Month: September 2023

• Approved a building use request from Derry member Bob Foster to host a seminar with guest instructors on the martial art of Japanese swordmanship on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11 from 9:30 am – 4 pm both days in Fellowship Hall.
• Transferred the membership of Doug & Denise Ebner to First Presbyterian Church in Grove City, Ohio.
• The Treasurer reported that August income not only was below budget but also was the lowest income month in over 10 years. We are currently $65,000 under our budgeted income for the year to date. Expenses also less than the amount budgeted offsetting some of the negative effect of the lower income.
• The Personnel Committee requested approval of an updated Employee File Retention Guideline policy to ensure compliance with federal laws. After review, the Session approved the new policy.
• The Personal Committee also submitted a position Description for an Associate Pastor for Christian Education/Director of Christian Education that was developed in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee. Considering M.E. Steelman’s recent announcement to step away from her position, the Committees are developing a plan to hire support for Christian education and ongoing faith formation at Derry. The current plan would be to employ an interim individual to give the committees time to establish a long-term Christian education vision for Derry. The eventual plan may be to hire an Associate Pastor as outlined in the submitted job description. After discussion, the job description and a process for interviewing individuals for the interim position were approved.
• The Communication & Technology Committee submitted a CPR for additional chancel mics and related electrical work. The cost of the project is approximately $15,000 and will be funded through the generous support of a Derry member. Elders will review the CPR with their committees to address any questions or concerns.
• Communication & Technology also submitted for review a project to install new interior signs. These signs will be designed & installed by Stoner Graphix, the same company who prepared our exterior signs. The project was approved at a cost of $9,996.60.
• The Stewardship & Finance Committee submitted preliminary expense budget numbers for 2024 based on the committees’ requests totaling $1,442,335. The 2024 Stewardship campaign will kick off on Sunday, October 1 with this year’s theme being “God Gives.”
• Pastor Stephen has proposed to the Personnel Committee that his terms of call remain the same for 2024. Rather than receive an increase, he suggested using the Brong Scholarship to fund an opportunity he has to visit India in 2024. He would use his experience in traveling to lead a class on exploring world religions through the lens of Christianity. After discussion, the session approved using the Brong Scholarship to cover up to $10,000 of Pastor Stephen’s travel expenses.
• Stewardship & Finance requested approved to change signatories on Derry’s Vanguard accounts. New signatories will be Greg Taylor, Duncan Campbell and George Porter. The request was approved.

The Session met last Wednesday and discussed our immediate staffing needs since M.E. Steelman is transitioning out of her position as Director of Church Life and Connection in order to have more time with her family.

The Personnel Committee heard from the Christian Education Committee about the biggest needs and desired timeline for additional staff help, particularly with our children and youth programming.

Session approved a proposal and process to search for an Interim Associate Pastor for Christian Education or Director of Christian Education. This would be a two-year position with the possibility of applying for a permanent position if the church discerns this is the kind of position we need long-term. This two-year position will give us immediate stability for Christian Education programs as well as time to discern long-term staffing model needs.

The Personnel Committee will work with the Christian Education committee to interview candidates. We will identify and interview candidates over the next month.

9 – 11 AM SATURDAY, SEPT 30 AT PATRIOT PARK, 161 PATRIOT WAY, HUMMELSTOWN (OFF ROUTE 39)

Join the fun as our preschool raises funds for playground improvements, including a new slide structure. Derry Church and Discovery Days students and family members will be biking, scootering, strollering, or walking 1/4 mile loops around the park and then celebrating with fall treats and activities. If you’d like to donate to the cause, ask any DDD student about contributing to their personal fundraising page, or you can write a check payable to Derry Church notated Discovery Days fundraiser.

Sign up in the Narthex on Sundays or click here to join the Derry Church walkers or to make a donation

The 38th Annual Hershey/Hummelstown CROP Hunger Walk is right around the corner! On Sunday, Oct 22 churches from the Hershey/Hummelstown area will once again join Church World Service to raise funds to end hunger around the world and here at home. 25% of the funds raised stay here to support local food banks and feeding programs.

During the pandemic fundraising lagged, but the number of hungry people continued to grow. The Hershey/Hummelstown CROP Hunger Walk planning team hopes to get back on track this year by increasing the number of walkers and donations. Our community goal is $10,000. We can meet that goal with your help:

1. Mark your calendar and join the Walk on Sunday, October 22 at 2 pm on the Milton Hershey School grounds. 
2. Invite family, friends, and leashed pets to join you.
3. Request donations from family, friends, and neighbors.
4. Register for the walk online or at the registration table in the Narthex between services and after the 10:30 am service. Registration and donations will also be accepted at the CROP Walk. Look for the registration table near the start line.
5. Make a donation: you can give online or make checks payable to Derry Church, notated CROP Hunger Walk 2023.
6. Contact Marilyn Koch, Carl Rohr, or Jane Robertson if you have questions.

