Happenings Archive
Browse through the church's announcements to learn more about what we do throughout the year:
Happenings Archive - 2010
Martin Luther King Day Project:
Chairs and Baked Goods Being Collected for Broad Street Ministry
Chair donations received Tuesday and Thursday evenings by appointment, Sunday mornings
Activities Monday, January 18 begin at 9:30 a.m.
The beneficiary of SPC's 2010 MLK project will be Broad Street Ministry. BSM is a thriving, multi-faceted urban ministry located right on Broad Street inPhiladelphia that serves the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of a diverse surrounding community that includes many local artists and also a large number of homeless and marginalized individuals. Its ministries include Sunday evening worship services (our youth groups have participated in some of these!); an overnight "cafe" (supported by our Alternative Christmas Shop) that offers a hot meal and place to stay out of the cold to men, women, and children unable to stay in a traditional shelter; a weekly Thursday lunch program that connects those who break bread together with members of the business community that share a variety of legal, housing, and health resources; and much more.
One of the current practical needs of this thriving ministry is for decent chairs! As they report in a current newsletter, "Metal chairs are not part of the vision for our sanctuary. They speak of agencies, formality, and uniformity. That's not Broad Street Ministry. So we need to replace all our metal chairs with wooden ones and add a few more to seat the growing number of people
worshipping in the sanctuary." So our Martin Luther King Day Project will be to collect and deliver sturdy wooden chairs needed
to support the programs and worship activities at Broad Street Ministry.
Chair Collection:
Sturdy non-folding wooden chairs of any type that are new or used, requiring cosmetic or minor repairs may be brought to the church on Tuesday or Thursday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 or on Sunday mornings. Project leader Joe D'Ignazio and some of his partners on our outreach committee will be glad to help you unload them. This is how it will work:
1) if you wish to bring chairs on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, either call the church office (610-543-4712) or be in touch with Joe to let him know; he will arrange for someone to meet you near the garage, where chairs will be stored until repairs can be made.
2) On Sundays through January 17, you may simply bring chairs you would like to donate and leave them in front of the garage.
3) On Monday, January 18 you may bring chairs directly to Fellowship Hall; please be in touch with Joe (member directory; login required) to let him know that you will be doing so.
Cleaning and Repairs:
Most of the actual cleaning and and some repairs will be completed on MLK Day as a mission project. If you have a talent for this kind of restoration and you have a chair or two to donate and are able to work on this independently ahead of MLK Day, do it! If you don't have chairs to donate but might be willing to pick up a chair and do the necessary repairs or refinishing at home in time to bring it back by MLK Day that would be welcome as well. Chairs are being catalogued as they are collected,so we already have a very good sense of what repairs are needed.
Monday's Activities:
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chair cleaning in Fellowship Hall
Those who have signed on to help clean and get protective pads on chairs are encouraged to bring rags, buckets, old toothbrushes, fine steel wool, wood-cleaning products, and anything else that might be useful in this process.
Creativity in recruiting chair donations is much appreciated! If you know anyone (or any small business) that has chairs to donate but needs some help in getting them here, let the church office know (610-543-4712) or contact Joe D'Ignazio directly.
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Collection of Baked Goods and Craft Supplies in Fellowship Hall
We are also collecting baked good (primarily breads and cookies) for use by our friends at Broad Street, as many of their weekly programs involve breaking bread in various forms. Please bring donations in sealed plastic bags.
And we have recently earned that certain craft suppplies are useful to the "Breaking Bread" program; these include heavy drawing or watercolor paper, glue sticks and bottles of Elmers' glue, acrylic paint, scrapbooking papers, stickers, decorative scissors, etc.
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Delivery of Chairs and Baked Goods to BSM
If you are able to help load chairs into vehicles or - better yet - come with an SUV, minivan, or the like and be willing to drive it down to BSM - we could use you help during this time.
For more information on any of the above or to offer your help, please stop at the BSM table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning during coffee or contact Joe D'Ignazio directly. Thanks to one and all who help fulfill this dream!
Give a Child a Hug:
Bear Hugs Wrap Their Arms Around Children in Need
Sundays, February 7 and 14 in Fellowship Hall
“Bear Hugs Ministry” is a program which collects teddy bears for children who are at risk or victims of domestic abuse, accidents, or disaster. Beginning Sunday, February 7, there will be a display explaining the program and a place to leave your donations in Fellowship Hall. Teddy bears both new and gently loved (clean, please) will be welcomed. Our collection date is February 14, because it seems like such a good way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend!
Planning and coordination by our Presbyterian Women.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, February 17
12:15 and 7:30 p.m. in Loeffler Chapel
We honor the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday worship services that include the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and the Imposition of Ashes. Worship is led by our pastoral staff, with the support of the worship committee. We welcome all who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Film Fridays presents "West Side Story"
Friday, February 19
7:00 p.m. in Loeffler Chapel
PW is pleased to present the second in our winter series of "Film Fridays." On Friday, February 19, we will view West Side Story, 1961 Academy Award Winner of the coveted "Best Film" title. Set to music by Leonard Bernstein and dance by Jerome Robbins, West Side Story has bcome a classic interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in in New York City in the late 1950s. We will view it on the large screen in Loeffler Chapel at full volume. Snacks are BYO - attendees are invited to bring their favorites and we will share. PW provides beverages. Event is free and open to the public. Bring a friend!
