Month: January 2025

6:30-8:30 PM FRIDAY, FEB 28 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | FREE!

Bring a dessert to share and lace up your dancing shoes: it’s time for Derry’s annual square dance! Half-way through we’ll take a break to sample some delicious homemade desserts, and the best-dressed boy and girl will be recognized. Bring a friend or neighbor! All ages welcome.

2 PM SUNDAY, MAR 2 IN THE LOUNGE

All females are invited to the 2025 Winter Tea themed “Songs of Faith.” Attendees will share a story or memory of a special song or hymn of faith. Singing is not required, but you can if you wish. It’s a great time to get to know fellow members and children better: no one is too young or too old to enjoy fellowship, tea and treats. 

Dear Sponsor, Greetings of the day! My name is Simran. I am study in class 3rd. My father is a laborer and is very hard working. My favourite subject is English and Science. My class teacher is very caring. I love to sit in my new classroom. Thank you for your generosity. God bless you.

Since 2012, 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 6,000 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 11 scholarships every year. You can help.

One share is $40, making it easy to support a portion of a scholarship so that more children can receive a quality, life-changing education. A full scholarship is $400/year for a day student and $800/year for a boarding student.  

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or click here to read more and make your donation online. 

This fundraiser continues through February.

The Blanket Offering is collected in February. We are so blessed to live in warm comfortable homes with access to convenient hygiene. Think about people displaced from their homes due to a natural disaster or homelessness. Great comfort can be provided by the simple objects of a blanket and a hygiene kit. Church World Service provides these to shelters and emergency centers.  

This winter, central and southern Ohio experienced record-breaking cold and widespread power outages. Many people found themselves seeking refuge in local warming centers. CWS provided blankets and hygiene kits for these shelters to hand out to their guests. Bethlehem on Broad Street, an ecumenical Christmas Day event in Columbus, Ohio, was so thankful for the supplies they were able to hand out.

• A $10 donation provides a blanket to someone in need
• A $25 donation provides both a blanket and a hygiene kit, offering warmth and essential supplies
• A $60 donation funds a family bundle, providing blankets and hygiene kits for an entire family, ensuring they have what they need in challenging times.

Imagine the impact of your compassion for someone experiencing a dire need, and give generously to the Blanket Offering. Click here to give online, or give cash or checks (to Derry Church, notated Blanket Offering) using envelopes in the pew rack and placed in an offering box or returned to the church office.

• Re-elected Kathy Yingst as Clerk of Session and Michelle Curry, CPA of Achenbach & Curry, as Treasurer for terms of one year.
• Greg Taylor of Stewardship & Finance reported that due to generous congregational giving and underspending by church committees, we finished 2024 with a positive change in net assets of $86,243. After discussion, the Session approved adding 50% of this overage to the general budget equity account to be available for use towards a potential deficit at the end of 2025, 25% to the Capital Facilities Fund, and 25% to Mission for special projects.
• The Session reviewed and approved Pastor Shawn’s 2025 Covenant of Agreement.
• Tom Davis and Mike Leader will be Session’s representatives on the Nominating Committee.
• All active Elders were elected as Commissioners for the 2025 Presbytery meetings.
• The Session amended Derry’s Building Use Policy by adjusting the impact fees charged to outside groups. In the future, any non-profit group wishing to use space within the church will be given a 25% discount on the rental fee.
• Approved the use of the Chapel and Fellowship Hall on March 15 by the Children of the American Revolution. This group is staying in Hershey for its state conference and is interested in using Derry for a short memorial service due to our historic cemetery. They plan to lay a wreath on a grave of a Revolutionary War veteran as a remembrance.
• The Churches Helping Churches grant program has been renewed for 2025. New applications should be submitted by April 15. This year’s budget for the program is $30,000 which will be taken from the Futures Fund.
• This May through July, Emma Burke will be working as a summer AV Intern. Emma is studying public relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
• Two Easter worship services will be held this year at 9 and 11 am. Breakfast will be served from 8 until 10:30 am.
• The Christian Education Committee’s request to add one additional paid nursery worker for Terrific Tuesdays was approved. Personnel will look for additional nursery workers to create a pool of back-up workers to ensure compliance with the Safe Children Standards.
• Danielle Gobel was hired as a Derry Discovery Days substitute.
• Derry is working with the Friends of PEB to gather a group of 8-12 people who will travel to Pakistan in October. Up to $30,000 from the Futures Fund has been approved to defray some of the costs associated with the trip for Derry members and PEB in Pakistan.
• The Membership Connections Committee would like to give each new member family a copy of the 300th anniversary children’s book. They will solicit sponsors for book donations for this purpose.

9:15-10:15 AM SUNDAYS, FEB 23-MAR 16 IN THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM

The winter series of New Member Discovery Classes gives you the opportunity to learn more about the mission and ministry of Derry Church, and discover how you’d like to share your talents in the life of the church. You’ll also meet staff and leaders over the course of four weeks and tour the church. Those who decide to join will be received on Sunday, Mar 16.

