Memorial Services
› Memorial Reception
You are invited to have your memorial reception in Fellowship Hall after the service. Although families are responsible for providing food with help from friends or a caterer, hospitality is provided by SPC’s “Marthas,” volunteers from our church family who will help you with the reception. They were named in honor of Jesus’ friend Martha, who showed him warm hospitality.
We know that the reception becomes an important part of the mourning process and often turns into a meaningful reunion of family members and friends. The Marthas set up before the reception, arrange the buffet tables for food and beverages, serve during the event, and clean up afterward. They also provide hot and cold beverages, including coffee and tea, lemonade, cider or iced tea, and water. The church provides linens, paper napkins, candles, silver service, punch bowls, service plates, and cups and saucers.
After consulting with the church office (610-543-4712) or one of the pastors to arrange for the memorial service and deciding to have a reception in Fellowship Hall, the pastor will contact a Martha to work directly with you on the arrangements.
› Memorial Garden
Our Memorial Garden was created for rest, meditation, prayer, and the interment of cremated remains of active and former members and clergy who have been active in our congregation. This beautiful spot is located next to the church and adjacent to the Church Garden and is designed as a special resting place for the mortal remains of those whose spirit has been received into God’s eternal care. We hope that our Memorial Garden provides comfort to the bereaved by keeping the memory of loved ones alive in the place where they worshipped God and experienced the joy of shared life in the community of faith.
› Interment & Markers
Remains may be poured or scattered in the Memorial Garden or interred in a biodegradable container. Although interment locations may be chosen by the family, they will not be recorded or marked.
In keeping with the spirit of the Memorial Garden, all markers will be brass plaques of the same design, placed on the memorial wall of names. Each marker will include name and years of birth and death. No titles will be included. SPC will arrange for opening the interment site as well as ordering and installing the marker.
For additional information, please contact the church’s business office at 610-543-4712, which is responsible for processing applications and fees.
Regulations for the Administration of the Memorial Garden
Memorial Garden Rules and Application
For additional information, please contact the church’s business office at 610-543-4712, which is responsible for processing applications and fees.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Week-at-a-Glance
- April 18, 2024
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April 18, 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 18, 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.
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- April 20, 2024
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April 20, 20242:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Memorial Service (Sanctuary)
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Charles Edward Gilbert.
Guests are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. -
April 20, 20243:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Memorial Reception (Fellowship Hall)
Guests attending the memorial service for Chuck Gilbert are invited to greet the family, share remembrances, and enjoy some refreshments at a reception in Fellowship Hall.
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- April 21, 2024
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April 21, 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.
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April 21, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am
Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday morning preparation for worship
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- April 24, 2024
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April 24, 20247:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Grief Support Group (Study)
Facilitated by Barbara Sorin. For information or to consider being part of this group, please contact Barbara directly.
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