Month: May 2023
Register Now for Vacation Bible School 2023: A PLACE AT THE TABLE
May 31, 20235:30-7:30 PM SUNDAY, JULY 9 – THURSDAY, JULY 13 • CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Derry Church welcomes you to our annual VBS program. This year’s theme is “A Place at the Table.” We’ll spend our week listening to stories that teach us how fulfilling it can be to gather around the table with friends, family, strangers and even our enemies. Our stories will encourage us, strengthen us and comfort us as we remind one another that God is always gathering to eat with us. And our lessons will give new meaning to our favorite mealtime gathering spaces!
Derry’s VBS program is open to children age 4 – entering grade 5. Children must be toilet trained. $15 per child includes a nightly adventure filled with fun, excitement, amazing creations & games, fabulous music and s’mores around the campfire in the courtyard area.
Learn About Tiny Homes for Veterans
May 31, 20239:15-10:15 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 4 IN ROOM 7 AND STREAMING
Veterans Outreach of PA plans to build a village of 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center for homeless Veterans on the Susquehanna River in South Harrisburg on a beautifully situated 5-acre parcel. Homes are designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans while recreating the stable support network last offered to them before they left the service.
Learn about the project from John Hickey, VOPA Board Member and Governance Committee Chair, and how Derry Church will be supporting the project over the next year. John will also present a Minute for Mission in worship on Sunday, June 4.
Derry Dads are Throwing Axes!
May 31, 20237-8 PM THURSDAY, JUNE 8 AT JOE OWSLEY’S HOME IN HERSHEY
The Derry Church men’s group will spend an hour next week honing their axe throwing skills and enjoying fellowship together. All men welcome!
Dan Dorty • Director of Music and Organist
May 25, 2023“Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!”
With hearts and minds centered on our Awesome God, we will rejoice with voices lifted in singing this text from the final stanza of our closing hymn on Music Sunday, June 4. There is one service at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary, where the choirs of Derry Church will share their talents in praise to God as we celebrate the gift of song in worship.
Derry Ringers will begin our service with a lively prelude written by Dan R. Edwards entitled Resounding Jubilation. The Youth Vocal Ensemble and Sanctuary Choir will sing together an arrangement of the well-known contemporary hymn, Lead Me, Lord. Celebration Singers will share a traditional African-American spiritual, Over My Head, led by Claire Folts, our Director of Children’s Music.
Claire and Debbi Kees-Folts will present a children’s message with a song of mystery – come and find out what song they will play during the children’s message! The Sanctuary Choir will offer Gilbert M. Martin’s stirring arrangement of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, which begins contemplatively and crescendos to the complete resources of the organ as the choir paints the picture of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and finally, building to the full “Amen.”
All of our ensembles join together in leading the congregation in our closing hymn, number 641 in our Glory to God hymnal: When In Our Music God is Glorified. Under the direction of Scott Ramirez, Derry Brass will conclude the service with Charpentier’s Te Deum, written for brass and organ. Following the worship service, the congregation will enjoy fellowship at the annual Derry Church picnic on the church lawn.
As Music Sunday is the close of our church academic year, the choirs will have a break for the summer until they return after Labor Day weekend. There will be three opportunities this summer to join the Sanctuary Choir in the open loft – you don’t have to be a great singer, just come to the rehearsal at 9 am and learn an easy anthem to sing at the 10:30 am service.
Summer special music begins on Sunday, June 11, with members of Derry Church and the surrounding community sharing their many gifts for praise and adoration given to God. Some highlights include trombonists Tracy and Nicola Burke, sopranos Janice Click Holl and Julie Miller, a quartet from the Susquehanna Chorale, soprano Sasha Piastro-Tedford and violinist Jeffrey Tedford, harpist Marilla Clay, Piper Stagg (one of our graduating seniors), and cellist Mike Klucker. The Derry Brass will lead us in Tuesday evening worship on the church lawn once a month over the summer.
Music serves an essential role in our worship; whether we are ringing bells, playing an instrument, or singing the hymns of faith: we express what cannot be spoken, pour out what is weighing in our hearts, and invite the Holy Spirit to move in and through this Holy place. We are incredibly blessed at Derry to have so many musicians willingly sharing their musical gifts with us. My deepest gratitude to our choirs of all ages and soloists who have graciously given their time and talents for God’s glory this past year. Come, rejoice, and sing as we celebrate the gift of music in the life of our church on June 4!