Theologian-in-Residence: Jack Rogers
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church
Saturday, February 20 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.; 1:30 p.m.
Sunday February 21 9:00 a.m. class in Fellowship Hall; 10:15 worship
Issues of human sexuality continue to swirl around us, both in the secular world (e.g., the definition of marriage in the court system, state legislatures, and the voting booth) and in the church (e.g., ordination and leadership roles in congregations). Our own denomination has been wrestling with these issues officially since 1978 and, unofficially, for much longer. To help us better understand what’s going on in our denomination’s polity and also to aid us in “thinking theologically” about human sexuality, our adult education program is pleased to welcome Jack Rogers as our theologian-in-residence Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21. Jack was with us once before when he served as moderator of our General Assembly. This time he will lead workshops on Saturday using the new edition of his respected and highly valued book, Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church. He will also lead the 9:00 a.m. adult education hour on Sunday and preach in worship at 10:15.
A self-acknowledged “evangelical” theologian, Jack has had quite a journey in his own re-interpretation of human sexuality. In his book he describes his own change of mind and heart on the issue of homosexuality, charts the history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, and argues for a more inclusive church that can heal itself and move forward again. He is a warm and accessible human being who combines personal narrative, theology, and church history in both his writing and his oral presentations.
Copies of his book are available on Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour and weekdays in the church office for purchase and personal reading and study. (Cost $12.00, paperback) Dick Wohlschlaeger will lead several adult education sessions both as preparation and follow-up to his presentation. We hope as many as possible will be able to join us for this opportunity in learning and spiritual growth.
You may download a flyer (requires Adobe Reader) with background information and a complete schedule of events. Learn more about Jack Rogers and this subject at www.drjackrogers.com.
Smile! 2010 Picture Directory
Makeup Session Saturday, February 27
Because of the snowstorm, all photo sessions originally scheduled for Saturday, February 6 have been rescheduled to Saturday, February 27. If you were scheduled for February 6, but cannot come at the same time on February 27, please either use the link for online scheduling posted on the photo directory page (login required) of the members' site to reschedule or be in touch with Marcia Hiehle (member directory - login required). There is perhaps a silver lining for families unable to make any of our originally scheduled sessions: if you are among them and are available on the 27th, please take advantage of this new session!
Women's Retreat: Praying Through Our Pens Saturday, March 6 in Fellowship Hall
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
So often we pray silently in our minds or aloud with our voices, yet embodied prayers (walking labyrinths or knitting prayer shawls, for example) can help us to more meaningfully connect body, mind and spirit in prayer. At our March 6 Women's Lenten Retreat, Rachel Hackenberg will lead us as we learn to embody our prayers through the movement of a pen across paper. Participants will pray through their pens in words and images, guided with scriptural prompts that invite them to use their full senses and life experience in the practice of written prayer. They will receive also small booklets to take home from the retreat so that they might continue the practice of prayer through pen for the remainder of Lent.
Holy Week 2010
March 28 through April 3
Palm/Passion Sunday, March 28
Palms are distributed in church school classes and at both 8:00 and 10:00 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 $200,000 in emergency aid provided the Haiti through PDA. This year’s theme is “Feed My Sheep.” One Great Hour of Sharing calendars and coin banks have been distributed in church school classes and are also available outside the church office. Offering envelopes will be available in the pews.
Holy Week Morning Communion Services
Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2
9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 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.
Labyrinth Walks
all daylight hours, Friday evening 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Our outdoor labyrinth, located in front of the Memorial Garden (behind the ABC house on the west side of our parking lot) is a lovely place for meditative walks. Daytime walks will feel a little quieter this week as the nursery school is on spring break (the labyrinth is right next to their playground). In addition, it will be lighted Good Friday evening and volunteers from our PW coordinating team available to answer questions or suggest scripture passages on which you might reflect while walking.
Maundy Thursday, April 1
6:30 p.m. Pot-luck dinner in Fellowship Hall
The church family gathers to share dinner in memory of the supper Christ shared with his friends in the last days before his crucifixion. Please provide a dish to feed 8 to 10 fellow members according to the first letter of your last name:
A-F: Side Dish G-J: Dessert K-T: Entrée U-Z: Vegetarian Entrée or Vegetable Side Dish
Please bring your dish, including serving utensils, ready to be served. You can drop them off at the serving table in Fellowship Hall. Also, if you can include a label of ingredients, it will be greatly appreciated by those with allergies.
7:45 p.m. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Fellowship Hall
8:00 p.m. Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary
Childcare for children 8 and under during the Tenebrae Service is available by request. Please contact Children's Ministry coordinator, Nikki DeVault at spcchildren@swarthmorepres.org and let her know the names and ages of children that will be attending.
Good Friday, April 2
12:00 noon Community Worship at Wallingford Presbyterian Church
Easter Sunday, April 4
Sunrise Garden Service
7:00 a.m. in the McCabe 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 following worship.
Traditional Easter Worship
9:00 and 11:00 a.m. 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.
Childcare for children 4 and under is available at both services. Classes for children ages 4 through 5th grade are held following A Time With Children during the 9:00 service.
Environmental Fair Saturday, April 24
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. throughout the building
speakers and exhibitors listed on the Environmental Stewardship page
The Environmental Fair will be an all-day event where church and community members can learn about a wide variety of environmental topics through speakers’ presentations; booths and tables with experts who can provide individual assistance; hands-on activities for adults and children; and local tours of sustainable practices within close proximity of the church. Please print the flyer (requires Adobe Reader - free download available), get the date on your calendar, and share this opportunity with all of your friends and neighbors!
