Month: February 2025
Sandy Morales • Derry Member
February 27, 2025
For ten years I had wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago in northwestern Spain. Last year, in celebration of a milestone birthday, I made the commitment and put my training plans in place.
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrim routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrimage has existed for over 1,000 years.
Traditionally pilgrims began their journey from their home, so there are many routes across Europe. Today’s pilgrims walk or bike the Camino for a variety of reasons: for many it’s a religious and deeply spiritual experience, for others it’s a challenging physical and mental test, and others enjoy immersing themselves in Spanish history, nature, and cuisine. Distances vary, but in order to earn the compostela — certificate of accomplishment — a pilgrim must walk at least 100 km. Pilgrims carry a passport and must collect at least two stamps a day as proof to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago that they have followed the route. I chose to walk a portion of the most popular route, the Camino Frances, from the town of Sarria to Santiago.
My eight-day walk was definitely the experience of a lifetime. The friend who had planned to join me on the journey became ill a month before the trip and needed to cancel. This meant that I travelled solo, which was a daunting prospect at the onset. Quite a few people that I talked with, though, commented that walking the Camino solo is the best way to do it, and they assured me that by the end of my journey I would have a new “familia.” I found this to be true and it was probably the most rewarding aspect of my Camino experience.
I met people from all over the world. We were simply pilgrims with no history or expectations of each other. There was a very strong feeling of community. You develop relationships on the Camino in a very unique way: you might walk with a person for a couple hours or have a meal with someone, share contact info, and then part ways, not thinking you’ll ever see this person again. Several days later you will meet up again either walking or having a café con leche along the way.
This brings me to my most important take-away from the Camino. I felt God’s presence with me every step of the way through my journey. I never felt that I was alone, even when I walked by myself for a couple hours. (There are guideposts all along the way with the yellow and blue scallop shell that is the symbol of the Camino pointing you in the right direction.) What started for me as a way of celebrating a milestone birthday became a journey of gratitude. I felt God’s presence in the beauty I saw in nature, in the physical strength and stamina I felt in my own body, and in my conversation, laughter, and shared stories with my neighbors from around the world. When I arrived in the plaza in front of the Cathedral in Santiago it was with tears of joy and gratitude.
I am now training for my second Camino, the Portuguese Camino, in May. If you are considering walking the Camino, I have recommendations for gear to bring with you, training, and how to plan your route and accommodations. You can contact me at smorales@email.com.
Welcome Derry’s New Sextons
February 26, 2025
Luke Gawron has been a member of Derry Church since he was in confirmation class in 2006. In addition to working as Derry’s Sunday Sexton, he also teaches wood shop at Lower Dauphin High School. Luke lives in Elizabethtown with his two children and is also involved in Derry’s scouting program with Pack 200. He is also an artist: you may remember he created the painting on display above the welcome table in the Narthex. In his free time, he enjoys the great outdoors and cooking with his children.
Bill O’Keefe and his wife Ellen, a deacon at Derry Church, have lived in Quentin for the past five years. Bill worked for Siemens Fire Safety for 38 years in the Fire Safety Division. He is a 38-year Fire Fighter, Ex-Fire Chief, Fire Police Officer and a Life Member with the Green Township Fire Department (NJ), and for the past three years, a Fire Police member in Quentin, where he now serves as Fire Police Captain. Bill has two adult children and four grandchildren and share Ellen’s three children and eight grandchildren. Bill and Ellen love to travel in their 5th wheel RV with our beagle, Arvee, and go on an occasional cruise.
You’ll see both men around the church on Sunday mornings as they offer friendly greetings, oversee security, assist with room setups, clear walkways and more.
February 2025 Session Highlights
February 26, 2025- Re-elected Greg Taylor as President and Tracey Kinney as Vice President of the Derry Presbyterian Church, Inc.
- Approved the use of the church building for the following events:
- Susquehanna Chorale’s 2026 spring concert on May 15 of that year
- Double Keyed concert and reception Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Use of Fellowship Hall for pickle ball on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 3-4:30 pm. Derry member, Sandy Ballard, will oversee sign ups and scheduling.
- Approved the Sacrament of Baptism for Natalie Anne Talhelm, daughter of Lauren and Daniel Talhelm on Sunday, May 25.
- The Clerk presented the 2024 Church Statistical Report, which was reviewed and approved.