Debbie Hough Invites You to Worship on TUesday Evenings This Summer
May 24, 2023Summer is upon us – Memorial Day and the Church Picnic are the close signs that life at Derry will ease up a bit. Only a bit, but hopefully this summer you and your family can catch your breath and soak up all the sun and sand and mountain dirt or whatever feeds your soul these days.
One thing I wanted to suggest is that you consider joining us on Tuesday evenings for our on-going Evening Praise and Communion Worship Service. Starting in June, we will be meeting nearly every Tuesday evening at 7 pm (taking off for July 4 and the Corn Roast on August 15).
If you are not able to worship on a Sunday morning, come on Tuesday evening! Worship is relaxed, with lots of music, color, creativity, and communion. Most weeks we will be worshiping in the Chapel, but on occasion we will move inside and outside the building. For example, on Tuesday, June 6 we will be meeting in the Codington Library on the Lower Level. On Tuesdays, June 20, July 11, July 18, and August 22 we will worship out in the courtyard (weather permitting). Sometimes, we will meet in the Sanctuary and gather in the choir loft for a hymn-themed worship. Signs will be posted on the Chapel door when we are not using that space.
Continuing to lead worship will be Pastor Stephen, Nancy Reinert, Tom Folts, me and other surprises. Music will be provided by Dan Dorty, Mary Lemons, Kathy Yingst, and anyone else who would like to share their gifts of music with us. Let any of those mentioned by name know of your interest and availability.
All ages are welcome, and this coming Tuesday, May 30 we will worship one last time at 6 pm in the Chapel. I will be leading our time together with Dan Dorty’s help. Our theme is “Curiouser and Curiouser.” Come, bring your own take out dinner, relax and praise God! Hope to see you this summer.
May 2023 Session Highlights
May 24, 2023- Rev. Kristal Smith, Presbytery Leader for Governance and Congregational Leadership met with the Session to bring updates on the Presbytery’s work and answer questions. She discussed Rev. Cheryl Galan’s recent retirement and adjustments being made as a result. Of particular interest was Rev. Smith’s discussion of Per Capita giving – how it started and how it is calculated and used. Current per capita is $31/Derry Church member, distributed as follows: $18.95 stays with Carlisle Presbytery, $2.40 to Synod of the Trinity, and $9.65 to General Assembly. Derry pays the per capita for each church member – a total of $27,435 for this year.
- April’s financial reports show that expenses for the month exceeded the budget primarily due to the payment of the per capita giving. However, we are about $18,000 ahead of budget for the year.
- Approved two Capital Procurement Requisitions – the first to rewire the church network, which includes removing old/unused wiring, consolidating junctions, locating and labeling all cables, and installing updated Cat6 wiring. Cost of the project is $12,000. The second project will include upgrading the Chapel bell tower, adding a new stairway between the rear parking lot and Mansion Road entrance, correcting water runoff issues around the church building, and renovations to classrooms 4, 5, and 7AB. Cost of the project is $150,000.
- Reviewed and approved an updated Gift Acceptance Policy which clarifies actions that need to be taken when discussing and receiving gifts being made to the church, whether monetary donations or tangible items.
- Stewardship & Finance has implemented several new policies regarding fund investment and re-balancing. Those items of business were approved.
- Authorized obtaining a business credit card for ME Steelman with a $5,000 limit.
- Reviewed and approved a new position description for a Nursery Childcare Leader. This position will help with scheduling and coordinating care as well as oversight of the nursery. With Sue Fox retiring, a new leader for the nursery is necessary.
Sue Fox Announces Retirement
May 24, 2023While Sue can never be replaced, Derry Church has started the search for a new lead nursery caregiver. Click for the job description. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, resumes can be sent to Gregg Robertson.
Mary Jane Mease • 1927-2023
May 18, 2023Derry Church is a family, with members who play many different roles. Many of our members are essential to our success but make their contributions quietly and steadfastly, while avoiding any recognition for their contributions.
We, as a church, are beholden to those quiet members who contribute so much to making Derry Church a welcoming, caring, and strong congregation.
For Mary Jane Mease, who passed away this past January, Derry Church was at the heart of her life. As she noted in a 2003 oral history interview, her parents met each other in this church, married in this church, and had all nine of their children baptized and confirmed in this church. Mary Jane’s father, Ivan Mease, was one of Derry’s strong leaders and served as the Clerk of Session for 45 years.
