♦ We celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
♦ Sermon looks at the Nicene Creed
♦ A continued look at the Nicene Creed
♦ Youth award recognition day
♦ Final sermon on the Nicene Creed
♦ Father’s Day / Hawaiian shirt day
♦ Pastor Jody Beth preaches.
THE NICENE CREED
The Nicene Creed was developed by the early Church largely in response to the teachings of Arius. Arianism taught that Jesus was not truly divine and of a different “substance” than God, which challenged the developing doctrine of the Trinity in the early church. The emperor Constantine, newly converted to Christianity, called a Church Council at Nicæa (in modern-day Turkey) in AD 325 to bring some unity to the church amid developing controversies and false teachings. The Council at Nicæa adopted an early form of the creed, although the basic present form emerged from the Council of Constantinople (now Istanbul) in AD 381. The Council of Chalcedon officially adopted it in AD 451.
A major controversy in the church has swirled around one phrase of the creed, the so-called filioque clause. In the phrase, “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son” the debate concerned whether the Holy Spirit proceeded from only the Father, or from the Father and the Son [filioque in Latin]. The phrase “and the Son” was not in the original Greek version of the Creed accepted at Nicæa and Constantinople. It was added in the Latin versions used in the Western (Roman) church in AD 589 as an attempt to clarify the relationship of the three persons of the Trinity. The concern was that the original wording made Jesus the Christ subordinate to the Father, a view that the Western church felt endangered the doctrine of the Trinity. However, the Eastern tradition was committed to the earlier Greek version of the Creed and resisted any change. This highlighted the growing rift between the Eastern and Western traditions that would eventually lead to a permanent break in AD 1054. As a result, the Eastern Church has never used the version with the filioque clause, while most churches that derive from the Western tradition use the creed with the filioque clause. However, the Episcopal Church has recently approved omission of the filioque clause in new editions of the Book of Common Prayer.
The Church has widely used the Nicene Creed since the fifth century. In some liturgical churches, for example the Episcopal/Anglican Churches, it is recited every Sunday. In others, the Nicene Creed is alternated with the Apostles’ Creed for Sunday worship, although the Apostles’ Creed is more often used at baptismal services. The Eastern Orthodox tradition uses only the Nicene Creed. While most non-liturgical Protestant churches prefer the shorter Apostles’ Creed, none would object to the doctrines the Nicene Creed summarizes. It is the only creed accepted by all three major branches of Christendom: Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox. (From the PCUSA Book of Confessions, 2016)
MONTREAT WORSHIP AND MUSIC CONFERENCE
Again this year, Pastor Keith and Lisa are attending the Worship and Music Conference at Montreat, North Carolina. They will be gone June 24–29.
The theme “Sacraments and Seasons” builds from the newly revised Book of Common Worship. (See next article.) The 2018 conferences will celebrate this resource in worship, song, and seminar. In song, sermon, and sacrament, we will experience the richness of the Christian year, as it comes to life through Luke’s narratives. The choral selections will carry us through the seasons of the church year. This is a great opportunity for Lisa to sample choir and handbell music and for Pastor Keith to be nourished in great preaching and Bible study. Eric Baretto, associate professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary, is the preacher for the week.
NEWLY REVISED BOOK OF COMMON WORSHIP
This brand-new revision of the Book of Common Worship, 1993, was used on confirmation Sunday at Swift Church. The rich liturgy used for confirmation and baptism came from this new resource. Since these books were just shipped the week of May 14, Swift Church was one of the first PCUSA churches to use this updated edition in worship.
E-MAIL SENT CONCERNING SWIFT CHURCH PRESCHOOL
Dear Swift Church family,
On Sunday Shirley McCausland talked about Swift Church Preschool. She erroneously stated that the preschool is going to spend $10,000 on a security system.
From where I sat Sunday, I couldn’t understand all that Shirley said. I heard her mention $10,000 but it was not until I asked Lisa at home following worship that I learned her complete statement.
At the May preschool board meeting, the benefits of a security system were brought up but discussion was postponed because there was not enough information on hand to discuss the topic at that meeting. There was not a discussion of cost or a commitment to purchase a security system at any price.
