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
- April 20, 2025
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April 20, 20257:00 am - 8:00 am
Easter Worship in the Garden (Memorial Garden & Labyrinth)
This is a joyful early morning celebration of the resurrection held in the Memorial Garden. We come with the women to the tomb and peer in. Among the new day light, the trees, and the early morning birds, we raise our alleluias!
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April 20, 20257:45 am - 8:30 am
Easter Breakfast (Fellowship Hall)
Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Celebrate this day of days over a cup of coffee or tea and a light breakfast that features communion bread pudding.
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- April 23, 2025
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April 23, 202510:15 am - 11:30 am
Bell Choir rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)
Our Bell Choir rings for worship about once a month. The ensemble always welcomes short- and long-term substitutes who enjoy ringing for rehearsals and worship.
Directed by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music
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- April 24, 2025
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April 24, 20257:30 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 24, 20258:00 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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- April 25, 2025
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April 25, 20252:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Labyrinth Walk (begin at Garden entrance)
On Good Friday we are pleased to offer a labyrinth walk led by a trained labyrinth facilitator. The session will begin with a brief introduction to this meditative practice for those who are new to praying in this way, and will be offered rain or shine, thanks to the canvas labyrinth that we are able to set up indoors.
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