Christmas Services

Christmas Cantata - Sunday, December 13th @ 11 am

Children and Youth Christmas Program - Wednesday, December 16th @ 7 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Thursday, December 24th @ 6 pm

Mark your calendar for these special services that will help you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year!

From the Pastor...

Someone has said, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans.” That little quote has replayed over and over in my mind during the past few weeks, as my family and I have struggled over God’s plan for us. During this time, God has confirmed that His plan for us involves moving us to a new field of service. At our Quarterly Church Conference on November 11th, I announced to the congregation my intention to remain as pastor until January 17, 2010. The following week I will begin my duties as pastor of Manteo Faith Baptist Church in Manteo, NC.

One of the most difficult things for a pastor’s family to do is to leave behind people they love in order to move to a new church. I can honestly say to you that we are excited about what God has in store for us at Manteo, but we are truly sad to leave behind our friends at Swift Creek. For more than seven years you have shown us love and kindness as we have ministered together. It has been a very good ministry experience for us.

Words cannot begin to express our thanks to you for your love and support. I am confident that you will continue to bless this community through benevolent ministries and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also confident that God is already preparing someone to step in as pastor, to lead SCBC to even greater heights!

We do ask you to continue to keep our family in your prayers as we make this difficult transition. We would love for any of you to visit us whenever you come to the Outer Banks, and we hope that you will honor us with the privilege of coming back to see you from time to time. We especially look forward to receiving an invitation to the dedication of your family life center in the near future!

In the meantime, the month of December is upon us! That means that there will be lots of opportunities for us to tell the world about the coming of the Lord Jesus. I am excited about the Christmas Drama, Buried Treasure, written by our Minister of Music Lane Miller. We will present this drama at the Holly Springs Cultural Center on December 8th. Be sure to invite your friends and family to come and witness this work of art that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Finally, let us be reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” My family has chosen to trust God’s timing during this season. We appreciate your prayers and we love you all very, very much!

In Christian Love,
Billy Dennis

Mary Livengood

Mary Bryant Livengood
(November 15, 1940 - November 11, 2009)

Mary Bryant Livengood, 68, of Raleigh, left this world for a better one on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Mary was born November 15, 1940 to Roy and Iris (Long) Bryant, in Lexington, NC. She retired after many years as a controller for Guilford Mills' Fiber Division in Fuquay-Varina, and was a dedicated member of her church, Swift Creek Baptist. Mary is survived by her husband Dr. Charles Livengood of Raleigh; daughter Melissa Circelli and Son-in-law Rob Circelli of Holly Springs; and daughter Jill Liles and Son-in-law Mac Liles, Jr. of Fuquay-Varina. She is also survived by her older brothers Barney and Bill Bryant, both of Lexington; and her beloved grandchildren Ryan, Robyn and Ricky Circelli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Alene Harris. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00PM, Friday, November 13, 2009, at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 9300 Penny Rd., Raleigh. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00PM, Saturday, November 14, with Rev. Billy Dennis officiating at the church. Burial will follow in Swift Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Swift Creek Baptist Church Building Fund or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a Cure. Condolences may be made online at www.apexfuneral.com

Debbie Elizabeth Truelove

Debbie Elizabeth Truelove
(March 28, 1957 - October 29, 2009)


Debbie Elizabeth Truelove, 52, of 4024 Truelove Dr., Apex, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday October 29th, 2009. She was an Executive’s Assistant with the NC Court of Appeals. A service celebrating her life and home going will be held on Sunday November 1st at 2:00 pm in the Apex Funeral Home Chapel. Krista McLain of Swift Creek Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Swift Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Surviving are her mother, Margine Daniels of Apex; two sisters: Betty Truelove & her husband Phil Bennett of Cary, and Cathy Eagles of Raleigh; a brother, Frankie Eagles & his wife Loralyn of Willow Spring; her boyfriend, Mark Drake of Apex; aunts and uncles: Troy & Maxine Wheeler, David & Jean Waters, Ronnie & Pat Wheeler, and Eddie Truelove. Also surviving are a host of loving cousins and friends. Her family will receive friends from 2-4 pm on Saturday at the Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. in Apex. Those desiring to do so may make memorials in her honor to the SPCA of Wake County.

