It’s the time of year to celebrate graduations, the changing season, and our salvation in Jesus.
“Praise the Lord, all people on earth, praise his glory and might” (1 Chronicles 16:28).
Pastor Glenn Swanson (middle), and his sons, Luke (left) and Matt (right) walked together to receive their degrees at Liberty University.
Glenn Swanson, the pastor of Bayside Baptist Church, had the incredible opportunity to graduate from Liberty University along with his sons, Matt and Luke.
“It’s amazing how the Lord works. I had just started taking a few classes here and there. The way it worked out Matthew was working on his dissertation for a doctorate degree and finished it up in April. Luke got his bachelor’s degree in religious studies. Our daughter Anna is getting her high school diploma,” Glenn said. He completed his master of theology (Th.M.) degree.
Swanson said his wife Sherri, and his daughters-in-law Emily and Natassia, have been the behind-the-scenes blessing to them all. “They have faithfully prayed for us and supported us throughout this journey,” he said.
Anna Swanson (left) with her father, Glenn Swanson. Anna graduates high school this year.
Luke Swanson is seeking God’s guidance in ministry. Currently, he and his wife, Natassia, work in the student accounts department at Liberty. The couple met in Canada when Luke was serving as a student missionary with the North American Mission Board.
Matthew, who received his doctor of business administration, is the assistant chancellor at Fletcher Technical Community College in New Orleans. He met his wife Emily while serving as Director of Fuge camps for Lifeway in 2012. Emily works at an art shop near New Orlean’s French Quarter.
Sherri Swanson said she is incredibly proud of her family. “I am humbled to be married to such a terrific man and to be the mom of these two fantastic men and, of course, to my beautiful daughter Anna.”
Burntwoods Church, formerly Gethsemane Baptist Church, will have a block party from 4 to 7 pm on June 10. They’ll have a cookout, games (including a hot-dog eating contest), children’s activities, inflatables, and music provided by a disc jockey. It’s a free outreach for the local community. Last year, the church had a fall block party that drew over 300 people.
Burntwoods Church will have a spring block party. Last fall they drew 300 people for a fall festival. They’re hoping for another large turnout.
Conowingo Baptist Church is taking ministry out of the building. They will have a “June Jesus Festival” on June 23 at “Conowingo Mobile Home Park,” 124 Mount Zoar Road, from 2 to 6 pm.
The church choir and praise band will sing, and there will be free food, games and other activities.
This is the second year the church has had the event, an outreach opportunity to get to know their neighbors and to invite families to Vacation Bible School (VBS). Several children attended VBS last year as a result of the festival.
Members of Ogletown Baptist Church will volunteer to help with an “Urban Promise” workday on June 2. They’ll assist with painting, yard work, construction, and administration. Urban Promise is a Christian organization that strives to equip children and youth with the academic and life skills while sharing the love of Christ.