Month: November 2023

In addition to our prayers for peace, Derry Church has made equal contributions to two organizations working to help those affected by the recent violence. A donation to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will be used to assist people in Israel. The second has gone to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to aid in repairing the Ahil Hospital in Gaza. May we continue to offer our prayers for the peace negotiations and that these donations will aid recovery efforts in both areas. To hear a presentation on life in Gaza, attend Issues Class on January 7, 2024.

Six books have been selected for the Presbyterian Women’s Peace and Justice book discussion group for 2024:

• JAN 8: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• MAR 11: Our Missing Heart by Celeste Ng
• MAY 13: Transforming; The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke 
• JUL 8: A Place Called Home by David Ambroz 
• SEPT 9: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
• NOV 11: Searching for Savanna by Mona Gable

These book discussions are offered on Zoom from 6:30-8:30 pm and all are welcome with advance registration. Questions for discussion or reflection will be sent with your registration confirmation. Click here to read more and register.  

Volunteer elves are needed for Paxton Presbyterian Church’s PW Santa Shops from Dec 4-14. Select a 2-3 hour commitment with start times varying from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Participating sites include Bethesda Mission for Women and Children, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, First Church of the Brethren, YWCA, Allison Hill Community Ministry, and YMCA. A schedule is posted on the PW bulletin board inside entrance #4.

7 PM FRIDAY, DEC 15 IN THE SANCTUARY

The Milton Hershey School senior division choir, New Horizons, will perform seasonal selections including “In the Bleak Midwinter.” This group of about 50 students between the ages of 14 and 16 are excited to perform at a venue outside of the school, and church members and the public are very welcome to attend.

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. Have you ever been homesick? What did that feel like?
2. What are some things that remind you that we aren’t home yet?
3. What are some glimpses of home you’ve seen in the past year?

7:30 PM FRIDAY, DEC 15 AT MESSIAH UNIVERSITY, CALVIN AND JANET HIGH CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
7:30 PM SATURDAY, DEC 16 AT ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE, LEFFLER CHAPEL
4 PM SUNDAY, DEC 17 AT MARKET SQUARE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HARRISBURG

Experience the magic of A Candlelight Christmas presented by the nationally acclaimed Susquehanna Chorale, a chamber ensemble comprised of 40 auditioned singers. This year’s Candlelight Christmas concerts will include Pachelbel’s Magnificat, Gloria by Randol Alan Bass, the music of Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, and Stephen Paulus, as well as delightful settings of traditional carols including Jingle Bells. A pre-concert recital by Susquehanna Chorale accompanist, Derry’s own Dan Dorty, will be presented 15 minutes prior to each performance.

Participating from Derry Church are singers Janice Click Holl and Greg Harris. Click for tickets.

• Held the examination of two incoming Deacons and approved their ordination and installation on January 14, 2024.
• Approved extending an offer of part-time employment to Allison Cooper as a Nursery Childcare Provider. Scheduled a called Congregational meeting on December 10 to elect Pete Gawron as a Deacon to fill Michelle Califf’s unexpired term due to Michelle’s recent move. 
• Approved a request from Milton Hershey School to use the Sanctuary for a choral concert featuring the school’s Senior Division New Horizon singers on December 15 at 7 pm. Also approved use of Room 7B by the Cocoa Townes HOA to hold their annual meeting on December 4 at 6 pm.
• Giving continues to be below budget expectations. Expenses also continue to be less than the amounts budgeted, however, there will be large year end expenses in December.
• The Session is discussing restarting the traditional offering collection and greeting one another during Sunday worship services. Concerns include being able to recruit volunteers to perform ushering duties, when and how to include these items in the order of service, the impact of interrupting the livestreaming of the service, and congregational health. Discussions will continue.
• Approved Harrisburg’s Stop the Violence group as the recipient of Derry’s portion of the Christmas Joy Offering.
• Approved the addition of Peggy Ladd to the Derry Discovery Board, and DDD’s request to hold a winter fundraiser event on January 20 in Fellowship Hall. The event will include a pancake breakfast, crafts, and a silent auction. There will be a charge of approximately $20 per family to attend. 

Congratulations and thank you, Derry! We have not only reached but exceeded our goal of $50,000 in support of the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania program to build 15 homes for veterans in the Harrisburg area. Construction of the community center is already under way and construction of the tiny home funded by Derry is expected to begin in January.

The excess funds will be held until the project is completed and then donated to VOPA to support some of the programs to be offered to the vets living in the village. Thank you for your support in helping our veterans to reintegrate into today’s society.

