In 2000, my wife of over 30 years succumbed to breast cancer. I think it fair to say that, at that time in my life, God was still in the back seat!

I met Lynn at a family wedding in 2003. I did not want to go to the wedding, but my daughter did, and I will be forever grateful to her for that. When I came to Swarthmore, not knowing anybody, Lynn told me that the way to meet people would be to join her at Swarthmore Pres. So, as we men do, I did what I was told and the end result was our marriage in this Sanctuary in 2005, with former Pastor Dick Wolschlaeger presiding.

Lynn and I used to sit in the small transept (that’s the one that you can sneak into late!!). We sat behind Ed and Judy Coslett. One day Judy (a true matriarch) turned round and said to me – ‘you should be up there’ – and that’s why I am in the choir.

When family and friends in the UK ask if I will return home to reside, I tell them that I will always remain here, where over 90% of my friends are members of this church. Sitting in front, as the choir does, I see you all every week and if you see me smiling as I sing, it is because my life could not be better than worshipping God, in this place, with all of you.

Looking back at that time in my life, I realize that God had not forgotten me and had not taken a back seat. I really do feel that l am a modern-day Prodigal Son, welcomed back by God from my wilderness.

Before getting to the serious business, the campaign motto this year is “all that we have and all that we are”. Well, from my vantage point in the choir, I can see every week, at the passing of the Peace, just what that means to the whole congregation. What used to be a handshake with the person next to you has become a keep fit exercise in walking from the front to the back of the Sanctuary. It is a true wonder to behold, and I have tears in my eyes when I see just how grateful and thankful we are to have one another in this special place, our spiritual home, and at this special time.

SPC sees Outreach as a vital part of its mission. There is always much to be done beyond our walls. We all contribute but may not see the end result of our contributions. However, next door to the church is one of the beneficiaries.

The ABC House serves as a residence for students (from outside our area who attend Strathaven High School for 4 years. They are part of the ‘A Better Chance’ program.

ABC House was falling into disrepair. The church Property Committee decided that the problem needed to be addressed and, along with a substantial donation from the Phillies baseball team and support from our Finance Committee and the contractor who is a member of this church, a major external refurbishment was carried out this year.

Also, this year SPC celebrated its re-certification as an Earth Care Congregation. Have a look up at the ceiling – we have changed 151 light bulbs throughout the church from Halogen to LED, substantially reducing the cost of electric lighting and, hopefully, eliminating the need to climb 30 feet up a ladder.

All of you who are homeowners appreciate that buildings have to be maintained. Not many of us live in 120-year-old properties. The church Property Committee, along with our Facilities Manager, has prioritized essential works to be carried out in 2027 which, hopefully, with a successful Stewardship Campaign, will ensure that, going forward, we will be able to worship in warmth in winter, in the cool in Summer and without fear of a tree falling in through the roof during a sermon. Thank you.