Click on the link above to watch a video reflecting on the importance of First Place Swarthmore as a ministry of SPC, narrated by Anne Wohlschlaeger.
› Moment for Stewardship: First Place Swarthmore
by Anne Wohlschlaeger
Moment for Stewardship: First Place Swarthmore
by Anne Wohlschlaeger
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he care for and nurture of families seeking refuge in our local area has been a ministry off and on for members of SPC going back many years. It is in our DNA to open our arms wide with love and to make people feel at home. First Place Swarthmore opened its doors as transitional housing for refugees coming to our area in September 2022. Since then, we have welcomed over 10 families that have come from Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Congo, and Somalia. This ministry has involved not only SPC but our entire Swarthmore community which has risen to the challenge.
Once we get word a family is to arrive our committee goes into action and we have a cleaning team prepare the apartment complete with new sheets and stuffed animals for our youngest arrivals. Shelves are stocked with culturally appropriate food and a warm meal awaits their arrival. Our team leaders jump into action to welcome the family and orient them to their new surroundings. A tour of Swarthmore is given shortly after arrival and ESL classes start almost immediately with a large team to cover daily sessions. Grocery shopping happens weekly and the search for a long-term apartment and jobs begins. Many of our families arrive without winter clothing and we have a broad network of individuals who help to donate clothing along with furniture, household items and no matter what the ask, the donations roll in.
Our community wraps their arms around these families, even if for a short time, to welcome them and help them acclimate to a new life. I recently ran into one of our families at Produce Junction and he said it best:
“When you are forced to leave your country, and you arrive to a new place, the first place you go to and the first people you meet are the most important. We couldn’t have asked for a warmer, more helpful group of individuals and First Place Swarthmore exceeded our expectations of the United States. You are like family to us, and we will never forget this.”
“When you are forced to leave your country, and you arrive to a new place, the first place you go to and the first people you meet are the most important. We couldn’t have asked for a warmer, more helpful group of individuals and First Place Swarthmore exceeded our expectations of the United States. You are like family to us, and we will never forget this.”
I left that interaction feeling that as a group we truly do exceptional work and will continue to do this work as more and more refugees arrive. First Place Swarthmore is strong evidence of the love of SPC and the love of God reaching out into our wider community and world.
2025 Stewardship Campaign Update
From the SPC Business Office: Through the 5th week of the 2025 Stewardship Campaign, we have received 162 pledges totaling $533,787, which is 64% of the way towards next year’s pledge goal of $835,000. We also have 68% of the congregation who have already pledged committing more for 2025 than they did for 2024. Thank you to all who have submitted your pledge, we appreciate your support of SPC! Pledges enable us to plan our ministry in advance and ties to our annual budgeting process, which is why it’s important to get your pledges in by Pledge Dedication Sunday on Nov 17.
2025 Stewardship Campaign Update
From the SPC Business Office: Through the 5th week of the 2025 Stewardship Campaign, we have received 162 pledges totaling $533,787, which is 64% of the way towards next year’s pledge goal of $835,000. We also have 68% of the congregation who have already pledged committing more for 2025 than they did for 2024. Thank you to all who have submitted your pledge, we appreciate your support of SPC! Pledges enable us to plan our ministry in advance and ties to our annual budgeting process, which is why it’s important to get your pledges in by Pledge Dedication Sunday on Nov 17.
› Love Reaches: SPC 2025 Stewardship Campaign
› Love Reaches: SPC 2025 Stewardship Campaign
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he Financial Stewardship Committee is excited to kick off our 2025 Stewardship Campaign. With the theme of “Love Reaches,” we hope you feel inspired to engage and support the Spirit-led Ministry of SPC. Together we can be a faithful witness of God’s love to our community and beyond. In support of SPC’s ministry, please consider making a financial pledge to the 2025 Stewardship Campaign. We thank you for your dedication to SPC and generosity to this campaign!
As you prayerfully consider making your financial pledge, we invite you to reflect on our 2025 “Moment for Stewardship” videos. They present the many reasons to support the ministry of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. To watch all of the videos in a playlist, click on the link above. Thank you for supporting SPC!
Every pledge counts! Make yours today!
Every pledge counts! Make yours today!
For more information on how to pledge, please visit the Annual Giving & Pledging page or contact John Hubbell in the Business Office.
Considering Your Pledge
Considering Your Pledge
Why is it important to make SPC a top giving priority? The following FAQ (available by clicking the button below) is designed to provide insight into how SPC allocates our pledged dollars and how pledges help SPC to plan its ministry. We hope this information will help you in considering your annual pledge to the ministry of SPC.
