Music Ministry

The ministry of music at SPC (Swarthmore Presbyterian Church) joyfully engages people of all ages in singing, ringing handbells, and playing an instrument. Our choirs are growing and seek to develop a collective sense of community that enables us to share God’s love with another, our congregation, and our community. We invite you to join us!

Sing. Play. Belong. Music Groups 2026

Sing. Play. Belong. Music Groups 2026

Hosanna! Singers

Grades: K-1
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Hosanna! Singers gather to sing, move, and make music together while growing in faith, love, and kindness. The choir shares in worship approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Alleluia! Singers

Grades: 2-5
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Alleluia! Singers deepen their faith and discipleship through music while developing strong musical skills and leadership for worship. The choir shares in worship approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Agape Singers

Grades: 5-9
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Agape Singers provide musical leadership that proclaims God’s love and enriches the worship experience. The choir typically rehearses the Sunday before participating in worship and shares approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Instrumental Chamber Groups

Instrumental Chamber Groups participate in worship approximately once each month. These intergenerational ensembles welcome instrumentalists of all ages and experience levels. Music is selected and adapted to match each musician’s skills and comfort level, and instrumentation varies based on participation. Groups typically rehearse the Sunday before a worship appearance from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and again from 9:00-9:30 a.m. on the day they play in worship.

Led by George Weaver

Bell Choir

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 10:15-11:30 a.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:00 a.m. when scheduled to ring in worship

The Bell Choir participates in worship approximately once each month. The ensemble welcomes regular ringers as well as short- and long-term substitutes who enjoy sharing their gifts through ringing in rehearsals and worship.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Chancel Choir

Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:30 a.m.

The Chancel Choir leads congregational singing in worship from September through June and presents special musical offerings for the greater Swarthmore community twice each year. Membership is open to students in grades 10-12, college students, and adults.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Hosanna! Singers

Grades: K-1
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Hosanna! Singers gather to sing, move, and make music together while growing in faith, love, and kindness. The choir shares in worship approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Alleluia! Singers

Grades: 2-5
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Alleluia! Singers deepen their faith and discipleship through music while developing strong musical skills and leadership for worship. The choir shares in worship approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Agape Singers

Grades: 5-9
Weekly Rehearsals: Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:45 a.m. when scheduled to sing in worship

Agape Singers provide musical leadership that proclaims God’s love and enriches the worship experience. The choir typically rehearses the Sunday before participating in worship and shares approximately once each month.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Instrumental Chamber Groups

Instrumental Chamber Groups participate in worship approximately once each month. These intergenerational ensembles welcome instrumentalists of all ages and experience levels. Music is selected and adapted to match each musician’s skills and comfort level, and instrumentation varies based on participation. Groups typically rehearse the Sunday before a worship appearance from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and again from 9:00-9:30 a.m. on the day they play in worship.

Led by George Weaver

Bell Choir

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 10:15-11:30 a.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:00 a.m. when scheduled to ring in worship

The Bell Choir participates in worship approximately once each month. The ensemble welcomes regular ringers as well as short- and long-term substitutes who enjoy sharing their gifts through ringing in rehearsals and worship.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

Chancel Choir

Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Sunday Rehearsals: 9:30 a.m.

The Chancel Choir leads congregational singing in worship from September through June and presents special musical offerings for the greater Swarthmore community twice each year. Membership is open to students in grades 10-12, college students, and adults.

Led by Meghan Meloy Ness

For more information, please reach out to Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music, at Meghan.meloy.ness@swarthmorepres.org.

The Value of Music for Worship

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Upcoming Events

September 13, 2026

  • September 13, 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.

  • September 13, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Adult Ed (Study)

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

  • September 13, 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.

  • September 13, 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.

  • September 13, 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.

  • September 13, 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.

  • September 13, 202610:40 am - 11:20 am

    Godly Play (Godly Play room)

    Following "Time with Children" (which happens just before the Sermon) children age 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend Godly Play, a Montessori-based method that engages children through their innate meaning-making language: Play.

  • September 13, 202610:40 am - 11:20 am

    Godly Play (Godly Play room)

    Following "Time with Children" (which happens just before the Sermon) children age 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend Godly Play, a Montessori-based method that engages children through their innate meaning-making language: Play.

  • September 13, 202611:15 am - 1:15 pm

    All Church Picnic (Fellowship Hall & Courtyard)

    Please join us for our annual fall kick-off picnic after worship today!  Newcomers welcome!  Burgers (including veggie burgers) and hotdogs will be served fresh from the grill. Beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to share (8-10 servings). 
    Suggested donations: $5 per person or $10 per family.

    *Add table for PW Retreat Info

  • September 13, 202611:15 am - 1:15 pm

    All Church Picnic (Fellowship Hall & Courtyard)

    Please join us for our annual fall kick-off picnic after worship today!  Newcomers welcome!  Burgers (including veggie burgers) and hotdogs will be served fresh from the grill. Beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to share (8-10 servings). 
    Suggested donations: $5 per person or $10 per family.

    *Add table for PW Retreat Info

  • September 13, 202611:30 am - 12:15 pm

    Fall Fair Information (Fellowship Hall)

    OnSaturday, October 3, our annual Fall Fair will welcome the entire community toa day of fun, bargain shopping, great food, music, and activities forchildren.  Between now and then there is work to be done and fun to be hadas small groups gather to prepare for the big day.  Volunteers are neededin many roles — Tell us what you enjoy and we will find a good placefor you to serve!

  • September 13, 202611:30 am - 12:15 pm

    Fall Fair Information (Fellowship Hall)

    OnSaturday, October 3, our annual Fall Fair will welcome the entire community toa day of fun, bargain shopping, great food, music, and activities forchildren.  Between now and then there is work to be done and fun to be hadas small groups gather to prepare for the big day.  Volunteers are neededin many roles — Tell us what you enjoy and we will find a good placefor you to serve!

September 14, 2026

  • September 14, 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!

September 17, 2026

  • September 17, 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

September 19, 2026

  • September 19, 20268:30 am - 11:00 am

    Fall Fair Dropoff (Parking Lot)

    Contributions to our annual Fall Fair are at the heart of this community event!  We will be welcoming donations for the following Fair offerings in the church parking lot all morning: Collectibles, Toys, Games, & Sporting Goods, Fashion Clothing, and Jewelry & Accessories.  
    Please note that we are unable to accept Flea Market items or books.

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