■ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The food pantry served 32 families and 54 individuals during July. This month, the food pantry will be open on Wednesdays, Aug. 11 and 25, to serve the community.

Thank you for serving.

Congregational-care deacons and fellowship deacon:
Janelle Armbruster, Elinor Gartman, Jane King, Karen Langley, Mary McNair, Betty Sizemore, Judy Walker and Lezli Thomason

The full deacon board meets the second Sunday of each month for devotional time, prayer, training and fellowship. If you have questions about the ministry of the deacons, or who your care deacon is, contact Pastor Jody Beth Melton.

Cheryl’s class meets every week at 9 a.m. in room 2 in the annex.

We enjoy coffee, fellowship and Bible study.

Come grow with us as we continue our study in the New Testament.

— Cheryl Jensen

On Aug. 1, we started a new study, “In the Meantime.” Andy Stanley takes us through the question: What do you do when there’s no way forward and no way out? This six-part series will help us explore what we can do in the meantime.

Note: no book for this one.

If you have not joined us before, you may be wondering what we do … so here is an overview. Each week, we view a video in the series and then talk through the points the study has raised — everyone’s opinion and thoughts are welcome. If you just want to listen, that is OK, too. If you have been thinking about joining us, this is a great time to give it a try. We meet in the fellowship hall at 9 a.m.

— Susan and Daryl Pichoff

The Thursday morning Bible study group will begin meeting weekly on Sept. 9. Pastor Jody Beth and Philip will facilitate. Look for more information in upcoming announcements and newsletters.

Generosity describes the Christian’s unselfish willingness to give in order to make a positive difference for the purposes of Christ. 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 financial support will enable Swift Church ministry to plan for the coming year. Your support and commitment to our church is greatly appreciated.

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.