Getting Involved
One of the greatest gifts SPC has received from God are the people that we are privileged to have as members of our congregation. “Here and now, ready to serve” is not just a catch-phrase at SPC; it’s how our members live their lives. Whenever there is a need, we answer the call.
Whatever your talents or interests, we invite you to participate in the life of our congregation. Members both young and old are engaged in many outreach activities, locally and abroad; in Christian education for children, youth, and adults; and in volunteer committees that sustain and help guide us in all aspects of our church family life. We encourage you to explore the suggestions below to learn how you can get involved.
› Sunday Worship Volunteers
- Sunday Morning Liturgists: Volunteers serve as lay liturgists and read scripture and offer prayers, in both Chapel and Sanctuary worship services. During Lent, members of the 9th grade Confirmation Class serve as liturgists.
Contact: Worship Coordinator at sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org - Greeters: Greeters are recruited by our Membership Committee to be a welcoming presence in the narthex on Sunday mornings as churchgoers arrive for worship. This is a great way to meet people and an enjoyable way to start the morning.
Contact: Membership Committee at membership@swarthmorepres.org - Acolytes, Banner & Cross Carriers: Youth are needed to light the candles before worship, and to carry the cross and the banner during the opening processional on high church Sundays. They join their families in the sanctuary pews after the opening processional.
Contact: Worship Committee at worship@swarthmorepres.org - Ushers: On Sunday morning, ushers distribute bulletins, ensure that worshippers are seated comfortably, collect the offering, and are responsible for addressing safety needs.
Contact: Usher coordinator at ushers@swarthmorepres.org - Tech Support: We always need extra volunteers to staff the A/V desk on Sunday mornings. Signups are one Sunday at a time (so easy to put on your calendar), and the view from our three cameras (you control which is recording at any given time) is better than from any seat in the pews! Questions?
Contact: A/V Coordinator at av@swarthmorepres.org
› Music
- Chancel, Youth & Children’s Choirs: If singing is your passion, learn about our choirs. We have singing opportunities for all ages.
- Chancel Bell Choir: Our handbell choir is open to all who can read music and enjoy a sense of teamwork.
- Chapel Worship Musicians: Each Sunday’s offertory music is provided by volunteers, and this may take the form of instrumental solo, a small ensemble, a duet, or any creative grouping of musicians.
Contact: Director of Music Ministry at music@swarthmorepres.org
› Education
- Adult Education Presenters: Volunteers lead classes on topics in their areas of interest and expertise. Class leaders are also needed for our Parenting in Faith classes and Sunday Bible study. Scheduling and coordination is through our Adult Education Committee. Do you have an idea that you think might interest others?
Contact: Adult Education chair at adulted@swarthmorepres.org - Church School Teachers: Volunteer teachers come in all ages and abilities; parents are often the first to be “tapped,” but our children’s mornings are enriched by adults of all backgrounds and experience. This is a wonderful way to further develop your own faith while nurturing the children of our church. Each grade level has a dedicated team of 4-5 teachers each year. Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am.
Contact: Amy Connell, Christian Formation Program Manager at amy.connell@swarthmorepres.org - Youth Teachers & Nursery Care: Sunday School teaching is an opportunity for youth to engage in a ministry of education and care with our younger members and friends of the church. Youth serve as shepherds and teachers for various age groups, from the nursery through the 5th grade.
- Youth Advisors & Youth Committee: Good youth ministry isn’t about adults planning things for youth. Good youth ministry is about young people and adults doing God’s work together—whether it be serving others on a mission trip or deciding where the mission trip will be. At SPC, the Youth Committee plays an important part in the high school ministry of our congregation. The committee makes large, program-wide decisions; comes up with new and creative ideas; and serves as an advisory body for our Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Youth Ministry.
Contact: Youth Minister at youth@swarthmorepres.org
› Caring Ministries
- Deacons: Members who serve here minister in the name of the congregation to individuals who are sick, bereaved, shut in or who are returning from a hospital stay or in need of special short-term help.
