Month: March 2021
REV. MARIE BUFFALOE • PARISH ASSOCIATE FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND CARE
March 25, 2021
In life and in death, we belong to God. To me it feels like a long winter of losing many church friends. Compounded by isolation and restrictions from the pandemic, it has been a sad and difficult challenge to say goodbye to church leaders and friends. It has been a long season of grieving things and people we lost. And on recent Sundays, our memorial white rose, which honors a loss, seems a constant reminder.
Even in death, we belong to God. This comforting line begins one of our newer confessions of faith. As we approach Holy Week with the promise of Easter around the corner, I am reminded of God’s constant care and promise of abundant life. I am comforted that no matter what, I belong to God.
Several years ago, one of our members was suddenly overwhelmed by an infection. After years of being an active presence at church, she was quickly unresponsive with little that could be done. It was hard to believe as I visited, prayed, and saw her slowly slip away. I was sad and discouraged for myself and all of us. One afternoon I needed a break and visited the Hershey Gardens and spent time in the butterfly room. I had been there before and delighted in the colorful creatures who landed on my sleeve and flickered around like dancing rainbows. But I didn’t stop to notice them. Instead I headed right to the cocoon display. There hanging silently in rows were small, brown, wrinkled sacks. looking completely lifeless. One at the end of the row began to twitch slightly. I watched and another began to crack and a little wet substance appeared. I was mesmerized. A new creation was underway.
This image gave me a new appreciation for what was taking place in the hospital room. This tired, worn body appeared lifeless to me, but something was taking place. Mysteriously, I knew that as this frail life ended; soon a new life, totally different, would be emerging.
No wonder the butterfly became an ancient symbol of the resurrection. A beautiful new life awaits each of us. Because in life and in death we belong to a Creator God who redeems each of us and breathes into us a new wondrous existence, there’s a resurrection around the corner for each of us.
At a recent funeral, in a cemetery atop a beautiful mountain view, I shared the words of a favorite hymn. Although it’s new to our hymnal, we’ve sung it often. Here are a few verses:
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter, there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt, there is believing; in our life, eternity;
in our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
And so we wait, believe and trust.
AUTHOR’S NOTES:
Hymn of Promise by Natalie Sleeth, 1986, is #250 in our Glory to God Hymnal.
A Brief Statement of Faith was written in 1991 and is part of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Its first line is a reminder of an older creed (The Heidelberg Catechism, 1563) that begins with the question: What is my only hope in life and in death? The answer: I am not my own, but belong — body and soul in life and in death —to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Takeaway Breakfast on Easter Weekend Supports Missions
March 24, 2021Ordering is now closed for takeout breakfast.
Pickup 12:30-2 pm Saturday, April 3: parking lot drive thru
Charlie and Marilyn Koch and their team of Easter breakfast chefs return with a special treat this year: they’ll be preparing single-serve portions of egg casserole and sausage that you can pick up on Saturday, then heat up quickly on Sunday for your Easter breakfast.
Suggestion donation of $5 per serving will benefit Bridges to Community (BTC), the non-profit organization which has coordinated Derry’s trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic for the past 20 years. Additional donations gladly accepted!
A Double Thank-You from Presbyterian Women!
March 24, 2021Thanks to all who contributed to the PW offering and “Bake-less” Cookie Walk. PW received $2,383, which means we are able to maintain the annual mission goal of $4,700 for 2021. Thank you!
Your contributions of $2,922 to the Blanket+ Fund were fantastic! That’s the best PW has done. Thank you!
Epistemology and the Search for Truth: Week 8
March 24, 2021Week #8 of Pastor Stephen’s class, “Epistemology and the Search for Truth.” This class continues the exploration of some of the most common logical fallacies used in arguments.
Spring Cleanup: Two Opportunities to Volunteer
March 24, 20213 PM-7 PM FRI MAR 26 AND 8 AM-12PM SAT MAR 27
Join the Gardeners Of Derry (G.O.D. SQUAD) and Building & Ground Committee to prepare the church grounds for the growing season. Bring your rakes, shovels, gloves, pickup trucks and leaf blowers along with a lot of energy as we tidy up in time for Easter Sunday.
Issues Class with Lee Barrett
March 24, 2021
9:00-9:45 AM SUNDAY, MAR 28 ON ZOOM: CLICK TO REGISTER WATCH: WEEK 1 • WEEK 2 • WEEK 3
Lee Barrett presents the first class in a four-week series, “Christian Perspectives on Polarization and Reconciliation.”
