727 Harvard Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081
(610) 543-4712
Youth Education
Growing in faith is a vital part of our lives as Christians. The chance to learn about God, the Bible and our faithful responses to them helps shape who we are and how we live our lives. SPC believes that church is a place for big, tough questions and not-so-easy answers. We strive to make our educational opportunities safe places for all of God’s children to grow in, struggle with and develop their faith in the triune God – Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit – and to have some fun along the way.
Middle School Church School a.k.a. JOSHUA
McCahan Hall, purple room
9:50 am to 10:50 am
Sundays September through May
6th through 8th graders
Our middle school class is the first opportunity young people have to learn about the Bible as a whole, not just as a collection of stories and other texts. We spend each year with one of the Testaments (alternating between Old and New), beginning at the beginning and working our way through to the end. Middle schoolers develop a fuller understanding of the people, types of literature and narratives of the Bible. They begin to consider our holy scripture’s complexity, depth and connection to their new lives as youth. This class uses the We Believe curriculum from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is taught by a dedicated team of SPC members, who always bring a snack.
Confirmation Class
McCahan Hall, second floor
Sunday mornings December through May
8th graders
Most of our young people were baptized as infants, before they could defend themselves. Others are new to the church and don’t know much about it, God or the Bible. Confirmation is the chance for both groups – and other 8th graders as well – to engage for themselves with the Christian faith that has been passed down to them from our spiritual foremothers and forefathers. They get to grapple with the big issues and topics – from who God is to what spiritual gifts they have to what it means to be in mission. The confirmation process prepares our 8th graders to claim their own faith by creating a statement of faith. There is no pressure to join the church, however, for those whose relationship with God is not at that point.
Highlights of the confirmation process include a fall overnight with Broad Street Ministry and a spring retreat to the Poconos to write their statements of faith. Confirmands select a Friend in Faith (an adult SPC member) to meet with throughout the year and accompany them on this journey. The Rev. John Weicher and a dedicated team of adult SPC members teach this group. In the fall, before confirmation starts, 8th graders are encouraged to join the middle school church school class. You may download the medical release form for our fall retreat from the Youth Forms page; please complete and return the hard copy to John Weicher.
Click any photo below to view larger and open slideshow.
Stay Up-to-Date:
Education at SPC:
Education Menu
Teacher Sign Up Link:
*requires login