West Virginia - Photos

Lynwood finds a hat that he likes!

Beautiful scenery all around

Cass Scenic Railroad

NRAO at Greenbank - the surface of this telescope is larger than a football field!

Dan rocks a baby to sleep at the Birthing Center

Tons and tons of clothing given away

Colin admires the steps that he, Stephen, and Dan have built

Ben, Will, Dan, Lynne, Colin, Billy, David, Stephen, & Lane

Lane always has a flair for the dramatic!

Coffee and Brownies after arriving at camp

West Virginia - Wednesday

After breakfast, we all went to the park in Marlinton to help the groups from Kentucky and Tennessee get set up for the clothing giveaway. We collected our tarps and departed around 9:30 am. Lynwood and David made their way back to NC, while the rest of us drove up to Green Bank to see the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Although the museum and visitor's center were closed, we were able to see some of the telescopes and make a few photos.

We left Green Bank and drove down to the Cass Scenic Railroad, where we enjoyed seeing the museum and old village. After a great lunch at the Last Run Cafe, we headed for home.

We stopped in Daleville, VA for apples at Ikenberry Orchards, and made it back to the church around 8:15 pm.

It was a tiring day, but a great way to wrap up a wonderful trip!

West Virginia - Tuesday

Today was a very long, but extremely rewarding day. After breakfast we went back to the park for the clothing and food giveaway. We gave away all 56 bags of groceries and many more clothes. It was a cold and breezy day with no sunshine, but the rain held off until it was time for us to begin closing up anyway.

Colin, Stephen, and Dan went back to the work site this morning, where they installed a sewer line, gas stove, electrical line, and water line. They worked very hard and accomplished a lot!

The rest of us left the park and went to the local Foodland grocery store where we purchased food to make subs for the ladies at the Greenbriar Birthing Center. The manager, Mark, was gracious enough to donate all the bread - over $20 worth! We then traveled to Hillsboro where we met the rest of our team at the Birthing Center. Greenbriar is a Minimum Custody Federal Prison for ladies who enter the system while expecting. They come here in the sixth month of pregnancy, and after the birth of the baby they are allowed to stay there with their child for the first 18 months of the child's life.

There were 15 inmates and 15 babies there today. We played games, did some group building activities, crafts, and held Bible Study with the ladies. A huge thanks goes to Lynne Cullins who planned and led all of this!!! The men were very helpful in playing with the babies and interacting with the inmates. One of the inmates told me that she was thankful for all of us men coming because her child rarely gets to see a male. The children were precious! It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it ;-)

We baked cookies for the inmates and had dinner with them before leaving and sprinting over to the men's prison next door for worship services. Dan and Will left after dinner and headed back to Raleigh because of obligations they had there.

Tonight we had a wonderful worship experience with 42 inmates at Denmar Correctional Facility. It is a medium custody state prison. The men who came to the service shared some powerful testimonies and we sang hymns together. Their choir sang a number of songs, and I was privileged to share a message from the Gospel of Matthew. During the invitation, numerous inmates came forward for prayer.

After the service, I was blessed to join Pastor Jerry and the pastor from Kentucky as we had a time of sharing and prayer with one of the inmates who is trying to re-connect with his wife who has had no contact with him in over two years.

We got back to camp around 9:30 tonight and everyone is very tired. It has been a very good day! Pray for our safety as we travel back to Raleigh tomorrow.

West Virginia - Monday

Today began with an excellent breakfast at 7:30. We then met with Pastor Jerry for orientation for everyone going to the prisons this week. Along with our 10, there is a group from Rocky Mount, a group from Tennessee, a group from Virginia, and a group from Kentucky (that arrived at 3:30 this morning). Everyone went to the park in downtown Marlinton first thing this morning and there were already about 15 people waiting for us to unload our free clothes.