The pandemic, political turmoil, solitude, the disruption of ordinary routines, and too much Zooming have made many people anxious, disoriented, irritable, and angry. Society seems to be becoming so polarized that erstwhile friends cannot even talk to one another. Relationships in families, churches, businesses, and communities have become dangerously frayed, often leading to feelings of alienation and hostility.
This series will explore the roots of this problem, and the resources that the Christian faith offers for healing and reconciliation. Join the Zoom class on March 21 and 28 to hear more.
Dr. Barrett is the Mary B. and Henry P. Stager Chair in Theology, Professor of Systematic Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Join the Derry Church Golf League
March 24, 2021TUESDAY MORNINGS BEGINNING APRIL 13 AT ROYAL OAKS GOLF CLUB, LEBANON
In April play begins at 10 am, and from May through September it’s an earlier start: 8:30 am. All skill levels welcome. Want to play? Contact Ken Pearl or Jim Warnock .
Amended Derry Church Proposal for Re-Gathering in Phases
March 18, 2021APPROVED BY THE SESSION ON FEB 24, 2021 AND AMENDED ON MAR 17, 2021 AND APR 21, 2021
At a special called Session meeting on February 24, 2021, the Session discussed feedback from the Feb 21 Listening Session and any changes that needed to be made to the regathering plan. The Session and COVID Task Force realized they had not fully considered starting phase 1A with 10:30 am worship. After discussion, the Session amended the Phase 1A regathering plan to offer 10:30 am worship with a maximum of 30 worshipers beginning March 7. Worship at 8 am will be offered later. The Task Force will re-evaluate what is being offered and how many can attend every two weeks and report to Session.
Offering 10:30 am in person worship better utilizes staff resources and time by only holding one service, and the 10:30 am service is accessible and inclusive of more people. This service will continue to be live streamed.
Registration is required for those interested in attending in person.
For each of these programs and activities, all established safety protocols and guidelines must be followed: registering in advance, social distance, hand washing, mask wearing, etc.
Phase 1A (Begins March 7, 2021)
- 10:30 am worship in Sanctuary (maximum of 30 people based on 10% of comfortable pew seating capacity)
- AA (using room 10 and the patio entrance along Mansion Road)
Phase 1B (Begins March 22, 2021)
- Communion when scheduled (using single-serving elements)
- Tuesday evening worship In the Sanctuary (maximum of 60 people)
- 8 am worship in the Sanctuary begins April 4 (maximum of 60 people)
- Outdoor worship
- Family worship in the Sanctuary (maximum of 60 people)
- Small fellowship groups, leader’s choice on where to meet (outside or 20% of room capacity. Children’s and youth fellowship groups can meet at this time.
- Funerals in the Sanctuary (maximum of 60 people)
- Derry Brass can meet outside with bell covers
- Non-wind instrumentalists including handbells can be live in worship
- Puppet team can meet as directed by leaders
- Small singing ensembles can be pre-recorded when well-spaced with masks
- Masked soloists, and eventually duets and trios, can participate in worship leadership from the choir loft
- GOD SQUAD working outside
Phase 2 (Begins April 21, 2021)
- 10:30 am worship in the Sanctuary while live streaming: focus remains on live streaming and the maximum congregation can increase to 15% or 20% (maximum of 60 people)
- Additional small groups
- Shawl Ministry
- JIF study groups
- Derry Brass, pre-recorded in the Sanctuary with safety protocols in place
EPISTEMOLOGY AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH: WEEK 7
March 17, 2021Week #7 of Pastor Stephen’s class, “Epistemology and the Search for Truth.” A fallacy is a kind of error in reasoning. This session, “The Folly of Fallacies,” covers some of the most common fallacies, and offers brief explanations and examples.
Mission Madness: Complete Your Bracket Before 12 pm Friday, Mar 19!
March 17, 2021Here’s the link to sign up and complete your bracket:
https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/group/7656/invitation?key=7950a9ace4e11f83
Proceeds will help to fund scholarships for Sargodha School students in Pakistan. A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal: select “Pakistan Scholarships.”
Questions? Contact Pete Steelman.