Derry friends, make your plans now to be part of Derry’s annual mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Be part of an international group immersed in the local culture that helps to build a new home for a Dominican family. You’ll also have the opportunity and joy to assist with Bible School activities. Cost is $1,600 per person with payment due by March 8. For further information, contact Pete Feil.

2-6 PM SUNDAY, DEC 10 AT THE ENGLEWOOD, 1219 WEST END AVE, HERSHEY

This festive Christmas musical fundraiser brings together Central Pennsylvania artists rallying to help their neighbors facing homelessness: funds raised support our mission partner Christian Churches United. A family friendly event, this concert spotlights performers from the Joy to the Burg 2023 Christmas album. Tickets are $10, children 12 & under are FREE. Can’t make the concert? A CD is available at Karns. More info here.

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 does it mean to you to say, “Christ is King”?
2. One definition of power is force x velocity. Where have you seen power that uses force to achieve its aims?
3. Another definition of power is work over time, what Eugene Peterson has called “a long obedience in the same direction.” What can you do relentlessly day after day to make a difference in this world?

From Sunday, Nov 26 through Sunday, Dec 3, join Derry Church as we spread the joy and share the love! In the Narthex outside Fellowship Hall, you can pick up our 2023 Advent devotional, “Home for Christmas,” and an Advent wreath liturgy booklet, and support our mission partners by:

• Bringing $25 Walmart gift cards for the racetrack ministry and Derry Township Social Ministries (you can take a reminder tag this Sunday, Nov 19 from a tree in the Narthex)
• Dropping off canned goods for the Hershey Food Bank.
• Supporting Allison Hill Community Ministry with donations of sweaters, blankets, coats and jackets for babies, youngsters, teens and adults. Used items in good condition gladly accepted.
• Taking a note card you can fill with cash or a gift card, then pay it forward to someone you meet who’s not expecting it.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 10/31/23:

BEGINS 11 AM MONDAY, NOV 20 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY

You’re invited to join the Monday Morning Bible Study as they begin a new study for Advent: Not A Silent Night: Mary Looks Back At Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton. Questions? Contact Claudia Holtzman.

6 PM TUESDAY, DEC 19 IN THE CHAPEL

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone.

Our spirits sink, as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. For these reasons, Derry offers Longest Night worship, led this year by Pastor Stephen.

Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, communion and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle  – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone is welcome.

7:15 PM SUNDAY, DEC 10 AT FENICCIS RESTAURANT, 102 W. CHOCOLATE AVE.

The Day Trippers also do evenings, and you’re invited to join them after Derry’s Christmas concert for some Christmas fellowship! Those attending will order off the regular menu and everyone will pay for their own meal. RSVP to Sue Whitaker by Sunday, Dec 3.

1:30 PM MONDAY, DEC 11 AT THE DI MATTEO WORSHIP CENTER/CHAPEL

Pastor Stephen will lead worship with communion, prayers, a meditation and carol singing, with organ accompaniment by Kathy Yingst. A time of fellowship follows the service. The Prime Timers have been invited to participate.

If you’d like to share your recipe for the cookies you’re bringing to the Cookie Walk on Dec 2, bring a copy of the recipe with your cookies. Recipes will be displayed with the cookies and people can take a photo or wait for a printed copy to be made available later. 

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. Where do you see signs of hope in the world?
2. How has God given you hope in your life?
3. What do you hope for the world in the future?

We are excited to welcome Shawn to our ministry team as of December 1. He has many years of experience working with children and youth in a Christian Educator role, most recently at Paxton Presbyterian Church.

Shawn has completed seminary and all the requirements to be an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). There are just a couple procedural things that need to be completed before he can accept a position as an ordained pastor. When those things are completed over the next few months, Shawn can then serve as our Associate Pastor for Christian Education.

This is a two-year contract position similar to the annual contract we had with Rev. Marie Buffaloe for many years. Please be in prayer for Shawn and Paxton Church through this transition. Shawn will bring energy, experience, knowledge, and passion to our Christian Education ministry and to Derry Church as a whole.

Shawn Gray grew up in the Pocono Mountains region, graduating from Messiah University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries with a Youth Focus and a minor in Adventure Education. He has served in camps, para-church ministries, behavioral health and rehabilitation services, and parish ministry for the past 20 years. 

Shawn graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity. He is married to Mollie and their family includes an eight-year-old son, Gideon; a five-year old daughter, Mercy, and two rescue dogs, Beryl and Rex. Shawn enjoys working with his hands doing automotive and home repair, going on adventures outdoors and traveling. He has been to Juarez, Mexico, South Africa/Swaziland (Eswatini), Scotland, Palestine (West bank)/Israel, and Canada. Shawn’s ministry inspirations are Mr. Rogers, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Apostle Paul.

