UPCOMING SERVICES

MARK YOUR JANUARY CALENDAR

Jan. 1 — We will gather for New Year’s morning worship at 9:00 with celebration of first communion for the new year. A light breakfast will follow.
     

WORSHIP REPORT
 Greg McNair and Kim Whitchard, elders 

Nov. 4 is All Saints’ Day at Swift Presbyterian Church, and bells will be rung as each name is read of members and friends of the church who have died in the past year. Also on that day, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. All are invited to the table to partake of the elements by intinction. And this is Stewardship Sunday, and a tailgate party will follow the 10 a.m. worship service.

Doug Marshall, president of the Alabama Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, will lead worship at Swift Church on Nov. 11. We look forward to having him with us as we prepare to receive our Christmas offering that goes to their support.

Nov. 25 is Christ the King Sunday. The season of Advent begins Dec. 2, and we await the arrival of the Christ child in Bethlehem. “All I Want for Christmas” is the sermon series theme.

Thanksgiving is coming up Nov. 22, so now is an appropriate time to start thinking about the many things we at Swift Church have to be thankful for. We are thankful to have a God-loving, Christ-centered, caring, generous and helpful church family. Your worship elders are thankful for all those who help in any way in the passionate worship at Swift.

Worship is all about gathering to praise God, to honor Him and to thank Him for our blessings — and to try to understand His Word and His desires for us. At our church, we are thankful to have dedicated, compassionate and caring pastors such as Keith and Jody Beth. We are fortunate to have Lisa, an energetic and talented music director, and our various wonderful choirs that add so much to our 10:00 worship experience with their voices, bells and chimes. Pianist Jenni Cain is another Swift worship treasure.

We greatly appreciate all of our worship helpers. We won’t try to mention them all by name here for fear of leaving someone out. Of course, there are those who serve as ushers and greeters, our Scripture readers and liturgists, and our acolytes, our fine young people who bring in the light at 10:00 and carry it out at the end of the worship service.

We are thankful for the people who lead children’s church and serve as nursery attendants. At 10:00, folks in the balcony serve as sound technicians and projectionists to enhance the worship experience. There are many worship-related touches you may not have thought much about. Somebody has to keep an eye on the candles and replace them as needed, schedule the flowers, collect pew registry sheets, make sure there are pencils, prayer-request cards, tissue boxes and other items in the pews, and stock the welcome bags for visitors worshiping with us. Those tasks are important, and we thank all of the special people who carry them out.

If you have ideas to share, please let Kim, Greg or other committee members know. Our pastors appreciate comments on their sermons, whether they are shared personally or through the church website. In addition to the pastors and us, the worship planning team includes music director Lisa and Judy Walker. And if you would like to help in some way as a volunteer, please let us know.
  

MUSIC NOTES
 Lisa Cardwell, music director 

The music department is busy preparing for Nov. 4 services. In celebration of Stewardship Sunday, the Joyful Tones will be leading the 8:00 service hymns. The handbell choir will be leading the 10:00 service by playing the prelude and offertory. During both services, as part of All Saints’ Day, we will recognize the saints who, during this last year are now living the Resurrection. We will ring a bell after each saint’s name is called.

Then we will begin working on music for our church Christmas celebration, which is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16, during the 10:00 service. Rehearsals are as follows:

Tuesday nights at 5:45: Chancel choir meets in the music room
Wednesday nights at 5:30: Adult handbell choir meets in the sanctuary
Sunday mornings at 11:15: Beginner handbells meet in the sanctuary
Sunday mornings at 12:15: Joyful Tones meet in the music room

There are still openings in the Joyful Tones Chime Choir for those interested. No music reading skills are necessary for this group. We invite children who are in second grade (with good reading skills) up through senior citizens. This is a fun way to be introduced to playing a musical instrument (one of the easiest to play).

Rehearsal days and times will be changed for Thanksgiving week. Please check with Lisa for more information.

We also invite vocal or instrumental soloists or small ensembles to participate. Please contact Lisa if you are interested at cell number 251-767-0777 or email lisacardwell62@gmail.com.

