Newcomers Gatherings

Would you like an opportunity to learn more about Swarthmore Presbyterian Church and what it means to be Presbyterian? Once a month at 9:00 am on Sunday, Pastor Joyce Shin or Associate Pastor Sarah Cooper Searight leads a gathering of those who are considering joining us as members. Together, newcomers, Rev. Shin or Searight and a representative of the Membership Committee spend some time getting to know one another, talking about what it means to be Presbyterian, and discussing how we can serve one another and our neighbors through all that happens here. This informal gathering is the perfect place to ask questions, and get some insight into what membership at SPC really means. Those who decide to join are then received and welcomed officially on a Sunday morning later in the month.

If you would like to join us for one of our Newcomers Gatherings, please contact the church office (610-543-4712 or spcparish@swarthmorepres.org) or simply drop by.

› Membership

We joyfully welcome all who join us in worshiping Jesus Christ to share in his love and grace by becoming members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. No child of God will ever be turned away. At SPC, we encourage our members to participate fully in every area of the life of the congregation and to share the love of Christ with one another. Responding to the hospitality of Jesus Christ, we seek to be a warm and welcoming community.

What it Means to Be Presbyterian 

Interested in exploring some of the beliefs and practices of Presbyterians? Or the history of this Reformed Protestant tradition? Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). There is good information about these things on the denomination’s website, available by clicking here.

› Welcoming You Personally

You are welcome to talk with members of the church to find out more about us, ask questions, get a tour of the church, or just have someone to sit with on your first visit! A good place to start is by submitting the “Contact Form” below. You may also contact our membership chair at membership@swarthmorepres.org. Someone from our membership committee will put you in touch with other members based on your interests.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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December 22, 2024

  • December 22, 20248:00 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.

  • December 22, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • December 22, 202410:15 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.

  • December 22, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Please join us for beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service.  Enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall and make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • December 22, 202411:30 am - 1:00 pm

    Pageant Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    All who will be participating in the Christmas Eve pageant are invited to lunch at 11:30, followed by rehearsal in the Sanctuary from 12:00-1:00.
    Questions?  Contact pageant director, Rev. David Norse Thomas at david.norse.thomas@swarthmorepres.org.

  • December 22, 20244:30 pm - 5:15 pm

    Hosanna! Singers (Sunday School Wing)

    Our Hosanna! Singers gather to sing and move to music while growing in faith, love, and kindness!  They will share for worship in October and December.

    Who? K-2nd Grade 
    Where? "Pink Room" across from Godly Play room
    Led by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music

  • December 22, 20244:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)


    Crafting & Chill Out with Coffee & Cocoa  

    Let’s chill. Bring a book, a favorite blanket / slippers, come in your PJ’s if you’d like. We will have fun coffees, teas, cocoa, snacks, plenty of games, and of course dinner! We will also be making candles for SPC’s Christmas Eve service and catching up.

December 24, 2024

  • December 24, 20244:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Christmas Eve Pageant (Sanctuary)

    Come be in the presence of angels, shepherds, sheep, Magi, and the Holy Family. This year we’re excited to also welcome the Gospel writers Matthew, Luke, and John (Mark was too excited to write about Jesus’ ministry to write about his birth).  Each of them have their own take on the Incarnation, and they don’t always agree (was there a donkey? Was there no room in the guest room, or an Inn?!). Come learn about the Bible through humor, costumes, and awe. We will sing, pray, and share the light that has come among us.

    Please come early to ensure a good seat!

    Service will be livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 4:00 pm.

  • December 24, 20246:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Christmas Eve choir rehearsal

  • December 24, 20247:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Sanctuary)

    On Christmas Eve we proclaim Christ’s birth with scripture readings, story-telling hymns and carols, and candlelight. After the singing of Silent Night in candlelight, a benediction sends us forth to bring light where there is darkness.

    Service will be livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 7:00 pm. (Please note that the 10:00 pm service will not be livestreamed.)

  • December 24, 20248:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Youth Group Reunion & Service Project Church Office

    High School Students!  Come gather with former Youth Group members who are home for the holidays!  Stay after the 7 PM Worship Service or come early before the 10 PM.  Along with catching up, we will be preparing snack packs for “Welcome Church,” a congregation of folks experiencing poverty/homelessness in Philadelphia, to be distributed on New Years Eve.

  • December 24, 20248:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Youth Group Reunion & Service Project Church Office

    Come gather for a reunion, and to help make snack packs for Welcome Church, a congregation that worships on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with folks experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. We will catch up, enjoy some tasty food. 

    Meet in the church office after the 7:00 pm candlelight service.

  • December 24, 20249:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Christmas Eve choir rehearsal

  • December 24, 202410:00 pm - 11:00 pm

    Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Sanctuary)

    On Christmas Eve we proclaim Christ’s birth with scripture readings, story-telling hymns and carols, and candlelight. After the singing of Silent Night in candlelight, a benediction sends us forth to bring light where there is darkness.

    Please note that this service will not be livestreamed.  Join us at 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm for livestreamed Christmas Eve services.

December 26, 2024

  • December 26, 20247:30 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.

  • December 26, 20248:00 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.