Shawn says, “I am excited and honored to be invited to serve at Derry Church. If everyone whom I met so far is any reflection of the church as a whole, it will be a blessing to walk alongside the church and do the good work that God has in store for all of us.”

A donor has matched up to $10,000 in donations given to Derry Church’s Tiny House project, so when we we add $10,000 to the $39,612 raised to date, we are less than $500 from our goal of raising $50,000 to build a tiny home for veterans in Harrisburg! Thanks, Derry!

  Donate to the Tiny House Project  

In September, Derry’s Faith Community Nurse, Beckie Freiberg, erolled in the Westberg Institute’s Faith Community Nursing Course through the West Virginia University School of Nursing. Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is a recognized nursing specialty. The focus of this eight-week online class was on the Spiritual Dimension, Professionalism, Wholistic Health, and Community of the specialty.  

Beckie learned much through the readings and videos, and interacted with fellow classmates through the discussion questions and meeting with the instructor via zoom. Beckie is delighted to report that she has completed the course and can now officially claim the title of FCN. Congratulations, Beckie! We are blessed to have you serving as Derry’s first Faith Community Nurse. Learn more about her role as Beckie leads next week’s Issues Class, 9:15 am Sunday, Nov 19 in room 7B and streaming. 

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM SUNDAY, DEC 3 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Derry’s annual blood drive is a few weeks away. Click here to sign up for your time slot or call 1-800-771-0059. Everyone who comes in to donate will receive a $5 Funcks’ gift card and two admission vouchers to the Pennsylvania Auto Show. Walk-ins also welcome.

2 PM AND 5 PM SUNDAY, DEC 10 IN THE SANCTUARY • 2 PM LIVE STREAMING • FREE WILL OFFERING

“Gaudete” is a fancy word for “Rejoice,” and that’s what the singers and ringers will be doing plenty of at Derry’s 2023 Christmas concert. Featuring our Sanctuary Choir, Derry Ringers, harp and orchestra, you can look forward to hearing works including Angels Carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, Carol of the Bells, and opportunities for the audience to sing along on carols including Angels We Have Heard on High and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Featured soloists include Nina Cline and Christyan Seay. Join us in rejoicing in the birth of our Savior this Christmas season!

According to author Virginia Kroll in one of our library’s children’s books, “there is no official biblical law or teaching in the church that instructs us to say grace before or after meals.” But we do, and many of us will come to the Thanksgiving table with many prayers of gratitude, awash with wonder at the sweetness of it all (from Three Gratitudes by Carrie Newcomer, a favorite of one of our staff members).

Ever wonder where our most loved prayers came from? Looking for ways to get better at praying? Curious how those in other cultures or religions express their thanks? The answers may just be on our library shelves!

Search the “Prayer” or “Thanksgiving” keyword in our online catalog. Or, stop in to browse the shelves where our collection of books about prayer are featured for you to borrow (the library is just inside Entrance #1). While you’re there, don’t forget to add your favorite Turkey Day foods and football predictions to the graffiti wall, then visit the staff shelf to get inspiration from their favorite mealtime prayers (one is an Eagle Scout favorite. Can you guess who has 3 in his or her family?)

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. Where do you see evidence of the world and lives being broken by violence, heartbreak, and despair?
2. What can the church do to help heal, mend, and repair what is broken?
3. What can you do and give to help the church in its mission to bring hope, peace, joy, and love into the world?

PICKUP 4-6 PM SATURDAY, NOV 18 AT HADEE MOSQUE, 245 DIVISION ST, HARRISBURG

Enjoy a sampling of five international dishes while helping to support Church World Services’ refugees and programs! Foods will be prepared from family recipes in a certified kitchen and may be reheated. The Syrian dish has been prepared by a member of the refugee family partnering with Derry Church. 

Cost is $20/box which is a single serving. Order by Monday, Nov 11: read more and click here to order.

The Presbyterian Women Thank Offering is being received through Nov 26. This offering provides grants with an emphasis on women and children and health issues. This year there are seven recipients. Six of the projects are national and one is international: building a health care facility in Zambia. Because of the distances people must travel, care is frequently delayed — one of the primary causes for mortality and morbidity in women and children. The new health center will provide full maternity services and primary care of children. It will have the added benefit of relieving the overcrowding and long wait times throughout rural eastern Zambia.

Thank you for your support of this offering. You may give online, place contributions in the offering boxes marked “Thank Offering,” or mail to the church office. We have so much to be thankful for, and your gifts will help share our abundance with the world.

