Month: February 2022

9-10 AM SUNDAY, FEB 27, ISSUES CLASS ON ZOOM LED BY ELIZABETH GAWRON • CLICK TO JOIN • SIMULCAST IN ROOM 7

The Montessori Method is (very simply) respecting the child and guiding them through their natural human development. It is incredible that all infants/children across time and cultures follow the same developmental stages. Our language, behaviors, and ideas are a result of where we were born and what family we were born into.

Join Derry member Elizabeth Gawron in her Montessori classroom as she shares how her work aligns with following the way of Jesus’ teachings, and find out what we can learn about God from the children in our own congregation

NEXT WEEK: Lee Barrett of Lancaster Theological Seminary joins us in Room 7 and streaming on YouTube, Facebook and the church website for the first class in a four-week series on “The Church of the Future: Problems, Perils, and Possibilities.”

• Reviewed and received the annual Statistical Report prepared for PCUSA.
• Approved a transfer of membership for Alan Brechbill and Carol Schneidereit to Palms Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Beach, Florida due to their relocation.
• Approved the baptism of Aiden Paul Matthews, child of Sara and Bruce Matthews, on March 13, 2022.
• The Treasurer reported that contributions and expenses are currently in line with budget expectations.
• Tim Mosher presented an update on Covid infections in our area, which indicated a downward trend in the local test positivity and infection rates.
• After reviewing the recommendations of Derry’s Covid Task Force, the session approved the following motions:
  • Starting March 6, masks will be optional for the 8:00 am Chapel service
  • Starting March 27, masks will be optional for food gatherings in Fellowship Hall. Participants are encouraged to continue to wear masks when not eating.
    The Task Force will meet again in March and may have more recommendations at that time.
• The session approved moving forward with the proposed upgrades to Derry’s exterior signage. The approximate cost for the new signs is $36,000 with funding coming from Derry’s Capital Facilities Restricted Fund. 
• The Building & Grounds Committee submitted a Capital Procurement Requisition to obtain architectural specifications for: safety upgrades to the interior Chapel bell tower, a new stairway between the rear parking lot and the lower Mansion Road building entrance, and gutter and downspout repairs to direct roof runoff away from the building. The approximate cost for the specifications is $12,000 with funding coming from Derry’s Capital Facilities Restricted Fund. This proposal will be reviewed by Derry’s committees and voted upon at the Session’s March meeting.
• Approved the annual March Mission Madness with proceeds to go toward Presbyterian Education Board scholarships in Pakistan.
• Approved a request from Claire Folts to work with children in the church to complete a project for her Master’s Degree on Tuesdays after KIC Club. The sessions will be voluntary for children in 2nd grade and up who would be in the church building with parental permission. The project focuses on developing elementary students multi-cultural sensitivity through music education. 
• Approved a May 15, 2022 Scout fundraising luncheon to begin after the 10:30 am worship service, with eat in and carry out options utilizing the kitchen and Fellowship Hall.
• Received the following new members: Jim & Bethany Cunningham, John & Barbara Lefko, Taylor Ross, Deanna Santos, Chris & Amy Yengo.

3 PM SUNDAY, MAR 27 IN THE SANCTUARY AND STREAMING

We’re planning a celebration on Rev. Marie Buffaloe’s last Sunday at Derry Church before she retires. The program will be held in the Sanctuary, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. For those unable to attend in person, the program will be streamed on derrypres.org and YouTube.

Cards for Marie can be brought with you that day or mailed to Derry Church, 248 E. Derry Rd, Hershey PA 17033. Write “Marie” beneath your return address label to make it easy to sort cards from the regular church mail. 

Worship that morning will be led by Pastor Marie at 8 am in the Chapel and 10:30 am in the Sanctuary and streaming. 

Thanks to many who participated in the blood drive on Sunday, our first since December 2019. We had 32 donors provide 96 blood products to the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank. One of them was first-time donor Joey Owsley, one of our Youth Sunday leaders.

Friday is Orange Day — when Presbyterian Women asks people to wear orange or an orange ribbon to show support for those working to end female exploitation.

Promised $500 a month, room and board and legal immigration to the US, some women thought they had found the American dream. Instead, the new job was working 16 hours a day cleaning private homes, office buildings and stores. Victims were provided little or no pay to support themselves or their families in the Ukraine. Free room and board was a dirty mattress in a room shared with five others. They were kept from leaving by beatings and threats to their families. This story of trafficking in Pennsylvania not unique. Wearing orange on the 25th of each month raises awareness of the plight of women like these who are being exploited.

