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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March 24, 2025

  • March 24, 20259:00 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!

March 26, 2025

  • March 26, 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

March 27, 2025

  • March 27, 20257:00 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! 
    Please note the time!  We begin at 7:00 these three Thursdays to allow time to rehearse for the March 29 concert with Mark Miller.
    Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • March 27, 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.

March 29, 2025

  • March 29, 202510:00 am - 12:30 pm

    Concert rehearsal (Sanctuary)

  • March 29, 20253:00 pm - 4:30 pm

    Singing Our Love and Hope (Sanctuary)

    The Music Ministry of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is pleased to host Mark Miller, nationally known composer, and organist, in an afternoon choral and sing-along concert this afternoon benefitting ABC Strath Haven. All are welcome!
    For more information, click here: Singing Our Love and Hope

March 30, 2025

  • March 30, 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.

  • March 30, 20259:00 am - 9:30 am

    Bell Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

  • March 30, 20259:00 am - 9:30 am

    Mixed Quartet rehearsal (McCahan Hall)

  • March 30, 20259:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • March 30, 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.

  • March 30, 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.

  • March 30, 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!

  • March 30, 202511:45 am - 1:15 pm

    Book Discussion: The Truth About Immigration (Study)

    First Place Swarthmore invites you to join us for a discussion on the recently published book by Wharton Professor Zeke Hernandez, "The Truth About Immigration." In this time, when all pathways of immigration into the United States have been closed, this is an open invitation to gather as those who would like to dive deeper into the conversation.
    Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to the Church Office (610-543-4712) by Wednesday, March 26 so that we might plan enough for the meal.

  • March 30, 20254:30 pm - 5:15 pm

    Hosanna! Singers (Sunday School Wing)

    Our Hosanna! Singers gather to sing and move to music while growing in faith, love, and kindness and are sharing in worship today.

    Who? K-2nd Grade 
    Where? (normally) "Pink Room" across from Godly Play room
    Led by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music

  • March 30, 20254:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Snack Sunday (Fellowship Hall)

    It is time to clean out our snack pantry and restock. Come for an evening of cleaning, eating, and most importantly; shopping.