• Derry’s sponsored Scout troops will offer a Spaghetti Luncheon (eat in or take out) on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Fellowship Hall following the 10:30 worship service. Derry members Dora Butler and Daniel Eisenhooth will be married Saturday, June 8, 2024 in the Chapel at 6 pm. Both building use requests were approved at the recent session meeting.
• The Session approved a proposal to engage the services of Achenbach & Curry to perform accounting and bookkeeping services and assist us with simplifying our financial system.
• The Treasurer again reported that September giving was below budget expectations. Expenses also continue to be less than the amounts budgeted.
• Derry Discovery Days would like to add play equipment to the outdoor playground. They have proposed purchasing a climb and slide structure suitable for children between the ages 2-5 years. DDD will pay all costs associated with the purchase and installation using proceeds from recent fundraisers and pandemic funding given to childcare centers. The project was approved.
• The Session received an audit report of Derry’s financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2022 from Boyer & Ritter, LLC. No significant issues were encountered by the auditors in reviewing our financial records.
• Rev. Ira Reed’s children contacted Pastor Stephen to request approval to be buried in Derry’s Cemetery. Given their association with Derry and the fact that space is available, the request was granted. The interested parties are William and Ann (Reed) Rundorff, Jim and Kathleen Reed, and Barbara Reed.
• The Derry 300 Committee submitted a Capital Procurement Requisition to contract with River Valley Landscapes to install a pond and appropriate landscaping adjacent to the Derry Church spring pump house, which is located on the adjacent Hershey Country Club fairway. The project will re-create the original spring pond that was critical to the early Derry Church settlers. The cost of the landscaping is $10,500 and will come from the Derry 300 Anniversary fund. The pond will be accompanied by a mural painted on the pump house featuring early settlers gathered around the spring. An informational sign is also planned to be installed on the edge of the church parking lot explaining the significance of the spring to members and visitors. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and the Country Club have approved the project with the Country Club agreeing to assume responsibility for maintenance of the pond following construction. The Session requested additional information from the committee including whether Derry Township approval and any permits will be required. The project will be discussed with session committees and a vote taken at a later meeting after receiving the requested information.

Presenting Derry’s 2023 keepsake ornament handcrafted by blacksmith Mark Smith! These charming metal tree ornaments are 3″ wide by 2″ high and cost $15 each.

On Nov 5 and Sundays in November, you can purchase ornaments in the Narthex after both services. Stop by the church office during the week and ask for Sue George. 

Proceeds fund scholarships for students who attend Presbyterian Education Board schools in Pakistan. Only 150 ornaments have been made, so don’t wait to get yours and add to (or start) your collection. 

12 PM SATURDAY, DEC 2 IN ROOM 7

Derry friends, you’re invited to a “Zoom Party” to celebrate 25 years since the denationalization of Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) schools in Pakistan. We’ll connect online with PEB’s Executive Director Veda Gill and other staff members as they share stories and pictures of the past and dreams for the future.

We’ll participate using Derry Church’s Zoom Room as we gather with PEB supporters from all over the US to celebrate this important milestone.

Bring your lunch. Cookies & beverages will be provided. If you can’t attend at Derry in person, you’re welcome to join the party on Zoom.

4 PM FRIDAY, NOV 10 & 17, 2023
8 AM TO FINISH SATURDAY, NOV 11 & 18, 2023

Bring your rakes and join the Gardeners of Derry to work outdoors preparing the church grounds for the winter. Pickup trucks and wheelbarrows are welcome and appreciated. 

It’s time to order poinsettia plants that will brighten the church during the Advent season. After Christmas, you’re invited to take your poinsettias home to enjoy for weeks to come. A single plant is $13 and baskets are $32. Order forms are available at the insert rack in the Narthex. Deadline: Sunday, Dec 10.  

9 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, DEC 2 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Start looking for that special cookie recipe! Derry Church families are encouraged to donate at least one batch of homemade cookies (2-4 dozen or more). Drop off on Friday, Dec 1 or by 9 am on Saturday. Include a label with name of the cookie. If cookies contain nuts, peanut butter or almond extract and the name does not reflect that ingredient, please list that information on the label.

Cookies are sold by the pound. Proceeds support Presbyterian Women’s mission goal for 2024. Contact Doris Feil to volunteer to set up on Friday or sell cookies on Saturday.

Jumbles Shop donated items are restricted to jewelry, nice Christmas decorations, collectibles, and items suitable for gifts, all in good condition. Items can dropped off in Room 7A from Nov 20-30.