Our group brought a 5x8 trailer, a 6x10 trailer, an 8 x22 trailer, a pickup, a suburban, and 3 vans filled with clothing, school supplies, toys, and food. The other groups also brought a good bit of items. We guessed tonight that there was still over 10,000 items of clothing left after having many people show up today to receive items. Pastor Jerry says that he has never seen so many cars at the park for a clothing giveaway! Some of our folks stayed at the park all day helping people select items.

After unloading, Stephen, Colin and Dan went to a home near Hillsboro to help install plumbing, electricity, and water - as well as make other repairs to the home of a lady who has lost her children to DSS because of the living conditions. They made some progress today, but will go back tomorrow to do more. David and Lynwood spent part of the afternoon there helping too.

After lunch, I went to Lewisburg with Lynne, Will, Ben, and Lane. We bought over $350 worth of groceries for the food giveaway tomorrow. A local farmer is also donating a huge crate of potatoes for us to give away tomorrow. The Walmart in Lewisburg is only about 45 miles away, but the drive is well over an hour due to the mountain roads. We made it back to camp in time for dinner.

After dinner some of our group went to town to cover all the clothes with tarps while others stayed at the camp to bag groceries and put together gift bags for the girls at the prison. Several of our folks finished the evening with treats at Dairy Queen.

Tomorrow we will be doing more home repairs and clothing giveaways, plus the food giveaway and traveling to the women's prison to lead Bible Study and fix dinner for the girls. Tomrrow night we are leading worship services at the men's prison. Will and Colin are returning to Raleigh after dinner tomorrow evening.

It has been a good day and everyone is doing well. Please continue to pray for us as we minister to "the least of these."

West Virginia - Sunday

We arrived in Huntersville at 8:45 tonight after a long but uneventful trip. There are 10 of us here and we are now settling in for the night. The group from Rocky Mount is here too, and we are expecting groups from Nashville, TN and Kentucky later tonight. Tomorrow morning is orientation for the prisons, followed by the clothing giveaway at 9 am. Please keep us in your prayers as we minister here.

Follow-up to prayer request from Nigeria

Greetings. I wanted to let you know that the leader you have been praying for was finally able to get home on Saturday. However, he came back quite sick, and has been unable to come to give a report on all that happened. I thought he would come today, so I could give you more details, but that was not possible.

Please keep praying for all those affected. We had about 15 local fellowships which were either attacked or threatened, and we are dealing with many refugees, some of whom are injured and all of whom are traumatized. Though the situation is now quiet, the aftermath is continuing in terms of dealing with grief, missing family members, disrupted lives, loss of property, and deteriorated relationships with neighbors. Several of the core leaders of the fellowship are out trying to help reassure, comfort and support.

They need your prayers for wisdom in these difficult times.

Thank you for praying. God bless.

Urgent Prayer request from a missionary friend in Nigeria

Greetings. Though you haven't heard from me in some time, I'm still here and hard at work. This week there is a troubling situation in another part of this country between security forces and a radical religious group. (The problem is not in the area where I live, so don't worry about me.) But it is greatly affecting some of our fellowship groups of new believers. We are hearing reports from many quarters about severe persecution, up to and including death. The elders of the group are under great strain, as they try to deal with and counsel refugees, and in some cases travel into the areas where problems are occurring in order to try to help.

One leader came on Tues. to say that a new believer, one of three he led to the Lord on Friday, was attacked and murdered on Sunday night. This leader came to say he was going back to the area, which is at the center of the disturbance, in order to bury the deceased. I asked, "How can you even think of going? It's too dangerous." He said, "I can't do anything else. How can I leave immature new believers to deal with this on their own? God will be with me." The leader called last night to say he is now trapped in the area of the fighting, and terrible things are going on all around. Please pray urgently for this group, and many others who are in similar circumstance.

Thanks for your prayers. We really appreciate them. God bless.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

My friend, Steve Sellers, has once again shared a devotional that I needed to hear. I felt compelled to share this with you because it is such a powerful reminder that we are called to love others with open hearts and open ears!