Mary Jane was born on November 21, 1927, the fifth child of Ivan and Minnie Dressler Mease. At that time, Derry Church consisted of the original 1884 Chapel, the 1732 Session House (that had not yet been enclosed by the glass structure), and the cemetery. Reverend Taylor (1916-1932) married Mary Jane’s parents in 1920 and baptized all of the Mease children.
Before the Chapel was enlarged (with an east transept, classrooms and social hall on the lower level in 1935), Sunday School was held in the west transept of the Chapel. There were separate Sunday School classes for boys and girls. When Mary Jane was a teenager, the girls’ class was held in one transept and the boys’ class was held in the other transept. One of Mary Jane’s favorite memories of Derry Church was coming to church each Sunday. Her parents gave each of the Mease children two nickels, one for Sunday School and one for the church offering. The nickels would be laid out on the table and the Mease children would pick them up on their way to church. The Mease family took up an entire pew in the Chapel
Growing up in Hershey, Mary Jane attended the Derry Township schools, graduating from Hershey High School in 1946. She also attended the Hershey Junior College before going to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. She spent her working career there, retiring as a Budget Supervisor. Mary Jane never learned to drive a car, relying on public buses or friends to provide transportation when needed.
Mary Jane always lived with her parents. After her father died in 1965, she and her mother moved from 111 Cocoa Avenue to an apartment on W. Granada Avenue. After her mother died in 1985, Mary Jane continued to live in the apartment until months before her death.
Throughout her life, Mary Jane was an active if quiet participant in the life of Derry Church. Mary Jane began singing with the Derry Church choir in 1948. During the early years of the choir, the numbers were small: four men and four or five women. The men sat in the west transept and the women sat in the east transept. Mary Jane continued to sing with the choir until the early 2000s. When a separate choir was established for the 8 am Chapel service in the early 1990s, Mary Jane sang with both the Chapel and Sanctuary choirs. Mary Jane also served as the choir librarian, keeping the music library well organized and the choral music properly filed.
From 1952 to 1967 Derry Church sold dinners during Pennsylvania Dutch Days as a fundraiser. Every year, Mary Jane, along with her mother, helped prepare and serve hundreds of meals on each of the five days Dutch Days was held.
After Mary Jane retired from work, she spent many hours each week volunteering at Derry Church. She took on the responsibility of tidying the pews in the Chapel and Sanctuary, collecting discarded bulletins, making sure the hymnals were properly stored, and that welcome cards and pew offering envelopes were stocked and pencils sharpened. For many years she completed this task on her own. Later she was joined by Marguerite Hunchberger and then Jill Campbell. She also worked in the church office, helping fold the weekly bulletins and filling each one with inserts. She helped with the monthly newsletter mailing and other clerical tasks. Mary Jane enjoyed helping wherever she could and never wanted to be recognized.
At home, Mary Jane enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and always had a puzzle in progress. She took responsibility for the flower bed in front of her apartment building, carefully planting the impatiens and vincas each year, making sure that they were kept watered throughout the growing season.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Pam Whitenack for preparing this week’s feature article.
May 2023 Financial Snapshot
May 17, 2023Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 4/30/23:
| ACTUAL | BUDGETED | |
| Income YTD: | $488,404 | $433,333 |
| Expenses YTD: | 469,633 | 456,961 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) YTD: | 18,771 | (23,637) |
Expenses for the month of April exceeded budget primarily due to the one time, lump sum payment of $27,435 to the Presbytery for our per capita.
New Art Installation coming to Derry Church: Your Photos Needed!
May 17, 2023Derry member Luke Gawron has been commissioned to create a painting for the main entrance of the church, and he’s looking for your help. Luke needs copies or duplicate photos of meaningful times you’ve spent at Derry. Pictures from weddings, funerals, baptisms, retreats, mission trips, corn roasts, chili cook-offs and more will be happily accepted.
These pictures will be cut and assembled together to create an image that will be the subject of his painting, so please be aware that your pictures will not be returned! We anticipate receiving lots of pictures, so please know submitting a picture does not guarantee it will be a part of the final painting.
Pictures can be submitted in person by placing them in the Heritage Committee mailbox between rooms 1 & 2 on the lower level, or submit photos digitally by following this link. All photos must be submitted by July 15.
