Connect with Us

We would love for you to take a closer look at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church! Below are answers to some “frequently asked questions” that we hope will help you feel more at home on your visit to SPC. Additional answers to common questions can be found on the Plan Your Visit page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer Christian education for children and adults?
Yes, we do! Every Sunday from September to June, adults, youth, and children are invited to join us at 9:00 AM for education classes that we hope will be both faithful and engaging.

Am I allowed to take communion?
Yes! We invite all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ and seek his strength to share in communion with us. You don’t have to be a member of SPC or even a Presbyterian. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month.

Do I have to give an offering?
No. The offering provides a way for our members to support the life and ministry of the church. If you feel led to contribute, you certainly may, but please don’t feel like you must. You are our guest. You bless us with your presence.

How do I become a member?
We would be thrilled to welcome you into our church family! Speak to a pastor or contact Dorrie McGrath, Parish Administrator, to get information about our upcoming Inquirer Gatherings.

There are three ways to become a member:

  • Profession of Faith is the first and most significant step a person takes in his or her faith journey. At this time the individual receives Jesus Christ into his or her life and professes that reception before the worshiping congregation. Baptism is administered if the person has not already been baptized as an infant or child.
  • Transfer of Membership occurs when a person has been active in another church and simply requests a Letter of Transfer or of good standing from that church.
  • Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have made a Profession of Faith and were once involved in a church but have not been active for some time. If they have been deleted from their former church’s roll of membership, we accept their original Profession of Faith.

What about baptism?
As Presbyterians, we baptize people of all ages, from infants to adults. If you have never been baptized, or if you would like your child baptized, talk to one of our pastors. She or he will discuss the meaning of baptism with you and talk about why you desire baptism. If you have already been baptized, we do not believe that you need to be baptized again, although we can help you reaffirm the promises made in your baptism to mark a spiritual awakening in your life.

At what age do youth normally get confirmed at SPC?
We begin with Pre-Confirmation for 6th–8th graders to set the stage. In 9th grade, we begin the formal “confirmation” process.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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April 23, 2026

  • April 23, 20267:30 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 23, 20268:00 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.

April 24, 2026

  • April 24, 20266:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Visit Temple Sholom for Shabbat and dinner

    Carey Averbook csa@interfaithphiladelphia.org is the contact for this event

    Sign up on Sign Up Genius for this.   Deadline to sign up is April 23

    Prep session for this event is on Sunday, April 19

April 25, 2026

  • April 25, 202611:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Memorial Service (Sanctuary)

    A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Elizabeth Ziegenfus.
    Guests are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service.

  • April 25, 202612:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Memorial Reception (Fellowship Hall)

    Guests attending the memorial service for Elizabeth Ziegenfus are invited to greet the family, share remembrances, and enjoy some refreshments at a reception in Fellowship Hall.

April 26, 2026

  • April 26, 20268:00 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.

  • April 26, 20269:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • April 26, 20269:45 am - 10:45 am

    Agape Singers Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

  • April 26, 20269:45 am - 10:00 am

    Hosanna! Singers (Santuary)

  • April 26, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    Lord's Day Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    SPC's Lord’s Day services embody a classic reformed worship tradition. The Word is proclaimed through liturgy, song, and preaching. Scriptures are generally read by lay liturgists. Music leadership is anchored by our choir. Our pastors share leadership and preaching responsibilities from week to week. Communion is offered on the 1st Sunday of each month.

    Services are livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning.

  • April 26, 202610:40 am - 11:20 am

    Godly Play (Godly Play room)

    Following "Time with Children" (which happens just before the Sermon) children age 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend Godly Play, a Montessori-based method that engages children through their innate meaning-making language: Play.

  • April 26, 202611:15 am - 12:15 pm

    Fellowship Hour (Courtyard and Fellowship Hall)

    Sunday morning worshipers are invited to greet one another in Fellowship Hall, learn about various upcoming opportunities, and enjoy hot coffee and light refreshments in the Courtyard.

  • April 26, 202611:15 am - 12:15 pm

    Joyce's anniversary celebration

April 29, 2026

  • April 29, 202611:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Bell Choir Polish Party and Celebration