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
- April 16, 2025
-
-
April 16, 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
-
- April 17, 2025
-
-
April 17, 20256:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Maundy Thursday Potluck Supper (Fellowship Hall)
On this holy evening, we will gather in Fellowship Hall as a church family for food and fellowship. All are invited to bring a dish for the buffet and to gather around tables for a shared meal. Please click here to RSVP so that we may plan well.
-
April 17, 20257:15 pm - 7:45 pm
Maundy Thursday Communion (Fellowship Hall)
From our time of fellowship, we will shift to a brief service of communion, recalling the last Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples and observing the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at our dinner tables. Following Communion, those attending the Service of Tenebrae will process to the Sanctuary in silence.
-
- April 18, 2025
-
-
April 18, 20251:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Labyrinth Walk (begin at Garden entrance/Loeffler Chapel in case of rain)
On Good Friday we are pleased to offer a labyrinth walk led by a trained labyrinth facilitator. The session will begin with a brief introduction to this meditative practice for those who are new to praying in this way, and will be offered rain or shine, thanks to the canvas labyrinth that we are able to set up indoors.
-
- April 20, 2025
-
-
April 20, 20257:00 am - 8:00 am
Easter Worship in the Garden (Memorial Garden & Labyrinth)
This is a joyful early morning celebration of the resurrection held in the Memorial Garden. We come with the women to the tomb and peer in. Among the new day light, the trees, and the early morning birds, we raise our alleluias!
-
April 20, 20257:45 am - 8:30 am
Easter Breakfast (Fellowship Hall)
Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Celebrate this day of days over a cup of coffee or tea and a light breakfast that features communion bread pudding.
-