- Approved the schedule of communion services for 2025, including permitting the children in the sacraments class to help serve communion along with the parents at the Maundy Thursday service, and communion at the Women’s Weekend Retreat.
- The Personnel Committee submitted, and Session approved, revised nursery staff position descriptions that changed the titles of the positions and clarified reporting requirements.
- Approved a meeting of the College of Deacons and Elders for Saturday, May 3 from 9 to noon on the topic of emergency preparedness. A presentation from security specialist Bubba Fatula will be presented from 9 to 11 with the final hour addressing information specific to Derry. Anyone who has served as a deacon or elder at Derry is invited to attend.
- Session supported a request from Derry’s scout troops to open three new accounts at Northwest Savings Bank for Troop 2200 (girls’ troop), Troop 200 (boys’ troop) and Pack 200 (Cub Scouts).
- Reviewed a Capital Procurement Requisition from the Communications and Technology committee to purchase and install two TV’s in the Sanctuary Lounge so that worshippers using the space will be able to see the same service content as those in the Sanctuary. Also, upgrades will be made to the two existing narthex monitors and one monitor in the lower level library so that video distribution can be run to these TVs. Session will be voting on this CPR at the March stated meeting.
NEW! Read and Reflect with Pastor Stephen
February 26, 20256 PM TUESDAY, APR 22 IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM | RSVP REQUESTED
As Pastor Stephen reads and prepares for sermons and upcoming continuing education projects, he invites you to read along and then join him for a bimonthly book discussion. First up is Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind, a book that Pastor Stephen has often referenced.
In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the origins of our divisions and points the way forward to mutual understanding. His starting point is moral intuition —the nearly instantaneous perceptions we all have about other people and the things they do. These intuitions feel like self-evident truths, making us righteously certain that those who see things differently are wrong. Haidt shows us how these intuitions differ across cultures, including the cultures of the political left and right. He blends his own research findings with those of anthropologists, historians, and other psychologists to draw a map of the moral domain. He then examines the origins of morality, overturning the view that evolution made us fundamentally selfish creatures. But rather than arguing that we are innately altruistic, he makes a more subtle claim—that we are fundamentally groupish. It is our groupishness, he explains, that leads to our greatest joys, our religious divisions, and our political affiliations. Finally, Haidt shows what each side is right about, and why we need the insights of liberals, conservatives, and libertarians to flourish as a nation.
On Sunday morning, June 8, we’ll read and reflect on Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Lessons from the Twentieth Century.
College of Elders and Deacons is Back with a Focus on Emergency Preparedness
February 26, 20259 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, MAY 3 IN ROOM 7
Derry members who have ever served as elders or deacons are invited to a special workshop focused on emergency preparedness. Derry’s Session has invited Bubba Fatula of The Fatula Group to give a two-hour presentation on how to help people prepare for a crisis before it happens, as it happens, and after it happens. This comprehensive training will not only teach you how you will react in a situation, but how to take that reaction and use it to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
After the presentation, we’ll spend an hour talking about safety concerns specific to Derry Church, and learn what procedures and equipment are already in place to keep everyone safe.
Meet Imsal, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients
February 26, 2025
Thank you, friend. Many prayers for you and your family, my dear friend! I am Imsal and because of your kindness and generosity, I’ve reached near my first step towards my goal. I am now in class 10. My teachers are very happy for me, as I always work hard and give out my best. Please continue your generous and kind heart open for me, and I promise you to become a strong pillar of my family as well as a strong lady to help the poor by becoming a doctor in future. My whole family is thankful to you. You are my support.
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 2025.
Amanda Bentley • Hospitality Coordinator
February 20, 2025
My name is Amanda Bentley. I am 36, a wife, a mother of two boys, (and two bonus boys!), and the oldest of four children. I owned my own bakery business for over 15 years, and have been working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. I served and bartended for many of those years, and was very fortunate to be able to be home with my kiddos as they were growing up. I am also starting a women’s cooking class/bible study in my home starting in the spring, and really looking forward to what God has for us there.
My passion for baking came from a love for art, which I absolutely loved in school. Baking in itself was never my true passion, it was the art side that I craved. As I had children, I thought it would be awesome to be able to do their birthday cakes for them. And that’s where it all began. I started with cupcakes, and then worked my way up. Soon, I had more than just friends and family wanting desserts, so I decided to branch out, and 15 years later I am still creating.
