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 Rev. Michelle Grunseich, Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging at michelle.grunseich@swarthmorepres.org. 

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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October 4, 2026

  • October 4, 20268:00 am - 11:00 am

    Different Choir activities (Chapel, Sanctuary)

  • October 4, 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.

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Adult Ed (Study)

    Contact Trisha Hall at trisha.w.hall@gmail.com

  • October 4, 20269:00 am - 10:00 am

    Adult Ed (Study)

    Contact Trisha Hall at trisha.w.hall@gmail.com

  • October 4, 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.

  • October 4, 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.

  • October 4, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    World Communion Sunday

    Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, a joyful occasion that unites Christians around the world at Christ’s table. Do you speak a language other than English and want to read scripture in your second (or third!) tongue? Want to see our beautiful bread as part of the Lord’s Supper? This is a great Sunday to be involved in our worship together. Reach out to Pastor Sarah to get involved.

  • October 4, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    World Communion Sunday

    Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, a joyful occasion that unites Christians around the world at Christ’s table. Do you speak a language other than English and want to read scripture in your second (or third!) tongue? Want to see our beautiful bread as part of the Lord’s Supper? This is a great Sunday to be involved in our worship together. Reach out to Pastor Sarah to get involved.

  • October 4, 202610:15 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.

  • October 4, 202610:15 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.

October 5, 2026

  • October 5, 20267:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    PW Bible Study (Study & Zoom)

    Presbyterian Women (PW) volunteers lead monthly gatherings of Bible study, conversation, and fellowship on Monday evenings.

    For details, or to register, contact  Marilyn Henkelman at marilyn.henkelman@gmail.com

October 7, 2026

  • October 7, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir Rehearsal (Chapel)

October 8, 2026

  • October 8, 20267:15 pm - 8:15 pm

    Tenor Sectional (Chapel)

  • October 8, 20267:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Chapel)

  • October 8, 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.

    Contact: Scott Richardson (484)238-4135

  • October 8, 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.

    Contact: Scott Richardson (484)238-4135

October 9, 2026

  • October 9, 20267:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Friday Flix