March 2021 Financial Snapshot
March 17, 2021Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 2/28/21
| ACTUAL | BUDGETED | |
| Income YTD: | $230,506 | $208,333 |
| Expenses YTD: | 190,026 | 219,898 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) YTD: | 40,480 | (11,565) |
Notes from the treasurer:
- Contributions are under 2020, but are generally in line with budget.
- Personnel is currently under budget due to fewer hours for some positions so far this year. Per capita not yet paid and insurance was paid in 2020, reducing Stewardship & Finance and Administrative expenses compared to 2020.
Tuesday Worship from Derry Church • 3/16/21
March 17, 2021Join Pastor Marie for a service of hope and remembrance reflecting on the great pandemic losses of the past year. This concludes our winter series of virtual Tuesday worship services.
Mission Partner Requests Children’s Clothing
March 17, 2021Recently we received this request from Rev. Mim Harvey at Stop the Violence:
We have a family here that had a house fire and nearly lost everything. They are asking for size 3-4-5t clothing and pull-ups for twin boys.
For more information, contact Kristen Campbell
March Updates from Presbyterian Women
March 17, 2021
Orange Day is Thursday, Mar 25, an opportunity to raise awareness of exploitation of females and to recognize those who are working to end it. In 2020, ecumenical Fellowship of the Least Coin project grants included two in Zambia: Chiseke Women Development Center in Lusaka and Hope Volunteers Women Empowerment. The first group encourages independence and self-employment in girl-children who are heads of households, as well as in guardians of orphans and vulnerable children of poor women. The second empowers widows, orphans and vulnerable children with a permanent place to call home so they do not have to live with or depend on people who sexually abuse or exploit them. Wear orange or an orange ribbon to show your support.
Spring Gathering of PW of Carlisle Presbytery: 10 am Saturday, April 17 on Zoom. Contact Sue Mummert, moderator, to have login information emailed you; include “PW gathering registration” in the subject line. Martha Manning will share her experience on the USAME trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she learned about strong women and their influence on history. Suggested reading: Seneca Falls and the Origins of Women’s Rights Movement by Sally G. McMillen; Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton; Born Criminal by Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Radical Suffragist by Angelica Shirley Carpenter.
Spring Reading Opportunities
March 17, 2021The Monday evening study group will Zoom at 7 pm. Contact the church office for login info:
- APR 5: Caste, The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
- MAY 3: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Faithful Readers will Zoom at 9:15 am Sundays. Contact the church office for login info:
- MAR 21: The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
- APR 18: Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
Download the complete Faithful Readers list for 2020-21 and check out the Faithful Readers’ Facebook Group.
Books are available in the church library: contact Teresa to borrow a copy.
Register Now: Krislund Camp Summer Programs for All Ages
March 17, 2021It’s time to sign up for summer 2021 Krislund Camp day, residential, and family camp programs! Check out the Krislund website for information or download a summer camp brochure.
Krislund is now hiring interns, program staff and counselors. Working at Krislund cultivates oral communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving, interpersonal and leadership skills, collaborative skills, and creativity. All positions are paid and include meals and housing.
Have questions or want to learn more from Derry folks well-connected to Krislund? Reach out to Valerie Minnich, Harold Nightwine, or Pastor Pam who is serving on Krislund’s board.
Sign up for the Krislund Corner newsletter
Hershey Ministerium Offers Lenten Virtual Worship Services
March 17, 2021For more than 70 years, Hershey Ministerium churches offered mid-week worship and luncheons for the community during Lent. This year, churches are taking turns offering virtual worship services that will be available by 12 pm each Wednesday. Find links at the websites listed below:
Feb 17: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Service on YouTube
Feb 24: Derry Presbyterian Church
Click to watch the Lenten service led by Pastor Marie
Mar 3: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Click to watch this week’s service on Facebook
Mar 10: Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown
Click for a mid-week reflection and conversation with The Rev. David J. Schreffler, Pastor, Zion, Hummelstown; The Rev. Ursula Schreffler, Zion, Union Deposit; and The Rev. Martha Boyd, St. John’s, Hoernerstown
Mar 17: Church of the Redeemer UCC
Click to watch on YouTube
Mar 24: First United Methodist Church
Click to watch on YouTube
Mar 31: Spring Creek Church of the Brethren
https://www.springcreekcob.org
Hershey High School’s Online Musical Includes Derry Youth in Cast & Crew
March 17, 20217:30 PM FRI & SAT, MAR 19 & 20
Enjoy an online performance of “Anastasia: The Musicial” this weekend! Click this link to purchase a streaming ticket for your household, then you will receive an email with streaming information for the performance you’ve selected. Ticket cost is $16.50.
