The Rev. Stephen Swift, Messiah's Interim Rector

            Father Steve at the Nov. 2nd Welcoming Reception

The Rev. Stephen Swift, son of the Rev. Robert and Mary Swift, both now deceased, has been an Episcopalian all his life.  He is the second of their four children.  Graduating from General Seminary in 1972, he has served congregations in Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, and now in Baltimore.  

After being a widower, he married Amy Panek in 1985.  Amy grew up in College Park, Maryland.  Their children are Vanessa, an account executive for American Express living in Arlington, Virginia, and Philip, a Sergeant in the Denver County, Colorado Sheriff's Department.  The Swift's grandchildren -- Philip's two girls, Bridgett, 14, and Megan, 12 -- now live with their mother in Texas. 

Father Steve began interim work in 1987.  He has been trained for interim ministry through the Interim Ministry Network (Baltimore) and through Healthy Congregations (Columbus, Ohio).  Ministry is his passion, interim ministry his specialty.

Father Steve loves to read and to reflect on history and popular culture.  He has lived in Israel and taken over a dozen groups there.  He enjoys playing chess and fantasy pro-football.  (The Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco, needs all our prayers this year!)

Father Steve says, "I am so thrilled to be called to Messiah!  The people I have met and the ministries its members are engaged in are vital and energizing.  I look forward to being with Messiah during this interim period."