Inquirers' Classes Spring 2010
Sundays April 11 through May 2
9:00 a.m in the Study
Twice each year — in the spring and in the Fall — Dick Wohlschlaeger, with the support of our membership committee and a number of our elders, leads a four-week class for those interested in exploring membership. We call it an Inquirers’ Class because it creates opportunities for questions to be asked and answers thoughtfully given as well as the dissemination of some practical information and discussion about just what it really means to be Presbyterian and how the infrastructure of our church and its many committees is organized. If you would like to be part of this group, or know of anyone who has been attending recently and might, please contact the church office.
Healthy Women, Healthy Families: Mothers' Day Cards Support Women's Health
Sundays, April 25 & May 2
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
The NetWorkers Mother’s Day Project that many of us remember from previous years is now being expanded to
support a variety of health projects in Africa in addition to malaria prevention. Healthy Women, Healthy Families will help PC(USA) church partners support programs that protect and restore the health of women and children in their communities. These include prenatal care, fistula surgery, cervical cancer screening and health education for women, and nutritional rehabilitation, immunizations, health screening and primary care for children. Malaria prevention and treatment of course continue to be supported as well. Mothers’ Day Cards are sold for $10.00 per card because each $10.00 collected provides either prenatal care and delivery for one mother or a mosquito net and malaria prevention education for one family. Please stop in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 25 or May 2 and purchase these special cards in honor of your own mother and/or the mother of any children you love. If these times are not convenient but you would like to contribute, you may purchase cards in the church office throughout the week. (Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Cookies for College StudentsWednesday, May 5
by 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall kitchenIn just two weeks we will once again host the eagerly awaited “cookie night” at Swarthmore College — a time when students preparing for exams or writing papers can take a break and indulge in some tasty snacks and friendly conversation along with the de rigueur coffee that accompanies long nights. Please bring whatever you can contribute (homemade or not — just your favorites) to the Fellowship Hall kitchen between Sunday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 5 in sealed plastic bags or disposable containers. Ambassadors from our high school youth group will see that they get delivered to Bond Hall and might even meet some new friends in the process. Thank you!
Chester Children's Chorus Spring Concerts Friday, May 7 at Chester High School
Saturday, May 8 in Lang Hall, Swarthmore College
Songs of Love - from English Rennaissance to '60s R&B
The Chester Children’s Chorus - near and dear to the hearts and ears of many SPC folk - is supported by the Chester Fund, one of our current Outreach partners. And several times each year they present amazing and wonderful concerts! Admission is free (donations welcome) and tickets are not required. There is off-street parking at Chester High School.
This spring's concert has been created around the theme "Songs of Love" and features music ranging from the English Rennaissance through the 1960s. Though different in style, madrigals and R&B are alike in their focus on the many expressions of romantic love: playful and painful, steadfast and fickle, joyous and sad. The concert will close with original gospel tunes, written by director John Alston, that consider love in its aspect of care for self, family, friends, and community.
The Chester Children’s Chorus is an all-city choir whose 100 members, ages 8 through 18, represent every school in the Chester Upland School District. Children are invited to join on the basis of audition. As members for five to 10 years, they study music in the chorus’ year-round program as well as presenting audience-thrilling performances. Director and founder Dr. Alston, who is an associate professor of music at Swarthmore College, has been recognized for his work with Chester children by Media Fellowship House, the Epsilon Pi (Chester) chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and Turning Points for Children, a Philadelphia children’s services agency.
Information about the chorus is available at www.chesterchildrenschorus.org or 610-328-8180.
Christian Family Sunday: Teacher Recognition, Children's Choir Cantata
Sunday, May 9
10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
For many years now SPC worship on Christian Family Sunday - which typically falls on Mothers' Day - has included two elements that celebrate the promises all church members make at each baptism to nurture and support our children as they grow in
faith:
1) we recognize all who have helped in any way with church school classes throughout the year;
2) we enjoy the lively presentation of a musical led by our Junior Choir (children in grades 2 through 5) and assisted by children younger and older - the Primary Choir and the Youth choir. Middle school youth serve as readers, ushers, and acolyte.
This year's musical presentation is "Simon Says - the Rockin' Trial of Simon Peter" by Gail & Jimmy Travis Getzen. Simon Peter is on trial for preaching and teaching that Jesus is the son of God. A host of witnesses from several familiar Bible stories present clear evidence and testimony that Jesus truly is who Simon Says he is. Please join us Sunday, May 9 as the sanctuary comes alive with the energetic singing, dancing, and storytelling of 30 or so talented and enthusiastic children!
Car Wash Supports Youth Mission this Summer
Sunday, May 16
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon in the parking lot
Talk about multi-tasking!! While you are attending Tom Stephenson's presentation on Nicaragua, rehearsing with the choir, or participating in worship, your car will be washed! Members of our high school youth group will be greeting you at every door this Sunday with the offer to wash your car. Simply park in the main lot, make your payment to one of our greeters (suggested contribution $10.00 per car) and put the ticket they will give you on your windshield. You will leave worship and drive home in a clean car and the youth traveling to West Virginia in July will have a few more dollars to get them safely there.
