WORSHIP THIS MONTH

MUSIC NOTES
 Lisa Cardwell | music director 

Chancel choir will be singing a new anthem on Sept. 15, “I Know Your Heart of Grace,” which was purchased in memory of Rick Jensen. Due to some changes in Lisa’s work schedule in Pensacola this fall, the chancel choir rehearsals will remain on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. until further notice. We will be singing some previous and current favorites.

The handbell choir will be playing in worship on Sept 22. They will play “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” and “Filled with the Spirit” (which incorporates “Spirit of the Living God” and “Holy Spirit”).

Our Christmas program is Dec. 15. As in the past two years, we ask for vocal and instrumental soloists, small and large ensembles, and readers to join in the spirit of the season.

If you are interested, please notify Lisa.

WORSHIP REPORT
 Greg McNair | worship elder 

The pace of activities is picking up at Swift Church as summer winds down and seasonal breaks come to an end.

On Sept. 1, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at both services. All are welcome at the table to partake of the bread and juice by intinction. Pastor Jody Beth and Jane Capsis will lead worship and music at Live Oak at 1 p.m.

In worship Sept. 8, we will celebrate Sunday school teachers. This is the day when Sunday school classes for children and youth, children’s church and fellowship time will return after a summer break. And there’s a new Sunday school class for younger adults.

The choirs have resumed busier schedules. A 12-week Bible study will begin Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 11 was a special day at Swift Presbyterian Church — backpack blessing and teacher dedication. This was three days before the start of the school year in Baldwin County. The worship committee made tags with a Bible verse to attach to book bags for our students and teachers that contained the message “Learn to do good” from Isaiah 1:17. We also had a wonderful lunch with fried chicken provided by the church and sides and desserts from congregation members.

Looking back at Pastor Keith’s three-month sabbatical, worship attendance was good and our guest preachers were warmly received by the congregation at both services. The youth from Swift and First Presbyterian Church of Foley did a fine job on Montreat Youth Sunday. Pastor Keith received a hearty welcome back to the pulpit.

We hope your summer has been a happy and memorable one.

Q. How does Swift Church move beyond our physical boundary?

A. Through the internet.

Swift Presbyterian Church has:

■ Website — www.swiftchurch.org
On that website you find announcements, newsletters, church history, written and audio copies of past sermons. (We’re introducing video sermons this month.)

■ Facebook — Swift Presbyterian Church
Follow us on Facebook. There are videos, sermon prep ideas, announcements, photos, sermons, previews.

■ Share.
It’s one thing to like and look and listen and keep it to yourself. It’s another thing to share with others. Share Facebook posts on your page so that all your friends can see what’s going on at Swift.

✓Share a sermon link with someone you think might benefit from it.
✓Share invitations to Sunday school classes or other events.
✓Share photos that demonstrate people’s lives being affected by the Gospel.
✓Share on Sunday mornings that you are going to/or you are attending Swift Church for worship and invite your friends to join with us.
✓Share bumper-sticker-size statements from the Scripture or sermon.

‘TWO OR MORE’ FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Thursday, Sept. 5 • 11:30 a.m.
O’Charley’s — 3060 S. McKenzie St., Foley

BUTTERFLY GIRLS/GUYS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, Sept. 19 • 6:30 p.m.
Hunan Chinese Restaurant — 306 E. Laurel Ave., Foley

Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out will be Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Hunan Chinese Restaurant (306 E. Laurel Ave., Foley). Please call or text Mary McNair at 251-295-5267 or send her an e-mail to marymcnair@centurylink.net by noon that day to confirm plans to come so adequate seating can be arranged.

Bring a friend! This is a great way to introduce folks to members of the church so that if they then decide to join us for church on Sunday morning, others will already know them by name. This dinner is not just for members. Need a ride? Let Mary know by Wednesday morning so it can be arranged.

Couples or singles are welcome. Join us and suggest new places for us to try.

FELLOWSHIP TIME
Fellowship time will resume Sept. 8 after the 10:00 worship service
with healthful and sweet snacks and beverages.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Swift Church session met on Aug. 19 and began with prayer.