Working in the professional field of hospitality for many years has been a highlight for me. I have also come to realize how much I love cooking, over baking. The love for food (and the occasional wine pairing!) has grown exponentially. I remember when I first started, my palette wasn’t exactly “adult like”. But getting to work beside some brilliant chefs, and gaining knowledge from them, has been a true gift. It made me realize not how much I just love food, and creating new dishes, but being able to serve others in the process, is what makes what I do, so much more heartfelt. Food is a connection point for all.
I am so thankful to be a part of Derry Church. I am coming to familiarize myself with everyone, coming up with new systems, and settling in nicely. Terrific Tuesdays are truly one of the highlights of my week. I always look forward to seeing everyone’s faces, some who I don’t get to see most of the week. There are many ideas that I have stirring up in my head, of events that I would like to do and make happen. One that we are moving forward with is a movie night! Also, working with Sue, we are going to start a new cooking series, which will range from super easy appetizers to a hearty, soul filling dinner, to sandwich ideas, to desserts! As we progress into the year, my hopes would be to provide everyone with healthier options for snacking, along with our terrific Tuesday dinners, and post worship fellowship.
If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Feeling very blessed to be able to serve such a wonderful group of people. Be blessed.
Curious Conversations: One Law
February 19, 2025If you could make or change one law, what would it be? Join Pastor Stephen and Derry friends as we take turns sharing our ideas about laws. Each person who shares will have two minutes to talk, then all participants can ask curious questions in order to better understand their neighbor’s thoughts and concerns. Grab a snack in Fellowship Hall and join the conversation. Everyone welcome!
February 2025 Financial Snapshot
February 19, 2025Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 1/31/25:
| ACTUAL | BUDGETED | |
| Income YTD: | $214,588 | $115,663 |
| Expenses YTD: | $ 99,718 | $120,256 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) YTD: | $114,870 | ($4,593) |
Back by Popular Demand: “A Matter of Balance” Class
February 19, 2025
2-4 PM WEDNESDAYS, MAR 26-MAY 14 IN ROOM 7 • RSVP TO NURSE BECKIE • FREE!
Many older adults have concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning eight-week program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Sessions will be presented by Amy Bollinger, BSN RN TCRN.
This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to:
- View falls as controllable
- Set goals for increasing activity
- Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
- Exercise to increase strength and balance
Who should attend?
- Anyone concerned about falls
- Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength
- Anyone who has fallen in the past
- Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns
Just two spaces remain in the spring class, then names will be added to the wait list. Class is limited to 20 participants.
Arts Alive Presents the Lebanon Valley College Choir
February 19, 20254 PM SUNDAY, MAR 23 IN THE SANCTUARY | FREE WILL OFFERING
Under the direction of Tyler Canonico-Dilley, the 60-member Lebanon Valley College Choir will delight you by singing a variety of repertoire including Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Shenandoah,” Eric Barnum’s “The Sounding Sea,” Hye-Young Cho’s “Evocation,” and Daniel Jackon’s “Hold On.” Come and enjoy the music of our talented down-the-road neighbors, and bring a friend!
Meet Prem, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients
February 19, 2025Dear Donor! Greetings in the name of Almighty God! Hello, how are you? I hope you are doing well. I am good as well. I am a student of Class 8. I live with my mother as my father passed away before my birth. My mother is a tailor. Recently, I have been promoted to class 8 with outstanding grades. It’s my dream to become a doctor and to save life and serve humanity. My mother’s earnings are not enough to support my education. I am grateful for whatever you have done for me whether it’s my education or the strong and beautiful building that you have built for us. Thank you so much for your love and kindness.
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 2025.
Rev. Shawn Gray • Associate Pastor of Christian Education
February 13, 2025Over the years of working at churches, I have been seen as the elusive young adult and have been asked to speak on behalf of all young adults. When I have interviewed for various positions in churches, there is one question that always comes up. This question even came up when I was being examined on the floor of Presbytery during my ordination. I was asked, “What can we do to get young adults to come to church?” At Presbytery I prefaced my answer with, “I don’t believe I should speak on behalf of all Millennials” but then I said, “There is no silver bullet.” I encouraged churches to ponder “Why do you want them here?” If pushed, I would explain that service and passion are often what drives young adult engagement.
The original understanding of church engagement has been:
- Visit a worship service
- Start attending regularly
- Become a member
- Serve on a committee
- Engage in service.
