Our Pastors

Rev. Joyce Shin

Pastor and Head of Staff
610-543-4712 ext. 113

Email Joyce

Joyce Shin serves as Pastor and Head of Staff at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Joyce earned her B.A. at Rhodes, a liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, where she majored in both Religious Studies and Classical Languages. She then studied Ethics in Germany at Tübingen University as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar. In 2000, Joyce completed her Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) at The Divinity School of The University of Chicago, with a thesis on “The Role of Music in Theological Education.” There she also received a Ph.D. in Theological Ethics, writing her dissertation on “Faith in an Age of Cultural Pluralism: An Aesthetic Approach to Transformation.”

During her graduate studies, Joyce served as Presbyterian campus minister for Yale undergraduate students and taught ministry students at Yale Divinity School, The Divinity School of The University of Chicago, and McCormick Seminary. For 10 years, Joyce served as Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, a large urban church whose membership numbers over 5000. She is passionate about building interfaith relationships and has served the greater church in its interfaith work, for which she received from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) the Prophetic Woman of Faith Award. She has served as a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the world’s oldest interfaith organization, and currently serves as a Chair of the Board of Interfaith Philadelphia. Additionally, she serves as a Trustee on the Board of McCormick Theological Seminary and as President of Partners in Ministry, supporting the Protestant Chaplaincy at Swarthmore College.

Joyce is married to Michael David, who serves on the medical faculty of University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Together, with their daughter Sophia, they live in Swarthmore.

Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight

Associate Pastor for Outreach Ministry, Congregational Care, and Worship Coordination
610-543-4712 ext. 117

Email Sarah

Sarah joined the clergy of SPC in March 2015. Her primary responsibilities include coordinating and giving guidance to the missional ministries of the congregation, developing new partnerships in relationship to our community both local and global, providing spiritual support and accompaniment to members needing care, and coordinating planning for worship and development of new worship opportunities. Sarah serves as pastoral advisor to both the Board of Deacons and our Stephen Ministers. Sarah is also the clergy liaison to the many committees under the wide umbrella of the Outreach Committee, and to the Worship & Music Committee.

Sarah grew up in Dallas, Texas, completed her undergraduate work at Austin College in Psychology, and earned her Master of Divinity degree at Columbia Theological Seminary. After seminary, she served as Outreach Director and Summer Camp Director for Old First Reformed United Church of Christ in center city Philadelphia. Sarah served her first call as Associate Pastor for Christian Formation and Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Sarah and her husband Bill Searight (also a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA) are the grateful parents of two girls, Margaret and Eleanor.

Rev. David Norse

Associate Pastor for Christian Formation
610-543-4712 ext. 119

Email David

David joined the clergy of SPC in April 2022. Embracing families and community, nurturing children and young people, and loving our neighbors, are central to David Norse’s calling as a pastor. Much of David’s work focuses on children, youth and families. David is also eager to reach out to the broader Swarthmore community. He hopes to contribute to the longtime relationship between the church and Swarthmore College as a resource and mentor to students through the college ministry programs in the Protestant tradition. David wants to be “a good neighbor and also someone who can listen and empower people in a variety of different ways.” Another goal for David is getting to know interfaith partners in the area, via the Interfaith Council of Southern Delaware County.

David grew up on the west coast, earned a B.A. Religious Studies Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon and completed his M. Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served at Broad Street Ministry in Center City Philadelphia, working with people experiencing poverty and ministering to young adults, and most recently, as Pastor of a Presbyterian church in Towson MD. While at Broad Street, David also earned a Master’s degree in couples and family therapy from Thomas Jefferson University.

Our Staff

Kathy Josselyn

Office Manager
610-543-4712 ext. 112

Email Kathy

Kathy joined the church staff in January of 2025 as Office Manager, bringing a strong background in church administration. Her duties include ensuring the smooth and hospitable operation of the church office and supporting the Deacons, Christian Formation, Outreach, and non-Session committees and teams. Kathy has also had a career as a professional singer and soloist with many organizations and currently teaches piano and voice. She can be heard on recordings by the Dale Warland Singers. An active church member, Kathy participates in Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and as occasional accompanist for early service and children’s choirs.

