If not for Swarthmore Presbyterian, I honestly don’t think I’d still be living here in Swarthmore today. My life these last twenty years would have looked very different. When I hit a few bumps in the road and found myself a single parent with full custody, this church became something I hadn’t expected — it became my safe harbor. And it became my daughter Lily’s safe harbor, too.

There’s a line right on our church homepage that I love. It says: “Swarthmore Presbyterian Church — striving to be the Body of Christ, here and now, ready to serve.” That always makes me think of a bracelet Lily gave me years ago. I still wear one of these bracelets every day. It says WWJD — What Would Jesus Do? and underneath that, HWLF — He Would Love First.

When I first started wearing it, I’ll admit, it was sort of a protest. I was frustrated watching public leaders talk loudly about their Christianity while pushing policies that didn’t feel very Christ-like. I wanted to wave my wrist and say, “Really? Are we loving first?”

But over time, that bracelet became something very different. It turned into a quiet reminder — a daily nudge that I need to love first. That I need to strive to be like Christ in my own words and actions. And I’ll be honest — I don’t always do a great job of that — but I shudder to think how I might act sometimes if I didn’t have that reminder right here on my wrist.

Swarthmore Presbyterian gives me that same kind of reminder — to pause, to center myself, to love first. This church is beautiful, it’s peaceful, and it’s nurturing in a way that’s hard to put into words. The building itself feels like shelter from the noise of the world. The clergy, the staff, the congregation — they’re a source of comfort and encouragement.

And the work this church does — not just here in the pews, but in the community and around the world — gives me a deep sense of peace. Because I know I’m part of something that truly helps people.

All of us here live with this quiet assurance that if life gets hard — if we need help, a ride to the doctor, a meal, or just someone who’ll listen without judgment — it’s here for us.

That’s the beauty of SPC. It’s a given… until it’s not. And the truth is — it only stays that way because of all of us. Because of the time, the service, and yes, the financial support that keeps this church strong. Without those gifts, the safe harbor we’ve built together can’t continue.

When I was a kid — back in Tarboro — I had a paper route. Once a month, I had to go door to door and say, “Collect for the Daily Southerner!” And it taught me not to be shy about asking for money when it’s for something that matters.

That’s how I see my pledge to this church — not as an obligation, but as a privilege. It’s both a gift to SPC and, honestly, one of the best deals I get all year. Because what I receive back — peace, purpose, community, love — it’s worth far more than what I give.

And then — give generously. Give in gratitude for what this church has already given you, and in hope for what it can continue to give others. Thank you.