Shirley regrets conflating a financial discussion at the board meeting and security systems into one item. The preschool board apologizes to those who were rightly concerned about such an extravagant expenditure or that it would be purchased with church funds. If and when a reasonably priced security camera system is purchased by Swift Church Preschool, it will be with preschool funds.
Thank you for your understanding.
— Pastor Keith
STUDENT AWARD RECOGNITION DAY June 10
Congratulations to all our students! As the school year comes to a close, we would like to acknowledge the achievements of the children and youth in our congregation. We will do this during our worship services on Sunday, June 10.
Parents, grandparents and other adults, please help us by submitting a student recognition form, found at the back of both churches, for each child including what award(s) they have received this year. You can place forms in the offering plate, drop them off at the church office, or email the information to the church email address swiftpc@gulftel.com.
We will recognize students and offer prayers for them during worship, and celebrate with a time of fellowship after the 10 a.m. service.
WORSHIP REPORT Kim Whitchard and Greg McNair, elders
April showers bring May flowers (and the heat!).
We have had a busy May in the life of Swift Church.
■ On the first Sunday, May 6, we honored our high school graduates: Jessica Gosa, Sarah Kleinschmidt and William Vanbrimmer, and Philip Melton, who received his certificate in congregational leadership from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
■ We celebrated our mothers on Mother’s Day (Thank you, mothers, for all you do.) We enjoyed the flames of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday (May 20).
On that special day, we also celebrated the graduation of four preschoolers — Sarah Barber, Vera Kleinschmidt, Brody Ward, and Kimber Wilson — then confirmed nine Swift youth — Olivia Akins, Braxton Akins, Zadie Grace Barnwell, Ava Brewer, Gracie Helton, Ella Thomas, Jon Devery Thomas, Baylee Thomason and Maycie Ulrich — and rejoiced in the baptism of Gracie Helton.
Congratulations to all these children and their families.
■ May 27 was Trinity Sunday, when we celebrated the Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As we move into June, we look forward to celebrating our fathers on June 17. Remember to wear your Hawaiian shirts. We will also be giving a special gift to all the men of the church. Please see Pastor Keith if you would like to volunteer to assist with those “homemade” gifts. June 20 is World Refugee Day, when we commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees who are forced to flee their homes and countries.
And further into the summer is July Fourth on the first Wednesday of July, so mark your calendars.
The worship committee again wants to thank all of the volunteers for your time and service. There are a few openings for nursery, acolytes, and greeters so if the Lord is calling you to serve, please contact either Greg McNair or Kim Whitchard for further information.
It is a pleasure and an honor to serve you as your worship elders.
Have a great summer.
MUSIC NOTES Lisa Cardwell, music director
After busy Lent and Easter seasons, the music department is slowing the pace down a bit. Our chancel choir is moving to Sunday 9 a.m. rehearsals instead of the weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals. We will be leading worship the first three Sundays in June. This would be a great time to join us and enjoy the fun and fellowship.
On June 24, Keith and I will be leaving for the Montreat Music and Worship Conference at Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina. This will be a time for education, renewal, and looking at anthem possibilities for chancel choir, handbells, and chimes.
Some opportunities may be coming up in the summer for chimes and handbells. After a few weeks of a less-busy schedule, there will also be planning for fall 2018 music at Swift.
SANCTUARY FLOWER SCHEDULING
Susie Alexander schedules our Sunday flower donations. Please call her to reserve your date.
You can reach Susie at 251-943-4145 or thfairynfoley@gmail.com. Dates available this month: June 3 and 17
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, June 7, at the Gulf Bowl, Captain’s Choice Grill, at 11:30 a.m.
Delicious food, reasonable prices and great conversation. Come and meet new friends.
BUTTERFLY GIRLS • GUYS’ NIGHT OUT Thursday, June 21 • 6:30 p.m. Fish River Grill — South McKenzie Street, Foley
Please call or text Mary at 251-295-5267 by 4 p.m. that day if you know you’re coming so adequate table space can be reserved. (A few extra chairs will be reserved for any last-minute deciders.) Our group is growing ever since the girls and guys meet at the same place, although we sit and visit together separately.