Mission Trip Stock Sale
Sundays, May 2 through 16
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Once again this summer a group of our high school youth, led by John Weicher and our newly hired intern, Hannah Long, will be spending a week in West Virginia working through A.S.P. (Appalachian Service Project) to improve the homes and quality of life of struggling residents. In the process lives are shared, both among the travelers and with those they go to help. Invariably, returning trip participants report that their own lives have been enriched by the very people they thought they were going to help. Each of us can help make this experience a reality for SPC travelers; please stop at the ASP table in Fellowship Hall one Sunday in May to purchase “stock” in this trip — $25.00 per person or $40 per couple.
Fall Fair Dropoff
Saturday, May 22
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the parking lot
If you are ready to shake off winter and get a thrill out of the crocuses poking up as the snow melts, you are ready to get our spring dropoff date on your calendar! The Fair itself may be months away, but there is no time like spring for cleaning out, and we intend to take full advantage. So dig into that attic or basement or wherever you are bothered by clutter: Fall Fair will happily accept books, collectibles, auction pieces, flea market items, toys, and sporting goods all morning on Saturday, May 22. We will not be able to accept furniture or large items. Read more about each booth and what they are looking for on our Fall Fair Donations page. Questions? Offers to help? Please be in touch with one of our 2010 Fall Fair chairs at fallfair@swarthmorepres.org.
Summer on the Horizon
Church School Classes and Early Worship Meet for the last time May 23
Graduations, recitals, and year-end celebrations of many sorts mark our calendars at this time of year. With slightly less fanfare, but recognition that there has been much to celebrate, we note that the SPC calendar begins the shift into summer mode beginning Sunday, May 30. 8:00 worshipers and church school groups that normally meet at 9:00 gather for the last time on Sunday, May 23. The chancel choir sings for the last time Sunday, May 30. Children’s offerings beginning Sunday, May 30 include childcare for infants and toddlers in the nursery beginning at 10:00 each Sunday and a single large class for those ages 4 through 8 that meets in the lavender room following A Time With Children. The summer worship practice of serving communion by intinction begins the first Sunday in June. Onward!
Divorce Support Group Meets Sunday, May 23
12:00 noon in the Study
Several months ago a small group interested in supporting one another as they live with the strains of separation and divorce began meeting over lunch to help one another wherever they might be on this journey. The group welcomes new participants. For more information or to arrange child care, contact Lisa Day (lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org or 610-543-4712 x117). Bring your lunch Sunday, May 23 and join them in the Study.
Shawls to be Dedicated Sunday, May 30
In just a few weeks we will once again dedicate shawls knitted or crocheted by church members specifically to be given to others who might benefit from their healing warmth. Shawls — and the prayers that have been knitted into them — will be blessed in worship on Sunday, May 30. If you have a completed shawl to contribute, please bring it to the church office as soon as possible. If there is someone you know who might appreciate receiving such a shawl, please make Lisa Day (lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org or 610-543-4712 x117) or one of our deacons aware. Thank you.
Welcome Hannah Lyon, Summer Youth Intern!
Sunday, June 13 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
We are delighted to welcome Hannah Lyon to the church staff this summer. Hannah will be serving as a youth intern, assisting John Weicher both planning for and participating in all of the mission trips and retreats that involve our middle school and high school youth this summer. Hannah will be staying with the Swartentruber family but you will find her busy at the church most of the weeks that she is not off traveling with our youth. Please say hello to her either this Sunday in Fellowship Hall after worship or at your convenience during the week. Read more about Hannah (and see a couple of pictures) on the attached flyer.
Interfaith Hospitality Network: volunteers needed June 13 through 26
Sundays, June 13 through June 26
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Our next session (two weeks!) of hosting overnight guests is almost upon us. Please consider signing on for a tour of duty cooking, doing laundry, setting up living spaces, and providing hospitality for at least on evening of their stay. Like many other things in church service, if we do our job well, the work involved is an invisible web weaving together the final result. Coordinators Bette Schregel, Donna McKeown, and Joyce VanRavenswaay appreciate the generosity and willingness to serve that make this program possible. There are a great variety of needs - something to suit almost every schedule and temperament: please visit the IHN table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning or be in touch with one of our leaders directly and they will find a place where you may be of help. Thank you.
Report from Session - Please welcome Betsy Larsen to the SPC Staff!
The Personnel Committee has been quite busy this year addressing Eve Welden’s retirement. The candidate chosen to take Eve's place as Finance Manager was Jennifer Vincent. Jen assumed these duties at the beginning of June and the committee began in earnest to seek candidates for the Finance Coordinator position that became vacant when Jennifer was promoted. At this week's July meeting of Session Personnel reported that they had interviewed four applicants and had a recommendation.
We are pleased to report that Session unanimously approved the recommendation that Betsy Larsen be hired as our new Finance Coordinator. Betsy impressed the interviewers both with her abilities to handle the careful record keeping involved and with the interpersonal skills that will allow her to do so with confidentiality and grace. Betsy and her husband Randy joined SPC in May 2009. They and their two young sons, Evan(3) and Carter(7) live on Bryn Mawr Avenue in Swarthmore. We welcome Betsy to the SPC staff beginning the week of July 19. In her role as Finance Coordinator, Betsy will be the person who pays our bills, processes your offerings, acknowledges memorial gift contributions, and deals with a myriad of related details. On behalf of Session we extend to her a warm welcome and the full support of both the church staff and all church members. You will be able to reach Betsy through the church office at extension 120 or by email at spcoffice@swarthmorepres.org.
