Connect with Us

We would love for you to take a closer look at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church! Below are answers to some “frequently asked questions” that we hope will help you feel more at home on your visit to SPC. Additional answers to common questions can be found on the Plan Your Visit page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer Christian education for children and adults?
Yes, we do! Every Sunday from September to June, adults, youth, and children are invited to join us at 9:00 AM for education classes that we hope will be both faithful and engaging.

Am I allowed to take communion?
Yes! We invite all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ and seek his strength to share in communion with us. You don’t have to be a member of SPC or even a Presbyterian. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month.

Do I have to give an offering?
No. The offering provides a way for our members to support the life and ministry of the church. If you feel led to contribute, you certainly may, but please don’t feel like you must. You are our guest. You bless us with your presence.

How do I become a member?
We would be thrilled to welcome you into our church family! Speak to a pastor or contact Dorrie McGrath, Parish Administrator, to get information about our upcoming Inquirer Gatherings.

There are three ways to become a member:

  • Profession of Faith is the first and most significant step a person takes in his or her faith journey. At this time the individual receives Jesus Christ into his or her life and professes that reception before the worshiping congregation. Baptism is administered if the person has not already been baptized as an infant or child.
  • Transfer of Membership occurs when a person has been active in another church and simply requests a Letter of Transfer or of good standing from that church.
  • Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have made a Profession of Faith and were once involved in a church but have not been active for some time. If they have been deleted from their former church’s roll of membership, we accept their original Profession of Faith.

What about baptism?
As Presbyterians, we baptize people of all ages, from infants to adults. If you have never been baptized, or if you would like your child baptized, talk to one of our pastors. She or he will discuss the meaning of baptism with you and talk about why you desire baptism. If you have already been baptized, we do not believe that you need to be baptized again, although we can help you reaffirm the promises made in your baptism to mark a spiritual awakening in your life.

At what age do youth normally get confirmed at SPC?
We begin with Pre-Confirmation for 6th–8th graders to set the stage. In 9th grade, we begin the formal “confirmation” process.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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April 25, 2024
  • April 25, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

    Weekly rehearsals to prepare music for sharing in worship once a month.
    Interested?  Contact Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • April 25, 20247:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

    Weekly rehearsal to prepare for music for offering in worship Sunday mornings.  New singers always welcome! 
    Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • April 25, 20248:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    AA (McCahan Hall)

    Swarthmore Presbyterian Church welcomes AA participants to weekly meetings in McCahan Hall. Entrance is via a door on the west end of the parking lot (across from the ABC House) under a covered walkway there.
    For those who are fully vaccinated against COVID, masks are optional. For those not yet fully vaccinated, or working with children, masks are required. Seating/distancing is at the comfort level of the individuals attending.

April 27, 2024
  • April 27, 202410:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Missa Gaia concert rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Joint rehearsal for singers and instrumentalists preparing for Sunday afternoon's concert.

April 28, 2024
  • April 28, 20248:00 am - 9:00 am

    Early Worship (Loeffler Chapel)

    This 45-minute service allows worshippers to engage with scripture through guided discussion in lieu of a sermon. Communion is served on the 1st Sunday of each month.

  • April 28, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship

  • April 28, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Lord's Day Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    SPC's Lord’s Day services embody a classic reformed worship tradition. The Word is proclaimed through liturgy, song, and preaching. Scriptures are generally read by lay liturgists. Music leadership is anchored by our choir. Our pastors share leadership and preaching responsibilities from week to week. Communion is offered on the 1st Sunday of each month.

    Services are livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning.

  • April 28, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Our Parish Life team provides beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service and invites everyone to enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall. Please make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • April 28, 202411:30 am - 12:30 pm

    Alleluia! Singers (Loeffler Chapel)

    Our Alleluia! Singers develop their capacity for strong musical leadership for worship while deepening their sense of discipleship. All children ages 8-10 are welcome here.

  • April 28, 20244:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Missa Gaia Concert (Sanctuary)

    All are invited to this choral concert celebrating the beauty of the earth, featuring Paul Winter’s Earth Mass, or “Missa Gaia.” The Swarthmore Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, Agape Singers, and Alleluia! Singers, under the direction of Meghan Meloy Ness, will be joined by soloist Liz Seymour, guest choristers from the community, and an instrumental ensemble made up of professional musicians and church members. 
    This concert is shared as a gift to the community, in celebration of all of creation. A free-will offering will be accepted and a reception will follow.

  • April 28, 20244:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    High School Youth Group (Sanctuary)

    High Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. 
    Today we are attending the Missa Gaia concert!
    All are welcome.  We will enjoy dinner, shared with middle schoolers, at 5:30.  Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • April 28, 20244:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    Middle School Youth Group (Sanctuary)

    Middle Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. 
    Today we are attending the Missa Gaia concert!

     All are welcome.  We conclude with dinner, shared with high schoolers.  Suggested donation $5.00.
    Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • April 28, 20245:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    Concert reception (Fellowship Hall)

    All who enjoyed this afternoon's concert are invited to share some light refreshments and one another's company.

April 30, 2024
  • April 30, 202412:30 pm - 5:00 pm

    Presbytery Meeting (Thompson Memorial Pres)

    Quarterly stated meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. All Commissioners are invited to attend.
    Information available here: Presbytery Meeting