We are also introducing the congregation to a new song on Dec. 9. We will sing “Canticle of the Turning,” which is a paraphrase of “Mary’s Song” at her meeting with her relative Elizabeth, sung to the tune of an Irish folk song. Don’t miss this.

It is that time of year that we sing and play with joy, hope, and expectation. Please join us.
  

SANCTUARY FLOWER SCHEDULING
Susie Alexander schedules our Sunday flower donations.
Please call her to reserve your date in 2018 or 2019.
You can reach Susie at 251-943-4145 or thfairynfoley@gmail.com. 

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Nov. 1 • 11:30 a.m.
O’Charley’s — 3060 S. McKenzie St., Foley (Note new location.)
Couples, singles, men, women, first-timers, old-timers — everyone is invited and welcome.
Delicious food, reasonable prices and great conversation. Come and meet new friends.
 

FOURTH DAY LUNCH
Thursday, Nov. 8 • noon
Come one, come all to Fourth Day lunch in the fellowship hall. Don’t forget to bring a sack lunch.
This is monthly on the second Thursday.

BUTTERFLY GIRLS • GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Nov. 15 • 6:30 p.m.
Bubba’s Seafood House and Oyster Bar
24621 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

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.
  

STEWARDSHIP TAILGATE PARTY
Sunday, Nov. 4, after 10:00 worship
 Betty Carneal, finance committee 

Nov. 4 is Stewardship Sunday. Please wear your game shirt for your favorite team. After the 10:00 service, we will have a tailgate party in the fellowship hall. Check your recipes now for what sides you might like to bring along — cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans or a family favorite, and of course … desserts. We are suggesting that people with last names beginning with A–O bring a side, and P–Z bring a dessert. But as always, anything you are able to provide will be greatly appreciated. For questions on the fellowship event, contact Pastor Jody Beth, 251-213-6625.

Stewardship Sunday is also communion Sunday. When you finish taking communion and go back to your seat, there will be two baskets — one on each side of the sanctuary/chapel. Please drop your pledge card in the basket. We hope you will join us in celebration for the life of God’s church. Any questions, please call Betty at 251-979-1273.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT
 Teresa Thomas, elder, children • Tara Morrow, elder, youth 

■ SWAG (formerly Kids’ Club) resumed in October for children in grades K–4.

■ GɸG is our youth group for ages fifth grade through high school. We meet at the church and have a lesson, games and a small meal.

■ Refuel is our Wednesday night youth group meeting. They will meet Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. You are encouraged to invite your school friends, neighbors, etc.

■ If anyone would like to prepare a meal, please let Teresa Thomas or Tara Morrow know. 

■ The following are the dates for both SWAG and GɸG:

Nov. 25 — 4 to 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 — 4 to 6 p.m.
Feb. 17 — 4 to 6 p.m.
March 17 — 4 to 6 p.m.
April and May — to be determined
  

SNACKS WITH SUSAN AND DARYL
 Susan and Daryl Pichoff, leaders 

The class is discussing Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine. This is a six-week look at some familiar stories in a not-so-familiar way. This time we have a book that goes along with the video series ($10; if cost is an issue, we can work it out) and I’ll try to get those out as soon as they are received. If you were thinking about joining a class, this is a great place to start. If I can answer any questions, please let me know and I hope you’ll join us. Contact Susan at tabfanatic@gmail.com or 251-233-9486 (phone or text).
  

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
 Cheryl Jensen, teacher 

The class is studying the New Testament in Chronological Order with powerful insights and personal application. The study is by Ron Rhodes and the class is led by Cheryl Jensen. We will soon be studying the book of Acts. Each week there is a lot to learn. Come and be a part of “growing in Christ” as we study His word. We meet at 9:00 on Sunday mornings in the room 2 in the annex.
   