Derry Church Celebrates These Graduates on Sunday
May 17, 2023HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Rachel DeWees, Palmyra High School
Attending Lebanon Valley College: double major in Early Childhood and Special Education
Parents: David and Rebecca DeWees
Kathryn Kyper, Palmyra High School
Attending University of Pittsburgh: maioring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Parents: Geoff Kyper and Lee Ann Grisolano
Mayangela Speicher, Hershey High School
Attending Point Park University, Pittsburgh: maioring in Cinema Arts
Parents: Doug and Cenaida Speicher
Piper Stagg, The Stone Independent School
Attending the University of New England, Biddeford, Maine: majoring in Marine Biology and minoring in Writing
Parents: Susan and Woody Stagg
COLLEGE GRADUATE
Patrick Gavazzi, Tufts University
Computer Science and Cognitive Brain Science, minors in Italian and Entrepreneurship
Parents: Katie and Bob Gavazzi
Learn About Refugee Resettlement
May 17, 20239:15-10:15 AM SUNDAY, MAY 21 IN THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM AND STREAMING
Alex Swan, Site Director of Church World Service’s Harrisburg office, leads Issues Class this week. About a year-and-a-half ago, CWS opened an office in Harrisburg to help settle refugees assigned to this area. Alex will discuss the process of receiving refugees and establishing Welcome Teams to assist in their resettlement.
May Updates from Presbyterian Women
May 17, 2023- Next Thursday is Orange Day, when PW highlights exploitation of females worldwide. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence has 59 community-based domestic violence programs which work to create pathways to safety and justice for the victims. Their definition of domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior by one person to gain power and control over another in an intimate or familial relationship. Approximately 37% of Pennsylvania women experience some form of this violence or violent stalking during their lifetimes. Counseling and support services for domestic violence victims in Dauphin County can also be found at Victim Witness Assistance Program and YWCA. On May 25, wear orange or an orange ribbon to show awareness of and support for victims and those working to end exploitation of females.
- The extra favors from the Lasses and Lassies Banquet were donated to the Bethesda Women’s Mission for Mother’s Day. The women were delighted to receive them.
M.E. Steelman • Director of Church Life and Connection
May 11, 2023
Have you seen “Prime Timers” in the bulletin or church emails? Are you curious what Prime Timers is all about? Wondering if this new program is worth checking out? Want to learn more? Please read on and discover all that Prime Timers hopes to offer to our church family and to the community.
What is Prime Timers?
Prime Timers is Derry’s newest adult fellowship program. The program has been established to help strengthen the connections between the adults of the church, and our community, through times of fellowship, learning, faith and fun.
Who can attend Prime Timers?
ALL adults are welcome to join us! Prime Timers gathers on Mondays from 12:30-2 pm in Room 7. Prime Timers is open to both our church family and the surrounding community, so we encourage you to share this group with others who may be looking for a way to engage with other adults, meet new friends, expand their knowledge, or feel more connected to their community.
Where did the name, Prime Timers, come from?
Prime Timers meets during the “prime time” of the day, the early afternoon. Our time together is during daylight hours and when most roads are less traveled, making it a “prime time” for all to gather.
What can you expect at a Prime Timers gathering?
Each week will offer a new topic or activity. Our weekly programs rotate between guest speakers, intellectual discussions, engaging bible studies, games & trivia and mission projects. Each program is designed to offer a time for learning and a time for fellowship. On the first Monday of each month we expand our time and offer a $5 soup and salad lunch at 12 noon and then move into our program.
Do you have to attend every Prime Timers gathering?
No! While Prime Timers gathers each week, the program was designed so folks can “come when they can”. While we would love to have you with us each week, we understand that other commitments will make that difficult. We chose to have the program meet weekly to ensure that folks have ample opportunities to gather together, something we know many look forward to doing.
Who leads Prime Timers?
I’m the coordinator of this program and I work closely with both our Membership Connections Committee and Christian Education Committee to create programs that are diverse and dynamic. Guest speakers, church staff members and various committees will help lead individual programs.
How can I learn more about Prime Timers?
Email M.E. Steelman and share that you would like to receive a weekly Sunday email sharing more about the upcoming Monday program.
What’s coming up for Prime Timers?
Monday, May 15 – Hershey Gardens: What’s new? Fun History. Gardening Tips.
Monday, May 22 – Patriotic Trivia & Games
Monday, May 29 – Happy Memorial Day! NO SESSION
Monday, June 5 – Bible Study with Pastor Stephen
“May” We Introduce You to Someone New?