Come join us this month. Couples or singles are welcome.
Join us and suggest new places for us to try.
INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT
MONTREAT YOUTH CONFERENCE
Five members of the Swift Presbyterian Church youth group will attend the Montreat Youth Conference June 3–9 at the Montreat Conference Center in the North Carolina mountains near Asheville. They will leave early Saturday morning, June 2.
Participating in the national Presbyterian inspirational youth conference, which starts Sunday, June 3, will be Jessica Gosa, Ella Thomas, Hailey Vanbrimmer, Shane Zook and Ethan Zook. The adults who will accompany them are Devery and Tosha Thomas and Pastor Kim Vanbrimmer. The Thomases will take their three youngest children (Jon Devery, Lainey and Bolton) with them, too.
This year’s conference theme is “Lift Every Voice.”
The youth will be responsible for a Montreat-style worship service sometime after they return home.
The group is grateful to the congregation for supporting their fundraising efforts.
VBS will be held Friday, July 27, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Rolling River Rampage.” Dinner will be served Friday evening at 5:15, and lunch and snacks will be served on Saturday. We will conclude with a water party on Saturday afternoon.
Volunteers will be needed to direct, decorate, teach, crafts, cook, and provide snacks. We will also welcome any donations toward the rental of a water slide for the closing on Saturday. Please contact the church office (251-943-8367 or swiftpc@gulftel.com) or Teresa Thomas (251-609-2209 or teecee1955@gmail.com) if you would be willing to assist in some capacity. This will be for children ages pre-K3 through fourth grade if we have enough volunteers.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Class meets in room 2 in the annex • 9 a.m.
A CHRONOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Anthony Kaiser and Cheryl Jensen, leaders
Anthony and I extend an invitation to our Sunday school class as we take a look at the New Testament chronologically. We are studying parables and the last week of Jesus’ life. We welcome you to our class. — Cheryl
SNACKS WITH SUSAN AND DARYL Sunday school class meets in the fellowship hall • 9 a.m. Susan and Daryl Pichoff, leaders
Our current study is by Adam Hamilton. Join us for some thought-provoking discussion and discernment about how our faith forms our opinions on these topics.
Confronting the Controversies is a seven-session group study of “tough issues” based on Adam Hamilton’s sermons on these topics. The remaining sessions are:
■ Creation and evolution in the public schools
■ Abortion
■ Homosexuality
BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
FOR ADULTS AT SWIFT CHURCH
We are blessed to have so many people who would like to be part of Bible study and fellowship at Swift Church. Here is a listing of the groups currently meeting. All of them are open to people visiting and/or joining the group, whether you are a member of Swift Church or not. For more information, contact the leaders or the church office.
Weekly:
•Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., adult Sunday School class, room 2 in the annex, a chronological study of the New Testament, led by Cheryl Jensen and Anthony Kaiser
•Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., Snacks with Susan and Daryl, fellowship hall, led by Daryl and Susan Pichoff; topic varies
•Sundays, 5:30 to 6:45, Sunday night Bible study, room 2 in the annex. A new study will start soon, led by Pastor Jody Beth and Philip Melton, 251-213-6625
•Thursdays, 10 to 11:30, Thursday morning Bible study, room 2 in the annex. A new study will start soon, led by Pastor Jody Beth and Philip Melton, 251-213-6625
Monthly:
•Thursdays (first Thursday of month), 11:30 a.m., “Two or More” fellowship lunch at Captain’s Choice Grill at the Gulf Bowl in Foley on Juniper Street. Contact is Lee Mansell.
•Thursdays (second Thursday of month), 1 p.m., Swift Fourth Day, fellowship hall. Bring your own sack lunch and enjoy Christian conversation. This is a new group, started by six people who attended Cursillo #36, and is open to everyone. Contact is Sue Johnson.
