Connect with Us

We would love for you to take a closer look at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church! Below are answers to some “frequently asked questions” that we hope will help you feel more at home on your visit to SPC. Additional answers to common questions can be found on the Plan Your Visit page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer Christian education for children and adults?
Yes, we do! Every Sunday from September to June, adults, youth, and children are invited to join us at 9:00 AM for education classes that we hope will be both faithful and engaging.

Am I allowed to take communion?
Yes! We invite all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ and seek his strength to share in communion with us. You don’t have to be a member of SPC or even a Presbyterian. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month.

Do I have to give an offering?
No. The offering provides a way for our members to support the life and ministry of the church. If you feel led to contribute, you certainly may, but please don’t feel like you must. You are our guest. You bless us with your presence.

How do I become a member?
We would be thrilled to welcome you into our church family! Speak to a pastor or contact Dorrie McGrath, Parish Administrator, to get information about our upcoming Inquirer Gatherings.

There are three ways to become a member:

  • Profession of Faith is the first and most significant step a person takes in his or her faith journey. At this time the individual receives Jesus Christ into his or her life and professes that reception before the worshiping congregation. Baptism is administered if the person has not already been baptized as an infant or child.
  • Transfer of Membership occurs when a person has been active in another church and simply requests a Letter of Transfer or of good standing from that church.
  • Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have made a Profession of Faith and were once involved in a church but have not been active for some time. If they have been deleted from their former church’s roll of membership, we accept their original Profession of Faith.

What about baptism?
As Presbyterians, we baptize people of all ages, from infants to adults. If you have never been baptized, or if you would like your child baptized, talk to one of our pastors. She or he will discuss the meaning of baptism with you and talk about why you desire baptism. If you have already been baptized, we do not believe that you need to be baptized again, although we can help you reaffirm the promises made in your baptism to mark a spiritual awakening in your life.

At what age do youth normally get confirmed at SPC?
We begin with Pre-Confirmation for 6th–8th graders to set the stage. In 9th grade, we begin the formal “confirmation” process.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

(Scroll to view more)
April 20, 2024

  • April 20, 20242:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Memorial Service (Sanctuary)

    A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Charles Edward Gilbert.
    Guests are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service.

  • April 20, 20243:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Memorial Reception (Fellowship Hall)

    Guests attending the memorial service for Chuck Gilbert are invited to greet the family, share remembrances, and enjoy some refreshments at a reception in Fellowship Hall.

April 21, 2024

  • April 21, 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.

  • April 21, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship

  • April 21, 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.

  • April 21, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Our Parish Life team provides beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service 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 21, 202411:30 am - 12:30 pm

    Alleluia! Singers (Loeffler Chapel)

    Our Alleluia! Singers develop their capacity for strong musical leadership for worship while deepening their sense of discipleship. All children ages 8-10 are welcome here.

  • April 21, 20244:30 pm - 5:30 pm

    Hosanna! Singers (Loeffler Chapel)

    Praising, serving, growing spiritually and musically through singing!  From 5:00-5:30 there is time for crafts and fellowship.
    Who? Children ages 5-7.
    Directed by Meghan Meloy Ness

  • April 21, 20245:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

    After a great Youth Sunday, our youth group will be meeting this week for an evening of games, cooking and eating together, and exploring how and why we can pray for other people; our friends, families (including our animals!), and our church family. As always, friends are welcome! Suggested donation $5.00.

    Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

April 24, 2024

  • April 24, 20247:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    Grief Support Group (Study)

    Facilitated by Barbara Sorin.  For information or to consider being part of this group, please contact Barbara directly.

April 25, 2024

  • April 25, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

    Weekly rehearsals to prepare music for sharing in worship once a month.
    Interested?  Contact Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • April 25, 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.

  • April 25, 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.
    For those who are fully vaccinated against COVID, masks are optional. For those not yet fully vaccinated, or working with children, masks are required. Seating/distancing is at the comfort level of the individuals attending.