Aug. 5, the group will meet at Fish River Grill 2 in Foley. Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect — 251-213-6625.


August 2021
newsletter

SWIFT  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH

a church that practices fruitful living


Passionate worship 

 
SERVICES IN AUGUST

►In person and online 

■ Worship each Sunday at 10 a.m.
in the sanctuary;
live streaming on Facebook

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

A note from Pastor Keith …
Each month, the newsletter lists the worship theme(s) for the month. Lately, I have changed topics between going to print with the newsletter and Sunday mornings. That said, here is where we are headed for worship in August.

►Backpack blessing/Montreat Youth Sunday 

Each August, just before another school year begins, Swift Church prays in worship for our students, as well as teachers, administrators, aides, and all school employees. This year, we gather in person for this prayer and blessing. On Sunday, Aug. 8, we will promise to nurture, support, and pray for our many students and school staff. We have exciting gifts to offer each as reminders throughout the year of our commitment to care for them. Join with us at 10 a.m. for this special service that is part of our Montreat Youth Sunday.

 
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church Session met on July 19. The following was discussed and approved:

   ■ Baptism of Carson Laine Harrison for Aug. 1
   ■ A resolution that requires only two of three trustees to sign legal documents
   ■ Established a subcommittee to address chapel/fellowship hall exterior repairs (See following article.)
   ■ Written reports and previous meeting minutes

We had follow-up discussion on restarting 8 a.m. worship and agreed to begin on Sept. 12 unless current COVID-19 resurgent concerns dictate otherwise. (See following article.)

The meeting closed with prayer.

►Chapel/fellowship hall repairs 

A walk around the exterior of the historic chapel and fellowship hall reveals several places where there is wood rot and other exterior concerns. Elder Joe Walden is heading up getting the repair work done on that building. If you would like to help him determine all the areas that need attention, meet with contractors, and/or other improvement related items, please contact Joe at 251-989-6871. He will be more than glad for your skills and time. We have $25,000 already set aside for this work. However, with today’s costs, this may or may not be sufficient to cover all the repair needs. If you desire to donate to this project, please indicate by writing “chapel repairs” on your check.

►Returning to 8 a.m. worship 

It’s been more than 500 days since we worshiped together in the historic chapel at Swift Church at our 8 a.m. service. After thoughtful discussion and talking to many in the congregation, we are planning on restarting early service on Sept. 12.

We are planning to mark this exciting day with a barbecue lunch available between and after both services. We will be doing all the right things to keep everyone safe during our meal so we hope that you can join us.

One important point that we want to be sure everyone is aware of — this plan is based on the information we have currently and will be modified if Alabama or Baldwin County restrictions are issued due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to pray for the health of our community so that we can enjoy this time together.

►Pray for those returning to school 

Baldwin County Schools begin teacher workdays on Monday, Aug. 2, and students return to the classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Please remember school administration, teachers, staff and students in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.

Important dates to remember 

   ■ Deacons will meet after worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8.

   ■ Session will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

   ■ Presbytery of South Alabama’s next meeting will be Sept. 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile.

 
MUSIC NOTES

 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Jenni and I will play some new piano duets in August. On Aug. 1, we will play “O Lord, Bread of Life,” from Gabriel Faure”s Cantique de Jean Racine. We have also purchased a new collection of piano duets in memory of Rick Jensen. You’ll be hearing an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” on Aug. 15.

I will be spending time this month planning music for this fall. We are uncertain of what the music program will look like this fall. We may have a “new normal,” but rest assured that God’s name will still be praised, and He will still be present in our midst. I want to give a big shout-out to Jenni Cain, our pianist, for her many hours of work this past year. Late last summer, I was contemplating what music could be safely included in our worship services. I had a vision of piano duets, and I knew this was going to be a challenge for me, as I had not played piano much in the past 20-plus years. It has truly been a joy for me, and while I certainly am not a great pianist, it has been a very bright spot of my week to meet with Jenni, rehearse, and share a special bond with her that bringing sacred music to life creates. I consider her now a dear spiritual partner that I would never had known otherwise. Great gifts can even come out of pandemics.

Jenni, you have been a bright star for me.

Only in your email ... 

The emailed newsletters include directory updates. These were sent out on July 30.

Radical hospitality 
►Fellowship groups 

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Aug. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Café Acadiana — 16137 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill

Café Acadiana is known for its Cajun flair, but the menu includes many options for those who prefer a milder meal. Here is a link to their dinner menu.

The last three months we have gathered with 15–20 people, men and women sitting separately, for great conversation and fellowship over dinner. If you have never come, please consider joining us in August. It is a great way to get to know others in the church, and guests are welcome as well.

Café Acadiana is a small, family-run restaurant — away from the busy tourist areas in the heat of the summer. We MUST know by Monday, Aug. 16, who is planning to come for tables to be reserved. Any requests that come after that will be only within the boundaries of any extra chairs already available based on table configuration and/or by being able to confirm with the restaurant that it will work.

It will also be helpful to know in advance who is coming so we can arrange carpools for those who would rather travel with others, especially to those who do not want to drive that far after dark.

Text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or email at marymcnair@centurylink.net to make a reservation. Please provide the names of all for whom you are making the reservation and indicate those who would like to be part of a carpool.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Aug. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
Fish River Grill 2
— 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley

“Two or More” is an opportunity to share a time of food and fellowship with Swift Church family and friends. All are welcome. It is the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m., beginning in August. On Aug. 5, the group will meet at Fish River Grill 2 in Foley. Please RSVP to Pastor Jody Beth so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect — 251-213-6625.


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• Presbytery of S. Alabama
• Synod of Living Waters



Striving

to bring

God joy



Swift  
Presbyterian  
Church
 

             —————
23208 Swift Church Road
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: (251) 943-8367
email: office@swiftchurch.org


 

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