With millennials and younger generations, this pattern flips upside down. Young people begin participating with service projects that align with their values and passion. Service comes first. Then through relationships, they may begin to come to the worship service, or will be happy to share about the service project they are engaging in with the church in an effort to garner support. Membership may or may not ever happen, but if it does, it’s the last thing.
Pew Research shows that 18-39 year olds attend church less than their 40+ counterparts. Only 28% of 18-39 year olds attend church regularly, whereas 40% of 40+ year olds attend church regularly I have found younger generations do not like to sign the attendance book on Sundays, are not interested in membership, and may attend on a semi-regular basis but have a strong resistance to committing to join the organization. The response from faithful church members is often, “They should come.” I believe our task as the church is to examine how we, as a church body, exemplify the values and passions that matter to these younger generations. Instead of asking them to conform to what the church is, how can the church participate in missional opportunities that parallel what these generations care about? Is there anything that turns these young people away from the church?
This is the meaningful and challenging work of engaging with young generations. Simply existing is not enough to persuade these younger folk to attend church. We need to listen to how they see the church, then offer to partner with them in the ways that both support the church’s mission and the passion of these generations.
Derry Church Seeks New Sunday Sexton
February 12, 2025
Rob Zell’s last day as our Sunday sexton is February 23 as he prepares to move out of town. Hours for this part-time position are from 8 am – 1 pm on Sundays. The Sunday Sexton provides a consistent, recurring, centralized focal point for matters pertaining to hospitality, emergency management, and security of Church attendees. The sexton also provides operational support for church staff and programs on Sunday morning including preparing the church building and grounds and clean up of activities. Click here to download a job description. Those interested in the role are invited to send a resume to Pastor Stephen.
Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? Some Possible Answers to a Complex Question
February 12, 202512:45 PM MONDAY, FEB 24 IN ROOM 7
Join Pastor Stephen and the Prime Timers to explore the question of whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Pastor Stephen will consider the relationship between the religious affiliation and views of the nation’s founders and the instituting documents of the nation, and reflect on what difference it makes for the Christian citizen today.
This study will be guided by Dr. John Fea’s book Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? A Historical Primer for Christians. Dr. Fea is a professor at Messiah University and has led classes on this topic at Derry. Everyone welcome: bring a friend!
Winter Hike with Derry Friends
February 12, 202510 AM SATURDAY, MAR 1 AT THE BOYD BIG TREE PRESERVE CONSERVATION AREA
You are invited to join Derry”s Wellness Connection on a hike in Northern Dauphin County. There are options for a 5.3 mile hike of moderate difficulty or an easy 2.3 mile hike. Hikers, contact Tim Mosher for more details.
Timely Topics: A Positive and a Negative
February 12, 20258:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, FEB 23 IN THE CHAPEL
Pastor Stephen is pausing 11 Minute Lessons to try something new: conversations and teaching around a timely topic in the news or community.
In his recent Issues Class on managing polarities, Pastor Stephen said that the reason our society is so polarized is because often we only see and articulate the positive aspects of our pole/side while focusing on the negative points of the other side. This leads to more conflict and division because we end up comparing our best with their worst. We need to be able to articulate positive and negatives of each pole and listen with humility and openness as others share.
The new Presidential administration has had an active first month in power with appointments, executive orders, and decisions. In this session, Pastor Stephen will invite participants to share in one minute what they see as one positive and one negative of any one action or order. This is not a time to debate: it’s a time to listen and gain a better understanding of our neighbor’s point of view. After everyone has shared, we’ll debrief and consider what we’ve heard and learned. This is an opportunity to practice being able to see and hear beyond our echo chambers and stay in the room with difference.
Meet Aliza, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients
February 12, 2025
Dear Friend of EMS Sargodha School, I’m Aliza, a sixth grader, and one of three siblings. I love painting in my free time; it’s my favorite hobby! Studying is my passion, but it’s tough for my father to afford it. Your donation is a blessing. Because of you, I can attend a good school and chase my dream. I am a good player in badminton. Thank you very much.
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 2025.
Lunch with the Derry Day Trippers
February 12, 202511:30 AM THURSDAY, FEB 27 AT HIDDEN STILL SPIRITS, 505 W. CHOCOLATE AVE, HERSHEY
Join the Derry Day Trippers for lunch and an opportunity to plan fun day tripping activities in the months ahead.
Everyone is welcome. RSVP to Sue Whitaker (864-494-7414).
