Devotional Booklets                    

This year’s Lenten devotional guide is acollection of individual reflections written by church members on scripture passages chosen for each day in Lent. Copies are available in booklet form in the Fellowship Hall lobby, outside the church office, and in Loeffler Chapel.  You can also view and/or downlaod a printable file here: Lenten Devotions 2011.  You may have it emailed to you by making your request known to spcparish@swarthmorepres.org. There are also many books and devotional resources in the Study, the McQuade Library, (located just outside Loeffler Chapel) and the Children’s Library.

Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 9
12:15 and 7:00 pm in Loeffler Chapel

A solemn observance of beginning of Lent through liturgy, prayer, music, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and the Imposition of Ashes.  The ashes are created by burning the palm leaves used in last year's Palm Sunday service.  Leadership is provided by our pastoral staff.

Women’s Retreat
Saturday, March 12
9:00 am - 2:30 pm.  in Fellowship Hall
"Jesus: One Wild and Precious Life"    led by Debra L. Sutton
Suggested contribution: $10.00 per participant

SPC's PW (Presbyterian Women) invite you to be part of a Saturday retreat offering:

∞ a focused exploration of the sorrows and joys of Lent

∞ insightful discussions with other women

∞ refreshing reflections that will support you on your spiritual journey

Bring your sister, your mother, or your best friend.  Or come by yourself and discover a new circle of friends.  It will be a place where we can come together in a supportive and joyful celebration of ourselves and each other.

Rev. Dr. Debra L. Sutton is a family therapist at Building Bridges: A Center for Healing and Wholeness, Media PA. Debra enjoys facilitating events that connect people and Spirit. Ordained in the American Baptist Churches/USA, Debra previously served as an interim associate pastor at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and Director of Adult Education for the ABC/USA.

Breakfast and lunch are potluck!   Bring a dish you enjoy -- enough to share with others.  PW will provide beverages.

Wednesday Communion Services

Wednesdays, March16, 30 & April 13 at 9:30 am

Wednesdays, March 23 & April 6 at 7:00 pm
in Loeffler Chapel

We gather each Wednesday in Lent (note morning and evening times alternate weekly) for services of Word and Sacrament led by our pastoral staff.  If you are looking for a structured way to make a little more time for reflection on God’s word in this season, put these times in your calendar before it is clogged with other demands.

Faure's Requiem
Sunday, April 17
10:15 Worship in the sanctuary

The chancel choir, under the direction of Jeff Devault and with the support of guest singers and instrumentalists, offers Gabriel Faure's moving Requiem in its entirety during worship this morning.   

HOLY WEEK

Palm/Passion Sunday, April 17

Palms are distributed in church school classes and at both the 8:00 and 10:15 worship services.  The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is received and dedicated in worship this morning. This offering provides emergency aid to refugees and victims of disasters, supports community self-help programs, and funds hunger programs. Most recently OGHS was the immediate source of over $100,000 in emergency aid provided to Japan through PDA.  This year’s theme is “Sharing brings Joy.” One Great Hour of Sharing calendars and coin banks (for children) will be distributed in church school classes and are also available outside the church office.  Offering envelopes are available in the pews. Background and information is also available on the PCUSA website at pcusa.org/OGHS.

Holy Week Morning Communion Services
Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22
9:30 am in Loeffler Chapel

Services of Word and Sacrament are held each morning in Loeffler Chapel at 9:30. Worship leaders vary daily and include a number of clergy who are active in the life of our church.  Elders assist with the serving of communion.  

Maundy Thursday, April 21
6:30 pm.  Pot-luck dinner in Fellowship Hall
7:45 pm  Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Fellowship Hall
8:00 pm  Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary 

The Tenebrae worship service is one of scripture and music that tell the story of Jesus’ last days on earth.  Candles are gradually extinguished as we move from the Last Supper, to the garden of Gethsemane, to betrayal and arrest, to the cross.  The service ends in darkness and silence.

Childcare for children 8 and under during the Tenebrae Service is available by request.  Please contact Children's Ministry coordinator, Ashley Kuly, at spcchildren@swarthmorepres.org and let her know the names and ages of children that will be attending.

Good Friday, April 22
12:00 noon  Community Worship
Swarthmore United Methodist Church

129 Park Ave.   Swarthmore, PA

A collaborative effort of the Swarthmore-Wallingford Interfaith Ministerium.  Clergy, lay readers, and
musicians from local churches share in leading Good Friday worship.

Labyrinth Walks
Open all day; lighted for evening walks until 10:00 pm
in the Labyrinth

Walking a labyrinth is an ancient spiritual discipline that filters out distraction and allows your mind to focus.  SPC enjoys an outdoor labyrinth located adjacent to the Memorial Garden.  (behind the ABC House) It is open for anyone at any time, and on Good Friday will be lighted until 9:00 pm.  Pamphlets with some suggestions for scripture passages on which to reflect and guidance for the experience can be found at the labyrinth entrance.

Easter Sunday, April 24
Sunrise Garden Service
7:00 am. in the Memorial Garden

A joyful early morning celebration held in the McCabe Garden, adjacent to the Memorial Garden.  Light breakfast fare will be offered in the Fellowship Hall lobby at 8:00.

Traditional Easter Worship
9:00 and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary

Please bring a flower for the cross!  Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent and decorated with fresh signs of new life on Easter morning.  Musical traditions include the sounds of a brass ensemble welcoming us to worship and the singing of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in response to the benediction.   There is festive fellowship during the coffee hour held in Fellowship Hall between the two services.