✓ We spent a good bit of time talking about safety and security on the Swift Church property. Some things like propping open doors with bottles of chemicals have already been addressed. A subcommittee is looking into other ways to make people’s time at Swift safe.

✓ We received the financial report.

✓ Appointed Tara Morrow and Greg McNair to be on nominating committee.

✓ Received reports. Heard that leftover food from serving lunch to Elberta Elementary staff and Swift Church potluck was gladly received by the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.

✓ We will be forming a visioning group to spend significant time looking at Swift’s future ministry and mission.

✓ Closed with prayer.

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New member — Swift Church session met following worship on Aug. 18 to receive new members. Gail Skinner, who has attended and been extremely active for some time, officially joined the church. We celebrate God leading her to Swift. Gail wrote this a few months back about why she attends Swift.

Why I attend Swift Presbyterian Church

I go back to the first Sunday I attended Swift. My sister and I visited. We were met at the door with smiles and welcoming. Pastor Keith came to us before we even got seated and introduced himself with a smile and a handshake. I have be accepted and welcomed by the congregation and included in activities. To list some of the reasons I attend Swift Church.

■ I feel God’s presence.
■ I thoroughly enjoy the messages.
■ I like and appreciate the serving of communion on a regular basis.
■ I have joined the beginner bells and chimes and that fills my heart with great joy.
■ I have been asked to read the Scripture on Sunday morning which gives me acceptance by the congregation and officers.
■ I was invited to join the get-togethers at lunches and dinners.
■ I attend the Genesis study — the first study of that type I have ever done.

I thank God for leading me to Swift. God bless. — Gail Skinner

MISSION REPORT
 Pate Cardwell and Al Sprouse | mission elders 

Food pantry
Our Swift food pantry has been very busy lately. On each of the last two Wednesday distribution days — Aug. 14 and 28 — they served 33 families with a total of 69 individuals. Several of these recipients allowed their pictures to be taken to document our efforts to serve God through them. A sincere thank-you to all of the volunteers and donors involved with our food pantry. There are numerous parts and participants that make this local outreach such a great success.

In October, we will begin preparing for Thanksgiving for our recipients. The need for donations is slightly higher during the holiday season. More specific information about food donations will be available next month.

Living Waters for the World
A special collection was received on Aug. 11 in the amount of $206. Swift has contributed a year-to-date total of $639.39. Thank you to all for your generosity to such a worthwhile organization.

Presbyterian Home for Children
On Dec. 22, we plan to have a special offering collection for the Presbyterian Home for Children.

Elberta Elementary School
The luncheon for the faculty and staff at EES on Aug. 8 was a great success, thanks to dozens of volunteers from Swift. A special thank-you goes to Mark Melton for the outstanding job he performed as our fellowship elder.

The needs of Elberta Elementary School go beyond snacks. They have reached out for help with some immediate needs:

■ School uniforms: Any would be welcomed, but most needed are tennis shoes, underwear, socks, and larger shorts/pants (youth 10–12, 14–16, and adult size small/medium).

■ School supplies: pencils, washable markers, backpacks, and plastic folders.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT
 Brett Cardwell | elder/children • Tara  Morrow | elder/youth   

CHILDREN/YOUTH ACTIVITIES

■ Children and youth will begin Sunday school on Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. in the annex.

■ Refuel starts back on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tara Morrow’s house.

■ GΦG is Sept. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the youth room.

Hope to seen you there!

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
 Cheryl Jensen | leader 

The class meets from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in room 2 in the annex. We are studying the New Testament in chronological order, led by Cheryl Jensen.

Our class continues studying Paul’s journey to churches in Asia and Rome. Oh, what passion and love he had for our Savior. We are starting 2 Corinthians as Paul is striving to strengthen church leaders.

Welcome to our class; everyone is invited.

YOUNGER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

A younger adult Sunday school class will start Sept. 8 and meet in the chapel at 9 a.m. Led by Andrew King, it will be studying Paul’s letters to the churches. All are welcome to come and be a part of this new class.

SNACKS WITH SUSAN AND DARYL
 Susan and Daryl Pichoff | leaders 

The class meets in the fellowship hall on Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and is led by Susan and Daryl Pichoff.

