› Moment for Stewardship: Children’s Ministry at SPC
by Rev. David Norse Thomas
Moment for Stewardship: SPC Children’s Ministry
by Rev. David Norse Thomas
Exploring who God has created them to be…
hen we Baptize a child, we make promises. All of us promise to guide and nurture the children in our lives, by word and deed, with love and prayer, encouraging them to know and follow Christ, and to be faithful members of Christ’s church. It is a beautiful moment where we are bound together by our responsibility for Jesus’ little ones. This moment is particularly powerful for me because I know the love and care, guidance, and prayer you offer our children. Renewing these promises also reminds me that we are together in this ministry; it does not fall to one person or committee, one program or part of worship. I am encouraged by the many ways we all are a part of sharing Jesus’ presence in the lives of our children.
Our Time with Children is a special experience in our life together as a Church. Our children’s honesty, openness, creativity, humor, and deep kindness inspires me each time I get to sit down with them. I am moved by your support of these lessons through your pledges; being able to share Jesus’ love with our children in all sorts of unique ways is a gift. I also delight in hearing from adults about how these messages resonate with them, and their inner child.
Our children are experiencing God in amazing ways through Godly Play. After we leave the sanctuary and make our way upstairs, each child is greeted by name, we form our circle, and the room is heavy with the Holy. Our children are mesmerized by the stories of the Bible, and the curiosity, wisdom, and connections they make are deep. During our work time, they are exploring, in their own ways, what they are experiencing of God. These 45 minutes are heavy with the Holy Spirit at work.
Your pledges make it possible for us to keep the art shelves well stocked, and to care for, repair, and replace parts of the stories as needed. You set the feast each week, filling our plates and cups with delicious food. Your volunteering to be a greeter for our children, or being a storyteller is a deeply generous way of offering yourself with all your kindness and creativity, fulfilling our Baptismal promise. I am amazed at what Jesus is doing in the lives of our children at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, through you.
The Holy Spirit guides us in the way, empowering us to be generous as we fulfill our promises. Thank you for joining us in answering Her call to generosity and service.
2024 Stewardship Campaign Update
From the SPC Business Office: As of October 27, we have received 166 pledges totaling $523,880, which is 61% of the way towards this year’s pledge goal of $860,000. We also have 69% of the congregation who’s already pledged committing more for 2024 than they did for 2023. Your pledge enables this body of Christ to make bold plans for what we can discern and do together in 2024. Thank you to all who have submitted your pledge. We appreciate your support of SPC!
2024 Stewardship Campaign Update
From the SPC Business Office: As of October 27, we have received 166 pledges totaling $523,880, which is 61% of the way towards this year’s pledge goal of $860,000. We also have 69% of the congregation who’s already pledged committing more for 2024 than they did for 2023. Your pledge enables this body of Christ to make bold plans for what we can discern and do together in 2024. Thank you to all who have submitted your pledge. We appreciate your support of SPC!
› Calling All Hearts & Hands: SPC 2024 Stewardship Campaign
› Calling All Hearts & Hands: SPC 2024 Stewardship Campaign
he Financial Stewardship Committee is excited to continue our 2024 Stewardship Campaign. With the theme of “Calling All Hearts & Hands,” we hope you feel inspired to engage and support the Spirit-led Ministry of SPC. Together we can be a faithful witness of God’s love to our community and beyond. In support of SPC’s ministry, please consider making a pledge to the 2024 Stewardship Campaign. We thank you for your dedication to SPC and generosity to this campaign!
Every pledge counts! Make yours today!
Every pledge counts! Make yours today!
Make your pledge today for a chance to win a surprise gift!
n inevitable, yet surprising thing happens when all hearts and hands are called to build up the body of Christ: Members of the body share their gifts. Eight members of SPC have offered their gifts to surprise and delight you during the eight weeks of the 2024 Stewardship Campaign. To sprinkle a taste of surprise, joy, and gratitude throughout the campaign, once you make a 2024 stewardship pledge, your name will be entered into a weekly drawing for one of these surprise gifts. The earlier you make a pledge, the more weekly chances you will have to receive one of these gifts. Make your pledge today!
This Week’s Surprise Gift Winner!
The winner of this week’s surprise gift drawing is Ed Heller! The gift of a tour of the SPC organ is generously given by SPC member and Minister of Music Meghan Meloy Ness. Swarthmore Presbyterian Church thanks both giver and recipient for their generosity toward the 2024 Stewardship Campaign.