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES ON BOOK OF GENESIS
Sunday evenings, Thursday mornings

Sunday evening and Thursday morning Bible study groups have begun a weekly study on the book of Genesis. “Invitation to Genesis,” a disciple Bible study, includes a DVD, a leader’s guide, and participant books. The study books are $15 and as always, scholarships are available. Please let facilitators Pastor Jody Beth and Philip Melton know if you will be able to be a part of this group; 251-213-6625 and 251-213-6505.

Times are: Sundays, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.; and Thursdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (11:15 on the first Thursday of each month so that participants may attend the “Two or More” fellowship lunch).
  

BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
FOR ADULTS AT A GLANCE

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

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., Snacks with Susan and Daryl, fellowship hall, led by Daryl and Susan Pichoff; topic varies. The class usually watches a DVD and discusses informative topics.

• Sunday evening (5:30 to 6:15) and Thursday morning (10 to 11:30), Bible study groups meet weekly. They are studying the book of Genesis. Contacts are 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 O’Charley’s in Foley on South McKenzie Street. Contact is Lee Mansell.

• Thursdays (second Thursday of month), noon, Fourth Day fellowship lunch in the 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.

• 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 Susan Pichoff.

MISSION REPORT
 Al Sprouse and Cathy Rogers, elders 

Thanks to all who have donated items to the food pantry during October and those who have volunteered to serve to make our food pantry successful. We will continue to focus on our food pantry during November to be able to send home special Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need. Items that can be brought during early November are: small hams, chickens or turkeys (please ask staff to refrigerate), canned green beans, mushroom soup, boxed stuffing, instant potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce or anything that you enjoy in a Thanksgiving meal.

Toward the end November and all through December, we will focus our giving on the Presbyterian Home for Children. We got a huge response last year, and are hoping for generosity this year.

Doug Marshall, president of PHFC, will lead worship on Nov. 11. Thank you all for your giving hearts.
  

THANKSGIVING BAGS FOR FOOD PANTRY

With Thanksgiving coming soon, the food pantry committee has suggested that we prepare special bags of food to pass out on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Special items could include a small ham, chicken or turkey, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, bag or box of stuffing, instant potatoes, canned yams, canned fruit and a cake mix or pie. Please consider giving these items or donating an entire bag. You may bring your donated items to church any Sunday or to the church office during office hours, Tuesday through Friday noon.
  

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Swift Church session met on Monday, Oct. 15.

✔ Pastor Keith shared the findings from the previous day’s sermon on worshiping God with all that we are. The group talked about the results and the implications for worship. The session also looked ahead to the church officer retreat on Saturday, Nov. 17.

✔ Reports, minutes and financials were approved.

✔ We discussed the nominees for church officers.

✔ We reviewed the membership roll.

✔ Closed with prayer.
  

WE APPRECIATE OUR NOVEMBER VOLUNTEERS

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“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

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GREETER/USHER TEAMS
Nov. 4 — Lynn and Mike Barnwell, Willard Penfold, Eunice Ray
Nov. 11 — Judy Walker and Kim Whitchard
Nov. 18 — Danny and Paula Brewer, Lee Mansell, Greg McNair
Nov. 25 — Janelle Armbruster, Norm and Debbie Schmidt, Kim Whitchard

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Nov. 4 — Cathy Rogers
Nov. 11 — Pastor Keith
Nov. 18 — Judy Walker
Nov. 25 — Debbie Schmidt

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Nov. 4 — None; communion will be served
Nov. 11 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
Nov. 18 — Teresa Thomas and Ella Thomas
Nov. 25 — Lezli and Kenny Thomason

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
Nov. 4 — Brett and Pate Cardwell
Nov. 11 — To be determined
Nov. 18 — Megan Curry and Debbie Schmidt
Nov. 25 — Jane King and Carlie Sims

FELLOWSHIP DEACONS
Nov. 4 — Brett Cardwell
Nov. 11 — Tosha Thomas
Nov. 18 — Brett Cardwell
Nov. 25 — Marlene Hastings

ACOLYTES
Nov. 4 — ZoeyLynn and Zadie Grace Barnwell
Nov. 11 — 
Nov. 18 — Saylor Morrow
Nov. 25 — Sully Curry
  

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.