Registration by Feb 19 is appreciated but not required: sign up online or call the church office (717-533-9667).

The 2025 directory will be printed in late March, so now is a great time to have a new photo taken — especially those families whose children have grown up a lot since their last photo. Anyone who would like a new photo (or who never had a photo taken) is encouraged to have one taken by Sue George on Sunday mornings following the worship services, or you can stop in the church office during the week. To schedule a time, send Sue an email. Or look for Sue in the Narthex or Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings.

On Orange Day, Presbyterian Women focus on the exploitation of females worldwide by wearing orange or an orange ribbon.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in reporting cases. One of the most persistent myths is the assumption that it exclusively involves abduction or kidnapping, but this is true for less than 10% of trafficking cases nationally. Instead, traffickers groom their victims over time, exploiting vulnerabilities like age, poverty, substance abuse or unstable housing. Many victims already know their traffickers, and most traffickers are of the same ethnic group as the victims.

Wear orange Saturday to show support for those trying to end human trafficking.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 12/30/24:

As the new year begins, our office staff is working to cut down on paper waste (we recycle lots of Sunday bulletins). One way we can do that is by printing fewer copies. Bulletins will be available at all the entrances: take what you need as you enter, and share if possible. Consider if you need to take one: at the 10:30 am service, you can participate without a bulletin. We invite you to give it a try!

4 PM SUNDAY, FEB 16 IN THE SANCTUARY | FREE WILL OFFERING

The Knotwork Band — Kevin Long, Tommy Kochel and Victoria Visceglia — is a Central Pennsylvania trio that performs Celtic folk music from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Brittany, as well as American and World music with ties to Celtic folk music. The band’s music has the strong influence of such modern groups as The House Band, Lúnasa, Old Blind Dogs, and Silly Wizard (as well as Andy M. Stewart solo).

The wide spectrum of musical styles (ranging from beautiful airs and waltzes to sprightly jigs and reels) and the variety of instrumentation (silver flute, high and low whistles, wooden flute and piccolo, guitar, resophonic mandolin, hardanger mandolin, banjo mandolin, cittern, bodhráns, bones, and vocals make The Knotwork Band at home performing at all venues imaginable.

Presbyterian Women are collecting items for hygiene bags that will be given to clients at the Domestic Violence Center in Harrisburg. Here’s a list of needed items:

• Wash cloths
• Large-tooth combs
• Tissue packets 
• Deodorants
• Disposable razors
• Travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, lotion and soap

Drop donations in the PW basket in the mission closet in the lending library downstairs. Donations accepted through May. Thanks, Derry!

• At the Session meeting on December 18, the Session met with incoming officers: elders Bill Alexander and Matt Smoluk, and incoming deacon Lynn Porter, to examine them as required by the Book of Order. All were approved and will be ordained/installed at Sunday worship on January 12, 2025.
• The Session approved a request from the Susquehanna Chorale to use the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18 from 9 am-12 pm.
• Updates to the active membership roll were approved.
• Approved Derry’s 2025 operating budget as follows: $1,399,951 income, $1,443,081 expenses, leaving a projected deficit of $43,130. Historically, expenses are less than budget projections and with the addition of a portion of the income from the Anderson Trust, any shortfall, if it occurs, can be minimized. The Session also reviewed and approved the budget for the management of Derry’s rental properties.
• Stewardship & Finance reported that with the end-of-year giving and underspending of budgets by the committees, we will end 2024 with a budget surplus. The Session will address how to use the surplus at the January 2025 meeting when final 2024 figures are available.
• Using the Churches Helping Churches grant program, the Session awarded grants to two churches in the Carlisle Presbytery: Wells Valley and Monaghan. A third grant was made to Wesley AME Zion Church in Harrisburg through the Futures Fund.
• Financial counters who will assist Summer Hakkinen with the preparation of contribution deposits were approved.
• Approved a Stewardship & Finance request to obtain a credit card for Shawn Bentley from Northwest Savings with a $5,000 limit.
• Approved the Presbyterian Women 2024 collections: Blanket + Fund, Birthday and Thank offerings. The Cookie Walk Jumbles Shop event will be held Saturday, Dec 6.
• The Session is thankful for member contributions to the Terrific Tuesday free meal program. To bolster the fund for 2025, $7,500 was moved from the Futures Fund to the meal program.
• The term of active service will end in January for elders: Ryan Bartz, Cindy DeMuth, Becca Farbaniec, Tom Kitzmiller, Pam Whitenack and Julie Yutesler. Thank you to these elders for their leadership over the past three years, which included many upgrades to the church building, staff transitions, and celebrating Derry’s 300th anniversary.

10 AM SUNDAY, JAN 26 AT WESLEY UNION A.M.E. ZION CHURCH, 2219 N. 5TH STREET, HARRISBURG

Pastor Stephen has been invited by Pastor David Miller to preach at his church, and you’re invited, too! Pastor Miller has led two Issues Classes at Derry on the history of the AME Zion Church (part 1 and part 2) and our youth have also worshiped at the Harrisburg church. 