May 10, 2023Come down to the library and check out our collection of BIOGRAPHIES. We have over 200 titles in this category! Travel to Tehran, a Brooklyn homeless shelter, the city that will become Tokyo, or 1930’s Limerick, Ireland. Meet Malala, Phyllis Wheatly, Frank McCourt, Tony Dungy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clint Eastwood…the list goes on and on. Browse biographies in our online catalog or stop in to see the new shelf displays. While you’re there, play Guess Who on the staff biography shelf (do you know whose first job was scooping Italian ice at Cocoa Avenue Plaza?) Add your own life details on the graffiti wall.
The Ruth Codington Library is right inside the door on the building’s lower level at entrance #1. A committee of Derry library lovers have been working diligently to grow and organize our diverse book collection. Want to take something home? All you have to do is remove the card from the back of the book, write your name and the date on it, and place it in the box on the shelf. Easy! Drop in often to check out our monthly library themes.
Derry Church Seeks Information on Recent Graduates
May 10, 2023In preparation for Graduate Recognition Sunday on May 21, the church office needs information on all those graduating from high school, college, and grad school by Wednesday, May 17. Please send the following details to Kathy Yingst: name of the graduate (and their parents); school graduating from, school attending in the fall and anticipated course of study or the graduate’s future plans.
Presbyterian Women Say Thanks
May 10, 2023Thanks to all who made the Lasses & Lassies Banquet such a success: the servers and kitchen crew, models, ones helping with the favors and setting up. Mark your calendars for next year’s event: May 4, 2024.
PW is still gathering items for hygiene bags for the Domestic Violence Center. You can support this effort by contributing sample size or 1-2 oz. tubes of toothpaste, deodorants (under 1.5 oz.), shampoos and lotions (hotel size), and tissue packs. Leave in the PW basket on the mission shelf by June 4. Thanks, Derry!
Introducing Derry’s First Faith Community Nurse
May 7, 2023
Welcome Beckie Freiberg, Derry Church’s first Faith Community Nurse! Click here to meet Beckie in a short video. Beckie will be commissioned in worship on Sunday, May 14. Read the introductory letter that was mailed to the congregation this week. Contact Beckie at care@derrypres.org or 717-500-6102.
Chris Baldrige • Executive Director, Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation
May 4, 2023Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In May we’re lifting up the Pentecost Offering: 40% of gifts received will support the good work of the Community Check-Up Center in Harrisburg.
On behalf of the Community Check-Up Center (CCC), thank you for the very generous donation from the Derry Church congregation. Your support helps CCC to continue to provide free and/or low-cost health care to Harrisburg’s diverse and underserved children and adults. All are welcome, respected and treated regardless of their ability to pay.
Located in Hall Manor, CCC was founded through a request from Head Start mothers and South Harrisburg women to provide support and medical assistance to infants and their families. Over the years, CCC has expanded to provide health care to those from baby to adult. Through generous supporters like Derry Church, CCC is able to enhance and expand patient services.
CCC currently serves a population that self identifies as 53% Hispanic, 36% African American and 6% White. Our clients’ ages range from newborn to over 85 years of age. To date in 2023, the Center has provided over 600 patient visits with access to preventative health screenings, vaccinations, health education, cancer screenings, acute care, hearing, and vision screenings and much more. With our focus on pediatrics, women’s health and family practice, our doctors and nurse practitioners are able to serve the needs of our community.
While our staff is small (two doctors, two Nurse Practitioners and three Medical Assistants), we are able to see patients three days a week from 8 am to 4 pm. We continue to look for highly qualified medical providers to help meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.
Community Check-up Center is fortunate to partner with UPMC, Penn State Health, Dauphin County, Harrisburg Housing Authority and numerous free and low-cost clinics throughout the area. These partnerships ensure that our patients receive timely and professional health care with dignity and respect.
Your financial support helps us as our major sources of income are grants and contributions. Patient payments only account for 18% of our annual budget, but we never turn anyone away regardless of income or ability to pay.
The Community Check-Up Center welcomes volunteers and visitors. Click to learn more.
April 2023 Session Highlights
May 3, 2023- The Communications & Technology committee is recommending adding a piece of wall art to the area behind the Welcome Table and has had discussions with artist Luke Gawron to create the project. Luke has proposed creating a multi-media collage of Derry Church built from photos submitted by congregational members. The Session endorsed the concept. Look for more information in an upcoming Enews.
- The Session approved the use of the church for the wedding of member Michelle Califf to Ron Reboulet later this year, membership roll updates, and a baptism to occur in the summer.
- March’s financial reports show that contributions are ahead of budgeted projections. The Session thanks all who continue to support the church and its programs.
- Approved the Capital Procurement Requisition to replace the roof on the Mansion Road property at a cost of $12,225.