Please support the Walk in any way you are able.  It’s easy, it’s fun, and it does a whole lot of good!

You’re invited to contribute to Derry’s 2023 Advent Devotional, “Home for Christmas.” This year we’re focusing on how we find hope, peace, joy, and love at home during the Advent and Christmas season.

You could write about what brings you hope when you think about being home (or your family being home) for Christmas, or what you’ve learned about peace while at home for Christmas (or longing to be home). You could write about focusing on joy in your home, or how love is found at home for Christmas.

Click this link to sign up to share a meaningful message of faith with your church family this holiday season. Submissions due to Sue George by Monday, Nov 6.

10 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, NOV 4 IN ROOM 7 

For those grieving the loss of a loved one, this workshop helps with support, encouragement and advice for the upcoming holiday season. Free. RSVP requested: email the church office or call 717-533-9667.

4 PM SUNDAY, NOV 5 IN THE SANCTUARY • FREE WILL OFFERING

Rizzetta’s Tones is a Celtic Americana band comprised of ‘fraternal twin’ hammer dulcimers, silver flute, high and low whistles, guitar, bass guitar, plus alto and bass melodions. Their sound is often spiced up with button accordion, Greek bouzouki, mandolin, autoharp, ukulele, as well as bodhran, djembe, and other percussion instruments (yes, even three frogs!)

Band members Randy Kochel, Amanda Wells, Linda Lohr, Bill Stine and Jared McDonald sing lead and backing vocals on songs poignant and humorous. Repertoire includes music from Ireland, Scotland, and the USA, drawing as well from the traditions of other lands. 

Forging new arrangements and writing their own material, the ensemble presents audiences with a pleasing twist while respecting musical traditions. Members have previously performed and recorded with Gladly Playe Wyth Stryngs, From the Well, Fargo Wagon, and Crofter’s Heir. Get ready for a journey of exciting instrumental and vocal experiences!

You are invited to ponder and discuss the following questions with your family, with small groups and committees, or on your own so what happens in worship can follow you, inspire you, and guide you throughout the week:

1. When have you wondered in awe at the majesty of God’s creation: its beauty, vastness, or intricacy?
2. How have you been most appreciative of the gift of creation? When have you taken it for granted or not treated it as well as you could?
3. God gives us the gift of creation: of life and a place to live it. How might this gift inspire us to give in a similar way?

9 AM – 2 PM SATURDAY, OCT 7 AT THE HARRISBURG KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1127 SLATE HILL ROAD, CAMP HILL

Come experience Korean culture through activities, and folk performances! A variety of Korean foods are available for purchase (Bibimbob, Bulgogi, Kimchi, etc) for $10-$20. Enjoy performances by the Harrisburg Korean Culture School and Selahart group from 11 am – 1 pm.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 8/31/23:

Treasurer’s note: August income was the lowest in over 15 years, resulting in a year-to-date deficit for the first time this year, even though expenses for the month were below budget.

Drainage work behind Fellowship Hall will be under way by the end of the month, which may block access to a number of parking spaces along the back of the building during the week. Watch for signs and heavy equipment in use.

A congregational meeting will follow 10:30 am worship on Oct 8 for the purpose of electing six elders and five deacons for the class of 2026, and four church members to serve on the 2024 nominating committee.

These Derry members have accepted nominations: 

Elders, class of 2026: Marion Alexander, Elizabeth Southerlan, Wally Patton, Mike Leader, Greg Taylor, and Julie Miller.

Deacons, class of 2026: Jim Provins, Cindy Wolfe, James Gorman, Lori Klucker, and Dottie Bossler.

2024 Nominating Committee: Bill Parrish, Suzie Gloeckler, Luke Gawron, and Mike Kinney

5-7 PM SUNDAY, OCT 22 IN ROOM 7

Derry’s 3rd and 4th graders and their families are invited to join us for our Bible Exploration program. This fun evening will have us exploring the bible, learning to better navigate the Bible, hearing fun stories and facts hidden in the Bible, and preparing the children to receive their next-level Bibles in worship on Sunday, Oct 29. Dinner is provided.

Please RSVP to M.E. Steelman by Sunday, Oct 15.

1 PM MONDAY, OCT 16 ON ZOOM: CLICK TO JOIN 

Tech Time welcomes back Jerry Mitchell, Education and Outreach Specialist at the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, to talk with us about how to avoid scams that are prevalent during the holiday season. In July Jerry gave a well-received presentation on identity theft, and we’re glad to welcome him back for another helpful and important program.

