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.

› From Wonder to Wisdom

Every Sunday, 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

December 22, 2024

  • 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.

  • December 22, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • December 22, 202410:15 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.

  • December 22, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Please join us for beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service.  Enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall and make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • December 22, 202411:30 am - 1:00 pm

    Pageant Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    All who will be participating in the Christmas Eve pageant are invited to lunch at 11:30, followed by rehearsal in the Sanctuary from 12:00-1:00.
    Questions?  Contact pageant director, Rev. David Norse Thomas at david.norse.thomas@swarthmorepres.org.

  • December 22, 20244:30 pm - 5:15 pm

    Hosanna! Singers (Sunday School Wing)

    Our Hosanna! Singers gather to sing and move to music while growing in faith, love, and kindness!  They will share for worship in October and December.

    Who? K-2nd Grade 
    Where? "Pink Room" across from Godly Play room
    Led by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music

  • December 22, 20244:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)


    Crafting & Chill Out with Coffee & Cocoa  

    Let’s chill. Bring a book, a favorite blanket / slippers, come in your PJ’s if you’d like. We will have fun coffees, teas, cocoa, snacks, plenty of games, and of course dinner! We will also be making candles for SPC’s Christmas Eve service and catching up.

December 24, 2024

  • 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.

  • December 24, 20246:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Christmas Eve choir rehearsal

  • December 24, 20247:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Sanctuary)

    On Christmas Eve we proclaim Christ’s birth with scripture readings, story-telling hymns and carols, and candlelight. After the singing of Silent Night in candlelight, a benediction sends us forth to bring light where there is darkness.

    Service will be livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 7:00 pm. (Please note that the 10:00 pm service will not be livestreamed.)

  • December 24, 20248:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Youth Group Reunion & Service Project Church Office

    High School Students!  Come gather with former Youth Group members who are home for the holidays!  Stay after the 7 PM Worship Service or come early before the 10 PM.  Along with catching up, we will be preparing snack packs for “Welcome Church,” a congregation of folks experiencing poverty/homelessness in Philadelphia, to be distributed on New Years Eve.

  • December 24, 20248:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Youth Group Reunion & Service Project Church Office

    Come gather for a reunion, and to help make snack packs for Welcome Church, a congregation that worships on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with folks experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. We will catch up, enjoy some tasty food. 

    Meet in the church office after the 7:00 pm candlelight service.

  • December 24, 20249:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Christmas Eve choir rehearsal

  • December 24, 202410:00 pm - 11:00 pm

    Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (Sanctuary)

    On Christmas Eve we proclaim Christ’s birth with scripture readings, story-telling hymns and carols, and candlelight. After the singing of Silent Night in candlelight, a benediction sends us forth to bring light where there is darkness.

    Please note that this service will not be livestreamed.  Join us at 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm for livestreamed Christmas Eve services.

December 26, 2024

  • 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.