- It was the pleasure of the Session to approve the hiring of Beckie Freiberg, R.N. as Derry’s new Faith Community Nurse. A letter introducing Beckie to the congregation will be prepared, and she will be commissioned in her new role on Sunday, May 14.
- The following Capital Procurement Requisitions were submitted for consideration:
- Communications & Technology proposes a project to rewire the church network. With the addition of new systems over the years, such as phones, security, WIFI access points, the network has become a chaotic jumble of unlabeled cables and wires. This project will remove old and/or unused wiring, consolidate junctions, locate and label all cables, and install updated Cat6 wiring. Cost of the project is $12,000.
- Building & Grounds has received bids to complete the upgrades to the Chapel bell tower, the new stairway between the rear parking lot and the Mansion Road entrance, and upgrades to correct water runoff from the front of the chapel and rear parking lot. Cost of the project is $140,000.
These projects will be reviewed over the next month and voted upon at the May 17 stated meeting. - Christian Education is sponsoring a Family Weekend gathering to be held September 22-24 at Krislund Camp and Conference Center in Madisonburg. Look for more information and how to make reservations in the eNews.
- Christian Education also recommended that the Session approve a youth trip to Corrymeela, Ireland for June 24-July 2, 2024. This trip will provide an opportunity for youth (rising 9th grade through college) to participate in Derry’s 300th anniversary celebration. While in Corrymeela, they will be participating in lectures and programs sponsored by the Corrymeela Community, traveling, and studying reconciliation. More information on this trip will be shared with the youth and the congregation in the future.
Organ Recital Features Helen Anthony
May 3, 20233 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 11 AT MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 901 N. 6TH ST, HARRISBURG
Helen Anthony, Director of Music & Organist at Messiah Lutheran Church, will present organ works by J.S. Bach.
Helen is a 1976 graduate of Westminster Choir College, and completed graduate level course work at West Chester University. She has held church positions in the Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Hershey areas. Helen retired from Derry Church in 2015.
Proceeds of this benefit concert will support restoration of the church’s Moller Organ comprised of three manuals and 33 ranks. General admission tickets are $30 and are 100% tax deductible.
There are also sponsorship opportunities available at the following levels:
- JS Bach $1,500
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart $1.000
- Ludwig Van Beethoven $500
- Frederic Chopin $250
- Friends of Messiah any amount
The recital will last one hour, with a reception following in the social hall. Your support of this inaugural concert insures that future generations will enjoy the organ in worship services praising God.
Love INC’s 3rd Annual #RUNYOURRACE 5K Run/Walk and 1M fun Run
May 3, 20238 AM SATURDAY, JUNE 24 AT SPRING CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 335 EAST AREBA AVE, HERSHEY • REGISTER NOW
Last year over 140 runners and 11 sponsors joined together to raise over $8,400 for the programs of Love INC of Greater Hershey. We are looking forward to another successful event this year and would love for you to join us. The course includes the scenic Milton Hershey School campus.
Cost: $30/Adult and $20/Student by June 5th ($5 increase after 6/5)
Birthday Offering Update #3
May 3, 2023The Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates our history of generous giving. Launched in 1922, the Birthday Offering has become an annual tradition. It has funded over 200 major mission projects that continue to impact people in the United States and around the world. While projects and donation amounts have changed over the years, Presbyterian Women’s commitment to improving the lives of women and children has not changed.
The second project for 2023 is Berhane Yesus Elementary School Kindergarten Construction in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia. Located in the western highlands of Ethiopia, Berhane Yesus Elementary School seeks to change lives by sharing the “Light of Jesus” and by providing the best possible educational experience for children of Dembi Dollo. Berhane Yesus provides children the possibility of a better future by preparing them for the rigorous high school education and a life of Christian service.
The school is the first entry point to education for children of subsistence farmers, migrant workers and displaced groups of people. This K-8 school has been serving the community and been a part of the Presbyterian Church in this rural community since 1921. A kindergarten class was added to the school in 2012, but with no available space for class, the children met in the chapel. Over the years the number of kindergarten students has increased and now a space of their own is not only needed but required by the government to be able to remain open. Western Wollega Bethel Synod provide land for the classroom and the Birthday Offering grant will provide all necessary funding for construction.
Your continued support will allow PW to fund next year’s projects. You can give online, deposit checks in the offering boxes, or mail checks to the church notated “PW Birthday Offering.” Together let us lovingly plant and tend seeds of promise so that programs and ministries can grow and flourish.