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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February 23, 2025

  • February 23, 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.

  • February 23, 20258:15 am - 9:30 am

    Wind ensemble rehearsal (Sanctuary)

  • February 23, 20259:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship.

  • February 23, 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.

  • February 23, 202510:40 am - 11:20 am

    Godly Play (Loeffler Chapel)

    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.

  • February 23, 20259:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Bear Hugs

    SPC’s Presbyterian Women invite contributions to its annual “Bear Hugs” program. We will be collecting new and gently used teddy bears that will be donated to children who have experienced emergencies or trauma. Bears will be collected every Sunday in February in Fellowship Hall and welcomed in the church office throughout the week.

  • February 23, 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!

  • February 23, 202511:30 am - 12:00 pm

    Alleluia! & Agape Singers (Loeffler Chapel)

    Our Alleluia! Singers deepen their sense of discipleship and faith through singing and develop their capacity for strong musical leadership for worship!  They will share for worship in October, November, and December.
    Who? Grades 3-5  

    Our Agape Singers spread God’s love through singing and share strong musical leadership for worship. They sometimes sing by themselves and other times with one of our other choirs.  They will share for worship in October, November, and December.   
    Who? Grades 6-8

    Led by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music

  • February 23, 20254:30 pm - 5:15 pm

    Hosanna! Singers (Loeffler Chapel)

    Our Hosanna! Singers gather to sing and move to music while growing in faith, love, and kindness!  

    Who? K-2nd Grade 
    Where? for just this Sunday, Loeffler Chapel
    Led by Meghan Meloy Ness, Minister of Music

  • February 23, 20255:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Youth Group (with First Pres Springfield)

    Coordinated Youth Ministry: Wiffle Ball & Games   
    We will be heading to First Presbyterian Church Springfield, 356 Summit Road, Springfield, PA 19064. You can ride the bus from SPC or meet us there! When we arrive, we will meet at the back of the church in their Fellowship Hall. Lights will be on, and doors will be open!

February 27, 2025

  • February 27, 20257:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    Shane memorial rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

  • February 27, 20257:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

    Weekly rehearsal to prepare for music for offering in worship Sunday mornings.  New singers always welcome! 
    Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • February 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.

February 28, 2025

  • February 28, 20256:30 pm - 10:30 pm

    Party Gras (Fellowship Hall/Courtyard)

    Party Gras: A Mardi Gras Themed Fundraiser to Support SPC

    Save the Date: Friday, February 28 / 6:30 – 10:30 pm (in Fellowship Hall)

    Save the date and join us February 28 for a Mardi Gras inspired fundraiser to support Swarthmore Presbyterian Church! Enjoy an evening in a transformed Fellowship Hall with delicious food, game-show style games, silent auction, raffles, music and more! Friends, family, and neighbors are invited to attend this special (adults only) night at SPC. Admission per person will be $65 pre-purchase ($85 at the door), which includes an open bar (wine & beer & soft drinks), hors d’oeuvres, and games. For more details and to purchase tickets, click here. https://swarthmorepres.org/spc-party-gras/