Alison Schuettinger

Director of Parish Life
610-543-4712 ext. 119

Email Alison

Rev. Alison Lee Schuettinger is an educator, artist and interfaith minister. For thirteen years she worked in public elementary schools, university, community gardens and churches designing programs to educate for a sustainable future in New York City. In 2024, she moved to Media, PA and quickly became a member of Providence Monthly Meeting where she serves as co-clerk of the Climate Crisis Committee. As an ordained interfaith minister from One Spirit Learning Alliance, she volunteers as a Quaker + Interfaith Religious Affiliate Advisor at Swarthmore College and serves on the board of Partners in Ministry. Alison is an Adjunct Faculty at Eastern University and teaches Introduction to Psychology in their Prison Education Program. She is a professional photographer, mixed media artist and writes regularly on Substack about her thoughts on sustainability and spirituality. As the Director of Parish Life at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, Alison fulfills administrative duties around parish life and is eager to build out the Young Adult Ministry.

Alison earned a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology; M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Strategies all at The New School. She was ordained in 2018 after completing Interfaith Seminary from One Spirit Learning Alliance. She continued adult education in the Doctor of Ministry at Drew Theological School.

Jean Noon

Finance Coordinator
610-543-4712 ext. 120

Email Jean

Jean joined our staff in January 2017, coming to us with an extensive background in finance. She ensures that our bills are paid on time, managing payroll both for church staff and the Nursery Day School, recording contributions to memorial funds, acknowledging gifts, and preparing quarterly contribution statements. Jean will always make time to listen to your questions and concerns and track down the answer you need.

Meghan Meloy Ness

Minister of Music
610-543-4712 ext. 114

Email Meghan

As Minister of Music, Meghan plays an active role in the planning and support of all musical efforts. Her most visible roles are those of director of each of our choirs (Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir) and organist. Behind the scenes she works closely with our pastoral staff in planning weekly worship so that what we experience on Sunday morning is focused and cohesive. If you are interested in joining any of our choirs or have any questions related to our music programs, contact Meghan.

Doug Wadas

Director of Communications
267-294-4199

Email Doug

Doug Wadas has served as Director of Communications at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church since November 2017. He brings a strong background in interaction design and brand identity, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts and Interactive Design from Temple University. Before joining SPC, Doug worked as an illustrator, art director, brand strategist, and web designer for studios across the Philadelphia region.

At SPC, Doug leads all aspects of communications, ensuring church news and events are shared effectively across multiple platforms. His work includes designing logos, creating print materials, building custom web pages, producing email and social media campaigns, and developing video content for major initiatives such as the Fall Fair, Alternative Christmas Shop, and annual stewardship campaign. He also manages the Sunday worship email and SPC Weekly Notes, the church’s online news hub.

Doug lives in Swarthmore with his wife and their seven-year-old son. A visual artist at heart, he enjoys drawing and painting in his free time.

Patrice Smith

Bulletin Editor
610-543-4712 ext. 111

Email Patrice

Patrice comes equipped with more than 40 years of experience as an editor. She is also a long-serving member with experience as an elder; a deacon; and on the worship, parish life, and membership committees. Patrice brings wisdom, skill, a passion for excellence, and a spirit of joy to this work.

John Hubbell

Director of Business Administration
610-543-4712 ext. 121

Email John

John Hubbell joined our staff in 2021, equipped with the business experience and expertise of a recently retired director of a global consulting company. His responsibilities include the management of all day-to-day financial functions of the church and the Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School (SPNDS). John oversees budget preparation, monitoring and controls, forecasting, preparation of financial statements, payroll, investments and endowment accounting, insurance, an annual financial review, and all financial reports and documentation. He also manages IT strategy and development and provides leadership and support to all human resource functions – hiring, annual review process, and administration of benefits.