Pastor Shawn will lead worship at Derry Church on Jan 26.

5 PM SATURDAY, FEB 8 IN THE SANCTUARY

The night before Annual Meeting Sunday, Derry Church reprises “Basically Broadway:” members and friends of Derry singing new and classic Broadway favorites. It will be a fun night of laughter, music, and fellowship.

In person only, no live streaming. Nursery care available with RSVP: call the church office at 717-533-9667.

6 PM TUESDAY, FEB 18 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY

In honor of Presidents’ Day, this month’s prompt will be, “My favorite President is…”  Volunteers from the group will take turns speaking for two minutes on who is their favorite President, and why. Then other group participants will ask curious questions to understand more about the speaker’s connection and affinity for that President. It’s a great chance to learn more about each other, our pasts, our experiences, our values, and our hopes. Pastor Stephen moderates the conversation and everyone is welcome.  

Emergency departments nationwide are seeing a sharp increase in Norovirus cases, alongside ongoing flu outbreaks. This highly contagious virus — also known as the “stomach bug,” gastroenteritis, or the “winter vomiting illness” — is the leading cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and foodborne illness in the U.S.

What is Norovirus?
Norovirus affects people of all ages and is most commonly spread during the winter months, although it can occur year-round. Symptoms often appear suddenly, usually within 1-2 days of exposure.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Symptoms generally last 2-3 days but can linger in some cases. Staying hydrated is critical, as Norovirus can quickly lead to dehydration. Warning signs of dehydration include:

• Decreased urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Sleepiness
• Dry eyes or reduced tears, especially in children

If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Keep infected family members home from work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent further spread.

How Norovirus Spreads
Norovirus spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or ingestion of contaminated food and drink. Because it’s so contagious, it can easily sweep through households, schools, and workplaces.

Prevention Begins with Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or when preparing food. Hand sanitizer is not effective against Norovirus.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly with bleach-based cleaning products and allow them to air-dry.
• Handle laundry with care by washing soiled clothing or linens in hot water and drying them thoroughly. Wash your hands after handling contaminated items.
• Avoid contact with others while symptomatic and for 48 hours after recovery.

Remember: wash your hands and say your prayers—because Jesus, germs, and Norovirus are everywhere!

MEETING ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7 PM IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM

FEB 3
“The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon | Led by Chris Gawron 
Set in 1789 Maine, this novel is inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned midwife. Martha is summoned to examine the body of a man found frozen in the Kennebec River. She suspects that the man was murdered and believes his death is linked to an alleged rape case she had previously documented in her diary. Martha decides to investigate the murder, and her diary becomes central to the scandal, implicating those she loves and forcing her to confront her own loyalties. Martha’s determination to uncover the truth and seek justice is a testament to her courage and integrity, given societal constraints placed on women during that era. This gripping tale intertwines historical events with a compelling narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the post-Revolutionary War period.

THREE-MONTH SERIES!
“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis | Led by Debbie Hough
MAY 3: “The Reluctant Convert” video & discussion: meet CS Lewis
APR 7: Did the Devil Make You Do It? Screwtape Letters 1-10
MAY 5: Screwtape Letters 11-31 & loose ends

This satirical novel consists of 31 letters written by a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter tasked with leading a young British man (referred to as “the Patient”) away from God and toward Hell. Screwtape provides strategic advice on how to subtly tempt the Patient through various means, such as exploiting family tensions, encouraging spiritual pride, distracting him from genuine faith, and manipulating his emotions and relationships. Set during World War II, the story explores the nuanced ways humans can be led astray through small sins and gradual spiritual deterioration, with Screwtape emphasizing that “the safest road to Hell is the gradual one.” Ultimately, Wormwood fails in his mission, as the Patient becomes a committed Christian and dies during the Blitz, going to Heaven—a result that leads Screwtape to threaten to consume Wormwood for his incompetence.

Contact Sue George to receive monthly reminders & updates by email.

11:30 AM – 1 PM SUNDAY, FEB 2 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | $10 PER PERSON • FREE FOR CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN & YOUNGER

The Derry Church-sponsored Cub Scout Pack 200 and Troop 2200 invite you to a spaghetti lunch fundraiser in Fellowship Hall. The meal includes spaghetti, sauce, salad, roll, drink, and dessert. Gluten free and meat-free sauce options available, as well as take-out. Proceeds will support scouting opportunities including summer camp and outdoor activities.

Cub Scout Pack 200 is for boys and girls grades K-5. The Pack meets on Mondays at Derry Church from 6:30-7:30 pm. Contact Cubmaster Willam Day for more information. Troop 2200 is for girls grades 6-12. The Troop meets on Mondays at the Derry Church Scout House from 5:45-6:45 pm. Contact Scoutmaster Jeff Hosenfeld for more information or find them on Facebook. Troop 200 is for boys grades 6-12, meeting on Mondays from 6:45-7:45 at the Scout House. Contact Scoutmaster Chris Kalmbacher for more info.