- Stephen Ministers: Stephen Ministers have a gift for caregiving and receive 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care. They listen to those in need on a weekly basis, 1 hour at a time, supporting those who find themselves going through a difficult time.
Contact: For information on Deacons and Stephen Ministers, contact Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight at sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org. - The Marthas: The Marthas are volunteers who help with receptions following funeral and memorial services. The group sets up Fellowship Hall to accommodate family and friends for light fare and beverages.
Contact: Dottie Lee at mrslee104@aol.com - SPC Bus Drivers: SPC members at White Horse Village and Lima Estates depend on the SPC bus to bring them to worship on Sunday mornings. Occasionally we also use the bus for trips scheduled by the deacons or one of our committees. Let us know if you are interested in being a driver.
Contact: bus@swarthmorepres.org
› Church Office Support
- Church Receptionists: Volunteers sit at the front desk in the main office, greet church visitors, answer phones, and help with various office tasks.
- Pew Rack Maintenance: Volunteers ensure that pew racks are stocked with visitor cards, pencils, etc. and that Bibles and hymnals are readily available. This must be done weekly, but the schedule is flexible.
- Office Project Support: Volunteers are needed periodically to help with mailings, filing, seasonal preparation, and more.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator at spcparish@swarthmorepres.org
› Outdoor Maintenance
- Holy Order of Environmentalists (H.O.E.): H.O.E. is a team of volunteers committed to the maintenance of our grounds and gardens. Volunteers meet regularly on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am (weather permitting) to weed, mulch, plant, rake, or water, where needed, and the need is significant!
Contact: Barbara Hirshfeld at hirshfeld@verizon.net - SPC Building Crew: Volunteers take care of a great variety of tasks related to the maintenance of a large and aging building. From performing minor repairs to painting to major projects, these volunteers have saved countless hours and dollars for the church.
Contact: Property Committee chair at property@swarthmorepres.org
› Church Fundraisers
- Fall Fair: The entire community is invited to share in this festive assembly of food and wares each October. Many booths work behind the scenes all year in preparation; there are opportunities to help in a great variety of places and times.
Contact: Fall Fair Chairs at fallfair@swarthmorepres.org - Winterfest: Winterfest is held every 2 years. It is both a social gathering and a fundraiser. Members and friends gather to enjoy good food, great décor, and the opportunity to bid on an eclectic assortment of raffle or auction items.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Upcoming Events
- March 24, 2025
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March 24, 20259:00 am - 7:00 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive (Fellowship Hall)
There is a continuing urgent need for donated blood. Through the American Red Cross we are invited to help local hospital patients by donating blood at the Swarthmore Community blood drive. Visit the Red Cross at http://www.redcrossblood.org to learn more and follow the prompts to donate right here in Fellowship Hall. Parking is available in the auxiliary parking lot across the street from the church.
Any challenges with signing up may be directed to Doug Harnsberger at dharnsberger@gmail.com or 804-399-0814. Thank you, Doug!
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- March 26, 2025
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March 26, 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
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- March 27, 2025
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March 27, 20257:00 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!
Please note the time! We begin at 7:00 these three Thursdays to allow time to rehearse for the March 29 concert with Mark Miller.
Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness. -
March 27, 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.
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- March 29, 2025
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March 29, 202510:00 am - 12:30 pm
Concert rehearsal (Sanctuary)
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March 29, 20253:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Singing Our Love and Hope (Sanctuary)
The Music Ministry of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is pleased to host Mark Miller, nationally known composer, and organist, in an afternoon choral and sing-along concert this afternoon benefitting ABC Strath Haven. All are welcome!
For more information, click here: Singing Our Love and Hope
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- March 30, 2025
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March 30, 20258:00 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.
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March 30, 20259:00 am - 9:30 am
Bell Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)
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