Month: March 2025
Kristen Campbell • Derry Member
March 6, 2025Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In March we’re lifting up the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
As we enter the season of Lent, Derry Church invites you to take part in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, a tradition of generosity that continues through Easter Sunday, April 20.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our congregation, we surpassed our goal of $19,000. This year, we are setting our sights even higher, with a goal of $22,000.
Your contributions will be divided equally:
- 50% will support the Presbyterian Church (USA) through three vital programs:
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance provides emergency relief and rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters.
- Presbyterian Hunger Program addresses food insecurity and supports sustainable solutions to end hunger.
- Self-Development of People empowers communities through economic initiatives and self-sufficiency programs.
- 50% will go to Bridges to Community, Derry’s mission partner in the Dominican Republic, where we’ll send a team in June to build a home for a family in need. This will be the 41st home built by Derry Church since the first trip to Nicaragua in 2001.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) brings hope and relief to those facing hardship, especially in today’s challenging environment, where rising food and shelter costs, along with job losses, are making it harder for many to meet their basic needs.
You can find OGHS envelopes in the pew racks or give online. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.
Together, let’s make 2025 another year of generosity and impact.
Next Week Brings Two More Opportunities for Curious Conversations
March 5, 202512:45 PM MONDAY, MAR 10 | ROOM 7A
Pastor Stephen moderates a Prime Timers’ discussion on “I’ll always remember when (fill in the blank) happened.” Examples might be 9/11, the Berlin Wall coming down, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, or another big event in our community, nation, or world. Take this opportunity to practice asking curious questions, learning about others, and finding out how profound experiences can influence faith, politics, and passions.
6 PM TUESDAY, MAR 11 | HAMMOND LIBRARY
This evening discussion focuses on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and inclusion) initiatives. Share your views, your concerns, and especially your personal stories. Curious conversations are a space to listen and ask curious questions in an effort to better understand each other and the world around us.
Coming Soon: Mission Madness IX!
March 5, 2025The excitement! The fun! The epic emails written by commissioner Pete Steelman! Yes, folks: it’s almost time to make your “March Madness” bracket picks in support of Derry Church’s “Mission Madness” fundraiser that benefits scholarships for Presbyterian Education Board students in Pakistan.
A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal or see Pete in the Narthex on Sunday morning. If you participated last year, you should be automatically re-enrolled in the Yahoo site where you will enter your picks. If you are new, or unsure if you played before, or have a new email address, just email Pete Steelman and he will add you to the mailing list.
In the past eight years, Derry has raised over $18,000 for the Sargodha Scholarship Fund, and we hope to build on that by eclipsing last year’s record of 200+ participants! A trophy and engraved plaque for the overall winner will be presented next month, as well as multiple engraved medals for winners of subgroups (Best Youth, Best in Staff, Best on Session, Best in Music etc). And yes, you can also look forward to Pete’s traditional nicknames, updates, and jovial banter that recaps the action after every round of games.
2025 Children & Sacraments Class
March 5, 20256-8 PM MONDAY, APR 14 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Second, third, and fourth grade students who have not yet participated in Derry’s Children & Sacraments Class are welcome, along with their families, as we gather to explore the sacraments and make plans to assist in worship at 7 pm on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
We will begin the night with a meal together. We will then prepare communion bread to be used for Maundy Thursday worship. Parents and students will also have the opportunity to talk about the sacraments in small groups. At the end of the night, we will walk through what will happen during the Maundy Thursday service so everyone will feel comfortable with their part. RSVP to Pastor Shawn
Dinner & Movie Night
March 5, 2025
6-9 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 12 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | NO CHARGE, DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Join Derry friends for a movie-themed dinner followed by a showing of the 2008 musical “Mamma Mia.” Derry’s own Amanda Bentley is preparing a five-course Greek dinner, and your hosts for the evening are members of the Membership & Involvement committee. Child care is not available. RSVP in the Narthex on March 30 or April 6 or click here to submit your RSVP by April 9.
Many Hands Needed to Make Reusable Pad Systems for MCC’S Dignity Kits
March 5, 20253-5 PM TUESDAY, MAR 18 IN ROOM 2 AND 10 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 26 IN ROOM 7A | RSVP APPRECIATED: EMAIL CLAUDIA HOLTZMAN
Derry Church is partnering with Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC’s) ongoing project to sew eco-friendly, washable menstrual pads for women and girls who don’t have ready access to these items. Access to these supplies increases school attendance.
MCC supplies the fabric layers, we supply the labor: people who can sew, people who can prep materials, people who can turn completed projects inside out and add finishing touches.
This project will continue monthly on different days and at various times so that as many people as possible can participate. Keep an eye on the eNews for upcoming dates.
Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster
March 5, 20254 PM SUNDAY, APR 6 IN THE SANCTUARY • AN ARTS ALIVE EVENT • FREE WILL OFFERING
The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster is a community choral arts program serving more than 150 children and youth in kindergarten through grade 12. Representing nearly 55 congregations, 45 schools, and 12 denominations, singers develop a rich musical repertoire from around the world and across time while being equipped for a lifetime of service to the church and community. The mission of MCCL is training children and youth to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing. We honor and celebrate music as a gift from God by creating exceptional choral music, fostering community, and nurturing character.
