Getting Involved
One of the greatest gifts God has given SPC is its people—faithful, generous members whom we are privileged to call our congregation. “Here and now, ready to serve” is more than a catchphrase at SPC; it is a way of life. When there is a need, our community responds. Whatever your gifts or interests, we invite you to take part in the life of our church. Members of all ages are involved in a wide range of ministries, including local and global outreach, Christian education for children, youth, and adults, and volunteer committees that sustain and guide our shared church life. We encourage you to explore the opportunities below and discover the many ways 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: Rev. Michelle Grunseich, Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging at michelle.grunseich@swarthmorepres.org. - Acolytes, Banner & Cross Carriers: Youth are welcomed 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: Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight at sarah.cooper.searight@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: Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music at Meghan.meloy.ness@swarthmorepres.org.
› Education
- 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: Rev. Michelle Grunseich, Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging at michelle.grunseich@swarthmorepres.org. - 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 Formation.
Contact: Youth Minister at youth@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 major projects, these volunteers lend their skills to the care of our church campus.
Contact: Rudy Terry, Facilities Manager at rudy.terry@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
- June 4, 2026
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June 4, 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.
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- June 7, 2026
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June 7, 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.
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June 7, 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.
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- June 8, 2026
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June 8, 20269:00 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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