10-11 AM SATURDAY, OCT 28 IN THE DERRY CHURCH PARKING LOT

Families, you’re invited to enjoy a safe space to “Trunk or Treat” with your little ones. There is no cost to participate, simply come in costume and enjoy saying hello and trick-or-treating with your church friends. 

Individuals, couples and families can join the fun by decorating their vehicles and providing candy for the “Trunk or Treat” experience. Let us know you’ll participate:

• Register a Trunk or Treat Vehicle
• Register Your Trunk or Treaters

Candy donations welcome! Drop candy in the designated box at entrance #1.

You are invited to ponder and discuss the following questions with your family, with small groups and committees, or on your own so what happens in worship can follow you, inspire you, and guide you throughout the week:

1. When you hear the word grief, what image, name, or situation first comes into your mind?
2. When have you felt anticipatory grief: that feeling we get about what the future holds when we’re uncertain?
3. Have you ever felt closer to God, or felt filled with God’s love and grace, while you grieved? How did faith help your grief process?

Orange Day is the day Presbyterian Women recognize exploitation of females worldwide and the work being done to end it. Recent headlines highlighted the arrest of a woman for violating labor/sex trafficking laws in running 10 massage parlors as fronts in York, Dauphin, and Cumberland Counties. Some articles highlighted local community programs (mostly in Cumberland County) dedicated to providing services and opportunities to help victims of labor/sex trafficking escape their situations.

Check out Greenlight Operation and Peace Promise for more information and wear orange or an orange ribbon on Monday to show support for the victims and those working with them.

Bring your coins for the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Change 4 Children Offering on Sunday, Sept 17

Last year 2,386 vulnerable and orphaned children in Zambia were helped to find family, education, and community through ACE. Zambian girls are less likely to complete their education due to expectations for many girls regarding domestic responsibilities, early marriage, or pregnancy. ACE champions gender equality and maintains a 50/50 enrollment ratio of boys and girls in their schools. Your donations support ACE’s efforts to educate vulnerable children.

Change 4 Children baskets will be available at entrances to the Chapel and Sanctuary to collect your donations to continue this and other ACE programs. Bring your change in zip-closed bags, remembering to bag any foreign coins separately. Check that the bag is free of paper clips, pins, batteries, buttons — anything that is not legal tender — as these clog the coin sorting machine.  

Change 4 Children is collected quarterly at Derry Church. The next offering will be received on Sunday, Dec 10.

Fellowship at Troeg’s
7 PM THURSDAY, SEPT 28 AT TROEGS BREWING COMPANY, 200 E. HERSHEYPARK DRIVE

Hike to Hawk Rock Overlook
9 AM SATURDAY, OCT 21
Meet at the church to carpool

Questions? Contact Pastor Stephen

4-7 PM SUNDAY, OCT 1 AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 64 W. CHOCOLATE AVENUE, HERSHEY

We know we’re called to help those in poverty, but it can be difficult to know what to do. How can we understand what it’s like to be poor? Participating in Poverty Simulation is a great first step.

First United Methodist Church Hershey is partnering with Tri-County Community Action to offer Poverty Simulation, a true-to-life role-playing experience where you can learn first-hand the challenges, decisions, and life of someone in poverty. Groups will be faced with daily decisions ranging from how to get the kids to school on time, find or maintain employment, visit the assistance office or church, pay your bills, and keep a roof over your head…all in the span of a few hours. 

Register online by Sept 24 to participate in this thought-provoking, immersive experience. It’s FREE and recommended for adults and youth.

You are invited to ponder and discuss the following questions with your family, with small groups and committees, or on your own so what happens in worship can follow you, inspire you, and guide you throughout the week:

1. Can you remember a time you were really disappointed? How did you reconcile with that feeling and move on from it?
2. What disappoints you about the world? How has that affected the way you see the world and act on a daily basis?
3. Jesus and Mr. Rogers urge us to look for the good when disappointment threatens to overwhelm us. Where do you see goodness, and love, and beauty in the world?

9:15-10:15 AM SEPT 10-17-24 7 OCT 1 IN ROOM 7 • The Sept 10 class is hybrid: attend via Zoom or participate with others in our Zoom Room (Room 7 on the lower level). Buz Myers will be in person for the remaining sessions, which will also be live streamed.

One of our most popular lecture-based adult educators returns to Derry Church for four weeks beginning Sunday, Sept 10. The Rev. Charles (Buz) Myers, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at Gettysburg College and an ordained minister in the PCUSA, tells us about “The Genius of Mark the Evangelist.”

