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

October 4, 2026

  • October 4, 20268:00 am - 11:00 am

    Different Choir activities (Chapel, Sanctuary)

  • October 4, 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.

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Adult Ed (Study)

    Contact Trisha Hall at trisha.w.hall@gmail.com

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Adult Ed (Study)

    Contact Trisha Hall at trisha.w.hall@gmail.com

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Newcomers Gathering (Loeffler Chapel)

    To all who are seeking a church home and wondering if SPC may be a good fit: this invitation is for you! Churches are living breathing humans with all their many gifts and foibles. What we do in ministry is the product of these things; every new member adds dimension to our life and work together. Our Membership Committee is pleased to host monthly conversations facilitated by one of our pastors on Sunday mornings where philosophical questions of faith and doctrine are welcomed along with practical questions about the workings of worship, offerings for Christian formation (both for children and adults), and outreach to neighbors, and caring support of one another. This will be followed by a brief tour of church spaces and will wrap up in good time for you to attend 10:15 am worship in the Sanctuary.

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Newcomers Gathering (Loeffler Chapel)

    To all who are seeking a church home and wondering if SPC may be a good fit: this invitation is for you! Churches are living breathing humans with all their many gifts and foibles. What we do in ministry is the product of these things; every new member adds dimension to our life and work together. Our Membership Committee is pleased to host monthly conversations facilitated by one of our pastors on Sunday mornings where philosophical questions of faith and doctrine are welcomed along with practical questions about the workings of worship, offerings for Christian formation (both for children and adults), and outreach to neighbors, and caring support of one another. This will be followed by a brief tour of church spaces and will wrap up in good time for you to attend 10:15 am worship in the Sanctuary.

  • October 4, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    World Communion Sunday

    Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, a joyful occasion that unites Christians around the world at Christ’s table. Do you speak a language other than English and want to read scripture in your second (or third!) tongue? Want to see our beautiful bread as part of the Lord’s Supper? This is a great Sunday to be involved in our worship together. Reach out to Pastor Sarah to get involved.

  • October 4, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    World Communion Sunday

    Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, a joyful occasion that unites Christians around the world at Christ’s table. Do you speak a language other than English and want to read scripture in your second (or third!) tongue? Want to see our beautiful bread as part of the Lord’s Supper? This is a great Sunday to be involved in our worship together. Reach out to Pastor Sarah to get involved.

  • October 4, 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.

  • October 4, 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.

October 5, 2026

  • October 5, 20267:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    PW Bible Study (Study & Zoom)

    Presbyterian Women (PW) volunteers lead monthly gatherings of Bible study, conversation, and fellowship on Monday evenings.

    For details, or to register, contact  Marilyn Henkelman at marilyn.henkelman@gmail.com

October 7, 2026

  • October 7, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir Rehearsal (Chapel)

October 8, 2026

  • October 8, 20267:15 pm - 8:15 pm

    Tenor Sectional (Chapel)

  • October 8, 20267:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Chapel)

  • October 8, 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

  • October 8, 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

October 9, 2026

  • October 9, 20267:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Friday Flix