Children in Worship

Because we are thankful for the presence of children among us, we strive to include them, so they may worship just as fully as adults do. Here at SPC, we believe that worship is vital to the religious lives of children, both for their daily lives now and as part of the formation of a mature faith. We also know that younger children sometimes need to move and make noise more than adults do. Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is a vital part of their Christian journey.

› Worship Bookshelves

There are several useful tools available to keep active hands busy and minds engaged. Children ages 4 through 13 will find a variety of books, children’s Bibles, coloring worksheets, and word games in the children’s activity center, located in the large transept and on the bookshelf in the back corner of the Sanctuary. Please invite your children to go and take a look.

› A Time with Children

Children are a vital part of our worship life, and always welcome. Every Sunday, in the 10:15 am service, children are called forward for a special lesson that relates back to what we are discussing in worship that morning. The pastor sits on the steps in the front of the Sanctuary, alongside the children, and engages them in a lesson, using words and props that younger children can understand and enjoy. Sometimes we ask them questions; other times we tell them stories; and we always conclude with a repeat-after-me prayer.

After A Time with Children concludes, children ages 3 through 6 are welcome to head up to McCahan Hall for enrichment activities.

› Acolytes, Banner & Cross Carriers

In the Presbyterian tradition, pastors and choir process into the sanctuary at the beginning of our service. On “high” Sundays in the church calendar, the procession is led by youth carrying the cross and church banner. Children in 5th grade and older and invited to be among those who lead us into worship.

› Chapel Worship

Our most “kid-friendly” service is our Chapel service, which meets twice each month in Loeffler Chapel. Here, participants are invited to worship God with hands and feet, as well as words, songs and silence. Elements of worship take many forms, from art to movement to quiet contemplation.

› Childcare

Childcare for infants and young toddlers is always available from 8:45 am to 12:15 pm in our Nursery, located in the back corner of McCahan Hall. Our Childcare coordinator is there every Sunday, providing a fun, safe, and consistent presence for the kids.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Upcoming Events

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