•Thursdays (third Thursday of month), 6:30 p.m., Butterfly Girls and Guys’ Night Out fellowship dinner at area restaurants, different place each month. Sometimes men and women eat at same restaurant at separate tables, sometimes two restaurants near one another. Contacts are Mary McNair and Daryl and Susan Pichoff.
■ a three-day retreat intended to revive the spirit and renew the participant
■ an invitation to encounter Jesus Christ
■ a process to deepen the participant’s Christian commitment
■ a call to the conscious and deliberate living of the Christian faith
■ an invitation to join with Christians and broaden the community of believers
■ all within the framework of Reformed Theology and consistent with the Book of Common Worship of the PCUSA.
Application forms for pilgrims and staff are located in the back of both the chapel and the sanctuary. Anyone interested in more information, please contact Kathy Menk in the church office or at 251-971-6509.
MISSION AND SERVICE
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Sue Ann Lay, clerk of session
The Swift Presbyterian Church Session met on Monday, May 21. After a quorum was declared, time was spent hearing prayer concerns and joys. Pastor Keith led the group in prayer.
✔ We received written reports from Pastor Keith, worship, preschool, finance, missions, and children’s Christian education.
✔ We approved minutes from previous meetings — April stated meeting and the April 29 called meeting to approve the confirmation class for membership.
✔ We reviewed the financial report.
✔ We’re ready to proceed with widening and paving the driveway. There has been a delay in an asphalt company coming to provide a quote.
✔ We heard about our current mowing company increasing its rate by 50%. Approved hiring a new service company based on Elder Charlie Hastings’ conversations with member Devery Thomas.
✔ The session addressed the request to rename the Andy Lay room to recognize the contributions of Norman Ard as teacher of the adult Sunday school class. The decision was made to unname the room and revert to the room number as originally named. In working with the adult Sunday school class, a framed recognition of former class members and leaders with be hung in the room. It will be possible to add names down the road.
✔ The donated Smith Lake property deed has been recorded in the Winston County Courthouse. A realtor from that area is working with us on pricing to sell.
✔ Addressed issues with the church phone system. Looking into replacing the whole system.
✔ Talked broadly about Pastor Keith’s sabbatical scheduled for 2019.
Pastor Jody Beth closed with prayer.
GRIEFSHARE MINISTRY Danny and Paula Brewer
• “It’s a safe place to cry.”
• “It’s a safe place to laugh.”
• It’s comforting to walk into a place where “you know you don’t have to explain.”
These are some thoughts from previous participants in the GriefShare grief support program.
Many people find that they are only beginning to work on their healing when friends and family have returned to their daily life routines. Your grief experience may be recent or not so recent. You will find encouragement, comfort, hope, and help after you have lost a spouse, child, sibling, parent or other family or friend.
GriefShare offers valuable tools that will help you on your journey of grief. The Christ-centered program offers group discussions, DVD teachings from grief experts and real-life stories of some who are on the same journey as you, and prayer time, all in a confidential and safe environment.
The GriefShare group will meet every Tuesday, beginning June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 2 in the annex. If you feel you don’t need this group but know someone who does, please consider coming with them for the first few weeks. It is so very important to have the support of a familiar face.
Danny and I have walked this road many times and we know that hard work and most importantly the love and grace of God Almighty will help you move forward with hope.
Just breathe and remember that you are not alone. We will walk beside you on this journey with faith and love. God bless you and bring you peace.
GriefShare schedule Tuesdays from June 5 through Aug. 27
Each meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the room 2 in the annex.
Pre-registration is recommended but not required, in case anyone asks.
MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT Al Sprouse and Cathy Rogers, elders
Our mission focus for May was the Pentecost Offering, which focused the donations entirely to UKirk South Alabama, a campus ministry in Mobile that is supported by the Presbytery of South Alabama and serves the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College. The goal was set at $500 and was met with a total of $505 and a pledge of $10 a month.
Since its programming started in fall 2016, UKirk has grown into a ministry for approximately 30 students with six student leaders. UKirk meets on a weekly basis and welcomes students from all over the nation with many different faith backgrounds. Some of the students have never heard the word “Presbyterian” before and some have never even set foot in a church. The campus ministry provides a safe place for students to explore their faith and have a home away from home.