John is also an active church member who has served on Session and various committees, an outdoor enthusiast, an engaging thought partner, and creative troubleshooter. John and his wife delight in parenting two college-age daughters.

Deborah Hansen

Nursery Day School Director
610-543-4712 ext. 200

Email Deborah

Deborah Hansen came to Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School (SPNDS) with more than 35 years working with children in educational settings. She holds a BA in History and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education. Deb retired from the School District of Philadelphia after 27 years working as an elementary teacher, science teacher and teacher leader. As Director of the Nursery Day School, her responsibilities include managing the preschool, supporting teachers, children, and families, and serving as the liaison with the church and the nursery day school’s Advisory Board

Deb enjoys spending time in nature and especially enjoys sharing the wonder of our world with children. She looks forward to learning joy with these little people every day and being a part of the SPNDS family.

Rev. Michelle Grunseich

Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging
610-543-4712 ext. 118

Email Michelle

As the Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging, Michelle seeks to support the work of the church by helping to cultivate sustained fellowship, build a sense of belonging, and deepen engagement across the whole congregation. A graduate of Bucknell University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Michelle has been a minister member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia since 2004. She has been active in service as a chaplain for at-risk youth; an associate pastor for Christian Education; a member of the Presbytery staff serving the resource center; a solo pastor; and a pulpit supply pastor. She is excited to serve the congregation in supporting the rich culture of hospitality, friendship, and volunteer engagement at SPC.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Upcoming Events

June 21, 2026

  • June 21, 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.

  • June 21, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am

    Guest Organist for Worship

    Guest Organist, Lauren Park

  • June 21, 202610:40 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.

  • June 21, 202611:30 am - 12:15 pm

    Fall Fair Information (Fellowship Hall)

    OnSaturday, October 3, our annual Fall Fair will welcome the entire community toa day of fun, bargain shopping, great food, music, and activities forchildren.  Between now and then there is work to be done and fun to be hadas small groups gather to prepare for the big day.  Volunteers are neededin many roles — Tell us what you enjoy and we will find a good placefor you to serve!

June 25, 2026

  • June 25, 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

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Our Pastors

Rev. Joyce Shin

Pastor and Head of Staff
610-543-4712 ext. 113

Email Joyce

Joyce Shin serves as Pastor and Head of Staff at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Joyce earned her B.A. at Rhodes, a liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, where she majored in both Religious Studies and Classical Languages. She then studied Ethics in Germany at Tübingen University as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar. In 2000, Joyce completed her Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) at The Divinity School of The University of Chicago, with a thesis on “The Role of Music in Theological Education.” There she also received a Ph.D. in Theological Ethics, writing her dissertation on “Faith in an Age of Cultural Pluralism: An Aesthetic Approach to Transformation.”

During her graduate studies, Joyce served as Presbyterian campus minister for Yale undergraduate students and taught ministry students at Yale Divinity School, The Divinity School of The University of Chicago, and McCormick Seminary. For 10 years, Joyce served as Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, a large urban church whose membership numbers over 5000. She is passionate about building interfaith relationships and has served the greater church in its interfaith work, for which she received from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) the Prophetic Woman of Faith Award. She has served as a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the world’s oldest interfaith organization, and currently serves as a Chair of the Board of Interfaith Philadelphia. Additionally, she serves as a Trustee on the Board of McCormick Theological Seminary and as President of Partners in Ministry, supporting the Protestant Chaplaincy at Swarthmore College.

Joyce is married to Michael David, who serves on the medical faculty of University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Together, with their daughter Sophia, they live in Swarthmore.

Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight

Associate Pastor for Outreach Ministry, Congregational Care, and Worship Coordination
610-543-4712 ext. 117

Email Sarah

Sarah joined the clergy of SPC in March 2015. Her primary responsibilities include coordinating and giving guidance to the missional ministries of the congregation, developing new partnerships in relationship to our community both local and global, providing spiritual support and accompaniment to members needing care, and coordinating planning for worship and development of new worship opportunities. Sarah serves as pastoral advisor to both the Board of Deacons and our Stephen Ministers. Sarah is also the clergy liaison to the many committees under the wide umbrella of the Outreach Committee, and to the Worship & Music Committee.

Sarah grew up in Dallas, Texas, completed her undergraduate work at Austin College in Psychology, and earned her Master of Divinity degree at Columbia Theological Seminary. After seminary, she served as Outreach Director and Summer Camp Director for Old First Reformed United Church of Christ in center city Philadelphia. Sarah served her first call as Associate Pastor for Christian Formation and Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Sarah and her husband Bill Searight (also a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA) are the grateful parents of two girls, Margaret and Eleanor.

Rev. David Norse

Associate Pastor for Christian Formation
610-543-4712 ext. 119

Email David

David joined the clergy of SPC in April 2022. Embracing families and community, nurturing children and young people, and loving our neighbors, are central to David Norse’s calling as a pastor. Much of David’s work focuses on children, youth and families. David is also eager to reach out to the broader Swarthmore community. He hopes to contribute to the longtime relationship between the church and Swarthmore College as a resource and mentor to students through the college ministry programs in the Protestant tradition. David wants to be “a good neighbor and also someone who can listen and empower people in a variety of different ways.” Another goal for David is getting to know interfaith partners in the area, via the Interfaith Council of Southern Delaware County.

David grew up on the west coast, earned a B.A. Religious Studies Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon and completed his M. Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served at Broad Street Ministry in Center City Philadelphia, working with people experiencing poverty and ministering to young adults, and most recently, as Pastor of a Presbyterian church in Towson MD. While at Broad Street, David also earned a Master’s degree in couples and family therapy from Thomas Jefferson University.

Our Staff

Kathy Josselyn

Office Manager
610-543-4712 ext. 112

Email Kathy

Kathy joined the church staff in January of 2025 as Office Manager, bringing a strong background in church administration. Her duties include ensuring the smooth and hospitable operation of the church office and supporting the Deacons, Christian Formation, Outreach, and non-Session committees and teams. Kathy has also had a career as a professional singer and soloist with many organizations and currently teaches piano and voice. She can be heard on recordings by the Dale Warland Singers. An active church member, Kathy participates in Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and as occasional accompanist for early service and children’s choirs.

Alison Schuettinger

Director of Parish Life
610-543-4712 ext. 119

Email Alison

Rev. Alison Lee Schuettinger is an educator, artist and interfaith minister. For thirteen years she worked in public elementary schools, university, community gardens and churches designing programs to educate for a sustainable future in New York City. In 2024, she moved to Media, PA and quickly became a member of Providence Monthly Meeting where she serves as co-clerk of the Climate Crisis Committee. As an ordained interfaith minister from One Spirit Learning Alliance, she volunteers as a Quaker + Interfaith Religious Affiliate Advisor at Swarthmore College and serves on the board of Partners in Ministry. Alison is an Adjunct Faculty at Eastern University and teaches Introduction to Psychology in their Prison Education Program. She is a professional photographer, mixed media artist and writes regularly on Substack about her thoughts on sustainability and spirituality. As the Director of Parish Life at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, Alison fulfills administrative duties around parish life and is eager to build out the Young Adult Ministry.

Alison earned a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology; M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Strategies all at The New School. She was ordained in 2018 after completing Interfaith Seminary from One Spirit Learning Alliance. She continued adult education in the Doctor of Ministry at Drew Theological School.

