We also have a news section dedicated to Youth Group News.

Mission Possible:
Middle Schoolers Make a Difference Locally

for slide show, see the Mission Possible page

For one week this summer (arguably the very hottest week of the summer…)SPC was home base to over 50 middle school youth and a dozen adults who signed on to share in their work.  SPC’s youth were joined by friends from Harpeth Pres. (Tennessee), Davidson College Pres. (NC), and Shelbyville Pres. (TN).  Each day, in minivan-sized groups, they dispersed to the surrounding communities to help their neighbors.  Some tutored children at John Gloucester House, others pulled weeds next door at the Boys’ ABC House, and others served lunch at Mercy Hospice.  On a day when the mercury reached 100d they could be found helping to move furniture from the third floor of the ABC House, cleaning the sanctuary at Arch Street Pres,  and learning the stories of some of the homeless folk hanging out in Love Park as they handed out sandwiches.  They also carved out an afternoon to see some of historic Philadelphia and enjoy a meal at Reading Terminal Market.  At the end of each day’s work they were served dinner by SPC volunteers and enjoyed games galore and entertaining activities led by John Weicher and his capable youth pastor colleagues.  Evening worship included the sights and sounds of inspirational slides, Spirit-filled guitars, and Bible stories shared and interpreted in the voices and movements of young liturgists. Despite the challenges of crowded sleeping spaces lacking A/C and remote showers most of our young mission workers found this to be among the best 5 days of their summers – a chance to make a difference to someone else’s summer and the powerful realization that God has given each of us exactly the gifts we need to care for one another and for the spaces we inhabit.

SPC Re-certified as an Earth Care Congregation by PC(USA)

Last summer SPC was honored with two awards that bear testimony to our commitment to Environmental Stewardship.  On July 1, 2010 we were among the first churches in the country to be certified an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Environmental Ministries.  And in July, 2011, we learned that increased efforts in communication, education, and worship with a focus on environmental stewardship have earned us a second year of recognition.   ECC is a new initiative designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God's charge to "till and keep" the garden.  To qualify, we affirmed the integration of environmental practices and thinking in the fields of worship (liturgy and music that celebrate and respect God's creation, use of reusable or recycled materials), education (adult ed. classes, Environmental Fair), facilities management (improvements in energy use, recycling program, etc.), and outreach (Environmental Fair, projects supported with mission and outreach funds).  For more details, visit www.pcusa.org/environment.  Our challenge now is to build on the successes of recent years and the Environmental Stewardship Task Force, chaired by Virginia Thompson, is eager for some additional members to support these efforts. Projects include planning another Enviro Fair, working on a service project to help one of our outreach partners become more energy efficient, planning classes for adults and children, and more.  We welcome new ideas and thrive on seeing each person’s energies used effectively.  Please be in touch with Virginia Thompson (members directory - requires login) or Jeff Darlin (SPC x.112 or spcfacilities@swarthmorepres.org) if you might  be interested.

Fresh Paint and New Carpet for McCahan Classrooms

Anyone who has been a part of one of the classes or committees that meet regularly in our McCahan classrooms can attest to the decrepit state of the carpet and depressing dingy condition of once-pastel walls.  They have felt particularly bleak this year in contrast to the colorful mural of Noah’s Ark that was created in the corridor last summer.  Well, prepare yourself for a mood lift!

The Painting:

Thanks to Derek Sonntag, who chose as his Eagle Scout project the painting of these classrooms, we now enjoy warm and colorful spaces for our children to gather on Sunday mornings.  In the six short weeks since this brainstorm hatched, Derek has consulted with critical adults like Ashley Kuly (Children’s Ministry Coordinator), Jeff Darlin (Facilities Manager), and his parents (careful planners and experienced painters), developed a plan, worked with John Hoing to procure supplies, and convinced 22 friends and relatives to help accomplish this ambitious project.  Many thanks to those who logged service hours on ladders and bended knee washing, prepping, and painting four high-ceilinged rooms.

The Carpet:

Next comes new carpet.  And how is this happening in a year that Property is operating on a lean budget?  It so happens that Jan Semler, an elder on our Property Committee, works in the Facilities Department at Swarthmore College and has just the right contacts, resources, and experience to put us in touch with a carpet supplier that has remnants that will soon be installed in all of the McCahan classrooms and the hallway!

McCahan Painting Summer 2011

Broad Street Menders Serve Once a Month

For information, contact Barb Lappen (SPC directory - login required)

You may remember that several months ago we put out a plea for volunteers willing to apply their sewing skills to the mending needed at Broad Street Ministry.  We are now delighted to report on the response.  SPC is now home base for a group of

eight women who hop on the train in Swarthmore Thursday mornings at 9:08, journey to Suburban station in Philadelphia, and walk to the old Chambers Wylie Memorial Presbyterian Church where Broad Street Ministry is located.  Once there, they set

up shop for the morning.  The work is mending clothing for homeless people who have come to Broad Street Ministry for the “Breaking Bread” lunch held every Thursday at 11:30.  They unpack sewing notions, an ironing board and iron, and donated sewing machines.  The menders work across from the clothing closet so there is constant business swirling around them.  In the two months since this began they have mended 59 items of clothing and served 39 people who have come seeking buttons, patches, rips repaired, zippers replaced, and pants shortened.  You name it, they’ve probably repaired it!  They are fast workers.  By the time the “guests” have finished lunch, menders bring their repaired garment out to them.  Their faces light up; their gratitude is effusive!  At Broad Street Ministry every Thursday homeless men and women can get a haircut, receive mail, get advice about Social Security, pick up a new pair of already broken-in jeans, work on an art project, have a consult with a nurse and  -now- get their clothes mended.  Broad Street Menders are: Jean Black (from Lieper Presbyterian Church),

Sherry Carson, Dorothy Gelb, Margaret Hoch, Martha Huggins, Barb Lappen, Lauretta Sharrett, and Helga Wells.  Jody Dagle is a “remote” mender who has put together sewing kits for us to give out to those who seem interested.  We can always use

sewing notions — especially press-on patches — simply leave them in the church office at your convenience.  And please talk to any of the menders if you want to know more or want to join in us.  We work and travel in pairs and we will be needing more menders by August.  Sewing skills required are minimal.