"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

The beginning of our love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the salvation that accompanies that love, is listening. Our love for God begins when we listen to Him and His Word … and as we accept His Truth, Jesus Christ (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1; KJV). I find it fascinating that Jesus’ original form is referred to as the Word. Referred to as something that is verbal, not physical. I also find it fascinating that God spoke time, the universe and every living thing into existence. Genesis does not tell us that God took His hands and created things. It states, “And God said, “Let there be light…”

If our love of God begins with listening, then shouldn’t our love for others also begin with listening? Doesn’t God lend us His ear, continually, through our prayers and supplications? Absolutely! And so, it is His work we do for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them. That is probably why Paul quoted God’s command to the churches in Galatia: “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if instead of showing love among yourselves, you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another." (Galatians 5:13-14)

Too many times we, as Christians, feel like we must have something to offer others when they need to talk. We can easily forget that listening can be a far greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for a willing ear to listen to them … but many times they only find Christians who are too willing to talk over the other person.

If we no longer listen to our Christian brothers and sisters, then we will soon fail to listen to God. Truly … TRULY … listening to God requires much more dedication and commitment than listening to someone else. As listening is the beginning to our relationship with God, so is a lack of listening the beginning of our spiritual downfall. As we continue in our failing to listen, we end up with empty, pious words that do not carry truth or The Truth.

Those who cannot listen at length and with patience will talk past other people and not even realize it. Those who believe their time is better spent in talking, not listening, will never really have time for God or neighbor … just themselves and their own words.

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24, NLT)

Recently, I read the following story and thought it was an excellent illustration about the need to listen.

“I overheard a conversation a few days ago at lunch which began when a woman noticed one of her co-workers looking downcast. She sat beside him at the lunch table and asked him if he wanted to discuss what was bothering him. He began to talk about the recent trouble he was having relating to his daughter, and it was obvious from his tone and his expression that this was a serious matter which was weighing heavily on him. He had barely begun to explain the essence of the problem when the young woman interrupted, exclaiming, "I know exactly what you mean! My daughter..." And just like that, the conversation shifted as she went on for several minutes describing her own situation. When she finally paused to take a bite of her meal, the man got up and walked away dejectedly. Without missing a beat, she turned to the next person at the table and continued talking about her daughter. I had a pretty strong reaction at the time. I remember thinking, "You don't care about his situation! You just wanted an excuse to start talking!"

It's easy to be critical of this woman, but realistically, this kind of thing goes on all the time. I have done it to my wife and she has done it to me. I have seen pastors do it on many occasions. Few of us are immune. We are rarely listening; usually, we are just waiting impatiently for our turn to talk. We nod and agree in all the right places, but really we are pondering the next thing we are about to say.

It's a shame that so many of us are guilty of this offense, and it speaks volumes about how most people really feel about themselves and those around them. If you struggle with this as much as I do, then it ought to be very humbling when you realize just how difficult and rare it is to have a conversation with someone during which you are far more interested in what they are saying than what you are about to say. It's hard to clear our mind, offer our undivided attention and just listen.

If we dig deeper, we will discover that our egocentric conversations are just one of many ways in which we fail to demonstrate love for each other. I could just as easily point to any of a long list of ways we fail to keep this commandment. I chose this one because it is so subtle and pervasive that for the most part, we've simply stopped noticing that we've stopped listening. I'm sure if you were to ask the woman at the lunch table, she wouldn't have any idea that she had done anything wrong.

The next time you're speaking to someone, especially if they are hurting, make an effort to erase any thoughts of yourself. Instead, give them one hundred percent of your attention. Make a commitment to ensuring that they are able to get their point across, and don't worry about yours. It seems like such a small thing, but it will make a huge difference in not only how you perceive people, but how they perceive you.

You see, loving your neighbor is not like loving your spouse. It may not be something you feel, but it is something that you do. It's the act of sacrificing your own needs and desires for the sake of someone else.

You can demonstrate that love in such a meaningful way by just listening.”

