About Us
Located in the college town of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a near suburb of Philadelphia, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church (SPC) has been an integral part of the community since the town’s earliest days. Throughout the church’s 120 years, the congregation has been blessed with bold vision for mission and ministry, responsible leadership, and a quickness to serve the community. We all come from different backgrounds, bringing different gifts. We are called to be Christ’s body, here and now, ready to serve.
Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Philadelphia Presbytery. To learn more about being Presbyterian, click here.
Called to be missional and relational in all that we do
We believe in being missional. Christ gave the church its mission: to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth and to work for the kingdom of God. This “missional” orientation makes a difference in everything we do, in our choices about how we spend our time, our money, our space, and our efforts.
We also believe in being relational. We deeply believe that building relationships is the way the Spirit works. Moving from heart to heart and hand to hand, the Spirit generates new ideas, abundant resources, and invaluable relationships. With our neighbors and mission partners, we can add to each other’s strengths for the good of God’s kingdom.
Our relationships are local and global. They are long established and newly formed. They are interreligious and ecumenical. They begin in conversation and take shape in cooperation.
Our relationships include:
- Interfaith Council of Southern Delaware County: The Interfaith Council for Southern Delaware County provides a forum for interfaith dialogue on matters of mutual concern. Their mission is to cultivate relationships of trust and solidarity among religious leaders in order to enable a public witness that draws upon our deepest religious values.
- Partners in Ministry: (http://www.swarthmore.edu/interfaith-center/campus-religious-groups) Partners in Ministry (PIM) is a local consortium of churches that supports the Protestant Ministry of Swarthmore College, which is right in SPC’s backyard. The Rev. Joyce Tompkins, who serves as Religious Advisor, provides spiritual counseling to students and coordinates a program of worship and activities.
- Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia: (https://www.interfaithcenterpa.org/) The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia advances mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation among faith communities in order to work together for the common good of the region.
- Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia: This council was formed in 2006 to unite religious leaders, to build relationships of mutual support, to offer a moral and spiritual voice, and to take action on issues of critical concern in our region.
- Fellowship of Urban Suburban Exchange (FUSE): (http://www.fusedelco.com/) Intentionally interfaith and cross-cultural, FUSE has as its mission to enable building relationships across our neighboring communities.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Upcoming Events
- August 3, 2026
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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- August 4, 2026
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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- August 5, 2026
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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- August 6, 2026
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August 6, 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.
Contact: Scott Richardson (484)238-4135
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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- August 7, 2026
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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- August 8, 2026
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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August 1, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)
This year youth who are currently in 7th grade through 12th grade are welcome to register.
Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Drawing from the biblical text and our chosen theme Light My Path, this summer we will build an accepting community of unconditional love where every story matters. Through engaging worship, lively music, and practices of gratitude and fun, we will offer youth different opportunities to cultivate their spiritual faith journeys and practice sabbath. We will provide a secure space that is brave, loving, holy, and authentic so that we may glorify God in all that we do, inspiring and equipping a lifetime of faith.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
- Their faith matters.
- They are loved as they are.
- They are part of a community of faith.
- They are empowered to act for change in the world.
Learn more here.
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