Ellen Kecskemethy Serving at General Assembly this summer!
Useful Links to GA News
It is not often that someone from SPC has served as a delegate at the national level of Presbyterian government, but with
a motivated and capable person like Ellen Kecskemethy pursuing the possibility, it can happen. In fact, it is happening!
In her words:
“In 2007, I attended the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. It proved to be an incredible experience, one that only whetted my
appetite for more delightful Presbyterian conferences. It was my experience with Triennium that led me (at John Weicher’s urging) to apply to be this year’s Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the Presbytery of Philadelphia to the Presbyterian General Assembly. Every presbytery in the country is allowed to send one YAAD to General Assembly (which this year is taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota). A YAAD serves to act as a voice for the younger generation of Presbyterians at General Assembly; this is not attendance at a youth conference. YAADs are full participants in the General Assembly meeting, responsible for becoming familiar with the business coming before it and taking part in the deliberations. They are seated with the presbytery commissioners in the plenary sessions, and are assigned to assembly committees. YAADs have voice in plenary sessions, and vote in their committees. Well, I applied early this year and was selected to be the 2010 YAAD for the Presbytery of Philadelphia. On July 1st, I will depart for Minneapolis for a 10-day, intensive, as-Presbyterian-as-you-can-get experience at the 219th General Assembly, hoping above all to represent my Presbytery and SPC well. I look forward to having a voice in the decisions of the Presbyterian Church as a whole and sharing my experience with my SPC family.”
The news about GA can be found on the PC (USA) website at ga219.pcusa.org. There is a good summary by our recently elected new Moderator, Cynthia Bolbach and the Stated Clerk, Rev. Gradye Parsons, as well as useful links to FAQs on several main issues brought to GA here: letter from Moderator and Clerk.
Calling all Church School Children: Please Paint an Animal on Board our Ark
Sundays July 11 - August 1
11:45 - 2:00 in McCahan Hall
Two by two — or even sometimes one by one — we are filling an ark of our own. The walls of the McCahan corridor have been clearly divided into to-be-painted swaths of land, sea, and air. Church school children began earlier this spring drawing animals that might inhabit these terrains and now parents and children are invited to work together in getting them onto the “canvas.” For the next few Sundays Children’s Ministry invites children and their families to share some lunch at 11:45 in McCahan Hall and help with this work. Please let Nikki DeVault (nikkidevault@gmail.com or 610-543-4712 x.118) know that you are coming so that food and supplies can be planned. Painters are welcome to participate in as few or many sessions as they are able. If there are children who would like to help, but other commitments make it hard for a parent to be here, let Nikki know; we would like as many church school children as possible to have an animal in the ark and will help you with arrangements!
Summer Book Discussion - "Eat, Pray, Love"
Tuesday, July 13 7:00 p.m. in the Study
Jacki Miller will lead a discussion of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. In this travel memoir, journalist Gilbert "chronicles her intrepid quest for spiritual healing. Driven to despair by a punishing divorce and an anguished love affair, Gilbert flees New York for sojourns in Italy, India, and Indonesia." (Booklist) Beverages will be provided. Bring you orwn snack or something to share. We will follow up this discussion with a trip to the cinema in August or September to see the movie.
Summer Clothing Drive for Broad Street Ministry
Sunday, July 4 through Sunday, July 18
One of many practical services available to men and women who visit Broad Street Ministry on Thursday afternoons for "Breaking Bread" is access to a clothing closet. At the moment supply and demand are not in balance and many are still wearing long sleeves and uncomfortably heavy clothes in the summer heat. They are in desperate need of lightweight clothing - slacks, shorts, capri pants, tee shirts, short sleeve and sleeveless tops of all variety. Gently used is just fine - but please make sure they are clean and in good repair. Contributions are being collected in bins set up in Fellowship Hall. Bring them on Sunday morning or any time the office is open (Monday through Thursday, 10:00 - 2:00). Thank you!
Chester Children's Chorus Concerts
Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 8:00 p.m. Lang Hall, Swarthmore College
If you have never been to a Chester Children’s Chorus Concert this might be just the time to start! At the end of a summer training session that includes welcoming new singers to the group, fun with John Alston learning tons about how music is put together as well as some new repertoire, this lively group of children grades 3 to 12 is eager to share some good music with the community. A Beatles medley, an excerpt from the classical favorite Carmina Burana, and a healthy helping of original gospel music will headline the summer concerts on Friday July 23 and Saturday July 24. Admission is free and the community is invited. The program’s variety reflects the chorus’ mission of inspiring children to love music of many genres by learning to present it in polished, sophisticated performances, said director John Alston. “The better the children perform, the more they love the music, and they continually surprise me with the breadth and sophistication of their musical taste,” he said. The Beatles medley will feature hits including “Yesterday,” “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Let it Be.” The classical portion of the program will include the first movement of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, and Vincent Persichetti’s Dominic Has a Doll, a setting of a poem by e.e. cummings. The concert will conclude with a rafter-raising set of gospel pieces that Dr. Alston wrote especially for the children. Information about the chorus and the concert is available at www.chesterchildrenschorus.org or 610-328-8180.