Down through the years the Gospel of Mark has taken a back seat to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The reasons for the depreciation of Mark are many and varied. In the first place, Mark does not have the literary polish of Luke or the highly stylized format of Matthew.

Furthermore, Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the canonical Gospels, and it lacks some of the familiar stories about and teachings of Jesus that the other Gospels contain. As a result, the Gospel of Mark has been overshadowed by the “fuller” and “more refined” accounts of Matthew and Luke.

In recent years there has been an ever-increasing apprecia­tion for the Gospel of Mark. As the earliest of the canonical Gospels, Mark’s Gospel represents a remarkable achievement in its own right. For this reason, Mark’s poignant portrayal of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will be the focus of this four-week study. We’ll consider such pertinent topics as the identity of Jesus, the role of suffering in the life of Christ and his followers, the meaning of true disciple­ship, and the proper place of miracles in the Christian community.

SEPT 10: Jesus, the Wonder-Worker: A Study of Mark 1:1 – 6:6
SEPT 17: Jesus, the Predictor: A Study of Mark 6:7 – 10:52
SEPT 24: Jesus, the Prophet: A Study of Mark 11:1 – 14:72
OCT 1: Jesus, the Crucified Messiah: A Study of Mark 15:1-16:8

Big congratulations to the winners of our Summer Reading Challenge, Hudson and Oliver Bartz! These pint-sized readers won the big prize of naming an upcoming sermon. They requested Transformers. Will the beast rise? Will there be an appearance from Optimus Prime? Stay tuned…it will surely be more than meets the eye. Thanks to everyone who participated and visited the library this summer. Come back often!

Did you know you can spell L-I-B-R-A-R-Y with symbols from the periodic table? Makes sense since reading is elemental! Visit the Codington Library this back-to-school September and check out our collection of books about science.

• Interested in science and theology? Try Wrestling with the Divine (231 Kni)
• Brush up on your theoretical physics in a graphic novel about Stephen Hawking (YA Bio Haw)
• Study the archaeology of ancient Egypt (J 932 Log)
• Let Fred Rogers explain the psychology of families (PE 306 Rog)
• Try your luck with botany and plan a Bible Garden for next spring (635 Hep)
• Have medical questions or want to be an ally for someone in your life? We have titles about anxiety, autism, cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and many more.

Search these keywords and titles anytime in our online catalog, or stop in to browse the shelves (the library is just inside Entrance #1). While you’re there, don’t forget to write on the Back-to-School graffiti wall and see how our staff answered questions about their favorite school memories.

Our mission partner, the Harrisburg-based Community Check-Up Center, can make good use of your spare 2024 calendars (wall calendars, planners, etc.). Calendars are shared with clients to help them keep track of upcoming appointments.

From entrance #1, go to the mission closet in the corner of the library. Drop your calendars in the white basket marked “Stickers & Calendars.” Thanks, Derry!

4 PM SUNDAY, SEPT 24 IN THE SANCTUARY • FREE WILL OFFERING

Tyler Canonico, nationally acclaimed organist and Minister of Music and Organist at Market Square Presbyterian Church, and Derry’s own Dan Dorty will present the works of classical composers, hymn arrangements, and movie music including Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and more! Come hear our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ and Steinway & Sons concert grand piano in action for an afternoon of exciting music.

ARRIVE AT 12 PM, LUNCH SERVED 12:30 PM MONDAY, SEPT 18 AT SKYLINE COMMONS PARK, UPPER PAVILION, 305 SHORT STREET, WEST HANOVER TWP (HARRISBURG)

All are welcome to join the fun and fellowship. Here’s what will be provided:

• Turkey and cheese roll ups
• Paper plates, cups, napkins, silverware, table cloths
• Cooler with ice and bottled water

Please bring a dish to share. RSVP to Kathy McGrath.

Directions to Skyline Commons Park (about 15 minutes from Derry Church):

E. Derry Rd, left on 743 N/Park Ave
Left on Hershey Park Rd/PA-39
Right on PA-39 W
Left on Manor Dr. (Abrahams Restaurant on corner)
Left on Avondale (first street after the stop sign) look for brown Skyline Commons drive sign
Left on Short Street
Left into Skyline Park/Ray Straining Ct.

The pavilion has bathrooms, electric and picnic tables.  In case of bad weather, the potluck will be held at church in room 7.

You are invited to ponder and discuss the following questions with your family, with small groups and committees, or on your own so what happens in worship can follow you, inspire you, and guide you throughout the week:

1. What situation or circumstance has made you feel bitter? How did you resolve those feelings?
2. Have you known someone you would describe as bitter? What was it like being in relationship with them?
3. How does faith help you deal with your own, or someone else’s bitterness? What is a faithful way to engage with this hard feeling?