Jean Noon

Finance Coordinator
610-543-4712 ext. 120

Email Jean

Jean joined our staff in January 2017, coming to us with an extensive background in finance. She ensures that our bills are paid on time, managing payroll both for church staff and the Nursery Day School, recording contributions to memorial funds, acknowledging gifts, and preparing quarterly contribution statements. Jean will always make time to listen to your questions and concerns and track down the answer you need.

Meghan Meloy Ness

Minister of Music
610-543-4712 ext. 114

Email Meghan

As Minister of Music, Meghan plays an active role in the planning and support of all musical efforts. Her most visible roles are those of director of each of our choirs (Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir) and organist. Behind the scenes she works closely with our pastoral staff in planning weekly worship so that what we experience on Sunday morning is focused and cohesive. If you are interested in joining any of our choirs or have any questions related to our music programs, contact Meghan.

Doug Wadas

Director of Communications
267-294-4199

Email Doug

Doug Wadas has served as Director of Communications at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church since November 2017. He brings a strong background in interaction design and brand identity, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts and Interactive Design from Temple University. Before joining SPC, Doug worked as an illustrator, art director, brand strategist, and web designer for studios across the Philadelphia region.

At SPC, Doug leads all aspects of communications, ensuring church news and events are shared effectively across multiple platforms. His work includes designing logos, creating print materials, building custom web pages, producing email and social media campaigns, and developing video content for major initiatives such as the Fall Fair, Alternative Christmas Shop, and annual stewardship campaign. He also manages the Sunday worship email and SPC Weekly Notes, the church’s online news hub.

Doug lives in Swarthmore with his wife and their seven-year-old son. A visual artist at heart, he enjoys drawing and painting in his free time.

Patrice Smith

Bulletin Editor
610-543-4712 ext. 111

Email Patrice

Patrice comes equipped with more than 40 years of experience as an editor. She is also a long-serving member with experience as an elder; a deacon; and on the worship, parish life, and membership committees. Patrice brings wisdom, skill, a passion for excellence, and a spirit of joy to this work.

John Hubbell

Director of Business Administration
610-543-4712 ext. 121

Email John

John Hubbell joined our staff in 2021, equipped with the business experience and expertise of a recently retired director of a global consulting company. His responsibilities include the management of all day-to-day financial functions of the church and the Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School (SPNDS). John oversees budget preparation, monitoring and controls, forecasting, preparation of financial statements, payroll, investments and endowment accounting, insurance, an annual financial review, and all financial reports and documentation. He also manages IT strategy and development and provides leadership and support to all human resource functions – hiring, annual review process, and administration of benefits.

John is also an active church member who has served on Session and various committees, an outdoor enthusiast, an engaging thought partner, and creative troubleshooter. John and his wife delight in parenting two college-age daughters.

Deborah Hansen

Nursery Day School Director
610-543-4712 ext. 200

Email Deborah

Deborah Hansen came to Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School (SPNDS) with more than 35 years working with children in educational settings. She holds a BA in History and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education. Deb retired from the School District of Philadelphia after 27 years working as an elementary teacher, science teacher and teacher leader. As Director of the Nursery Day School, her responsibilities include managing the preschool, supporting teachers, children, and families, and serving as the liaison with the church and the nursery day school’s Advisory Board

Deb enjoys spending time in nature and especially enjoys sharing the wonder of our world with children. She looks forward to learning joy with these little people every day and being a part of the SPNDS family.

Rev. Michelle Grunseich

Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging
610-543-4712 ext. 118

Email Michelle

As the Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging, Michelle seeks to support the work of the church by helping to cultivate sustained fellowship, build a sense of belonging, and deepen engagement across the whole congregation. A graduate of Bucknell University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Michelle has been a minister member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia since 2004. She has been active in service as a chaplain for at-risk youth; an associate pastor for Christian Education; a member of the Presbytery staff serving the resource center; a solo pastor; and a pulpit supply pastor. She is excited to serve the congregation in supporting the rich culture of hospitality, friendship, and volunteer engagement at SPC.

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