Newcomers Gatherings
Would you like an opportunity to learn more about Swarthmore Presbyterian Church and what it means to be Presbyterian? Once a month at 9:00 am on Sunday, Pastor Joyce Shin or Associate Pastor Sarah Cooper Searight leads a gathering of those who are considering joining us as members. Together, newcomers, Rev. Shin or Searight and a representative of the Membership Committee spend some time getting to know one another, talking about what it means to be Presbyterian, and discussing how we can serve one another and our neighbors through all that happens here. This informal gathering is the perfect place to ask questions, and get some insight into what membership at SPC really means. Those who decide to join are then received and welcomed officially on a Sunday morning later in the month.
If you would like to join us for one of our Newcomers Gatherings, please contact the church office (610-543-4712 or spcparish@swarthmorepres.org) or simply drop by.
› Membership
We joyfully welcome all who join us in worshiping Jesus Christ to share in his love and grace by becoming members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. No child of God will ever be turned away. At SPC, we encourage our members to participate fully in every area of the life of the congregation and to share the love of Christ with one another. Responding to the hospitality of Jesus Christ, we seek to be a warm and welcoming community.
What it Means to Be Presbyterian
Interested in exploring some of the beliefs and practices of Presbyterians? Or the history of this Reformed Protestant tradition? Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). There is good information about these things on the denomination’s website, available by clicking here.
› Welcoming You Personally
You are welcome to talk with members of the church to find out more about us, ask questions, get a tour of the church, or just have someone to sit with on your first visit! A good place to start is by submitting the “Contact Form” below. You may also contact our membership chair at membership@swarthmorepres.org. Someone from our membership committee will put you in touch with other members based on your interests.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Week-at-a-Glance
- March 5, 2026
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March 5, 20267:30 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. -
March 5, 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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- March 8, 2026
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March 8, 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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March 8, 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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- March 10, 2026
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March 10, 20267:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Session Committee meetings (various)
Most Session committees and our Board of Deacons meet monthly. Following a brief service of invocation in the Sanctuary at 7:30pm, committees gather in spaces throughout the building.
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- March 11, 2026
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March 11, 202610:15 am - 11:30 am
Bell Choir Rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)
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