Summer Worship and Fellowship
Sundays, June 6 through September 5
Worship 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Sunday mornings at SPC have a little more relaxed but spiritually satisfying feel in the summer. We gather for a single worship service in the sanctuary (which is air-conditioned) at 10:15. Leadership rotates among the pastoral staff, elders assist as lay readers, and music is provided by a great variety of talented individuals and ensembles. Communion, served by intinction, is offered on the first Sunday of each month. Childcare is available for children three and under. Children ages 4 through 8 attend worship but are invited to a class across the hall from the nursery for Christian enrichment following A Time with Children. Older children are encouraged to remain in worship. There are a variety of Bibles, books, coloring sheets, and worship aids available to them in the large transept. Fellowship for all - in Fellowship Hall (which is air-conditioned) and spilling over into the Courtyard on nice days - includes punch and pretzels and a chance to meet visitors as well as catch up on summer's events with old friends.
Welcome Picnic
Sunday, September 12
11:30 a.m. in the Community Center and on the field
SPC tradition for many years now has been to catch up with friends and neighbors at the end of the summer over a picnic lunch held immediately following worship on the first Sunday after Labor Day. And this year is no exception! Parish Life will provide burgers and beverages; we ask $5.00 per person/$10.00 per couple/$15.00 per family to cover costs. And we arecounting on some of your favorite side dishes to create that truly mouth-watering experience known as "Presbyterian Potluck." Please bring enough to feed 8-10 friends according to a formula based on the first letter of your last name: A-J -- dessert; K-Z -- salad or fruit. Contributions may be dropped off in the Community Center beginning at 9:00 that morning.
Fall Fair Dropoff
Saturday, September 18
9:00 - 12:00 Noon in the Parking Lot
It's the best recycling gig in town! Representatives from the Flea Market, Toys & Sporting Goods, Collectibles, Books, Jewelry & Accessories, and By Our Hands are eager to accept the proceeds of your cleaning out and casting off. Enter the parking lot near the Community Center; we will help you unload. It is a huge help if your donations are sorted ahead of time (into boxes, bags, or even just loose piles) according to the booth that will receive them. Please read carefully the "dos" and "do nots" on the Fall Fair page. If you are able to help for an hour or two with unloading and sorting, please email our Fall Fair team at Fallfair@swarthmorepres.org.
Dedication of Teachers, Presentation of Children's Bibles
Sunday, September 19
10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Each year we recognize the gifts of service given by those who lead or help in our classrooms on Sunday mornings; words often feel inadequate to express the gratitude we feel as volunteers of all ages, interests, and abilities stand to be acknowledged. In addition, two classes of children will receive new Bibles this Sunday! For a number of years Bibles have been given to 3rd graders who have long outgrown the Rhyme Bible given them as infants. This year the picture filled Family Story Bible that we have come to love will be given to our 1st graders. And our 5th graders (who have several years to go before getting the NRSV with concordance in Confirmation) will receive a Bible appropriate for capable readers approaching middle school. This indeed will be a day of celebration!
Celebrating 5 Years of Weicher Ministry
Sunday, September 19
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
We honor our amazing and wonderful Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Christian Education with a festive gathering in Fellowship Hall following 10:15 worship on Sunday, September 19. In five fast years he has touched the lives and hearts of countless SPC families, and this morning we offer words of thanks, pictures of memory and inspiration, and, of course, some tasty treats. Be there!
Divorce Support Group
Sunday, September 26
12:00 noon in the Study
Early this winter a small group interested in supporting one another as they live with the strains of separation and divorce began meeting over lunch to help one another wherever they might be on this journey. The group has been on hiatus over the summer but resumes in the fall and welcomes new participants. For more information or to arrange child care, contact Lisa Day (lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org or 610-543-4712 x117). Bring your lunch Sunday, September 26 and join them in the Study.
Fall Fair 2010
Saturday, October 2
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Rain or shine!
Volunteers have worked behind the scenes literally since they folded up after last year's event, and our 2010 Fall Fair promises to be a feast for the whole community of food, shopping, and activities. More about the fair - and some pictures from last year's event - on the Fall Fair page.
World Communion and Peacemaking Sunday, October 3
8:00 a.m. Worship in Loeffler Chapel
10:15 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
Guest preacher at 10:15, Rev. Donald Wagner
On World Communion Sunday, we gather in unity with believers around the world to break the bread of life and drink from the cup of salvation. We gather in suffering, celebration, and hope, remembering that in a broken and war-torn world, God’s grand vision for peace and justice thrives and continues to course through the veins of the church body.” At SPC this means Communion at both services, music and spoken word in many languages, and breads that represent a variety of people and
cultures. It is also Peacemaking Sunday. 2010 is the thirtieth anniversary of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Peacemaking Offering, following the adoption by the General Assembly of Peacemaking: The Believers’ Calling, which called for a new emphasis on peacemaking across the Presbyterian Church (USA). Visit the PCUSA website for good information on what our Peacemaking contributions enable. Envelopes are located in the pews and checks may be mailed to the church office (no special envelope needed) with “peacemaking” indicated on the memo line. SPC is blessed with an active Peacemaking Committee that has for many years planned a series of forums beginning on Peacemaking Sunday that feature guest speakers on a variety of relevant topics. This year is no exception. See the Adult Education page for specifics. Don Maclay, who with Ed Heller co-chairs the committee, is also the editor of the Presbytery’s Peacemaking newsletter, Peacemeal, which may be found on the shelf outside the church office.
