Getting Involved

One of the greatest gifts SPC has received from God are the people that we are privileged to have as members of our congregation. “Here and now, ready to serve” is not just a catch-phrase at SPC; it’s how our members live their lives. Whenever there is a need, we answer the call.

Whatever your talents or interests, we invite you to participate in the life of our congregation. Members both young and old are engaged in many outreach activities, locally and abroad; in Christian education for children, youth, and adults; and in volunteer committees that sustain and help guide us in all aspects of our church family life. We encourage you to explore the suggestions below to learn how you can get involved.

Sunday Worship Volunteers

  • Sunday Morning Liturgists: Volunteers serve as lay liturgists and read scripture and offer prayers, in both Chapel and Sanctuary worship services. During Lent, members of the 9th grade Confirmation Class serve as liturgists.
    Contact: Worship Coordinator at sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org
  • Greeters: Greeters are recruited by our Membership Committee to be a welcoming presence in the narthex on Sunday mornings as churchgoers arrive for worship. This is a great way to meet people and an enjoyable way to start the morning.
    Contact: Membership Committee at membership@swarthmorepres.org
  • Acolytes, Banner & Cross Carriers: Youth are needed to light the candles before worship, and to carry the cross and the banner during the opening processional on high church Sundays. They join their families in the sanctuary pews after the opening processional.
    Contact: Worship Committee at worship@swarthmorepres.org
  • Ushers: On Sunday morning, ushers distribute bulletins, ensure that worshippers are seated comfortably, collect the offering, and are responsible for addressing safety needs.
    Contact: Usher coordinator at ushers@swarthmorepres.org
  • Tech Support: We always need extra volunteers to staff the A/V desk on Sunday mornings. Signups are one Sunday at a time (so easy to put on your calendar), and the view from our three cameras (you control which is recording at any given time) is better than from any seat in the pews! Questions?
    Contact:
    A/V Coordinator at av@swarthmorepres.org

Music

  • Chancel, Youth & Children’s Choirs: If singing is your passion, learn about our choirs. We have singing opportunities for all ages.
  • Chancel Bell Choir: Our handbell choir is open to all who can read music and enjoy a sense of teamwork.
  • Chapel Worship Musicians: Each Sunday’s offertory music is provided by volunteers, and this may take the form of instrumental solo, a small ensemble, a duet, or any creative grouping of musicians.

Contact: Director of Music Ministry at music@swarthmorepres.org

Education

  • Adult Education Presenters: Volunteers lead classes on topics in their areas of interest and expertise. Class leaders are also needed for our Parenting in Faith classes and Sunday Bible study. Scheduling and coordination is through our Adult Education Committee. Do you have an idea that you think might interest others?
    Contact:
    Adult Education chair at adulted@swarthmorepres.org
  • Church School Teachers: Volunteer teachers come in all ages and abilities; parents are often the first to be “tapped,” but our children’s mornings are enriched by adults of all backgrounds and experience. This is a wonderful way to further develop your own faith while nurturing the children of our church. Each grade level has a dedicated team of 4-5 teachers each year. Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am.
    Contact: Amy Connell, Christian Formation Program Manager at amy.connell@swarthmorepres.org
  • Youth Teachers & Nursery Care: Sunday School teaching is an opportunity for youth to engage in a ministry of education and care with our younger members and friends of the church. Youth serve as shepherds and teachers for various age groups, from the nursery through the 5th grade.
  • Youth Advisors & Youth Committee: Good youth ministry isn’t about adults planning things for youth. Good youth ministry is about young people and adults doing God’s work together—whether it be serving others on a mission trip or deciding where the mission trip will be. At SPC, the Youth Committee plays an important part in the high school ministry of our congregation. The committee makes large, program-wide decisions; comes up with new and creative ideas; and serves as an advisory body for our Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Youth Ministry.
    Contact: Youth Minister at youth@swarthmorepres.org

