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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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 17, 20257:45 pm - 8:45 pm

    Tenebrae Service (Sanctuary and Live Stream)

    A Service of Tenebrae is a Service of Shadows, moving methodically through the final stages of Jesus’ life and ending finally at the cross. Passages of scripture, music, and prayer are each followed by the extinguishing of light, until the entire sanctuary is in darkness. We depart in quiet for the vigil of loss and expectation.

  • April 17, 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.

  • April 17, 2025

    Maundy Thursday

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.

  • April 20, 20258:15 am - 9:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • April 20, 20259:00 am - 10:00 am

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    These Easter services are joy-filled celebrations of the resurrection of our Lord. All are encouraged to bring flowers to adorn the cross! Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent, and adorned with flowers — signs of new life — on Easter morning. Musical traditions include the sounds of brass and the singing of Händel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Those who have lost a close friend or family member this year are invited after worship to take home one of the potted lilies that adorn the Sanctuary this morning. There is festive fellowship for all in Fellowship Hall between the two services.

  • April 20, 20259:20 am - 10:00 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.

  • April 20, 202510:00 am - 11:00 am

    Easter Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Hallelujah!  He is Risen!  Our Parish Life team provides beverages and cookies this morning in between services and invites everyone to enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall. Please make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • April 20, 202511:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Easter Worship (Sanctuary)

    These Easter services are joy-filled celebrations of the resurrection of our Lord. All are encouraged to bring flowers to adorn the cross! Our Easter cross is fashioned from the Chrismon tree, stripped bare for Lent, and adorned with flowers — signs of new life — on Easter morning. Musical traditions include the sounds of brass and the singing of Händel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Those who have lost a close friend or family member this year are invited after worship to take home one of the potted lilies that adorn the Sanctuary this morning. There is festive fellowship for all in Fellowship Hall between the two services.

  • April 20, 202511:20 am - 12:00 pm

    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.