Look for these participants from Derry Church:
Hattie Gavazzi – The Dowager Empress
Mayangela Speicher – Ensemble
Katie Bortel – Swan Lake Dancer and Dance Ensemble
Emma Taylor – Stage Crew
Ethan Barna – Tech Crew Leader
Mei Mei Barna – Tech Crew
Emma Burke – Pit Orchestra (Horn)
Notes of Thanks
March 17, 2021Thank you to everyone who sent me cards and notes on the occasion of my 10th year as Clerk of Session. I am humbled by the many kind words of thanks and appreciation. It has been my honor to serve Derry in this way and to have had the privilege of working with our dedicated staff and members who gladly serve as Elders and Deacons. May God continue to watch and guide us as we work to proclaim God’s word, share God’s love and practice God’s justice. Love and peace to all, Kathy Yingst
I have received several cards and notes from Derry people, so please pass the word that I am home. I am wheelchair-bound but working to regain my mobility. God is good and His healing power is amazing. We give thanks! Herb Fowler
Derry friends, thank you so much for the cards, phone calls, meals, thoughts and prayers during the last several weeks. We really appreciated all the kindness that was shared by so many of you. It has been a very rough time with my parents (Harry & Betty Eberly) dying so close together. We used to do weekly dinners with them & daily phone calls — I really miss those times now. God has given us strength to get through these difficulties times and He will help us as times goes. God bless you! Teresa & Bill Hutcheson and Doug & Dee Eberly
Morning Meditations for Lent
March 16, 2021
Derry Church staff (and some special guests) return with a new video series for Lent! The first video posted on Ash Wednesday, and new Lenten video meditations will be added every weekday morning on Facebook, Instagram and our YouTube channel. Click here to access the YouTube playlist, and join us as we journey with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem to experience the reality of God’s redeeming grace.
Rev Pam Meilands • Associate Pastor for Youth and Families
March 11, 2021
This week, exactly one year ago, I was on a cruise ship. It was a chartered cruise designed for nerds and gamers of all varieties. The dining room held a board game lending library, there were tabletop role playing games scheduled throughout the week, the guest list included popular podcasters and science fiction authors, and instead of classes on towel folding or wine tasting, there were retro video game tournaments and Broadway sing-a-longs.
COVID-19 was real and it was in the back of all of our minds but it hadn’t become the menace we now know it to be in America (though, by the end of the cruise, that had certainly changed). Everyone had their temperature checked before we boarded the boat. Throughout the week at sea, crew members were at nearly every door with a bottle of hand sanitizer and passengers dutifully allowed them to pump some of the gel onto their hands each time we passed a station. A passenger who spends his daily life as a virologist held daily “office hours” in one of the ship’s common spaces to answer any questions that he could about the disease and how it spreads. We felt safe.
The cruise was cancelled this year. It would have been its 10th anniversary sailing. The boat would have set sail last Saturday with just over 2,100 nerds and geeks for what is essentially a comic-con at sea and, before its cancellation, I was scheduled to be on it.
As we mark one year of living with COVID-19 in the US, it’s hard not to look back at all of the things that we’ve lost: activities cancelled, holiday celebrations moved to Zoom, vacations postponed.
It’s my hope that you can also look back and see the things that you have found. Perhaps it’s time with family and a return to sharing dinner together each night. Maybe you brought a new furry – or scaly – friend into your home. COVID-19 forced me to slow down a bit and one of the things that I found was a new and healthier sense of self care. I discovered a new joy in cooking and, as an extension, in eating. I took delight in pampering myself with at home manicures each week. Spending so much time with myself, I found my way into a deeper and more meaningful life of mindfulness and prayer and I found my voice and the courage to speak out against the injustices I see in the world.
I mourn for the things that I lost, especially this week as I recall stories and events from the Dominican Republic and Half Moon Key, the ship full of nerds, and the excitement I felt as I signed up to sail again this year. But I am so very grateful for the things that I have found. As vaccines continue to be administered and life hopefully returns to a sense of normalcy, it is my sincere hope that not everything goes back to exactly the way it was. I want more than anything to hold onto the things that I found during this past year and to let them guide me into the future.