Carl Rohr • Derry Member
February 6, 2025When I relocated to Hershey in 2009, homelessness was a situation I never thought I would see here. It does exist, although we cannot always see it clearly in our normal daily routines. Backing up a few years, I relocated to the Harrisburg area in 1989. There were frequent signs of people living on the street, most noticeably when I walked to and from work on Second Street near Market Square Presbyterian Church. Yet I assumed it was just that way in a city even as small as Harrisburg.
One of the first jobs I had was volunteering to drive a box truck from Carlisle to Philadelphia early on Saturday mornings for the purpose of picking up, transporting, and distributing foods for Project SHARE. This was in the early 1990s. I drove to a nondescript food distribution center in the city. It was there I first witnessed the human scale of lack of good food for so many, including the homelessness population in Central PA. Many local families were, and continue to be, served through this Christian ministry effort. Later on when I became a Derry Church member, I really learned about people living without a home in our area by volunteering to help deliver food to the Harrisburg homeless, often in very poor areas of the city. The local crisis has not eased; indeed, it has become more pronounced today.
Both Cumberland and Dauphin Counties have social service agencies and organizations to help displaced people who have no safe place to sleep, a kitchen to cook food in, or a roof to shelter from the elements. People often resort to staying in public parks, under bridges, behind storefronts in alleyways, and in their cars. The reasons are too numerous to mention for living in these places. I can tell you that living out of a car with all your tangible possessions is not a good feeling. Yes, local humanitarian organizations can and do provide help, but the help also needs to be accepted by the homeless recipient(s). Help comes in different ways: counseling services, temporary housing, job skills training, access to medical care, education and community living skills. Regaining one’s independence is a tremendous experience!
The Derry Church community helps many local organizations and people in multiple capacities. We provide stimulus funding to help people who live in a supportive environment with structure, learning, love, and Christian values. We continue to help meet the needs of many. Recently, a homeless young man came to Derry Church asking for help. The church provided enough to assist him with shelter, allowing him to regain some stability so he could work his way towards independence. This is who we are at heart.
The “Tiny Home” in Harrisburg greatly benefited from Derry’s support to construct one of several tiny homes built to help local homeless veterans. We have also helped a Syrian refugee family resettle in Hershey, and Derry members also give time and effort and financial contributions to these area non-profit organizations that sustain Harrisburg’s homeless population:
- Downtown Daily Bread
- The Harrisburg YWCA
- Interfaith Shelter
- Bethesda Mission for men and women
- Christian Churches United (CCU)
- Logos Academy
- Gather the Spirit for Justice (GTSFJ)
Let us never forget those who are in desperate need for the most basic of life’s needs including not only food, water and shelter but also love, kindness, someone who cares, and a healthy environment.
Isaiah 58:7 gives people the urgent command to share food with the hungry and provide shelter for the poor. Matthew 25:35-40 says that helping those who are hungry, thirsty, or without shelter is like helping Jesus. Showing compassion, kindness, and mercy to the homeless is something that we as members of Derry Church are called to do.
Ash Wednesday Worship Options
February 5, 20259:15 AM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE SANCTUARY
Join Derry Discovery Days preschool families for a brief conversation with Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn, and imposition of ashes.
7 PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE CHAPEL
A contemplative hour-long service led by Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn includes hymns, a sermon, and celebration of the Lord’s supper along with imposition of ashes.
What’s Next for Derry’s Study Groups
February 5, 202511 AM MONDAYS BEGINNING FEB 17 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY
“Christianity and World Religions: Questions We Ask About Other Faiths” by Adam Hamilton
In this study, you’ll take a closer look at four primary world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism – and learn about their core beliefs, practices, and theological perspectives while also exploring how Christians can engage with these faiths constructively.
THREE-MONTH SERIES BEGINS MONDAY, MAR 3 IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM:
“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis | Led by Debbie Hough
MAR 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.
Derry Church Families Invited to Register for 2025-26 Preschool Classes
February 5, 2025Derry Discovery Days Preschool is now accepting registrations from Derry Church families for their 1- and 2-Year old classrooms starting in September 2025. These classes meet 2-4 times a week from 9-11:30 am and offer great socialization and early learning with loving teachers.
The preschool also has limited space available in our afternoon 4-Year-Old Butterfly Class that focuses on kindergarten preparation. Please contact Laura Cox, preschool director, for more information and to set up a tour.