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

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May 25, 2025
  • May 25, 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.

  • May 25, 20259:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • May 25, 202510:15 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.

  • May 25, 202510:40 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.

  • May 25, 202511:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Please join us for beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service.  Enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall and make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • May 25, 20254:30 pm - 5:30 pm

    Johnsonburg & Montreat Prep Night! (Fellowship Hall)

    Are you going to Camp Johnsonburg or Montreat this Summer?  Parents and youth, please come so we can make plans for these amazing trips!

May 27, 2025
  • May 27, 20259:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Summer Church Camp (SPNDS spaces)

    Caring for one another and Creation!
    Associate Pastor David Norse Thomas will be joined by many teachers from SPNDS (Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School) to explore caring for one another and creation through creative play, music and movement, art, science, story time, Godly Play, kids’ yoga and mindfulness, games, and outdoor fun.  Details and registration forthcoming.

May 28, 2025
  • May 28, 20259:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Summer Church Camp (SPNDS spaces)

    Caring for one another and Creation!
    Associate Pastor David Norse Thomas will be joined by many teachers from SPNDS (Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School) to explore caring for one another and creation through creative play, music and movement, art, science, story time, Godly Play, kids’ yoga and mindfulness, games, and outdoor fun.  Details and registration forthcoming.

May 29, 2025
  • May 29, 20259:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Summer Church Camp (SPNDS spaces)

    Caring for one another and Creation!
    Associate Pastor David Norse Thomas will be joined by many teachers from SPNDS (Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School) to explore caring for one another and creation through creative play, music and movement, art, science, story time, Godly Play, kids’ yoga and mindfulness, games, and outdoor fun.  Details and registration forthcoming.

  • May 29, 20257:30 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.

  • May 29, 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.

May 30, 2025
  • May 30, 20259:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Summer Church Camp (SPNDS spaces)

    Caring for one another and Creation!
    Associate Pastor David Norse Thomas will be joined by many teachers from SPNDS (Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School) to explore caring for one another and creation through creative play, music and movement, art, science, story time, Godly Play, kids’ yoga and mindfulness, games, and outdoor fun.  Details and registration forthcoming.

May 31, 2025
  • May 31, 202511:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Memorial Service (Sanctuary)

    A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Betsy Fry.
    Guests are invited to a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service.

  • May 31, 202512:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Memorial Reception (Fellowship Hall)

    Guests attending the memorial service for Betsy Fry are invited to greet the family, share remembrances, and enjoy some refreshments at a reception in Fellowship Hall.