Memorial Services

› Memorial Reception

You are invited to have your memorial reception in Fellowship Hall after the service. Although families are responsible for providing food with help from friends or a caterer, hospitality is provided by SPC’s “Marthas,” volunteers from our church family who will help you with the reception. They were named in honor of Jesus’ friend Martha, who showed him warm hospitality.

We know that the reception becomes an important part of the mourning process and often turns into a meaningful reunion of family members and friends. The Marthas set up before the reception, arrange the buffet tables for food and beverages, serve during the event, and clean up afterward. They also provide hot and cold beverages, including coffee and tea, lemonade, cider or iced tea, and water. The church provides linens, paper napkins, candles, silver service, punch bowls, service plates, and cups and saucers.

After consulting with the church office (610-543-4712) or one of the pastors to arrange for the memorial service and deciding to have a reception in Fellowship Hall, the pastor will contact a Martha to work directly with you on the arrangements.

› Memorial Garden

Our Memorial Garden was created for rest, meditation, prayer, and the interment of cremated remains of active and former members and clergy who have been active in our congregation. This beautiful spot is located next to the church and adjacent to the Church Garden and is designed as a special resting place for the mortal remains of those whose spirit has been received into God’s eternal care. We hope that our Memorial Garden provides comfort to the bereaved by keeping the memory of loved ones alive in the place where they worshipped God and experienced the joy of shared life in the community of faith.

› Interment & Markers

Remains may be poured or scattered in the Memorial Garden or interred in a biodegradable container. Although interment locations may be chosen by the family, they will not be recorded or marked.

In keeping with the spirit of the Memorial Garden, all markers will be brass plaques of the same design, placed on the memorial wall of names. Each marker will include name and years of birth and death. No titles will be included. SPC will arrange for opening the interment site as well as ordering and installing the marker.

For additional information, please contact the church’s business office at 610-543-4712, which is responsible for processing applications and fees.

Regulations for the Administration of the Memorial Garden

Memorial Garden Rules and Application

For additional information, please contact the church’s business office at 610-543-4712, which is responsible for processing applications and fees.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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April 18, 2025

  • April 18, 20251:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    Labyrinth Walk (begin at Garden entrance/Loeffler Chapel in case of rain)

    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.

April 20, 2025

  • 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! 

  • 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.

  • April 20, 20258:15 am - 9:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • April 20, 20259:00 am - 10:00 am

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    These Easter services are joy-filled celebrations of the resurrection of our Lord. All are encouraged to bring flowers to adorn the cross! Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent, and adorned with flowers — signs of new life — on Easter morning. Musical traditions include the sounds of brass and the singing of Händel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Those who have lost a close friend or family member this year are invited after worship to take home one of the potted lilies that adorn the Sanctuary this morning. There is festive fellowship for all in Fellowship Hall between the two services.

  • April 20, 20259:20 am - 10:00 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 20, 202510:00 am - 11:00 am

    Easter Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Hallelujah!  He is Risen!  Our Parish Life team provides beverages and cookies this morning in between services and invites everyone to enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall. Please make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • April 20, 202511:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary)

    These Easter services are joy-filled celebrations of the resurrection of our Lord. All are encouraged to bring flowers to adorn the cross! Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent, and adorned with flowers — signs of new life — on Easter morning. Musical traditions include the sounds of brass and the singing of Händel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Those who have lost a close friend or family member this year are invited after worship to take home one of the potted lilies that adorn the Sanctuary this morning. There is festive fellowship for all in Fellowship Hall between the two services.

  • April 20, 202511:20 am - 12:00 pm

    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 23, 2025

  • 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

April 24, 2025

  • 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.