If you have been thinking about joining an adult class, come and check us out! We gather to have a bite to eat and discuss a video series that usually lasts six weeks, then move on to a new topic. We value all opinions as we discuss the material and appreciate hearing from all who join us.

We are looking at one of the most interesting of people in the Bible — Paul, the apostle. Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. 

■ Called to follow Christ
■ Called to go
■ Called to suffer
■ Called to love
■ Called to give
■ Called to be faithful

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

This class will meet weekly from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for 12 weeks, starting Sept. 19. This study will be based on the Gospel of Matthew, using the Bible and a study book as materials. Pastor Jody Beth and Elder Philip Melton will facilitate. The study book is Six Themes in Matthew Everyone Should Know. The cost will be about $12 and scholarships are available.

This group will gather in room 2 in the annex Sept. 19 through Dec. 12, with a week off for Thanksgiving. Come for study and fellowship. Contact Pastor Jody Beth for more information and to sign up, jodybeth7@yahoo.com, 213-6625.

BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP 
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 that are 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:

• Thursdays, 10 to 11:30, Bible study, room 2 in the annex, Sept. 19 through Dec. 12 with a week off for Thanksgiving. This study will be based on the Gospel of Matthew, using the Bible and a study book as materials. Pastor Jody Beth and Elder Philip Melton will facilitate. The study book is Six Themes in Matthew Everyone Should Know. The cost will be about $12 and scholarships are available.

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., younger adult Sunday school class, in the historic chapel; led by Andrew King. This class will be studying Paul’s letters to the churches.

• Sundays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., adult Sunday school class, room 2 in the annex, continuing a chronolgical 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 Susan and Daryl Pichoff; topic varies. The class usually watches a DVD and discusses informative topics.

• Sunday evening and Thursday morning Bible studies are not meeting for the summer. If you are interested in studying a particular book of the Bible, or a topical study, please contact Pastor Jody Beth or Adult Christian Education Elder Andrew King.

• 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 (third Thursday of month), 6:30 p.m., Butterfly Girls and Guys Night Out fellowship dinner at area restaurants, different place each month.

WE APPRECIATE OUR SEPTEMBER 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
Sept. 1 — Lee Mansell and Jane King
Sept. 8 — Danny and Paula Brewer
Sept. 15 — Norm and Debbie Schmidt
Sept. 22 — Sue Ann Lay and Lynda Walden
Sept. 29 —Susie Alexander and Janelle Armbruster

ACOLYTES
Sept. 1 — Lainey Thomas
Sept. 8 — ZoeyLynn and Zadie Grace Barnwell
Sept. 15 —Sully Curry
Sept. 22 — Cadi Cardwell and McCoy Cooper
Sept. 29 — Lainey Thomas

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS (if needed)
Sept. 1 — Megan Curry and Debbie Schmidt
Sept. 8 —Tracy Akins and Lisa Turner
Sept. 15 — Ginny Kleinschmidt and Tara Morrow
Sept. 22 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
Sept. 29 — Pate and Brett Cardwell

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Sept. 1 — Teresa Thomas
Sept. 8 — Lynn Aspray
Sept. 15 — Pate Cardwell
Sept. 22 — Debbie Schmidt
Sept. 29 — Cathy Rogers

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Sept. 1 — None; Lord’s Supper being served
Sept. 8 — Lezli and Kenny Thomason
Sept. 15 — Jane King and Carlie Sims
Sept. 22 — Tracy and Olivia Akins
Sept. 29 — Debbie Schmidt and Megan Curry

ELDER OF THE MONTH
Andrew King

PROJECTIONIST
Devery Thomas

SANCTUARY FLOWER SCHEDULING
Please contact Susie Alexander to reserve your date.

Flowers can be offered for a special occasion, birthday, anniversary, in memory of someone special, or just because you want to. They don’t have to be an expensive bouquet or arrangement, but something out of your own garden can be just as beautiful. We keep a calendar in the office so that you can check to see if your date is available.

To reserve your date(s), you can contact Susie Alexander at 251-943-4145 or sign up on one of the charts in the narthex or the back of the chapel.

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 a donation link on the church’s website.