What’s the Plan for Holy Week and Easter?
March 10, 2021We’re making plans for virtual and in-person services at 7 pm on Maundy Thursday, April 1 and 7 pm on Good Friday, April 2, as well as in-person and virtual services on Easter Sunday, April 4.
When Session meets on March 17, the Elders will review and vote on updated regathering recommendations from the COVID Task Force. With Session approval, details and registration links for in-person worship services in April will be included in the March 18 eNews.
Mission Madness is Back: Get Ready to Make Your Picks!
March 10, 2021Mission Madness officially launched during the March 7 worship service, and the video above is a long version of what was shown during the service. Follow this link to set up your bracket, and on March 14 you may begin selecting your teams.
Proceeds will help to fund scholarships for Sargodha School students in Pakistan. A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal: select “Pakistan Scholarships.”
A trophy and engraved plaque for the overall winner will be presented next month, as well as multiple engraved medals for winners of subgroups (Best Youth, Best in Staff, Best on Session, Best in Music etc). And yes, you can also look forward to Pete’s traditional email updates, nicknames, and jovial banter that recaps the action after every round of games.
Questions? Contact Pete Steelman.
Epistemology and the Search for Truth: Week 6
March 10, 2021Week #6 of Pastor Stephen’s class, “Epistemology and the Search for Truth.” We need to understand the method of inquiry and evaluating an argument or even a fact. Where does the fact come from, is it only a partial fact, what is the context of the fact, who is presenting the fact and what is their agenda. Critical thinking is necessary in our pursuit of any kind of truth.
Tuesday Worship from Derry Church • 3/9/21
March 10, 2021Church Attendance in Pandemic Times
March 4, 2021You may be wondering: how does live stream attendance from the past year compare with Derry’s in-person church attendance? In pre-pandemic times, ushers counted everyone sitting in the Chapel and Sanctuary and the number was recorded in a notebook. Each year, those numbers were added up, giving us an average in-person attendance figure for the year. In 2019, that number was 321.
In 2020 we had live streaming numbers that Sue George records on a spreadsheet each week. Pre-pandemic, our Sunday live stream averaged 35 IP addresses. From March-Dec 2020, live stream attendance averaged 270, and so far this year we’re at 280 across all three platforms people use to join us on Sunday mornings (our website, YouTube and Facebook).
Each IP address represents a single computer, TV or mobile device. In many homes more than one person is watching, so for actual attendance, it’s realistic to estimate 1.5 to 2 times 280, giving Derry a range of 420-560 viewers each week who attend from a dozen states.
When the adult Issues Class met in person, the class averaged 10-15 participants. On Zoom, the class averages 30 participants with many more watching afterwards.
In children’s programming, Derry Church welcomed on average 20 children in person ages 4-grade 5. On Zoom we’re seeing 25 participants at church school and fellowship opportunities.
Youth fellowship often saw 15-20 in-person participants and now 12-15 youth are joining virtually. This group spends the most time staring at screens during the week, so we’re not surprised to see that they want a break on the weekends.
Derry Church continues to attract new members, with 10 people joining last November and eight in the current class that will be received on March 14. Some new members have not yet been inside the church building.
Shares for Scholarships Campaign: Fantastic Final Report!
March 4, 2021Our 2021 “Shares for Scholarships”campaign has come to a close, and your response was overwhelming: 50 donations were received totaling $12,394! Thank you for your generous outpouring of love for the children of Pakistan. Your gifts make it possible for 32 day students and one boarding school student to benefit from a year full of learning. We can’t thank you enough for your kindness. Bless you and shalom from Derry’s Friends of Sargodha committee
Mission Madness is Back and Better than Ever!
March 4, 2021It seems like years since last March, when the pandemic hit and the NCAA Tournament was cancelled, but we quickly pivoted and fashioned our “Derry Madness” games and videos to take the place of the basketball. As fun as that was, with the return of NCAA basketball we are returning to the ‘traditional’ mission fundraiser!
Proceeds will go to student scholarships for the Sargodha School in Pakistan. A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal: select “Pakistan Scholarships.”
If you participated in the last NCAA pool two years ago, you should be automatically re-enrolled in the Yahoo site where you will enter your picks. If you are new, or unsure if you played before, or have a new email address, just email Pete Steelman and he will add you to the mailing list.