I Wish You Blessings for Open Hearts and Open Ears,

Steve

Vacation Bible School

It's that time of year again! Vacation Bible School begins on Sunday, June 14th, and runs through Thursday, June 18th. Classes are from 6:30-8:30 pm each evening. We are still accepting registrations in our office at (919)851-0112 or online at:

http://www.vacationbibleschool.com/swiftcreek

Come and join in the fun!!!

Golf Outing

Captain's Choice format to be held at Pine Burr Golf Course in Lillington on Monday, June 8th. Tee Time is 9 am. If interested, please contact the pastor or Don Lawrence by Sunday, June 7th. Golf fun and great fellowship!

Church Picnic

Please join us for our annual church family picnic on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. The fun starts at 6 pm, with good food and even better fellowship! We will gather at Montague Lake off of Penny Road. Call the church for more information (851-0112). Bring your bathing suit and your appetite!

Unity in the Body of Christ

My friend, Steve Sellers, recently posted another great devotional that I had to share with you:

Alright everybody, finish this stanza from a famous poem by just knowing the first line. (Now, don’t cheat.) Ready? Go!

Listen my children and you shall hear...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Excellent! I suspect most of you were able to recall most of what follows.

Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the 18th of April in 75;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.

Almost everyone remembers Paul Revere. He’s almost universally famous in our country. If it weren’t for him we would have never know that the British were coming either “one if by land” or “two if by sea.” We can almost see him walking through the towns yelling his proclamation. Ooops, that should be riding a train through the towns telling his …. Let me try again. We can almost see him riding the bus through the towns … Obviously, I am gravely mistaken. We all know Paul Revere road his horse through the towns. The horse is even mentioned in the 13th, and last, verse of the poem.

In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

So, what was the name of Revere’s horse? All horses are given names. Surely we recall this famous horse’s name. Well, no we don’t. That’s because the horse is not famous. It was Paul Revere who made the critical announcement … except that he needed a trusty steed from which to deliver the message.

The Gospel writer, Paul (not Revere), may have had a similar thought in mind when he was writing to the church at Corinth.

I Corinthians 12:21-27
“The eye cannot say to the hand, I don’t need you! And the head cannot say to the feet, I don't need you! On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

We tend to read this passage and focus on Paul’s explanation of spiritual gifts. But this chapter is much more about unity and fellowship than it is about spiritual gifts. We have, and need, unity and fellowship in spite of and because of, our individual differences. Those who are “hidden” from the community (the less honorable) need to be given special honor, for they are as much a part of the body of Christ as we are … maybe more so.

In fact, if we truly grasp what Paul is writing here, we should celebrate our differences! Our differences are evidence and example of God’s blessings on the church. Without our differences, we would be much less effective in our ministries. They are expressions of God's will for each of us, and for the Body, and as such deserve respect! We should seek to appreciate, respect, encourage and protect these God-ordained differences rather than being threatened by or fearful of them.

In my line of work we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One lady we support also works at my office. She is forever ministering to me. You see, going to work can be difficult. Tough decisions have to be made. The people that work for me do not always welcome my presence with open arms. But Helen does. She always, and I mean always, has a smile on her face and a good word to say. She can motivate me when I am down. She can cheer me up when my day is difficult. She is truly a blessing to me. She also has the IQ of a 5th grader. Please don’t pity her. I don’t. She probably uses her gifts better than most of us do. She may be seen as less honorable by society, but she is quite honorable to me … and others.

The mentality of our world tends to be that the spoils belong to the strong. Far too many people prey on the weak, but the Lord wants us to pray for the weak. We should seek out the weak and help them become strong in the Lord. Someday He will ask us, “what have you done for the least of these?”

A number of biblical commentators believe that Paul, in this scripture, was making a literal reference to our own bodies. Think about the parts of your body that receive honor (a beautiful face, athletic legs, lovely skin tone and complexion, etc.). Now, think about the parts that receive little exposure and honor (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver). Losing my leg would be difficult, but losing my heart would be final.

Most of us have desensitized ourselves to everything and everyone outside of our own little world, but that's not functioning as a body. There should be a sense of pain and loss over the lack of unity and power in the body of Christ. As much as possible, we need to reach out to those members of the body of Christ outside of our own little comfortable groups.