PW BOOK DISCUSSION: Join on Zoom to discuss “Caste: The Origin of Our Discontent” by Isabel Wilkerson, a presentation by the PW Justice & Peace Book Group at 6:30 pm Monday, March 14. A copy of the book is available in our library. Click to register.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, MAR 9 – MAY 11 AT CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 500 W CHOCOLATE AVE, HERSHEY • CONTACT MICHELLE MIDURI (717-835-0101)

Love INC of Greater Hershey is in urgent need of three babysitters each week for its upcoming “Faith and Finances” series. All adults need their child abuse clearances (PA State Criminal background check, PA State Child Abuse clearance, and FBI Criminal background check). One teen would be permitted as the third helper provided there are two other cleared adults. While finding volunteers that will commit to all 10 weeks is great, we understand that some people may only be able to help on one or a few weeks: this is fine.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am from class 9. Thank you very much for the love that you show in choosing me. It is like a silver lining in my life. Nowadays everyone is sad and disturb because of corona virus and lockdown. Being a student of board class I was also very disturb for my exams. A big relief came when our school is open. Nowadays I am preparing for my exams. We are praying for whole world, you are always in my prayers. Thank you very much. People like you are make this world worth to live in.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 1/31/22

Note from the treasurer:

• Nothing major at this point. Income is in line with budget and expenses are slightly less than budget.

9:10-9:25 AM WEDNESDAY, MAR 2 IN THE SANCTUARY 

Our Discovery Days Preschool children will gather on Ash Wednesday for a chance to learn about Ash Wednesday and receive ashes, either on their hands or foreheads or on a sticker. Our pastors will offer the short service and anyone from Derry Church congregation is welcome to attend and receive ashes. 

Derry members and outside groups who are interested in applying to use space at Derry Church for meetings or events can now apply online. A link to the form is available on the church website: go to the CONTACT tab, then click on ASK US. Access the form by clicking on the blue button at the bottom of the page. Remember that all uses of the church building must be approved by the Session.

Covid numbers are dropping, so the Derry Day Trippers have begun planning more fun activities for the next few months:

2 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 12: HERSHEY SYMPHONY PRESENTS “SYMPHONY OF ILLUSIONS WITH MICHAEL GRANDINETTI” AT THE HERSHEY THEATRE
Pat Meilands is working on getting tickets as a group, and cost will be between $20 – $25 per person. Once we know how many are joining, we’ll let participants know the exact price and where we’ll meet for lunch in downtown Hershey before the concert.

11 AM THURSDAY, APRIL 28: “DAVID” AT SIGHT & SOUND THEATER, LANCASTER
As long as we have a group of 15 or more, the cost will be $65.55 per person. Then we can collect the money and pay for tickets so that we can get good seats together. 

Please email Sue Whitaker by Friday, Feb 25 if you’d like to attend either the March or the April events.

LOOKING AHEAD
We are thinking about a picnic lunch in May, and we hope to go to a Harrisburg Senators’ baseball game in June. Send your suggestions for Day Tripping to Pat Meilands or Sue Whitaker.

Horizons is the magazine (and Bible study) by and for Presbyterian Women. Cost is $18.95 instead of the individual rate of $24.95, and magazines on this subscription will be delivered to Derry Church. To join the bulk order, notify Doris Feil by Sunday, Feb 27.

7:30 PM FRIDAY, MAR 4 & SATURDAY, MAR 5 AND 1:30 PM SUNDAY, MAR 6 AT HERSHEY HIGH SCHOOL • CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO ORDER TICKETS

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. 

Participating Derry Church youth include Hattie Gavazzi as Belle, Ryan Hosenfeld as Gaston, Mayangela Speicher as A Silly Girl, Morgan Owsley as Wolf, Napkin, Shepherd Boy and Singer/Dance Ensemble, Katie Bortel as Wolf, Napkin and Singer/Dance Ensemble, and Emma Burke in the orchestra. Let us know if we missed anyone in the cast, crew or orchestra and we’ll add to the list.

Reserved seats are $15 for adults, $10 for students/senior citizens, and $20 for general admission at the door. 