You may pre-register on Yahoo now, although picks cannot be made until “Selection Sunday” in mid-March.
A trophy and engraved plaque for the overall winner will be presented next month, as well as multiple engraved medals for winners of subgroups (Best Youth, Best in Staff, Best on Session, Best in Music etc). And yes, you can also look forward to Pete’s traditional email updates, nicknames, and jovial banter that recaps the action after every round of games.
Epistemology and the Search for Truth: Week 5
March 4, 2021Week #5 of Pastor Stephen’s class, “Epistemology and the Search for Truth.” Which is more important, a fact or an opinion on any given subject? It might be tempting to say the fact. But not so fast…
Invitation to Explore Racial Injustice
March 4, 2021Derry Church received an invitation from Messiah University to apply for a program to learn and explore more about racial injustice. Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice is being planned by Dr. Drew Hart and Dr. Brian Smith and local Harrisburg community leaders. Churches interested in participating for the two-year study will apply, and 12 churches will be selected. Two or three members from each congregation will take part in the program for two years. Read more about the program and application process in the link above. Interested? Contact Pastor Marie as soon as possible: Derry Church must submit its application by March 12.
Pete Feil • Derry Member
March 4, 2021Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for that month. In March we’re lifting up the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering is an integral part of Derry’s and the Presbyterian Church USA’s (PCUSA) observance of the season of Lent. This year’s offering is being received through Easter Sunday, April 4.
Millions of people in the world lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water and sanitation, adequate housing, education, opportunity, and hope. The OGHS Offering is shared almost equally among three PCUSA programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA); Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP); and Self-development of People (SDOP). Each program works in different ways to remedy these deficiencies in the United States and around the world and to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
Because of COVID-19, many of the following programs have undergone modifications to use a virtual platform to provide support:
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA) is well-known for its rapid response to natural and international disasters as it supplies funds to help initiate the recovery process. In recent years this has been readily apparent following hurricanes, the California wildfires, typhoons, and several earthquakes. This year efforts have been directed at building up local support in order to respond more rapidly to an emergency situation. PDA is also involved in programs supporting the refugee crisis in Syria, South Sudan, and the southern US border.
PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM (PHP) works to alleviate hunger and eliminate the root causes. Some of this is accomplished through providing animals, bees, and seeds, promoting better crop selection and agricultural methods, fair trade practices, and family gardens. They seek to supply better and more nutritional foods, secure loans for income-producing projects, tree planting, and establish wells and sanitation systems.
SELF-DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE (SDOP) works in partnership with people in economically poor areas in the United States and around the world. The aim is to invest in communities responding to their experiences of oppression, poverty and injustice, and helping them develop solutions to their particular problems in areas such as cooperatives and workers’ rights, farming, skills development, and immigration/refugee issues.
Your gifts to the OGHS Offering will be shared equally with the PCUSA and Bridges to Community (BTC), the non-profit organization which has coordinated Derry’s trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic for the past 20 years. Similar to the efforts of PCUSA, BTC is building houses in areas struck by hurricanes and earthquakes. With the BTC model, new homeowners are encouraged to pay into the local community fund, which can then be used by the community at their discretion for selected improvement projects. In other areas, planting and maintaining fruit trees is part of the payback. This past year the northeast coast of Nicaragua was struck by three Category 4/5 hurricanes, causing roof loss and extensive crop damage. Derry’s continued support of BTC will be directed at home repairs and planting plantain as a cash-crop for next year. Unfortunately, last year and this year, we are unable to travel with BTC because of the pandemic.
Our Mission and Peace Committee has set a goal of $15,000 for this year’s OGHS. You may give online or by check made out to Derry Presbyterian Church and notated OGHS. Taken together, your contributions to the OGHS Offering will enable both PCUSA and BTC to assist many people with the opportunity to improve their quality of life. Thank you for your generous support!
Notes of Thanks
March 4, 2021Derry friends, thank you to all who sent cards and condolences on my Father’s death. Thanks so much. Jack Keene
Dear Friends at Derry, Thank you for all your prayers, flowers, cards and phone calls after my recent hospitalization. They helped my recovery and lifted my spirits. Gratefully, Dave Gloeckler
Lenten Worship with Pastor Stephen • 3/2/21
March 3, 2021Tuesday worship with Pastor Stephen focuses on Christ’s command to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.”