Until you have lived the life of those given less honor, don’t let your pride and ignorance get in the way of given them more honor.

It’s really about creating and maintaining community, and Anthony D'Angelo once said, "Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community."

Blessings,
Steve

Funraiser Luncheon

The Adult Choir is sponsoring our May Fundraiser Luncheon on Sunday, May 17th. The meal will be served immediately following the morning worship service. The menu includes fried chicken and all the fixins! Be sure to sign up or call the church office if you plan to attend.

Church Council Meeting Rescheduled

The quarterly meeting of the SCBC Church Council has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 17th. We will meet immediately following the fundraiser luncheon (approximately 1 pm). Please email your reports to Lynne Cullins this week.

Quarterly Church Conference

SCBC Quarterly Church Conference will take place on Wednesday, May 13th, at 7 pm.

Yard Sale

There will be a huge Yard Sale fundraiser at SCBC on Saturday, May 16th, from 7 am until 12 noon. Many items will be available for purchase at great prices! The event will take place rain or shine.

Keith Henderson, Illusions of the King

Don't miss this fun evening of family entertainment...

Keith Henderson
"Illusions of The King" Live!


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Friday, April 24, 2009
Swift Creek Baptist Church Fundraiser
CC Jones Center
Apex, NC

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Showtime 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm
For more information call Pat Mills (919) 662-8333.

The following devotion was shared by my friend, Steve Sellers, on Thursday night. I believe it is exactly what we need to hear... Thanks Steve!

I just finished watching the University of Pittsburgh defeat Xavier University, and now I’m watching Duke play Villanova University. And rest assured I’ll watch Carolina play Gonzaga tomorrow night. I really enjoy March Madness. No…I looooooove March Madness! Every year I get excited about the NCAA College Basketball Tournament. I love to watch it. I love to talk about it. I love to read about. Did I say that I loooooooove it??!! Can you tell I get giddy about it?

This is the only sports event, and I love most sports events, that I will watch any game that is being played. I think this is about as close as one can get to pure, competitive sports. And the “pure” part is getting rarer each year.

I love it so much I can recall the 1990 tournament victory by … hmmmm. OK, how about the 2002 victory by … I’m not sure. Well, there’s always the 1995 victory by … I have no clue. So, I don’t really recall who wins each year, but I truly love the tournament. (Actually, the only year I easily recall the winner was in 1985 when Villanova won the tournament. My wife won the bracket pool we held at college. Being the sweetheart she is, she took her winnings and purchased a gift basket for all the guys in the house where I lived that Senior year.)

Isn’t it amazing that we get so excited about certain things … temporal things? Maybe college basketball isn’t your passion, but I bet there is something in life that gets you really excited, possibly obsessed. Something you just cannot wait to tell others about. Something that gets you so excited you seek out people with the same interest. Something that gets you upset when you are unable to enjoy it.

So, why is it we cannot seem to sustain that level of genuine excitement about our faith? Why do we seem intent on keeping Jesus Christ and our salvation the best kept secret around? It’s almost as if we are practicing to be undercover disciples for Christ. Not only is that an oxymoron, but I can’t imagine God needing anything less than enthusiastic disciples. If anything He would want us to rejoice in our faith.

The wise men surely were excited when they saw the star of Bethlehem. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matthew 2:10; New American Standard Bible)

Mary couldn’t contain herself when the baby Jesus leapt in her womb. “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:46-47; New International Version)

And can you imagine how excited Paul was when he said, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” (Philippians 4:4-5; The Message Bible) Paul wasn’t rejoicing in his circumstances, since many of his circumstances were difficult. He was rejoicing in the unchanging, untouchable relationship to the sovereign Lord!

So, get excited about your basketball team, or whatever your earthly passion may be. But rejoice in the Lord. Give Him praise, honor and glory. I’m going to be excited about March Madness. I’m also going to try and get at least as excited about what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for me!!!

Go Team!