My name is Hossana and I study in class 2. I wish to become a doctor in future. Your angelic presence on the earth is of great importance. Because of you it is possible to fulfil the dreams of my parents. We can’t forget you support specially in the time of COVID-19 lockdown situation. We really love you and always pray for you and your family. Thank you once again.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

9-10 AM SUNDAY, FEB 13 •  ISSUES CLASS LED BY DERRY MEMBER WALTER A. PATTON, PH.D., DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE • CLICK TO JOIN • SIMULCAST IN ROOM 7

By now we all recognize the image of a SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID) virus particle. One protein is so critical for all its nastiness. We will take a look at that protein, discuss mutants, and examine the meaning of the word enthalpy. (And why mother nature always has enthalpy on her side and uses it in her favor, for good things and for bad…nature just can’t help herself.) 

NEXT WEEK ON ZOOM:  “An Unconventional God: The Holy Spirit According to Jesus and the Gospels” led by Debbie Hough.

2-4 PM SUNDAY, MAR 6 IN THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM • RSVP BY FEB 28 TO DORIS FEIL (7l7-566-8250).

This year’s theme is “Family Heritage” and our Presbyterian Women invite females of all ages to attend. What do you know of your family heritage or genealogy? Do you have an heirloom or something symbolic of your heritage? Even if you know next to nothing of your heritage, come and join the fellowship. We’ll enjoy a time of sharing during the first hour, followed by refreshments.

The Derry Brass — Derry Church’s own volunteer brass ensemble — is looking for horn, trombone, euphonium and baritone players in high school and up to join them in providing music for Sunday morning services. 

Enjoy this two-minute clip from the Nov 21, 2021 as the Derry Brass plays a medley for Christ the King Sunday. For more information, contact Scott Ramirez or Grant Wareham (717-533-9667).

This year the Hershey Ministerium is offering three midday Lenten worship services:

• 12:10 pm Wednesday, Mar 2 at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, led by John Triscik of St. Joan and Michelle Miduri of Love INC of Greater Hershey.
• 12:10 pm Wednesday, Mar 23 at Derry Church, led by Rev. Cindy Brommer of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Rev. Marie Buffaloe.
• 12:10 pm Wednesday, Apr 6 at All Saints Episcopal Church, led by Rev. Christina Fidanza of Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ and Rev. Anjel Scarborough of All Saints. 

Face masks are required for those attending in person. All services will be live streamed. Lunch will NOT be provided by the host congregations this year.    

The Ministerium is also offering a 6:30 am sunrise service at the Hershey Gardens on Easter Sunday, April 17 led by Pastor Jennifer Williams and the worship band from Fishburn United Methodist Church. 

The Monday evening study group will gather at 7 pm on Zoom to discuss the following books:

MAR 7: “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Jane Goodall. Discussion led by Kris Englund-Krieger.
APR 4: “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich. Discussion led by Chris Gawron.
MAY 7: “How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith. Discussion led by Eleanor Schneider.

Faithful Readers will gather at 2 pm Sunday afternoons on Zoom to discuss these books:

FEB 13: “Every Heart a Doorway” by Seanan McGuire
MAR 13: “The Seeker and the Monk” by Sophronia Scott
APR 10: “Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science” by Jeanine Atkins
MAY 15: “The Parted Earth” by Anjali Enjeti

Greetings from Sargodha. I am Tabish. I study in class 8. I live in Sargodha, the city which is famous for its oranges. It’s been two and a half months our school reopened after lockdown, effect my daily life and study bitterly. Nowadays I am preparing for my exam which are going to held in November. Thank you very for choosing me for scholarship. It is like a lifeline in these circumstances.Thank you very much again.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

Presbyterian Women will be collecting the Church World Service Blanket Offering during the month of February.

The needs are still great for suffering people around the world. A $10 donation provides a blanket or other emergency help. Blankets were distributed to homeless on the streets of New York during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. New arrivals who fled violence and persecution in their homeland and are seeking refuge in the US were provided blankets and hygiene kits. People suffering the effects of the hurricanes last year in North Carolina were given clean-up kits to begin their recovery.

From January to June 2021, 23,610 blankets were packed and delivered wherever they were needed. The needs keep coming. Your donation to the Blanket Offering will help Church World Service continue their work. Click to give online, use offering envelopes available in the pews, or write checks to Derry Church notated “Blanket Offering.”

This summer, Derry youth are going to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine! They will experience God’s creation, worship together, and take time to connect and reconnect with church friends. They’re excited to be able to travel together again and to experience God in new ways.