In Honor of Jane Fox: Helping Hungry Neighbors
Food Drive and Recognition of Jane's Service, Sunday, October 10
For over 20 years Jane Fox has collected and transported the food donated to Chester Eastside Ministries’ food pantry! On Sunday, October 10, the Hunger Task Force is honoring Jane by honoring her work. Jane has had a lifelong passion for feeding the hungry, and we are asking every man, woman, and child who comes to church that day to bring non-perishable food for the C.E.M. food pantry in her honor. Youth will be stationed at sanctuary entrances to receive contributions. The Hunger Task Force will do the transporting to Chester. What to bring? Anything nourishing and non-perishable! Useful items include: dry cereal, oatmeal or cream of wheat, macaroni & cheese, canned vegetables or fruit, pasta, canned beef stew, infant
formula, travel-sized toiletries. Read more about this beacon of hope in the city of Chester -- one of the most important places supported both by SPC outreach dollars and Presbytery funds. There are ways you, too can help. Chester Eastside Ministries. Thank You. And thank Jane!
Shuttle Service to Philadelphia Orchestra
Friday, October 22
12:00 noon in the parking lot
Thanks to Don Henderson (coordinator) and Steve Vanderwolf (driver), SPC is once again able to offer van service to and from selected Friday afternoon Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for the coming season. Concerts included are the 2:00 series on 10/22/10, 11/19/10, 12/3/10, 1/7/11, and 2/25/11, We meet at SPC at noon, depart at 12:15, and return about 5:00 p.m. on each of those dates. We request a contribution of $10.00 per person per trip. For information about the concerts and/or to purchase tickets, call 215-893-1955. To reserve a seat on the van, (or ask any other questions) call Don Henderson (membership directory - requires login).
Energy Star Congregation Award to be Presented
Earth Care Congregation Certification Honored
Sunday, October 24
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
William Early, Deputy Regional Administrator for EPA, will be honoring SPC with the presentation of a plaque that recognizes our commitment to energy savings and efforts to share knowledge and resources with the community we serve -- SPC's 2010 Energy Star Congregation Award. SPC is only the second congregation in the history of the ENERGY STAR Congregations Awards to achieve this honor in two consecutive years. Schaunel Steinagle, of the Presbytery of Philadelphia will presnt a plaque recognizing our certification as an Earth Care Congregation. State Representative Bryan Lentz and Mayor Rick Lowe will be with us to celebrate this good work as well. We welcome this morning's special guests and pledge continued use of the substantial gifts of knowledge, ability, and desire within our membership that enable us to be good stewards of God's creation both in this building and in the community.
Divorce Support Group
Sunday, October 24
12:00 Noon in the Study
Our Divorce Support Group, facilitated by Rev. Lisa Day, meets monthly over brown bag lunches for conversation and compassion that focuses on the stresses and struggles particular to those living through separation and/or divorce. The group is open to anyone who seeks spiritual and emotional nurturing at this time of life; please be in touch with Lisa Day (610-543-4712 x.119 or lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org) if you would like to take part.
11th Annual Annual Women's Retreat
Friday, November 5 - Sunday, November 7
The 11th Annual women's retreat, hosted by our PW (Presbyterian Women), will be held at Grove Hall in the quiet Victorian community of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Programming will center around the book, Crossing to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine by Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD. The weekend begins Friday evening and includes plenty of time for tea, coffee, conversation, walks on the beach or boardwalk, and just hanging out as well as structured time for discussion. We conclude with a time of worship Sunday morning, checking out by Noon. Many thanks to Mary Reindorp and Beth Healy, who have once again efficiently and effectively planned a wonderful weekend.
All Saints' Sunday
Sunday,November 7, 2010
10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Sacrament of the Lord' s Supper, central to the practice of our faith, is observed during our 10:15 worship service on the first Sunday of each month. In November, when the first Sunday falls close to All Saints' Day (November 1), it is our custom to honor those who have most recently passed from this life to the next. During the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving which follows Communion, the necrology --names of church members who have died since this time last year -- is read aloud and a moment of prayer observed for each. We also lift up, in silent prayer, all of the dear friends who have departed from this life. Our thoughts and prayers are wrapped closely around the spouses and families of the deceased, many of whom are with us in worship and all of whom are with us in spirit.
Pledge Dedication
Sunday, November 14, 2010
8:00 a.m. in Loeffler Chapel, 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
For four weeks we have enjoyed moving testimonies from individual members asked to share their stories in a "Moment for Stewardship during morning wroship." And the Financial Stewardship team has given us solid facts and figures on the projected 2011 budget and programs we hope to be able to support in the coming year. As always, care of our building and property, payroll for our dedicated staff, support for the many agencies and programs funded by our Outreach dollars, and expenses associated with our education and music programs depend on the generosity of church members. On this Sunday, as we receive our weekly offerings we also dedicate the pledges of all who have promised their financial support for our 2011 budget. Please give this process your prayerful consideration and return your pledge card to the church office before the 14th or add it to the collection plate that morning. Thank you.
Sanctuary Task Force Report
Sunday, November 14, 2010
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
For five years a small group of visionaries have researched, listened, experimented, and questioned in response to the challenge they were given: to shape a sanctuary that might meet the needs of future generations of SPC worshipers. They are very excited to share what they have learned, show us what has been designed, and explain what our next steps will be. Lynn Cummings, a development consultant who specializes in church projects of this nature, will be with us to talk abut the feasability study we are about to undertake. Refreshments will be served and childcare available for children through 5th grade. SPC members: please make every reasonable effort to be here for this important presentation.