Steve

Come enjoy the antics of Sam with his pal, Brent Vernon, on Wednesday March 25, 2009. The concert begins at 7 pm at Swift Creek Baptist Church, located at 9300 Penny Road in Raleigh. There is no charge for admission, but a love offering will be received. Not only will Sam entertain, but Brent will be sharing his heart through song. Everyone is invited!

Nancy Jones Obituary

Nancy Fogleman Jones
February 7, 1938 - February 28, 2009

Nancy Fogleman Jones, 71, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2009 surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Jones lived in Apex and was a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church. For 40 years of her life she was a dedicated nurse at Western Wake Hospital in Cary. Mrs. Jones was also a loving and caring wife to her husband, William C. Jones for 49 years.

She is survived by her husband, William C. Jones of Apex, NC; son, Ryan Jones and wife Becky of Apex, NC; grandchildren, Nathan and Bailey Jones; brother, Martin A. Fogleman of Liberty, NC.

The family will receive friends at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC on Monday, March 2 from 6-8 PM. A Service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 3 at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 9300 Penny RD, Raleigh, NC 27606. A burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Condolences can be made at www.apexfuneral.com

BBQ Chicken anyone?

Friday, February 27th is the day for our BBQ Chicken Fundraiser at SCBC! Tickets have been sold, but if you ask around you may find one or two still available... Food can be eaten in the fellowship hall, or picked up in the front circle drive for take-out. This is going to be good!

The Current @ Swift Creek

New Saturday Evening Contemporary Praise Service??

There will be a meeting of everyone interested in a Saturday evening contemporary worship service on Saturday, February 7th, at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

If we have enough interest, we plan to offer this service on a weekly basis, but we need at least five core families who will commit to attending on a regular basis and invite others to attend as well. We will need volunteers to provide childcare, serve as greeters, sing in the praise team, operate sound, etc.

Please see the pastor or Ian Sands for more information or to offer your support if you cannot be at the meeting.

God is Good

From the Pastor…

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

These words of Paul, written to the church in Philippi, come to my mind every time I think of certain people I have known – parents, family members, my former pastor, my church family, dear friends. Since May of 2002, one person who has always evoked in my heart this sentiment has been Rosie Jetter.

Rosie was one of the first people we met at SCBC. She contacted us before we ever came to Raleigh to meet you, and asked us what kind of home we would be looking for. She helped us find the home we wanted, and she was very generous in donating her fees toward our closing costs on the house. She made a beautiful wreath to hang over our fireplace that first Christmas in our new home. We still enjoy that wreath throughout the holidays! Rosie was a loving and generous person.

Like so many others, we miss Rosie every day since she went to be with the Lord last Summer – just as we miss all our other dear friends who have gone on to heaven. None of us ever doubted Rosie’s love and devotion for her Lord and to His Church, but her nature was to do things in such a way that would not draw any attention to herself. And now her family has shared with us one example of just how real that was to her.

Before she died, Rosie let her children know that she wanted SCBC to receive a generous gift to be used for our current building campaign. As a result, Jim and Sandy have passed along Rosie’s gift of $100,000 to be used in the construction of our family life center. We will never have another Rosie, but her gift will help us reach countless souls for Jesus!

We also rejoice in how the Lord has opened the doors for us to purchase the “Old Dickens Property” at 9400 Penny Road, and to complete a land swap with Mr. Harris that will provide his family with grave plots in our cemetery and provide us with a 12-foot strip of land that will connect our current property with the new property we are purchasing. God is good!

One last “note” of good news… we welcome Mr. Lane Miller to our staff as Minister of Music. Lane began January 1st, and is doing a wonderful job leading our music ministry. I know that you will welcome him as he begins his ministry with us.

Even during tough economic times, we witness the love of friends and the love of God at work all around us. May this challenge us to be more loving and generous, and to place our faith in God, who provides for our needs.

Great Fellowship and Great Food

The Finance Committee is hosting a luncheon on Sunday, January 11, 2009. The menu includes Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad bar, dessert bar, bread and tea. Suggested donations are $7.50 for adults, $3.50 for older children, and no charge for children 3 and under. Come to worship and stay for the great fellowship and great food!