Session Boards & Committees
To meet the needs of a dynamic, faithful and growing congregation, SPC relies on its many active members to serve in a variety of ways. Our congregants’ talents, experiences and interests are vast, and we are always looking for ways to enrich our committees with fresh faces and new ideas. Below is a list of SPC’s boards and committees. Take a closer look and see where you might find your place.
› Session
Our Session, or “Ruling Elders,” is made up of 24 members of the congregation, plus the Moderator and Clerk of Session. Our Session governs both the spiritual and programmatic life of the congregation, actively guiding all our affairs and activities within the church. Each member of Session, referred to as an “elder,” leads or sits on one of our church committees. In addition, elders are trustees of the corporation and are responsible for the fiscal and property aspects of the Church.
› Session Committees
- Adult Education Committee – This committee is ideal for anyone who loves to teach others and enjoys learning! Members of this committee oversee and coordinate all our adult educational programs. They develop ideas and content for our Sunday morning education classes, working hard to create classes that span a variety of spiritual and contemporary topics.
- Children’s Ministry Committee – At SPC, our goal is to build a strong spiritual foundation for our children that will help guide them in their adult life. Members of this committee work closely with the Children’s Ministry Coordinator on Sunday School programming, including the recruitment and training of teachers, and choice and implementation of curriculum. They also develop other ways outside of Sunday morning to have children involved in the life and ministry of the church.
- Financial Stewardship Committee – Committee members are responsible for all aspects of SPC’s annual giving campaign. Through this campaign, the Financial Stewardship Committee works hard to gather the financial resources our church needs to carry out its mission.
- Membership Committee – To help our church grow, we must have new members! This committee is tasked with expanding our family of faith through activities designed to seek out new members, and to ensure that all current members are fully engaged in SPC’s faith community.
- Nominating Committee – As you can see, we have lots of committees! It is the job of this committee’s members to secure the nominees for Session, Deacons, and Commissioners to represent SPC at Presbytery meetings. They also assist the Session committees in the process of recruiting their new members.
- Outreach Committee – SPC strives to be missional, in all that we do. This important committee is responsible for raising awareness of our call to serve one another and to offer support, hope, and encouragement to a broad spectrum of people, both locally and worldwide. Outreach recommends the mission budget for the church and decides on mission funding allocation for organizations. They also seek to get to know our mission partners and together work to fulfill their goals.
- Parish Life Committee – We believe that fellowship is an important part of creating a healthy church. At SPC, we offer many opportunities throughout the year for our members (and guests) to spend time together in fellowship. It is this committee that is responsible for organizing these social events, which include Sunday morning coffee and Fellowship Hour, our annual welcome-back picnic, Advent supper, and much more.
- Personnel Committee – Our Personnel Committee works with Session to oversee our relations with and employer responsibilities to the church staff. They are also responsible for recruiting all non-clergy staff and for making recommendations to Session for hiring and compensation for all employees.
- Property Committee – Given that our church has been in the same location for 120 years, this committee is a busy one! Members are responsible for the physical facilities of the church, monitoring the condition of the buildings, and overseeing capital improvements.
- Worship & Music Committee – To create a worship service that we feel is worthy of our members, our pastors need some help. These committee members help prepare communion, schedule acolytes and other worship volunteers, and maintain the materials used in worship services. They also review forms of worship and offer suggestions to the pastors and music director.
› A Note from the Nominating Committee:
In the fall, our Nominating Committee actively solicits suggestions for people to serve on the boards and committees, and are always eager to involve new members and younger members in leadership activities. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, or would like to suggest someone the committee should reach out to, please contact our Nominating Chair at nominating@swarthmorepres.org.
Once called, (and in the case of elders and deacons, elected), members usually serve 3-year terms. One-third of each board and committee retires annually. Most committees meet monthly on Tuesday nights, September through June. The Nominating Committee itself meets weekly on Mondays throughout the fall and as needed the rest of the year. Personnel generally meets the third Wednesday of the month.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Week-at-a-Glance
- December 22, 2024
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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.
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December 22, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am
Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Sunday morning preparation for worship.
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- December 24, 2024
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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.
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December 24, 20246:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Christmas Eve choir rehearsal
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- December 26, 2024
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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.
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