However, without support from the churches in our presbytery and individual donors, the campus ministry is not able to exist. While UKirk is its own worshiping community, the students are not able to afford the costs of programming or a staff’s salary. UKirk is looking for sustainable donors, individuals and groups that will consider giving $1,000 a year. But any amount given annually or monthly would be appreciated.
By supporting UKirk financially, we are ensuring UKirk’s ability to provide food for the students during their weekly Monday gathering, expenses that come with Bible studies, and a pastor that provides sound theology, that they may not get at other campus ministries. The Rev. Lauren Peters is the UKirk pastor. She has an office at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church.
There is an additional need for UKirk. The students gather on Mondays to break bread, share a meal, and share the Word. People are needed to help by preparing, cooking, and transporting the meal to campus. Of course, these people are encouraged to stay, eat, and have fellowship with the students.
The “two cents a meal” offering, which goes to Living Waters for the World, was not taken since Pentecost fell on the third Sunday of the month in May. This offering will resume on the third Sunday in June.
Swift Presbyterian Church is still holding an English as a second language class in the fellowship hall on Friday mornings at 9:00. This class is taught by Esther Tillmon, ESL coordinator at South Baldwin Literacy Council, and is financed by a grant from our presbytery. Please consider attending this class to make the students feel welcome at Swift. Currently, there are no Swift folks attending that class.
The food pantry served 23 families on May 9 and 19 families on May 23. Tina Sprouse is in need of volunteers to drive to Catholic Charities in Robertsdale, to buy groceries locally to replenish supplies, to fill grocery bags, or to distribute grocery bags on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
Thank you to our Swift Presbyterian Church family members who so generously share the blessings of our God.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Charlie Hastings, elder
If you are interested in joining the church driveway committee, please contact Charlie Hastings or Chuck Carneal. We are looking for anyone who is interested in helping coordinate and plan activities involving the widening of the entrance from Swift Church Road.
EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY
WE APPRECIATE OUR JUNE VOLUNTEERS
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
GREETER/USHER TEAMS
June 3 — Janelle Armbruster, Debbie and Norm Schmidt, Kim Whitchard
June 10 — Susie Alexander, Elinor Gartman, Sue Ann Lay, Lynda Walden
June 17 — Lynn and Mike Barnwell, Willard Penfold, Eunice Ray
June 24 — Jane King, Judy Walker, Kim Whitchard
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
June 3 — Pastor Keith
June 10 — Tess Helton
June 17 — Judy Walker
June 24 — Cathy Rogers
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
June 3 — Lyndsey and Aaron Ward
June 10 — Megan Curry and Debbie Schmidt
June 17 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
June 24 — Bridgit Gosa and Tess Helton
FELLOWSHIP DEACONS
June 3 — Brett Cardwell
June 10 — Brett Cardwell
June 17 — Marlene Hastings
June 24 — Tosha Thomas
ACOLYTES
June 3 — Sully Curry and Tristan Walker
June 10 — Jon Devery and Lainey Thomas
June 17 — Zadie Grace and ZoeyLynn Barnwell
June 24 — Cadi Cardwell and McCoy Cooper
ABOUT ONLINE GIVING . . .
You may have noticed this box in your bulletin. 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 the donation link on the church’s website, www.swiftchurch.org.
WAYS TO KEEP JESUS IN YOUR HEART
DURING THE SUMMER
(This list came from the children’s Sunday school classroom and we decided to share it with you.)
✔ Read my Bible ✔ Study my Bible verses ✔ Learn the books of the Bible
✔ Make a “Jesus scrapbook” ✔ Write in my journal about Jesus ✔ Sing songs about Jesus
✔ Write Songs about Jesus ✔ Spend time with Christian friends ✔ Pray every morning
✔ Paint pictures that remind me of God’s creation ✔ Read books about Christian life
✔ Pray every evening ✔ Attend church every Sunday ✔ Participate at church
✔ Practice being thankful for everything ✔ Be more like Jesus every day
✔ Love Jesus with all my heart