Shuttle Service to Philadelphia Orchestra
Friday, November 19
12:00 noon in the parking lot
Thanks to Don Henderson (coordinator) and Steve Vanderwolf (driver), SPC is once again able to offer van service to and from selected Friday afternoon Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for the coming season. Concerts included are the 2:00 series on 11/19/10, 12/3/10, 1/7/11, and 2/25/11. We meet at SPC at noon, depart at 12:15, and return about 5:00 p.m. on each of those dates. We request a contribution of $10.00 per person per trip. For information about the concerts and/or to purchase tickets, call 215-893-1955. To reserve a seat on the van, (or ask any other questions) call Don Henderson (membership directory - requires login).
Turkey Day! Please Bring Thanksgiving to Chester Eastside Ministries
Sunday, November 21, 2010
8:30 - 12:00 in the drive behind the Fellowship Hall kitchen
Local grocery stores are already promoting turkeys at great prices (or even free after you meet a certain purchase quota!) and many of us are making plans with family for one of America's most universal holiday celebrations. But for those living on food stamps and worrying about the heating bills as winter approaches, this is not necessarily an exciting time. Our friends at Chester Eastside Ministries, who serve the hungry and homeless 52 weeks a year through the food pantry operated there, are hoping that SPC will once again provide the makings of Thanksgiving dinners for close to 150 families. Most needed are: frozen turkeys (not too large, as freezers are often small), canned hams, canned vegetables, stuffing mix, cranberries or cranberry jelly, potatoes or dried potato mix, pie makings or fresh pies, sparking cider or fresh juices, and money to purchase fresh greens, milk, and other perishables. So as you shop for your own family, please shop for our neighbors in Chester as well. Bring these groceries with you to church Sunday morning, November 21, and leave them with David Herring and the volunteers helping him sort and load our contributuions for delivery early that afternoon. In fact we are in need of some helpers for this process! If you are able to lend a helping hand - either before worship or after or both - please be in touch with David Herring (members directory - login required). As you can see by last year's picture, this a great project for volunteers of all ages!
Community Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 21
3:00 p.m. at Congregation Ohev Shalom
Open to the entire community, this will be a Sunday afternoon service of music, prayer, and scripture organized by our friends in the synagogue. You will hear some familiar voices in the choir, which is also a community enterprise! Let us gather together.
Ohev Shalom is located on Chester Road in Wallingford, near the merge with Providence Road.
Advent Workshop
Sunday, November 28
3:00 - 5:00 in the Nursery School classrooms
$5.00 per child/$15.00 for the whole family
Our nursery school classrooms on the afternoon of the first Sunday in Advent will be filled with craft stations where children can decorate Advent calendars and create a variety of ornaments and Advent-themed Christmas decor. Parents, grandparents, and responsible teens shepherd their children and friends to as many staions as interest them. Most crafts are designed for children ages 4 through 12. The creation of Advent wreaths, which takes place in the Hearth Room, is a great project for older youth and adults. Wreath frames willl be available for $5.00 each; if you have one from a prior year, please bring it. We will, in fact, be doing a number of crafts with re-used or God-given materials, as we seek to create as little waste as possible.
Advent Supper and Carol Sing
Sunday, November 28
5:00 - 7:00 in Fellowship Hall
Contributions to cover costs appreciated
The hall will be decked and a hearty supper prepared! Parish Life serves up a hot dinner of chili, soup, hotdogs, pizza, and some sweet treats to accompany our singingh. Some of our youngest musicians will lead us with a verse or two on the instruments they are studying. Children and adults of all ages gather around the tables for family-style dinner and sing-along.
Advent 2010
Beginning Sunday, November 28
Advent, which marks the beginning of a new year on the church calendar, is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of our Lord. It begins four Sundays before Christmas -- November 28. You may download our Advent flyer for a listing of Advent happenings at SPC. Our Alternative Christmas Shop has it's own webpage, as does Advent Worship. The shopping list for ACS is available as a separate download (requires Adobe Reader - a free download).
Alternative Christmas Shop
Sundays, November 28 through December 19
11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Once again this mecca of gift-giving via contributions to charitable organizations in the name of special people on your Christmas list opens its doors. Check out this year's offerings on the ACS webpage.
Wednesday Morning Communion Services
Wednesdays throughout Advent: December 1,8,15,22
9:30 a.m. in Loeffler Chapel
Each Wednesday of Advent, we will light the Advent candles and gather for a quiet service of scripture, prayer, homily, and communion in Loeffler Chapel. Revs. Dick Wohlschlaeger, John Weicher, and Lisa Day take turns leading.
Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols"
Sunday, December 12
10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Under the baton of music director, Jeff DeVault, our chancel choir, accompanied by harpist Sophie Bruno and guest soloists Christine DeVault and Courtney Capriotti, will present this unique and lovely retelling of the Christmas Story. Originally composed for a boys' choir, The Ceremony of Carols takes its text from a collection of medieval poems that 20th century composer Benjamin Britten discovered in Halifax on a home to England from America.
Longest Night Meditation and Worship
Tuesday, December 21
7:00 p.m. in Loeffler Chapel
For those who are having difficulty finding the joy in Christmas as economic worries, illness, family difficulties, and pressures of any kind cast shadows of fear and loss, we offer a special candle-lighting service. "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God" is the helpful music to which we tune. This service of prayers, scripture, music, reflection, and candle lighting, based on the form of a psalm of lament, will be led by Rev. Lisa Day and the Stephen Ministers.