The trip fundraiser kicks off on Youth Sunday, Feb 20. When you make a donation, you’ll receive sponsorship benefits as described on the chart. Each tier has its own special benefits and rewards,  designed so that the youth can share the trip and their adventures with you!

Youth will be in the Narthex to sign up sponsors and receive donations after both services on Feb 20, as well as on select Sundays in March, April, and May.

Click to watch as our youth invite you to help make the trip a reality!

Pictured left to right are scouts from Derry’s Troop 200 and Troop 2200 at summer camp, and a combined group from Nov 2021: their Scouting for Food project collected more than 1,500 items for the Hershey Food Bank!

Pack 200 (boys and girls K-5) meets 6:30-7:30 pm on most Mondays at Derry Church: contact William Day
Troop 200 (boys grades 6-12) meets 6:45-7:45 pm Mondays at the Scout House: contact Chris Kalmbacher.
Troop 2200 (girls grades 6-12) meets 5:30-6:30 pm Mondays at the Scout House: contact Brian Holley.

SUNDAYS, FEB 6 & 20 •  ISSUES CLASS SERIES ON ZOOM LED BY DEBBIE HOUGH • CLICK TO JOIN • SIMULCAST IN ROOM 7

The answer to this question may be more assumptions than biblical knowledge. In these two class opportunities we will challenge our assumptions of the Holy Spirit and explore Old Testament and New Testament texts (not including Acts), which will give us a much broader and deeper picture of the Holy Spirit and what the Spirit does. Both sessions will be based on the works of Jack Levison, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Biblical Hebrew at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Have your Bibles ready!

FEB 6: A Boundless God: The Holy Spirit According to the Old Testament
When you first think of the Holy Spirit, do you think of the story of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles? Jack Levison challenges our Christian assumptions of the Holy Spirit and guides us into an understanding that before the Holy Spirit was associated with the church, it was associated with the tabernacle, temple and synagogue. If we don’t understand the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, we will fall short in our understanding of what it is doing in the New Testament. Levison uses words for the actions of the Holy Spirit like: blowing, breathing, coming, resting, passing, pouring, filling, cleansing, leading and guiding. Join in as we explore how the Spirit’s story begins.

FEB 20: An Unconventional God: The Holy Spirit According to Jesus and the Gospels
We usually look to the writings of Paul or the Acts of the Apostles to gain our New Testament knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Jack Levison challenges us to focus on the four Gospels alone. Here we will witness how uncommon, astonishing, unconventional the Spirit is. Here we will witness the Spirit as part of a lifelong drama, consisting of conflicts whose flames Jesus fans. The uncommon presence of the Holy Spirit spanned Jesus’ entire life and in only one occurrence was Jesus rejoicing. Come and explore a new way of envisioning the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ and our lives. 

7 PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVE STREAMING

This contemplative hour-long service led by Pastor Marie will include a sermon and celebration of the Lord’s supper along with imposition of ashes made from last year’s palm branches.

Because this Ash Wednesday service occurs on the first Wednesday of the month — our traditional night for committee meetings — those attending committees should be aware that the day or time of their March meeting may have changed. 

As Pastor Marie sorts out the books and treasures that accumulated in her office over the past 25 years, she is offering an assortment to the congregation. Maybe you’d like a small buffalo or a book of encouragement from Marie’s office shelves. Stop by the Narthex and help yourself to any of the items displayed on the tables outside the kitchen.

If you enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles and can’t get enough of the puzzle swap available here at Derry Church, then this new Facebook group is for you! Join here to share photos and tips and see what other Derry puzzlers are up to!

8 & 10:30 AM SUNDAY, FEB 20 IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVE STREAMING (10:30 AM)

Join us  for a worship service planned, written, and led by our youth! Derry Church youth will guide us through an exploration of the word “Evangelism,” thinking deeply about what evangelism means and how we might be effective evangelists. We will worship God with our minds, our voices, and our bodies through music, dance, scripture, and prayer. We can’t wait to worship with you!

Greetings from Sargodha. I am Youail and I study in class 9. I am from which is an agricultural city in Pakistan. Thank you very much for your love and concern in choosing me for scholarship. As I am in board class anxiously waiting for my exams which are becoming uncertain because of lockdown. But I am not loosing hope. Our school administration is going to have our send-up in November. I am trying my best to attempt nicely. Thank you very much again you are always in my prayers. May God protect you from coronel virus.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.