■ Worship on Sundays at 8 a.m.
in the historic chapel

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

■ Online worship available later on YouTube and the church website

■ Join your church family for fellowship
after the 10 a.m. service in the fellowship hall.

The Church season of Advent is underway. Advent is a time of expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation and joyful preparation for God coming into our lives and hearts in all moments, all places, all times: commemorating the birth of Christ, welcoming God into our everyday lives, and preparing for Christ’s second coming. That is a lot for this four-week season to accomplish. That is why each week we focus on a different topic of preparation and anticipation. On Nov. 28, we celebrated “The Advent of Hope.”

A congregational meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 9:50 a.m. in the sanctuary for the purpose of electing church officers. The constitution allows for nominations from the floor. The nominating committee puts before the congregation this slate:

     ■ Elder: Jan Taylor, Cathy Rogers, Mark Melton (two years)
     ■ Deacon: Debbie Schmidt, Billie Cardwell, Mary McNair (one year)
     ■ Trustee: Lynn Aspray

As you know by now, Pastor Keith is retiring at the end of January. His last Sunday is Jan. 23, with his final day in the office being Jan. 27. The session met with leaders from the presbytery on Nov. 29 to talk about what is ahead and are at work preparing for the transition. This is a time of transition that has happened many times in the life of this church and all other churches. While we do not know exactly what’s next, we do know that with God’s guidance and your prayers we will move into God’s wonderful future!

The Swift Church Session met for its stated meeting on Nov. 15. After prayer concerns and prayer, the meeting was called to order.

   ■ The budget for 2022 is in progress and will not be significantly different than the 2021 budget. Pledges as of Nov. 15 are approximately $150,000 and some are still being returned.

   ■ Session discussed the conversations in small groups that occurred during the 10 a.m. worship on Nov. 7. Everyone agreed their groups participated fully and some suggestions or topics came up repeatedly including how to get youth programs back. The intention of the groups was to offer ideas off the top of one’s head without regard to cost, possibility, etc.

   ■ The chapel has been painted and received positive comments from the congregation. The prayer garden is shaping up and feedback is very affirmative. Work will continue around the building.

   ■ A review of the air-duct issue in the annex revealed that the air exchange is not adequate and the sensors that control the Freon are an issue. They are being replaced.

   ■ Voted to hold a congregational meeting to elect elders, deacons, and trustee on Dec. 5 at 9:50 a.m., with ordination and installation of church officers on Jan. 9.

   ■ Two commissioners to the Dec 7 (Tuesday 11 a.m.) Presbytery Zoom meeting — Chuck Carneal and Susan Pichoff.

   ■ Communion will be served Dec 5 and Dec 24.

   ■ Session committee assignments for 2022 were also discussed.

      • Buildings and grounds — Joe Walden
      • Christian education — Tracy Akins
      • Fellowship — Mark Melton (returning for two-year term)
      • Finance — Don Aspray
      • Missions — Chuck Carneal, Jan Taylor
      • Worship — Greg McNair
      • Preschool — Cathy Rogers
      • Clerk — Susan Pichoff

   ■ Deacons
      • Mary McNair, one year fellowship
      • Debbie Schmidt, congregational care
      • Billie Cardwell, congregational care

   ■ Jonathan Wallace (Swift liaison with the presbytery) and Bob Madsen (newly elected executive presbyter) joined us as Pastor Keith Cardwell announced his retirement effective Jan. 23.

The session congratulated Keith, affirming that we are happy and sad at the same time, appreciative of his 13 years in service to the Swift congregation.

Keith will be sending a letter to the congregation on Nov. 16 and announcing his retirement on Sunday, Nov. 21, where we will offer the congregation the opportunity to submit questions that we can include in our discussion.

Nov. 29
The Swift session met with the Revs. Jonathan Wallace, Bob Madsen, Al Thompson (presbytery stated clerk) with Anna Duke (chair of presbytery committee on ministry) joining via Zoom. The time was spent answering questions from session members and the congregation regarding Pastor Keith’s retirement and the process for celebrating his time at Swift as well as preparing for February and beyond.

The budget for 2022 is in progress and will not be significantly different than the 2021 budget. Pledges as of Nov. 15 are approximately $150,000 and some are still being returned.

Dec. 12: Third Sunday of Advent: Our handbell choir will be leading worship in several Advent/Christmas anthems. We have been rehearsing since October. Come enjoy the bells ringing several Christmas favorites.

Dec. 19: Fourth Sunday of Advent: Chris Rogers will play a piano solo (“Silent Night” arranged by Joel Raney) during the 10:00 service. We always enjoy his playing.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve: Come to our traditional Christmas Eve service and bring your family and friends. We will hear the Christmas story, sing Christmas carols, listen to the handbell choir, and we will finish the service with lighting our candles and singing “Silent Night.”

Dec. 26: We will meet at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall for Christmas carols, coffee, and cookies. Please bring your family and friends for this special service.

The “Two or More” fellowship lunch group is back to meeting the first Thursday of each month for food and fellowship.

All are welcome — sometimes we have friends of church members join us. Please plan to come on Jan. 6 to the Captain’s Choice Grill at Gulf Bowl and invite others. Contact is Pastor Jody Beth.

The food pantry will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 8, and Wednesday, Dec. 22. We will be distributing our “Christmas meals” for families on the 22nd.

On Nov. 24, our food pantry served 41 families, representing 79 people.

Thanks to all who volunteered to fill bags with specific non-perishable food items that helped to give them ingredients to prepare a “Thanksgiving complete meal.”

Also, thanks to the many volunteers who helped in the distribution of bags.

Cheryl’s class meets in room 2 in the annex every Sunday at 9 a.m. We enjoy coffee, fellowship and Bible study. Come grow with us as we continue our study in the book of Revelation.

— Cheryl Jensen

“Snacks with Susan and Daryl” meets in the fellowship hall every Sunday at 9 a.m. Join the class as the study of Liquid: The Ten continues.

— Susan and Daryl Pichoff

From 10 to 11 • Jan. 6 – Feb. 24

Join us for one hour of Bible study each week.

Commit to studying the Bible with fellow believers in the new year. We will meet In person, with the ability to have online people connect, too.

Facilitators are Pastor Jody Beth and Philip Melton. Contact Pastor Jody Beth for more information.

jodybeth7@yahoo.com — 251-213-6625