Caring Ministries

  • Deacons: Members who serve here minister in the name of the congregation to individuals who are sick, bereaved, shut in or who are returning from a hospital stay or in need of special short-term help.
  • Stephen Ministers: Stephen Ministers have a gift for caregiving and receive 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care. They listen to those in need on a weekly basis, 1 hour at a time, supporting those who find themselves going through a difficult time.
    Contact: For information on Deacons and Stephen Ministers, contact Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight at sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org.
  • The Marthas: The Marthas are volunteers who help with receptions following funeral and memorial services. The group sets up Fellowship Hall to accommodate family and friends for light fare and beverages.
    Contact: Dottie Lee at mrslee104@aol.com
  • SPC Bus Drivers: SPC members at White Horse Village and Lima Estates depend on the SPC bus to bring them to worship on Sunday mornings. Occasionally we also use the bus for trips scheduled by the deacons or one of our committees. Let us know if you are interested in being a driver.
    Contact: bus@swarthmorepres.org

Church Office Support

  • Church Receptionists: Volunteers sit at the front desk in the main office, greet church visitors, answer phones, and help with various office tasks.
  • Pew Rack Maintenance: Volunteers ensure that pew racks are stocked with visitor cards, pencils, etc. and that Bibles and hymnals are readily available. This must be done weekly, but the schedule is flexible.
  • Office Project Support: Volunteers are needed periodically to help with mailings, filing, seasonal preparation, and more.

Contact: Volunteer Coordinator at spcparish@swarthmorepres.org

Outdoor Maintenance 

  • Holy Order of Environmentalists (H.O.E.): H.O.E. is a team of volunteers committed to the maintenance of our grounds and gardens. Volunteers meet regularly on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am (weather permitting) to weed, mulch, plant, rake, or water, where needed, and the need is significant!
    Contact: Barbara Hirshfeld at hirshfeld@verizon.net
  • SPC Building Crew: Volunteers take care of a great variety of tasks related to the maintenance of a large and aging building. From performing minor repairs to painting to major projects, these volunteers have saved countless hours and dollars for the church.
    Contact: Property Committee chair at property@swarthmorepres.org

Church Fundraisers 

  • Fall Fair: The entire community is invited to share in this festive assembly of food and wares each October. Many booths work behind the scenes all year in preparation; there are opportunities to help in a great variety of places and times.
    Contact: Fall Fair Chairs at fallfair@swarthmorepres.org
  • Winterfest: Winterfest is held every 2 years. It is both a social gathering and a fundraiser. Members and friends gather to enjoy good food, great décor, and the opportunity to bid on an eclectic assortment of raffle or auction items.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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March 29, 2024
  • March 29, 20242:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Labyrinth Walk (begin at Garden entrance)

    You are invited this Good Friday to find some time for reflection and meditation using the ancient spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth.  This will begin with a time of gathering and centering.  The walking of the labyrinth will be in silence, after which participants are invited to meet for reflection and a blessing.  The experience will be led by Harriet Henderson, a labyrinth facilitator.

March 30, 2024
  • March 30, 202411:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Easter choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Special rehearsal in preparation for Easter Sunday!

March 31, 2024
  • March 31, 20247:00 am - 8:00 am

    Easter Worship in the Garden (Memorial Garden)

    This is a joyful early morning celebration of the resurrection held in the Memorial Garden.  We come with the women to the tomb and peer in. Among the new day light, the trees, and the early morning birds, we raise our alleluias! 

  • March 31, 20247:45 am - 8:30 am

    Easter Breakfast (Fellowship Hall)

    Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!  Celebrate this days of days over a cup of coffee or tea and light breakfast that features fresh grilled fish and "communion bread pudding."

  • March 31, 20248:00 am - 8:45 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship

  • March 31, 20249:00 am - 10:00 am

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    This service embodies a classic worship tradition. Biblical and faithful preaching bring God’s Word to life. Musical leadership comes through the Chancel Choir and our pipe organ and for Easter includes a brass ensemble. Bring a flower for the cross!

  • March 31, 202410:00 am - 11:00 am

    Easter Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Hallelujah!  He is Risen!  Our Parish Life team provides beverages and cookies this morning in between services 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!

  • March 31, 202411:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary)

    This service embodies a classic worship tradition. Biblical and faithful preaching bring God’s Word to life. Musical leadership comes through the Chancel Choir and our pipe organ and for Easter includes a brass ensemble. Bring a flower for the cross!

April 4, 2024
  • April 4, 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 4, 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 4, 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.